Crochet Calcifer Pattern

'May all your bacon burn'

I made Calcifer a while ago find the post here. I have since been asked to make more on request so whilst making the most recent one I decided to write down the pattern. Now I have it to hand if any more requests come through. So I am sharing my pattern here. If you do use this pattern please link any photos/blog posts ect back to my pattern so that others can enjoy it too!

Things I used:

• DK yarn (yellow, orange and red)
• Scissors
• Stitch marker
• 3mm crochet hook
• yarn needle
• Two 4mm black beads 
• Clear thread (or white thread to sew on the beads) 
• White felt 
• Toy Stuffing
• Pet brush

Pattern: 

sc = single crochet

dc = double crochet 

tc = triple crochet

ch = chain 

Begin with yellow yarn - chain 6 and create a magic ring:

Round 1: 2 sc in each stitch around (12 stitches).

Round 2: *sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around (18 stitches).

Round 3: *sc in next two stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around (24 stitched).

Change to orange yarn:

Round 4: *sc in next three stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around (30 stitches).

Round 5: *sc in next four stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around (36 stitches).

Round 6: *sc in next five stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat twice, ch 1, dc in next two stitches, sc in next stitch, ch 1, dc in next stitch, tc in next stitch, 2 tc in next stitch, dc in next stitch, sc in next stitch, ch 1, dc in next three stitches, 2 sc in next stitch, *sc in next five stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat twice. (42 stitches).

Change to red: 

Round 7: *sc in next six stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* repeat around (48 stitches).

Finish off leaving a long red tail for sewing the two sides together. Repeat from the beginning to create side number two, finish off (this side doesn't need a long tail).  I fasten all the ends off but don't bother sewing them in to hide the ends as they will be hidden within the amigurumi anyway. The less sewing the better right?

Sew the two sides back-to-back using the long red tail leaving a small gap.

Push all the loose ends into the the middle of the arigurumi whilst adding the stuffing through the small gap. When your happy with the level of 'squishiness' sew the gap closed and finish off. 

Now take a deep breath, pick up that pet brush and brush and brush and brush and brush the yarn all over in every direction until your happy with the overall fluffy appearance (I used a normal hair brush the first time I made Clacifer, I swear it took 20x longer). Finishing off by brushing it up towards the top of the amigurumi so that it looks like fire. 

Cut small circles of white felt for the eyes and sew these on the arigurumi with the small beads (as shown below). Finally, using red yarn sew on a small mouth. The finished product is 2.5 inches wide, 3 inches high and 1.25 inches deep.

N.B. Don't worry too much about little mistakes as the brushed yarn hides small mistakes really well.

For other Ghibli posts select Here.

Hook off. 

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DIY Yarn Curtain

                                                    

My partner and I recently bought a house. The previous owners liked open spaces so they knocked down a wall to create a larger living space and removed a door that was not longer required. However, instead of filling the door in completely they installed a window. This window is between the hallway and the living room so people entering the house can see into the living room when entering the front door. Being a person who likes my personal space, this window is a pain. I don't want people at the front door looking in at me sitting on the couch minding my own business. I'm not sure what the thought process behind the window was, it's an interesting characteristic but not really practical. Anyway, instead of getting rid of the window and filling in the wall I decided 'cover it up'.

Using homegrown bamboo and twine (for the rustic look I like) and colourful yarn to go with the decor of the room I made a curtain. I based the yarn  on some of the colours in a Steven Brown painting 'Forest of Argyle' that we bought before buying the house:

Making the curtain was really simple just tying lengths of yarn onto some bamboo. It did however take longer than I expected. But I love how it looks.

The yarn looks really nice when the light from the hallway shines through. To add a bit more interest I made a simple macrame plant holder to hang my spider plant. 

You can just about see another Steven Brown painting peeping in on the left bought for me by my lovely Grandparents. 

Hook Off.