More folk art inspired dolls for you--a Pumpkin and a Cat--and just in time for my favorite holiday.
Check out my Ravelry store if you want to make some for yourself.
Party Animals get out of Crazy Town
Feel like you’ve been living in Crazy Town?
Probably because you have been.
Want to get out of Crazy Town? Pick up a crochet hook and some random yarn, and these party animals will help you out. I know this, because they’ve helped me.
I found a collection of random yarn for sale on my needlework guild’s Junque Table, in a color palette I’m dubbing “Prom 1968.”
Eleven little creatures, concocted over one weekend, exactly twenty years after 9-11. Making eleven wasn’t exactly premeditated, but it was cathartic to dream up and create each little imperfect wild thing, designed to comfort grown-ups in uncertain times.
Of course I had to make some hats and other accessories for them:
This pattern is designed for whatever scrap yarn you may have, and will work no matter the yarn (DK, light worsted. worsted weight). I mean it--pick up a hook and grab some yarn; I guarantee you’ll feel chipper in no time!
so you can crochet your own Party Animals
to help you get out of Crazy Town
So you want to be a crochet designer
It's not complicated; you're applying for a job.
Email the magazine and request their submission guidelines. (Don't waste everyone's time--yours and theirs--by trying to submit something when you don't know what they are looking for.) Most magazines will send out a calendar or a seasonal call-out, with specific ideas about theme, colors, etc.
Be familiar with the kind of projects each magazine publishes--ex. don't propose afghans to a magazine that publishes only garments. Pay careful attention to each magazine's requirements on how and to whom to submit, what forms to fill out, deadlines, etc.
Pay attention to each magazine's format for pattern writing. Accuracy is essential--don't expect they will clean up your work for you. Deadlines are crucial! And your work must be 100% original, never published anywhere else, not even in your blog.
They may ask you to make your design in a different color or yarn than you envision--get over it, or self-publish it. If you get rejected, don't take it personally--they may have something similar already on hand. It might be appropriate for a different magazine or a different season, so don't throw it out. Keep good records and notes.
If possible, join CGOA and go to their yearly convention to meet designers and publishers. Don't overlook yarn companies--some, but not all, will buy designs from freelancers.
One magazine is not better than another, in my experience, and they pretty much all pay the same. Editors don't seem to stay for very long. And lots of magazines are going digital-only--or disappearing altogether.
Every famous designer started out like you, making sketches and swatches on their couch at home.
Someone's going to get their designs published this year--why not you?
Blue Birds! (and some thoughts about the end of quarantine)
So my new goal was this: publish a new pattern every week, or at least every other week.
What could go wrong?
I have notebooks and sketchbooks filled with designs, crates of yarn at the ready, baskets of swatches, and projects in various stages of completion. I'm psyched about these new designs--I mean, look at how cute these little birds are!
The problem for me has been the actual writing of the patterns.
I'm usually a voracious reader, but during this past year, I found myself re-reading the same page of a novel, over and over, unable to comprehend. The underlying feeling of uncertainty about current events was unrelenting. I constanly asked myself: "Am I overreacting?" Or the B-side: "Am I being careful enough?" I was worried about family and friends--even lost a few, without the opportunity for a funeral service, or even a hug. It was hard to deal with and to concentrate on anything. Lock-down nearly broke me.
Nearly.
Things are so much better now, but I'll admit that everything took longer than usual, even writing this relatively easy pattern--reading a book was hard enough, so writing out a document in the specific language of crochet with the standard abrieviations and punctuation...well, it was a bit of a challenge.
But here it is, and I'm really happy with how these little guys came out. They are a little different than my usual top-down anthropomorphic amigurumi creatures, but I know you'll find them just as easy and quick to make.
I used Lion Brand "Jeans" yarn for these. If you like a comfy pair of Levi's, you'll absolutely love the feel and the colors of this yarn.
Check out THIS LINK for the pattern.
If you want to know when my new patterns are published--and to get some freebies!--drop me an email. (I will never share your email address with anyone!)
donna.childs.crochets@gmail.com
More new original patterns are on the way, and I can't wait to share them with you.
Cheeky Monkeys!
I love the look of sock monkeys; I didn't want to copy them, but wanted to see if I could capture the essence of the iconic sock monkey in crochet. I thought they came out pretty cute in Lion Brand yarns.
How can you resist this little face?
And notice the arms are button-joined to allow movement.
What jauty looking hats!
Get the pattern HERE and make some "Cheeky Monkeys" of your very own!
"THE END"
Get on my email list for info on new patterns and members-only offers!
donna.childs.crochets@gmail.com
National Crochet Month "The Concert Tour"
Is it March already? That means it's National Crochet Month! I'm grateful to Crochetville for sponsoring the tour again, and delighted that I am the featured designer for the 15th. This year's theme is "The Crochet Concert." Join the fun HERE.
(Breaking News! See bottom of this post for info on how to get a new pattern for free)
My Opening Act is quick and easy--and free! At the very beginning of quarantine last year, I designed a project meant to lift us up, and that would require only materials that we might already have at home, since stores were closed or shipments were delayed. Lots of people were putting rainbows and teddy bears in their windows to cheer up the neighborhood, so I came up with a group of Rainbow Bears.
I decided this pattern will always be free--everybody need some cheer, now and then. You can find it HERE. If you download the free pattern, make sure to show off picture of your completed bears on the Ravelry page, and to email me on how to get more freebies.
My Showstopper isn't a completed written pattern--yet. The yarns I originally used on this have been, sad to say, discontinued. The anthropomorphic, circus animals in birthday cake colors are only about four inches tall, and there's a secret to how they stand up.
I'm actually remaking the whole Circus with currently available yarns. Lion Brand Yarn: A Star is Born/Naptime Yarn, is a chenille that works up exceptionally well, no shedding or kinking, even after frogging; and a luscious bamboo yarn, also from Lion Brand, Truboo, with a lovely sheen and pretty colors. If you want to know when the pattern is finally available, be sure to sign up for my occasional newsletter (see details below). You'll be the first to know!
I wanted to make lacy collars instead of the expected satin ribbon, and Lion Brand Truboo turned out to be perfect for this. It's got good stitch definition, pretty colors, and a gorgeous sheen. The bunny pattern can be found HERE.
Be sure to sign up for my occasional newsletter--you'll never get spammed, but you will get notices about new patterns, and get subscribers-only freebies. Email me at:
donna.childs.crochets@gmail.com
I want to thank Crochetville for sponsoring this Blog Tour, again! Thank you for all the hard work, and I look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends this month.
Yarns featured:
A Star is Born/Naptime Yarn (chenille)
Truboo (bamboo)
both by: #LionBrand #LionBrandYarn
Breaking News! I have a brand new pattern coming out April first, and if you send me an email during this blog tour, you'll get a copy of this adorable, never before seen, pattern--for free!
Bunnies!
These are inspired by the chocolate bunnies we get this time of year, crocheted in your preference of dark, milk, and white chocolate. They are actually pretty easy, so you might want to whip up a few. Unlike real chocolate, they won't melt during a good cuddle.
I expect to have the pattern ready and in my Ravelry store (link below) by March first. Grab some worsted weight yarn and a G-hook, and you'll be making bunnies in no time.
Buy this pattern HERE
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