Another Crochet Project: An Elephant & A Giraffe

This post contains affiliate links.

It's an elephant and a giraffe!  I think these guys turned out pretty nicely.  I really love these patterns, which can be found in Easy Crochet Critters.  I knew that I wanted to make one with mint green yarn and another one in pink.  I decided to avoid the whole "pink elephants on parade" referencing and make the giraffe pink.  

Buy the book on Amazon with my affiliate link.

Pattern notes: I used yarn from my stash with an F hook.  I opted to leave off eyes and just do a single color.

I love sharing my projects around the blogosphere.

I'm hosting a crochet pattern giveaway at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party!  There will be TEN lucky winners.  Below is just a sample of what you could win.  (Ends 4/26. US only.)

The Blue Giraffe (An Amigurumi Crochet Project)

Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream
Color: Faded Denim
Hook: G
Pattern: (affiliate link) Vanna's Choice: Easy Crochet Critters

I love this pattern book!  It basically uses single crochet -- although you do need to know how to increase or decrease.  (A basic explanation is included in the book.)  Like 99% of crochet patterns out there it is written in "crochet shorthand", but if you aren't familiar with the terms they are easily googled!

I have made a giraffe with this pattern before.  (Check out the full post here.)  This time I used a smaller hook and I think my stitches are a bit tighter.  Of course, this makes the giraffe a little smaller.

Catherine really likes the blue giraffe.  (Although, she has criticized that the head is a little too flopsy.)

Here's one more picture of me with the giraffe.  My talented sister, Sarah, took this picture when I was pregnant with Dominic.  She is the artist behind the camera in all of these shots, actually!  I love that you can see Catherine frolicking in the background.

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

I love sharing my projects at various parties like these.

WIPS: Awesome Yarn (Giveaway), Blue Giraffe, and a Slouchy Hat

Isn't this such a cheerful yarn?  It's a high quality hand dyed 85% Superwash Merino 15% NEP yarn.  I'm loving it!  If you like it be sure to enter the giveaway to win a skein!  (Giveaway ends March 16, 2014 and is open to US residents.)

I've started the blue giraffe for Catherine.  I had to stop abruptly on this project when I couldn't find the stuffing.  I found it and now it's moving along quite quickly again.

I've also been playing with some crocheted slouchy hat patterns.  This one isn't too bad, but I think I want one with a less "open" feel to it.  Do you have a favorite slouchy hat pattern?

And yes, the Poncho/Cape is still a Work In Progress.

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

WIPS: Various Updates and New Yarn

Well, my big knitting news is that I finished the baby sweater!  And it looks like a sweater! Please,  check it out here -- I'd love some feedback!  I've added a few rows to Catherine's poncho/cape -- this particular project sure is taking me awhile.

I've also added some yarn to my stash.  The purple yarn will probably be a sweater for Catherine.  (I'm on the lookout for an easy-ish child's pattern -- any recommendations?)

Catherine picked out a blue yarn for her giraffe.  I'm going to start working on this as soon as I put the computer down.

This green yarn is going to be a Yoda hat for Porcupine.  Again, I'm looking for pattern recommendations.  I have a baby beanie hat pattern that I like, but I'd like a pattern for the ears.  I like the ears on this Craftsy pattern, but I want to see if I can find one for free first.  (My hubby is a bit of a Star Wars fan, so I have to make sure that the ears are "right".)  

The yarn looks a little bright in this photo -- the above one is much truer. 

Be sure to follow my blog so that you don't miss anything!  I have an awesome hand dyed yarn giveaway coming up very soon, sponsored by Quaere Fibre!

 

Rachel: The Philosopher's Wife

I will be sharing this post at the following:

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny

Crocheted Amigurumi Giraffe

 Isn't this little guy cute?  I'm really happy how this Amigurumi Giraffe turned out!

I used some 100% cotton yarn from my stash instead of traditional giraffe colors.  I followed the pattern from (this is my affiliate link!) Easy Crochet Critters.  I really love this little booklet and highly recommend it.

The pattern is shockingly easy to follow, just make sure that you have something to use as a stitch marker.  I did not stuff the giraffe as firmly as I should have--so that is something to keep in mind for next time.  I also have yet to add eyes.  I just can't quite decide where to place them.  The model giraffe's eyes in the book seem too far apart, but putting them closer together doesn't seem right either.  I guess for now my poor little giraffe will just be blind.    

(If you like this project you might also want to check out the Amigurumi Elephant I made a while ago!) 

I love sharing my projects at various parties, including these. 

WIPS

What I'm Working On This Week

I haven't been as busy with my crafting projects as I would like recently.  Our little home got hit with a nasty cold bug that brought any progress (on anything . . . crafts, dishes, laundry, etc) to a screeching halt.  We're all on the upswing now and are so happy.

I've made a little bit of progress on my giraffe.  I think he's looking pretty cute!  I also (finally) took the plunge into patchwork quilting.  I'm using a small charm pack as the center and will use fabrics from my stash for the boarders and backing.

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Work In Progress with Tami

Yarn Along with Ginny