tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76331693696640898042024-03-27T02:37:52.300-04:00The Itsy Bitsy Spider CrochetOriginal amigurumi crochet patterns, tutorials, and yarn love!KCFitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907513801465812861noreply@blogger.comBlogger457125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-77071122513791476722015-12-22T15:17:00.002-05:002015-12-22T15:18:42.564-05:00Super Simple Crochet Coffee Cozy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I promised myself I wasn't going to do this to myself again this year... but sure enough, it was the week before school ended and I had NO teacher gifts. And -- as one of the fun little bonuses of having a child in the special education system -- we don't just do "a gift for teacher and something small for the secretary..." We have the classroom teacher, the special education teacher, the morning aid, the afternoon aid, the therapists, the school secretary who has helped you as you signed out your child a dozen times (this month) and don't forget the awesome principal who has tirelessly advocated for your child. It's less of a teacher and more of a village.<br />
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Having recently fallen in love with a little, local coffee shop, I wanted to do something with coffee for the teachers and started looking for a free, simple coffee cozy pattern. I found lots, but I wanted a simple look as well as a simple pattern and that proved to be a bit more difficult combination. So, I decided to hook my own.<br />
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The end design is as simple as you want it to be (top-stitching and embroidery are optional) and whips up in the time it takes for me to wait for my kid in the carpool lane. Oh, yeah... and it's free.<br />
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I hope you all enjoy it and that it fits the bill for your last-minute gifts too. As an added bonus, I included a free, printable gift tag on the last page of the pattern. Just cut the tags and fold on the dotted lines to personalize your cozies!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/the-itsy-bitsy-spider/310090?filename=cup_cozy.pdf"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEfYhNJvzu2DgIa3szdNapb_ea5Q_ZzOFy-vHROIwIvgepNpfLih4QlVxm8X0kMGfCppc9wZ8bPwcrt2n7hY9Y4VFUsGs7shHyJTqBOKl5VwcZSraz6nJGr3Trdx-YsneaiPS9OcCIwI9/s1600/download.gif" /></a></div>
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Love this pattern? Please consider making a donation (see the button on the right) to help me keep the ideas coming! A girl has got to buy yarn to create!The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-43108042523468123602015-09-25T12:17:00.000-04:002015-09-25T12:17:06.053-04:00Crochet Ear Flap Hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had so many requests for the ear flap hat pattern shown with my free Amigurumi Thing pattern, that I just had to get it written up for all of you.<br />
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While the hat is shown here with my new Thing design, it is actually the exact same hat (minus pom-pom) that you have been seeing for some time now on my little pal, Kimchi the Yeti.<br />
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The pattern is a free download and can be used for your Things, Yetis, or even the odd Pullip doll. I don't have a Blythe for sizing, but I imagine it could be stretched to fit one of these dolls too. If you try it, let me know!<br />
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You can get the free pattern through <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/the-itsy-bitsy-spider/294008?filename=ear_flap_hat.pdf">Ravelry</a> or from the <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/p/free-patterns_6.html">free patterns page</a> here on my website. As always, I'd love to see your finished designs and how you find ways to use this little hat!<br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-55744601412728644472015-09-18T12:45:00.000-04:002015-09-18T12:51:02.470-04:00#IHookedAThing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The title, hastily scribbled at the top of the page in my pattern notebook, is simple: “A THING.” At the time, I had no idea what it was, but it had to be made. <br />
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But, as I wove in the lose ends of the very first thing and presented it to my Little Miss, I discovered its purpose very quickly. “Bob,” as the first thing was named, was there to spread some love. <br />
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At this point, Bob gets picked up, carried around, and put down many time throughout the day. Every time that happens, Bob also brings a smile. And, it’s because of the smiles I see from Bob that I knew I had to offer this pattern freely.<br />
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I’ve made a few more things since Bob and realized that they’re really customizable. Honestly, I can’t wait to see what the world does with this pattern. If you make a thing of your own, I hope you’ll share with the hashtag <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#IHookedAThing</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcE5cOKzeXnKNPkHqZAS94CEv-b0lLH_cnxzaPnZzYUQqdB8vH-eC20f9wfWJFF8OMrSsvv3psbir1GXFF3imtjmjuSRya5YqcLJsjDIyLTJBuz_9lAnsdzrzoO-L9CfceMYqAD0u9MjO/s1600/bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcE5cOKzeXnKNPkHqZAS94CEv-b0lLH_cnxzaPnZzYUQqdB8vH-eC20f9wfWJFF8OMrSsvv3psbir1GXFF3imtjmjuSRya5YqcLJsjDIyLTJBuz_9lAnsdzrzoO-L9CfceMYqAD0u9MjO/s320/bob.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Miss and Bob</td></tr>
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Oh... right... the thing pattern. For right now, you can get that through Ravelry (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/the-itsy-bitsy-spider/292726?filename=That_Thing.pdf">download now</a>). I've got to run off and pick the Little Miss up from school right now, but I'll work on making it available around and about the usual places as soon as I can.<br />
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In the mean time, I hope you enjoy the things and I hope they spark your creativity. I also hope, like Bob has for my Little Miss, your things give you a smile and inspire you to spread some love (a basket of things would make a great donation to cancer patients, don't you think?)The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-45225393105634886252015-03-17T10:08:00.001-04:002015-03-17T10:29:14.590-04:00Amigurumi Pals Bear, Bunny & Kitty eBook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP8QKaSPyF6EdFIZ-m9L4gHLA-FL_ZgmzvMISLMeN3DRHQ2u-GuXi27_fx0-HYvPYvLrjHwgRRfIHna-xV9apbeCZ6za0j9XHcEcb0rnLsFPkHM5aU4uLYvqiGdT2aI0E7U9QYejk-JSS/s1600/DSC_0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuP8QKaSPyF6EdFIZ-m9L4gHLA-FL_ZgmzvMISLMeN3DRHQ2u-GuXi27_fx0-HYvPYvLrjHwgRRfIHna-xV9apbeCZ6za0j9XHcEcb0rnLsFPkHM5aU4uLYvqiGdT2aI0E7U9QYejk-JSS/s1600/DSC_0203.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>
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This pattern has been a loooong time coming -- mostly because I kept finding "one more thing" that I just had to add. But patience has paid off because I finally hit the "publish" button this morning: the <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/amigrumi-pals-bear-bunny-kitty.html">Amigurumi Pals: Bear, Bunny & Kitty eBook</a> is here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Y5E6gqNbh4ZF0quIIVoJumFC5TTsG5L0BUtQY_2QUvR4ITRqMvDcAgZ2UbG8Oysxot81lDxS7yAQPG0r6OR2cqkHFRtZZanzrJRFfTEvu0o8vq13_xPSorAPGJwtwkF0k_H8Y9VcABH5/s1600/DSC_0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Y5E6gqNbh4ZF0quIIVoJumFC5TTsG5L0BUtQY_2QUvR4ITRqMvDcAgZ2UbG8Oysxot81lDxS7yAQPG0r6OR2cqkHFRtZZanzrJRFfTEvu0o8vq13_xPSorAPGJwtwkF0k_H8Y9VcABH5/s1600/DSC_0206.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
So, what's so cool about this eBook? It's a super-simple approach to infinitely customizable amigurumi! You get three animal forms with one simple body design; choose from a bear, bunny, or adorable grumpy kitty and follow the recipe to make up your new pal. When you're done, the eBook also includes instructions for custom accessories, including a little dress, bow, hat, scarf, and button-flap satchel.<br />
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Finish a sweet little girl bear and then change up the ears and accessories to create a bunny boy. The possibilities are endless and it's entirely up to you!<br />
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As always, the patterns are available through <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/amigurumi-pals-bear-bunny--kitty">Ravelry</a>, or right here <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/amigrumi-pals-bear-bunny-kitty.html">from my website</a> for just $5.00. If you prefer Etsy, you can also <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theitsybitsyspider">get the pattern there</a> for 99 cents more.<br />
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Happy crocheting!The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-80895017538951792312015-01-29T16:02:00.002-05:002015-01-29T16:02:31.985-05:00Little Penguin AmigurumiI volunteer at my daughter's school library about twice a month and love hearing about what the children are reading. I remember going to the same school library as a child (it seemed so much bigger back then!) and poking through the shelves with all the treasured titles. It was one of my favorite times each week.<br />
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The current school librarian is an amazing lady. A former music therapist and experienced children's librarian, Mrs D. always has fun activities to go along with the week's titles and great challenges on deck to get the kids into sections of the library they wouldn't otherwise discover. If it were up to me, Mrs D. would have an unlimited account to buy stuff for the school library. But I guess the school does need things like textbooks and physical education supplies too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Penguin and Pinecone" -- seriously... go buy this book!</td></tr>
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This week's volunteer time introduced me a to a new title, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Penguin-Pinecone-Salina-Yoon/dp/0802737315">Penguin and Pinecone</a>" by Salina Yoon. It was love at first sight. I mean come on... a penguin who knits a scarf for his pine cone friend? What's not to love?<br />
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Mrs D. had me cutting and assembling penguin paper dolls for the kindergarteners and first graders to use during imaginative play. They were adorable, but flimsy. We were both a little sad that they probably wouldn't hold up for one class -- let alone six.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtLQ6si94Q3bJoRmIRNDMRebcrluEH4K5V5Ac0H1YV2KgpJMiISTlzZePBl64gAZV0pbjiJZ2poYvYrS26yYpWFgHC4-HKx-zAfYC5LT7uP6WyJP3ThG7iLpqY_iIz08GhC1vhJ_IQszA/s1600/amigurumi_penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtLQ6si94Q3bJoRmIRNDMRebcrluEH4K5V5Ac0H1YV2KgpJMiISTlzZePBl64gAZV0pbjiJZ2poYvYrS26yYpWFgHC4-HKx-zAfYC5LT7uP6WyJP3ThG7iLpqY_iIz08GhC1vhJ_IQszA/s1600/amigurumi_penguin.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>I headed home and pulled out the hook. In next to no time, I had my first draft. I showed it to my daughter and asked what she thought -- and boy, did I get some constructive feedback! In fact, this design represents the FIRST collaborative pattern I've ever done with my daughter. I'm pretty excited about it!<br />
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After delivering a batch of penguins to the school library (if you're anywhere 50 miles from our school, you probably heard the librarian's squee), I got busy on a penguin pattern to share with the world. You can get the new pattern in my usual outlets. Download it <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/little-penguin.html">here</a> or <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/little-amigurumi-penguin-2">from Ravelry</a> and you'll pay only $2 for the pattern. Or you can get it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/220538197/pdf-crochet-pattern-amigurumi-penguin">from Etsy</a> for 99 cents more*. <br />
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Want the full pattern details? You can find out what stitches, hook, and yarn you'll need <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/little-penguin.html">here</a>. And happy crocheting!<br />
The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-76558690418008640892015-01-04T12:36:00.002-05:002015-01-04T12:36:53.474-05:00Changes for European Union Customers and Reduced Pattern Pricing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimchi gets his "mouse on" to help out</td></tr>
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I'm lucky to be able to offer my patterns through several different venues, including <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theitsybitsyspider">Etsy</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/the-itsy-bitsy-spider">Ravelry</a>, and <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/IDP/IDP_Pattern_List.cfm?ID=K00399">KnitPicks</a>. With the new European Union (EU) value-added tax (VAT) going into effect, I've had to make some changes to the way I do business on these sites -- but I think that in the end, it's going to make for a more consistent experience for most of you.<br />
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<b>So, what's changing?</b><br />
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Well, for starters, I can't afford to use instant downloads for my EU customers anymore and I'm terribly sorry about that fact. According to what I've read, the only way to avoid collecting the VAT for EU member countries is for me to manually email my pattern files. And, unfortunately, the only site that currently supports this is Etsy.<br />
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<b>What will happen to EU customers?</b><br />
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My Ravelry pattern shop and the "buy now" links from my web site are now set up to redirect all EU customers to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/theitsybitsyspider">Etsy</a>. This is going to be a good-news, bad-news situation for you guys, but bear with me.<br />
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My policy for selling through different venues has always been to add the fees on to the base pattern price. So, if my base pattern price is $2.75 and PayPal takes 25 cents, I charge $3.00. Ravelry and KnitPicks charge me next to nothing in fees, so the prices you see in those venues are base price + PayPal fees. Etsy, unfortunately, charges quite a bit more.<br />
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Previously, I considered Etsy a luxury and tried to divert as much traffic through my web site and Ravelry as possible. My Etsy prices were a reflection of that. But now that I'm forcing EU traffic through Etsy, I understand the need to offer a fair pricing scheme. To help with that, I've decided to reduce pattern prices across Etsy to be more reflective of the Ravelry and KnitPicks pricing.<br />
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Yes, unfortunately, my Etsy prices are still a bit more than if you were to purchase on Ravelry or KnitPicks, BUT after reviewing the models for adding VAT to digital items, I think that you will see that the pricing is consistent with what you would pay once the VAT is added anyhow.<br />
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<b>Why not sell on LoveKnitting?</b><br />
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Many pattern sellers are making the jump to LoveKnitting, a UK-based pattern and supply site that has offered to collect VAT for sellers like me. I did evaluate the site, but determined that the addition of VAT along with the fees LoveKnitting charges (they actually charge MORE than Etsy) would make it impossible to price my patterns fairly. Simply put, even with the extra fees on Etsy, I can give you a far better price there than I would be able to give you with LoveKnitting.<br />
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<b>What happened to Craftsy? </b><br />
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While Etsy and Ravelry are both offering some kind of solution to help sellers process the VAT changes, Craftsy has done absolutely nothing. As a result, I have removed all my "paid" patterns from this site and am leaving only the free downloads. Hopefully, they will come up with a solution in the coming months that will allow me to use them again.<br />
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<b>Ok... you said there was good news... what is it?</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5WtI_EMO6vf8komLzidiqcXQIDfaR9B7QIatfZFUg4XDaJI9VYZHdIYWvWQ7b7rie3CAZO6rrkBXayIRep23n67jaWLRJryrfj2vksWMG8pJM3gSOGOUDtvfQJefU0D4uz4huOYIjQgq/s1600/sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5WtI_EMO6vf8komLzidiqcXQIDfaR9B7QIatfZFUg4XDaJI9VYZHdIYWvWQ7b7rie3CAZO6rrkBXayIRep23n67jaWLRJryrfj2vksWMG8pJM3gSOGOUDtvfQJefU0D4uz4huOYIjQgq/s1600/sale.jpg" height="285" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower prices on Etsy</td></tr>
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As I went through my patterns and looked at sales, I noticed several that weren't selling well. I have either reduced the price on those patterns or made them free downloads. Likewise, I have reduced many of my Etsy pattern prices -- so if Etsy is your preferred place to shop, you'll notice some significant discounts.<br />
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I'll be highlighting some of the new free patterns in the next few days. <br />
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I hope this clears up the changes you have been seeing with my sales and I will be working hard to see if I can come up with a more seamless solution that doesn't involve forcing customers to purchase at certain sites. Hopefully, I'll have more news to report soon!The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-8159599529734370292014-12-19T13:01:00.001-05:002014-12-19T13:01:52.986-05:00Can't Help but Love Kimchi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5rU63Y-5-afOoI5l2u6ZHMLKO8icURyf5Xv5L3tPbFZxGInNT93SzKxb7wV4zsRpFLFauTKL8Yw3gb70rs6Byevx15ncpo_SK9X3fJvn04q1GtsJ1iQhyphenhyphenGixS26LO1ssKe06DVXsSVqO/s1600/1621713_10152593057238153_3047219575389716853_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5rU63Y-5-afOoI5l2u6ZHMLKO8icURyf5Xv5L3tPbFZxGInNT93SzKxb7wV4zsRpFLFauTKL8Yw3gb70rs6Byevx15ncpo_SK9X3fJvn04q1GtsJ1iQhyphenhyphenGixS26LO1ssKe06DVXsSVqO/s1600/1621713_10152593057238153_3047219575389716853_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
He was kind of an accident and I never really expected to fall in love, but fall in love I have with a little guy who calls himself Kimchi.<br />
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The yeti pattern sat in my book for almost a year before I got around to publishing it and when I finally did write it up, I was so convinced no one would buy it that I quietly self-published the pattern (I originally intended it for a call for submissions for a yarn catalog).<br />
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Since then, Kimchi has been at my side, a little partner in crochet crime and a reflection of my inner mischief maker. Those things I wish I could do but don't (because, well, I have kids and have to set an example)? Kimchi does them.<br />
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He also shares my delight for kimchi. It's funny -- I used to hate the stuff, but now I can't get enough of it! Yum!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gpvQqz94zYQqKyB5aWicy15kUMY6_fAuzHOWFiaibo0RkRmAzVRDDzd2rgK4N5gfb492tQ5mixLdSdCkO5p2hKoc3C1bN9POMT-VGHShPkyJmP_pwgnNUHdR8qo9P64yiWoN_UfRAcJa/s1600/10403493_10152606540393153_3724806099982187863_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gpvQqz94zYQqKyB5aWicy15kUMY6_fAuzHOWFiaibo0RkRmAzVRDDzd2rgK4N5gfb492tQ5mixLdSdCkO5p2hKoc3C1bN9POMT-VGHShPkyJmP_pwgnNUHdR8qo9P64yiWoN_UfRAcJa/s1600/10403493_10152606540393153_3724806099982187863_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> Anyhow, as the holidays near and Kimchi and I finish up the gifts, we wanted to let you know that we're thinking about all of you in bloggy land and wish you the brightest of holidays. We also wish you much health and happiness in 2015.<br />
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Cheers!<br />
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P.S. If you'd like o make up your own little yeti friend, you can get the pattern <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/fuzzy-amigurumi-yeti.html">here</a>. Please share your photos with us too -- Kimchi would love to have a few pen pals! You can find us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theitsybitsyspider">Facebook</a> and on <a href="http://instagram.com/itsybitsyspidercrochet/">Instagram</a>.<br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-13786003741550720382014-10-03T11:59:00.003-04:002014-10-03T11:59:59.412-04:00No-Sew Halloween Patterns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AQW1ILuJ6geU0FH58q6IyI_nlznV1ndx8FPzZhOf847L8cM43jsm6o7O9Y3hm58n4JMb7r3sMaGtwAtPsd7R_FYoi5qogqqqli2DSOZLsZvOHFP8PPYG3V5gavbvqKj3iEOd-8XFkzzV/s1600/Halloween_Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AQW1ILuJ6geU0FH58q6IyI_nlznV1ndx8FPzZhOf847L8cM43jsm6o7O9Y3hm58n4JMb7r3sMaGtwAtPsd7R_FYoi5qogqqqli2DSOZLsZvOHFP8PPYG3V5gavbvqKj3iEOd-8XFkzzV/s1600/Halloween_Group.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
You only need to look at my pattern collection to realize that Halloween is my favorite holiday. There's just something about having a blank check to eat as much candy as you want AND play tricks on those who don't comply -- it speaks to me.<br />
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Unfortunately, having a child with significant food allergies puts a pretty big damper on the holiday. We still love dressing up and going out to trick-or-treat, but when she gets home, with her loot, we end up having to "trade" 90 percent of her haul for soy and dairy-free alternatives.<br />
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The classroom is no better. The class Halloween party ALWAYS focuses on food, and there are so many treats that my Little Miss has to miss out on. Since she started kindergarten last year, I've been trying to make that different for her: we give tiny amigurumi instead of cupcakes.<br />
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Of course, with a class of 20+ kids, who has time to sew all the little arms and wings? To answer that question, I've come up with some new, no-sew patterns. In fact, the only sewing on ANY of these three patterns is the optional embroidered faces (you could also paint or glue faces if you prefer).<br />
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You can find all three patterns through my usual sales outlets (<a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/p/purchase-options.html">Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy</a>) -- or download them right here on my website. The <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/no-sew-amigurumi-ghost.html">ghost</a> and <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/no-sew-amigurumi-bat.html">bat</a> are $1 each and the <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/no-sew-amigurumi-pumpkin.html">pumpkin</a> is free.<br />
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Happy Halloween!<br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-37614287404720667712014-08-12T13:10:00.000-04:002014-08-12T13:10:15.352-04:00The Little Yeti<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wN0rvDeFsdtAhV1HpPN0NO7OE7tCzDS5i8IuFtZL3AtK850QiE2sbTdBJ4PBxE_xS4uQVcqd2uXUev3Kl3NvtwR9Ek0laBy4pPjD6K1nR2bLoXE7xMw53WOPTPogcbrzbI2UsIpeUZUJ/s1600/amigurumi_yeti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wN0rvDeFsdtAhV1HpPN0NO7OE7tCzDS5i8IuFtZL3AtK850QiE2sbTdBJ4PBxE_xS4uQVcqd2uXUev3Kl3NvtwR9Ek0laBy4pPjD6K1nR2bLoXE7xMw53WOPTPogcbrzbI2UsIpeUZUJ/s1600/amigurumi_yeti.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
My friends on <a href="http://instagram.com/itsybitsyspidercrochet">Instagram</a> have seen a lot of activity lately over one new little friend... a fuzzy little yeti named "Kimchi." Kimchi was one of those creations you whip up "just cause," but he quickly got lots of love from fellow Instagrammers. The Little Miss (who quickly yeti-napped Kimchi) thought that everyone should be able to have their own little yetis if they want one, so I set to work on a pattern.<br />
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And... after quite a bit of trial and error -- the pattern is finally ready! My new yeti pattern is designed for sport weight yarn and an E hook. It also uses a pet slicker brush to get that fluffy fur look (don't worry, I walk you through how to do it in the pattern.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6rwSylIY4eVmIiJ1eicUG2nE6Do_AG5QT2hyu302wE3b_0OrTnesbW0eqOjr6jaipvHHhOu4ZfiE419DzJayd2yWc0IrsulzkTBS3ocWNhKxQR1c8omDN0PpU6Yx3NA0IMk1HWvfo7E6/s1600/kimchi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6rwSylIY4eVmIiJ1eicUG2nE6Do_AG5QT2hyu302wE3b_0OrTnesbW0eqOjr6jaipvHHhOu4ZfiE419DzJayd2yWc0IrsulzkTBS3ocWNhKxQR1c8omDN0PpU6Yx3NA0IMk1HWvfo7E6/s1600/kimchi.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimchi the yeti with -- you guessed it -- <br />
kimchi pancakes!</td></tr>
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You can get your own copy of the yeti pattern through all the usual sources (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fuzzy-amigurumi-yeti">Ravelry</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199666679/instant-download-crochet-pattern-fuzzy">Etsy</a>, and <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/toy/fuzzy-amigurumi-yeti/107255">Craftsy</a>) or get all the details right here on <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/fuzzy-amigurumi-yeti.html">my web site</a> -- and start hooking on your own fuzzy little abominable monster today. In fact, you might want to make two -- these little guys are so cute, they have a way of being yeti-napped right out from under your nose!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RPIUGhcgpg68ITB50kb_X9BAg0pD45xpBqlqVCpQApnQ_qvoJgCzaM-RcOjNIct4X1-W7Rl2d90Xh8uSmot0L4ABVxy42DLqomRsIl9iAcOJE-Z7KGuifR47vTBYZ82LdLaeED5_MPUY/s1600/DSC_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RPIUGhcgpg68ITB50kb_X9BAg0pD45xpBqlqVCpQApnQ_qvoJgCzaM-RcOjNIct4X1-W7Rl2d90Xh8uSmot0L4ABVxy42DLqomRsIl9iAcOJE-Z7KGuifR47vTBYZ82LdLaeED5_MPUY/s1600/DSC_0079.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yeti-napper!</td></tr>
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The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-38393901011096916392014-07-23T11:36:00.001-04:002014-07-23T11:36:42.397-04:00Rosie Roly Poly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUzLLv5wxZMUeDP7TqJiWW8kEh_joNZUvbDQ4_3203l-7XiVnDzZiUIGpMVMPS2dGMfu1jR13nmoQZThR1kluu3je6vS-3A8NVsHqLUEGtx5IkTEu3o0l5Xjjs0HlPj4D76duLICgQq8W/s1600/amigurumi_roly-poly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUzLLv5wxZMUeDP7TqJiWW8kEh_joNZUvbDQ4_3203l-7XiVnDzZiUIGpMVMPS2dGMfu1jR13nmoQZThR1kluu3je6vS-3A8NVsHqLUEGtx5IkTEu3o0l5Xjjs0HlPj4D76duLICgQq8W/s1600/amigurumi_roly-poly.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
This summer has been the summer of bugs... OK, maybe the summer of isopod crustaceans to be more precise. My daughter (the Little Miss) has been obsessed with finding all sorts of critters -- from daddy long legs to lightning bugs to the perennial favorite, roly poly bugs. Of course, we've had more than one discussion about why her new friends are NOT allowed to sleep in the house and more than one pout about having to return her newly-captured critters to the outside. I figured it was time to take mercy on her plight and give her a critter that was truly cuddle-worthy, and Rosie was born. <br />
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Despite her huggable size, Rosie is just a baby roly poly (or "pill bug," as we used to call 'em when I was a kid). The pattern is relatively short and works up in a couple of hours. You can choose to add the optional bow, or leave it off to make a boy roly poly -- even spice up the world of isopod crustaceans by making a one-of-a-kind colord roly poly -- the options are limitless!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm95yHB_Akj6XO33TApBts24gzF0AsuZcjJaUPgMKLT1DfMtaYXOg8vUk7G0gqSa1KI7qFvZQJFv-XAr2637fUnHKlMecdtO3dhxLAxUwaberdwM4XpkAmEIGpRmSZ2Vqb5-_gkzl2ePcm/s1600/DSC_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm95yHB_Akj6XO33TApBts24gzF0AsuZcjJaUPgMKLT1DfMtaYXOg8vUk7G0gqSa1KI7qFvZQJFv-XAr2637fUnHKlMecdtO3dhxLAxUwaberdwM4XpkAmEIGpRmSZ2Vqb5-_gkzl2ePcm/s1600/DSC_0085.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
As usual, the pattern file is available on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/purchase/the-itsy-bitsy-spider/222588">Ravelry</a>, <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/toy/amigurumi-roly-poly-pill-bug/104659">Craftsy</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197400127/instant-download-crochet-pattern">Etsy</a> (please bear in mind that you'll pay a little more on Etsy to offset the cost of selling in that venue -- but you can take advantage of the instant download and credit card processing [no PayPal] there). Find out <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/amigurumi-roly-poly-pill-bug.html">all about the new pattern here</a>, or head to one of my shop sites to get started hooking your own "Rosie" now!
The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-68011103305545707082014-07-09T11:26:00.000-04:002014-07-09T11:26:00.544-04:00Sewn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mbHLCkG-ljZR0m3BIUf0WGJNf8wGHvZTtXhxolUaJr1cd9uShlm29LJ7Maw-sYAFoeS0G5PuyGppI_mxwxThtkjNxs0rY3SlBpwNeL9Zk7PJGyGIS2NSYG_IVeRKDLXvZnK9N7CUKZtA/s1600/sewn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mbHLCkG-ljZR0m3BIUf0WGJNf8wGHvZTtXhxolUaJr1cd9uShlm29LJ7Maw-sYAFoeS0G5PuyGppI_mxwxThtkjNxs0rY3SlBpwNeL9Zk7PJGyGIS2NSYG_IVeRKDLXvZnK9N7CUKZtA/s1600/sewn1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
That's it. The last piece is sewn... the ends are woven in... and my massive undertaking of a granny blanket is FINALLY in one piece!<br />
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What started out as a <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2014/01/crochet-mood-blanket-2014.html">year-long undertaking</a>, became the worst <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2014/06/wip-anxiety.html">WIP anxiety</a> I've ever had, and resulted in 360 <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2014/06/oh-invisible-seam-how-i-lovehate-thee.html">individually-pieced</a>, 4-inch granny squares is finally a blanket.<br />
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Now to decide how to edge it........The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-65529303227594327082014-07-07T12:48:00.001-04:002014-07-07T12:48:31.052-04:00Gifting: Spa Sets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been hosting a foreign exchange student for about a year now and have decided to keep her another year. After going back and forth with the natural family, it was decided that our Korean "daughter" would just stay with us for the summer (instead of flying home and back). Economically, it makes sense -- and with my own Little Miss home for a whole three months, I can use the extra pair of hands to help out. But it's pretty clear that the family back in Korea misses her.<br />
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I wanted to do something nice for our exchange student's mum ("oma." in Korean) -- to let her know that she's being though of and that we appreciate the faith she has in my helping to raise her child. So, we decided to send oma a happy box. We picked out a pretty new blouse and to top it off, I wanted to send something handmade that mum would appreciate. After a bit of searching, I settled on a spa set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzWjToMrWnkv4R7CCqwSQcdNbnfr6oaLhiSNAoVAcAowZs0Z1boWcgFTquHm3Sxq4_l04u3QYh3v6lUe95Kj_x1pnMCrRp6ObkF_sJR9m-mlpInI1pnyppNHp_alBUKbbNwSMuCoA6vbL/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzWjToMrWnkv4R7CCqwSQcdNbnfr6oaLhiSNAoVAcAowZs0Z1boWcgFTquHm3Sxq4_l04u3QYh3v6lUe95Kj_x1pnMCrRp6ObkF_sJR9m-mlpInI1pnyppNHp_alBUKbbNwSMuCoA6vbL/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
The wash cloth is a fan stitch pattern developed by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticThreads">RusticThreads</a> on Etsy. I really loved the double-sided texture and they worked up super quick with about 75 yards of cotton yarn. With a little bow on top, they're the perfect gift!<br />
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I decided to add a set of six make-up scrubbies for oma too. At first, I considered making plain round ones, but eventually found a free little flower pattern on the <a href="http://divastitchescrochet.blogspot.com/2012/06/face-scrubbies-and-storage-pouch.html">Diva Stitches crochet blog</a>. If you check out the link, she even has a coordinating pouch pattern that looks super cute.<br />
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All in all, I'm pretty pleased with how things came out -- and I'll definitely be stashing a few spa sets away for teacher gifts and whatnot.<br />
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What's your favorite gift pattern?<br />
<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-21800601623173877452014-07-02T10:38:00.000-04:002014-07-02T10:38:19.184-04:00Gifting....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhzIINLXhPwyTFmglu3Rqk1iNJAB5EKmR1u13gAAQAFrYBLFsD6mlE8jIH38kLwCQK46KxUTGJVFEAjgfHeVBSmO-tLP97RK7V-IKbFejJDh-0FYjPKc8qsScz8dlaK3QV2hGlVuIqXk8/s1600/spa_cloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhzIINLXhPwyTFmglu3Rqk1iNJAB5EKmR1u13gAAQAFrYBLFsD6mlE8jIH38kLwCQK46KxUTGJVFEAjgfHeVBSmO-tLP97RK7V-IKbFejJDh-0FYjPKc8qsScz8dlaK3QV2hGlVuIqXk8/s1600/spa_cloth.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Despite the fact that I really want to get my blanket done, I can't ignore the fact that I'm getting a little overdue for some gifts.<br />
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One of the nicest thing about being a hand-crafter is that I can whip out the perfect last-minute gift in no time. Of course, finding "perfect" after you've been whipping out wonderful hand-crafted gifts for more than 20 years can get a little challenging -- have I done it already? How many more amigurumi does aunt Sally really need? And the msot challenging question of all... can I whip it up quick so that I can get back to all the other WIPs laying around my craft room???<br />
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This time around, I'm settling on "spa sets." The first one will be for our foreign exchange student's mum back in Korea. Then, I have my best friend's birthday coming up, some little end-of-summer-camp thank-yous, and a raffle prize for <a href="http://connectingforkids.org/">the nonprofit I work with</a>. I found the most <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127322812/fan-stitch-luxurious-spa-cloth">yummy stitch</a> with fellow Etsian, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RusticThreads">RusticThreads</a>, and while I had to modify the pattern slightly to get the size cloth I wanted, I'm pretty happy with the results (for those of you who want to know, I changed the foundation chain to 36 stitches).<br />
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I'd also love to do some coordinating make-up removers to go with the wash cloths, so if anyone knows of a good pattern, please let me know!<br />
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And along those lines, I would LOVE to know what your favorite gifting patterns are... I've got a BUNCH more birthdays coming up and it'll be Christmas before we know it (yikes! teacher gifts!).<br />
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Happy crocheting!The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-13186600923990382592014-06-27T13:29:00.000-04:002014-06-27T13:29:08.944-04:00Oh, Invisible Seam... How I Love/Hate Thee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being rather adventurous... and/or insane, I decided that I was going to try something new with this latest project. I have always wanted to try an invisible join and now I absolutely know why I never did it before...<br />
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It. Takes. FOREVER!<br />
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For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, I invite you to take a like at this <a href="http://youtu.be/e5MqVVlekV0">YouTube video</a>. Note that the woman in the video is seaming a pair of bulky-weight granny squares. Me? I used sport weight yarn on my project and have no fewer than 330 squares to seam... each with 20 stitches per side. That, my friends, is a lot of sewing!<br />
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It's not all a loss, though. When you gently pull the yarn you're using to sew your squares together, the seam magically disappears. Seriously. For me, Every. Single. Time I do this -- it's magic. I just can't believe the black yarn is gone!<br />
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The other thing I love about this technique is how beautifully the colors can play together. There are no ugly stitches in some contrast color to draw your eye away from the two squares... only turquoise, and yellow... and pink... and...<br />
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And honestly, for those 20 stitches on each side of each square, I really get to just enjoy how the colors go together. As I stitch, I think about the colors -- if I've seen them together in nature... what they most remind me of... if I would wear an outfit that had those two colors in them. It's actually kind of fun.<br />
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So, tell me. Do you use the invisible seam technique? Do you love it? Hate it? Both? I'd love to hear your experiences!<br />
<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-35712884853466920792014-06-23T10:16:00.001-04:002014-06-23T10:19:09.396-04:00WIP AnxietyI joined up on the <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2014/01/crochet-mood-blanket-2014.html">Crochet Mood Blanket project</a> earlier this year and have been dutifully making my squares. OK, not so dutifully... I get behind -- then I hurry up to catch up, then I get behind again... lather, rinse repeat. In fact, I've notice that I haven't been able to enjoy my other projects quite as much because I'm worried about getting behind on my blanket.<br />
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Sigh.<br />
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And so, it was through this project that I learned a little something about myself. I have WIP Anxiety.<br />
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Unfortunately, I also have a lot of other projects in mind that I want to work on, but instead of that, I've spent the last month making these:<br />
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And now that these are all done, and I've laid this out:<br />
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... I have a MOUNTAIN of sewing to do. But at least I won't have WIP Anxiety anymore.KCFitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907513801465812861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-86559282054630802082014-02-24T13:13:00.000-05:002014-02-24T13:13:13.917-05:00One-Piece Amigurumi Baby Bunny<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURnMGqYNL8cLHE60jDFNkFFNafI6Fr6CzfO5uEZd6L5xexZpqnpJJne2JL_Iz_dQ4BVAk0t-2gobEIL5kT014MYVc65ueqWp48ZIwbwfQMbbX2F8OtOsmvBp9laaJnjSkBE34uiXtMs5n/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURnMGqYNL8cLHE60jDFNkFFNafI6Fr6CzfO5uEZd6L5xexZpqnpJJne2JL_Iz_dQ4BVAk0t-2gobEIL5kT014MYVc65ueqWp48ZIwbwfQMbbX2F8OtOsmvBp9laaJnjSkBE34uiXtMs5n/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Even though we're in the middle of yet another polar vortex, I can't help but to keep wishing and hoping that spring is just around the corner. I miss my lawn, the flowers, and the adorable baby animals -- especially my favorites, the sweet baby bunnies!<br />
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for some reason, the bunnies like to nest in our yard, and it's such a treat to discover their tiny little fluffy bodies, all snuggled up under the grass. I always want to scoop one out and snuggle it!<br />
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With spring (and Easter) fast approaching, I decided that this year, I would be ready for my bunny snuggling cravings -- with an adorable nest of my own. I wanted something simple enough that I'd be able to whip us a batch for my daughter to share with her friends, and spent several tries coming up with the perfect one-piece pattern for you. These bunnies are completely NO-SEW! Just add a few embellishments and you're ready for a snuggle full of squee!<br />
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The best part about the bunnies is that if you use an E hook as the pattern directs, you should easily be able to hide them in the larger-variety plastic Easter eggs.<br />
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The pattern is full of step-by-step photos and the clear instructions you've grown to love. Work up your own nest of bunnies for just $1.00 or pair it with my <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/little-duck-amigurumi.html">free Lil' Ducky</a> pattern for a super Easter treat. You can't go wrong!<br />
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You can get all the details on this pattern from <a href="http://www.itsybitsyspidercrochet.com/2008/01/one-piece-amigurumi-baby-bunny.html">the pattern information page</a>, or check it out on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/one-piece-amigurumi-baby-bunny">Ravelry</a>.<br />
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I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do and cannot wait to see your bunnies. Happy crocheting!<br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-57323259343824878412014-01-08T14:21:00.003-05:002014-01-08T14:21:42.678-05:00Crochet Mood Blanket 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's no secret that when I have a few minutes down time, I love surfing some good crochet porn on Instagram. Well, last week, I found this amazing project, started by a crocheter who goes by the Instagram name <a href="http://instagram.com/mummy_stacey#">mummy_stacey</a>, called #crochetmoodblanket2014.<br />
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This is exciting folks -- and it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun. The basic idea is that you crochet every day (or every week) of 2014, using colors to reflect your moods. You can do any design you want (most folks are doing some variation on a granny square) -- And you can pick any colors to reflect your moods.<br />
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Work-in-process is being shared on Instagram with the #crochetmoodblanket2014 tag and in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/crochetmoodblanket2014/">Facebook group</a> that has rapidly grown to nearly 3,000 members. In fact, the WIPs are the most exciting part for me -- I'm being blown away daily by all the talented crocheters and finding new patterns I never dreamed of.<br />
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For my part, I'm keeping my pattern simple (just a 4-round granny with a SC edging). -- And I'm using Red Heart Designer Sport because somehow, I've managed to accumulate a rather extensive stash of the stuff. My squares are turning out to be about 3.25 inches, but I haven't sat down yet to figure out just how that's going to work into a blanket. I guess you could say that I'm "going where my mood takes me."<br />
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Our foreign exchange student, J, has also pledged to do a square a day and has been working really hard to get her grannies perfect. Having only learned to crochet a couple months ago, I'm really proud of her!<br />
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Right then... the pattern, if you like:<br />
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<b>Round 1:</b> CH 4. Join to first SC in CH with SL.<br />
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<b>Round 2: </b>CH 3 (counts as first DC). DC twice more, then CH 2. *Work 3 DC, then CH 2. Repeat from * twice more. Join to 3rd CH in initial CH 3 with SL. (4 DC clusters and 4 CH 2 spaces).<br />
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<b>Round 3:</b> CH 4 (counts as first DC and CH 1). *Work 3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC, CH 1 in next CH 2 space. repeat from * twice. Work 3 DC, CH 2, 2 DC in remaining CH 2 space. Join to 3rd CH in initial CH 3 with SL. (8 DC clusters).<br />
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<b>Round 4:</b> CH 3 (counts as first DC). DC twice more, then CH 1. *Work 3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC, CH 1 in CH 2 space. Then, work 3 DC, CH 1 in next CH 1 space. Repeat from * twice. Work 3 DC, CH 2, 3 DC, CH 1 in next CH 2 space. finish round by working 2 DC in next CH 1 space and joining o 3rd CH in initial CH 3 with SL. (12 DC clusters).<br />
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<b>Round 5:</b> CH 1. SC in same stitch and in each stitch and CH 1 space around, working 4 SC stitches in the corner CH 2 spaces. Join to first SC with SL. (60 SC). FO and weave in ends.<br />
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Hope to see you on Instagram and Facebook. Just look for <a href="http://instagram.com/itsybitsyspidercrochet#">ItsyBitsySpiderCrochet</a>!<br />
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-- Almost forgot! If you're looking for something a little more challenging in a granny square pattern, I have a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-great-granny-swap-pattern-book">free 10-pattern granny square book</a> available on Ravelry. Enjoy!The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-37973083772497917752013-12-30T14:12:00.002-05:002013-12-30T14:12:35.385-05:00Winter Bird Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just when I thought all the presents had run out, I got another surprise in the mail today. The <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/EBook_Display.cfm?id=75131D">Knit Picks Under 100 Crochet Collection</a> is finally available!<br />
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This collection features 10 crochet patterns that can be completed with 100 grams of yarn or less, including my own winter bird (featured on the back cover).<br />
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The pattern book has been in the works for about a year now and it includes boot cuffs, a couple of cute bags, wrist warmers, and even some yummy cowls! It's a great collection for winter stash busting and I can't wait to get started on a few of the projects.<br />
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Patterns and yarn are available through Knit Picks. You can also check out others' finished projects on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/under-100-crochet-collection">Ravelry</a>. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/cfPatterns/EBook_Display.cfm?id=75131D">eBook: Instant PDF download</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/Books/Crochet_Under_100_Collection__D32205.html">Print Book: 34 pages, soft cover</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtulK0hdcGL0V_z3eEmG5AnpLS0_Ox6FsLS0SoRlb9LVk8ibW36E-RYXi48Ye9Fwk5ItVYs9y9d_GhlZLbJbqhudhKCSfDtvi3eB8quWL234NquyA1g37t-a8iGFNQ4gPU6YQlYe_Ymhs/s1600/51166220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtulK0hdcGL0V_z3eEmG5AnpLS0_Ox6FsLS0SoRlb9LVk8ibW36E-RYXi48Ye9Fwk5ItVYs9y9d_GhlZLbJbqhudhKCSfDtvi3eB8quWL234NquyA1g37t-a8iGFNQ4gPU6YQlYe_Ymhs/s320/51166220.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-19180943932780769052013-12-19T10:13:00.001-05:002013-12-19T10:13:13.691-05:00A Penny For Your Thoughts?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlspzCWE7yvSwhLPrR7SzwB2mCcD5YNPzlhuKXqLJU3viUxi-ihCRb6_CJVNeolyopajAZ_27nTHrjRFw0XorOGCjUtI0aN2JXflH5PofFNXfKYolpW-KyxidnJLdu3dyag8rK37J3qYE/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlspzCWE7yvSwhLPrR7SzwB2mCcD5YNPzlhuKXqLJU3viUxi-ihCRb6_CJVNeolyopajAZ_27nTHrjRFw0XorOGCjUtI0aN2JXflH5PofFNXfKYolpW-KyxidnJLdu3dyag8rK37J3qYE/s320/DSC_0031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Even though I have been writing my own patterns since 2008, I'm still learning new thins every day. My <a href="http://itsybitsyspidercrochet.blogspot.com/2008/01/childrens-gifting-mittens-new-little.html">Kids Gifting Mittens</a> pattern is one such experience -- it's the first time I have ever written a pattern for multiple sizes.<br />
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When I wrote the pattern, I ran into a little confusion when I got to the thumb hole. Depending on the size mitten you were making, you would have either 18 (S), 21 (M), or 23 (L) rounds. The logical thing to me was to begin the thumb round at 24 (skipping rounds 19-23 for small and rounds 22-23 for medium). The pattern goes something like this:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Rounds 7-18 <span style="color: lime;">(7-21)</span> <span style="color: magenta;">(7-23)</span>:</b> CH 1. SC in each ST around (24/<span style="color: lime;">30</span>/<span style="color: magenta;">36</span> SC). Join to first SC in round with SL.
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<i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><i>Note: If you need a bit more length to your mitten, repeat Rounds 7-23 as needed.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Round 24:</b> ... pattern continues ... </span><br />
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The reason I chose to do it this way is so that all of the round numbering would start in the same place after the thumb hole was made. This would avoid a clumsy numbering scheme through the rest of the pattern (where each round would have different numbers depending on the mitten size you're making). <br />
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I got some feedback from a kind customer yesterday that this was just a bit confusing. Her argument is that by setting all the mittens to "Round 24" at the thumb, it's hard to tell how many total rounds are in the project. We went back and forth a bit and her suggestion was do do something like this:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Rounds 7-18 <span style="color: lime;">(7-21)</span> <span style="color: magenta;">(7-23)</span>:</b> CH 1. SC in each ST around (24/<span style="color: lime;">30</span>/<span style="color: magenta;">36</span> SC). Join to first SC in round with SL.
<br /><i>Note: If you need a bit more length to your mitten, repeat Rounds 7-23 as needed.</i><br /><br /><b>Round 19 <span style="color: lime;">(22) </span><span style="color: magenta;">(24)</span>:</b> ... pattern continues ...</span><br />
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The positive side of this change is that you know exactly how many rounds are in your project, but the negative side is that you end up with a round numbering scheme through the rest of that pattern that looks something like this:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Rounds 20-23 <span style="color: lime;">(23-27)</span> <span style="color: magenta;">(25-30)</span>: </b>...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Round 24 <span style="color: lime;">(28)</span> <span style="color: magenta;">(31)</span>:</b> ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><b>Rounds 25-26 <span style="color: lime;">(29-31)</span> <span style="color: magenta;">(32)</span>:</b> ...</span><br />
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You get the idea.<br />
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I'd love to get the feedback of some more experienced multi-size pattern writers/users. What do you prefer? Keep the pattern the way it is, or revise the round numbering scheme?<br />
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I'll put everyone who leaves feedback (either here on the blog or on my Facebook page) in a drawing to win one free pattern of their choice -- so if your email address is not on your Blogger profile, please make sure you leave it for me. Winner will be announced in the next couple days (depending on how quickly I get feedback).<br />
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Thank you! <br />
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KCFitchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04907513801465812861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-67019864215913626952013-11-30T16:26:00.000-05:002013-11-30T16:26:14.302-05:00Ninja Challenge Winner!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7ooNd1-C1TFLrZJR8N9qP0F7bhPSIi2I12ie3AFbx16HqhnaFndezxHIS-8_oq2HlaHwiCyNbu-CgMwHG_2c4cQ_E0Llq5y1X0rw_EHXEOQ_EM_3_jH8GhaiiSHsjHQlOLlB7lU28SGt/s1600/winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7ooNd1-C1TFLrZJR8N9qP0F7bhPSIi2I12ie3AFbx16HqhnaFndezxHIS-8_oq2HlaHwiCyNbu-CgMwHG_2c4cQ_E0Llq5y1X0rw_EHXEOQ_EM_3_jH8GhaiiSHsjHQlOLlB7lU28SGt/s320/winner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a tough choice, but the voting is now closed and the winner of the Ninja Challenge has been named. Congratulations to Patricia S., whose red-headed ninja girl sat proudly on top of the world for all girls to see. Patricia claims the Itsy Bitsy Spider pattern pack and Fine Lime gift code.<br />
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Thanks to all who participated and shared their ninjas!<br />
<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-65891169660743213392013-11-15T09:49:00.001-05:002013-11-15T09:49:13.324-05:00Gifting Mittens - Now Available in Children's Sizes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GDuCUrTHzyNOD84Wel7rHJcOnNLkH7xCtFlJapz-ru821KkrZupJsZwm_J91LtV4FgUkrdi1CHOgFHtSxVi6OwUYQ5DBL60IJNb0tZWxf1VsMg9In-7-OumrsJ_TAX-SH0vCuKd0LH7d/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GDuCUrTHzyNOD84Wel7rHJcOnNLkH7xCtFlJapz-ru821KkrZupJsZwm_J91LtV4FgUkrdi1CHOgFHtSxVi6OwUYQ5DBL60IJNb0tZWxf1VsMg9In-7-OumrsJ_TAX-SH0vCuKd0LH7d/s320/DSC_0029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As I put the finishing touches on another pair of gifting mittens, the Little Miss plopped down next to me.<br />
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"Mama?" she asked tentatively. "Can <i>I</i> have a pair of mittens?"<br />
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Of course, the gifting mittens pattern would be too big for her kindergarten hands -- it was time to make some changes -- and quickly.<br />
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I whipped up a pair of mittens in her favorite color (green), but as I stitched, I thought about all the other kids on our holiday shopping list who could use a new pair. And there was this little bear pattern I've had in my notebook that I could use and well... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oQlb6MUBzgxC1ieXZnzHI8XRBTxWp6fY1XyyekDsHcizpo-m2ff_di_TsKmWUsmyPV0q1KnuXr9brpP8hnTfuS07Wr-rObODypjoJPphG8v3s0DUMC42C_oLZoLclD8Xs07MGh6h5ngG/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1oQlb6MUBzgxC1ieXZnzHI8XRBTxWp6fY1XyyekDsHcizpo-m2ff_di_TsKmWUsmyPV0q1KnuXr9brpP8hnTfuS07Wr-rObODypjoJPphG8v3s0DUMC42C_oLZoLclD8Xs07MGh6h5ngG/s320/DSC_0028.jpg" width="320" /></a>A couple days later, I had three different sizes of mittens and a sweet little bear all wrapped up into one tidy pattern package and ready for gifting. Ta-da! Children's Gifting Mittens!<br />
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You can purchase the pattern set now from all the usual places (<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/childrens-gifting-mittens">Ravelry</a>, <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/accessory/childrens-gifting-mittens/76376">Craftsy</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169344702/instant-download-crochet-pattern">Etsy</a>) or <a href="http://itsybitsyspidercrochet.blogspot.com/2008/01/childrens-gifting-mittens-new-little.html">click here to purchase directly on the blog</a> (no new user accounts needed). At just $3.00 for the pattern (a little more from Etsy), you'll be able to crank out mittens for every little hand on your holiday list in no time at all -- with little bears that are just the right size to fit inside those little hands.<br />
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I hope you enjoy this latest addition to my pattern collection and look forward to seeing all your mittens!<br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-87375390511057923862013-11-06T16:37:00.000-05:002013-11-06T16:37:58.570-05:00Gifting Mittens & Little Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rj7GmDe6m7EeCtrlGVzY7xwLhaX3_SDngdyGsv714iuTVjqJ-C4FOVa3v3ZNM3xLgYmQD1VTgNaEvxzWNE1HVsHHhd6inVEA2LXonEjfgGGyZdYpBJ-0IDwctEL-6gnB5eG5f0NJ2nlC/s1600/Mittens_Amigurumi_Bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rj7GmDe6m7EeCtrlGVzY7xwLhaX3_SDngdyGsv714iuTVjqJ-C4FOVa3v3ZNM3xLgYmQD1VTgNaEvxzWNE1HVsHHhd6inVEA2LXonEjfgGGyZdYpBJ-0IDwctEL-6gnB5eG5f0NJ2nlC/s320/Mittens_Amigurumi_Bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A few weeks ago, my mom began dropping hints... she lost one of her mittens and couldn't find a new pair she liked. At first, a pin showed up here and there on my Pinterest feed -- but then the hints started to arrive more steadily. Mom wanted me to make her a new pair of mittens.<br />
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I looked at patterns -- and believe me, there are a lot of good ones out there. But, I couldn't find a nice, simple one that I liked. So, I designed my own.<br />
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Mom was delighted with her new mittens and suggested that I make some more up to give as teacher gifts. With Little Miss's special needs, we have a support person for just about everything -- so I'm always looking for something that is both meaningful and inexpensive. These people do a LOT of hard work to help my daughter succeed, but if I spend even $5 on each, the numbers start to rack up fast!<br />
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But a pair of mittens isn't for everyone, so I decided to make this pattern a double-whammy. This download includes not only the pattern for a simple pair of medium-sized women's mittens, but also an adorable, quick-to-make little bear. Even though I chose to make my bear and mittens in different colors, one skein of <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Brava_Worsted_Yarn__D5420219.html" target="_blank">Knit Picks Brava Worsted acrylic yarn</a> is enough to make both pieces -- so the project cost is low too (Brava sells for $2.99 for a skein).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuSx1J5_Uk3z60yAoMjL22LC8-53T7h3cW_gxyPd_fltUXU2HCUS7gYgObvxvXHKKWX7ar4FgOtT8ozBDxvM1GRUykoSuF8VqgEdAzJftDFhR15G8AasbKQYbDCsbyWqDsnX4nHNZJXnJ/s1600/DSC_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuSx1J5_Uk3z60yAoMjL22LC8-53T7h3cW_gxyPd_fltUXU2HCUS7gYgObvxvXHKKWX7ar4FgOtT8ozBDxvM1GRUykoSuF8VqgEdAzJftDFhR15G8AasbKQYbDCsbyWqDsnX4nHNZJXnJ/s320/DSC_0056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The pattern is available for $3.00 through Ravelry and Crafsy. For details on the pattern and purchase options, <a href="http://itsybitsyspidercrochet.blogspot.com/2009/01/gifting-mittens-amigurumi-bear.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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I hope you enjoy this pattern and it helps fill some stockings or other holiday gift requirements. Happy crocheting!<br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-76095011312171096152013-11-04T19:25:00.002-05:002013-11-04T19:25:54.338-05:00Amigurumi Ninja Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNIbGSzBSYKMo8kAfBOgt43zNbbPlYEeqz5SrZMjeeXkqlErODlnopUDhlpbzRtrHQGPNEpWkJ0IkAol7O0eQvSccAg4uk_4B6SFEE6D8AkiNth6sNLR5ghqQn1lJXBSqh0nHu5ISA9AI/s1600/ninja_challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNIbGSzBSYKMo8kAfBOgt43zNbbPlYEeqz5SrZMjeeXkqlErODlnopUDhlpbzRtrHQGPNEpWkJ0IkAol7O0eQvSccAg4uk_4B6SFEE6D8AkiNth6sNLR5ghqQn1lJXBSqh0nHu5ISA9AI/s320/ninja_challenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday, <a href="http://itsybitsyspidercrochet.blogspot.com/2013/11/free-ninjas.html" target="_blank">I shared the story of a young friend who had a rough time because of her Halloween costume choice</a>. My friend is an amazing, creative, and brave girl and she chose to be a ninja for Halloween -- but she was told that girls aren't supposed to be ninjas.<br />
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In honor of my young friend, I decided to offer my Amigurumi Ninja Attack pattern free for the rest of November. My hope was to create a virtual ninja army for my young friend and other girls like her. And, when I made this announcement, I suggested having a little friendly contest to see who could come up with the most creative ninjas... Long story short, folks are excited about the contest idea, so we're going to give this a try! <br />
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<b>What You Need To Do</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Crochet your own ninja using my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amigurumi-ninja-attack" target="_blank">Amigurumi Ninja Attack pattern</a> (available as a free download through 11/30/13).</li>
<li>Take an original photograph of your finished ninja (Be creative! Take your ninja on an adventure or use your favorite design app to add some action to your shot.)</li>
<li>Submit your photo via email to ibscrochet@gmail.com by midnight EST on 11/23/2013. Make sure to include: 1. Email address where I can contact you, and 2. Whether you want your entry posted with your name or anonymously. Entries that do not include this information will be rejected.</li>
</ul>
<b>What Happens Next?</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I will compile an album of ninja photos during the weekend of 11/23-11/24 on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theitsybitsyspider" target="_blank">The Itsy Bitsy Spider Facebook page.</a> </li>
<li>Invite your friends, family, acquaintances, enemies... anyone you can think of -- to "like" your ninja photo. </li>
<li>The ninja photo with the most "likes" at midnight EST on 11/29/13 wins an extra special prize pack!</li>
</ul>
<b>What's in the Prize Pack?</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Custom collection of Itsy Bitsy Spider crochet patterns (winner chooses any 6 patterns)</li>
<li>$20 USD to spend in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thefinelime" target="_blank">The Fine Lime's Etsy shop</a></li>
<li>Bragging rights for having the coolest ninja around</li>
</ul>
<b>Who Can Enter?</b><br />
Anyone can enter this contest -- as long as you are able to crochet your own ninja and share your photos online. If you are under 12, please get a parent's permission before entering and include you're parent's email address on your entry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH8SY4tTiKsmcliqSF8_aUtU4vIBiDal43Wes6b05ZiFiZbhpCEI4-PouHZJN6n7C8L9-bg0CISguTsU35V9kfk8ytqLrJPrzf3v4S87XxS2yrdAkjYCBNGxTy0DBh708BHZpahr2ViKB/s1600/DSC_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaH8SY4tTiKsmcliqSF8_aUtU4vIBiDal43Wes6b05ZiFiZbhpCEI4-PouHZJN6n7C8L9-bg0CISguTsU35V9kfk8ytqLrJPrzf3v4S87XxS2yrdAkjYCBNGxTy0DBh708BHZpahr2ViKB/s200/DSC_0143.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Terms, Conditions, Disclaimers, and Other Stuff</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This contest is open to anyone who desires to participate (children under 12 must have parents' permission). No purchase is necessary. You do not need a Facebook account to enter, but keep in mind that all voting will take place on Facebook. I reserve the right to decline entries for any reason, especially if the entries are obscene, profane, or discriminating in any way. <i><b>Keep it PG people!</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Winner will be announced on 11/30/2013 via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theitsybitsyspider" target="_blank">The Itsy Bitsy Spider Facebook page</a> and this blog. If I am unable to contact the winner within 48 hours, the next runner up will be selected. In the event of a tie, a run-off vote will be held on Facebook from 11/30 through 12/1. In the event of an electronic failure (Facebook server down, power failure, etc.), I will choose the contest winner by identifying the entry with the most votes as soon as the system is restored.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Prizes will be delivered electronically and cannot be redeemed for cash. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook. All copyrights for photos will remain the property of their creators; however, photos may be shared electronically during the span of the contest in order to increase voting traffic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Did I miss anything? Oh, yeah. Don't mess with the ninjas.</span><br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-18924640331740839862013-11-01T14:28:00.002-04:002013-11-01T16:00:53.338-04:00FREE NINJAS!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSg34cP7ySh0mFHN17BPs1NNIdtQwfWLUEV6HBKSBdQiuM0Pr74cxZMQMHGXnH6UmzpAtsKwoiwu6_0UV1Wpd3yt2gYqzdGaadPz6BqprJRT4pnY3ePJpctkjibSs05IWzAjIf0zHYDrk/s1600/wninja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSg34cP7ySh0mFHN17BPs1NNIdtQwfWLUEV6HBKSBdQiuM0Pr74cxZMQMHGXnH6UmzpAtsKwoiwu6_0UV1Wpd3yt2gYqzdGaadPz6BqprJRT4pnY3ePJpctkjibSs05IWzAjIf0zHYDrk/s320/wninja.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm making a very special ninja this afternoon... and with each stitch, I'm getting more annoyed.<br />
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See, here's the deal. My friend's daughter went as a ninja for Halloween. This kid ROCKED the ninja. She had the pose... the fighting eyes... everything.<br />
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But she felt awkward about it and the whole thing chipped at her self esteem... because "girls aren't supposed to be ninjas."<br />
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This is not the way it's supposed to be, folks. Kids are just that -- kids. And while they're kids, they should be allowed to try on any hat they like -- <i>especially on Halloween</i>. Girls can be ninjas. Boys can be nurses (in fact, my brother is a nurse in real life!). Be constructions workers... try out that ballerina... this is the time to discover -- am I right?<br />
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So here's the thing. I'm making up one of my ninja girl dolls for my friend's daughter. It's going to have brownish-blondish braids just like her. And it's going to ROCK. But as I sit here stitching, I'm reminded that my friend's daughter wasn't the only girl ninja this Halloween. So, in honor of that amazing young lady (who not only rocked being a ninja -- but also rocked the whole courage thing) I'm giving my ninja pattern away free for the entire month of November.<br />
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I'm doing the free pattern right here from my blog as well as on Ravelry. Just click the button below to get it. <br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/dls/the-itsy-bitsy-spider/112945?filename=Ninja_Attack.pdf" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEfYhNJvzu2DgIa3szdNapb_ea5Q_ZzOFy-vHROIwIvgepNpfLih4QlVxm8X0kMGfCppc9wZ8bPwcrt2n7hY9Y4VFUsGs7shHyJTqBOKl5VwcZSraz6nJGr3Trdx-YsneaiPS9OcCIwI9/s1600/download.gif" /></a></div>
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In addition to that, I think we'll have a little contest. What do you guys say? Come join me on my Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/theitsybitsyspider">https://www.facebook.com/theitsybitsyspider</a>) and share your photos of your finished ninjas (especially the girl ones). If you don't do Facebook, you can also email me your ninja pictures and I'll share them anonymously (ibscrochet@gmail.com). Who's in? Let's show my friend's daughter (and all the other amazing girls out there) the biggest army of ninjas she's ever seen!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGb7g43d4l01ncIzl-OfMLfyOoy_cN1VuSVUoIjiirlkyVvI9XrmucqvNrGe0UkXiFSANyEydVcih9vkB99lpPU-MiR2HtYDA2YA4ZnP2pzx0wiwHNOwKVDlTA5FEbN8L-Oj3PAOobf5f/s1600/mods_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGb7g43d4l01ncIzl-OfMLfyOoy_cN1VuSVUoIjiirlkyVvI9XrmucqvNrGe0UkXiFSANyEydVcih9vkB99lpPU-MiR2HtYDA2YA4ZnP2pzx0wiwHNOwKVDlTA5FEbN8L-Oj3PAOobf5f/s320/mods_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7633169369664089804.post-43640647530626945102013-10-15T13:19:00.003-04:002013-10-15T13:19:42.039-04:00RELEASE THE KRAKEN!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuYbpuxbz5fnvZNZucIx5zxT11hY19TP7qg0g0Kpa9a-AFTDghh0NY8PZnLSlhfE8YTgcD0GEUOFfi9GlJk62gN-Fxp2UtiVFxpfvH-dMaiBCnimGPCoRR8Yg1h_JGtgKLPPVXcXoNGvJ/s1600/2013-10-11+13.30.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuYbpuxbz5fnvZNZucIx5zxT11hY19TP7qg0g0Kpa9a-AFTDghh0NY8PZnLSlhfE8YTgcD0GEUOFfi9GlJk62gN-Fxp2UtiVFxpfvH-dMaiBCnimGPCoRR8Yg1h_JGtgKLPPVXcXoNGvJ/s320/2013-10-11+13.30.18.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've always wanted to say it... haven't you?<br />
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But before you can unleash the fury of a mythic sea creature upon the heedless masses, did you know you have to properly raise and care for your own baby kraken? Yeah. Me neither. But they are kind of cute as babies...<br />
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But where on Earth are you supposed to get a baby kraken? Now <i><b>that </b></i>is something I can help you with. <br />
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My newest pattern has everything you need to know to hook your own epic sea monster. You can use just about any kind of worsted weight yarn, but I've really loved working with Bernat Mosaic for this project. The subtle tone changes look really neat as you work through the tentacles -- and if you time your transitions just right, you can really make the eyes pop with a contrasting color.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-s-nketZSaxysWM5Ny4bYWrQxiff5S7fxAo-hZ3Q368N6LsNVdltFQi5ARiQu2553G_9N0poGsX-bNenL4krrHURpYDs_dstAGt6HnceLnWaAU97gJMTSHpxDlv3vtQa3vdeUhelYLhd/s1600/baby_kraken1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-s-nketZSaxysWM5Ny4bYWrQxiff5S7fxAo-hZ3Q368N6LsNVdltFQi5ARiQu2553G_9N0poGsX-bNenL4krrHURpYDs_dstAGt6HnceLnWaAU97gJMTSHpxDlv3vtQa3vdeUhelYLhd/s320/baby_kraken1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The <a href="http://itsybitsyspidercrochet.blogspot.com/2009/01/amigurumi-kraken.html" target="_blank">baby kraken pattern</a> is available through all the usual outlets (Ravelry, Craftsy, and Etsy) and is suitable for advanced beginners. And you baby kraken will make a great pet -- no mess (at least until they grow big and are able to wreck havoc and help you on your mission for world domination).<br />
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I know a few folks who will be getting a baby kraken on Christmas morning... after all, releasing the kraken is the gift that keeps on giving!<br />
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<br />The Itsy Bitsy Spiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09895562245143722278noreply@blogger.com0