I Wanna Make a Cute Doll...

I'm in the mood to make a cute doll, so I'm asking my Facebook friends to help me choose a project.  This is really going to be fun!  Already I have a variety of suggestions with some adorable pics posted on my Yarn Varmints Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Renycrochets/   And I am looking forward to more participation in the days to come.

With so many awesome suggestions already posted I'm thinking I may just have to have a drawing of all of them to make it fair.  And to make it easier on me, because, so far, I want to make every one of them!                           

Of course, my sister, who keeps up with everything I am doing, was the first to post!  I just think that these little mummy dolls are adorable!  Way to go, Sis!







My niece was the second person to jump on board!
These little octopi are so cute that I know I will be
making them at some point, either for this contest or
some other occasion.  Thanks Dana!  You have awesome
taste!






This slinky dachshund just intrigues me!  This is another one that
I will probably have to make at some point just for the challenge!
Thanks Lori!  I'm excited about this one!  I happen to know
someone special who would love this!









Who can resist this Raggedy Ann doll complete with dress, apron and pantaloons?  Oh my goodness!  What a treasured heirloom  she would be for some lucky child!  Another future
project, I am sure!  Thanks Cindy, my friend!










These are just a few of the entries so far.   Check back next week to see more awesome pics of potential projects.   On March 10th I will announce which project I will be doing and who the lucky winner will be.  So be sure to choose a project for me and post it on my Facebook page.      https://www.facebook.com/Renycrochets/

Babies, Babies, Babies!!!

Babies are such adorable little humans!  Such tiny little beings that just captivate nearly everyone in their immediate environment and cause even the most reserved and proper adult to revert to extreme silliness and gyrations trying to get that cute little baby grin response!

Every few years we seem to get  another one of those cute little critters welcomed into our family.    Since we have several grown up grand-children now, it's always possible that we could have another baby to love and adore!

In preparation for this anticipated event I have been looking at a lot of baby items on Pinterest.   And of course, anything that I make has to be totally cute and colorful!  One of my favorite things to do is to get me some inspiration and then add my own special style in the way of features and colors to the crochet project.

Last week I worked on a couple of teething rings and this week I made a nursing necklace.  I know that most crocheting grandma's like to make booties and blankets, but I'm so much more into different and fun things.

This is the first teething ring I made.    I borrowed the idea from this Pinterest pin 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/175992297922792125/

and then added some cute little eyes and a rattle inside the head.

He turned out so cute that I decided he needed a companion.   So I whipped up this lovely little lady!

And then I ddesigned this  'Little Monster' Nursing Necklace.

The little monster is a Yarn Varmints original character which I  affectionally refer to as a 'giggle' because they just make you want to giggle each time you look at them.  I crocheted him in miniature just for this project.  He is so cute that I think more miniatures are going to be cropping up in the future.

So, who knows what my next project will be.  I have so many ideas that I want to try!  Be sure to check back in often to see whats up at Yarn Varmints.  And if you see something here that you like, you can most likely find it in my Etsy store.  https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnVarmintsPlus.  

Oh, and I love doing custom items, so contact me if you want a special color or style.  

Have a great and crafty day!

Blessings!

Reny

Crochet Bunny Beanie...

Miss Maddie, my great-grandaughter is so adorably cute and such a precocious little one!  When she comes to visit Great-gram the whole house seems to become animated!

With Easter coming right up, and the weather is still quite chilly, this little bunny beanie is perfect for her.

 Many thanks to Pikadilly Charm  for this free crochet pattern.  You can find it here:

                   http://pikadillycharm.blogspot.com/2011/04/little-cottontail-hat.html

I used Bernat Pipsqueak yarn for this beanie.  I love the soft and fluffy texture of this yarn, and so does every child that touches it!   It works up fairly quickly and the pattern is simple and easy to follow.   I made this one a bit larger than the pattern called for since my little Maddie is not an infant.  I think she will love it, and I can't wait for her to come to Great-gram's house to get it!

I hope this post inspires you to make a bunny beanie for your little one!  You'll be glad you did!

Blessings!
Reny

Happy Crafty New Year.....

     It has been a great holiday season!  Lots of time with family and friends, good food and a general feeling of joy and peace!

      But it's a new year with new ideas and creativity.   I wish I could find more time to work on my crochet projects!  Yes, I am retired from my job, but I have so many things I would like to make!  My Pinterest boards are full of potential projects!  Where to begin?  

     My latest original YarnVarmint creation is pretty cute.

This pair of mischievous raccoons took a while to  design.  I ended up changing several of the features and still think I like the eyes on the left one better than the right.  But overall, they turned out pretty good.  They are both made using the same pattern with just a few minor variations.    

     I like that they are not overly big, but just a good size for little hands to hang on to.  Of course they could be smaller just by using a smaller size crochet hook.  This pair were crocheted with a #4 or G hook.  In a sitting position they are about 8 inches tall.

     If you would like to check out my original patterns, visit my Etsy store at: 
           https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnVarmintsPlus

     Also, check out my Facebook page at:
        https://www.facebook.com/Renycrochets/

     Right now I am working on a couple of projects, one that has been in progress for several months, a kimono for my grand-daughter. It is crocheted in Cleo cotton yarn and has a gorgeous diamond pattern worked into the fabric.  It will be one of the finest garments I have made yet.  The cleo yarn has such a beautiful drape and sheen to it!  I will try to post a pic when it is finished.

 The other is this cute stuffed Pikachu for another grand-daughter. He was a bit of a challenge, even though the pattern is easy to follow.  I have made a couple more of them since this one, and they do get easier and better with each one.  I must say, though, that the tail is quite unique.  It has an armature of plastic canvas to help it keep it's shape.

 Since I have 9 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren you can understand why those Pinterest pins will have to wait.  

     All in all, I don't see myself running out of projects any time soon.  But that's OK with me.  I love blessing these kids!  It's my function!

     So I hope your new year will be filled with fun projects and lots of love.  Have a Happy, Crafty New Year!

Gorilla, Gorilla.....

Whew!  This guy really gave me a challenge.  The challenge was to keep him simple enough to be easily done and detailed enough to make him resemble a gorilla.  I repeated the pattern in full twice to be sure my pattern was correct, and repeated different parts of the gorilla several times before I was satisfied with the result.  The giggle criteria was finally met.  He has all the whimsy of my original 'Giggles' and the features of the wild that we expect in a jungle animal.  And with his silly grin, we couldn't help but smile.  'We' refers to my hubby (Mr. Loving) and I.  Mr. Loving is my main 'Giggle' critic and advisor.  His specialty is the 'cuteness factor', and no Giggle pattern get's published without his final approval.  He also helps with the pictures, as photography is not my gift.   Oh, and did I say he is also my main admirer?! Thanks, Loving, for your help and encouragement.   I don't know what I would do without you!

A Mischievous Menagerie...

     The invasion of zoo animals continues!  My goal is to design a new amigurumi pattern each week.  Is that too lofty?  Perhaps, but I think I'll still give it a try.

     The stripes on this little guy make him quite handsome!   I hope his friends don't tease him too much for looking a bit like a bumble bee.  ;-)    He looks so cute and innocent, but I do believe he has a mischievous streak.  And I know some of his friends are little pranksters!  I hear strange noises in the night and I suspect this gang may be responsible.

     I'm not sure I trust that Lion and Elephant to behave themselves.  Things may get interesting around here!

Here's a Happy Little Hippo for you!

In keeping with my crocheted 'Giggles' characters, this week I have created the cutest little hippo!
The ears and nose were a little tricky and required a couple of redos, but I am satisfied with the end result.  I really love the color combination on this one!  The pattern can be found here at Ravelry and on Craftsy by searching Hippo 'Giggles' Amigurumi.   So, I now have 3 jungle animal 'giggle' patterns published.  What should I design next?

Spring headbands anyone?

This week I got a request for some spring headbands for little (and big) girls.  I really haven't made many headbands, so it's a new project for me.  Here's what I have come up with so far.  I'm still thinking on the 'big girl' headbands.  There are lots of patterns out there to choose from, but I would love to come up with something original.  I'm thinking of something boho/hippie style.  We'll see if my boho mojo kicks in.

Flowers and butterflies.  

Love the sweet little rose on this one.

This one is my favorite so far.  Love the
adorable little daisies.  This one is for
my sweet great-granddaughter, Maddie.

Giggles!

    While working from patterns is very rewarding, there is also great satisfaction in working up my own designs.  I love making cute, whimsical little creatures that bring a smile to faces.  ‘Giggles’ is one of those creations, and I offer this free pattern to all my fellow crocheters.  This little creature is pretty simple and works up fairly quickly.    I think these would make an adorable addition to an Easter basket or any festive occasion.  I may decorate my tree with them this next Christmas.

Materials:

Worsted weight yarn

G crochet hook

fiberfill for stuffing

felt for eyes (or may use safety eyes if you like)

needle and thread to sew on eyes

yarn needle for weaving in ends

This pattern is worked in rounds and I used a running stitch marker to keep track.  An understanding of basic stitches and general crochet terms is helpful.

   If you are not familiar with how to make a magic ring, here is a great tutorial to explain it.

Rnd 1:  In a magic ring make 6 sc.

       2:  Make 2 sc in each st.  (12 sc)

       3: *Sc in next st., 2sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (18 sc)

       4:*Sc in next 2 sts., 2 sc in next st.*  Repeat to end of rnd. (24 sc)

       5 *Sc in next 3 sts., 2 sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (30 sc)

       6:*Sc in next 4 sts. 2 sc in next st.* Repeat to end of rnd.  (36 sc)

      Rounds 7 through 11, Sc in each stitch around.

Rnd 12: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd.  (30 sc)

       13 and 14  Sc in each stitch around.

       15: *Sc in next 3 sts.,  sc2tog*   Repeat to end of rnd.  (24 sc)

       16 and 17  Sc in each stitch around.

       18: *Sc in next 2 sts., sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd. (18 sc)

        19: Sc in each stitch around.

        20: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog*  Repeat to end of rnd. (12 sc)

        Stuff your ‘Giggle’ and then sc2tog around until opening is closed. 

        Fasten off and  weave in the yarn end.

To make the arms and legs visit this website  for a great pictorial tutorial. 

Attach your finished curlicues to the sides and bottoms of your ‘Giggle’ for arms and legs.

Now, let your creative juices flow as you envision and create unique facial expressions.  I used felt shapes for the eyes and stitched them securely onto the ‘Giggle’.  If you decide to use safety eyes, attach them before you stuff and finish off your ‘Giggle’.  I used yarn to embroider on the mouth.  You can make the face as simple or as detailed as you like. 

Tip: I have found it easier to sew on the face before stuffing the 'giggle'.

For the hair I attached strands of yarn as if attaching fringe.  This tutorial does a great job of showing how to do this.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did!  I would love to see pics of your ‘Giggles’ in the comments below.

                                                                                    Blessings!

                                                                                       Reny

Octuplets....

Since I am sleepless again tonight, I thought I'd just check out the news on the net. And, yes, there are yet more stories vilifying the mother of the octuplets. I find it sad that this woman's own mother is being reported as putting her down in almost every interview. Whatever Nadya Suleman's motives for being implanted with so many embryos, the fact is that this is a beautiful miracle! Surely God's favor was on this woman for all these babies to have survived and to be doing so well!

OK, so some want to address the medical expense of all these preemies, and the possible 'drain' they could be on our health care system. I work in a hospital and I could write a book about irresponsible, non-compliant patients and how they are a drain on our system. Want to discuss alcoholics, drug addicts, smokers, not to mention those who are constantly in the ER with vague symptoms just so they can get a legal buzz? Would it surprise you to know that most of the above mentioned patients health care is paid for by the government? And why is that? Because they have chosen a destructive lifestyle that has left them disabled. Besides free medical care, many of these also get assistance with rent, utilities, and food. Now that is a drain!

Now, please don't misunderstand. I am not against these people. Frankly, they help keep me in a job. I'm just saying that maligning the mother of the octuplets for this reason is totally ridiculous.

Well, what about her ability to care for all these kids? Just this week I spoke with an elderly woman who was the mother of 16 children. She was amazing! And she was surrounded by love. Compared to some elderly people I know who are alone, either because they have no children or their children cannot or will not visit, the lady with 16 kids is so blessed. No one will deny that caring for 14 children, 8 of them newborns, is going to be a tough job. But God put us all here to be family to one another. And if the Christians in Nadya Suleman's life pitch in to help like those in the lives of other parents of multiples have, then she will manage. In just a few short years those babies will be able to do much for themselves. And as they grow up together, they will never feel the loneliness that plagues some children that have no siblings.

My parents had 7 children. We didn't have a lot of material things. We wore hand me downs and ate simply. I never had a room of my own and seldom had a bed of my own. Sharing was a way of life. So was looking out for one another. And working along side my siblings and parents was considered normal. We were 'family' in every sense of the word. I think it will be somewhat the same for Nadya Suleman and her children. They will make it, and the difficulties will make them strong. And it will all be worth it.

Who knows what kinds of wonderful contributions these children may make to this troubled world. What if from this 'batch of embryos' there will be one who is destined to discover the cure, once and for all, of cancer. Or perhaps one of them will develop that car that runs on water instead of gas. Who knows? But time will tell. In the meantime, I hope Nadya gets all the help she needs. It's not our place to judge. I prefer to marvel at what the Lord has done. And I look at it this way. It replaces 8 aborted children. PTL!!!