Pikachu Crochet Pattern :-)


IMG_1710Memorial day weekend was rainy and cold in West Texas where I hail from. So, I took advantage of the time and finished up several crochet patterns that have been needing some final touches. I am very exited to announce that Pikachu has been published and is ready for purchase from my ETSY SHOP. And as with all of my crochet patterns, you DO have permission to sell any finished products made from my patterns, but please do not copy or redistribute the pattern itself. Also, I am not affiliated with Nintendo…

But, isn’t it just cute! I really like how the tail turned out. There are three different sizes available 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months. Which includes like 6 different hat sizes, but it’s all good 🙂 Super easy to read pattern with lots of pictures to talk you along the way, you don’t have to be an expert crochet-er to figure it out. Basic stitches (Chain, Single Crochet, Half-double Crochet, Single Crochet two Together (Sc2tog), Slip Stitch, and that’s really it!).

You can always go HERE to check out all of Family Bugs’ crochet patterns (several of them are *FREE*), and share the love on Pinterest and facebook!!

Keeping the crafting motivation high for 12 months


Creative minds often work in spurts.  Usually there is a huge overload of inspiration and motivation, and it become overwhelming to keep it all contained and in order.  After a few weeks, or even months, the motivation crashes hard.  It may take the rest of the year to build the creativity back up.  During the creative high, many crafters just work like crazy, they are excited, eager, want to get the new ideas out there as fast as they can.  But they work too hard, and soon they are completely burned out and in desperate need of a collective break.  However, a creative mind simply cannot take a break.  Unable to recharge properly, they try to coast by, and it may take several more months until their creative juices are properly flowing again, and the cycle starts all over.  So, how can you stop this cycle, and keep the creative motivation running all year long?

  1. Pace yourself.  That’s right, slow it down a bit.  Don’t go on a crafting spree.  Harder said than done, right?  Self-discipline will be the key here.
  2. One thing at a time.  Finish one product line before starting another one.  When you get a new idea, write it down, remember it, but complete what you are currently working on before moving on to the next thing.
  3. Take a break.  Sometimes the fire needs rekindled.  It is ok to take a week, or a weekend, or a short length of time to recharge.  Put the crafting materials away, don’t even look at them.
  4. Buy new materials.  Nothing can bring the motivation and the spark back into your creativity than getting new “toys” to play with.  Try a different combination of colors, or a different brand, or a different material (like wool instead of cotton).
  5. Separate the new products.  When those spurts of energy and ideas strike, go ahead and break them up a bit.  Let’s say that you have ideas for a dress, some shirts, hats, and shoes all at the same time.  Ok, start with the dress, get one of them made, then make a shirt, after that create a hat, then maybe make a second dress.  Etc.  You don’t have to release all twelve dresses that you’ve thought up at the same time.
  6. Peruse pinterest.  Oh man, if you are looking for some inspiration, you can find it on pinterest for sure!  From inspirational quotes, to creative pictures, to new product ideas.

It can be difficult to keep the motivation levels at a workable level for a long length of time, but with some self-discipline, a bit of careful pacing and planning, and some inspirational and motivational energizing, you can stay creatively strong all year long!  What are some of your favorite ways of re-motivating when the energy starts to dwindle?

Cinderella *Inspired* dress crochet pattern for sale!


IMG_6255

Some alternative coloring.
Some alternative coloring.

That is it!  I finally finished it.  My Crochet pattern *inspired* by the ever loved Disney princess Cinderella!  It took a lot longer than I had originally anticipated, but it is finally completed.  All of my crochet patterns have been tested by at least two different crochet artists (sometimes more), to ensure that the crochet patterns are as flawless as possible.  However, in the case that one of my crochet patterns do have a mistake, I offer personal assistance to get the issue resolved as soon as possible.

Bow details for back of dress
Bow details for back of dress

It is important to keep in mind that my crochet pattern has been *inspired* by the Disney Princess of Cinderella, and I am NOT affiliated with Disney at this time.  However, as I continue to sell these crochet patterns I am hoping to eventually become part of the Disney Franchise.

You can purchase my crochet pattern either through my RAVELRY store, or my CRAFTSY store for only $4.35 per size.  The available sizes at this time are 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, and 18-24.  Since the crochet pattern uses double crochet for most of the pattern, there is lots of stretch and give to the Princess Dress, so that while it easily fits a smaller child, it can also comfortably fit a more round child as well.  Because we all know how no two people are shaped the same!  I do give permission for purchasers of my crochet pattern to sell the finished products.

A different artistic interpretation of my pattern (altered sleeves, addition of tulle)
A different artistic interpretation of my pattern (altered sleeves, addition of tulle)

This crochet pattern (that has been *inspired* by Disney’s Cinderella) includes lots of pictures, step by step directions, and a breakdown of certain crochet stitches.

photo(17)Materials Needed

  • 1 skein of Red Heart Super Saver in Baby Blue
  • 1 skein of Red Heart Super Saver in White
  • Size H crochet hook
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle (for sewing in ends)
  • Scissors
  • Buttons (optional depending on if you choose to leave the back open)

Basic Knowledge of the following crochet stitches

  • Chain
  • Single Crochet
  • Half double crochet
  • Double Crochet
  • Half Treble Crochet
  • Dc2tog (decrease)
  • Htrc2tog (decrease)
Some Crochet Details of the pattern for sale
Some Crochet Details of the pattern for sale

To purchase the crochet pattern for this adorable dress that has been *inspired* by Disney’s Cinderella princess, just go to my http://www.ravelry.com/designers/family-bugs store, or my CRAFTSY store to purchase, and then download the pdf file (you do NOT have to join either website in order to purchase) 😀