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Friday, February 1, 2013

CCCC Crochet Addicts FEB CAL

I started a Facebook group a few months back! With all the facebook pages changes I was missing on conversations with my crochet pals. It was just hard with the new format. So I decided to start a group and it's has been such a huge success. I've met so many wonderful people. We chat mostly crochet, crochet patterns and help each other out with business questions. I thought it would be fun to get together and work a Crochet Along. So here it is our 1st and hopefully not the last!

There are many types of crochet technics and I hope that we can step outside the box with these new projects and learn something new. There have been a lot of talk about Amigurmi in the group and I was surprised many people didn't know what it was or they didn't like it. I will admit I've been timid of it myself. I'd tried it in the past and didn't think it was for me.

I asked the group for ideas and we voted on an animal (a bunny.) Then we narrowed it down to this pattern:

Crochet Spring Bunny bStephanie Jessica Lau of All About Ami - Please visit her facebook page!



This is a free pattern that way everyone can be involved. So to answer a few questions I've had already.

What is a CAL - Crochet A long! Everyone making the same item together as a group.

What is Amigurmi ?
From Wikipedia :  is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. The word is derived from a combination of the Japanese words ami, meaning crocheted or knitted, andnuigurumi, meaning stuffed doll. Amigurumi are typically animals, but can include artistic renderings or inanimate objects endowed with anthropomorphic features, as is typical in Japanese culture.

Do I have to use that small hook and tiny thread in the same color? NO

Ami is often made with tiny hook and small thread and I think that is way many shy away from it, but did you know you really can use any hook or yarn. Your project will just come out a different size. I don't like tiny needles I actually am the total opposite I like Chunky yarn and large L, M, N,  (no O...wonder why ) P, Q hooks.

So for instance the project our group picked out calls for embroidery thread and a size 2.00 mm hook. I will NOT be using that. I'm going to use likely worsted Weight yarn and a E hook. The general rule is whatever hook the yarn label calls for go down at least a 2 hook sizes. You just want to make sure it's tight enough that the stuffing doesn't come through it. So you could even use a bulky weight yarn if it calls for a K hook then use and I hook. You'll have a fun oversized ami! but you'll probably need more yarn :) 

Use whatever colors, fabric, felts and details you like! Think outside the box and be creative! 
I'm making a couple for my kids. I'm letting them pick out colors and these will be perfect fun gift for Spring and Easter Time!  

Is Ami difficult? No it's pretty basic

Ami is great for beginners because you usually only need to know the single crochet stitch how to increase, decrease, and ch. The scary part can be sewing it together but I have some great blog posts to share with you along the way that might help! 

Where do I get those eyes? 

You can find them at your local craft store. They are called safety eyes. I found some online from Hobby Lobby so they will likely have them in store. Check by the doll making items. You can also order them from etsy. If you have any shops you buy from that have them feel free to let us know!! 

You do not have to to the safety eyes you could also just embroider them or make a crochet circle and sew it on. 

How long will this take? 
We are working on this for the entire month of February. I'm going to break it up into four weeks. You'll have plenty of time!! 

Is this for a purpose or Charity? Not particularly
This is just a fun project to do together. Help each other learn and enjoy in sharing our progress and items. 

I hope you can join us! I have an event set up but I set it for my group members only which any one is welcome to join as long as you follow the rules (which you will find in the group description. You can find the group here : CCCC Crochet Addicts. I hope you'll join us for the CAL!!! 

Step 1: Download the pattern, read through and gather your materials this weekend. 
Crochet Spring Bunny bStephanie Jessica Lau of All About Ami

We'll get started crocheting next week!!! 

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