Recent commissions/gifts

Hey fellow yarn enthusiasts! I've had so much fun working on these recent projects, and I wanted to share a little more about my process, especially for characters like the Coraline squid. When I decided to freehand that gray crocheted squid plushie, my main goal was to capture its unique charm, right down to its iconic pink 'X' for a mouth. It’s always a thrill to bring a beloved character to life with just a hook and some yarn! For anyone thinking about tackling a freehand project, especially a character from a movie or game, my biggest tip is to really study your reference images. I spent time looking at the Coraline squid from different angles to get the proportions and details just right. Don't be afraid to unravel and restart sections—it's all part of the creative journey! For the main body, I used a soft gray yarn, and then carefully embroidered that distinct pink 'X' mouth to give it that authentic Coraline feel. The multiple tentacles were a fun challenge, making sure each one had a nice curl and shape, just like in the movie. Beyond the squid, I've also been busy with other cute commissions and gifts. You might have seen the little gray crocheted cat plushie I made, complete with tiny black eyes and whiskers – another favorite! And those colorful crocheted mushroom tops in red, orange, yellow, green, light blue, and dark blue were a joy to create. They're perfect for adding a pop of color to any shelf or as charming little gifts. I even made a sweet little yellow tulip in a light blue pot, which adds a lovely touch of spring to any space. When you're making amigurumi, especially for gifts, thinking about the recipient really helps. What colors do they love? Are there any characters or objects that hold special meaning for them? For example, the person who received the Coraline squid is a huge fan of the movie, so I knew that detail was crucial! Another thing I've learned is to experiment with different yarn weights and hook sizes. This can dramatically change the look and feel of your finished piece. For plushies, I usually opt for a slightly smaller hook than recommended for the yarn to get a tighter fabric, which helps keep the stuffing from showing through and gives a neater finish. It also makes the plushie firmer and more durable. It's so rewarding to see these handmade items come together, whether it’s a detailed Coraline squid or a simple, charming mushroom. Each stitch is a little bit of love, and I hope these creations bring as much joy to their new homes as they did to me while making them. Happy crocheting, everyone! What characters are you hoping to crochet next?