Season's Greetings!

I just wanted to take a moment to say Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone who has stopped by Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins this year. An especially warm thank you to everyone who has taken the time to post comments or send me a picture of something they've made with my patterns. After the holidays I'll display a new batch of Tiny Cthulhu pictures from the crocheters who have sent me photos over the past few months.

Until then, if you're not too tired of crochet Christmas ornaments, check out the wonderful snowflakes available from MYpicot. The ones displayed here and numerous others are available as a free download.

Wishing everyone all the best in 2010, have a wonderful holiday season!

Who Can Resist Knitting Narwals?

I just received my copy of Sally Harless's Animals with Pastimes 2010 Calendar in the mail today. I originally spotted this on Craftster and was really enchanted with her clever illustrations. I'm not going to put up any pictures here that Harless hasn't already posted online, but trust me, the illustrations you haven't seen yet are just as clever as the ones you have. This will definitely bring a smile to my face each month as I turn the page to discover more of what the animals are doing when we're not looking.

The calendar is about 8.5 by 7 inches and printed on yellow printer paper. The images are nice and clear and the squares on the calendar have large enough spaces to write in important events. (What more could you want from a calendar?) Of course, I may just leave this one ink free so that at the end of the year I can take out the illustrations and frame some of them.

You can check out more of Harless's artwork or pick up your own 2010 Animals with Pastimes calendar by visiting SadlyHarmless.

An Alternative to Glass Christmas Tree Ornaments

While we were all snuggled in our beds on Christmas Eve, when I was about five years old, our cat ate all the glass balls off the Christmas tree. We only discovered this the next day when tiny fragments of coloured glass were floating in his water dish. Thankfully he not only survived the experience, but went on to live another eleven years. Seriously, knocking them off the tree and rolling them off the floor I could understand. Eating them? Surely, the cat food we were serving wasn't that bad.

Since then we've always avoided putting anything breakable on the tree. I just spotted this clever stash-busting project courtesy of Etsy seller ZooCrafts, who sells these crocheted Christmas ball ornaments in sets of 4 for $15 U.S. A clever alternative to breakable ornaments for anyone who needs to baby-proof or cat-proof their Christmas tree this holiday season.

A Simple Scarf

It's been a while since I've used the old knitting needles. I picked up this yarn at a moving sale of one of my favourite local yarn stores a few months ago. Sadly, the store will now be a 30 minute drive away from my house, instead of less than 5 minutes. That's probably better for my bank account in the long run, and far better than the store going out of business completely.

I've been lured in by this Ornaghi filati before, mostly because I really like the shimmery thread that runs through it. Providing you use a large enough hook or pair of knitting needles this stuff is quite easy to work with and the shimmery part doesn't split or snag.

I only managed to get about 150 grams of this so there certainly wasn't enough for a major project. Instead, I just went with an old standby a simple scarf knitted in a knit 2, pearl 2 pattern. I must confess, I had to pull out the trusty Stitch 'N Bitch to remind myself how to cast on and how to make the pearl stitches. When I was about halfway through the scarf and my needle slipped out of about ten stitches I once again remembered why I prefer crocheting to knitting! Still, I'm happy with the end result and, even though I don't wear scarves that often, I think I'll be keeping this one for myself.

A final picture where you can see the yarn and the knitting up close.

Measuring the Market Bags

I've been trying out some market bag patterns and figured I'd write up some mini-reviews for the ones I've made so far. All of these are currently available for free online, just click the links in the pattern titles.

Pattern: Lily Sugar’n Cream Crochet Market Bag

Difficulty: Medium. This pattern has a series of six rows that you have to keep repeating to create the pattern. It's really important to mark off where you left off when you take a break. Some of the rows are very similar and it can be confusing when you try to remember where you were when you resume your work.

Size: Medium. When completed this one has a hammock shape and a fair bit of stretch. The sides dip down fairly low and I get worried that stuff if going to fall out when I pack a lot into it.

Overall thoughts: I really love the way this pattern looks when it's all stitched up, but I'm not entirely happy with the shape of the completed bag. Someday I want to try repeating the pattern, but working in a round to create a more even shape.

Pattern: Sugar'n Cream - Market Bag (crochet)

Difficulty: Easy. The base rows are single crochet and once that's complete it's just repetition of a single row of mesh stitch. This is very easy to make and, because of the mesh stitch, you make pretty quick progress. I've managed to finish a whole one of these in a single day before.

Size: I've seen so many people on Craftster and other sites talk about how amazingly large and stretchy they find this bag. Personally, I found it to be the smallest of the three. It has lots of vertical stretch, but very little horizontal give, which limits the size of items you can carry in it.

Overall thoughts: A simple, quick bag that's enjoyable to make, but if you want something large, I'd suggest looking elsewhere.

Pattern: Lionbrand's Free Crochet Pattern
Market Bag

Difficulty: Easy. Lots of double crochet stitches worked in the round. It's also time consuming, taking me several weeks to complete.

Size: Large. Of the three patterns I tried, this one definitely resulted in the largest bag. It also stretches nicely, and doesn't gape at the top, so I don't worry about stuff falling out.

Overall thoughts: The bag has a nice shape, but no fancy stitches to admire. On the other hand, once you've gotten the feel for this one you could add a couple rows of more intricate stitching or some beadwork in the middle to pretty it up a bit. If you're looking for something large, this is definitely the one to make.

If you've tried any of these patterns before, let me know what you thought of them. Have a different free market bag pattern that you really like? If so, share the link in the comments section.

Introducing Biggs and Smalls - Now with Free Patterns

We have lately become obsessed with the new PS3 game Critter Crunch. How can one possibly resist a high paced game that involves spitting out bugs, collecting jewels and puking up rainbows? That's right, I said puking up rainbows!

Pictured here are our tribute to the game, the father and son duo Biggs and Smalls. I created the patterns and crocheted the critters. The boyfriend, who is both wise and witty, took charge of stuffing them and creating the eyes. They were made with Fimo clay and then hand painted. For Biggs's body I borrowed heavily from heavens_hellcat's Blue Totoro Pattern since these critters look a lot like Totoro's minus the ears and tails. Smalls's body is slightly different, a little flatter on bottom.

Want the Pattern?

Check out the free patterns we've created for Biggs and Smalls. As always, if you have any questions or see any problems with a pattern feel free to contact me through the comments section and don't forget to check out my other free patterns available in the left side bar.

Critter Crunch's Smalls with Free Pattern

Smalls Pattern

Materials

1 skein worsted weight yellow yarn (sample was made with Bernat Satin: Sunrise)
1 skein worsted weight pale yellow yarn (sample was made with Bernat Satin: Banana)
Size E (3.5mm) crochet hook
Quilt batting (or your preferred stuffing material)
Black felt (a very small amount for nostrils)
Polymer clay in white
Light blue, dark blue and white acrylic paint

Body

With yellow 6 sc in magic ring
RND 1: work 2 sc in each st around. (12 stitches)
RND 2: *sc in first st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (18 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 2 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (24 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 3 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (30 stitches)
RND 5: *sc in first 4 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (36 stitches)
RND 6: *sc in first 8 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (40 stitches)
RND 7-9: sc in each st around (40 stitches)
RND 10: *sc in first 3 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (50 stitches)
RND 11: *sc in first 4 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (60 stitches)
RND 12-16: sc in each st around, (60 stitches
RND 17: *sc in first 4 st, dec over next two st*, repeat around (50 stitches)
RND 18: *sc in first 3 st, dec over next two st*, repeat around (40 stitches)
RND 19: *sc in first 2 st, dec over next two st*, repeat around (30 stitches)
RND 20: *sc in first 3 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (24 stitches)
RND 21: *sc in first 2 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (18 stitches)
RND 22: *sc in first st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (12 stitches)
Stuff body firmly.
RND 23: *dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (6 stitches)
Sl st into first into next st to finish off, weave yarn through these last 6 stitches and seal shut.

Stomach

With pale yellow 5 sc in magic ring
RND 1: work 2 sc in each st around. (10 stitches)
RND 2: *sc in first st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (15 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 2 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (20 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 3 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (25 stitches)
RND 5: *sc in first 4 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (30 stitches)
Sl stitch into next stitch to finish off, leave long yarn tail for sewing

Feet (make 2)

With yellow 4 sc in magic ring
RND 1: work 2 sc in each st around. (8 stitches)
RND 2: *sc in first st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (12 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 2 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (16 stitches)
RND 4-6: sc in each st around (16 stitches)
Sl stitch into next stitch. Don’t sew shut, leave long yarn tail for attaching to body.

Eyes (make 2)

Use pictures as a guideline. Cut white eye shape out of polymer clay. Try using a coin to flatten. After pieces have baked and cooled, apply a layer of white paint over whole front of eye. Let dry, then paint on larger dark blue circle, let dry. Paint middle light blue circle, let dry. Paint dark blue centre circle, let dry. Paint small white dots in top right corner of eye.

Assembly

Use pictures as a guideline. Whipstitch stomach to front of body. Stuff feet lightly and sew to body. (You may want to add a bit of extra stuffing to them just before you make your last couple of stitches to sew them to the body.) Use glue gun to attach eyes to body. Cut small round circles for nostrils from black felt and glue gun these to body.

As always, if you have any questions or find any problems in the pattern feel free to contact me by posting a comment. Also don't forget to check out my pattern for Biggs's son Smalls, along with my other free patterns that can be found in the left sidebar.

Critter Crunch's Biggs With Free Pattern

Biggs Pattern

Materials

1 skein worsted weight orange yarn (sample was made with Bernat Satin: Sunset)
1 skein worsted weight pale yellow yarn (sample was made with Bernat Satin: Banana)
Size E (3.5mm) crochet hook
Quilt batting (or your preferred stuffing material)
Black felt (a very small amount for nostrils)
Polymer clay in white
Light blue, dark blue and white acrylic paint

Body

With orange 6 sc in magic ring
RND 1: work 2 sc in each st around. (12 stitches)
RND 2: *sc in first st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (18 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 2 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (24 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 3 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (30 stitches)
RND 5: *sc in first 4 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (36 stitches)
RND 5: *sc in first 5 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (42 stitches)
RND 7: *sc in first 6 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (48 stitches)
RND 8: *sc in first 7 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (54 stitches)
RND 9: *sc in first 8 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (60 stitches)
RND 10-13: sc in each st around (60 stitches)
RND 14: *sc in first 5 st, 2 sc in next st,*, repeat around (70 stitches)
RND 15: *sc in first 6 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (80 stitches)
RND 16-25: sc in each st around (80 stitches)
RND 26: *sc in first 8 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (72 stitches)
RND 27: *sc in first 10 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (66 stitches)
RND 28: *sc in first 9 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (60 stitches)
RND 29: *sc in first 8st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (54 stitches)
RND 30: *sc in first 7 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (48 stitches)
RND 31: *sc in first 6 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (42 stitches)
RND 32: *sc in first 5 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (36 stitches)
RND 33: *sc in first 4 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (30 stitches)
RND 34: *sc in first 3 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (24 stitches)
RND 35: in back loop only *sc in first 2 st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (18 stitches)
RND 36: *sc in first st, dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (12 stitches)
Stuff body firmly.
RND 37: *dec over next 2 st*, repeat around (6 stitches)
Sl st into first into next st to finish off, weave yarn through these last 6 stitches and seal shut.

Stomach

With pale yellow 5 sc in magic ring
RND 1: work 2 sc in each st around. (10 stitches)
RND 2: *sc in first st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (15 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 2 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (20 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 3 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (25 stitches)
RND 5: *sc in first 4 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (30 stitches)
RND 5: *sc in first 5 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (35 stitches)
RND 7: *sc in first 6 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (40 stitches)
RND 8: *sc in first 7 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (45 stitches)
RND 9: *sc in first 8 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (50 stitches)
RND 10: *sc in first 9 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (55 stitches)
Sl stitch into next stitch to finish off, leave long yarn tail for sewing

Feet (make 2)

With orange 6 sc in magic ring
RND 1: work 2 sc in each st around. (12 stitches)
RND 2: *sc in first st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (18 stitches)
RND 3: *sc in first 2 st, 2 sc in next st*, repeat around (24 stitches)
RND 4-6: sc in each st around (24 stitches)
Sl stitch into next stitch. Don’t sew shut, leave long yarn tail for attaching to body.

Eyes (make 2)

Use pictures as a guideline. Cut white eye shape out of polymer clay. Try using a coin to flatten. After pieces have baked and cooled, apply a layer of white paint over whole front of eye. Let dry, then paint on larger dark blue circle, let dry. Paint middle light blue circle, let dry. Paint dark blue centre circle, let dry. Paint small white dots in top right corner of eye.

Assembly

Use pictures as a guideline. Whipstitch stomach to front of body. Stuff feet lightly and sew to body. (You may want to add a bit of extra stuffing to them just before you make your last couple of stitches to sew them to the body.) Use glue gun to attach eyes to body. Cut small round circles for nostrils from black felt and glue gun these to body.

As always, if you have any questions or find any problems in the pattern feel free to contact me by posting a comment. Also don't forget to check out my pattern for Biggs's son Smalls, along with my other free patterns that can be found in the left sidebar.

Mini Medusa

Given enough time I will end up making every creature in Christen Hayden's Creepy Cute Crochet. I attempted a Medusa a few weeks ago, but didn't get the head snakes made in the correct proportion to the body. This time I decided to follow the pattern more closely and, as you can see, things have turned out much better. Lately I'm really keen on making small amigurumis, perhaps because I'm running out of space for the larger ones. This was made with some leftover sport weight baby yarn on the head and some sport weight Red Heart in black.

I've almost got two new free patterns ready to post. My latest creations are just awaiting some eyes. The boyfriend, who is both wise and witty, is making those out of clay for me. The new designs are video game oriented, but that's all I'm going to say about them for now. Feel free to share your guesses as to what they might be in the comments section. I'll try to get them finished and posted before the end of the month.

The mini Medusa hanging with her friend the Tea Ninja.

Oh Christmas Tree - So cute!

I'll forgive PlanetJune for reminding us all that there are just 7 weeks left until Christmas, but only because she's created this charming little Christmas tree pattern. Only seven weeks...and I haven't done any gift buying yet. Okay, mustn't stress by thinking about that...

Isn't this beautiful? It can stand on its own or be stuffed and turned into a hanging Christmas (tree?) ornament. Should we hang trees on our tree, or is that just redundant?

Anyways, the decorating possibilities are endless. I know the local Michael's store sells miniaturized Christmas tree ornaments for a tiny plastic tree that they sell. I'm thinking those ornaments would look even better on this tree than the one they're offering. Click on the link above to see more pictures of June's latest pattern or purchase a copy for just US $4.50.

Fone Bone - Now with Accessories and Backpack Tutorial!

I've made another Fone Bone following the pattern I created a while back. This one's for the boyfriend's mom. She works in an elementary school library and wanted Fone to help encourage the kids to read Jeff Smith's wonderful books.

I've always thought that my little Fone needed his backpack. I know that some of the other people who've taken advantage of the free pattern have taken the time to give him one. So I crocheted up backpacks for the new Fone Bone as well as my original one. We also decided to break out the sculpy and add a few accessories. Now, we're no Geek Central Station, but I think these are pretty good for beginners. The experience also made me a little bit more in awe of Geek Central Station, since I discovered I definitely don't have the patience for painting tiny sculpy items.

Nevertheless, I present our tiny backpack, along with Fone's trusty copy of Moby Dick and a Harvestar medallion. (The medallion and Harvestar crest appear throughout the series, but are most prominent at the climax of Book 6: Old Man's Cave). We actually made two sets of everything, but I'm only showing off pictures of one. The boyfriend, who is both wise and witty, gets credit for making the accessories. I'm most impressed that the books actually look like they have individual pages if you look at them up close.


Backpack Tutorial

This one's pretty simple to crochet. Depending on the thickness of the yarn you've used to make Fone Bone you may want to make the initial chain a couple stitches larger or smaller to create the right sized backpack (and adjust other stitch counts proportionally).

Materials
worsted weight yarn
size F (3.75 mm) crochet hook
1 small button
1 small dome or snap

Chain 8
Rnd 1: Sc in second chain from hook and in next 6 chain spaces, 3 sc in the last chain space. Do Not Turn. Work into other side of chain. Sc in bottom of each chain across, placing two 2 sc in last space. Slip stitch into first stitch to join.
Rnd 2: ch 1, sc crochet around (approx. 16 stitches around).
Rep. Rnd 2 for 8 rows, or until piece measures about 2 1/2 inches.
Rnd 3: chain 24 (or create chain long enough to wrap around Fone Bone's body as the backpack strap is wrapped in photos. Give yourself about half an inch of extra room). Once chain is long enough, sk first 2 chains, then hdc into each chain space all the way back to the base of the backpack.
Rnd 4: sc in first 9 stitches of backpack. Turn.
Rnd5: Ch 1, sc in each st across backpack. Turn (9 stitches)
rep Rnd 5 for approx 7 rows.
Rnd 6: Ch1, sc in first 4 stitches, ch 1, skip next stitch, sc in next four stitches. Turn.
Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc in 9 stitches across. Finish off.

Sew the button in place to close backpack. Sew one piece of the dome/snap to the end of the strap. Place other piece of dome/snap in lower corner on back of backpack, opposite from the side the strap is attached to. (Use pictures as a guide.)

Enjoy! And look under My Free Patterns in the column on the left for more Boneville related patterns.

A Cthulhu of a Different Sort

These aren't the type of Cthulhu you'd typically find at Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins, but we welcome strange monsters of all sorts here. Plus, I'm currently obsessed with crocheting eyeballs. In my head I'm planning some sort of large eyeballed amigurumi monster. Coming soon, time permitting.

Until then we have these terrific Cthulhu Babies courtesy of Etsy seller Ugly Gerbil, (great name by the way!). There's no pattern, but you can pick up these handmade babies ranging from $14-$18 U.S. Ugly Gerbil has a wonderful selection of these critters available in the store. They're perfect for all your cute, creepy monster keychain needs. I also love the idea of using these guys as Christmas ornaments. Check out the glittery eye on that Angel Cthulhu, that's a great extra detail!

Australia Bound

I just popped these fellas in the mail today. These are our donations to this year's Softies for Mirabel campaign. Come December these amigurumis and dozens of others will be given away to children who come from families that have been affected by substance abuse.

On the far left is my newest creation. We're calling this one the Eggplant Baby and it was designed by the boyfriend, who is both wise and witty. His original intention was a Medusa-like creation, but you can see I didn't quite get the hair long enough for the head size. Next time!

Also included here is one my Tiny Cthulhus and the frog that I made when I was testing out Tamie Snow's Tiny Yarn Animals. For those that are interested, there's still time if you want to send out one of your own creations. Donations that are received by December 10, 2009 will also be part of a window display at Meet Me At Mike's. Visit the Meet Me At Mike's blog for more details on how you can contribute.

Crafting of a Different Sort

The boyfriend, who is both wise and witty, and I spent a day at V-Con 34 a couple weekends ago . Since most of the goodies I picked up there were by original artists and science fiction themed I thought I'd share a few pics here. Some of these were one-of-a-kind pieces so I've photoshopped "copy" text over them to prevent people from making their own versions from my pics. Hope no one minds, but the artist's are only getting the revenue from my payment and I'd feel bad about copies getting out.

Up first is this amazingly detailed picture of the Firefly ship Serenity. Most of you already knew that, right? This comes from Chilam and I picked it up from the convention's Art Auction. I chose to pay the direct buy price, since I never seem to have any luck when I try to get something by bidding. Now I just have to pick up a frame for it sometime.


There were lots of really talented independent comic artists at V-Con this year. These next two pieces were printed on 4 X 6 inch photo paper and represent two of our favorite video games. These were drawn by comicker Angela Melick. You can check out her other work in her online comic Wasted Talent. No frames for these ones, I think they're going to become part of our growing collection of refrigerator art.

Sushi Dragon artist Lindsay Broadway's table is one of my favorite stops in the Dealer's Room at V-Con. This year all I picked up was the free sticker that's at the top of this picture. Below that are two magnets from Sushi Dragon that I purchased at a past V-con. I also have a necklace charm with one of her dragons, but it was too small to photograph well. I know the web page in the link isn't completed, but you can click on the DeviantArt, samanayrs and glassgryphs buttons at the bottom of the page to see more of her work. Personally I just love all the bright colours and the original look of her critters.





This picture comes from a t-shirt that I picked up in the Artist's Alley courtesy of Vigilant Comics. Some of my friends and I have an in-joke about ducs so the drawing of a monster gobbling up the ducklings at the end of the line tickled my funny bone. Sorry, to the uninitiated, I won't be explaining the joke. Hopefully you'll see the picture's charm anyway.

This last picture is "Chance Meeting" by James F. Beveridge. Something about this really appealed to me. It reminds me a bit of Wall-E. I was considering picking up a print of it from the Art Auction, but I had to forgo it due to a shortage of cash. It wasn't until I got home that I realized a full-colour version had been printed onto the backs of the V-Con 34 Program book. The paper quality obviously isn't as good as a real print, but it is approx. 8 X 11 inches and will probably look quite nice if I pick up a mat board and frame for it.

So that's my shopping experience at V-Con 34. We also went to quite a few panels and heard some great guest speakers this year including Tanya Huff (author of the Blood Ties novels which were later turned into a TV Series of the same name) and Christine Willes (who played the memorable and hilarious Dolores Herbig on the TV series Dead Like Me).

It's Kif! And Lord Nibbler!

In honour of this project I thought about opening with a favourite quote from Kif, but honestly the best part about Kif is the way he sighs in defeat every time Zapp Brannigan makes some ridiculous request of him.

Zapp: Kif, get down there and unjam the missle, would you? Be a dear.
Kif: (sighs)
Zapp: And stop sighing so much.

(from Futurama , The Beast With A Billion Backs)

Kif here is the latest Futurama-related project from Craftster user LuckyNumber7 who is hoping to create crochet versions of the entire cast. I think she captured his likeness quite well and I can't wait to see more Futurama characters from her.

My own Nibbler pattern is always going to be my favourite, but I really like this version designed by Alicia of Hooks & Needles. I particularly like the eyeballs which are much more realistic looking than the flat felt eyes that I used on my design. I also like that Alicia went the extra mile and added the diaper. I just keep telling myself that my own little Nibblonian is house trained! You can get a free copy of Alicia's Nibbler pattern by clicking the link to her blog.

Fiona: The brains suppress intelligence by attacking the Delta brain wave. Every animal and robot generates this wave, as well as certain trees.
Nibbler: Fry, however, does not.
Fiona: Somehow he has cobbled together a random assortment of other brain waves into a working mind.
Leela: Like a prom dress made of carpet remnants!
Nibbler: Yes, like your prom dress.

(from Futurama, The Day The Earth Stood Stupid)

Snowman Family and Fat Flakes! Cute Thing of the Week!

Is it too early to start talking about Christmas? I figure it's never too early if you're a crafter since you need to get all the gifts and decorations made before the Christmas season arrives. I'm a huge fan of snowman-based projects when it comes to Christmas gifts and decor. I like that they evoke a sense of celebrating winter without making reference to any specific religious focus.

This adorable little Snowman Family is a free pattern available from the Bernat website. They look quick and easy to make. Ideal if you're new to crochet or if you want to make some snowy friends to give your home that festive winter feel. My only quibble is that these folks are made with Handicrafter Cotton. With its shimmery look, I personally think that Bernat's Satin line would be a nicer choice for creating a snowy look.

These cross stitch patterns aren't free like the crochet pattern, but I was pleased to see that my favourite collection of snowman cross stitch patterns is still in print. In the spirit of all things cute and snowman-based I thought I'd feature it here too. This is Fat Flakes by Ursula Michael and it's a beautiful resource for snowman gifts. If you like what you see here you may also want to check out its companion book, City Flakes, also by Ursula Michael. Apparently there is a third volume called Country Flakes, but I haven't had any luck tracking it down. Anyone else seen it online or in stores?

Wing Tutorial for Tiny Cthulhu

I've received a few comments from people who have trouble figuring out the wing instructions in the Tiny Cthulhu pattern. Since I'm making another one of these myself right now I figured I could photograph the process as I went.

Here again are the full instructions for the Tiny Cthulhu wing piece. Along with each photo, I've reprinted the instruction describing what is done in that picture. For those that are curious, I'm making my wing with a size F (3.75mm) crochet hook and the yarn is Loops & Threads Impeccable Worsted Weight in Luxury Ombre.

Wings (make two)

Ch 4. Turn and do 1 sc in each of next 3 ch sps. Ch 1, turn. 3 sc, ch 4. turn. 3 sc on chain, 3 hdc on the three sc. Ch1, turn. 3 sc, ch 5, 4 sc in chain, 3 hdc. Ch1, turn. 4 sc, ch 6, 5 sc in chain, 4 hdc. Ch 3 *Work appox. 8 dc along the top edge of the wing (opposite the pointy bits). Sl St into first Ch, or near first Ch. Fasten off.

Pic 1: Ch 4. Turn and do 1 sc in each of next 3 ch sps (skip chain closest to hook).

Pic 2: Ch 1, turn. 3 sc, ch 4. turn

Pic 3: 3 sc on chain (skip chain closest to hook), 3 hdc on the three sc. Ch1, turn.

Pic 4: 3 sc, ch 5, (skip chain closest to the hook) 4 sc in chain, 3 hdc. Ch1, turn.

Pic 5: 4 sc, ch 6, 5 sc in chain (skip chain closest to hook), 4 hdc. Ch 3

Pic 6: *Work appox. 8 dc along the top edge of the wing (opposite the pointy bits). At this point, I've only crocheted the first four double crochet stitches so you can see where they should go.

Pic 7: Sl St into first Ch, or near first Ch. Fasten off.

Now just make a second wing following these instructions and attach them both to the back of your cthulhu.

Hope this helps clear things up a bit. Post a comment if you have any more questions.

Softies for Mirabel is Seeking Handmade Toys

Are the amigurumis you've made starting to take over your house? If so, it might be time for them to take a trip abroad and find a new home. Meet Me at Mikes, an Australian craft store, has put out the call for donations in its third annual Softies for Mirabel campaign. You can click the store link to get the full details from Pip's post, so I'll just share a short version of the story with you here.

The owners of Meet Me at Mikes are collecting softies; any crocheted, knit or sewn toy that is child safe. The softies will be displayed in the Mike's shop window from December 1-10th. After that the toys will be matched up and given out to children between the ages of 3 to 17 years old as part of the Mirabel Foundation's annual toy drive. The Mirabel Foundation helps children in families that have been affected by substance abuse.

As anyone who makes amigurumis knows, it doesn't take that long to crochet a stuffed toy. Most small amigurumis can be finished within a couple of hours or days. And most take up only one skein of wool or less, so this is a perfect way to reduce that stash of leftovers a bit. Since the Softies For Mirabel aren't being sold, it's perfectly fine to used published patterns for your creation. However, you can also see this as an opportunity to experiment with making your own pattern, or take advantage of the numerous free patterns available online.

Last year I sent these two amigurumis to the Softies for Mirabel campaign. It was great to know that the kids Mirabel helps would be getting a unique handmade item in their Christmas stocking. I was also struck by how inexpensive it was to send my donation from Canada to Australia. With a shipping price of only $7 Cdn, it cost me less than I've payed in the past to send packages within Canada.

Ready to start stitching? Donations are being accepted from now until December 10, 2009. Visit Meet Me at Mikes to find out where to send your creations and how you can share photos of your softie.

New Cousins in the Family

Cthulhu Crochet and Cousins has a few new cousins to display. These were sent in by stitchers who have been trying out my Tiny Cthulhu Pattern.

At least two recent commenters mentioned that this was their first attempt at amigurumi, and you certainly wouldn't know it from their end products. First up is this cthulhu on the left created by Ilumiari. I love the extra details here like the ribbon and the expressive eyes. They make the tiny cthulhu even cuter. I'm not that good at stitching on facial features so I am definitely in awe of Ilumiari's skills. I certainly wouldn't know she was new to amigurumi if she hadn't told me.

Next up is this Baby Cthulhu that was crocheted by Buttonater. In her comment she writes, "My first ever crochet project, and I'm proud as hell." Definitely worth being proud of. I think the little x-stitch eyes making baby look a just little bit creepy, but in a good way!



Now what is it about Cthulhus, that we so often find them posing with cats? I should note that the cats never seem to look that happy about the situation either. I don't know if that's their general disdain of having their picture taken or contempt for the little crochet critter they're sharing the photo with. To the left here, along with his feline friend (?), is a cthulhu created by Ilana. She's also the creator of this second great cthulhu shown below.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their photos with me, it's great to see the pattern is appreciated and being used. As always, if any other readers out there have made something with one of my patterns feel free to post a comment and share a link to a photo of your creation.