adorably kawaii

Vulpix Amigurumi - Work in Progress Photos

2012-03-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

These are some photos I took with my phone while I was working on the Baby Vulpix Amigurumi.

Sorry, I thought I took a lot more photos. Not sure if these could really help anyone. :(

Finished:
Baby Vulpix Amigurumi Pattern

I updated the pattern so hopefully it's easier to understand.

Mochikaka

2012-03-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share one of my loves: Mochikaka

The designs are extremely cute and very well made!!

Etsy: http://mochikaka.etsy.com/
Blog: http://iammochikaka.blogspot.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iammochikaka
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mochikaka

I've had the Blue Pea Cat Purse for about a year now. It is loooove ♥

It was difficult for me to chose because I love them all!

Here's some of my favorites!

Khai Tom Purse:

Goo Goo Cat Plush:

Kuro Purse:

Yeti Cat Keychain:

Yellow Tabby Kitty Brooch:

Little Owl Cat Keychain:

I'm hoping I'll get enough money sometime soon so I can custom order a shoulder bag that looks like my Miu kitty. She's white with a black stripe on her forehead :DDDDDD

Cats Illustration

2012-03-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

I fancy'd up one of my old doodles today. It's a vampire bat kitty... and then I had to make more kitties in other colors! The white one with the grey is my cat Miu! :D

Gauge in Amigurumi - Part 1

2012-03-01T09:56:00.001-08:00

In a lot of amigurumi patterns, you'll probably see a note like this: "Gauge isn't important, adjust hook size as needed to achieve tight stitches so stuffing doesn't show through."

I think even in amigurumi, gauge must be considered.

If you look at some amigurumi projects on Ravelry, quite a few of them look completely different from the designer's in proportions and overall size. And then the designer gets comments about how it's a "bad" pattern but it's not always the designer's fault.

Even if you use the hook size and yarn weight specified in the pattern, tension still varies from person to person.

Getting tension just right takes time and practice. You should make swatches in rows and in the round to see how your tension is. Just crochet how you normally do it. Then make swatches in looser and tighter tensions so you can see the differences.

If you become more familiar with your tension, it makes it easier for you to modify patterns accordingly if you find that your pieces are coming out smaller or bigger because of your tension, hook size, and or yarn weight.

Also, tension can vary for you at times. If you are stressed, you are more likely to crochet too tightly. If you're happy and relaxed, your tension will be just right or even a little too loose!

When I was first learning how to make amigurumi, I had a lot of trouble getting it right. I would use F and G hooks because it was the size that most people used but I kept getting holes. I crocheted too loose... too tight. Sometimes I'd also be using a smaller yarn weight so uh oops...

I decided to try B and C hooks to get a tighter gauge. But after a while, the small sizes hurt my wrists too much so I went up to E hook, then F hook, and now... I can finally use G hook comfortably. :)

Are you willing to sell those lion plushies? 0: Just out of curiosity (:

2012-02-28T18:42:00.001-08:00

Yes, I plan to sell a few soon. :)

Ask me anything

Lion Amigurumi Version 2

2012-02-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to recreate my Lion design for a while... I only got to make 2 of them because I lost the paper that I wrote my pattern notes on. :(

I still have one of them around so for the past couple of days, I've been studying it and counting the stitches. I finished making it this morning! I had to modify most of the pattern to get the pieces the right look and size.

It looks a bit different because I used acrylic yarn and a larger hook. For the original, I think I used a Pima Cotton and Model blend yarn from KnitPicks. That yarn has sheen and it's much softer and lightweight.

I hope you find it as cute as the original one. Looking at them side by side, can see that the proportions are slightly different and it’s about an inch taller. :)

Here is the Original:

And this is Version 2:

I'm hoping to release the pattern for my shop soon as my little comeback after my long hiatus. I really didn't realize it's been so long...sorry! :(

If you want to be the first to know of its release, you can subscribe to my mailing list. I thought it'd be more fun that way! :)

It's going to be a little while because I need to decide on the format of the pattern and I'm going to have to make 1-2 more to get progress photos.

First Amigurumi ?!

2012-02-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have seen this on my Facebook... I'm pretty sure this is the first amigurumi that I finished. (2007-2008)

A little awkward. I can't remember what I was trying to go for... Some kind of sheep.. bear.. maybe?

When I was learning how to make amigurumi, I didn't use patterns. My goal was to create my own designs. :D

I think I was still learning how to increase evenly and such. Fuzzy yarn is so forgiving~ ;)

What was your first amigurumi project? Post pictures! I want to see! :D

New Layout

2012-02-27T17:18:00.001-08:00

Seems like I'm going to have a lot more time for crocheting, knitting, and crafting. I might be able to write up patterns or something.

I revamped the blog yesterday! Check out the new layout! P.S. I made the header doodle uh... over 5 years ago. Finally got to use it for something. :D

What is amigurumi?

2012-02-26T05:54:00.000-08:00

Amigurumi is the art of crocheting or knitting stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. The word amigurumi is a combination of two Japanese words: amu (to knit) and nuigurumi (stuffed toy). Most common themes include: animals, creatures, food, and people.

I've been following Amigurumi for about 10 years now. I don't know the exact origins of this craft and I don't think anyone really knows for sure. But I've watched many amazing designers come and go in the past years and they've inspired many people to create their own amigurumi. They created their original characters and designs in this art form.

You may have stumbled on their really cute designs on Deviantart, Craftster, or other craft websites.

But the old amigurumi designs from about 5-10 years ago? You're going to find them on personal Japanese blogs/sites. If you search "編みぐるみ" (amigurumi) on Google, you just might find some that are still up today.

Amigurumi is usually characterized by their large heads and small limbs in proportion to their bodies which is an distinctive feature in Japanese kawaii (cute) designs. They are generally crocheted rather than knitted and most usually use worsted weight/4 ply/medium sized yarn with hook sizes from C (2.75mm) up to G (4.25mm).

Now there are many different styles of amigurumi.

I believe amigurumi can be made in which ever techniques to create the look and shapes you want. Whether it is in the round, flat, worked in spirals, joined rounds, any kind of stitch (even the tall and unique ones), crocheted, knit, etc.

Materials that are commonly used to make amigurumi include:
yarn, stuffing, plastic safety eyes, and felt for facial features or embellishments.

Tools:
crochet hook, knitting needles, yarn needles, embroidery needles, and scissors.

Common skills:
crochet, knitting, math, sewing, and embroidery.

There are several other materials & techniques people use including: fabric to create clothes and accessories, glue instead of sewing on pieces, making some pieces out of polymer clay, buttons, beads, sequins, needle felting, and more!

I believe it really is important to experiment as it'll really help you understand the construction of crochet or knit pieces. You may need to brush up on your math skills because it'll probably help you when you need to create pieces in a certain size! Just make sure to keep notes of what you do and use so you can refer back to it later.

If you're interested in learning how to make amigurumi, there are many free helpful patterns and tutorials on the internet. Here's a website with some lovely tutorials with videos: Hooks & Needles

Squishy Pillow

2012-02-26T03:49:00.000-08:00

I got inspired to create a squishy baby-friendly plush when I stumbled on Lion Brand's Amigurumi Elephant Pillow on Ravelry a few weeks ago. I knew I wanted to make something striped & colorful. I used various yarns I have around: Vanna's Choice Baby, Red Heart Super Savers, and Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids. I just recently got around to finish sewing it.

baby chibi vulpix yay

2012-01-06T10:08:00.000-08:00

Here are pattern notes on how I made this baby/chibi vulpix amigurumi.I made it as Christmas present for my sister! Though you can't see it, it only has 5 tails. I like to think it's because it's a baby! But there is room for another tail. I just didn't make it because I was sick and also running out of time to finish it. Since I only intended to make the vulpix once, I just wrote down notes. When I have time, I'll update the pattern with more details.

Updates:

Added more info to materials & stitches used, notes regarding construction, number of rounds, stitch counts, link to french knot tutorial, and more detailed instructions for the smaller bangs pieces.

Materials:
✿ Worsted weight yarn in light brown, dark brown, orange, black, and white.
✿ F (3.75mm) hook
✿ Yarn needle
✿ Stuffing of your choice
✿ Pipe cleaner or wire for the legs (Optional)

* Results may vary depending on your tension and your yarn & hook choices.

Stitches used:
✿ sc - single crochet
✿ hdc - half double crochet
✿ dc - double crochet
✿ sl st - slip stitch
✿ sc2tog- single crochet decrease

Note: I didn't forgot to include increase rounds. You're skipping them for the shaping. It's not meant to be increased evenly otherwise there will be too many stitches.

- - - - - - - - - -

Pattern

Head:

With light brown yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: *2 sc, sc* rep to end. (9 sts)

Rnd 3: *2 sc, sc 2* rep to end. (12 sts)

Rnd 4: *2 sc, sc 3* rep to end. (15 sts)

Rnd 5: *2 sc, sc 4* rep to end. (18 sts)

Rnd 6: *2 sc, sc 5* rep to end. (21 sts)

Rnd 7: *2 sc, sc 6* rep to end. (24 sts)

Rnd 8: *2 sc, sc 7* rep to end. (27 sts)

Rnd 9-11: Sc to end. (27 sts)

Rnd 12: *sc2tog, sc 7* rep to end. (24 sts)

Rnd 13: *sc2tog* rep to end. (12 sts)

Rnd 14: *sc2tog* rep to end. (6 sts)

Body:

With light brown yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: *2 sc, sc* rep to end. (9 sts)
Rnd 3: *2 sc, sc 2* rep to end. (12 sts)

Rnd 4-5: Sc to end. (12 sts)

Rnd 6: hdc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, sl st in next 4 sts, sc in next 2 sts (12 sts)

Rnd 7: hdc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, sc in next 8 sts. (12 sts)

Rnd 8: hdc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st, sc in next 2 sts, sl st in next 4 sts, sc in next 2 sts (12 sts)

Eyes:

With black yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: *2 sc, sc* rep to end. (9 sts)

With white yarn doubled, embroider french knot (3 loops) on the eyes.

Nose:

Stitch on with black yarn.

Ears:

With light brown yarn.

Rnd 1: 4 sc into ring. (4 sts)

Rnd 2: *2 sc, sc* rep to end. (6 sts)

Rnd 3: *2 sc, sc 2* rep to end. (8 sts)

Rnd 4: 2 sc in st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in next 6 sts. (10 sts)

Rnd 5: 2 sc in st, 2 sc in the next st, sc in next 8 sts. (12 sts)

Inner ear :

Stitch on with dark brown yarn.

Legs [Make 4]:

With dark brown yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Sc to end. (6 sts)

Change to light brown yarn.

Rnd 3: sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. (4 sts)

Rnd 4-6: Sc to end. (4 sts)

Put in pipe cleaner or wire.

Bangs [Make 1]:

With orange yarn.

Row 1: Ch 7, sk st, sc in next 6 sts. ch 1, turn. (6 sts)

Row 2-4: Sc to end. ch 1, turn. (6 sts)

Row 5: sc2tog, sc2otg, sc in next 2 sts. ch 1, turn. (4 sts)
Row 6: Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. ch 1, turn. (3 sts)
Row 7: Sc2tog, sc in next st. ch 1, turn. (2 sts)
Row 8: Sc2tog, ch 1.

Smaller Bangs:
With orange yarn, insert hook into the top edge of the left side of the bangs piece and (dc, hdc, ch 1, hdc, dc, ch 1, sl st) into the same stitch. Turn the work over and do the same stitches on the edge on the other side. Turn your work back to the right side and starting at the top edge of the smaller bangs piece, single crochet along the edges of all of the pieces.

Hair [Make 3]:

With orange yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: *2 sc, sc* rep to end. (9 sts)
Rnd 3-8: Sc to end. (9 sts)

Fold the top pieces down and sew down with a few stitches.

Tails [Make 6]:

With orange yarn.

Rnd 1: 6 sc into ring. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: *2 sc* rep to end. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: *2 sc, sc 2* rep to end. (16 sts)

Rnd 4: *2 sc, sc 3* rep to end. (30 sts)

Rnd 5-7: Sc to end. (30 sts)

Rnd 8: *sc2tog, sc 3* rep to end. (16 sts)

Rnd 9: *sc2tog, sc 2* rep to end. (12 sts)

Rnd 10-18: sc to end. (12 sts)

Rnd 19: *sc2tog, sc* rep to end. (8 sts)

Rnd 20: sc to end. (8 sts)
Fold the top pieces down and sew down with a few stitches. Sew the ends of the 6 tails together securely before sewing them onto the body.

- - - - - - - - - -

© 2012 - This pattern is for personal use only. Please don't redistribute/sell this pattern in any way or form. And this should go without saying, but please don't make these to sell because Vulpix is a licensed character.

my crocheted squid bag

2011-12-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

I finished this bag a few days ago. :3 I wanted something that could hold my phone, business cards, pens, etc.

I was going to redo my octo bag but I decided to go with a different design... mainly crochet rows instead of in the round.

I also wanted to use safety eyes & plastic canvas but I ended up doing something more simple and child friendly.

Measurements:
7" wide
7" tall (10 1/2" including the tentacles)
Strap is around 48" long

What do you think? I was thinking about making them for squittle... but I'll probably make them a little bigger and maybe use safety eyes for more cuteness.

Hello Kitty scarf

2011-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

I made a hello kitty scarf for someone.

I was working on it in between my amigurumi makings for squittle. I went with garter stitch because I wanted it to be mostly mindless knitting so I could relax & watch my korean shows. :D

Here's a progress photo. At about 20 inches.. I think.

I had to take the photo like that because Miu kitty is the most adorable. ♥

I don't think I've finished a scarf in years. I get bored. :(
Not sure how I managed to finish this one... It's about 60 inches long.

Octopi at Squittle Amigurumi

2011-12-07T22:51:00.001-08:00

adorable octopi amigurumi in green, pink, purple, and blue!

The purple octo is my favorite *-*

These octos are under 4" (10cm) tall with tentacles and 3" (7.6cm) wide. :3

new shop!

2011-11-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

I opened a new shop at www.squittle.etsy.com with candypow!

handmade cephalopods :3

Sorry for the lack of updates!

2011-07-21T19:13:00.000-07:00

I've been very busy. :(

If you've emailed me and I haven't messaged you back yet, please resend!!

I don't think I'll be making any more new amigurumi designs. I'm going to be moving onto other art and crafty things. But the shop will be reopened (going to try for middle of August!) when I've made enough stock.

I'll only be working on some sleepy foxes, octopi, and penguins. If I get enough interest in any other ones, I'll make them again.

I want everything that's listed in my shop to be ready to ship! :) so I won't be accepting any more custom orders and I wont be listing any more [made to order] items.

Behind the Scenes - Deer Ami Work in Progress

2011-05-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

I've been working on sleepy fox orders. I think I've made 10 so far. Lots of fun! :D

I also started on a new design but I'm not too sure about it now.

It's a deer. Here's a progress photo:

I have most of it figured out but I wanted to make it in bright colors. I'm not really sure which ones though. I seem to always use the same colors. I should probably go buy other ones... maybe pastel?

What colors would you like to see it in? :3

Dragons

2011-04-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

I finished a special order a few weeks ago. :)

It's a dragon family!

I've only made the dragons in pink, blue, green, and purple. Maybe some day soon I'll have time to make them in other colors. It'd be interesting to see. :D

These are mini dragons. They're about half the size of original dragons. More pocket friendly? The original ones are about 5"-6" tall!

Now I'm off to work on more orders. :3

Will you be writing any new free patterns soon?

2011-04-12T21:32:00.001-07:00

Sorry, no. :( My focus is on crocheting right now.

Ask me anything

Hi! Just wondering if it's possible request an animal? I'd really love to see a cow~ :D

2011-04-12T21:26:00.001-07:00

Yes! I'll try to make one soon! :)

Ask me anything

White Sleepy Fox

2011-04-06T02:05:00.000-07:00

I made this one for my sister.

Since I have all the pieces figured out, I can finish the other one now.

This fox is probably my biggest design so far. It's about 4.5" tall and about 6" from the head to body. The tail is approx. 2.5" at it's widest and is 5.5" long. :D

I didn't have my sketch with me while I was working on the tail so I'm not sure if I made it the right size but I think it looks good the way it is.

I got many requests for the pattern of this amigurumi before I even finished it-- which is kinda awesome!! But I'm still unsure about writing a pattern/crochet book. I wrote up a lot of notes for it weeks ago but I just don't really have any confidence in my writing. I haven't written anything fancy-like in years so I'm not going to write up the pattern for this fox any time soon.

Old Sketch

2011-03-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Ahh it's a tiger!! :3 I sketched this out .. a while after I made the tiny fox. It's going to be tiny sized too! I keep finding the paper on the floor so I'm going to try to finally make it soon! (Before someone accidentally throws it away!)

Yellow Bear Amigurumi

2011-03-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

I made a yellow bear! It's about 4.5" (11.4cm) tall. I want to make a bigger one because I love the yarn. :D It's a cotton/acrylic blend from Knit Picks.

I'd really like to make more amigurumi with that yarn but their shipping cost is a bit too much for just a couple of skeins. :(

I haven't finished the Sleepy Fox yet. I still can't find my crochet hook. But, I did start on a white version (for sister) using a larger hook.

Although, I currently don't have plans to write up any more patterns. I'll definitely consider writing up a pattern for the fox if I ever do decide to write a little book.

Edit:

Oh! Almost forgot. Yes'ms I'll be selling Sleepy Foxes.

2011-03-07T05:18:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make a dog and I ended up making a dalmatian. :3

(I had a different design sketched out. I'll try to make that one soon.)

It's about 4.5 inches tall and it stands up on its own.

P.S.

I updated my FAQ page.

mxm jewelry

2011-02-28T16:04:00.000-08:00

loooove these designs from mxm jewelry.

tiny butterfly necklace

little heart earrings

tiny pinwheel earrings II

Behind the Scenes - Work in Progress: Sleepy Fox

2011-02-23T01:04:00.000-08:00

I took this weeks ago. :3

I finally have time to finish it but I haven't seen my crochet hook in over a week ;o;

More penguins!

2011-02-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

Now I'm off to finish the fox and to sketch some more~

Sale 2/19 to 2/21

2011-02-19T02:59:00.000-08:00

See what's in the on sale section? :3 A couple more items will be added later today!

Please share this post with friends! <3

Sneak Peek

2011-02-07T19:16:00.001-08:00

Hi!! I started this last week and got most of the pieces done, but then I got busy with other things :( I just need to make a few more pieces and it'll be done.

It's the head of a sleepy fox. :3 I'm not going to show the rest of it yet :P It's a little different from how I usually make amigurumi so it makes me go squee!<3

I saw your work on Craftster.org. I just love the animals! I am looking for patterns for smaller animals like yours. I saw where you got the turtle pattern, but do you have or could you sell your patterns for the other ones? Oh, and I did see the opct

2011-01-31T01:35:00.001-08:00

Thank you :) I currently don't have any plans to write them up. For some of them, I didn't write down any notes or I lost them. :(

Ask me anything

Favorite Tutorials

2011-01-30T06:50:00.000-08:00

I found these tutorials for crochet/amigurumi a couple of years ago. They're my favorites for the basics.

♥ Hook and Needles - Amigurumi Tutorial 1 - Learn How to Crochet

Chain
Single crochet
Increase
Decrease
Working in the round
Magic ring

♥ Hook and Needles - Amigurumi Tutorial 2 - How to Read Patterns

Types of patterns
Abbreviations
List of materials

♥ Hook and Needles - Amigurumi Tutorial 3 - Additional Techniques

Slip stitch
Half double crochet
Double crochet
Treble crochet
Front loop
Back loop
Color changes
Adding faces
Finishing

When people ask me to teach them how to crochet (amigurumi), I send them these links!

I do like to help but I'm usually not good at explaining things. :C

More colors!

2011-01-28T04:03:00.000-08:00

They took me a while to finish because I got sick :(

Also made two more pandas!

I'm going to try to finish some penguins tomorrow and then I'll start on some more new designs.
Maybe a monkey? Hippo? Tiger? Lion? Bird? What would you like to see~? :3

Shop is open! :)

2011-01-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

I listed up some new amigurumi~

Minis! They're all around 3" tall and 2.5" wide.

I'm still working on some more!

hi, when are you opening your shop? :D

2011-01-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

sometime this week :)

Ask me anything

Sneak Peek

2011-01-18T03:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek of some of the amigurumi I've been working on. :3

They'll be in my etsy shop sometime this week.

Octopus Amigurumi Pattern

2011-01-17T03:34:00.001-08:00

Here's my octopus pattern!

Sorry I had to take it down on my old blog because the photos in the post were broken. I had to make my Flickr private so I could sort through all of my photos because they kept getting stolen.

I'm getting into the habit of uploading to the blog now. :)

Size:
Approximately 2" (5cm) tall
[3" (7.5cm) tall including the tentacles]
and 3" (7.5cm) wide.

Materials:

✿ Worsted weight yarn
✿ E (3.5mm) hook
✿ Pair of 15mm safety eyes
✿ Yarn needle
✿ Stuffing of your choice

* Results may vary depending on your tension and your yarn & hook choices.

Abbreviations:
✿ sc - single crochet
✿ 2 sc - 2 single crochet increase
✿ sc2tog - 2 single crochet decrease
✿ rnd - round
✿ sl st - slip stitch
✿ st(s) - stitch(es)

Magic Ring:

A few inches from the end of the yarn, wrap two loops over your forefinger.

While the loops still on your finger, insert the hook from right to left and pull

the working yarn through.

Carefully take the loops off your fingers and chain one.

Insert the hook into the loops and pull up a loop. Yarn over and draw yarn through both loops.

This is the first single crochet stitch. Continue for the rest of the stitches.

Then grab the yarn tail to close the hole.

-----------

Pattern

Body:

✿ 7 sc into ring.

Rnd 1: 2 sc in every st. (14 sts)
Rnd 2: *2 sc in st, sc in next st* around. (21 sts)
Rnd 3: *2 sc in st, sc in next 2 sts* around. (28 sts)
Rnds 4-6: sc in every st.
Rnd 7: *sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts* around. (21 sts)
Rnd 8: sc in every st.
Rnd 9: *sc2tog, sc in next st* around. (14 sts)
Rnd 10: *sc2tog* around. (7 sts)

✿ Cut yarn, leave tail.

Mouth:

✿ 6 sc into ring.

✿ Cut yarn, leave tail.

Insert the hook from the back to the front into both of the loops the first stitch. Pull through the yarn tail.

Then insert the hook from the back to the front into back loop of the last stitch and pull the yarn through.

Weave in the ends.

Tentacles (Make 8):

✿ 4 sc into ring.

Rnds 1-2: Sc in every st.
Rnd 3: *Sc* to the last 2 sts, sc2tog. (3 sts)
Rnd 4: Sc in every st.

✿ Cut yarn, leave tail for sewing.

Assembly:

* Sorry, I don't have pictures of sewing them together yet.

✿ Put in the safety eyes. (4 rows from the bottom, spaced 8 stitches in between.)

✿ Use 1-2 strand(s) of yarn to sew on the mouth.

✿ Stuff the body and use the yarn tail & needle to sew the hole closed.
Insert the needle from the inside to the outside of every stitch.
Pull tight and secure the tail by threading it into the body.

✿ Sew on the tentacles.

----------

(c) 2010

This pattern is for personal use only.
Please don't redistribute/sell the pattern
in any way or form.

Tiny Striped Turtle

2011-01-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

I kept coming across cute striped turtles on Flickr for years and I finally got around to making one. The pattern is here: KristieMN's Tiny Striped Turtle and there is a knit version here: Knitted Toy Box's Amigurumi Tiny Turtle

I love knit stripes but I had to go with crochet as I don't have enough double pointed needles... Is still cute! :3

I'm going to sew on a smile later~

Photo FAQ

2011-01-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

I often get asked about how I do my photos for Etsy so I thought I'd post about it. :)

What time of the day do you take the photos?

I tend to take them at night or when there's not a lot of natural light coming in the room. :P I would like to take them during the day and possibly outside but I'm usually busy during the day.

Do you use a light box? How do you light your photos?

I don't have a light box. I usually just use a notebook. :)

I try to get the photo the best I can in camera before I fix them in Lightroom/Photoshop.

Depending on the available light:

- Aperture will be at 1.8 to 4.5
- Exposure will be at 0 to +2.0

If there's enough light, I will also chose the aperture based on the depth of field I'd like. The wider the aperture (the smaller the f/ number), the narrower the depth of field is.

Sometimes I use a silver reflector to lift some of the shadows. See the difference in these photos, straight out of the camera:

Do you use a tripod?

No... I prefer handheld for these photos. :x

How do get your amigurumi to stand up in the photos?

Most of mine stand up on their own. If they don't, I lean them against the notebook and get someone to hold the notebook just right so the amigurumi doesn't fall over. :D

You can also try putting tape on the bottom of the amigurumi or you can lay the amigurumi down and take the photo from above.

Whether it works/looks good depends on the size & design as well as the angle of the photo.

How do you edit your photos?

Straight out of the camera:

Camera settings: f/4.5, 1/30 sec, ISO 3200, +1 EV

Lightroom:

I adjusted Fill Light, Brightness, Contrast, Vibrance, and Noise Reduction.

Photoshop:

I adjusted the Levels and removed the cat hair.

(P.S. Turtle pattern is here: KristieMN's Tiny Striped Turtle)

If you want more info or have any more questions, please let me know! :D

New Blog

2011-01-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

I will be revamping my shop and building up my stock... of new items! :) I can't wait when the shop is back up and running. I don't want to say too much yet! But I hope it goes well.

While you're here, please leave a comment! I'd love to know what you'd like to see from my shop and/or my blog. This blog is going to be better than my old one! :)