Tag: amigurumi

Patterns

Free Santa hat & mini antlers pattern

Sonja

Look at this happy Christmas duo! Don’t they look adorable wearing their little decorations?!

Long ago I designed the crochet Santa hat pattern and a few years later I added the pattern for the mini antlers. This weekend I had the idea to do a fun photo-shoot with my newest animals wearing them. But oh no! It seemed that I’d lost the Santa hat! I looked everywhere but couldn’t find it. I was almost about to order a skein of yarn to make a new one, when I thought of a last place where it could be and there I found it!

Because I’ll be posting a lot of pictures of animals wearing these lovely items, I decided to refresh both patterns. So here they are! Happy crocheting and dressing up your Popkes with crochet Santa hats and antlers!

Mini Santa hat pattern

For this pattern you need worsted weight yarn and hook E US/ 3,5 mm. I’ve used Lett Lopi yarn; colours white 0051 and dark red 1409. You’ll also need sewing materials and a hard brush to fuzzy up the brim and pompom.

The red part, work in rows

1. magic ring of 6 = 6

2. sc in each around = 6, close with sl st.

3. ch 2, (dc in next 2, 2 dc in next) x 2 = 8, sl st,

4. ch 2, (dc in next 3, 2 dc in next) x 2 = 10, sl st.

5. ch 2, (dc in next 4, 2 dc in next) x 2 = 12, sl st.

6. ch 2, (dc in next 3, 2 dc in next) x 3 = 15, sl st.

7. ch 2, (dc in next 4, 2 dc in next) x 3 = 18, sl st.

8. ch 2, (dc in next 8, 2 dc in next) x 2 = 20, sl st.

9. ch 2, (dc in next 9, 2 dc in next) x 2 = 22, sl st.

10. ch 2, (dc in next 10, 2 dc in next) x 2 = 24, change colour to white in sl st. If you need a bigger mini hat, don’t change to white just yet and continue like above by adding two stitches each round, till your hat is the right size. Keep in mind there will be white folded rounds (three rounds of sc’s) below the red part of the hat.

11. ch 2, (dc in next 11, 2 dc in next) x 2 = 26, sl st.

12. ch 1, sc in each around = 26, sl st.

13. ch 1, sc in each around = 26, sl st.

14. ch 1, sc in each around = 26, sl st in 1st and leave yarn end for sewing.

Now fold the white part upwards, so your hat will have a nice and thick brim. Sew it tight with the yarn end.

Mini antlers pattern

For the antlers you also need the worsted Lett Lopi yarn in the colour brown and any other colour you like and the same hook as above. Pipe-cleaners to make the pieces bendable are optional. I have used them but they are not safe for small children!

The antlers (brown, make two of each piece)

Part 1

1. magic ring of 4 = 4

2 – 6. sc in each around = 4, sl st and leave yarn end

Part 2

1. magic ring of 4 = 4

2 – 4. sc in each around = 4, sl st and leave yarn end

Part 3

1. magic ring of 4 = 4

2 – 3. sc in each around = 4, sl st and leave yarn end

Now you can insert the pipe-cleaners in the longest 4 pieces. Stretch the parts to get the right length and make sure the cleaners in the longest two (part 1’s) stick out just a little bit, so you can prick them into the headband. Now attach the parts 2 to the bottom parts of the parts 1 and the parts 3 to the top part of the parts 1, as shown in the picture. Weave in the yarn ends except for the yarn ends of the longest parts, so you can use them to sew the antlers to the headband.

Headband (any cheerful colour will do)

1. magic ring of 4 = 4

2 – 22. sc in each around = 4, sl st.

Now stretch this piece too and insert the pipe-cleaner. Now you can sew the band closed by putting the needle from the inside out through all the outside loops of the 4 st, clockwise. If you do it correctly, you can pull the yarn end and it will close the gap.

All you have to do now is attach the antlers to the headband, about two rounds apart.

There, now you can give all your Popkes a reindeer metamorphose!

Stories

A barn owl pattern in progress

Sonja

Some of you know already I am working on a barn owl pattern. A while ago I posted a picture of the face I designed on Instagram and I’ve been busy working on the body. At the same time I’ve been working on other things and everything isn’t going as speedily as I had hoped for.

So here’s a little progress update. Last week I finished the barn owl’s body, thinking this would be the final version. But I am not completely satisfied just yet. I tried something new to attach the tail and wings seamlessly and it looks very neat, but new things take more time.

In the picture you see prototype 2. I want to use a lighter colour for the wings and back. Also, I don’t like how the spots on the belly are positioned, I tried to make them look random, but they’ve become quite geometrical on the right side (in this picture). And I think the chest needs to be a bit wider, the wings are too close to each other. I’m hoping to publish the barn owl pattern the first or second week of October and it looks like I am going to make that date!

I’ve also been working on a crazy little free pattern, a little creature many of us don’t like to have in high numbers in our gardens, but hedgehogs do. Yes, they will be cute! That pattern will be available here by the end of this week.

And what could it possibly be?

Stories

Important update about my Craftsy shop

Sonja

Today I discovered my shop at Crafty is practically gone. I was totally shocked to see Craftsy isn’t called Craftsy anymore but Bluprint and I only sell one pattern in the little bit of my shop that is left. Thankfully they have a live chat option, so I immediately started a chat to ask what was going on. It seems that I have missed an email that was send to me, oh stupid me – I didn’t read it thoroughly because I thought it wasn’t THAT important – in which was explained Crafty is turning into Bluprint and that shops will be reduced untill they have their new platform running again. This is the message I received:

So this means, my Craftsy shop is temporarily unavailable, unless you want to buy Flam’s pattern. I can proudly say my shop is important to them, so it will return! Later in 2019, it will be re-opened as a Bluprint shop with all the patterns that I sell. I have no idea when this will be, and neither does the Bluprint/ Craftsy team. They are currently working on it so we just have to wait and see. I also hope the Bluprint shop will be just as lovely as my Craftsy shop was. I’ve grown quite fond of it, it was my first shop.

A big benefit of Craftsy for indie designers like me was, they do not charge any fees. The price you paid for a pattern, was the price I received. On Ravelry a seller pays a reasonably fair fee, but on Etsy, the fee is quite high for pattern sellers. Also, when you are from Europe or certain states of the US, you pay extra VAT. That is why I’ve never mentioned my Etsy shop here before. I like my patterns to be found by Etsy customers, but if someone finds my patterns here, I preferred directing them to Craftsy or Ravelry.

For now, you can still purchase my patterns at Ravelry and Etsy. Everything is there. I will keep you updated about Bluprints progress and please do not forget about them, they are the most fair platform to us designers. I’m waiting with anticipation for their new platform for sure!

This is not a very fun way to start the new year and means a bit of extra work for me. But I won’t let it spoil the fun of designing new patterns, I have some very interesting ideas for new patterns, so see you soon!

Chit and Chat

My favourites from you!

Sonja

Hi there, crafty people! It is a tradition of mine to post pictures of the dolls you’ve made with my patterns at the end of the year. I have to admit I have become a bit lazy typing blogposts, when there is such a handy medium called Instagram to give little updates. And it is Instagram I can use to easily find all your creations, as most of you use #sonspopkes when showing your work, how very pleasant for lazy me.

This year I’ve seen so many lovely dolls you’ve made with my patterns, and some of you even took the time to send me pictures of them, which I really love. Seeing what you have made gives me so much pleasure. Every doll is unique and has its own character, I really love that. They all have become personal dolls that radiate a bit of the maker.

Because I’ve seen so many pictures of your beautiful creations, I always have to make a selection. These are some of my favourites, but it was really hard to choose!

Some crafters bring the dolls with them on holiday and take the most amazing pictures, and others have a closet full of Popkes by now, what a joy! My editor Sandy always is the first to make a new animal, and sometimes she has to do it with a pattern that is still missing many images. She can completely surprise me with a beautiful finished animal, and the horse you see is made by her, with about half a pattern!

To sum things up, your work really brightens up my day and I totally love seeing it. Have a wonderful new year, sweet people, and embrace your inner Popke!

Art, Chit and Chat, Uncategorized

A phase

Sonja

When I look at all the patterns I have made so far, I am quite proud of each and every one of them. Look at them, so many (and I even forgot a few), that is about three years of designing in that picture!

amigurumi patterns

But lately I’ve been so critical about my designs that I am having a hard time finishing them. This must be something every designer goes through every once and a while. Maybe it is just the soggy weather and the grey of winter that makes me judge my work differently.

It started when I was working on my tortoise pattern. I made this gorgeous looking shell, that would be a bit difficult to assemble. And because I couldn’t write it down perfectly scientifically, I had to re-think it so I fooled around with it for a while and did not enjoy it. Then I saw this picture of a gorgeous looking American red squirrel and decided I was going to set aside the tortoise and make a new squirrel that made me all excited. I started all enthusiastic but soon afterwards doubted every part I made. I guess designing the realistic animals got me into this phase. Because now, when I’m designing a doll, I’m not sure anymore how realistic it should look. These crochet animals must look like the real animal for sure, but they also should be a bit more whimsical and playful looking, well you’ve just seen my Popkes. When I look at my sweet little squirrel face, I’m thinking ‘isn’t this looking too complicated?’ or ‘isn’t this head too small, should I make a more round and basic head?’. It’s annoying, I’m doubting my every move, while I can clearly see what I came up with isn’t looking bad at all.

The best thing to do is to just keep working on it. Today I made a very smart looking tail, which doesn’t need pipe cleaners in it to make it look bended. And the body I made has a very formidable looking light belly, so I suppose I am just being a bit too hard on myself. I will just continue working on this sweetie and assemble a prototype. When that is finished I can decide if I find this squirrel whimsical and characteristic enough and if anything needs to be changed.

Yes, that is a good plan. See you when it is finished dear crafters!

Art, Stories

Badger update

Sonja

Hi crafty folks, I just wanted to give you and update on the progress of the badger. Here is a little teaser image for you.

I have a first badger finished and it is already sitting on my bedside table. Now you probably are thinking ‘what am I supposed to do with that info?’ Well, when a doll is finished, I always bring it with me to the bedroom, because I want to have it close to me. You know, like when you were a kid and put your new shoes next to your bed. Or was that only me?

Anyway, now you probably will understand I love this badger plushy to bits. It wasn’t easy to create this more realistic shaped pattern and I got stuck many times. I will tell all about that when I publish the pattern. What I can say now is that this crochet badger means a lot to me. Badgers are me favourite animals and after seeing one in the wild this summer it is very special to now have a homemade miniature badger next to my bed. I think this badger radiates my love for the animal and will make a very special pattern for all animal and badger lovers out there.

And one more thing. This crochet badger is brushed and to be sure all the proportions are good before I could do the promo and pattern photoshoot, I had to finish a first badger. I also want pictures in the pattern of how you assemble the animal, so I needed an unfinished doll for that purpose. I am happy to say everything turned out good so that means I will have two almost identical badgers. Maybe I will sell one off them. I have to think about that.

See you next week 🦊

Chit and Chat

New pattern to arrive soon

Sonja

What will it be? I’ve been a bit lazy with my updates here. Since I use Instagram I regularly post pictures there of the things I am working on and it kinda slips my mind to also write about it at my blog. Nowadays I use this place to publish the patterns. Hope you don’t mind. If you like to see the WIP’s, just check my Instagram account.

But now I am here, I can tell you all about what I am making at the moment. A big, slender spotted cat, yes a cheetah pattern. It’s almost finished and my dear editor is testing the pattern as we speak.

I never made a cheetah because of its spottiness, but they are one of my favourite big cats. Especially juvenile cheetahs with their silly wild fur are too ridiculously cute to be real. I love the expressive face of cheetahs too and was a little bit worried if I could manage to get that right. But I think I did. What do you think?

You just have to wait till the end of the week to find the pattern here. Enjoy it in all its Autumnal fury!

Patterns

My dapper crochet badger pattern

Sonja

Dapper crochet badger

Doesn’t he look dapper, this cute crochet badger amigurumi? Almost a year ago I found in a local bookshop, this utterly amusing postcard with the portrait of a rather realistic badger wearing a striped sweater. It inspired me to make a little sweater pattern for Falun and of course I made a portrait of him wearing it. Some of you may even remember seeing it on my Instagram.

It was my intention to add the pattern for that sweater to Falun’s pattern, but somehow it never really came to it. Because of the lovely reactions I got after posting another picture on IG where Falun was wearing the sweater, I decided to update the pattern as soon as possible.

What has changed and what do you need to do if you already purchased the pattern?

The pattern is completely updated. Falun’s original body was on the chubby side, so I rewrote that part and made a better looking version. There is also an instruction for an even slimmer body, which will fit the dapper sweater. And last but not least, the instruction for the cute sweater is included in the pattern.

Good news for those of you who already have the pattern, you’ll receive an automatic update about this and can download the new version (for free) anytime you like, how about that!

If you don’t have the pattern yet, you can buy it in my shop at Ravelry, Etsy or order it from me here.

Now go and make yourselves a bunch of dapper creatures. Have a lovely end of summer dear crafters!

Patterns

Fun before Autumn, oak leaves & acorns pattern

Sonja

oak leaf crochet pattern

This time of year, when strolling in the forest, you see an abundance of green coloured leaves around you. Some leaves have fallen down already and have changed colour into beautiful yellows and browns on the ground. On the edges of the branches, hidden between the oak leaves, you can see the first signs of Autumn, little acorns are starting to form.

This joyful sight inspired me to make a simple free pattern for oak leaves and acorns. I love oak leaves, their shape is somehow cheerful. The curvy edges that vary in shape, sweetly rounded instead of pointed and often multi coloured by all the little invaders that live from them, make them a special natural beauty.

The leaves you can crochet with this pattern are 9 cm / 3.5 inch long, when made with worsted weight yarn and hook 3.5 / E. You can make a leaf in 15 minutes.

Oak leaves & acorns pattern

crochet oak leaves

You’ll need worsted weight yarn in as much greens and autumn colours as you like and hook 3.5 / E. You’ll also need an embroidery needle to weave in the two yarn ends. The yarn I’ve used for the leaves is Istex Lett Lopi.

Always mark the 1st stitch of a round.

Abbreviations (US terms)

ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, pm = place marker in stitch

Leaf

Crochet around the chain to create an oval shape.

Round 1

1. ch 10, in 2nd ch from hook sc (pm), sc in next 4, hdc in next 3, 3 dc in last, rotate your work and continue in the bottom loops (if you are not sure where to start, count 9 loops back at the bottom, starting counting at the loop opposite to the 1st you’ve marked. You make your first st in the 9th loop) 3 dc in 1st (pm in 1st dc), hdc in next 3, sc in next 5 = 22

If you did it correctly, you have 11 stitches at both sides, counting the marked ones as first.

Now you are going to make the curved sides of the leaf. It’s done in one round all around, but I’ve written it down in steps.

Round 2 (work normal > in both loops of the stitches)

sc in next (the marked one), pm, 2 dc in next, ch 2 in same, sl st in same, sl st in next

sc in next, 3 dc in next, ch 2 in same, sl st in same, sl st in next

sc in next, hdc in next, 2 dc in next, ch 2 in same, sl st in same, sl st in next

sc in next, hdc in same, dc in same

Now you’ve worked till the second marker. The next stitch you’ll do is in the marked stitch. Now you are going to make the curvy edge mirrored for the other side of the leaf:

dc in next, hdc in same, sc in same

sl st in next, sl st in next, ch 2 in same, 2 dc in same, hdc in next, sc in next

sl st in next, sl st in next, ch 2 in same, 3 dc in same, sc in next

sl st in next, sl st in next, ch 2 in same, 2 dc in same, sc in next

The little stem:

sl st in 1st, ch 4, in 2nd ch from hook sl st, sl st in next 2. Now you are back at the first st, do an extra sl st in that one and cut yarn. Weave in the yarn ends to finish your leaf.

Acorns

Bottom part in a lighter colour

1. magic ring of 4

2. (sc in next, 2 sc in next) x 2 = 6

3. (sc in next 2, 2 sc in next) x 2 = 8

4. (sc in next 3, 2 sc in next) x 2 = 10

5-6. sc in each around =10 (stuff acorn)

7. (sc in next 3, s2tog) x 2 = 8

8. s2tog x 4 = 4, sl st, sew hole closed and weave in end.

 

Top in a darker colour

1. magic ring of 5

2. 2 sc in each around =10

3. (sc in next 4, 2 sc in next) x 2 = 12

4. sc in each around = 12, close with sl st and weave yarn end to the top, so you can make a little loop (as stem), make sure your loop does not close and use the rest of the tail to sew the top to the bottom of the acorn. I needle felted the loop at the top so it forms a tight stem.

Happy crocheting!

Patterns

Staruman, crochet sheep pattern

Sonja

With pride and delight, I present to you, Staruman the crochet sheep pattern.

crochet sheep pattern

Staruman is a sheep, but of course a ram too. It is always hard to say which of the amigurumi’s I made is my favourite and it changes occasionally, but this one is very special for sure. The majestic horns and wooly texture of the loop chain stitches of the body make him unique and stunning looking. I had no experience at all with the chain loop stitch (twisted loop stitch) but it is so easy to do and worth the effort.

When I started working on this crochet animal, I had a clear image in my mind of how I wanted him to look. I knew the horns had to be partly worked in the back loops to create the lined structure and the body needed a special stitch too, something that would exaggerate the wooly coat. I started practicing with the loop stitch but didn’t like the result. The loops where thin and when cut the body looked like a pompom. I needed a bulkier, textured sort of loop. That is when I discovered the chain loop stitch. It is easier to make than a loop stitch, just takes more time because of the chains you make before each single crochet stitch. But the result is fabulous.

And about the light spots behind the eyes. For a while now I’m trying to create a more subtile looking eye patch. For this sheep I found a very simple and effective solution and nothing needs to be sewed on, so it always looks the same.

Staruman might look a bit more complicated than most of my patterns, but don’t let it fool you because he is just as easy to make. Crocheting the body and horns only takes a bit more time, that’s all.

Here are a few more pictures of Staruman the crochet sheep and below them you can find info about and links to buy the pattern.

Info about & links to buy the pattern

This impressive, cute and curly sheep is made with Istex Lett Lopi, a 100% wool. He is sitting 14 cm / 5.5 inch tall. Despite his looks, he is quite easy to make and you can finish your sheep in a day or so. I strongly recommend using a fuzzy yarn because it gives the best result for both the eye patches and chain loop stitches.

This crochet sheep pattern contains a clear and colour coded description of how to crochet and assemble the sheep, with extra illustrations and example pictures at the bottom to help you get everything right. In the pattern you can also find what materials you need, the yarn colour numbers, in short, everything you need to know to make your own loopy friend. All the additional information you need to know about this pattern you can find in the shop listings. You can buy this pattern in my shop at Ravelry, Etsy or order it here.

This pattern has a one dollar release discount till Friday the 16th!