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!

Wacky, Lovable Lion 'Giggle'

Another silly little 'Giggle' has emerged from my hook this weekend.  He is wacky and lovable and was re-done several times before I was satisfied with him.  Every amigurumi teaches me new things.  This guy taught me several things and almost made me give up!  Putting on the mane was quite a challenge.  I actually removed every strand at one point and started over.  There were also several re-dos on the facial features.  Finally he made me smile, and I knew he was done.   All my 'Giggles' must meet smile or giggle criteria!

So....What do you think?  And what should I attempt next?

This pattern can be found on Craftsy and Ravelry.  Check out my patterns there and leave me some feedback!

Blessings!

Reny

Bathroom Set..... Now a contour rug?

I'm so glad I decided to go ahead with
two colors on this.   I'm afraid  the Mandela effect
would have been lost with just one color.

Finished the seat cover over the weekend.  It turned out great!  But now I think I need to make a contour rug for the toilet.  That may be a greater challenge.  I'm afraid there is no end to what I could make for our tiny bathroom.  Window valance, shower curtain, but it would be easy to overdo it because the room is so small.

This rug looks a odd shaped because of the angle.
Still working  on my photo skills.

Finished!

Finished my bathroom rug!  WooHoo!  I like the way it turned out.  Now to figure out a way to make it non-slip.  Next bathroom project will be a seat cover.  I'm thinking of doing a Mandela type pattern, but all in one color to coordinate with the rug.    It should be interesting to see how it comes together.

Here is the finished rug.

The blue rounds are actually a darker blue than the pic shows.  I love the scallops around the edge!

Blessings!
Reny

Clyde....

Everybody's got a water buffalo
Yours is fast but mine is slow
Oh, where do you get them I don't know
But everyone's got a water buffaloooooo.................

This is what kept going through my mind as I crocheted this little critter.  As usual, I had no idea what I was making when I started out, but the VeggieTales song just kind of guided my hook and Clyde came into being.   He is OOAK and just as cute as he can be.    I may create other water buffalos in the future, but there will never be another one exactly like Clyde.