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I used a space-dyed red yarn that I got last year from a Ravelry swap. I really like the way it came out. For whatever reason, it seems to have made the sweater look more “real”. Perhaps its the contrast with the regular yarn of the dog’s body. I used blanket stitch embroidery around his eye patch to make it stand out. I finished him off with an egglplant-colored scarf. He looks so cozy.

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If you’d like to try this pattern, it’s available on my Etsy store for just $3! All digital patterns ship FREE of charge.

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Take advantage of this now so that you’ll have plenty of time to make these up for holiday gifts. They’re super quick and easy, so you’ll be able to stuff everyone’s stockings with time to spare.

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Branching is an easy and useful technique. There are two ways to create a branching effect: add a branch to the current round by crocheting in the back loop only or separating the current round into two branches. I used both methods for this project.

To create the little nub branch (where the blossom sits in the picture, simply decide how large of a branch you want to create. For example, let’s say you have a round of 24 stitches, and you’d like to make a branch that is 6 stitches in circumference. Crochet along until you get to where you’d like the branch to sit. Place a stitch marker into the next stitch. Crochet in the back loop only (the loop farthest from you) of this stitch and the following 5 stitches (6 sts total). Then crochet into the first of the 6 stitches (the stitch with the marker you just placed). Continue around this new mini-round until your branch reaches its desired size. To resume the main body, begin again by putting a loop on your hook with a slip stitch, then inserting your hook into the front loop where you began your little nub branch. Continue in the front loop for the next 5 stitches, then resume working in both stitches for the rest of the round.

To create the larger branch, you’ll divide the round. For example, let’s say you have a round of 24 stitches and you’d like to split it evenly into 2 branches of 12 stitches each. Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round, and crochet into that stitch and the following 11 (12 stitches total). Make your next crochet into the first stitch of the round (where you just placed the stitch marker). Continue around this new mini-round until your branch reaches its desired size. Put a loop on your hook with a slip stitch, then insert the hook into the first stitch of the remaining 12 stitches and repeat. You now have 2 equal branches.

This second technique is commonly used for making the legs of a doll branch from its body, but you can also use it to create uneven branches (as illustrated with my tree branch above). Enjoy!

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Autumn Leaves, California

So it may not be “officially” autumn for another week or so, but I for one can’t wait! I’ve heard people say that we don’t have seasons in California, but we do. They are more subtle, but are every bit as enjoyable as anywhere else. To celebrate the changing season, I’d like to share a pattern for making a crochet pumpkin.

This pumpkin is made in spiral rounds (like amigurumi), using the same techniques as my “Increasingly Evenly” tutorial. I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, a super bulky wool/acrylic blend with a size “L” (8mm) crochet hook. The finished project is 7″ across and 9″ tall.

Pumpkin

AmyGurumi Pumpkin

Rnd 1 – Work 6 sc into magic ring or chain start. Pull ring closed
Rnd 2-8 – Increase evenly to 48 sts.
Rnd 9-14 – Work even (48 sts).
Rnd 15-21 – Decrease evenly to 6 sts; work in ends and begin stuffing when you have 18 sts left. Fasten off leaving long tail. Use tail to catch the front loop of each stitch and pull the remaining circle closed.

Stem

Rnd 1 – Work 4 sc into magic ring or chain start. Pull ring closed.
Rnd 2 – Work 2 sc into each st around (8 sts).
Rnd 3-7 – Work even (8 sts).
Rnd 8 – [Sc into next st; ch 5; sc in each ch; sl st] repeat around. To make fewer points around, sl st instead. You can also vary the number of chains to create a more uneven, “natural” look.

Vine

Ch 20. Sl st in each ch; fasten off.

This is a simple project that can you can use as a starting point for many variations. Try increasing to a greater number of stitches before working even if you’d like a larger pumpkin. For a taller pumpkin, work even for more rounds.

You can also achieve a different look by using the same pattern with a worsted weight yarn. Keep in mind that your pumpkin will be much smaller unless you increase the number of stitches.

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The cupcake measures in at just over 3 inches tall from the bottom to the top of the cherry exclusive of the stem.

The cupcakes would make a perfect birthday present, hostess gift (especially to tuck away for holiday parties), or anytime treat for someone you love.

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The index finger on my non-hook hand had been rubbed raw by my (beloved) aluminum hook until I found these clever little thimbles. They are soft, flexible and made from silicone. Slip one on the injured digit, and you’re sure to be working in comfort from now on.

The silicone material is similar to what you’d find in a baby’s pacifier, only softer, thinner and more flexible. Net result: you have a second skin that doesn’t get in the way of your crafting.

The thimbles measure about 1″ in length. They fit comfortably but snugly on my fingertip, ring size 7 US.

You’ll receive a set of 3 clean, new silicone thimbles. Keep one in your craft room, one in your crochet or knitting bag, and one by the sewing machine. Enjoy!

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