Little Ocean Creatures Pattern Pack Release

I've just released my latest amigurumi patterns, including a complete pattern pack ebook full of adorable little sea creatures. These patterns will be quick for the experienced crafter, but even a beginner, to crochet or amigurumi, should be able to complete them!

These were originally created for a custom order. I really do believe a beginner can handle these patterns. They are made from basic crochet stitches with a few simple, possibly new techniques thrown in. I've tried to explain and add photos for some of the more unusual stuff, and as always I offer free help to anyone that downloads one of my patterns.

If you have never touched yarn or a hook, you can still do this! I have always believed a person can learn anything if they really want to. I have been crocheting since just after Halloween last year. That's right. Just 7 months. I've been dabbling in creating my own patterns since the beginning of the year and decided to publish my first patterns in April. I am hooked and plan to share many, many more. My point is, I am self taught and I have learned how to make my own patterns already. If I can do that, you can totally make a sand crab! There are great videos on beginner crochet on the Internet and they are all free. Contact me if you need a little push in the right direction! I'm happy to help...honestly I love to hear from other crafters. 

Check out the Little Chubby Dolphin, available in my Ravelry or Craftsy shop, for FREE. The rest are available in all 3 of my shops individually or as a pattern pack ebook. Visit the links below for more information.

Jenny Lou Creations on Ravelry

Jenny Lou Creations on Etsy

Jenny Lou Creations on Craftsy

Handmade Happiness Roundup (Week 2)

Did you have a happy week? I've been busy working on orders and finishing up a pattern, but that stuff does make me happy! I'm hoping readers/fans/followers caught a couple of the #handmadehappiness posts, but just in case here is a recap!

Mother's Bird Nest Necklace (Sunday)
This adorable little necklace features eggs and a monogram for each child. This one was featured on Mother's Day. The tiny details just mesmerize me and I think these little children/grandchildren/family necklaces are too cute! Vist Uqfashion on Etsy for many personalized pretties!

Photo from Uqfashion

Rainbow Stickers (Monday)
There weather has been pretty gloomy lately. Nothing like a rainbow to brighten your day! You can stick there on anything to spread some cheer to yourself or someone you love. These sticks were sold by time I started this post so check out the shop for other fun stickers or ask for a custom order! Check out Joey Design on Etsy for more stickers.

Photo from JoeyDesign

Laser Cut Owl Pendant (Tuesday)

This one doesn't need much of an explanation. The cuteness of the owl says it all! Made out of maple wood. So cool and unique! Visit exdesigns on Etsy for more fun trinkets.

Photo from edxdesigns

Butcher Cuts Pig Cookie Cutter (Wednesday)

This cutter (and many others in this shop) is so clever! I'm not sure why you would ever need a cookie shaped like the butcher cuts of a pig but it is too awesome to pass up! Visit Printmeneer on Etsy for this and more unique cutters.

Photo from Printmeneer

Grad Cap Ring (Thursday)

Looking for a different gift for a grad this year? Check out this crazy awesome ring! There are lots of creative pieces in this shop. I am amazed by the talent. I especially love the Harry Potter glasses ring. Super cute and don't be surprised if those show up for handmade happiness one day. Check out thinkupjewel on Etsy for some super unique, special gifts.

Photo from thinkupjewel

Van Gogh & Dr Who Parody Poster (Friday)

My husband and I watched all the newer Dr Who episodes last year so I finally get what some of the inside jokes are about. These parody posters are too much fun! Visit ParodiesLost on Etsy to look at plenty more. Look for some Alice in Wonderland/Dr Who prints and a cool Star Wars parody. 

Photo from ParodiesLost

Hopefully one of these made you smile this week! Follow me on facebook to keep up with the daily posts, or stop by the blog on Saturdays for the week's roundup.

Introducing a New Cutie Princess!

I'd like to introduce the latest in my line of cutie Princess dolls, Cutie Scottish Princess inspired by Merida from Brave!

Princess Merida

She is my third cutie doll so far. (I've got plans for more, so be sure to follow me on facebook or check back on the blog!) Merida had her own challenges. Her hair was the first. I do love how full and fluffy it gets. She could potentially use some different size curls. If I figure that one out, I will be sure to update the pattern with the new technique. 

Wild & Crazy Curls!

Another challenge was her bow. She was too plain without it. Plus would she really be the same Scottish princess without a bow? With a pipe cleaner and a little clever yarn work I came up with a simple bow and a belt/arrow holder to complete her outfit.

Bow & Arrow Holder

The only thing she might be missing is a cape. I was thinking about making one, but when I got to the point in the pictures I knew she was done. However later on I was thinking, maybe she should have a cape! It might be something I add on later and send out to upgrade the pattern.

Side View

Those icy sisters are happy to have a new princess in their little group. Here they are, ready to set out on a journey to find some new members of the Cutie Princess Club. I really am enjoying designing and creating these little dolls. You can make your own with the patterns available in my raverly or esty shop. Links below!

Cutie Princess Club

Visit my Raverly shop here!

Visit my Etsy shop here!

All photos used in post and on blog are copyright Jennifer Chittum 2014 unless otherwise noted. I am in no way affiliated with Disney or claim these to be actual Disney products. My creations are all inspired by my love for everything Disney. Full copyright information available in patterns or upon request. 

Recently Released Patterns (Crochet)

Even though I have been trying to design my own patterns lately, I still like to shop for them too. There are a lot of amazingly talented people out there. A lot of the time, my own patterns come out a search for something and not finding what I am looking for. That being said, sometimes you come across a pattern that is perfect just the way it is. I'm going to share some recent released that I've found and purchased to make at a later date.

Houndstooth Handbag
I've seen pictures of this one in progress on my news feed so much I'm convinced every person in the world that knows how to crochet must have it. I still have to share it though. I was waiting for the release date myself. I haven't had a chance to get started on this one yet. Part of the reason is I can't decide on the colors, the other part is I know it will take me a while and I've had a lot to work on. The truth is, I am not a big fan of crocheted bags. They always look awkward and seem like the have no support. This one looks like a professional, useful, stylish bag. So check out Jennifer's design for the Houndstooth Handbag at A Crocheted Simplicity.

Photo from A Crochet Simplicity

Bob the Turtle Baby Set

I've seen cute loveys and loveys that make me wonder what someone was thinking.  Bob the turtle is in the beyond cute and too adorable for words category. Seriously how fun?! I went with the amigurumi/lovey combo pack on this one. I plan to get to this one soon. It is so fun and perfectly summer themed. Plus it's great for boys or girls, always a plus! Please visit Carolina's design for Bob the Turtle at One and Two Company. (Be sure to check out her Snow White patterns too. So cute!!!)

Picture from One & Two Company

Bread Loaf Letter Organizer

This one is just a little crazy, but so creative I had to add it. Twinkie Chan who loves all things food, recently shared this pattern - for free - along with a tutorial video. I love seeing her blog & facebook posts because they are always so colorful, creative and most of all full of happiness. Hop over to her blog where she offers lots of free patterns and inspiration. Bread Loaf Organizer by Twinkie Chan is sure to be a unique gift for someone special!

Picture from Twinkie Chan

That is all for today but check back for more fun patterns. If there is a recently released pattern that you just love, be sure to e-mail it in to me and I will feature it on the blog. Who isn't looking for some new, great patterns after all?

Handmade Happiness Roundup

Each day I log on to etsy, scroll down to the bottom and click on recently listed. The first thing I find that jumps out at me becomes the handmade happiness on my facebook page. Here is a quick recap of the handmade happiness this week, in case you missed any!

I couldn't resist posting these yummy, sunny colored oreos. They look just like Minions from Despicable Me! These are made by hitsthespot on etsy. You can also order minion marshmallow pops. These are so cute for a birthday party or maybe a summer cookout.

Picture from hitsthespot on Etsy.

A great end of the year teacher gift might be one of these personalized hand sanitizers. Polka dots are always fun and this shop has plenty more monogrammed items if you are looking for a gift. Go visit Embellish Boutique on etsy!

Picture from embellishboutiquellc

Last one for this week! I just love these rainbow colored earrings by CandyBead. They have lots of gorgeous crystal jewelry in their etsy shop or stop by CandyBead on facebook for lots of fun pics and updates. 

Picture from CandyBead

If you want to see my daily handmade happiness posts, be sure to like my facebook page!

Fun Free Crochet Pattern - Citrus Coasters

While perusing the Internet earlier today, I happened across a pattern for a scrumptious looking grapefruit coaster. I'm not huge into making potholders, coasters, or dish clothes out of yarn, because how many do I need? I just got married last year and have plenty of towel type items. Do I need tropical fruit shaped coasters? Probably not need... The functional, plain black plastic ones work. Except drinks sweat like crazy in the heat and the black ones just pool water under my cup. I knew when I saw the grapefruit coaster pattern, these would be fun, functional and fabulous.

My Citrus Coasters

Instead of making all grapefruit, I decided to go with various citrus fruits. I ended up with a grapefruit, a lime, a lemon and a blood orange. I'm dreaming of cold, citrus drinks just looking at them. And how cute would these be for a margarita party? I made mine with 100% cotton yarn. It will soak up the water and still hold the shape it is in.

Image from Daisy Cottage Designs

These are a great beginner crochet project or they are a great way to use up some of the yarn you probably have sitting around. I rummaged through my cotton stash and found I had just the right colors between my leftovers and bargain finds. My favorite might still be the grapefruit, but I am loving the blood orange too! Go visit Daisy Cottage Designs and check out Lauren's blog with lots of fun crochet patterns. Look for her Etsy shop and Facebook page too. I see a lot of cute patterns by Lauren.  Enjoy!

Handmade Happiness

I'm really hoping to bring the world a little happiness through my crafty creations. I love making and creating something amazing out of simple stuff. And frankly, our world could use more happy moments.

I really want to start connecting with other crafters, Disney fans, crocheters, foodies and people like you. I'm a little bit geeky, a child at heart and a creative soul.

Many of my creations are inspired by my obsession with all things Disney. It started with my own Mickey Mouse & friends nursery and has grown with me. All those bright cheerful characters and the happy vacation destinations bring me joy and I am always looking for a way to make my day a little bit more magical.

I started crocheting amigurumi last fall and I just can't stop. My latest adventure is writing my own patterns, so check out my etsy or raverly shops for those. I'm hoping to really build up my raverly offerings this year!

As if that wasn't enough on my plate, I've also been trying to enhance my limited sewing knowledge. So far, I am really loving bags and functional items. I've got a few over in my etsy shop and more on the way. I did whip out one pretty flower dress last spring, just in time for my own bridal shower. I'm not sure where I found the time as I had lots of wedding decorations, programs, invites, etc to make as well! I'm hoping I can share some wedding craft tutorials this summer!

Last, I love food. I'm happy to share kitchen gadgets, recipes and tricks. Yum! I can't wait!

This blog isn't just a way to sell my crafts to you, it is a way to make friends with similar interests and share my happiness with you! Please stop by often for sneak peeks, updates, tutorials, cool things I find, yummy things to eat and much more!