Christmas is coming

Posted on December 2, 2016December 2, 2016 by drunkenauntwendy 7 Comments

I don’t always crochet. Sometimes, I knit little hats and scarves for my champagne corks.

This is a fun way to use up little scraps of yarn and all those champagne corks I have been saving for the last year. Any excuse to drink bubbles is a good excuse. That reminds me, I should pick up some bottles for the holidays and maybe be able to make this little one some friends.

Sometimes I spend my Friday nights painting.

It usually depends on whether we have kid things to do. The kids are at an age where they are very active. I’m playing with abstract concepts and ideas right now and I’m really enjoying the results. I signed up for a subscription with artist network TV and I watch classes on different types of art mediums to get ideas. The best results usually happen when I experiment. I am playing with Liquitex String Gel Medium right now and I am really enjoying the results. Nothing is good enough to share with the world just yet.

I also tried my hand at Needlepoint this last week.

I haven’t done needlepoint in a very long time, but my Dad requested this for Christmas. The plan is to take this completed piece and wrap it around a spool. Then you string beads and a hanger to turn it into an ornament. I am currently lacking some of the supplies to finish it, so a trip to the craft store is in order. YAY! Excuse to go shopping. The design is one of my Aunt Beth’s who sadly passed away this summer. I have another design that Dad would also like done, so I will be venturing back into this craft. I did enjoy it, but it required way more focus than crochet does. I might repurpose the tree designs for another project.

I have been working on crochet projects, but I run out of yarn when they are done so I can’t test them.

That’s okay the trip to the craft store is still in order.

I am trying to be better about posting. I even put in in my calendar which means I have to do it. Make sure you follow me on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates as to what I have going on and what I am making.

Reminder tomorrow the design contest starts. Make sure to vote for Mango and Tango, Clyde, Sparky and Frostina, and Beebs.

Next Friday, Polliwag will be typed and up as a free pattern.

This week the #tbt was Beebs. Have you made him yet? What do you think of those eyes?

What would you like to see on the blog?

Tutorials (like how I created those awesome eyelashes for the Witch)

Features of other crochet designers that I like.

Links to patterns I think are great

Where I get my supplies

Anything else

Free Pattern – Vulpix

Posted on November 29, 2016August 4, 2021 by drunkenauntwendy 4 Comments

I know I made the Pokémon toys awhile ago. It is taking me awhile to get them typed.

Just got Vulpix typed. The picture isn’t fabulous, but she is ready for all who wish to crochet her. And hopefully in time for the holidays. I know I still need to get Polliwag and Jigglypuff typed.

Please keep in mind that this pattern has not been tested. If you have problems or questions, email me or comment and I will try to assist you. Follow the link vulpix for a .pdf of the pattern. Please let me know if there are any problems. Make sure you use #drunkenauntwendy so I can find your finished items.

I’ve entered Sparky, Frostina and Clyde in a Design Contest. It is all about Monsters and there are some super cute ones on here. Vote for me starting December 3. Remember you can only vote once and they usually have you vote for up to five. I may enter another one in tomorrow.

Free Pattern – Q-bert

Posted on November 10, 2016August 4, 2021 by drunkenauntwendy 4 Comments

I’ve been busy. I was working feverishly on Nosferatu to get him done before Halloween.

Sadly, I had the prototype done but didn’t have it tested. He’s all tested now. I really like giving things creepy white eyes. I haven’t been able to find white plastic eyes, so I just spray paint a pair in the appropriate diameter using a paint with a satin finish. I think the satin finish gives them a decidedly flat and creepy look. The pattern for Nosferatu is up for sale on Ravely, Craftsy and Etsy. I even made a kit.

I like kits as I don’t have to find the yarn colors, notions, etc. I also don’t have to buy a whole skein when I only need a few yards of a color. Let’s be honest, I usually don’t mind buying an extra ball of yarn here and there, but I’m supposed to be cutting down my stash and only buying what I need. Hence a kit. If you want to make your very own creature of the night, you can pick up the kit on Etsy as well.

Now I titled this blog free pattern and I haven’t even started talking about any pattern. What is wrong with me?

It’s Q-bert. I love 80’s pop culture referenced and I totally remember watching this cartoon as a kid. I didn’t play the game that much. Isn’t he just adorable with his snout and big eyes. He does stand on his own, but it takes some manipulation to get the balance right. He tends to be the tiniest bit top heavy.

Before I keep rambling, here’s the Pattern. It hasn’t been tested so if there are problems, please let me know. If there is anything confusing, let me know that as well.

I’m working on a turkey I have affectionately named Chief Featherbrain.

His one foot just wants to hang out all wonky. He’s being tested now and hopefully, I’ll have his pattern up soon.

Then it’s on to Christmas Crochet. I’m trying to decide between Yukon Cornelius, The bumble, Hermie or Ralphie from A Christmas Story.

Oh and I also entered a contest with Clyde.

Rawr!

I’ll post more details later on how to vote. I’m trying to get up a few more monsters entered into the contest before the deadline.

Happy Crocheting.

Eevee with modifications

Posted on September 20, 2016 by drunkenauntwendy Leave a comment

I had a friend request some Pokémon for his wife. They are quite the Pokémon Go players. He wanted Eevee, Polliwag, Vulpix, Jigglypuff and Ponyta. We decided Ponyta might not translate to stuffed form. Not being one to recreate the wheel, I checked the internet for patterns for these Pokémon. If you haven’t gone to Wolf Dreamer’s site, I highly recommend it. There are some great patterns there. I used this Pattern as my starting point for Eevee. I don’t use a lot of felt (I never have it at home), so I added crocheted eyes. I changed the legs to a simpler version. I also didn’t line the ears with felt, leaving them simply crocheted. Finally, I made a small modification to the tail.

My colors:

I Love This Yarn in Toasted Almond, Ivory, Brown, Black and a tiny bit of White.

The only other supplies I used are polyfiberfill and a Size E crochet hook.

Using a Size E hook my finished Eevee was about 6 inches tall and 8-10 inches long. She is super cute which doesn’t really translate in the picture.

Modifications to the pattern.

Feet (Make 4) – work in round don’t join

Ch 2
Round 1: 6 SC in 2nd Chain from hook (6)
Round 2: INC in each stitch (12)
Round 3: (SC, INC) 6 times (18)
Round 4: SC in BLO (18)
Round 5: SC row (18)
Round 6: (DEC) 3 times, 6 SC (15)
Rounds 7-11: 5 rows SC (15 each row).
Fasten Off. Stuff and sew to bottom of the body.

Eyes (Make 2) – Start with Black

Ch 4
Round 1: SC in 2nd Chain from hook. SC in next stitch. 3 SC in last chain. 
On the unworked side, 2 SC, finally 3 SC in last stitch, Change Colors to Brown.
Round 2: (Continuing around the Oval) 2 SC, (INC) 3 times, 2 SC, Slip Stitch.
Fasten Off. 
Embroider a highlight in each eye with the white. 
Sew to head and embroider face with the brown.

Tail

Round 10: Instead of fully changing colors to Toasted Almond alternate Ivory and Toasted Almond every other stitch. Switch to Toasted Almond at the end of the row and continue with the pattern as written.

Pikachu Hats for Cats – and sometimes dogs.

Posted on September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 by drunkenauntwendy Leave a comment

Pokémon Go fever has taken over, at least in our house. I got an odd request over Facebook. “Can you make a Pikachu Hat for a cat for a gift?” Not one to back down from a challenge, I happily accepted.

It looks a little silly without a cat in it, but it ended up working really well.

Here is Lucky.

She’s exceedingly unimpressed with this. I’m lucky she didn’t bite me.

My Chihuahua wanted to join in on the fun.

Then he kept trying to shake it off. Silly Weeble.

Would you like to make a hat for your cat or possibly a small dog? You are in luck.

I typed up the pattern. Make a hat, put it on a cat and send me a pic. Here’s a link to the pattern: pickachu-hat

Exploring creativity in other ways

Posted on February 4, 2016 by drunkenauntwendy Leave a comment

I love to knit and crochet. I love the feel of the fibers moving through my hands. It is fun for me to see the completed objects form as I try different techniques to get the creature/scarf/hat to turn out like my sketch. It is a long process and a lot of trial and error.

Painting is a bit different for me, especially abstract paintings. Sometimes I need a fast project that gives me quicker results. The shapes and colors are a great way to experiment. These often are applied to my fiber projects as I see what colors I like and try to replicate them with crochet or knit projects.

Friday afternoons are usually spent with my mom playing with canvases. I try to go into these days with no pre-conceived notions.

IMG_1162 (1) — My abstract painting with red, yellow and purple

IMG_1160 (1) — My mom’s painting playing with textures and brush strokes

Things I’ve been up to.

Posted on January 26, 2016January 26, 2016 by drunkenauntwendy Leave a comment

I wanted to come up with a Valentine’s Day themed item. I love double knitting and working with bright colors. I came up with a chart and swatched it to see if it would work. I had some really fun red variegated yarn from Knit Picks that was on clearance. After swatching, I realized that it wasn’t enough to make a full project. I started toying with the idea of a scarf, but finally decided on a reversible cowl that could be worn many ways. I also am quite partial to lime green and hot pink. (I must be channeling my inner pre-teen.)

Hot Pink and Lime Green cowl shown three ways.

I haven’t posted the pattern yet, as I still need to test it.

After this time intensive project, I wanted to do something small and fun.

How cute is this? The pattern is from ahookamigurumi. Check out her blog. There are tons of versions of this cute little guy. As you can see, I have a new photo area that I am really liking right now.

Finally, I working on kits. Remember Mr. Sniffles, the cold virus that is simply adorable? Now he is available in a kit. The pattern will stay free, but if you are having trouble getting the yarn or don’t want to buy extra eyes when you only want one set order the kit.

IMG_1165 (2) — Mr. Sniffles completed and ready to be made.

Let me know if you have any suggestions for other kits that I should hurry to get in the shop.

Hope everyone is enjoying this January.

Wendy

Topsy Turvy – Free Pattern

Posted on January 15, 2016August 4, 2021 by drunkenauntwendy Leave a comment

Topsy flips over to create his friend Turvy. He was created to explore the idea of one creature flipping over to make a completely different stuffed friend. This little amigurumi is super cute no matter which way you turn him.

Materials

Worsted Weight Yarn

I love this yarn – Hot Orchid

I love this yarn – Graphite

I love this yarn – Black

18 MM Safety Eyes

Size E crochet hook

Polyfiberfill

Large Eye Needle

Small Sharp Embroidery Needle

Abbreviations

SC – Single Crochet

CH- Chain

FO – Fasten Off

SL ST – Slip Stitch

INC – Make two Single Crochet in Same Stitch

DEC – Single Crochet two stitches together

BLO – Back Loops Only

LS – Loop Stitch

LSINC – Loop Stitch Increase

Note: Entire project is worked in the round. Use a stitch marker or a scrap piece of yarn to mark the beginning of each row. Then you don’t have to count every row. Do not join unless instructed to.

Parentheses indicate a repeat. Repeat the stitches in the parentheses for the number of times indicated.

The bracketed number [] is the number of stitches at the end of each row.

I spread my increases out so there isn’t a seam on the finished piece. If you do not like this method, you can do regular increases.

I have not included a step by step tutorial on how to do a loop stitch. Here is a helpful tutorial on Crochet Me’s website. http://www.crochetme.com/forums/t/28870.aspx

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at drunkenauntwendy@gmail.com.

HEAD/BODY – in Graphite

Note: The head is started in Loop Stitch. As Loop Stitch shows on the wrong side of the fabric, you will reverse your stitching to end up on the right side when you start single crocheting. Work a Loop Stitch Increase by doing two Loop Stitches in the same stitch.

Ch 2

Round 1: 6 SC in 2^nd Ch from hook [6].

Round 2: LSINC in each stitch around [12 LS].

Round 3: (LS, LSINC) 6 times [18 LS].

Round 4: (LS, LSINC, LS) 6 times [24 LS].

Round 5: (3 LS, LSINC) 6 times [30 LS].

Round 6: (2 LS, LSINC, 2 LS) 6 times [36 LS].

Round 7: You will be changing colors to Hot Orchid in the last stitch of this row.

(5 LS, LSINC) 6 times [42 LS].

Round 8: Turn the work so the right side (the loops) are facing outward Reminder the rest of the creature is worked in single crochet. (3 SC, INC, 3 SC) 6 times [48].

Round 9: (7 SC, INC) 6 times [54].

Rounds 10-23: SC in each stitch for 14 rows [54 SC per row].

Round 24: (7 SC, DEC) 6 times [48].

Round 25: (6 SC, DEC) 6 times [42].

Place Eyes between Rows 16 and 17 approximately 7 stitches apart. This should be right underneath the hair.

Embroider the face using the pictures as a guide. Hide the mouth for Turvy under the loops for the hair.

Start Stuffing. You want to stuff firmly and make sure that the stuffing doesn’t cause lumps on the outside of your creature.

Round 26: (5 SC, DEC) 6 times [36].

Round 27: (4 SC, DEC) 6 times [30].

Round 28: (3 SC, DEC) 6 times [24].

Round 29: (2 SC, DEC) 6 times [18].

Round 30: (SC, DEC) 6 times [12].

Round 31: (DEC) 6 times [6].

Fasten off leaving a 6-10 inch tail. Using the tail weave in and out of the last 6 stitches and pull tight to close up the hole.

ARMS– in Hot Orchid (make 2)

Ch 2

Round 1: 6 SC in 2^nd Chain from hook [6].

Round 2: SC row [6].

Round 3: SC row [6].

Round 4: (SC, INC) 3 times [9].

Round 5: SC Row [9].

Round 6: SC Row [9].

Round 7: (2 SC, INC) 3 times [12].

Round 8: SC Row [12].

Round 9: SC Row [12].

Round 10: SC Row [12].

Round 11: SC Row [12].

Round 12: SC Row [12].

Round 13: SC Row [12].

Round 14: SC Row [12].

Round 15: SC Row [12].

Round 16: SC Row [12].

Round 17: SC Row [12].

Fasten off and fold the arms flat. Sew to side of creatures between rows 9-10 in line with the eyes.

LEGS/ANTENNA – in Graphite (make 2)

Ch 2

Round 1: 6 SC in 2^nd Chain from hook [6].

Round 2: (INC) 6 times [12].

Round 3: (SC, INC) 6 times [18].

Round 4: (SC, INC, SC) 6 times [24].

Round 5: SC row in BLO [24].

Round 6: SC row [24].

Round 7: SC row [24].

Round 8: SC row [24].

Round 9: (2SC, DEC) 6 times [18].

Start stuffing

Round 10: (SC, DEC) 6 times [12]. Change colors to Hot Orchid in last stitch.

Round 11: SC row [12].

Round 12: SC row [12].

Fasten off and after it has been firmly stuffed sew to bottom of creature.

Happy New Year

Posted on January 6, 2016 by drunkenauntwendy Leave a comment

Welcome to 2016! Christmas orders are finally over. I was challenged with creating a couple of interesting animals.

One of the biggest challenges was this rather large Hippo/Rhino Push Me Pull Me. I’m excited to make them into their own creatures instead of the combination. Check out those super cute toenails.

The Rhino head went through no less than 4 different versions until I settled on this one. One day, I’ll post a picture of my rejected body parts basket.

Right now I am trying to come up with a couple of Valentine’s Day patterns. Here are my swatches for what was originally supposed to be a knitted scarf.

After working on it for several hours, I decided it would work better as a cowl. The first one will be in hot pink and lime green. It is still in progress. After 2 days, I’ve finished about 5 rows. I don’t know if I will finish it in the next two weeks.

I am using a double knitting technique for the color work so it will be reversible.

New for this year will be kits. I’m working on packaging the yarn and notions to make it easier for people to make their own yarn creatures. Just add stuffing.

The first kit will be Mr. Sniffles. The pattern will remain free, but a make it yourself option will be available in the Etsy Shop.

Sparky and Frostina – Free Pattern

Posted on September 4, 2015August 4, 2021 by drunkenauntwendy Leave a comment

I think these two might be my favorite. The pictures don’t show how sparkly she is. I also love their expressions and striped arms. Since they are hot and cold, Katy Perry music runs through my head when I look at them.

Look at all this sparkly hair.

I also love how long I made the arms.

Let me know if there are any problems or any of the instructions are unclear. They have not been tested. If you make one use #drunkenauntwendy when posting so I can find it.

Sparky and Frostina, Monsters

Materials

Sparky

Worsted Weight Yarn

I love this yarn – Yellow

I love this yarn – Orange Neon

I love this yarn – Fire Red

Sport Weight Yarn

I love this cotton – White

I love this cotton – Black

Frostina

Worsted Weight Yarn

I love this yarn – Soft Blue

I love this yarn – Amethyst

Yarn Bee Fetching – Pewter

Yarn Bee Fetching – Diamond

Sport Weight Yarn

I love this cotton – White

I love this cotton – Black

Size E crochet hook

Polyfiberfill

Large Eye Needle

Abbreviations

SC – Single Crochet

HDC – Half Double Crochet

DC – Double Crochet

TC – Triple Crochet

DTC – Double Triple Crochet

CH- Chain

FO – Fasten Off

SL ST – Slip Stitch

INC – Make two Single Crochet in Same Stitch

DEC – Single Crochet two stitches together

BLO – Back Loops Only

Parentheses indicate a repeat. Repeat the stitches in the parentheses for the number of times indicated.

The bracketed number [] is the number of stitches at the end of each row.

I spread my increases out so there isn’t a seam on the finished piece. If you do not like this method, you can do regular increases.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at drunkenauntwendy@gmail.com.

BODY

Sparky – Fire Red

Frostina – Soft Blue

Ch 8

Round 1: SC in 2^nd Ch, SC in next 5 stitches. 3 SC in last stitch. Working in the unused loops from the chain, SC 5, 3 SC in last chain. [18]

Round 2: [6 SC, (INC) 3 times] repeat bracket one more time [24].

Round 3: [6 SC, (SC, INC) 3 times] repeat bracket one more time [30].

Round 4: [6 SC, (SC, INC, SC) 3 times] repeat bracket one more time [36].

Round 5: [6 SC, (3 SC, INC) 3 times] repeat bracket one more time [42].

Round 6: [6 SC, (2 SC, INC, 2 SC) 3 times] repeat bracket one more time [48].

Note: Switches from oval increase to regular circle increase here

Round 7: (7 SC, INC) 6 times [54].

Round 8: (4 SC, INC, 4 SC) 6 times [60].

Rounds 9-32: SC in each stitch for 24 rows [60 stitches per row].

Round 33: In BLO (DEC, 8 SC) 6 times [54].

Round 34: (DEC, 7 SC) 6 times [48].

Round 35: (DEC, 6 SC) 6 times [42].

Round 36: (DEC, 5 SC) 6 times [36].

Start stuffing. Make sure you stuff firmly enough to hold the shape, but not too firmly that you stretch your stitches

Round 37: (DEC, 4 SC) 6 times [30].

Round 38: (DEC, 3 SC) 6 times [24].

Round 39: (DEC, 2 SC) 6 times [18].

Round 40: (DEC, 1 SC) 6 times [12].

Round 41: (DEC) 6 times [6].

Fasten off. Thread the tail through the opening and sew it up tight.

ARMS – make 2 for each monster

Both monsters’ arms are worked the same, no need to fasten off for color changes. Simply run the unused colors up the inside.

Sparky Stripe Pattern

2 red

2 orange

2 yellow

Repeat until the last four rows.

Finish last four rows in red

Frostina Stripe Pattern

3 Soft Blue

1 Diamond

3 Amethyst

1 Diamond

Chain 2

Round 1: 6 SC in 2^nd CH from hook.

Round 2: (INC) 6 times [12].

Round 3: (SC, INC) 6 times [18].

Round 4: (SC, INC, SC) 6 times [24].

Rounds 5-10: 6 rows SC [24 stitches each row].

Stuff only the ball of the arms.

Round 11: (DEC, 2 SC) 6 times [18].

Round 12: (DEC, 1 SC) 6 times [12].

Rounds 13-34: 22 rows SC [12 stitches each row].

SC opening closed with the last used color. Fasten off and leave a long tail to sew them on.

Sew to the arms to the sides of the body hanging low.

LEGS – Make 2

Sparky – Fire Red

Frostina – Soft Blue

CH 2

Round 1: 6 SC in 2^nd CH from hook.

Round 2: (INC) 6 times [12].

Round 3: (SC, INC) 6 times [18].

Round 4: (SC, INC, SC) 6 times [24].

Round 5: (3 SC, INC) 6 times [30].

Round 6: In BLO, SC Row [30].

Round 7: (DEC, 3 SC) 6 times [24].

Rounds 8-11: 4 rows SC [24 stitches each row].

Round 12: In BLOs (DEC, 2 SC) 6 times [18].

Round 13: (DEC, 1 SC) 6 times [12].

Start stuffing here

Rounds 14-18: 5 rows SC [12 stitches each row].

Fasten off. Make sure they are stuffed tightly to support the weight of the monster.

Sew to the bottom of the body.

EYES – Make two for each monster

In white

Chain 2

Round 1: 6 SC in 2^nd CH from hook.

Round 2: (INC) 6 times [12].

Round 3: (SC, INC) 6 times [18].

Round 4: (SC, INC, SC) 6 times [24].

Fasten off. Stretch to an oval shape before sewing.

PUPIL – Make two for each monster

In black

Chain 2

Round 1: 6 SC in 2^nd CH from hook.

Slip stitch to close circle.

Sparky – sew pupils to bottom of oval

Frostina – sew pupils slightly off center looking in the same direction.

Sew eyes to the body. Eyelashes are optional.

HEAD FLAMES

Sparky – Make 1 yellow, 1 orange, 2 red

Frostina – Make one in Pewter and 2 in Pewter for the first 5 rows and Amethyst for the rest.

Chain 2

Round 1: 4 SC in 2^nd CH from hook.

Round 2: (INC, SC) 2 times [6].

Round 3: SC Row [6].

Round 4: (INC, 2 SC) 2 times [8].

Round 5: SC row [8].

Round 6: (INC, 3 SC) 2 times [10].

Round 7: SC row [10].

Round 8: (INC, 4 SC) 2 times [12].

Round 9: (SC, INC) 6 times [18].

Rounds 10-12: 3 rows SC [18 stitches each row].

Round 13: (DEC, 1 SC) 6 times [12].

SC opening together.

Sew to the starting row.

HAIR

Frostina only

Cut several strands of diamond fifteen inches long. Fold in half and attach with a slip stitch.

Leave the first two rows without hair to sew the head flames on.

I prefer to attach hair every other row.

After you attach the head flames, you can add some more hairs to fill in any visible bald spots.

MOUTH – Make one

Both have the same mouth it is just turned a different direction.

In Black

Ch 7

Round 1: SL ST, SC, HDC, DC, TC, DTC, CH 1.

Fasten off. There will be a point that you should curve under before sewing to the monster.

Christmas is coming

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Free Pattern – Vulpix

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Free Pattern – Q-bert

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Eevee with modifications

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Pikachu Hats for Cats – and sometimes dogs.

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Exploring creativity in other ways

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Things I’ve been up to.

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Topsy Turvy – Free Pattern

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Happy New Year

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Sparky and Frostina – Free Pattern

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