Crocodile Stitch Crochet II

Having learned the crocodile stitch, I was planning to make a cell phone cozy, but as I was happily crocheting along, I realized that the cozy is getting real heavy. The crocodile stitch makes a thick layer, so there's no way I can carry this around. ::sigh:: I guess I have to go to Plan B...which is... I don't know.
Any ideas for me? Please share in the comments.
Speaking of cell phone cozy, I was poking around the net, and found these cute cell phone holders that probably require some sturdiness to sit on the table. Hmmm.... Sturdiness provided by the said crocodile stitch perhaps?

Visit Skymagenta's Crochet blog to see more and her Etsy shop to get the patterns

Quick Tip: Stitch/Row Counter on Your Computer or Phone Part I

This little guy is called a stitch/row/knit counter. There are many kinds out there, and I just got a basic cheap one.  Every time you complete a stitch, you turn the counter up to keep track of the number of stitches you've done. 

Useful?  It has definitely been my saving grace when I first started. Since I was concentrating on doing the stitch right, or keeping track of where to increase / decrease, I lost count frequently. Not to mention your mind kinda wanders as you crochet... The only annoying thing with such counter is that you have to put down your work to fiddle with the counter constantly. 

If you don't feel like spending money, or if you're looking for a less intrusive way to count your stitches, there are many free alternatives, right on your computer.  

Free Stitch Counter Apps on Your Computer:

Because these online counters require just a hit of a key, you don't have to put down your work. I find it much more natural.

Chrome Browser (both of these can be added to your browser via the extension store): 

Counter: A simple app you can add to your Chrome. Press the up (or spacebar) / down arrow to count up and down, and F5 to refresh the counter. 

Simple Counter: Pretty much the same idea. 

There are also some great apps out there for your iPhone and Android smartphones. We'll take a look at those in Part II. 

Do you crochet in front of your computer?

Watch: How to Crochet Crocodile Stitch

Video by Mikey and the Crochet Crowd
Thank you for creating these great tutorials!

Having learned some of the usual stitches, I want to challenge myself and try something different. 
The crocodile stitch (sometimes known as mermaid tears) is a really interesting looking stitch that creates what looks like scales. It's time consuming though (compounded by the fact that I'm new and slow), since you have to do a base row first, and then put the scales "on top" of it. However, this crocodile stitch is fun to do and definitely worth your time.


Learning the crocodile stitch: Many have commented on how it can take a while to figure out the crocodile stitch, but this wonderful video tutorial from Mikey and the Crochet Crowd explains things really well. As usual, there are lots of similar videos showing you how to do the stitch so watch a few different ones to find the instruction that makes the most sense to you.


What can you make with crocodile stitches?  Most common things I've seen include scarves, purses, wrist/neckwarmers, shawls and hats, but me being not a big fan of pretty things, the following creations are more much inspiring for me.  I'm going to work on a few things with my new skill in the next few days.  Let see if I can make it work.

Berry Hat from Craftsy

Chain Mail on Craftzine

Craftsy's booties pattern

Eagle Hat from Creative Jewish Mom

Crochetme's Christmas Tree (free pattern)

What else can you think of that can use some crocodile stitches? Please share your ideas and suggestions.

Made: Crochet Heart

After doing a few spheres and tubes in amigurumi, you'll probably want to try out some different shapes just for variety's sake. How about a heart? Knits and Stitches has a great easy-to-follow pattern.  The heart is made just with single crochets so this project is great for beginners.

Fancy up your heart: 
» Add a string to it to make a keychain or simple tree ornament
» Add sequins and beads. Look at this cute pair.

From AllSoCute

Quick Tip: Video Tutorials for Amigurumi Beginners

Without all the online videos, I don't think I'll ever learn how to make amigurumi. Once you've got the basics down, amigurumi is indeed not hard to pick up as many claim, but when I first started, I could not for the life of me decipher those diagrams that are supposed to show you how each stitch is formed. Luckily, many great crocheters out there have taken the time to create instructional videos. Thank you!
For me, what got me started on my amigurumi journey is Hook and Needles tutorials. You'll learn how to do single crochet, magic circle, increases and decreases. There is also a tutorial on how to read patterns. 
Watching videos is a great way to learn amigurumi. The beauty is, if one video doesn't help, try a different one and you'll be sure to find one that makes sense to you. Try it out if you're starting off.  

Made: Crochet Cactus

I'm no good at keeping plants so cacti would probably have the best chance of survival in our house. A crochet cactus? Even better.
I followed the free cactus pattern from Elf's Dwarf Crochet. Choosing just one cactus to make is difficult, since they are all so adorable. One day I'll plant a whole garden of them, but for now... I have put mine in a little clay pot instead of crocheting the base. Adds to the realism I think.

What I learned: Picked up this pattern because I was particularly interested in how the ridges were produced, and what a pleasant surprise to find out the ridges are made just by crocheting in the backloops. Love it when it's something easy I can understand and do. Do a quick search on the internet and you will find tons of explanations about front and back loops if you need it (like this one).

Other free cactus crochet patterns:
» Tiny Cacti by Gleeful Things
» Crochet Opuntia (Prickly Pear Cactus) by Speckerna (site in German, but PDF pattern is available in English)
» Cactus bookmark applique by Bigú Handmade

What's your favourite type of cactus?

Pattern of the Day: Sandwich

Tomorrow I am going on a trip to the lake to watch a Newfoundland dog water rescue training, and we're planning on packing some light sandwiches. Look delicious, don't they?  Go to free online pattern. 

This pattern can also be found in the book Yummi 'Gurumi: Over 60 Gourmet Crochet Treats to Make by Christian Haden. I've borrowed the book from my local library, and being a beginner, the patterns are quite challenging, since they often require more than your good old amigurumi single crochet, but there are definitely some impressive creations there. My favourite is probably the pork bun, since it looks so real.  

Looking for more crochet food to make? Check out this nice collection of food patterns.