The one where she makes a little doll. And then a big doll. And gets a dog.

As many of you know, I love a little amigurumi. (Japanese meaning 'knitted toy') Probably because they are so cute and fairly quick to make (and I am such a lazy crocheter at heart)

So I thought about a little doll.

With stitched hair (I didn't fancy making a wig this time)

Complete with her own crocheted clothes and accessories.

And then I wanted to make a bigger doll. I used exactly the same pattern, but held two strands of yarn together and a slightly bigger hook.

Pink hair was the order of the day. And she has clothes too.

I hope you like them.

If you fancy having a go- the pattern is available in my Etsy shop (see the link just over there in my sidebar) and contains all the instructions you need to make both the dolls and all the accessories.

Oh, and here's the reasons I've been absent these past few weeks: 

Two words:

Holiday  (Fabulous. Majorca. Hot. Pool. Sangria. 'Nuff said)

And ...

Puppy (11weeks old. Biting. Chewing. Chasing. Cuuuuuuute. 'Nuff said)

Yes, life is officially bonkers in Annaboo's House at the moment, thanks our lovely little pup.

She'is a Jug (3/4 Pug and 1/4 Jack Russell).

And we love her.

Have a wonderful week, everyone. Now things are a little quieter (ha!) I look forward to having a proper catchup with your wonderful blogs. I've missed you guys!

Sarah x

Pin it Forward UK

Pinterest, oh Pinterest.

What would I do without you?

I can spend many-an-hour mooching through your vast plethora of ideas.

Want to know how to thread a bobbin correctly? See Pinterest.

Need to crochet a mathematically perfect sphere? See Pinterest.

Interested in the latest celeb fashions? See Pinterest.

Fancy a new look for your hallway? 

You get the idea.

I can create my own pinboards, dotted with hundreds and thousands of rainy-day ideas. I can see what all my clever friends are pinning and repin them too. I can pin pictures, tutorials and everything inbetween for free and I love it.

A favourite board of mine is Crafty Makes.

It is jam-packed full of all the things I would like to make. One day. When I have the time. 

So click on the link. Sign up. Take a peek. Share in my madness.

As a part of its PinitForward UK launch, Pinterest is interested in getting to know its UK bloggers and pinners.

So, why not check out the A-MAZ-ING Lindy Smith of Lindy's Cakes and her inspiring pinboards; If you like all things cake-y and creative, then this is the gal for you (be prepared to be totally gobsmacked at her beautiful designs)

Do you have a favourite board?

Have a Pinteresting day, everyone!

A Crochet Matryoshka Brooch

Fancy making a Matryoshka brooch? Here's the pattern.

Matryoshka Brooch

(like the bigger Matryoshka, make 2 and single crochet together)

You'll need:

Yarn and a hook to match

A little toy stuffing

A few scraps of felt and material

A permanent marker pen

A brooch pin

PVA or similar glue to attach face and skirt

Stitches and Abbreviations:
I use US terms, so single crochet= same as UK double crochet here.Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)Chain (ch)Single crochet (sc)Stitches (sts)

To single crochet 2 together:
Insert hook into next stitch.
Yarn over, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)
Insert hook into next stitch.
Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

At the beginning of every row, turn and chain 1

(From the bottom up)

1. Chain 2

2. Sc 2 (2sts)

3. 2scs in next st, 2scs in next st (4)

4. 2scs in next st, sc 2, 2scs in next st (6)

5-6. sc 6 (6)

7. Sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog (4) CHANGE COLOUR

8. Sc 4 (4)

9. 2scs in next st, sc 3 (5)

10. 2scs in next st, sc 4 (6)

11. Sc2tog, sc 2, sc2tog (4)

12. Sc2tog, sc2tog (2)

Fasten off.

Now decorate your little Matryoshka- draw a face on some felt with permanent pen and add some fabric for her skirt. I glued mine on with PVA glue.

Attach the brooch pin to the back.

Now single crochet around the edges of your two pieces to join them together and stuff lightly.

Enjoy your little brooch. 

Xx

Crochet your very own Scottie Dog Brooch

So I've down-sized my little Scottie Dog pattern.

You see, I had some peeps asking me for something a bit smaller.

They wanted a doggie who was just a tad more lapel/ cardigan/ coat/ hat/ bag friendly.

And so, may I present to you: The Scottie Brooch Pattern.

Ok, same as before- you need to make 2 of each and single crochet them together. Stuff lightly and add a brooch pin to the back.

Job done. Be ready to receive your compliments.

You'll need:

Yarn and hook to match (I used Rico Creative Cotton and a 4mm hook)

Polyester toy filling

A cute ribbon for the neck (mine measured 6mm wide)

Stitches and Abbreviations:

I use US terms, so single crochet= same as UK double crochet here.

Chain (ch)

Single crochet (sc)

Stitches (sts)

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

 

To single crochet 2 together:

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop. (2 loops on hook)

Insert hook into next stitch.

Yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)

Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.

Pattern (make 2)

[At the end of every row, chain 1 and turn.]

1. Ch 8

2. Sc 7, 2scs in next st (9 sts)

3. Sc 7 (7)

4-7. Sc 5 (5)

8. Sc 5, ch 2 (7)

9. Sc 6, 2scs in next st, ch 2 (10)

10. Sc 10. Fasten off

Head

Turn. Attach new yarn to hook.

In 6th chain from left side and working right-left:

11. Sc 5 (5)

12. Sc2tog, sc 3, ch 1 (5)

13. Sc 4

14. Sc 4

Now finish off and wear your doggy brooch with pride! 

Don't forget to attach a natty ribbon to its neck to finish off your ensemble perfectly.

Enjoy making!

 

Xx

Quick tutorial 1: Chainless Foundation Stitch

(Single crochet US/Double Crochet UK)

Grrrrrr. I HATE working the foundation row into a starting chain.

Sometimes it twists, or I miss a chain completely, or the tension's wrong and often it looks a bit odd.

Well not any more.

Not since discovering the Chainless Foundation Stitch.

With this stitch, you make the chain AND the first foundation row together.

I find it quicker, neater and less prone to buggering up. It also gives a good edge to your work and can be easily worked into if you want to add a border.

Saying that, it won't be suitable for everything you make, but do try it.

This stitch works on making a mock-'chain' stitch and then a mock-'single crochet' on top of it.

1. Slip stitch on hook

2. Chain 2 

3. Hook through 2nd chain from hook [see pointy finger in pic 2] making sure you hook through 2 strands. Yarn over, pull up loop. (2 loops on hook)

4. Yarn over, pull through loop ('chain' made) 

5. Yarn over, pull through loop ('single crochet' made)

6. Hook through 2 strands of previous 'chain' stitch [see pointy finger in pic 5] . Yarn over, pull up a loop. 

7. Yarn over, pull through loop ('chain' made)

8. Yarn over, pull through loop ('single crochet' made)

9. Continue from 6-8 until desired length achieved.

It takes a bit of practise to get the hang of it - there are some great video tutorials on YouTube too.