I don’t understand the issue with Frida’s eyes. People do NOT have symmetrical faces. The eyes being slightly off (which I didn’t notice until you pointed it out) makes her look all the more charming. Perfection is overrated! She’s adorable!
I made a Frida doll along with some others from the Iconic Women book using the same pattern and my own imagination and a couple pictures of her for reference. It was fun, and freeing after following Queen Elizabeth and Audrey Hepburn patterns so closely. Love yours. I make mistakes all the time, but I have only trashed one project. Just too many boo-boos to be worth salvaging. Thanks for thr color change tip. And, thanks for all your encouragement!!😊
I think that the little mistakes, asymmetry, slightly uneven stitches, etc., are what gives amigurumi even more personality and makes them look even cuter! They are handmade creations, after all, and such tiny details make them truly unique. As a recovering perfectionist, I try embracing the quirks of each amigurumi - and it makes me love creating them even more.
I can also relate - I decided to never frog my mistakes on amigurumi unless they are so huge that final product would be unrecognisable. It warms my heart to see the flawed toy I finished still looking cute to me - I might go too deep with the analogy here, but it makes me feel that If I can absolutely love and find cute such flawed creation that maybe others might also be fine with me not being a perfect person.
I started crochet to teach me how to fail, how to accept mistakes, etc. Crochet is more forgiving than knitting in many regards, & I have a good few items with quirky mistakes: the first goes at my own amigurumi with asymmetrical details, the granny rectangle blankets with some undersize clumps & some oversize (think 2 or 4 double crochet when it's meant to be 3), the scarf which started wide but narrows down (I'm going to widen it at the other end to compensate), & so on. The mistakes add a unique feature to each thing, & I'm learning, slowly, to embrace them rather than beat myself up for them as I have done before...
I love your comment. I’m a massive perfectionist who is only on my third Amigurumi (and third ever crochet project) and my first “big” one (aka bigger than the Woobles, about 10 inches tall) and I am so so SO critical of it. It’s for my mom for Mother’s Day and I am trying hard not to criticize it so much but I am a perfectionist. 😢
Hi Elise. When I was learning to knit, someone made the comment that there are no mistakes just new design elements. I'm just getting back into crochet and love your channel. My first amigurumi toy came out cute but really big. Now I know what I did wrong thanks to this video. Thank you for your enthusiasm and tutorials.
I didn't even notice the eyes either, I thought she looked like she was tilting her head a little, which gave her a more human-like character. I love her so much! Thank you, for sharing your tips and tricks.
Frida's eyes were not even noticable ! I thinks it's actually give her a little bit of character and more realistic ! Ps: Just discover your youtube and i already love your videos !!
I'm young and I love crocheting! I started 2 years ago, and recently I've discovered your channel! You're channel has been so helpful and recently I sold my amigurumi at a convention and I made some money! Thank you so much Elise! Also: You should do a review on "Easy Peasy Yarn" or "Beginner Yarn" I still use it because I love it's smooth texture.
Fantastic! When changing colors I do the magic join or circle join, it’s a little more complicated (not terribly) but it doesn’t require a chain. Worth a mention for anybody interested!
I notice it if I’m really looking for it, but honestly all her facial details blend together so well…it’s hardly noticeable. If I had done it, I would have been obsessing about it but you’re right to advise us to keep going! Beautiful doll you made…I love it 🥰. And thanks for the video…as a beginner, these videos are priceless 🙏😊
I actually think it's good for folks use as many different yarns as possible so they can learn to problem solve the chrisp vs fuzzy look. But then again I am willing to use crochet thread or single strands of yarn to get the look that I want. Mistakes are what make the project personal. Also there are lots of wise tales about adding or keeping mistakes ❤
THIS with bells on!!! Yarn experiments are so great!!! Like, they help me find good & bad yarns, yarns which suit this or that, yarns which feel soft & snuggly when I want that, yarns which hold shape or texture better, yarns which have more vivid colours, so many factors!!! Not to mention eco yarns & vegan yarns (I'll HAVE to try bamboo out to see how it differs from cotton - I like to keep cotton for when something needs to be sturdy or withstand heat; I made a cotton granny square mat for my air fryer (when I pull out the drawer it sits on the worktop hot so a cotton mat is needed to protect the worktop), & that works a treat). We should all try out a wide variety of yarns!!!
So true that a small mistake or imperfection is not necessarily the end of the world. Sometimes it just makes the doll more unique! However it is also true that it is worth the trouble to be very careful with the face and make sure you're happy with it before closing the head... very much harder to adjust after that! but sometimes we second guess ourselves too much... I think it's good to sleep on it, and wait till the next day to see whether something really needs fixing or not - I've found often the next day, it looks much better!
i love doing Yarn under/yarn over method where you yarn under for the first part of the stitch and then yarn over to finish the stitch and it makes the stitches tight but not too tight and it wont kill your hands and wrists
I look at mistakes in light of how can they be used to enhance the project. Occasionally, it is better with the mistake. For example, in the project in this video, I like the eyes at a slightly different level because it creates the illusion of a very cute tilt of her head adding personality. Thanks for the tips
Hello again Elise! Karen here from the land down under! Just wanted to let you that I made of your online bunnies and it is a big hit here! I just bought your Three not so little pig pattern and got stuck into it right away!! G'day mate!
Hi Elise, thank you so much for sharing your expertise. I don't think she could be any more beautiful with all the vibrant colors that make up her whole stature, she's gorgeous! I learned about Yarnart Jeans Yarn from you, when I seen you make your Petunia Petal Mouse. It's a great yarn for amigurumi. I look forward to what else you're going to make soon 💗 Ann
People don't have symmetrical anything. It is the imperfection that make us unique. Your right about choosing the right. I'm new to amigarumi. Made a bunny in brown acrylic, then the same in a tweed yarn. Tweed gives turning more texture and character. Love you videos.
frida is adorable, we are often our own worst critics but the fun about handmade toys is that each is unique. I have made a couple of the same toys and dolls and they never completely turn out the same as the last one.
Hi, January or early Feb. I wrote you stating I was using Pioneer Woman's "Brilliant Blooms" Acrylic yarn. I crochet an afghan using the colors: Coral, Lt. Pink, Tea, Dk. Turquoise & White. You asked when I was finished would I give a review of her yarn. Here goes, the yarn was easy to work with, and the strands didn't split. I felt the Afghan wasn't too soft when finished. So I washed it in the washing machine on the delicate cycle, and used Woolite washing liquid. Then tossed into the dryer on low heat. It came out fine, a bit softer to the touch. I would recommend her "Brilliant Blooms" yarn to others. Thank you
Thank you 🙏 for the encouragement I am brand new to crocheting & still struggling with terminology, yarn etc. & couldn’t figure out why my little dragon was so big & why he has been so hard to sew together 🤦🏼♀️ turns out I crocheted him inside out and instead of a #2 I used #4 yarn. Feeling defeated I boxed all his pieces & parts away 😢 but now feel encouraged to get him back out & at least finish him 🤞 thank you your videos have been so helpful
Yarn choices! I totally agree it will make or break your success. I began with good acrylic or acrylic/wool blend and often wasn't completely satisfied. When I finally switched to Scheepjes stone washed (size 2 sport weight) cotton-acrylic blend and Hobby Lobby I Love this Cotton (s. 4), I'm seeing much better results, and I'm a happier amigurumi crochet addict! 🎉
I'm a newer crochet, and your videos are also helpful! Also love your personality and how friendly you seem in your videos - like you're somebody who would be fun to hang out and crochet with. (I also loved the Woobles video with your husband. My fiancé has been thinking of crocheting and I know it is going to be so so hard for me to sit on my hands and not try to "help"!)
Hello my new friend! Thank you for sharing! I’m going to give a try at amigurumi soon! This video sure does help a lot and gave me more confidence to start making cute critters and dolls! I think certain mistakes just give a project character! Your Frida Doll is absolutely beautiful, lazy eye and all 😂 we are not symmetrical so no biggy . She’s wonderful and you are just awesome! Thank you for sharing! I can’t wait to go through your other videos as I’m new to your channel! So happy to have come across your YT channel and to be part of your YT yarnie fam! Be well my friend!
I just LOVE this amigarumi Frieda doll!!! She's adorable! Even with her asymmetrical eyes! If it bothered me too much, I would take floral wire snips and snip the offending eye off. Then, hot glue it on in line with the other eye. Just a thought, but she is so stinkin' adorable as is!! 😍
Like the second I see you on RU-vid. I turn the TV on right away I love you and keep doing what you're doing at Elise. I'm a grandmother what time grandkids can you give me so many awesome ideas thank you.❤
The doll is so detailed and I can see how much work went with it. Small projects are hard on both hands and eyes and many who doesn’t crochet thinks it’s easy and fast to make. I also didn’t notice the eye placement mistake till you pointed it out. And I really appreciate the tip on changing colors. Hope I don’t forget it…LOL
I use a 1.8mm hook with the Yarn Art Jeans yarn and it works out great. My pieces have amazing structure with absolutely zero gaps. It's also not too small. I very rarely have loops that split or slip. Works for me.
I love this video Elise. These tips are a life saver. I am a new amigurumi maker and my projects I must say even my first one I have been so happy with. It may take me a while but, I am particularl about everything, which could be a make or break and I will frog the whole thing and start over. I have relaxed a little about those little things. The eyes on your doll I didn’t even notice and when you mentioned it I said she was just looking in a different direction instead of it being a mistake. I did put in for the Cricuit 3. I have been asking for a Cricuit for several Christmas’s and so far Santa hasn’t delivered. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 this is the lucky draw. Thanks again for your wonderful videos. You are the best❤
Frida is Beautiful and I love all the pretty details of her dress, shawl and just all of it! Thank you for all the great tips! Brilliant that you made that tag to note the yarn and hook size!
I'm so glad you said that about mistakes....usually when I make a mistake I can't see anything but the mistake I made and have a tons and tons of wips because of it. I'll remember this next time. Frida is stunning.
I wish I was as talented as you are. Little Miss Frida is absolutely gorgeous and perfect, and seeing all your other amigarumies ( I hope I spelled that right🫤) in the background are all perfect and beautiful! Thanks for sharing these tips 😊!
Thanks for the video I have just started amigarumi and crocheting again for that matter. Your comments about the eyes really hit home for me I’ve got a project with what I feel is a glaring error due to chafing types of yarn while making a granny square afghan. Now I’ll revisit the bag with my project over in the corner!
I still dont see the mistake, i think it is perfect as it is, would not have changed anything, Freda is adorable, i have a stash of her crafts supplies ❤❤❤,perfect make Elise❤❤
Hi Elise: When you have time would you please do a video explaining and demonstrating yarn over versus yarn under when doing blankets, appliques, etc. and your opinion on thge benefits versus the downsides of each technique. I'm an experienced crocheter but this is a concept I have never been able to properly understand. I've never seen it explained well. And you explain things so well. Thanks if you could do this.
Another great video. I have been crocheting off and on for years, but always learn something new from you. What a great tip for changing colors...I have to try it. The uneven eyes are barely noticeable and on film it kind of looks like Frida has her head slightly tilted, which I think adds personality. Happy accidents. Frida is so cute!
Frida is beautiful. I always say that a mistake in any handmade item just makes it better bcuz not even machine made is perfect. It gives your handmade item more class as long as we’re the only ones noticing. Great tips and vid as always.
Thank you for the tip on color changing! I've been wanting a cleaner join for a while now. The eyes are my downfall a lot because they'll look good while it's not stuffed but once it's stuffed I'll realize they're too close or something. Also! On your last video you were mentioning the smoothness of hooks. I finally got a set of Clover hooks and my goodness I feel such a difference! All my other crochet hooks seem inferior now. 😆
Hi Elise! She is beautiful. I agree with another comment, I didn't even notice the eyes being off until you mentioned it. My husband keeps telling that I should not keep pointing out my mistakes as most others don't even see them. I had to give myself a month or so off due to some severe pain going on in my wrists and fingers and oh how I hope to be able to get back to crocheting as these dolls are so cute. I had made a Rosie Doll that I got the pattern off of Etsy and it is the cutest and fairly easy until I got to the hair. I put the dolls (as I was giving them away) on a timeout for some time. I tried over and over to do the hair and just could't figure it out so I improvised. So I hope by giving myself some time off I will be able to get back to crochet. Although, I am working with my Addi to fill in the time. Thanks for the great video.
Thank you so much for this video! I have made several amigurumi projects over the years and didn’t like the way there were gaps in the stitches. In the last couple of days I have watched several of your videos including the yo vs. yu. A few years ago, I bought “My Frida Doll” pattern from ellymellybaby (Elif Kalelloglu) because one of my daughters is a Frida fan. I hadn’t made the doll yet because of other things going on in my life - working on a Masters Degree, studying for and becoming an ordained as a minister, preparing lessons, and teaching Bible classes, AND taking time to enjoy family - but now, after watching this video, I’m anxious to get started on her. Thank you for all your hints and tips!!!
Hi Elise, sometimes I make a mistake with my eyes and if I use plastic backings on my eyes, I go in with some small wire cutters, clip the backing off move the eye and apply a new backing
I didn’t even notice her eyes until you pointed them out. And hey! My right eye brow is higher than my left because I had a tumor removed when I was a baby. None of us is perfect….except maybe your little Frida. ❤
Hello! I just started amigurumi a month ago and have been loving it! I first made little octopi that took around 20 to 30 minutes each, but now I am working on a plush that will be 11 inches tall! I was amazed at how fun it can be and how much I enjoy working on projects. The plush is almost done- I just need to attach the legs! I can't crochet very long, my hands start to hurt pretty quickly. I am not sure if it is me using the wrong yarn weight or if my tension is off. Either way- excited to start more projects. I have found the safety eyes to be a great way to give a project some extra life and personality, but had never thought about adding little eyelashes like Frida has! Thank you for your videos- they are amazing. So glad I found this channel.
@katieh2248 I am new to crochet (and therefore Amigurumi) as well and my hands also cramp and hurt easily! I had to take an entire day’s break the other day because my hands were so bad. I do use tight tension but still I think it’s normal.
@@forest_maiden Yes!! I am having to take long breaks as well! I have started trying out new yarn, and it doesn't hurt as much, so not sure if it varies on the yarn or if I am building up better crochet hands lol :) Glad to know it is normal!
@@katieh2248 Ohhh yeah yarn type can certainly make a difference! I learned to crochet with the Woobles little kits and they have this “easy peasy yarn” they make which is super smooth and “bigger” (if that’s the right word) strands then the Bernat worsted yarn I’m using right now. I’m making a similar sized plush, from an Amigurumi book my mom bought me (that I’d begged for) after I’d done a couple of Woobles kits. This one will be about 10 inches tall. My hands have gotten really sore really easily I have found while doing this one! I know they do say crochet builds up your hand muscles though so mayyyyybe we are both getting stronger hand muscles! Haha. 😁🧶
More great tips Elise ❤. Good to see you're as human as the rest of us 😂 . And great that you shared it - adds character & defines it as your interpretation . But I do agree, mistakes are in the eye of the beholder, & some people love pointing them out😮. I still remember a ribbing mistake I made on an alpaca jumper back in 1981 😅 . These days I always unpick, regardless of the effort involved. Yep I'm Queen of the "frogs". I would have got a sharp blade out to remove that naughty eye 😊 My sister would have made her hair / the flower droop a bit lower ....... The yarn choice tip is so true. For my Pica Pau frog I mixed pure cotton & a wool mix yarn - impatient me. And Yes, I'm still fiddling with his costume size 😂 . Keep sharing ❤❤❤
I would've never noticed the eye difference unless you pointed it out. But I've done the exact same thing, and it's tough when you're a perfectionist 😂 She turned out absolutely beautiful! 🌹
I did a needle felting class the other month and made Frida, was gonna share a pic but can’t seem too. She is super cute and I think I need to make her 😂.
You are so right--I didn't even notice Frida's eyes until you pointed it out! She's gorgeous!!! I am SO hooked on amigurumi-it's like bringing these little beings to life right in front of you and you put their faces or eyes on and say "hello!". Like your own little yarn family.LOL. I give away most everything I make but this year I will keep more for myself. Great video!
I think Frida looks adorable!! Nobody has a perfect face. I made a little amigurumi that was off from the picture, but I just told myself that it had its own personality!😊I would have never known about the eyes, if you hadn’t mentioned them. She has her own personality and so cute!!😁
i just stated my second amigurumi project and it is same as the first one i made...... but i had not used 2 sizes small crochet hook for the first one and using a hook 2 sizes smaller for the current one even though i haven't finished the project yet i can already see the difference it has from the first one it not just good to look at to the eye but its also so easy on my hands.........all i wanted to say is really grateful to your videos they are teaching me loads 😍
I've done that with eyes before. No biggie. She's beautiful! Now I want to make her! Right now I'm working on finishing up Luna the Bee from etsy, using velvet yarn and she's SO cute! I adore bees, so I had to make this one. I've been making amigurumi for years and I still make mistakes, but that's what I like about crochet...sometimes you can fudge it and no one will ever know. :)
I recommend getting a parrot. Mine is an expert at removing safety eye backs :D In one swift motion with his beak he removes them without any damage and you can even reuse the backs. Unfortunately i can't leave my projects unattended, otherwise he'll remove the eyes whether i want it or not :D
love Frida! I actually like the eyes just as they are! it really gives her something special in her expression. I would actually place them just as you have done if I make her!
Hi Elise and right now I am working on my cottage core mosaic blanket and granny squares blanket and butterfly mosaic blanket and my somebunny and I love your channel and your videos and if you keep making videos I will keep watching them and what is your favorite crochet project to work on right now and favorite types of yarn to used when crocheting and keep up the great work on your RU-vid channel and keep up the great work on your crochet projects
Thank you Elise , great informative video as usual . I love Janie Crow and also decided to make some of her squares , but I’m not a blanket person so am making the squares into a bag. Your Frida squares are beautiful!
I know I am being picky but the first thing I noticed was that I would have placed the ears two rows higher up. Just comparing her ears to ours. Other than that I think Frida is a very beautiful little doll and I did not notice the eyes til you pointed it out.
Elise, thank you for this video as it has given me confidence to create amigurmi projects that take me to next level! I am energized and excited to create advanced amigurmi projects!
Freda is adorable, I’ll definitely will get that pattern. My husband comes up with a lot of solutions to my amigurumi facial mistake, once I put the eyes in a little lopsided he’s solution, give the doll a crooked smile. Now I have a doll with attitude.😂😂
Hi Elise……Frida is absolutely adorable!! I noticed the one eye was a smidge lower but with her head tilted slightly it’s barely noticeable!! And besides…..nobody’s body including eyes are perfect and it gives her character!! I don’t make Amigurumi often but when I do…..I stay nervous about it the entire time bc I’m not good at making them and the end result always has mistakes. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ Thank you so much for these helpful tips!! Love your channel! 💜 Have a great week! 😊🧶🦋💜
i am watching random videos while doing a project and i literally almost gave up halfway through because of a mistake. i thought everything was ruined. now i honestly can't tell where that mistake was :)) love your videos
Mistakes are ok....love it.... I didn't notice the eye situation until you mentioned..... your final project is beautiful ...thanks for sharing Great message for our crochet hearts. ❤
Oh my gosh, Elise!!! I have had a cricuit sitting in its box for over 2 years now because I get SO overwhelmed with technology 😢 but your mini tag tutorial was so easy to follow and inspired me SO much! Do you have a dedicated cricuit tutorial or would you be willing to share a mini video? I would love to cut out the felt pieces for my amigurimi with it! ❤ Plus- I have been doing this color change for years and ADORE it! I can believe it’s not widely used! Love your videos so much 💗 I’ve been a follower for years!!!
Here's the video where I shared how to make the felt eye pieces! The Cricut really isn't difficult to use and there are tons of tutorials online!! Check out Jennifer Maker! Her channel is all about Cricut crafts! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for all the tips. The eye mistake is how I describe my projects. "UNIQUELY MADE!" Because of these mistakes, I would never be able to duplicate and that is what makes the projects their own. This is in all my projects. Because somehow or another I don't catch the flaw or mistake until I am several rows later. I have frogged a few things if I think an experienced person would notice. Otherwise, it stays as part of the Uniquely Made project. lol
While learning how to crochet Easter eggs, I found your channel, and 1 1/2 months later, I have completely fallen head over heels with Amigurumi! I love your videos and patterns so much that I am now trying to learn to knit so that I can make the clothes for the Not So Big Bad Wolf! My main issue is problem is finding/choosing the best yarn for my projects. I do not have yarn stores near me so I'm basically having to rely on online stores. Do you have any suggestions for me? I have had carpal tunnel issues and my hands do hurt when I use 100% cotton yarn. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I really like YarnArt Jeans which is a cotton/acrylic blend. But I also really love Berroco Vintage for toys. It's more pricey but it's very soft in your hands and is stunning! 🧶🧶🧶
I cannot figure out how to do the blush that you do on all of the amigurumi you make. If you would like could you post a video on how to do that? I think it makes everything you make have more detail and it makes them more cute!
As others have said, human faces aren't symmetrical. I remember seeing an article where someone made the faces of celebrities symmetrical with photoshop, and it not only made them look strange - like a different person, but they also looked less attractive. And these were attractive celebrities, like Brad Pitt. I've been making some of the faces of my amigurumi with offset eyes on purpose for a few years. It not only makes them look charming, but they look more...alive? When my son was 2, I taught him his colors by making snowman heads, wearing every color of hat - including a black top hat - and I not only offset the eyes, but embroidered the mouth into a crooked sort of smile. It, like many "mistakes" gives them a one-of-a-kind look and a little extra charm. ❤
if the lower eye bothers you you can always pop it off the backing and glue another in place where you want if its just for yourself theres no worry about safety with the backing
Thank you so much for your video!!! I really need to master that color change method, I'm planning to make many amigurumis with stripes on them and it seems so neat this way :)
I absolutely love your Frida, she is perfect the way she is and I honestly didn't notice her eyes until you mentioned it. I guess because I have made so many dolls of all kinds of material in my life that those small issues or mistakes on a face add to the charm. I even tilt my heads around so that they are not just board straight but have the look of curiosity. But as always I love everything you show and I mention quite often when showing my own makes of Amigurumi on my channel. And you were mentioned on Juan the Yarn Addict as well on his recent live!
that’s part of the character, her face is perfectly imperfect 😊. Thank you for the yarn tip, my local places didn’t have the finer yarn, so naturally I went to Amazon (....3 hours later) didn’t know that brand and was so overwhelmed, I walked away 😂... I’ve been crocheting for years, mostly hats, scarfs and blankets. Finding your channel opened a whole new world!
Great crochet tips, Elise! To be honest, I never noticed the eyes until you spoke about them! I always tell my crochet students not to tell anyone about the mistakes. The only thing a person will focus on is how beautiful your crochet project is. Love your Frida!
Thank you for all the tips I’m new to AMIGURUMI just want to make sure I know everything I need before I get started. I subscribed to your channel so I can learn from you.
It's taken a while, but i've found that if i don't point it out, it takes folks a while to find it ( or sometimes them!). Before, when i gave a handmade anything, o'd apologize for the mistskes and point them out. I finally realized that the small imperfections don't really matter in the big picture. ❤❤❤
I have spent hours upon hours trying to learn this crochet technique. I still am learning every time I do one. I have ordered kits too with video downloads. Your tutorials are the best so far. Thank you for all your help and insight.
