Hello Kitty

So I didn't want to create the traditional Kitty Hello character that the planet knows.
Anyways, there are now, tons of variation of this kat....since it's such a global branding now, the creators are taking lots of liberty with this cute fuzzy icon.
http://shop.sanrio.com/

Little Note Monster

wants to write and give you a nice note.
A different direction for me, other then the usual animals.

Smaller ami Bear

I had to use embroidery threading for this...just to test it out and a small 2.0 crochet hook. My yarns sizes were too thick and too hard to pull a chain through. Just a simple bear, make it basic. Yeah, I'm a geek to this, and I live in my head. I'm totally comfy 'bout that alright.

Red Mushroom

Based off the "Mario Brothers" games.
My stitching made the eyes look weird.

oh well.

Bunny with skirt

This will go to charity.
I had decided to put on a skirt at the last minute and added a ribbon flower on the ear.
Very girlie <;0)

Doggie with red cap

For my mom's Church craft fair.
Planning to make another one, possibly a white bunny with a keychain loop to it.

Blue Bear with cap

On a skateboard. Skateboard was a party favor keychain. I just peeled off the loud sticker.

Chihuahua ami dog

Bought this yarn at a local knit shop. Came out pretty good, if I can say so myself <;0)

here's the original photo that I had

worked off of.

Done with my Cavalier Spaniel ami dog

whew.
This actually took a while.
This will be "given" away, to the doggie lover that is my dental hygienist.
I do have a copy of the "Ami Ami Dog" book by Mitsuko Hoshi. Love that she actually
puts photos of her process. I hate it when the instructions are all text and symbols.
I did use her photos as reference, but I didn't want to follow her pattern, because I'm lazy like that. I don't like to count every stitch. Especially on this one, I would of gotten a head-ache.

How do I find the time to do these?

Is the question people usually ask me. I don't advertise, however, I have a keychain of one on my purse.
Well, I usually create one of these during the late nights, after Kenny goes down, which is getting later and later.
But now in my new house, I have plenty of white wall space (which I painted) that is begging for some art.
So I'll probably create something in the near future for that.

New ami-doggie- a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

was asked to do this from my dental hygenist...who owns one of these dogs for Nobles...
historically breed from the UK.
How "shee-shee" <;0) weeeeeee.
Anyways, I thought I could originally create one of her chihuahua (yeah she that as well as a French Bull dog)
But I wanted the challenge.
This one required two yarn color to be crocheted within the head and body. Which was I usually don't do, but so far, it's turning out. Cross my fingers...
<;0)

Break from crocheting-now Watercolour

Taking a watercolour class at the Santa Cruz Art League:
http://www.scal.org/

Trying my hand at apply real method from experts then making something up in my head...which it usually comes out funny.
so here are some random exercises required in class.
More examples will be posted later.

Black and White- Japanese amigurumi book

Whilst shopping at a Japanese bookstore...(now I have to travel to find one)
This one caught my eye. It's unique, the style is different and so away from the large heads, tiny bodies, and plastic eyes and nose that you typically see. Mainly the stuff I do - hah.
The Book is titled "Shiro- to- Ku-ro" meaning (sorry I have terrible Japanese translation)
"Black and White"
The intro loosely describes that the author created the designs and her 85 year old mother crochet them.
Her mother has to be closely watched, because she crochets so fast that the daughter is worried that it might turn into a pig, instead of a dog. The cute thing is that, this is obviously a great mother and daughter teamwork, even though the author says that her mother grumbles while she crochet and a challenge to "control" her.
Hah, that's probably an understatement when it comes to mother and daughter relationship.
Anyways, love the unique look to their designs.
Unfort, I didn't buy the book...I already have more then enough Japanese craft books...

Keychain

Left over glass beads from Kenny for extra coloring.
Lesson learned: don't use soft yarn for key chains, they will just come apart and dirty easily.
From now on, I'll be using 100% acrylic or harder cotton...they have a better wear and tear stability.
I think the same goes for amigurumi that will be gifts for young kids.
I know as Kenny tends to throw them around once I'm done with one.
BTW- Kenny said this one has a funny face on him, and I agree. Not everything I crochet turns out.

Re shot the photography on my latest Ami Doggie

Thought that this still life shot was better then the previous one.
Made with left over 100% organic cotton. Added a star like collar for extra detailing.

Ami-mixed breed dog

Made the head smaller on this one, so the eyes are more in proportion.
Ear are sewn on correctly. And the muzzle is just right for the head.
I think this is the best one so far, that I've made.
It is a mixed breed doggie, some Labrador and hound...

Now, the next dog for someone else, that is a dog lover.
Noticed more and more dogs in my old neighborhood in San Francisco.

I got a request to make a "ami" dog

either a Chihuahua, Cavalier King James Spaniel (boy, that sounds royal)
or a French Bull dog.
The requester has all three in her home.

BUT,
I am currently working on my "mixed breed" ami doggie.
Why mixed breed? well, most of the people I know has a mixed breed doggie
adopted and or rescued.
As it should be.

Flower dish rag

bought the "Sugar n' Cream" 100% cotton yarn... for a new ami, but it is very course and stiff.
Doesn't feel too nice on the hands, when you try to loop through in basic crochet, but it is pretty cheap and you can buy at Michaels and JoAnne's.
I didn't want to waste it and too lazy to return it, so I made it into a dish cloth.
Perfect for it, plus you can throw it into the laundry without any issues.

I was checking out the Santa Cruz directory and was able to find a local knit store.
I was pleasantly surprised that there is an amigurumi class taught there.
I can't wait to visit them, if my schedule permits.
I'm not digging the commute from Santa Cruz to San Francisco, but that's life for you.

Sketch with watercolor_Blue Hoodie

"ami"
as the die hard amigurumi crafter would call it.
thought that this little guy had a lot on his mind. (the one posted on April 24th)
so I drew it out.