Tuesday 12 May 2009

Amigurumi Knits- Eggplant in Progress

I'll admit it- one of the major reasons I've wanted to learn to crochet is make amigurumi toys. Who can resist such cuteness? But my crochet skills are just not up to par yet, and I find that being such a beginner can be really frustrating-each time I haul out the hook, I have to spend time focusing on learning the basics (I just learned how to crochet in the round), and not much whipping up of crochet amigurumi creatures. Fortunately, us knitters now have a solution: Amigurumi Knits! I first heard of this book over on Orata's blog, and was immediately smitten- I've been eyeing Hansi's designs for a while, and here is the book version of collected cuteness. The book is divided into 4 sections, each containing related patterns: the first section has garden veggies (tomato, eggplant, carrot, peas in a pod, garlic, cucumber); garden critters (earthworm, praying mantis, ants, garden snail, spider); sea creatures (crab, octopus, jellyfish, anglerfish, sea star, sun star); and then three wonderful mythological creatures (kraken, jakalope, and nessie the Loch Ness monster). I'm a sucker for knitted toys- kids love them, adults love them. Cuddly softies are always a win. So, I cast on for the eggplant this weekend: (I apologize for it's dishelved state- I know the top looks like Bart Simpson's head, but I will wet block those leaves down when it's finished!) Although the instructions are simply for a gorgeous stuffed eggplant, I'm going to add a face and some limbs, give him a little personality. But I can't bear to call him Eggplant, I need a better name. Monsieur Aubergine? Eggy Purple? Anyone have any ideas? P.S.- Midas is coming along, it's nearing the finish line! I'll have a pictorial update next week, I promise.

12 comments:

Maryse said...

Hi, hi! Have fun!

yoel said...

Augustine Aubergine, for when it is in season, plus it's gender neutral.

It's so cute already!

Pam said...

well, my first thought was to convert eggplant into eggman, but that's too weird. Maybe Bart?

jennifer said...

What a cute book! I have to second the vote for Augustine Aubergine....that's pretty cute.

Hilary said...

Oh no...I can see myself getting totally sucked into that book and wanting to make everything in it! Your anthropomorphized eggplant is going to be adorable -- I also like Augustine Aubergine.

CassieMarie said...

I had no idea this book was out yet!! I LOVE her designs, they are so wonderful. I can't wait to see your finished eggplant! :)

Teresa said...

That praying mantis has to come home with me. Far too cute.

I'd put my vote in for M. Aubergine, because, well, that suggestion popped in to my head as soon as you wondered what to name him! Adding a face and limbs will be so cute! I've got this image (possibly because of the "Bart Simpson" hair) of l'anana from Telefrancais. (Please tell me I'm not the only one who watched that show!)

weezalana said...

AHHHH! TOO cute! And sea creatures? I'm a sucker for sea creatures (except for the deep ocean floor light bulby fish, that thing freaks me out).

Haze. Purple Haze.

orata said...

Welcome to the dark side!

I suggest "Grimace"

Allison said...

Plumpy? He was always my favorite character in Candyland, and the colors are right :) That book looks fantastic.

Nudista said...

I agree with Allison. I love Plumpy! Maybe Monsieur Plumpy would be appropriate with a mustasche?

Jen said...

Oh cool, I love Hansi Singh's patterns! They're so cleverly constructed; I didn't know a book was out.
The egglplant is going to be so cute!