Crafty Pants!

Ok.

So I’ve been gone a long time.

I can explain!

Well, I went on a very lovely vacation to Key West. Once I was back I started a new job that has demanded much of my energy getting settled into. Also, it has been HOT for Seattle, and I just haven’t felt like picking up a crochet hook.

However, I got the fire lit under my arse once again! I am making things as fast and I can for a small craft fair. I am going in on it with three other people, so between the three of us the booth price is very cheap! This is the first arts/craft fair I have ever done, so this will be fun. I have been crocheting, knifty knitting, carving stamps, printing, sewing, woodworking, you name it! Because the booth will be soo cheap, I don’t really care about mass producing anything. I’m using this as an excuse to sit and craft for 3-4 hours at a time. Now I can say, when people ask me what am I “going to do” with something, I can say, “sell it!”

I haven’t really been checking out the free patterns lately, because I can’t really sell the things I make from them. However, I did find these super duper cute Gnomes that I want to make as gifts. Anyone remember David the Gnome? Ahh, memories.

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I love Wallace & Gromit! Dina from Crochetville created a pattern for Gromit that looks like it is a still taken directly out of the movies! I mean, look at it, it's perfect. Once Hell Week© is over at school, I need to get back to crocheting. I know my list of projects is long, but Grmit just jumped to the top of it!

Lately, I've been really wanting a pet. I wanted to bring my cats to school, but my apartment doesn't allow pets. Then I decided I wanted a turtle. I looked at them at the pet stores, did research on their food, lifespan and more. But my apartment still doesn't allow pets (not even turtles!). So, rather than risk getting a $500 fine, I need to hook myself a pet. I think Jaques the Sea Turtle would make a fine addition to my household! 

Sewing Star is offering a darling free pattern to sew! I've been meaning to order her book with sewing patterns, but now I can practice making super duper cute Mice.  

Japanese patterns make use of a chart, which is extremely helpful, but sometimes the chart alone isn't enough. These Japanese patterns have been graciously translated for us so that all us non-Japanese speakers can enjoy making these super cute amigurumi doggies and mushrooms. I especially adore the chihuahua!

Edit: I fixed the link!

Inspired by the lambkin pattern (posted about below) this awesome crafter created her own darling plush puppy. Yay for inspiration, and yay for sharing! 

Here's the perfect spring time project: a free lamb sewing pattern.  Here is an example by someone else who used this pattern:
 

Too cute! 

In just a few months, my boyfriend of two years will be moving to San Francisco. This makes me sad, as I will miss the cuddles and the kisses. But, it does give me an excuse to make a semi-replacement. This Giant Panda will do nicely ;)  Plus, the time it takes me to make it will keep me from missing him too much!

Make your own Tux! The Free-Penguin Project believes that the "the code to compile a soft toy penguin" should be open source just like Linux.They provide a free sewing pattern and instructions to whip up your own personal penguin. Here is an example of what someone else made with the pattern. I just wish I had the patience to sew by hand…

Here's an exceptionally cute Bear Pattern, that even comes with instructions for the scarf:) It's free, but if you want to do the author a favor, buy it at her etsy shop (for only $0.50) to help increase her feedback/stats.