Probably my favorite part of making amigurumi is customizing my projects for the people who will receive them. Choosing just the right colors, styles and personalities is always an adventure. Of course, there aren’t a lot of patterns out there that really encourage crocheters to express themselves — but with my first Amigurumi Pals pattern, I’m hoping to change that.

This tea set is from my 2011 award-winning Vanna’s Choice competition entry. The complete amigurumi crochet tea set is available as individual patterns or as a collection. For information on the individual pieces, see:

This simple coffee sleeve can be dressed up or down as you like and works up in a snap. It’s perfect for teacher gifts, the letter carrier - even your hair stylist. It also comes with a free printable tag that you can use to personalize your gift. I like to tuck a gift card in behind the tag so my recipients can get started on their coffee drin...

This ear flap hat is designed to fit with both my Yeti and Thing patterns (it also fits nicely on Pullip dolls!). For the Yeti pattern, see http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fuzzy-amigurumi-yeti and for the Thing pattern, see: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/i-hooked-a-thing

he title, hastily scribbled at the top of the page in my pattern notebook, is simple: “A THING.” At the time, I had no idea what it was, but it had to be made.

This design came to life after I spent a Monday morning volunteering in my daughter’s elementary school library. The librarian told me that she planned to read “Penguin and Pinecone,” by Salina Yoon and my job was to cut and set up cardboard penguins for the smaller children to use in imaginary play. She lamented that the card stock was flimsy ...

Even though I already have several pumpkin patterns, I needed another one. This pumpkin had to be simple -- with little to no sewing -- so that I could make enough for, oh, say… an entire first grade class. I hope you like it too!

Even though I already have a bat pattern, I needed another one. This bat had to be simple -- with little to no sewing -- so that I could make enough for, oh, say… an entire first grade class. I hope you like it too!

Even though I already have a ghost pattern, I needed another one. This ghost had to be simple -- with little to no sewing -- so that I could make enough for, oh, say… an entire first grade class. I hope you like it too!

There’s just something about a little abominable snowman that melts even the iciest of hearts and these pocket-sized big foots are no exception. Made with regular acrylic yarn, the yetis’ fur is brushed until it fluffs to create a snuggly friend who’s ready for adventure — no matter what the weather!

Collecting and playing with Roly Poly bugs (or Pill Bugs, as we used to call them) is a childhood coming-of-age tradition. Some of us pass through quickly — briefly amused by the little critters who turn into tight balls… but for others (like my daughter), these little guys can turn into quite the obsession.

There is nothing cuter than a baby bunny — with tiny ears and fluffy little tails, these little sweeties make perfect pocket-sized pets. Whip up a few baby bunnies for an Easter surprise or as a gift for the rabbit-lover in your life — but be careful. You’ll find that this quick little crochet project has a habit of multiplying… like rabbits!

As soon as my daughter saw the gifting mittens I made up for my mom, I knew I was in trouble. “Mama,” she said, sidling up next to me. “Can I have a pair of mittens? I want green mittens because green is my favorite color.”

Whether they’re brightly colored or conservative, striped or solid, a warm pair of mittens is a must-have winter accessory here in the Midwestern USA. There’s only one thing that could make the gift of a new pair of mittens better — a new friend. This fun-to-give pattern set combines my love for all things amigurumi with a very practical (and s...

Every good evil genius knows that before you can shout “Release the Kraken!” and wreck havoc upon the masses, you need to raise and nurture your baby kraken properly. But where, oh where, to find a baby kraken? Never fear friends, this pattern will show you how to hook your own sea creature. Whether you raise it for good or for evil is up to you!

This pattern started out with a frog. A single, solitary, simple frog. But alas — the frog was grumpy. I made him a lily pad (I really thought that would cheer him up) — but no.

Every once in a while, I need a quick crochet project to keep my hands busy. Well, these adorable little ducks are just the solution! They work up in less than an hour with less yarn than you probably have in your scrap bin. They’re colorful, cute and oh-so-addictive!

I have always loved dragons and when the opportunity came along to design a companion for my popular “Fairy Tale Dragon” pattern, I hopped on it like — well, like a dragon on treasure.

When Mouse first showed up on my hook, I never would have guessed the challenges this little guy would present. You see, Mouse is a knitter. Apparently, a quite good one (well, at least in his own mind). And so, Mouse took it upon himself to teach me how to knit — “properly.”

This little sunshine was created to help spread the message about Autism Shines, a grass roots project with the goal of showing the beauty and love found all over the autism spectrum. I hope you will take a moment to visit the Facebook page and web site — and meet some of the truly inspiring individuals with autism.

The Lesser North American Bed Monster is a highly specialized beast with a singular appetite for that warm spot in the middle of the bed. Using its highly sensitive tentacles, the bed monster carefully feels its way through the dark under the covers until it finds just the right spot. But the monster’s adaptations to its heat-seeking lifestyle ...

It was a lazy fall afternoon that found my daughter (“Little Miss”) and I at the playground. The leaves had just begun to turn and every once in a while, we heard the delightful “pop” of an acorn hitting the slide… Which, of course, gave me an idea: how much fun would it be to roll as many acorns as we could find down the slide?

My favorite Halloween treat has to be the sugary-goodness that we all know as candy corns. Each year, for some unknown reason, I am compelled to eat so much of the stuff in one sitting that I become sick and don’t want to look at another candy corn for at least another year.

I am so tired of carrying a boring re-usable container for lunch… let’s spice things up a little -- shall we?

The other day, I was thinking… there are so many annoying people out there. That guy in the fast lane — driving 55 miles per hour and talking on his cell phone…

Whenever you find a monkey, you’re bound to find trouble — why else would they call it “monkey business?”

Love is in the air and these two little elephants know that they were made for each other! Create Morris & Matilda as a gift for a special couple or get creative and come up with your own elephant pal (I bet you won’t be able to make just one!)

Everyone has their dirty little secrets… some are dirtier than others.

Mousey Howsee -- created by Lithuanian childrens’ book author, Jurga Sakalauskaite -- is a sweet little mouse with an appetite for adventure that seems to always get her into trouble. In her latest tale, “Mousey Howsee And The Rescuers,” (see http://www.mouseyhowsee.com/) our little heroine finds herself stranded on an island -- how will she be...

Halloween has always been my favorite time of year… Ghosts and witches are hiding around every corner and children have license to eat as much candy in one night as they can possibly get their hands on. What could possibly be better? — Maybe just a little batty fun with a colorful crocheted friend on a cool, crisp, autumn evening!

What are little boys made of?

Ktty is just the friend for summertime fun all year round. Made from touchably soft cotton yarn, this playtime pal has the durability of the dish cloths your grandmother used to make with all the appeal of a purrfect handmade friend. Take your kitty for a splash in the pool -- she’s sure to dry out -- and when everyone has rested up from their ...

This dessert plate and petit fours are from my 2011 award-winning Vanna’s Choice competition entry. The complete amigurumi crochet tea set is available as individual patters or as a collection. For information on the other pieces, see:

This tea pot and decorative mat are from my 2011 award-winning Vanna’s Choice competition entry. The complete amigurumi crochet tea set is available as individual patters or as a collection. For information on the other pieces, see:

This sugar bowl and creamer are from my 2011 award-winning Vanna’s Choice competition entry. The complete amigurumi crochet tea set is available as individual patters or as a collection. For information on the other pieces, see:

This cup and saucer are from my 2011 award-winning Vanna’s Choice competition entry. The complete amigurumi crochet tea set is available as individual patters or as a collection. For information on the other pieces, see:

Early in 2011, the original Fingermonster, Roland, announced that he was looking for his family -- specifically, his long lost brothers. He contacted plush makes far and wide… and luckily, he found me. All this time, Roland’s long lost brother, Floyd, has been living under my roof… waiting to return home. The brothers were reunited at last and ...

These little amigurumi lanterns are based on the paper lanterns seen so often in Japan. The round red lantern is decorated with three cherry blossoms and the tall white lantern features the kanji character for “strength.”

I love my spunky little monkey. He’s the perfect size for adventure and his bendable tail means he’s always ready for hanging around!

Ever wonder what happens to those gumdrops that sit in old ladies’ candy dishes until they’re really really stale? Well, they either turn into dental emergencies or they are whisked away by the tooth fairy and turned into gumdrop mice!

Every year at Halloween, the little ghosties gather and plan their haunting. Some prefer to surprise new friends in Halloween goodie bags, while others decorate the mantle and the Halloween table with their spooky antics. However you choose to use your ghosties -- whether for good or for spooky fun, I’m sure you won’t be able to make just one!

Pumpkin #3 is the pumpkin that gets thinner near the top. The pumpkin #3 pattern is also featured on my blog in my Fall 2010 crochet-along.

Pumpkin #2 is the smallish round pumpkin. The pumpkin #2 pattern is also featured on my blog in my Fall 2010 crochet-along.

This pumpkin is the largest of my three pumpkins and round. The pumpkin #1 pattern is also featured on my blog in my Fall 2010 crochet-along.

The turtle cuff bracelet is a companion to my ladybug cuff bracelet. After all, boys (and turtle lovers) like to wear bracelets too -- especially when the bracelet involves a removable turtle playmate!

I designed the first ladybug bracelet during a road trip to keep my two-year-old quiet in her car seat. the idea was to give her something bright and colorful to play with that she could not easily throw onto the floor only to demand that it be returned to her. Lo and behold, it kept her busy in the car AND at the restaurant afterward!

The first in a series of fairy tale patterns, this baby dragon is ready to help budding story-tellers (young and old alike) begin their own stories of dragons, fairies, princesses and knights!

The Great Granny Swap was hosted by Amber Cox of the blog Hoot-n-Annie (http://avocado-owlet.blogspot.com/) in the spring of 2010. Twenty one participants (myself included) submitted batches of 21 granny squares and Amber graciously volunteered to sort and return all the goodies.

These sweet little doves would make a lovely decoration on the head table at a wedding celebration or a tender gift for a new mom-to-be. Change the colors to match the bride’s maid colors or baby’s new room!

These sleepy-eyed sweeties are looking for a place to roost. Make one or make an entire parliament!

Spark the imagination of someone special with this whimsical play house!

This chatty dinosaur is looking for a new friend to share stories and songs. Do you know someone special like this?

A perfect gift for pig lovers year round, this little piggie cried “wee wee wee” all the way to the Christmas tree!

The fairy hideaway is a perfect place to start an imaginary adventure. Make a secret hideaway for all your child’s favorite toys!

8/21/11 UPDATE: Pattern has been updated to include new, clearer photos. All the kitteny goodness, now with better detail!

My daughter and I have enjoyed playing with the spider toy and singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider song. I’m also planning to make up a bunch of these guys for decorations for my favorite holiday -- Halloween!

A decadent shrimp cocktail in a martini glass or ebi nigiri will make clever conversation pieces at your next dinner party, and don’t forget to make a few catnip-stuffed shrimp for your feline friends!

The cupcake pattern is also featured on my blog in a four-part amigurumi workshop. The following link to part 4 of the workshop will also give you access to parts 1, 2, and 3.

Gauge and hook size really aren’t relevant for this pattern. A smaller hook will result in a smaller truck, whereas a bigger hook will make for a bigger truck.