Rudolf Christmas Crochet Amigurumi and Soft Toy

Who doesn't love Rudolf!

Using the Reindeer Ralf rattle pattern which is free on Ravelry from Stip and Haak https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rammelaar-rendiertje-ralf

The pattern is really easy to follow and has photo instructions as well as written ones.

I made a Christmas tree decoration by using the basic pattern for the head but not attaching it to the rattle part. I made a tree hanger by making  a loop between the antlers. Using 4ply cotton yarn (Drops Safran) and a 3.5mm hook they came out a good size for a tree decoration.

I then made a large reindeer doll the same way but using a larger hook and DK yarn and  used my knowledge from making other soft toys to make a body and arms/legs to go with it.

I later found that Stip and Haak have a full pattern available for the same idea! So if you don't know how to do a body you can buy the pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rendier-ralf

They make lovely Christmas decorations and it's a shame they have to be put away in the loft for the majority of the year because they are so lovely!

Happy crocheting!

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Winter Bunny Amigurumi with Carrot Sledge

When I first saw this pattern I fell in love with it, how cute is this little bunny pulling his/her little carrot sledge. 

The pattern is free (link below) from Amigurumitogo. Sharon creates beautiful amigurumi and her patterns are always free, no matter how complicated. How kind is that?

I did make a few slight changes to the pattern:

1: I didn't have enough yarn to make two sides to the sledge and sandwich plastic between to strengthen it.

So instead I used some fine wire and crocheted it to the edge to attach it to the carrot shaped piece, you can just see the wire on the wrong side, between the stitches. I was then able to pull and shape it to get the carrot look just right.

2. In the pattern Sharon says that the bunny will not stand up alone, she used pins to make it stand up for photos. I wanted to be able to make it stand as a Christmas decoration without pins as young grandchildren would probably be picking it up, so after a bit of pondering I decided to make the tail quite large and position it so that it acted like a third leg and supported the back, allowing it to stand.

I made it in two evenings, the pattern is very easy to follow with lots of photo help and instructions.

I used Drops Safran 100% cotton yarn and a 3.00 mm crochet hook. The finished size is approx. 6" long on the sledge (including the curve) and the bunny is 6" tall from foot to tip of ear.

Find the pattern here: https://www.amigurumitogo.com/2015/12/winter-bunny-free-amigurumi-pattern.html or on Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-bunny

There is also a separate pattern for the hat and scarf which is linked from the bunny pattern.


Happy crocheting!

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Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Tutorial for making small Pom Poms with a Fork

Have you ever needed some very small pom poms but don't have any small enough or the shops are shut?

Here's how to make your own using just a fork - yes, just a normal everyday dining fork!

It is very quick and easy to do, the video speaks for itself so there is not much else for me to say except have fun making your own tiny pom poms.

Happy crafting!

Find me on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Remembrance Day Poppies Crochet Tutorial

I was asked if I could make a tutorial for a Remembrance Day Poppy, after pondering on it for a while I came up with an idea to make one by crocheting around a black button.

It is very easy to do although it can be a be tricky to hold the button, yarn and needle all at the same time but once you get used it there are so many things you can do with buttons and crochet.

There is a full video tutorial here:

 If you do make your own, rather than buy a Poppy on the 11th of the 11th please remember to make a donation too. Every little helps and goes to good causes.

We WILL remember them.

Happy crocheting!

Find me on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Crochet Icicles Quick and Easy

These little Christmas tree decoration crochet icicles are really quick and easy to make consisting of just two rows of crochet ....yes you read that correctly - just two rows.

I added beads on the end to give a bit of weight and make them extra pretty, the beads will shine when the light catches them especially if they are on a Christmas Tree with lights.

Full video tutorial here:

Happy crocheting!

Find me on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Amigurumi Christmas Tree Decorations

I came up with this idea for little Christmas Tree decorations one day and through I would share it with you all.

They are REALLY simple to make but I think they look quite effective (hope you agree)

They are made from scraps of left over yarn, made in the round, so very little sewing unless you add the little decorations in which case you will have to just sew in the ends of each one.

I have made a video tutorial here:

The trees can be used on a Christmas Tree as little decorations or by leaving out the tree hanger they can be used as table decorations.

Make them bigger or smaller by using different thicknesses of yarn or different hook sizes.

Terms of use: You are welcome to use the pattern to make decorations to sell, please credit Pookie Doodle Crafts as the designer where possible and please do not claim the pattern as your own.


Happy crocheting!

Find me on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Simple Crochet Butterflies

I've been making these beautiful little crochet butterflies. They are so lovely and can be used for applique, embellishments or simply as decorations.

The first pattern is called Dainty Butterflies and is designed by Jo Ann Maxwell

They were really easy to make and I did lots in one evening using different yarns, crochet thread and embroidery silks.

I did make a few changes to how I did the antenna, rather than make them from a separate piece of yarn I used the starting and ending threads and slip stitched them to the head and then chained a few stitches. It saved having to weave in the starting thread :)

I also added beads to some of the butterflies on the ends of the larger wings, I thought it added another dimension to them. 

Once finished I made a wash of 40% PVA glue and 60% water, pinned them out and painted them with the stiffening wash, left them to dry and was really pleased with the finished butterflies.

See my video for some close ups of the butterflies: https://youtu.be/5mBdsKelKto

You can find the link to the free pattern here: http://www.crochetmagazine.com/printer.php?mode=article&article_id=3322  

The other pattern is for a butterfly made from 5 hearts

Again this was an easy to follow pattern, you make three hearts for the body and two larger hearts for the wings, adding little antenna to one of the body hearts for the head.

So simple but really effective.

You can find the free pattern here: http://www.goldenlucycrafts.com/free-patterns/crochet-heart-animals-butterfly

The original pattern is in US terms, I had to change it to UK terms.

Happy crocheting!

Find me on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Butterflies made from crochet hearts

I love these little butterflies which are made from 5 hearts - 3 small and two larger ones.

The pattern is really easy, the small heart is made in just one round with all the stitches being worked into the first of 4 chains.

The medium and large hearts are all made by starting the small heart and then adding more rounds to give larger sizes. It is so simple but VERY effective.

I made these butterflies in about 45 minutes one evening while watching TV.

You can find the FREE pattern here: http://www.goldenlucycrafts.com/free-patterns/crochet-heart-animals-butterfly

Thank you Elena for sharing your pattern for free :)

Happy crocheting!

Find me on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Turning your crochet granny squares into wall art

Have you ever wanted to display your crochet or other fabric craft work?

This tutorial will show you how to fix your work into a deep frame so that it does not get squashed but is held in place for all to see:- Creating crochet wall art tutorial: https://youtu.be/-Qinm8Kwhw4

The picture is made using just 4 granny squares held together with flat chain stitch.

If you don't know how to make the granny squares with the daisy centre I have a full tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rT2NU0Eb2E and also a tutorial of how to join them with the flat chain stitch crochet technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1qKDJwCxmo

I think they would make lovely gifts and you could even personalise them with a favourite colour or flower centre.

You don't have to do 4, I'm sure one would be equally effective or do lots of very small ones in a fine thread, the possibilities are endless!

Happy crocheting!

Find me on:

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Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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Tutorial - Adding beads to a crochet edge

Having finished my butterfly shawl (See my blog post for details of the pattern etc. http://www.pookiedoodlecrafts.co.uk/2016/04/butterfly-stitch-crochet-shawl.html)

I decided to add some beads to the final edging, both to give a bit of weight when wearing it and also to give it a nice decorative finish.
Adding beads is very easy, although to begin with it can be a bit fiddly to get hold of the beads and crochet at the same time, but it is well worth persevering and having a go.

I've made a video tutorial to show you how it is done if you want to have a go :)

Happy crocheting!

Find me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PookieDoodleCrafts Twitter: www.twitter.com/Pookie_Doodle

and Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/people/pookiedoodle

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