More Cannon threads...

I've just received these:

I still get a kick out of opening a new box of threads!...I wish I could get all colors ;) Meanwhile, those were given to me so I would make a custom-order of a cap-sleeve tunic. The order was for another color, and the threads for that were also sent to me.
I plan to start on the project at once, and to finalize the pdf pattern too...(maybe kill two birds with one stone?) hopefully, I'll be able to offer the pdf pattern for sale soon ;)

Dachshund Amigurumi pattern now available

I've just added my Dachshund Amigurumi pattern to my Ravelry store. Here is the final version made in brown acrylic yarn, while the other one was made earlier from 3 strands of cotton thread size 8 (more on this post). This is a one-skein project which you will be able to make using only one skein local acrylic yarn, or 1 ball of Cannon crochet thread. If using Cannon thread, divide the ball into three, and crochet 3 strands together. Using yarn will be a much easier job, with a texture that's closer to animal fur ;)

Free Crochet Patterns

These are the patterns I've made so far, wherein Cannon threads were used for the samples. Thanks to Ravelry, one can easily view and do a search on them:

From the oldest to the latest patterns here are the details:

Baby Mittens - a quick project to make as gifts or a matching accessory for crochet baby hats and booties.
Appliques for Baby Items - small crocheted appliques to decorate baby items or children's accessories.
Striped Keychain purse - a mini little purse that can keep a tiny treasure, a coin or even a folded bill.
Loopy flowers - a cute, quick project to make use of scraps of any colors of Cannon threads.
Baby Cotton Hat - With only one ball of thread you can make this adorable baby hat.
Scallop coaster - one ball of Cannon thread can be made into 6 coasters.
Flower Choker - you'll need only leftover threads and a few colorful beads to make this pretty choker.
Diagonal Striped Belt - a fun project to make with one ball of multicolored Cannon thread! You may also use plain color, or variegated color thread.
Lip Balm Holder - a useful little accessory to make with scraps of multicolored thread.
Flower Frame Souvenir - can be made as gifts or souvenirs for Baby showers or christening, or other occasions.
Hat souvenir - can also be made as gifts or souvenirs for Baby showers or christening, or other occasions.
Radiant coaster/doily - a fun little project to decorate your table.
Little Flowers with Leaves - a cute flower applique for your bags, hats or clothing.
Tropical Shawl with Fringe - can be made with just two balls of multicolored, variegated or plain color Cannon threads (fringe not included).
Crochet-covered button - will be very nice for crocheted clothing.
Mini Booties souvenir - can be made as gifts or souvenirs for Baby showers or christening.
Just Got Stitched-up Halloween Choker - a fun choker to match a halloween attire.

Other free patterns using Cannon threads:
Striped Hat - use two strands of Cannon threads.
Beaded Scrunchie - use two strands of Cannon threads.
Flower Accent - can be made using size 10 thread or size 8 Cannon thread.

Thanks for looking! Please follow this blog to get updated on free patterns using Cannon threads.

Cannon Color Cards

Just Got Stitched-up Choker - free crochet pattern

While browsing Etsy Finds, I saw the items in this shop and got the idea to make this crochet necklace. I'm not really fond of vampire or halloween stuff, but maybe some of you will have fun making and wearing this :)

Just Got Stitched-up Choker
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2011


Materials
Cannon cotton thread, size 8 (can be substituted with size 10 thread), black
Crochet hook size 1.75mm
Snap fasteners for closure
Sewing needle and thread
Finished size: 14-15 inches

Choker necklace
Note: Always work on the right side of stitches.

Row 1: Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next two chs, (ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st on next two chs) twice, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next two chs, *(ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st on next two chs) four times, ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next two chs, repeat from * four times more, (ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st on next two chs) twice, ch 3, 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, continue work on the opposite side of row 1.
Row 2: Sc in next ch, (ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in the next two chs, sc in next 4 chs) twice, *sl st in-between the next two "stitches", ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in next two chs, sl st in the same stitch (between the two "stitches"), (ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in the next two chs, sc in next 4 chs) four times, repeat from * across, end with 2 sc on the last ch, fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing: Spray a bit of water to dampen, and press with your fingers or use iron to straighten. Sew fastening on each end.

Notes on adjusting length of finished item:
A pattern repeat with 3 straight stitches and 1 crossed stitch is approximately 2 1/4 inches. Each straight stitch pattern repeat is approximately 1/2 inch.

Original pattern and photos by Mimi Alelis

copyright October 2011

More of my designs on Ravelry

Cannon thread projects and designs

While I'm still working on my latest patterns, I'll be blogging now and then about past projects and designs made from Cannon cotton threads. Since I started my crochet blog in 2005, I've made hundreds of projects and dozens of original designs. I thought to take a snapshot of my project pages just to get a quick look at my Cannon thread projects. Projects include wearables, bags, other accessories, toys, gifts, and home decors. Here's a slideshow :)

Crocheting amigurumi dogs

My first attempt making the amigurumi dogs resulted in these defective parts. But I'm quite pleased with it since I already see how I want the finished products to turn out. I usually don't frog or toss these failed projects but keep them as reminders of the process of designing ;)
I'm almost ready with the finished samples to show here and the patterns to be added to my Ravelry store.
I'm doing a promo too. If you're interested in getting the pattern as giveaway, please stay tuned to this blog...

Color Charts

Cannon Cotton Thread size 8(click on images to enlarge)

What to do with partial balls of Cannon threads?

How about crochet amigurumis? If you've done so with acrylic yarns or other yarns, perhaps you haven't tried it using 3 strands of thread? Making amigurumis is a very good way of using up leftover threads, or a lonesome ball of thread ;) (I'm making one now, from my leftover Cannon threads.)
Begin from one ball (or partial ball) - take the outside end of the thread and then pull the other end from the center of the ball. Then take another ball of thread so you can have 3 strands to work with. If you only have one ball, then just wound about one-third of it into a separate ball.
For the hook you can use from 3mm to 4mm hook (equivalent to 5/0 to 7/0), depending on the tightness of stitches that you want.
Here's a sneak peak at my current project in-progress, using 3 strands Cannon thread and size 6/0 hook (3.5mm):

Its the second dog amigurumi that I was inspired to design since I found our English Bulldog so adorable. The other one I made is a Dachshund, that I decided to make as a surprise gift for my son's g.f., since she showed me a picture of her dog.

Of course this isn't the exact likeness of her dog, but I was very pleased with it looking much like a Dachshund even at 3 inches tall ;) And you might be interested to know, only 25 gms. of thread was used for this project.
I can't wait to show here the real picture!
Please follow this blog so you won't miss the showing of my dog amis :)