I decided that this is the year I really want to improve my drawing.
I used the Procreate app on my iPad to draw all the motifs in my book (How to Embroider Almost Everything) but that’s just black and white line drawings. I wanted to take it further. I especially wanted to learn how to add color and texture.
I also knew I needed to take small steps. I can’t get better at all the things all at once – so I’m setting my self small daily challenges, a new challenge every month.
I started in January with something really simple.
Download your wallpaper below. There are options both with and without the February calendar, in case you want to keep those sweet monsters up during other months of the year. 🙂
The lion is the most popular block in the Safari quilt pattern – and now he’s available as a stand-alone pattern. Use him on pillows, tote bags, placemats, and more. Or make a whole quilt with just lion blocks!
Happy January! It’s a new month, a new year, and a new decade! Woo hoo!
Of course we’ll continue to have a new wallpaper every month here at Shiny Happy World! Download yours below. There are options both with and without the January calendar, in case you want to keep seeing that koala face during other months of the year. 🙂 (You can get the koala applique pattern here.)
That’s one of my favorite lines from my very favorite book about creativity – THE DOT by Peter Reynolds. (That’s an affiliate link.)
It’s also the inspiration behind the start of my creative practice for the new year – and I’m inviting you to join me in this 31-day challenge.
Make a dot!
Make a dot every day in January and see where it takes you. Use a different medium every day – or use this as an opportunity to explore one medium you’ve always wanted to try (or get better at).
You can do anything! Crayons! Pastels! Paint! Collage! Embroider! Applique! Clay! Photography! Jewelry!
If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are a few links for you.
The Dot by Peter Reynolds – seriously my favorite book about one girl’s path from “I just can’t draw” to “I am an artist.” It makes me teary every time.
If you’re an Amazon Prime member you can watch a lovely animated version of the story here.
What the heck – get the whole “Creatrilogy” from Peter Reynolds – three books about creativity, the beauty of imperfection, and creative inspiration.
Start with a Dot – a guided journal with all kinds of fun prompts “whether you’re a timid beginner or a seasoned artist who needs a creative jolt to keep fresh and recharge.”
I have a Pinterest board here jam-packed full of gorgeous circles, ovals, and scallops.
I can’t wait to see what everyone makes. There are soooooo many possibilities in a simple dot!
The new Funny Faces Quilt Block of the Month pattern is out! Here’s the video showing how to put it all together. If you’re not a member yet – see how easy it is!
Here are all the links I mentioned in the video. . .
After three years (that’s 36 patterns!) Ami Club is now closed.
I hope you all have had as much fun as Stacey and I have!
Pippa Puppy is the final pattern in the club. If you’re a club member, you’ll be able to download the pattern here until your membership runs out. Everyone’s membership and download access will run out on different days, depending on the date they signed up.
If you have any trouble accessing the final pattern (or didn’t see this notice of the closing until after your membership expired) please contact me at smile@shinyhappyworld.com and I’ll get your pattern to you.
You can find all the crochet patterns (including previous Ami Club patterns) here.
The end of the club doesn’t mean we won’t be designing more crochet patterns – just not one every month. 🙂 Instead, we’ll be designing some patterns that take a little longer. We’ve had requests for Mystery Crochet-Alongs and more Mix & Match patterns – so look for those (and maybe some crocheted puppets and baby toys) in 2020. You can sign up for the mailing list here.
Like everyone else on the internet, I’m having a sale for Thanksgiving weekend.
It’s a Shiny Happy World kind of sale – with nothing complicated, no pushing, no circling parking lots, no waiting in line, and nothing going out of stock.
Sale starts today and ends at midnight (eastern time) on Monday 12/2.
Use the code TURKEY for 20% off all digital patterns.
Stacey loves eating pickles, and is a Christmas Pickle Collector – so it’s no surprise that she designed a pattern for a crocheted Christmas Pickle! We’ve updated it here with some new tutorial links.
The skills you’ll need for just about any amigurumi are. . .
This pattern doesn’t specify a gauge. It’s a stuffed pickle, and you don’t need to be too picky about exact sizing. The most important thing is that you use a hook size that creates a nice looking fabric for your yarn. If you use the recommended hook size, and your fabric looks very loose (so that stuffing would show through), then you will want to use a smaller hook. Other than that, no measuring required!
Stitch into the Back
All stitches in this pattern (that are worked in the round) are worked through the back loop only, unless otherwise directed. Look at this picture.
See how one loop is highlighted in black? This is the back loop, and it’s what you’ll stitch into. Stitching into the back loop creates ridges on the right side of the piece.
Want to see crocheting through the back loop in action? Check out this blog post. It talks all about why Stacey crochets through the back loop and even has a handy dandy video showing how to find that loop.
