All About Ami

When I first started crocheting amigurumi and learning how to crochet in rounds to create a ball, I used the “Chain 2 method”.  In this method, you add a series of single crochets into the second chain from your crochet hook.  My amigurumi books used this method, and I never thought about any other techniques that might be better, although I had come across “The Magic Circle” while looking up patterns and how to begin amigurumi on-line.  I read that some people found it difficult, and so I never even bothered to try it out for myself since the Chain 2 method was so simple! 

However, as I was making Link, I decided to try out this “Magic Circle” because the Chain 2 method still leaves a small visible hole.  It isn’t a huge deal, but I did not want any stuffing to show and I wanted a cleaner finish.  I found the Magic Circle to be a very simple technique to start amigurumi, and it leaves no hole at all!  Now that I’ve learned this method, I will never go back to the Chain 2 method! 

Here is a tutorial on how to begin amigurumi with “The Magic Circle”:

Sometimes it’s easier seeing everything in action, so here’s a great video by Teresa of “The Art of Crochet” showing how to begin the Magic Circle using the steps I showed above.  She even provides a slow-motion repeat of this technique at the end of the video.

Have many of you already been using the Magic Circle technique when making amigurumi?  Some still prefer the Chain 2 method, but it’s nice knowing that there are other techniques out there.  I always use The Magic Circle now, and I’m so happy I finally took the time to look into it!

Link was crocheted using an original pattern by Becchin, translated by Tanoshimou. Check out the following links (haha, no pun intended) to help you make your own hero of Hyrule:

• Becchin’s ‘person core’ page that Link is based on: he has great step-by-step photos (click here)
• Becchin’s photos of Link as well as a very useful video showing the process (click here)
• Tanoshimou’s translation of Becchin’s pattern into English (click here)
• MY step-by-step blog post to see how I used the above resources to make this adorable Link (click here)

I followed Tanoshimou’s pattern except for the hat, as I found the pattern written out produced a hat that was far too big for Link.  I kept single crocheting 42 all the way around from rows 12-18, went counter-clockwise for row 15, and then went around clockwise for rows 16-18 (I did not take it past row 18).

Now onto my pattern for Link’s Hylian Shield, Sword, and Sheath!

Materials:

• blue and grey yarn (for the shield) and brown yarn (for the sword and sheath)
• yellow and red embroidery floss
• 2.00 mm crochet hook
• yarn needle
• glue gun
• chopstick

Note: I worked in continuous rounds (vs. joined rounds).

SHIELD:

The shield consists of the (1) front part, (2) back part, and (3) strap.

(1) Front part

Using blue yarn,

R1: Ch 2, 2 sc in second ch from hook, turn. (2)

R2: Ch 1, *sc 2 in next sc*, rep 2 times, turn. (4)

R3: Ch 1 *sc 2 in next sc*, rep 4 times, turn. (8)

R4-6: Ch 1, sc 8, turn. (8)

R7: Ch 1, sc 3, *sc 2 in next sc*, rep 2 times, sc 3, turn. (10)

R8-10: Ch 1, sc 10, turn. (10)

R11: Ch 1, sc 1, dc 1, dc 1, tr 1, tr 1, ch 1, tr 1, tr 1, dc 1, dc 1, sc 1.

Fasten off and weave in end.

Resulting shape should look like this:

Using grey yarn, single crochet around the border of the shield.  Chain 2 at bottom corner.  Chain 3 at top corners (see below diagram).

Result after single crocheting around border:

Using grey yarn, embroider the following design along the edges with a yarn hook:

Using yellow yarn, embroider the Triforce and a triangle.

Using red yarn, embroider the Eagle design.

(2) Back part

To make back of shield, follow same pattern above (i.e. Rows 1-11) using blue yarn.  Do not use grey yarn to single crochet around the edge and do not embroider any designs.

(3) Strap

Using blue yarn,

Ch 3.

R1: Sc 2, starting in second ch from hook, turn.

R2-12: Ch 1, sc 2, turn.

Attach strap onto back of shield (NOT the embroidered one). 

Glue gun (or sew) front of shield to back of shield.

Hylian shield attaches to Link’s arm like so:

SWORD 

The sword consists of the (1) blade and (2) cross-guard.

(1) Blade

Cut off tip of chopstick (blade should be about 2.5 inches or 7 cm).  Using scissors, carve notches into the chopstick.

(2) Cross-guard (make 2)

Using grey yarn,

Ch 2

R1: Sc 1, starting in second ch from hook, turn.

R2-8: Ch 1, sc 1, turn.

Finish off, weave in ends.

Glue gun 2 cross-guards together around the blade.

SHEATH

The sheath consists of the (1) tube and (2) handle.

(1) Tube

Using dark brown yarn,

R1: Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook.

R2-13: Ch 6.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

(2) Handle

Using dark brown yarn,

Ch 2

R1: Sc 1, starting in second ch from hook, turn.

R2-19: Ch 1, sc 1, turn.

Finish off, leave long end for sewing.

Sew both ends of handle to tube. 

Place sword in sheath to see if it fits.

Now you’re made a Hylian shield, sword, and sheath for Link!

Now Link is prepared for battle!!!  If you have any questions or find any errors, feel free to contact me.  Thanks and good luck!

This pattern is an original pattern by Stephanie of All About Ami (May 2011). Please do not claim this pattern as your own. If you wish to share this pattern, you may link to this pattern but please do not reprint it on your site. You may keep a copy for your own personal use but you may not sell or distribute it, or sell items made from this pattern.

I have so many fond memories of playing “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” on the N64 back in the day (in 1998 to be exact!!!).  Time sure flies by.  I remember staying up late during the summer nights as my brother and sister led me with the player’s guide, instructing me on where I should go and what I should do.  We loved the storyline and the music, and we shrieked with excitement as we fought bosses together and became annoyed at Navi the fairy whenever she told us to “Listen!”. 

When I first became interested in amigurumi, I scoured the internet for pictures and ideas for my first projects.  Ryan stumbled upon an amigurumi Link which we both thought was absolutely adorable.  The original pattern was by Becchin (found here), an incredible Japanese amigurumi artist with beautiful, intricate work.  Tanoshimou kindly translated the pattern (found here) so the rest of us could make our very own Link’s! 

When I first looked at the pattern, I knew it looked somewhat complicated, so I decided to put it on the back-burner as I tried my hand at more simple projects (e.g. Jigglypuff) since I was a beginner at amigurumi.  I am so glad this Link project was not my first.  I probably would’ve become very frustrated and possibly might’ve given up.  I knew I could tackle this project now since I had quite a few amigurumi projects under my belt.  And so, I excitedly began this project which had been on my to-do list for months!

This Link is unique because his head can pivot and rotate.  The head is actually removable and pivots around a ball joint, which I thought was such a brilliant idea.  Thus, I first started by crocheting the ball joint and upper body.

Next, I worked on Link’s brown boots, comprised of two parts: the soles and the tops.  They had to be sturdy enough so that Link could stand upright in them!

Next, I crocheted two legs and joined them together, switching to green yarn in the last row. 

Then, I attached the legs to the ball joint/upper body.

Next up was the cool part: the removable head!  At first, I was a little confused about how this all worked, but as you can see in the pictures below, the part that flares out (in the second pic) flips upwards and wraps around the ball that is ontop of it.

And so, adding the eyes and stuffing the head was a little bit different than normal since the base was hollow.

Once his head was complete, I worked on making the top part of his hair and also attached some ears.

This is what I had completed so far…

Now with his head on the ball joint!  It looks like Link has a buzz cut…

Next up were his arms.

Now with his arms attached!  It’s funny how he actually looks proportional here (with the ball joint being a proportional head).  But of course amigurumi are characterized by their oversized heads!

Then came a challenging part: the hair!  I used double crochets to go down the back of his head.

For the front part, I chained long strands on either side of his face (in front of the ears) for his sideburns.

Ryan helped me with the bangs and did an absolutely fantastic job stitching them on with a yarn needle.  Here are some different angles showing his bangs.  I think attaching hair with this method is such a great idea as it gives a very clean-cut look.

I thought the pattern for the pointy hat was clever since you increase the stitches on certain sides (I’m so used to increasing evenly around a circle).  However, for some reason, I found that the hat pattern that was written out produced a hat that was way too big (see hat on the left below).  Someone also commented about this, so I’m glad I’m not the only one!  Thus, I had to modify the pattern (see hat on the right), otherwise it looked like Link was absolutely swimming in his hat.  I talk about how I modified the hat in my accessories pattern post here (right before the materials section). 

I was so excited to see if this hat fit.  Here he is!

A few more pics from various angles…

I knew Link the warrior wouldn’t be complete without his accessories….like his Hylian shield and his sword!  And so, we made up our own patterns to create them.  Ryan was the one who actually embroidered the designs onto the Hylian shield for me, and I was blown away by how accurate and intricate it turned out!  To check out step-by-step photos and patterns of how I made each accessory, click HERE. Here’s a pic of Link with them!

Now with sword in hand!

From more angles…

From behind you can get a better view of his sword and sheath, and how his shield attaches to his arm.

Since Link’s head is pivotable, it’s fun to pose him just like our old action figurines :)  For example…

“Oh no!  What’s going on over there?!?”

“Zelda’s been captured by Ganondorf.  *Sigh*.”

“Have no fear!  Link is here!  Ganondorf’s no match for me!”

Haha, you get the point.  Here are a few pics showing Link’s relative size in case you’re curious. 

Here he is on guard at the corner of my desk.

I am so happy with how Link turned out.  Becchin’s pattern is very intricate, from his pivotable head to his removable boots.  Link is incredibly sturdy as it amazes me how he can stand all by himself.  If you are or know of any Legend of Zelda fans, you should definitely give this pattern a try.  Once again, the pattern for the Hylian shield, sword and sheath can be found HERE.  Let me know what you think of this Link and if you played “Ocarina of Time” back in the day too!  What are some of your favourite video games?

Today my mom and sister are coming over for a baking day!  We’ll be baking some of our favourite treats including classic chocolate chip cookies :)

We love the “Original Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies” recipe found on All Recipes here.  Mmmmm…yummy-looking cookie dough….

One of the reviewers of this recipe provided a great tip: mix in a small package of instant vanilla pudding to the batter before adding the chips.  This helps make the cookies chewier and puffier!

These cookies stay chewy for days.  Whip out your mixer and share these with family and friends- they’ll love ya for it ;)

A couple of weekends ago, Ryan and I headed to a small local craft sale.  I absolutely adore going to craft sales and farmer’s markets to see the creativity and handiwork of local artisans.  Amidst the jewelry, hand-bound books and soaps, Lynne’s table of traditional Japanese hand-stitched items caught my eye.  Lynne kindly explained to me that Japanese hand sewing is called “Sashiko” and consists of a simple running stitch sewn in repeating or interlocking patterns.  She used beautiful contrasting colours, and had many great items on display, including cell phone holders, zippered pouches and card holders.  Once I decided on getting a kleenex holder, I then had the tough decision of choosing which colour combination and pattern I wanted. 

I love grey and pink together.  Lynne had many beautiful patterns to choose from, and as I slowly began narrowing down my choices, I ended up with this one. Apparently, it is one of the most difficult patterns to stitch.  Lynne took the time to explain the meaning behind each pattern, and I believe mine signified the serenity and also adventure of the waves of the ocean.

Lynne explained how the stitches never cross one another.  The patterns date back over 500 years and originally had a practical purpose as Japanese people would heavily stitch their old garments for reinforcement or quilt them together for warmth.  I love how Lynne used this traditional form of embroidery to make contemporary products.  Lynne also conveniently sewed a flap on the back of the kleenex holder to hold hand sanitizer, cards, etc. 

Once you flip the top part…

You can stuff your kleenexes in!

Now I have a chic way to store my kleenexes :)  I love pulling this out of my purse! 

To find out more about Sashiko, check out Lynne’s page.  Unfortunately, I don’t think she sells her products on-line.  If you’re interested in trying out sashiko on your own, check out this tutorial.  

It’s always fascinating learning about different art forms.  I felt a connection to Lynne since I love another Japanese craft: making amigurumi of course!  I will be blogging about an amigurumi project that involved some hand-stitching as well, and is probably one of the most intricate projects I’ve worked on so far.  I’m also working on iPod/mp3 player/cell phone cozy designs for a tutorial that I can’t wait to share with you all!  

After making these amigurumi cups, I thought I’d try my hand at making some actual cup cozies since I love drinking tea.  These cup cozies will protect your fingers when your cups get too hot from your warm drinks :)  Follow along with my tutorial to make your very own!

Make a series of chain stitches and measure it around the cup you’d like to use.  Make the chain a bit longer than the circumference of the cup. 

Single crochet along each row until you’ve reached your desired height.

Wrap the crocheted piece around the cup (to visualize where you’ll be crocheting).  Make sure that the top edge of the piece has the “v’s” showing outwards (flip if necessary).  Single crochet down the left side.

Next, make a series of chain stitches to run across the bottom of the cup.  Make sure the cup cozy fits nice and snug, so do not chain too many stitches.  Slip stitch to the right side. 

Single crochet back across from the right side to the left side (1), and then slip stitch to the left side.  Then single crochet from the left side to the rght side (2) and then slip stitch to the right side.

Next, single crochet up the right side.

Now, single crochet down the right side (1), across from the right to the left side (2), and then up the left side (3) to give a decorative touch to all the edges.  Of course, you can adapt how you crochet around the handle any way you’d like (depending on which side you started on).  

Sew a button onto one of the sides.

Make a loop by chaining stitches on the other side.  Measure it to make sure it comfortably and snugly loops around the button.

This is the finished product!

My mom loves drinking coffee and tea, so I wanted to make a cup cozy for her too.  I made a few changes to this one since it was my second time around.  I made the cup cozy lower so that there would be more space for the lips to drink from the cup.  I also chose a cup that was two-toned (light grey on the outside, green on the inside) for colour variation, and I also used a deeper pink thread when sewing on the button for a nice pop of colour.

It was somewhat tricky crocheting a cup cozy for this cup since it tapered downwards and was not the same size throughout the height.

And so, I had to crochet this shape.  I started off with the widest length and then decreased some of the rows throughout to accomodate for the tapered shape of the cup.  To make life easier, I’d recommend choosing a cup that is the same width throughout.

This is how the cup cozy turned out!  I followed a similar pattern to join the edges, this time adding a few more rows of single crochets along the sides and the bottom.  I also placed the button further inwards and downwards to help hold the cup cozy up (otherwise the cozy would slip down).

I love the look of the crocheted cup cozies!  They look both rustic and kind of modern at the same time.

And here’s what it looks like in action!  Now you can look cute and chic drinking your coffee and tea :)

Try making these cup cozies with different colours and buttons!  I think it’d be cute to add felt shapes, faces (a smiley cup!), crocheted hearts and flowers to these cup cozies too :)  These cup cozies would also make great gifts!  Comment and let me know how it goes if you try making these!  To see how other people’s cup cozies turned out, check out my “Crochet Corner” post about them here :)

I had always wanted to make an amigurumi penguin, so when I stumbled upon this pattern found on Kay’s blog ”I’m Hooked”, I jumped right in and gave it a try.  

As I read through the pattern, I was intrigued that for the head, you needed to work with two colours at the same time, and that all the stitches within the {} brackets used white yarn: the black and white stitches switched back and forth within each row!  I had never before worked with two colours of yarn at the same time, and I had always assumed that if you needed to switch colours, you had to cut one colour off in order to start with a new colour.  Thus, any patterns with more than one colour seemed tedious to me.  However, I found this helpful video on how to crochet with two colours in the round.

As it states in the text of this video, when you work with two colours, you carry along both threads. You simply crochet around the thread that you are not currently working with in order to carry it along.  It is important to note that you should switch to the new colour you want during the last pull through of the final stitch of the old colour.  That probably sounds confusing, but watch the video to see it all in action! 

In this picture, you can see how I am carrying along the white yarn as I use the black yarn to crochet around it.  This technique makes switching colours very easy (no need to cut the yarn every time!).  It is also very important to keep the count during each round since some stitches will be black and some will be white. Typically if you make a mistake when counting (using only one colour), it won’t make a huge difference.  However, if you miscount a black or white stitch, the nice white curved pattern on his face will be misaligned!  I made a few mistakes along the way and had to redo certain rows!

I was so happy when I finished his head!  Then I added eyes and a cute yellow beak!

Next I made his little wings, body and feet.  He’s already looking adorable!

I attached his body and his wings…

And here he is all complete from the front, side and back!  I made a tail for him so that he would sit better.  As you can see, the colour that was carried along is still somewhat visible.  Perhaps if I had made my stitches tighter, these colours would’ve been less visible…

He certainly is a cutie!

I used mercerized cotton (one of my favourite yarns to work with because it is strong and lustrous) and yellow embroidery floss to make this penguin.

Penguin is very small…

*Squish*

I would like to thank Kay for testing out this pattern and fixing up the errors (the original was written in Thai and translated by someone on google).  Definitely give this pattern a try!  I think making a series of different-coloured penguins would be so cute!

Kay also tried her hand at my “Valentine Teddy” pattern and took step-by-step photos along the way: check out her blog post about her experience here.  She also makes adorable amigurumi popsicle keychains and cute mini wallets/pouches. It’s been great connecting with other crocheters and bloggers around the world :) Let’s continue spreading the amigurumi love!