Daisy the Cow - Free Amigurumi Pattern

I'm so excited to be sharing this pattern The last one I did was back in May for Steve the Octopus. Now I present to you Daisy the Cow

I had an old school friend contact me on Facebook and asked if I could make a cow for her young son as they are his favourite, I agreed and set about designing this pattern

Anyone who has made the elephant posted on Stephanie's "All About Ami" blog will realise the pattern looks similar I loved that with the elephants the legs were crocheted straight on It's so much easier once you get your head round it!

Here's what you need to get started:

White, Black and Pink Yarn, scissors, 2.5mm crochet hook, stitch marker, yarn needle, and some eyes, I always use safety eyes on my projects so they're not accidentally pulled off.

Abbreviations used:

sc - single crochet

hdc - half double crochet

dc - double crochet

tc - triple crochet

slst - slip stitch

inc - increase

dec - decrease

The only technique used outside of these is crocheting on both sides of a chain

Body - White Yarn

Chain 9 - foundation chain

Round 1 - 7sc, 3sc in next, then working on other side of chain, 6sc, inc in last (18)

Round 2 - inc, 6sc, 3 inc, 6sc, 2 inc (24)

Round 3 - 8sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, inc, 11sc (27)

Round 4 - inc, 9sc, inc, 2sc, inc, 2sc,inc, 6sc, inc, sc, inc (33)

Round 5 - 2sc, inc, 6sc, inc, 3sc, inc, 3sc, inc, 11sc, inc. 2sc, inc (39)

Round 6 - inc, 11sc, inc, 4sc,inc,4sc, inc,8sc, inc, 3sc, inc, 3sc (45)

Round 7 - 15sc, inc, 5sc, inc, 5sc, inc, 17sc(48)

Round 8 - 2sc, inc, 14sc, inc, 6sc, inc,6sc, inc, 8sc, inc, 4sc, inc, 2sc (54)

Round 9 - 4sc, inc, 7sc, inc, 7sc, inc, 7sc, inc,17sc, inc, 5sc, inc, sc (60)

Round 10 - 6sc, inc, 8sc, inc, 8sc, inc, 8sc, inc, 18sc, inc,6sc,inc (66)

Round 11 - sc around (66)

Round 12 - inc, 17sc, inc, 9sc, inc, 9sc, inc, 11sc, inc, 7sc, inc, 7sc (72)

Round 13 - sc around (72)

Round 14 - 2sc, inc, 18sc, inc, 10sc, inc, 10sc, inc, 12sc, inc, 8sc, inc, 6sc (78)

Round 15 - sc around (78)

Round 16 - 4sc, inc, 19sc, inc,11sc, inc, 11sc, inc, 13sc, inc, 9sc, inc, 5sc (84)

Rounds 17 & 18 sc around (84)

Then the body needs to be divided for the leg chains, carrying on from the last stitch of round 18, chain 6, skip 20 stitches and then join with a slip stitch, repeat 3 times until you have 4 leg holes and a central "belly" hole

Legs - White Yarn

All the legs are crocheted the same. For the first leg you crochet can be continued from your last leg chain.

Round 1 - 20 sc of body, 6sc of leg chain (26)

Round 2 - sc around (26) 

Round 3 - 18sc, dec, 6sc (25)

Round 4 - 17sc, dec, 6sc (24)

Round 5 - (dec, 2sc)x6 (18)

Round 6 - (dec, sc) (12)

Round 7, dec around (6)

Sew closed hole.

Repeat for the other 3 legs, the start of each leg is the stitch of the body closest to the leg you've just finished. 

Head - Start in White Yarn

Chain 10 - foundation chain

Round 1 - 9sc on either side of the chain (18)

Round 2  - inc around (36)

Round 3-8 [6rounds] - sc around (36)

Change to Pink Yarn

Round 9 - inc, 5sc (42)

Round 10 - inc, 6sc (48)

Round 11 inc,7sc (54)

Round 12 inc, 8sc (60)

Round 13 &14 (60)

This is what the head will look like at this point, to make the ears of the cow you need to put some stitches between the 2 ends of the original foundation chain to pull them up.

The difference may not be that noticeable but will be once it is stuffed. At this point you also need to add on the eyes, and some french knots for nostrils if you want to add them.

Round 15 - (dec, 3sc)x12 (48)

Round 16 - (dec, 2sc)x12 (36)

Round 17 - (dec, sc)x12(24)

Stuff the head

Round 18 - dec around(12)

Round 19 - dec around (6)

If there is a small hole sew closed.

If you do not seem to have noticeable points for the ears, you can add in some stitches going from the base of the head to in between the ears to lower it.

Now you need to sew the head onto the body. As all the legs are the same it doesn't matter which way round the body is.You need to sew it so at least 1/2 the height of the head stands above the body of the cow.

Cow Splotches

These splotches can just be random patterns made in black wool. If you are making it for someone special, you could consider making some little crochet initials. Here are the ones I have used:

#1

Round 1 - 6sc in a magic circle (6)

Round 2 - inc around (12)

Round 3 - inc, sc (18)

Round 4 - inc, 2sc (24)

Round 5&6 - 5sc, 2hdc, 2dc, 4hdc, 2dc, 3slst 3hdc, slst, 2sc (24)

#2

Round 1 - 6sc in a magic circle (6)

Round 2 - inc around (12)

Round 3 - inc, sc (18)

Round 4 - inc, 2sc (24)

Round 5&6 - 5sc, 2hdc, 2dc, 8hdc, 4sc, 2hdc, sc (24)

#3

Round 1 - 6sc in a magic circle (6)

Round 2 - inc around (12)

Round 3 - inc, sc (18)

Round 4 - inc, 2sc (24)

Round 5&6 - 5slst , 10dc, 4slst,5dc (24)

#4

Chain 7 - foundation chain

Round 1 - 6sc on each side of chain(12) chain 1

Round 2 - inc around (24) chain1

Round 3&4 - 9slst, 5dc, hdc, 3slst, dc, 3tc, 2dc (24)

Sew the splotches wherever you want on the cow body/legs

Tail

If you want to add a tail to your to your cow (not recommended if its being given to a child), cut 4 pieces of yarn twice the length you want the tail to be, mine were 6 inches. Fold them in half and using your crochet hook pull the folded end through the stitch were you want the tail to start

Then pull the loose ends through the loop sticking out to form the knot

Then tie the strands together towards the ends to form  a tuft

Stuff the body making sure you put enough stuffing into the legs.

Last Bit!

Belly

The colour used for this is down to preference, you can use white, but I chose to use pink, in place of adding any udders

Round 1 - 6sc in a magic circle (6)

Round 2 - inc around (12)

Round 3 - inc, sc (18)

Round 4 - inc, 2sc (24)

The sew into the gap between the legs, this is also 24 stitches so it should fit perfectly

And its finished!

I'd love to know and see pictures if anyone makes a Daisy of their own 

I'm on Instagram and Twitter as @craftycharlotte 

xx

Please feel free to use this pattern to make your own cow(s), but please do not sell the pattern or anything created from it (special circumstances will be considered, please contact me). Please also do not post this pattern anywhere else, if you want to share it please provide a link back to this site.Thanks

September DI Craft Swap - Post 2

My Craft Swap arrived!!!

The postman tried to deliver it on Friday (the one day I wasn't at home for the post!) so I went to the sorting office before work today. The first thing I noticed when I picked it up was that it was heavier than I expected, and then, when I was walking up the road, decided I could feel what I thought was a book. Then I was super excited!

And I was right!

Sarah-Jane has sent me a copy of "Cute Little Gifts to Crochet". I love to crochet books! (and I have a lot!) I draw a lot of inspiration from them and find they often have stitches and techniques that I've never heard before!

The book is lovely, full of pictures and diagrams to help with making the amigurumi. It's divided into chapters, one of which is based on the holidays we celebrate. And then I was even more super excited - Christmas Crochet! Just the other day my mum was asking me to make her a Christmas tree decoration for her tree this year and now I have a pattern.

The second part was the handmade part and Sarah-Jane has made me this really cute picture holder - the base is a camera with a face!

I love inanimate objects with faces! They're just so cute! This is going to take pride of place on my desk at work when I put a photo in it

I've had a great time taking part in the Craft Swap and I can't wait until next months Woodland theme swap

If anyone wants to join in contact Hannah

Have a lovely weekend x

September DI Craft Swap - Post 1

I was trying to hold off on blogging about the swap until I had received my package, but it seems to be taking its time, so figured I would just split it into 2 posts.

This was my first time taking part in any kind of craft swap and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't actually know what Kawaii was until I started the swap but I now understand why everyone is so exited by it. I have decided not to take part in Octobers one because I have a lot of personal crafting to get on with. I'm hoping to join in with the one afterwards which is a Woodland theme (if anyone is interested, contact Hannah, she's on twitter at @DaintyandIvory or over on her blog at daintyandivory.blogspot.co.uk

My parcel went off to our lovely organiser Hannah. She sent me some information about herself, and I wanted to make sure that she would get use out of everything I sent.

I started with the bought item, she mentioned that she liked tea so I picked this coaster;

How could anyone resist the happy cakes and ice cream!

She also mentioned she likes to read so I made her a Panda bookmark, it was designed so that the Panda's head will stick out of the top of the book

I think this could be customised to be pretty much any animal. This is another pattern I'm considering posting on here at some point.

The last thing was something that combined that make it and buy it components of the swap. On Hannah's blog she has mentioned that she sews plush toys, so I decided to make her a pin cushion...shaped like a turtle, with a pastel flower on its shell as they are her favourite colours. 

He's pretty adorable! Hannah nearly didn't get him because my mum tried to steal him, but I pointed out she can't sew so has absolutely no need for a pin cushion of any kind haha.

I tried to match up the pins with the colours on the turtle's shell!

I also sent Hannah some home made clotted cream fudge to make up for the delivery being late because I had a delay in the delivery of the heart shape pins.

I wrapped it up like this because I thought it would look nicer than clingfilm or tin foil. Then the sound of music popped into my head "brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favourite things"

I was so happy that Hannah liked everything that I sent her, and I will continue stalking my post lady until she brings me mine!

Have a lovely weekend x

Cupcakes Everywhere!

Just a quick update! I'm currently on a mission to make as many cupcakes as I can, they're being sold at macmillan coffee mornings to raise money. There quick to make and so cute! I'll let you know how much we raise!

Liebster Award

I know I've been quiet again lately but for once I actually have a good reason! I have been away on holiday and only returned to the UK in the early hours. A few days before I went I was nominated for a Liebster award by Jenny over at Pretty Column, not only do I love reading her blog, but we're friends on most social media and she's lovely!

Here are the questions she asked:

Why did you start writing your blog?
I started my blog because I was hoping to find some like minded people. Being a 23 year old avid crocheter I sometimes feel that I am portrayed as being a bit odd or old before my time.

What have you learnt since you began your blog?
Since starting my blog I have realised just how many talented crafty people there are in the world and how different we all are even though we all share similar passions.

What is your favourite craft?
My favourite craft is crochet, partly because of how versatile it is but also because it reminds me of my Yaya and makes me feel closer to her.

What is your favourite season in the year and why?
My favourite season is Autumn. I love wellies, and jumpers, and crunchy leaves and coming home and having a nice cup of tea to warm up.

Will you share some of your favourite blogs with us?
I've popped down some of the big and little blogs that I like to follow:

Pretty Column - Jenny seems to master every craft she puts her hand to and shares the things she finds on Pintrest and makes them into "ideas lists". Her most recent post has an amazing penguin cushion.

All about Ami - Stephanie's crocheting is amazing, I can't think of another word for it. It's also lovely to see post about her family and their adventures. Anyone who has seen my Instagram knows how much I love the elephant pattern that came from her blog.

Sally's Baking Addiction - Sally is a baking goddess! Some of the things she has created will blow your mind! Due to my baking ban (enforced by Dave) I haven't tried my and at too many but now that its been lifted I will be trying lots! I made her flour less peanut butter brownie cookies and couldn't believe how good the tasted for something that took so little time to whip up. My next baking project is her recipe for skinny double chocolate muffins. I'll share a post when I'm done.

Wild Olive - Mollie comes up with the cutest little embroidery patterns. We seem to share the mentality that everything looks better if you give it a little smiley face. She also has a picture that she turns into a wallpaper that you can download for your phone, which I have done with a couple. She hasn't posted Septembers yet but for August it was this adorable little Beluga Whale

Dainty and Ivory - Hannah's blog is varied which I love, there are bits on crafts, beauty and food. She also arranges a craft swap every month. This month is my first time taking place so expect to see a post on my blog about that soon. Here are some of Hannah's posts about previous craft swaps.

Beak up Crafts - Kate is like Jenny in that she seems to be able to craft anything! I love that she posts about how much she crafted herself for her wedding. She also started up the crafty august # on Instagram which I started but couldn't finish as did no crafting on holiday!

Water Painted Dreams - Hayley's blog is another one that seems to cover lots of different areas. Like myself she has an interest in Science and her dog is adorable.

Amy's Attic - I love Amy's sewing blogs, she also mentions that she is going to start crocheting soon so am keeping my eye on her blog!

What is your favourite Disney film?
My favourite Disney film is Dumbo, elephants are my favourite animal, but I also feel there is an important message. Being different isn't always a bad thing, sometimes it can lead to something wonderful!

What makes you happiest in the world?
I'm a very easy person to please. My ideal evening is sitting in the living room under a blanket, crocheting, while me and Dave watch something on TV. I'm also quite close to my immediate family. Saturday nights are usually spent at my parents house, some degree of this might be because that's where the pets are haha.

What have you made or done in the last year that you have been most proud of?

This year I have started branching out with my crochet and designing my own patterns. It's moving slowly and I feel like I'm leaving myself open to judgement. Gaining more confidence with it though.

If you could pass any advice to someone - a stranger, a loved one,anyone - what would it be?
If you are lucky enough to find something that you love and makes you happy, don't let anyone stop you. You'll only regret in the long term the time you wasted listening to someone else.

Marvel or DC? 
Marvel but I am basing this just on the films.I really enjoyed the Avengers films,I like that I feel I know all the characters from their own films before they all come together.

What do you do to escape?
I tend to use music to escape, whether classical when I want to be alone with my thoughts, or using happy music to cheer me up after a bad day at work

Here are my 11 questions:

Which craft have you seen which you would love to try?

Was there a specific person that inspires you to start crafting?

Have you ever had any crafting disasters?

What's your favourite thing to cook/bake?

What's your favourite ever film?

Who is your favourite character from a novel?

Do you like where you live or do you have aspirations to move elsewhere?

If you could only live for one more day, would you choose to relive a day from your past or choose a random day from the future?

Favourite ice cream?

If you could live one day in the life of someone else, who would you choose and why?

Any goals set to be completed by this time next year?

And here are my nominees:

Crafty Mama

Owl in the teacup

Cupcake Mama

Kat Sighs

Amy's Attic

Don't feel pressurised to take part, its just for fun. If you want to carry this on there are a few rules:

You need to link back to the person who nominated you
You must answer all the questions
You must come up with 11 questions to ask your nominees
You must nominate 5-11 blogs with less than 200 followers


Have a lovely day x