I was taught to knit at an early age but just didn’t like the monotony of the same thing over and over since I wasn’t very good at adding patterns into my designs. I felt as though I had to FINISH the entire row before I could leave my project to go do something like answer the phone, go to the bathroom, etc. In the past few years I took up crocheting. I taught myself and never took any real instruction from anyone. I went to Barnes and Noble and sat there looking thru tons of crochet books trying to find the perfect book that laid out the instructions easily, briefly and with great visual images. I chose Stitch’n Bitch Crochet The HappyHooker by Debbie Stoller. Loved the title and it was absolutely wonderful. What did I have to lose? The only cost I had into it was a book, a crochet hook and yarn. All I now needed was time. Since then I have made many things. At first to learn the basics baby hats and scarves to learn the skill but have moved on to more intricate patterns. I love the fact that it is a ONE hook technique opposed to two knitting needles. You can make sooo many different patterns and designs and you don’t accidentally dropped a stitch and had to go back and fix it. Well, I guess you could drop a stitch but it is easier to find and fix. The possibilities are endless and you see progress quickly.
I have moved up in the world of crochet… Well, at least I think so. I’m not extremely fast. I still have to look at my stitches but I love to do it. Keeps me busy and that is ALL THAT MATTERS! Lately ALL of my friends have been popping out babies left and right. I am BEHIND on making little baby lovies. I am one of those girls that likes to give unique gifts at baby showers. Why? I want my gift to be remembered not just a box of nursing pads that the Momma goes, “Hey, thanks for reminding me!” I want the kiddo to have a lovie or something the parent and child will cherish and keep. So, I have been making crocheted animal rattles. Again I went to Barnes and Noble and JoAnn Fabric (with a coupon of course) and found several stuffed animal sewing and crochet books. These are what I found. Crochet books: Amigurumi By Lan-Anh Bui & Josephine Wan and Huggable Crochet Cute and Cuddly Animals From Around the World by Christine Lucas. Sewing books: Wild and Wonderful Fleece Animals by Linda Carr and Sewn Toy Tales 12 fun characters to make and love by Rosalie Quinlan & Melanie Hurston
To make the rattle buy little bells from your craft store that are round and the ball is enclosed. Use 2 or 3 depending on the size in different locations near the surface so you can still hear the bell and it doesn’t get muffled by the packed stuffing.
Here is the first of many I have made. I hope this inspires you to make something for a friend. Something they will see and remember you by. Not that general box of diapers you may give them even if it is essential. :0). They are quick to whip up and the kids LOVE THEM! What a better way to touch the makers heart?
Crochet one of these rattles in no time.
amooseyourmuse 