.

As my skills grow I must take on more challenges. So many unfinished faces await my return in 2014, lol :)

After some fuzzy yarn shopping on etsy there are new fabrics now waiting to me made in the new year. Twice now I have ordered cool fuzzy yarns that are hard to find locally. They're from a cool etsy shop that has since closed but may open again in the future. Take a look:

long hair chenille

long hair chenille

halo fuzz in orchid

Once I crocheted a dog for a friend as a surprise after he told me the sad story about how he lost his pitbull. He spoke so affectionately about his pet and his love for animals that I knew he would like an amigurumi.  When I gave it to him he was not only surprised but happy that something like this could be made by hand. I wrote about it in another blog post: Another Gift For Someone: Will This Ami Pitbull Heal?

This time a special someone wants me to do this same thing for their grandma. She has lost her dear Yorkie.  I am so touched to be made a part in this process of healing. I hope she can find healing in my ami Yorkie.

The most difficult part was the embroidery of the face. Maybe it's advanced level (there was a lot of grunting in the process as I have not tried these techniques before). What looks so simple in a drawing takes a lot of guesswork using yarn. Taking on a challenging project is a way to grow really fast toward building your skill and your focus. I don't think I can grow without a challenge thrown in the mix.

There is the "rough sketch" for artists and the "prototype" for engineers. Well mine is a work-in-progress, put simply.

I finally found a break to blog about Tigey once more, at least to show progress. The body is similar in shape to another famous Japanese cat that I like to make.

Tigey meets Nyanko

Finally, I must make the remaining parts. Since this was a prototype and now that I have purchased the best yarn color that I could find, on with reproduction!

Tigey's prototype

Blues Clues

Tigey

Is it me or is something just obvious? Tigey's colors look a lot like Blues Clues' colors.

The scoop is that Blues Clues creator and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood creator is one in the same, Angela Santomero. Here's her blog:  http://angelasclues.com/

Here is my scoop. Working and going to school are hectic at this time of year. I couldn't find time to shop for yarn colors. Tigey's main color is surprisingly difficult to match using store brand yarns. I finally made it to Michaels today to look for some. So far I like Michaels Loop & Threads Impeccable in Clear Blue for the main color. I may choose Red Heart Super Saver in Blue for the stripes.

Clear Blue

Too many brands try to stick you with turquoise. I don't like that they do that. Blue is blue. Onto the next challenge!

Tigey has really chubby cheeks. That feature took a while for me to design. This adorable feature must not  be overlooked!

Tigey's face shape

Sometimes when the holidays roll around you are just not sure what they will bring. I believe that my season is changing for the best. There is not much time left to make amigurumis in time for the holidays. I was so excited to get a special request. It's a privilege when you begin to do special things for people. I am truly blessed by this one.

The character request is for a super adorable character from the PBS Series "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood". His name is Tigey. It's funny, because Tigey is not necessarily a main character. 4-year old Daniel Tiger is the son of the original Daniel Striped Tiger from Mister Roger's Neighborhood. He carries around a stuffed animal tiger. This request is from a 3-year boy. I think that's why I wanted to blog about it. I get custom requests but there is something so special about this one to me.

It's so funny that his name is Tigey! The greatest feature that I like about Tigey is the shape of his face. I am all about kawaii! Let this amigurumi adventure begin.

crocheting a tribble creature

this is how the yarn bundle looks

my creature during the day

creature at night!

This is actually crocheted with 100% polyamide yarn. Can't say it was easy! All this trouble for a Tribble.

So far I've only purchased one skein in Giggling Green.
PROS:
Nice close stitches
Plushy soft
Holds stitches very well
Great baby colors

CONS:
Just make more colors!

I think that a very similar quality Bernat Yarn would be Waverly for Bernat. It feels very similar to the Giggles.

Amigurumi Mamegoma seal in Giggling Green Bernat Giggles

It was time to graduate from amigurumi dog lessons and move on to the amigurumi cat like Hello Kitty, Nyanko, and even a tabby cat. I think I want to try a holiday kitty as well.

Hello Kitty

Nyanko

a Tabby Cat

Kiiroitori is a bird that I crocheted but needed to improve. A friend to Rilakkuma & Korilukkama that they can't be found without. I think he's a chick.





Book Source:  Rilakkuma Bear Amigurumi Book

Can't get enough of those amigurumi dogs! Here is a crocheted version of a german shepherd

Curly yarns are not easy to crochet neither are dark colors. I purchased purple curly type yarn from Big Lots to see how challenging it would be. So far I have formed a head. It's so fluffy and soft. (Try it at your own risk)

My Hello Kitty that I just finished was able to fit in a small treat bag. These treat bags can be found at stores like the Dollar Tree or Walmart. Most come with cute designs.  Mine has butterflies and flowers.  I sealed the opening shut with regular glue.

My daughter's friend gave me kind words which inspired me to give Hello Kitty a try.  I think that this kitty is rightfully hers.

He's called Cotton Candy, a cat in pajamas. This absolutely plush yarn is Buttercup by Red Heart. I'm using Petal Pink. Could not resist its fluffiness or cuteness!

Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback
Country of Origin:  Zimbabwe

This puppy grows up to be a lean muscular dog. Ferocious hunter good and gentle domestic pet.


.

Kangal dog description:  essentially a light-colored dog it has distinct features such as a black mask and  black on the ears creating a contrast effect.

Amigurumi version: