I almost wrote a post on Tuesday about how much I hated crochet and I just couldn't figure it out. I should start by saying that I am extremely prejudiced against crochet. As a kid, the only crochet I ever came across were those got awful suynthetic yarn bumpy slippers and toilet paper covers that combined the aforementioned yarn and Barbies. I guess Afghans too. I hate the holes in crochet. So why would I try, you ask yourself?
Well, on my trip to Chicago this spring, I purchased this book. I thought my kids would get a kick out of the monsters and I figured it's a hook and some yarn, how hard could it be. Ha! you are SO RIGHT! I went about to teach myself to crochet and in the process, almost made myself nuts. It seems all the instruction pictures show you how to single crochet on he first row (ie the chain) but they never how you the second row, so I could not figure out if I should hook into the front loop, the back loop, or as it turns out, both loops. Also, I was misunderstanding the single vs double crochet instructions and I was in fact not making single crochets but slip stiches.... in all my stitches!
I must have started and stopped the same project about 15 times. Finally I read and read every single instruction site and finally, these were clear enough for me to get it.
I have to admit, now that I have started, I can't stop!
I am currently working on the cat from this book.
And I am madly googling amigurumi. I like the animals, but I love the idea of making my girls some yarn foods to play with.... I fear I may quickly become addicted. It's so easy to take with me, just one hook and a ball of yarn or two. Currently, my "kit" resides in the Repetto shoe box that Mrs. Figby left behind. It's got a fold over flat with magnets to hold it shut...... and it makes me think of her, so it's just perfect!
Have you made any amigurumi? Tell me about it....
Those are adorable! I don't crochet, but I still have the little orange dragon my mom crocheted for me.
Posted by: Cori | July 21, 2008 at 12:07 AM
I am very fond of this one:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13484283
But, I do not know how to wield one of those crazy wee hooks.
Posted by: wzgirl | July 21, 2008 at 12:17 AM
I'm madly trying to learn how to do these at the moment too! And the crochet is kicking my arse. I couldn't get the link to the book you have here but is it the one just called "Amigurumi"? I have it too.
I'm having the EXACT same problem as you were - that pesky second row - so I'm very grateful for the links you've out in here.
Great work!
Posted by: Jo | July 21, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Check etsy, lots of people sell amigurumi patterns there.
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=amigurumi+food+pattern
Off topic, if you're still having site issues, my husband is willing to give it a try. It's not his usual thing, but he says he loves a challenge!
Posted by: Erin | July 21, 2008 at 02:29 PM
You are my hero. I have several lovely crochet hooks, two books and have not managed to get the hang of it. Love those little creatures.
Posted by: Elise | July 22, 2008 at 09:37 AM
omg i'm so jealous - how cute are they? Please bring em tomorrow have to see that martian live and in person!
Posted by: knitting buddy | July 22, 2008 at 01:12 PM
I recently learned from this book how to crochet. Amigurumi!: Super Happy Crochet Cute.
I found her diagrams and instructions very clear. I did a little mouse to learn and then a monkey and combined to patterns to make a girl and am working on a deer which my son requested. Its so addicting :)
Posted by: Diana | August 08, 2008 at 01:35 PM