Sharing

You gotta check out this new blog.  Its soooo cute (granted I'm a little biased).  Its called Mushrooms and Octopi and its run by two cute little fellas who call themselves Two Fun Guys.  Perhaps you've met them before . . . 

Two Fun Guys out in the woods

Now its a new blog, so there aren't too many posts.  But I'm looking forward to their updates.  Should be fun.   ;)

DS Case Details

So after posting yesterday's blog update, I set about finishing the DS case. 

I seamed the sides and also part of the pocket opening so that the DS and plastic game holder would fit more snugly in its pocket.  And since the openings were a tad shallow, I added some single crochet trim 'round the opening.  Don't want the game holder or DS to accidentally slip out--that would be very, very bad.

Like the red?  My son thought it looked cool with the grey.  Used the same contrasting red colour for the wrap-around cords.  The instructions called for straight knitting of 3 picked-up stitches, but it was easier to just work I-cord on double-pointed needles--and of course I got carried away and made them a wee bit too long **sigh**  I guess I'll know better for the second case :S

Case with DS and Game Holder Inside

Be honest: doesn't this case deserve googly eyes?  I can almost hear it muttering, "Feed me!"

The recipient of the case chose his own buttons from my lovely collection.  Over the year I've amassed a bag full of lovely and interesting buttons (someday I must photograph it).  Even though I preferred black ones, my older boy went for metallic ones.  I think it looks right pretty--and vaguely creature-like, n'est pas?

Finished DS Case

I'm not sure if I ever posted a link to the free pattern?  You can find details here at the Ravelry pattern page (lots of other knitters have made the project).  Or just head over to the free pattern at the designer's blog Crayon Disaster. 

Now to get back to my own knitting . . .  

He Did It!

My boy persevered and finally finished the DS case for his brother--well, he finished the knitting part.  I'll have to seam it for him.  It's a wee bit too wide--not sure how we're gonna fix that . . . .

Semi-finished DS Case

Nevertheless, he was proud of himself--and rightly so!  Even his brother was excited (the older fella really wanted a DS case).  Flush with accomplishment, my little guy promptly cast-on for his own DS case (with momma's  help).  This time he's using stripes.

DS Case Number Two

The idea of playing with colours blew his mind away, especially when he realized how easy it was.  Since I've got loads of leftovers (mostly Bernat Softee Chunky), there's lots of colour choices.  Right now he's gonna follow his heart and just ad-lib the striping.  It certainly looks interesting and he's already got 7" completed.  This second DS case might be a quick knit.

Fungi Friends

New Fungi Friends

So my boys finally have some new playmates: meet Toad and his brother Toad (if you've ever played Super Mario, you'll notice that sometimes there are numerous Toad-like characters in various colours.  That was the inspiration for my different coloured fungi)

Toad and Toad

They were "quick" projects in that the pieces were small and easy to make.  Perhaps I could have finished these sooner had I not dreaded the "finishing" process--darning in the ends, sewing the pieces together and embroidering the face. 

All Felt Eyes on Blue Toad

I must confess that the most "fiddly" part of the whole process was working the face.  I must have re-done the mouth  5 or 6 times before getting it right (I recommend black sock yarn to make the mouth.  DK/Sport is still too thick and embroidery floss was too thin).  The eyes, too, were a challenge (I recommend embroidering the white highlight). 

Embroidered White on Black for Red Toad

Still, not bad for my first crocheted toys.  I do plan to eventually make Mario and Luigi.  I even found a cute Yoshi pattern too--but that is for the future.  Next up . . . .

Hmmmm, let me ponder that one for a bit. ;)

Stitching Up Toad

So I started assembling the pieces of one toad.  First, I attached the stuffed mushroom cap to the head using regular white sewing thread.  Looks almost invisible.

Toad's Head

Doesn't his head remind you of an acorn--a rather large one at that?  I used two mushroom stitches to every one head stitch (I pinned everything first).  Then I stuffed and attached the body.

Toad Has a Body

I used tan coloured embroidery floss to attach body to head.  It's barely visible.  My only complaint is that I should have used a smaller hook  (maybe 4.0mm instead of 5.0mm) 'cuz the stuffing is visible through the tan body (although I doubt it will work its way out).  But the boys don't mind (at least, I don't think they even noticed).

Then I attached the vest and arms using red thread.

Toad Dressed Up

I have yet to attach the feet, but I think I'll assemble the other toad before going any further. 

Lovin' the toadie goodness! ;D

Toadie Cuteness

Remember my plans for toad toys?  Well, I've got the head and its cap completed, but I haven't stuffed or attached them yet (not sure how the two pieces will fit as the cap is quite large relative to the head).

Head Inside Mushroom Cap

My boys asked how I made the sphere with only a hook and yarn? I couldn't answer them. I didn't know how it happened, but a flat circle started to change and became three-dimensional. Pretty cool, huh?  Even without a face, they're so darn cute!

I'm working the two toads at the same time.  It'll take a little longer to complete, but at least both boys will have their beloved toads at roughly the same time.  Right now, I'm working on the bodies.

Head with Body (Minus Mushroom Cap)

Even without a face, they're so darn cute! 

Toy Plans

Okay you yarnies out there who shudder at the thought of acrylic: take a deep breath and brace yourself (or maybe just shield your eyes).  Behold acrylic colours of bold:

Big Balls of Acrylic

Couldn't resist buying up the yarn I need for my next project: good ol' stand-by Red Heart SuperSaver and Bernat Supervalu (at a little over $3 a ball, it's hard to pass up for toy-making).

What will I make?  Take a gander at these stills and then take a guess.

SuperMario Games Galore

Yeah, we own all those games, accumulated over the course of the past few years.  I've got big-time SuperMario fans at my house.  So during my searches on Ravelry, I came across some Mario patterns--free patterns all available from Linda Potts at Wolfdreamer's blog .

Toad and Toadette pattern

WolfDreamer has loads of SuperMario and Pokeman patterns for free, as well as many patterns for purchase.  I cannot imagine all the work that went into the creation of such lovely plushies.

These patterns, my dear readers, are the real reason I started crocheting again.  My boys wanted the Mario & friends plushies.  How could I say no?  Besides, the characters are just so darn cute. 

Mario and Friends

Happy crafting!