My Interview

I'm so excited, I have been interviewed for the spotlight on Etsy shop series on the jennyandteddy.com blog. To read the full interview click on the link http://www.jennyandteddy.com/2013/06/etsy-shop-spotlight-sewmycupoftea/

Russian Doll Key Chain

I love the current trend for Russian Dolls, they are so cute and colourful. I wanted to design a key chain that was easy to make but full of detail. The pattern includes the templates for all the felt pieces. I used running stitch around the heart and the cheeks are simply made by rubbing a red coloured over the felt.

To purchase the pattern please visit my Etsy shop by clicking on the shop tab at the top of the page.

Queen's Guard Key Chain

Here is my latest crochet pattern, Queen's Guard all ready for duty! He will do an excellent job of looking after your keys for you.

After my visit to Windsor Castle where I saw the Queen's Guard I couldn't wait to crochet my own mini version. I used Gold embroidery thread to make the chin strap and buckle so they shine like the real thing. The belt and buttons are made from White yarn.

To buy the PDF pattern to make your own Queen's Guard visit my Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewMyCupofTea

Top tips for sewing the face on your amigurumi

The face is one of the most important parts of your amigurumi as the expression on them is what makes us all fall in love with our creations. Something as simple as moving the eyes can change an expression from happy to sad. It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to sewing the face. These are my top tips that I have learnt through trial and error to help you get that professional finish to you amigurumi.

To help you decide where you want to place your eyes, mouth and nose use pins to mark out the placement. A slight movement of the pins can completely change the expression. Try moving the eyes closer together or placing the smile closer to the eyes to see what looks you can create.

When securing a length of thread/yarn knot the end and when you pull it through your amigurumi the knot will catch on the stuffing helping to anchor it.

When sewing on beads for the eyes make sure you pass the thread through the bead several times to make sure it is really secure. If the amigurumi is for a young child do not use beads as these can be pulled off and instead over sew the eyes.

When you have finished sewing take the needle to the side of the body/head.

Sew back and forth between 2 stitches so that the thread/yarn catches on the stuffing inside. If you pull it gently after each stitch you shouldn't be able to see the thread. Don't pull too tightly as this will make the body/head look out of shape.

Pull the thread gently when you cut it off and the end will ping back inside the body/head and you won't be able to see any ends.

To over sew a nose or eye bring the needle through the same spot repeatedly.

To create a mouth bring your needle up to where you want the mouth to start and cross over to the other corner of the mouth. Bring the needle up in the middle of the 2 corners a bit lower down. Make a small stitch over the length of thread to hold it in a 'U' shape.

Squeak from Nesta the Mouse!

Nesta the Mouse (named after my Mum) is my latest crocheted key chain. She is so cute and easy to make, suiting someone with an intermediate skill level. 
Nesta the Mouse loves Cheese and is often seen whizzing around looking for some. She takes it back to her nest to keep it safe until mealtime. The finished Mouse key chain is 3 1/2" high including the key ring and 1 1/2" wide. 

The pattern uses US terminology. I have used light worsted yarn to crochet Nesta and a 3.5mm (E-4) hook.
The pattern uses:-
Magic ring
Single Crochet
Slip Stitch
Crocheting in the round
Chains

In addition to normal crochet supplies you will need a split ring, embroidery thread and beads. This is the perfect pattern for using up your stash as Nesta the Mouse uses less than 25g of each color. Due to small parts the finished key chain is not suitable for young children.

Click on the Buy It Now button to buy the pattern from my Raverly store (you don't need to be a member) 



Hope you enjoy making Nesta :)

Henry the Hedgehog key chain crochet pattern

Henry the Hedgehog loves gardening and is currently growing Tomatoes and Lettuces to make yummy salads. Henry the Hedgehog is my latest amigurumi key chain and he is so cute!

Henry uses less than 25g of each color of yarn so he is perfect for using up your stash. The prickles are created by crocheted on to the surface of the body. This pattern would suit someone with an intermediate skill level.

To buy the pattern click on the button to purchase the PDF from my Raverly store for £1.50. You do not need to be a member of Raverly to purchase the pattern.

Instant PDF downloads from my Etsy shop

Great news! All my crochet pattern PDF's are now available for instant download after you purchase them from my Etsy shop. No more waiting for me to email the pattern out so you can get started on your crochet project straight away. Just click on my shop tab at the top of the page to see all my patterns.