.

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.