Check this out! This crocheted acrylic sponge works just like those other super soft acrylic magic eraser bars in the store. I know, I’ve been posting quite a bit of decorating, crocheting and knitting things lately but, really, that’s because it’s what I wish I was doing instead of working and cleaning…and I have lots of design work today on the computer so must. sign. off. Bye!

p.s. Just one more thing - I adore Craftzine (where the idea came from). They are my go-to site for great ideas. I do not know who their scouts are but they find the best stuff. And coming from somebody known for finding great stuff on the internet, that’s a compliment!

Cute! I might have to try some of these - I think it’s great they’re stuffed with old pillows, comforters or what have you. Excellent idea. Thanks to Pickles - After we move, I’m sure I’ll have to come up with some variation on this theme - it’s like giant amigurumi bodies/heads.

Check out this crocheted yoga mat bag on Flickr. Uploaded by pickles.no. Great idea!

Check out the Granny Spiral crochet tutorial from Crochet Me. Thank you!

Thanks to crochetme for sharing! Click here for a great beginner’s tutorial on double crochet.

Ah, easy crochet pattern. Easy to love. Perfect for Valentine’s Day. Thanks, Roxycraft. I haven’t quite figured out what the kids want to do for Valentine’s this year - something homemade. We’re still on the hunt. I just can’t bear to buy those cheap yucky store valentines another year. As soon as I’m feeling better (we’ve been slackers and sick all week long), this is sure to get done - mostly because Valentine’s class parties are next week.

Yeah for SPRING! Here goes wishful thinking since it’s still cold and January here in Omaha. I’m anxious for spring - mostly because then I know we will HAVE to be well on our way to Texas. Geesh. This waiting in winter thing is more difficult than I expected - patience schmatience. Very difficult stuff to be in limbo. I’m going to appease my worries with a little spring-like eye candy. The website for the above pics is here and the site includes a blog, craft school and boutique - some of it is still in the works but I’ve seen the magazine. It’s fabulous.

I am officially in love with amigurumi. It’s probably not an eternal love but definitely infatuation. Let’s hope it lasts awhile! My elephant turned out pretty darn good - the stitches aren’t super tight but he’s a cutie and my kids were fighting over him in record time (always a good sign). Ben gave him a good go around with a squish, kiss, tickle and hug (all captured in the pics above). We haven’t come up with an official name yet but we’ll figure that out.

The above pictures deserved a post of their own! The Star Wars amigurumi can be seen here and the Indiana Jones amigurumi can be seen here.

I love amigurumi (say ahm-ah-goo-room-y)! My wool and cashmere elephant is coming along nicely. I have his body all crocheted - twice - because i just taught myself two days ago and had to redo the original chain foundation ring on every piece I had already done. He’s my first so I’m not expecting much and he’s bigger than most amigurumi but I wanted him to be big enough that I could learn easily. On the down side, my living room is a mess; my kitchen island is a mess; my office is a mess; my clothes are a mess (seriously need a shower) but I intend on finishing this little guy today! For a fabulous tutorial on how to correctly do the foundation ring, check out this video. Thank goodness for the internet!