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GIVEAWAY – (FORMERLY BLOGTEST) MARCH, 2010 WEEK #1

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I have two skeins of this lovely yarn (Color #241) for the winner of this month’s Giveaway.  Refer to the bottom of the post for all the rules.

Here’s the question for this week – Giveaway #3, Week #1

What would you make with these two skeins of yarn?  Links to free patterns or a picture of a similar project appreciated.

Allegro Madil is a bulky boucle yarn composed of 85% wool and 15% nylon with 82 yards per 50 gram ball.  So, you have just over 160 yards to work with.  Hand wash, lay flat to dry.  Gauge (hook/needle size) is not given but I’d use an ‘I’ hook or larger.  The color in this picture is a bit brighter than the skein I have in front of me.  I’d describe it as a lime green with flecks of grape and deep mauve.  Please don’t hold me to those color names.  Color is not my forte!  Suffice it to say that this yarn is about the color of the skin of a lime with flecks of two purplish colors.  Good enough???

Here are the rules:

Each item will be mailed to the winner by USPS – books by media mail.  For now, this contest will only be open to participants with a U.S. mailing address.

This is how it will work.  Each Monday, I’ll pose a question on my blog.  Everyone who answers the questions will be entered in the drawing on the last day of that month.  Some ‘answers’ may require you to post a link to a specific pattern or site.  The winner will be announced along with the next Monday’s question.  The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with mailing information.  If the winner doesn’t contact me, the prize will be offered on another occasion.

RESPONSES MUST BE POSTED HERE AND NOT EMAILED TO ME PRIVATELY OR POSTED ELSEWHERE FOR ENTRY.

TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR, THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH AND THE WINNER MUST EMAIL ME ([email protected]) WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.  So, for sanity’s sake, that deadline will really mean that I need to hear from you no later than 8 PM the following Monday (so you have plenty of time to email me and I’ll get the email for sure even if I don’t sign on to my email on a Sunday).

Simply enter to win by leaving a comment on this post answering the question posed.

Comments

  1. I would make a scarf most likely but I can’t work with wool and this has a high content of it. It is beautiful yarn and I know the winner will come up with something really terrific.

  4. i would most likely make a cowl like this one from lion brand (Frosty Morning Cowl): [IMG]http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r25/Ainadaliel/90596ada.jpg[/IMG]

    but get to 2 skeins of jiffy or homespun yarn and either do strips or two big section of each color.

    good luck to everyone 🙂

  6. I would make a scarf. A simple pattern that shows off the texture and the “flecks of two purplish colors.”

  7. I have a friend who is having a baby soon and I want to knit a cocoon-type swadling thingy. I think the green or the tan would be lovely! Thanks!

  14. I’m just learning to crochet, so it would have to be fairly simple, but it would be for my new granddaughter, Olivia. But I looked up Solomon’s knot from Kathryn’s response… wow, is that gorgeous!!

  15. I’d make a hat. Really simple, not requiring a pattern – just a filet pattern in a circle, then decrease the increases until you have the hat shape.

  17. What beautiful yarn! If I should be so lucky to win I would make an amigurumi toy poodle with this yarn! I would have to buy the book or find a pattern, but I think this would work! Thank you.

  18. I would make pet booties for my daughter’s guide dog. They just moved to Minn. from Florida so the weather has been a shock not only to her but her dog as well. The wool would prevent the cold and damp from getting to his paws.haven’t found a pattern yet that would be close to what I am looking for unless it would be baby mitts.

  19. I would not make an entire object out of this yarn unless I could find more of it, but pair it with a black or matching purple and make a couch through, some granny squares made on a k or l hook, nice and airy, light weight, just enough to ward of the air conditioning chill of summer. Sorry no link, at work-but the basic granny square from lions brand website would work just on a larger hook.

  20. I really want to make a cute sweater for my daughter. This would be a perfect yarn. Sorry I wish I had a link to add. I have the pattern at home though…

  21. Hi there
    Lovely yarn great giveaway
    I would create a warm and wooly scarf for my darling dil
    thanks for the oppotunity
    Cheers
    Catie

  23. These funky little crocheted pocket dolls that are in all colors for the diversity of people and wishes in the world.

  24. If I’d had it in time, I’d have made accent scarves for my daughters to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. Then they wouldn’t have been arm punched all day for not wearing green.

  28. maybe a scarf or a basketweave pattered hat. Variegated yarns don’t always show pattern stsitches well, but a basketweave (fp, bp) would work well with this yarn!

  36. A sweater for my daughter’s doll. It’s all in my head.. no link to any site for an idea.

Have you read?

16 Free Dinosaur Crochet Patterns for Prehistoric Yarn Adventures

There are craft themes that come and go, and then there are dinosaurs. Dinosaurs seem to survive every decorating trend, every toy-box clear-out and every stage of childhood. One minute you are crocheting a pastel dinosaur for a new baby, and the next you are being firmly informed by a five-year-old that your green creature is clearly a Tarbosaurus and not a T-Rex.

A good dinosaur crochet pattern can become almost anything you need it to be. Use cotton yarn for a small, firmly stitched amigurumi dinosaur, reach for chunky chenille to make a gloriously squishy bedtime companion, or turn the theme into a baby lovey for a handmade shower gift. 

This roundup includes free crochet dinosaur patterns for T-Rex toys, triceratops, stegosaurus, brontosaurus, colourful fantasy dinosaurs and beginner-friendly no-sew projects. There are quick little dinosaurs for using up leftover yarn, as well as larger amigurumi patterns for those afternoons when you are quite happy to settle in with a hook, a cup of coffee and absolutely no plans to tidy the craft room. Still looking for more ideas? Check out these Pattern on Etsy.

Free T-Rex Crochet Patterns

Tiny-Rex No-Sew Pocket Dinosaur

The Tiny-Rex pocket dinosaur from Sweet Softies is an excellent place to begin when you want a quick and approachable dinosaur crochet pattern. It is worked as a no-sew amigurumi, with the arms, legs and spikes crocheted directly into the main piece.

A video tutorial is included, making this especially useful for beginners who like to see each stage demonstrated. The pocket-sized finished dinosaur would be lovely as a stocking filler, desk companion or little handmade surprise tucked into a child’s backpack.

Baby T-Rex No-Sew Crochet Pattern

This free baby T-Rex pattern from The Mary Jay is another clever no-sew option. The head and body are crocheted continuously, while the tail is attached as you work rather than being sewn on afterwards.

It is a particularly tempting choice for anyone who enjoys amigurumi but tends to leave all the limbs sitting in a little pile beside the finished body. We have all had one of those projects glaring accusingly at us from the basket.

Toby the Tarbosaurus

The free Toby the Tarbosaurus crochet pattern from The Nicole Chase creates a detailed dinosaur with a rounded body, sturdy tail and a line of spikes travelling over his head and back.

The pattern is written to be approachable for newer amigurumi makers and also includes suggestions for changing the size. Use worsted-weight yarn for the original version or switch to plush yarn when you want a much larger and cuddlier dinosaur.

Crochetasaurus Rex Crochet-Along

Join the free Crochetasaurus Rex crochet-along from The Loopy Lamb to make a cheerful T-Rex toy one stage at a time.

Crochet-along formatting can make a bigger amigurumi project feel less overwhelming because the instructions, materials and assembly information are organised into manageable sections. It is a good weekend project for crocheters who enjoy following a more structured tutorial.

Detailed Amigurumi T-Rex

The free T-Rex dinosaur crochet pattern from Amigurumi Today makes a detailed seated dinosaur measuring approximately 15 centimetres tall when worked with the suggested materials.

The tiny teeth and careful shaping give this one a slightly more realistic look than the rounder kawaii dinosaurs. It is rated for advanced crocheters, so save it for when you are ready for a project with a little more bite.

Free Stegosaurus Crochet Patterns

Rainbow No-Sew Stegosaurus

The Rainbow Stegosaurus pattern from Sweet Softies is a quick no-sew amigurumi that stands on its own.

Those colourful back plates make it ideal for using small amounts of leftover yarn. You could work them in a full rainbow, school colours, soft nursery shades or every bright scrap you find at the bottom of the basket.

Brodie the Stegosaurus

The free Brodie the Stegosaurus pattern from DIY Fluffies includes both written instructions and a complete video tutorial.

The design can be worked in different yarn weights, so you can make a smaller traditional amigurumi or size it up with blanket yarn. I rather like patterns that let us justify buying the same colours in three different yarn weights.

Hello Stegosaurus

The free Hello Stegosaurus crochet pattern from The Button Ship has a classic handmade-toy shape with a long body and a row of contrasting plates.

The pattern uses UK crochet terminology, so US crocheters will need to remember that the listed double crochet is equivalent to US single crochet. This one has a charming old-fashioned nursery-toy feel that would look lovely worked in muted mustard, sage or dusty blue.

Little Stegosaurus Amigurumi

The free stegosaurus dinosaur pattern from Storyland Amis includes detailed written instructions and step-by-step photographs.

Its rounded body and oversized plates give it plenty of personality without making it frighteningly realistic. The designer also shows several colour variations, which is always helpful when you are staring at the yarn shelf unable to decide between purple and green.

Free Triceratops Crochet Patterns

Triceratops Baby Lovey

The free Hug Me Triceratops lovey pattern from The Nicole Chase combines a small triceratops head and arms with a soft square comfort blanket.

The finished lovey blanket measures approximately 12 inches square, making it a thoughtful handmade baby-shower gift. The little horns and shaped frill add just enough dinosaur detail while keeping the overall design sweet and nursery friendly.

Detailed Amigurumi Triceratops

The free triceratops crochet pattern from Amigurumi Today features the dinosaur’s distinctive three horns and large shaped frill.

This is a lovely pattern for crocheters who want something more detailed than a generic cartoon dinosaur. Try it in earthy greens and browns for a more traditional look or go completely off-piste with pink horns and a rainbow frill.

Free Brontosaurus and Long-Neck Dinosaur Patterns

One-Piece Brontosaurus Amigurumi

The free brontosaurus pattern from StringyDingDing uses a clever construction method in which the head continues into the neck before being joined to the back to form the body.

Most of the main dinosaur is therefore created as one connected shape, although the limbs, spots and tail are added separately. The finished long-neck dinosaur has a wonderfully solid, cuddly silhouette.

Easy Spiky Dinosaur Amigurumi

The free dinosaur amigurumi pattern from StringyDingDing creates a cheerful rounded dinosaur with stubby legs, optional cheek details and a line of back spikes.

The pattern is rated easy and uses medium-weight yarn, making it a sensible first dinosaur project for anyone already comfortable working in continuous rounds. Choose contrasting colours for the spots and spikes to make those details stand out.

Colourful and Unusual Dinosaur Crochet Patterns

Bright Spiky Dinosaur

The free Spiky Dino crochet pattern from Amigurumi Today makes a larger upright dinosaur measuring approximately 27 centimetres tall when crocheted with the suggested yarn and hook.

Its oversized head, long limbs and colourful spikes give it a playful storybook appearance. This is one to make when you want a substantial toy rather than a tiny shelf-sized amigurumi.

Dinosaur Baby Lovey

The free Dino Baby Lovey from Okie Girl Bling ’n’ Things combines a soft dinosaur character with a round, colourful crochet comfort blanket.

The blanket section is worked separately using a larger hook, while the dinosaur head and features use tighter amigurumi stitches. It is a useful pattern for combining leftover cake yarn with coordinating solid colours.

Free Bananasaurus Crochet Pattern

For something delightfully silly, take a look at the free Bananasaurus crochet pattern featured on CraftGossip.

This quirky project combines a banana and a dinosaur in one gloriously odd creature, and the design became especially popular through social media. The smaller version is no-sew, making it a fun choice for craft markets, novelty gifts or anyone whose crochet basket could use a little less seriousness.

Henry the Dinosaur

The earlier CraftGossip feature, Dinosaur Crochet Pattern, introduces Henry, a traditional crochet dinosaur chosen for a forest-themed nursery.

This is a nice internal option for readers who want a larger, classic dinosaur toy rather than one of the newer mini or no-sew designs. It also comes with the comforting reminder that sometimes choosing the pattern takes longer than making the actual toy.

Choosing Yarn for Crochet Dinosaur Patterns

Cotton and cotton-blend yarns create firm stitches and crisp shaping, which is particularly helpful for horns, plates, tails and small amigurumi details. Acrylic yarn is economical, widely available and comes in just about every dinosaur colour imaginable—including several that no self-respecting palaeontologist would recognise.

Chenille and blanket yarn create wonderfully squishy dinosaurs, but they can make small stitches harder to see. Use a stitch marker at the beginning of every round and count regularly, rather than trusting that you will remember where you started after someone asks what is for dinner.

Whichever yarn you choose, use a hook slightly smaller than the one normally recommended on the label. Amigurumi fabric needs to be firm enough to stop the stuffing from showing through.

Tips for Making Crochet Dinosaur Toys

Pin the legs, tail, horns and spikes into place before sewing. Check the dinosaur from the front, back and side, and make sure it can sit or stand without leaning dramatically to one side.

Stuff long necks and tails gradually as you work. Trying to push stuffing all the way into the end afterwards can be surprisingly difficult and may leave the finished dinosaur looking a little underfed.

For toys intended for babies or children under three, embroider the eyes rather than using plastic safety eyes. Despite the name, safety eyes can still become a small-parts hazard if they work loose.

You can also personalise almost any dinosaur crochet pattern with stripes, spots, embroidered claws or different-coloured back plates. Dinosaurs are marvellous like that—nobody can prove your purple-and-orange T-Rex did not exist.

Which Dinosaur Crochet Pattern Should You Make First?

Beginners will probably feel most comfortable starting with Tiny-Rex, the Rainbow Stegosaurus or the simple StringyDingDing dinosaur. These patterns use accessible shaping and minimise complicated assembly.

For a baby gift, choose one of the dinosaur lovey patterns. More experienced amigurumi makers may enjoy the detailed T-Rex, triceratops or large Spiky Dino.

Whichever pattern you choose, these free dinosaur crochet patterns are a lovely way to turn a few balls of yarn into something with real personality. From tiny no-sew dinosaurs to chunky prehistoric cuddle companions, there is enough variety here to create an entire crocheted Jurassic shelf.