Free pattern: Hanami Dango Amigurumi

Spring is here! How long have we been waiting for these longer days and longed for the heat-giving rays of the sun? The birds are back from the south and they already start twitterpating. Flowers are awakening from their winter sleep and stretching their heads skyward. Everything comes back to life, so as the beautiful cherry blossoms.

At this time Hanamis take place again in Japan. You meet up with friends for picnics and there are so much delicious food to share. And of course Hanami Dangos should not be missed! These cute little dumplings made from machiko are eaten up quickly and that's why I have something special for you guys: here's a crocheted version of it - it'll be a nice present for your friends. ♥

So, grab your yarn and hook and make your own bunch of Hanami dangos! Have a beautiful springtime everyone!

Materials:

• yarn: pink (COLOR A), beige (COLOR B), mint (COLOR C) and sand (COLOR D) (I used Wolle Rödel Mille Fili Color-No. rosa 5910, natur 5952, lind 5988 and sand 5991)

• 4.00 mm crochet hook

• fiberfill

• plastic safety eyes, 6 mm

• wool or tapestry needle

• optional: stitch marker (you can use a bobby pin as a stitch marker, too!)

Stitch explanations and abbreviations:

ch	chain	foll	following
sc	single crochet	rem	remain(s)(ing)
st	stitch	rnd	round
sl st	slip stitch	rep	repeat
inc	sc 2 in 1 sc	*	repeat from
dec	sc 2 stitches togehter	(X sc)	number of single crochet in a round

Instruction for Hanami Dango: Work in continuous rounds.

Beg: Begin with COLOR A. Start with a magic ring, ch 1.

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in magic ring. Place stitch marker in first sc from beg of rnd, move marker up as each rnd is completed. (6 sc)

Rnd 2: Inc in each 6 sc around. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: Work *1 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)

Rnd 4: Work *2 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (24 sc)

Rnd 5-7: Work 1 sc in each 24 sc around. (24 sc)

Rnd 8: Work *2 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)
Start stuffing.
Rnd 9: Work *1 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (12 sc) Change to COLOR B.

Rnd 10: Work *1 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)

Rnd 11: Work *2 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (24 sc)

Rnd 12-14: Work 1 sc in each 24 sc around. (24 sc) 
Place safety eyes between rnd 12/13. Place first eye wherever you like, second eye 5 stitches apart
Rnd 15: Work *2 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)
Rnd 16: Work *1 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (12 sc) Change to COLOR C.

Rnd 17: Work *1 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)

Rnd 18: Work *2 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (24 sc)

Rnd 19-21: Work 1 sc in each 24 sc around. (24 sc)
Rnd 22: Work *2 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)
Rnd 23: Work *1 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (12 sc) 
Rnd 24: Work *1 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *3 more times around. (8sc) Change to COLOR D.
Rnd 25-36: Work 1 sc in each 8 sc around. (8 sc)

Rnd 37: Dec in each 4 scs around. (4 sc)

End: Fasten off.

Finishing

1. Embroider mouth between the eyes. 

2. If you like apply cheeks with a Q‐tip and powdered blush just below the eyes on each side.


***This is an original pattern by ©nanaliciouz.com, 2013. All rights reserved. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. You may not in any form distribute or reproduce this pattern including images. You may keep a copy for your personal use only. Do not sell pattern and/or finished products made from this pattern without first obtaining permission from me.***

How to make Pancakes

Not everybody likes pancakes with butter and maple syrup for breakfast, neither do I! But I bet you will love them with fruits and whipped cream!

To make these super fluffy pancakes you will need some preparation time, so maybe it's not an everyday breakfast. Anyway, they are still easy to make and it totally worth it!

What you need to garnish your Pancakes:

• fruits of your choice (fresh kiwis & strawberries)
• whipped cream
• chocolate sauce

Pre-Preparation:

1. In a large bowl beat the whipped cream until it forms soft peaks. Fill cream into a piping bag and store in the fridge until serving time.

2. Wash the strawberries, remove the leaves and cut the fruits into slices. Put them on one half of a small plate.

3. Peel the kiwi (watch here), cut it into small square pieces and put them on the other side of the plate with the strawberries. Wrap the plate with plastic wrap and store in the fridge.

After you have done all the pre-preparation you can get to your pancakes now. This is what you need:

American Pancakes (makes approx. 12 pancakes)

adapted from chefkoch.de

 

• 150g flour
• 2 Tbs sugar
• 1 packet baking powder
• a pinch of salt
• 3 eggs
• 200g plain yoghurt
• 100ml milk
• small amount of melted butter

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl whisk togehter the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs. In another bowl whisk the yoghurt and milk.  

2. Add your yoghurt-milk mixture to the eggs and whisk together until well combined. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and then pour in the egg-yoghurt-milk mixture and stir just until combine. You should have a thick pancake batter now.

3. Heat a frying pan. Fold a sheet of paper towel in half twice, and moisten with melted butter. Carefully rub the pan with the oiled paper towel. Pour a small amount of batter onto the pan and cook until bubbles appear, then it is lightly browned on the bottom. Turn over and brown the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.

4. Garnish the pancakes with the fruits, whipped cream and chocolate sauce before serving.

 

Bon appétit!

Free pattern: Chinese New Year Clementine Amigurumi

This is my first blog post this year! Can't believe it's February already - and Chinese New Year is almost here ... time flies!

I can hardly wait to celebrate the year of the Snake with my loved ones! ♥ Holidays at my parents are the best - always lots of food!
In addition to the red packets my mom used to give me a bunch of clementines, too. I just love them, more than lai sze - they're so sweet and healthy. For me there won't be a CNY without them!

So, if you can't get these fruits at your local supermarket, grab your yarn and hook and make your own Chinese New Year Clementines!

Here's the free pattern for you - have fun and gong hei fat choi!


Materials:

• yarn: orange (COLOR A), green (COLOR B) (I used Wolle Rödel Mille Fili Color-No. 5961 and 5946)

• 3.00 mm crochet hook

• fiberfill

• plastic safety eyes, 6 mm

• wool or tapestry needle

• optional: stitch marker (you can use a bobby pin as a stitch marker, too!)

Stitch explanations and abbreviations:

ch	chain	hdc	half double crochet
sc	single crochet	foll	following
st	stitch	rem	remain(s)(ing)
sl st	slip stitch	rnd	round
dec	sc 2 stitches together	rep	repeat
inc	2 sc in 1 sc	*	repeat  from
dc	double crochet	(X sc)	number of single crochet in a round

Instruction for Celementine: Work in continuous rounds.

Beg: Begin with COLOR A. Start with a magic ring, ch 1.

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc in magic ring. Place stitch marker in first sc from beg of rnd, move marker up as each rnd is completed. (6 sc)

Rnd 2: Inc in each 6 sc around. (12 sc)

Rnd 3: Work *1 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)

Rnd 4: Work *2 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (24 sc)

Rnd 5: Work *3 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (30 sc)

Rnd 6: Work *4 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (36 sc)

Rnd 7: Work *5 sc in next sc, then inc. Rep from *5 more times around. (42 sc)

Rnd 8-12: Work 1 sc in each 42 sc around (42 sc)

Rnd 13: Work *5 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (36 sc)

Place safety eyes between rnd 12/13. Place first eye wherever you like, second eye 8 stitches apart. Start stuffing.

Rnd 14: Work *4 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (30 sc)

Rnd 15: Work *3 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (24 sc)

Rnd 16: Work *2 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (18 sc)

Rnd 17: Work *1 sc in next sc, then dec. Rep from *5 more times around. (12 sc)

Rnd 18: Dec in each 6 scs around. (6 sc)

End: Fasten off.

Instruction for Leaf (make 2):

Beg: Begin with COLOR B, ch8.

Rnd 1: Sl st into 2nd ch from hook. The foll st will work down one side of the ch:

1 sc in the next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, 2 sc in last ch.

Rnd 2: The rem st will work up the other side of the ch back to where you started from:

dc in next 2 ch, hdc, sc in next 2 ch, sl st. (sl st, 12 sc, sl st)

End: Leave long thread for sewing on. Fasten off.

Finishing

1. Place leaves on top of the clementine and sew them on. 

2. Embroider mouth between the eyes. 

3. If you like apply cheeks with a Q‐tip and powdered blush just below the eyes on each side.


***This is an original pattern by ©nanaliciouz.com, 2013. All rights reserved. Please do not claim this pattern as your own. You may not in any form distribute or reproduce this pattern including images. You may keep a copy for your personal use only. Do not sell pattern and/or finished products made from this pattern without first obtaining permission from me.***

Custom orders

Hey everybody!

This is going to be a short blogpost about all baby toys I have made the past few weeks.

Among my amigurummi rattles I listed in my shop I also got custom orders. I'm going to show you guys some of them I have finished and sold so far. =)

Baby Yoda Baby Rattle:

This one was made for my colleague's niece. I was asked to make a Star Wars baby rattle 'cause her dad is a big fan of the movies.  First I thought of making Princess Leia but ended up with Baby Master Yoda. May the Force be with her! ^_~

The Very Hungry Caterpillar:

Who doesn't love the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle?
This rattle was also made for a colleague's friend. Never thought it would turn out so cute! I love the bright colors and it was so much fun making it. What you think? Should I list it in my shop? =)

Baby Octopus Amigurumi:

 To make this cute amigurumi I used this free pattern by Lion Brand (you have to register on the page to get acces to it). If you like to make one, see pattern for the mouth below which I used here:

>> Ch10, sl st into last ch from hook, ch1 and sc around, fasten off. (10 sc) <<

I got this order from one of my best friends. He wanted it as a gift for his newborn cousin Leonie.

!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!

Baby Seal Amigurumi:

For this cutie you need the pattern by Amy Gaines (get it here!).
I just follow the pattern but left out the cheeks and I had to stitch on the nose.

This baby seal was also made for Leonie.

Hope you like it! If you are looking for something in particular, please do not hesitate and email me right away. I will try my best to comply with your request. =)

To get updates for what I am working on, follow me on Instagram.

Love, Nana <3

Jack O'Lantern Coasters

Fall is here: Days are shorter, it's getting colder and there is hardly a day without rain.

On days like these I like to stay at home, wrap myself in a blanket and have a nice warm cup of tea.

Everything would be fine if there won't be always those unpleasant tea residues on my glass table ... So, what's better than a coaster to get rid of this problem? Too bad I don't have any.

Well, time to make my own set of coasters then! And because Halloween is almost here, it should be something Halloween related although we don't celebrate it in Germany. I ended up making these Jack O'Lantern coasters:

 

Hope you like it! Happy Halloween y'all!

Love, Nana

Baby Rattles: Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma & Kiiroitori

It's been a while since my last post and a lot of things have happened. One is that I finally got enough practice in crocheting so I can work on my own ideas, which came into my mind while following patterns.

So, let me show you my first completed project:

Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori Baby Rattle Set!

I fell in love with Rilakkuma & Co. ever since I saw them for the first time. How to resist such cuteness? You can't! That's why I have so many Rilakkuma goodies now: bags, clothes, pillows, folders, mugs, cookie cutter, purse, phone cases and pluggy and and and ... but NO plushie yet! I saw a giant one here but so darn expensive ... Well, I should make my own Rilakkuma plushie but I better try to crochet a mini version of it first. Maybe a rattle for my now 5 months old nephew? Good idea!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Let's start:

1. I like to start all my crochet projects with a magic ring!

2. Working in rounds from the bottom up. This is going to be the handle of the rattle. You can see the first four rounds of the head on the picture to the bottom right.

3. Nearly finished the head.

 4. Now come the fun part: Stuffing, putting in the bell for the rattle sound, placing the eyes, sewing on ears and muzzle and giving it the final touch.

5. Finished!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Had so much fun making it I also crocheted Rilakkumas two friends Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori to accompany him. They came out so so so cute:

 What do you think? They're making a great trio, don't they? =)

These rattles can be found on my Etsy shop if you're interested in getting one. They're available as a single item (Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori) or as a set. Shipping worldwide.

I'm going to blog about more baby rattles soon! =)

Love, Nana

My new passion ...

... is all about crochet!

When I was younger I tried to knit a scarf for one of my plushies but I miserably failed. Actually it wasn't even the stitches that caused me some startup difficulties but the way of holding the needles and the yarn. At the beginning I knitted very loosely but from time to time it became more and more tight until I noticed and started to knit loosely again. After a plenty of rows my scarf got this wavy shape. I was so disappointed because it just didn't look good although I put so much effort in it ... So I gave up this knitting thing and never tried again.

Anyway - over the times I still love handcrafts and since I've remembered that I'm absolutely untalented in knitting I came up with the idea to crochet. So I bought myself two Amigurumi craft books for beginners. But how could I know? They use chart patterns ... in a book for beginners! o_O
I had no idea how to read them nor do I understand the explanations ... And I was like "Oh dear, bye bye wonderful world of Amis!", but I gave it a try and ... failed again. T_T

At this point I had to admit I suck at crochet, too, and it was fine by me. I told myself it was not necessarily learn to crochet. I can live with that. If I'm not good in handcrafting I should get better in my baking and cooking skills. =)

Since that time it's over a year and guess what? I can crochet now! And I'm not even that bad! \(≧∇≦)/

How came to give it another try? Because my sister was going to become a Mummy soon! I was so excited I really wanted to make something for the baby even there was a lot of time till birth. I searched the internet and found lots of cute crocheted baby clothes, toys and whatsoever! The baby should get all these goodies so I taught myself by watching youtube videos and it was sooo eaaasyyy! =D

I crochet at any given opportunity now, whether when I'm watching tv or when I'm on a visit at my parents house. I always have my yarn and hook with me. It makes me relax and I always get new ideas. I'm gonna blog about my creations soon, so stay updated! (~^_^~)v

Love, Nana