Innholdsfortegnelse for Curious Crochet Creatures i Curious Crochet Creatures

I grew up in a very crafty household in the centre of Moscow. My grandma spun yarn, crocheted and sewed beautiful clothes for us and our dolls; my mum preferred to knit. There were plenty of craft books to look through and projects to try out. We didn’t keep any pets, but we made up for it by taking in nature at every opportunity. We dived deep into the ocean with Jacques Cousteau to get a glimpse of the amazing underwater worlds, took hazelnuts to the red squirrels in the park and watched for the arrival of snow finches in the winter – the wild things were everywhere if you knew where to look. Sometime later, an interest in character design led me to discover crocheted toys, and I’ve been…

DIMENSIONS 40cm (15¾in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Beige: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Vanilla Cream (shade 408) • Brown: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Soft Fudge (shade 410) • Dark Brown: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Coffee Bean (shade 411) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 6mm black safety eyes• Small piece of thick felt or fabric stabilizer• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK weight…

DIMENSIONS 48cm (19in) tall YARNS Paintbox Yarns 100% Wool Worsted Superwash (100% wool) 200m (219yds) per 100g (3½oz) ball: • Warm Orange: 3 x 100g (3½oz) balls in Vintage Pink (shade 1255) Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Pale Orange: 2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Peach Orange (shade 455) HOOKS 3.5mm (US E/4) hook 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 18mm black safety eyes• Wire brush• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle• Pen TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK…

DIMENSIONS 30cm (12in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Dark Blue: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Sailor Blue (shade 440) • Blue: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Dolphin Blue (shade 437) • Light Blue: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Duck Egg Blue (shade 436) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 10.5mm black safety eyes• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK weight cotton with a 3mm (US C/2…

DIMENSIONS 50cm (20in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Bright Yellow: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Daffodil Yellow (shade 422) • Light Yellow: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Banana Cream (shade 421) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 6mm black safety eyes• Craft pipe cleaner (chenille stem) or wire• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK weight cotton with a 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook the swatch should…

DIMENSIONS 30cm (12in) tall YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Orange: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Melon Sorbet (shade 417) • Black: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pure Black (shade 402) • White: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Champagne White (shade 403) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 10.5mm black safety eyes• Craft wire for the legs (optional)• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK weight cotton with a…

DIMENSIONS 23cm (9in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Lilac: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pale Lilac (shade 446) • Purple: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pansy Purple (shade 448) • Lime: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Lime Green (shade 429) Scraps of other green yarns HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 8mm black safety eyes• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Sewing clips• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but, if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK weight cotton with…

Irene Strange is a pen name for Irina Palczynski, a crochet designer and amigurumi maker living near London, UK. Learning to crochet and knit as a child, Irina began her current crochet adventure back in 2008, starting with small presents for friends and family. Not surprisingly, she hasn’t stopped making crochet creatures since! As well as independently releasing stand-alone designs, Irina is a frequent contributor to Inside Crochet and Mollie Makes magazines, the Zoomigurumi books series, and, together with Ilaria Caliri of Airali Design, the co-author of the ‘Amigurumi Adventures’ crochet-along seasonal events. Her other interests include tea drinking, growing wonky shaped veg at the allotment and exploring the great outdoors with her family. www.irenestrange.co.uk Instagram.com/irenestrange…

Throughout the book, you’ll be working in the amigurumi style, characterized by a smooth, all-over single crochet texture that is worked in a continuous spiral. When using this technique, adding stitches or taking them away can have a dramatic effect on the shape that is created. The projects build on this base of smooth texture and add different effects, either through combining yarns or through using textured stitches – think spikes, popcorns and feathers. Combining different yarns and embellishments brings out the personality in the strangest things. Use the patterns in this book to kick-start your own exploration of construction methods, colour combinations and textures! HOW TO READ THE PATTERNS When writing a pattern, I tend to think of the shape in terms of repeats: if a shape increases evenly,…

DIMENSIONS 20cm (8in) tall YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Light Green 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pistachio Green (shade 425) • Dark Green 2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Racing Green (shade 428) • Pink 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Blush Pink (shade 454) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 10.5mm black safety eyes• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK weight cotton with a 3mm (US C/2 or…

DIMENSIONS 20cm (8in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Brown: 2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Soft Fudge (shade 410) • Beige: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Light Caramel (shade 409) • Dark Brown: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Coffee Bean (shade 411) • Orange: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Melon Sorbet (shade 417) Lain’amourée Orphée Lace Weight Mohair (72% mohair, 28% silk), 420m (459yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Caramel Mohair: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Caramel Au Beurre Salé HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 6mm black safety eyes• Craft pipe cleaners (chenille stems) or wire (optional)• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not…

DIMENSIONS 40cm (15¾in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Light Grey: 2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Misty Grey (shade 404) • Dark Grey: 2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Slate Grey (shade 406) • White: 2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Champagne White (shade 403) Alternatively, you could make the narwhal in hand-dyed speckled yarn or Rico Ricorumi Spray DK Cotton in Blue (shade 006) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 8mm black safety eyes• Craft pipe cleaner (chenille stem)• Small piece of thick felt or fabric stabilizer• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here,…

DIMENSIONS 35cm (13¾in) tall YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Blue: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Sailor Blue (shade 440) • Dark Grey: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Slate Grey (shade 406) • Light Blue: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Marine Blue (shade 434) • Red: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pillar Red (shade 415) • Orange: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Melon Sorbet (shade 417) • Black 1 (feathers): 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pure Black (shade 402) DMC Natura Just Cotton 4-ply (100% cotton), 155m (170yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Black 2 (feathers): 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Noir (shade 11) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS…

DIMENSIONS 23cm (9in) long in 4-ply cotton held double or 16cm (6¼in) long if made in DK weight cotton YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton 4-ply (100% cotton), 170m (186yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball held double: • Teal: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Sea Green (shade 21) • Mint: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Mint Green (shade 16) Alternatively, you could make the chameleon in a speckled or variegated yarn HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook 3.5mm (US E/4) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 12mm black safety eyes• Craft pipe cleaners (chenille stems) or wire (optional)• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using…

While designing new crochet characters can be a solitary task, it truly takes a village to turn those designs into a book. I would like to thank my husband Ben, for his constant support and the many cups of tea brewed while I was making this book. Also our children, Nicky and Lizzy, for greeting each new creature with tons of enthusiasm and for thoroughly hugtesting every sample. To my grandma Larissa, for introducing me to the world of crafts and encouraging me always, even when we were living 1,550 miles apart. To my mother Svetlana, for indulging my crafty exploits since my teenage years, and my dad Richard, without whose last name there probably wouldn’t be an Irene Strange. A big thank you to Ame Verso, Jeni Chown and…

DIMENSIONS 23cm (9in) tall YARNS Paintbox Yarns 100% Wool Worsted Superwash (100% wool) 200m (219yds) per 100g (3½oz) ball: • Grey: 1 x 100g (3½oz) ball in Stormy Grey (shade 1204) Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Dark Grey: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Slate Grey (shade 406) • Pink: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Peach Orange (shade 455) (optional) HOOKS 3.5mm (US E/4) hook 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 10.5mm black safety eyes• Wire brush• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools…

DIMENSIONS 12cm (5in) tall YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Orange: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Melon Sorbet (shade 417) • White: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Champagne White (shade 403) • Pink: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Blush Pink (shade 454) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 8mm black safety eyes• Craft pipe cleaner (chenille stem) or wire• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made in DK weight cotton with a…

DIMENSIONS 50cm (20in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton) 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Lilac: 3 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Tea Rose (shade 443) • Pale Purple: 1 x 50g (¾oz) ball in Dusty Rose (shade 442) • Dark Purple: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pansy Purple (shade 448) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 30mm clear safety eyes• Craft pipe cleaners (chenille stems) or wire (optional)• Removable stitch markers• Toy stuffing• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown, make a small circular swatch using the chosen yarn and hook (see Tools and materials: Tension swatch for the swatch pattern). When made…

DIMENSIONS 40cm (15¾in) tall YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Bright Pink: 2 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Bubblegum Pink (shade 451) • Black: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Pure Black (shade 402) • Pale Blue: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Seafoam Blue (shade 432) • Pale Pink: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Candyfloss Pink (shade 450) Rowan Kidsilk Haze Lace Weight Mohair (70% mohair, 30% silk), 210m (230yds) per 25g (1oz) ball: • Pink Mohair: 1 x 25g (1oz) ball in Sweet (shade 688) HOOKS 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook 3.5mm (US E/4) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 6mm black safety eyes• 3 long pieces of thick gardening wire for the legs and neck (optional)•…

DIMENSIONS 50cm (20in) long YARNS Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (100% cotton), 125m (137yds) per 50g (1¾oz) ball: • Green: 3 x 50g (1¾oz) balls in Racing Green (shade 428) • Lime: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Lime Green (shade 429) • Red: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Red Wine (shade 416) • White: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Champagne White (shade 403) • Yellow: 1 x 50g (1¾oz) ball in Daffodil Yellow (shade 422) HOOKS 2.5mm (US B/1) hook 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook OTHER TOOLS AND MATERIALS • Pair 8mm black safety eyes• Toy stuffing• Thick felt or fabric stabilizer• Sewing pins• Tapestry needle TENSION (GAUGE) Tension is not critical for this project, but if you want to match the pattern shown here, make a…

SEWING Many of the appendages in this book are assembled by joining in with crochet, for example, a tail might pick up where the body ends; however, a bit of sewing will also come in handy. Pinning the pieces in place before you start will help to ensure everything is positioned in the best spot. (photo 1) To blend an added piece in with the rest of the fabric, try putting the needle under the front posts of the stitches rather than the top two working loops. (photo 2) For a shape that needs to have a defined, raised edge try a back stitch under the top loops. Take your time when attaching the pieces, stitching through each crochet stitch, and if something doesn’t look quite right, either keep it…