One of my favorite products when I crochet is actually a nursing pillow. One of the c-shaped ones you put around your belly. It just gives me a much more comfortable posture so I can crochet without getting uncomfortable too easily.
I also really recommend a row counter. Makes crocheting long limbs for Amigurumi a lot easier. Great for helping to write your patterns. 10 bucks, but definitely worth it, especially the ones that you can wear as a necklace.
I have tried a counter but have a hard time trusting it. I forget to use it or bump it and mess up the numbers. I do better with a scratch peace of paper and a pencil to make tally marks.
I happened upon "flexible soft foam hair curlers" at the Dollar Store and thought I'd try one to stabilize the neck. Then I realized they have a wire inside and come in several sizes. So I use them in the arms, legs and neck. The arms and straight part of the legs need no stuffing and can bend.
I use a curved needle for sewing on eyes etc, makes a massive difference. I loved the first one definitely good to display finished items and the safety eye tool is just genius!
Thanks for the shout out! I’m so glad that something I shared has made your crocheting easier. I love my yarn swift and winder, too! It was the largest purchase I made early on in my yarn journey, but it is so worth it. Thanks for reminding me of the tip about breaking your wooden stick for stuffing! I had forgotten that and I’ve been using my small scissors, which is a bit of a no-no. I am heading directly over to Amazon to get one of those lights, because as I get older, I just need things to be brighter to see properly. Love, love, love the wooden stands and maybe I can get my son to make some for economy’s sake. Thanks, as always, for sharing because you are positive and uplifting and brighten my Saturdays! 🧶❤️
Thank you, Katie for sharing the safety eye tool! It has become increasingly harder for me to be able to put those safety eyes on and the new tool really is a game changer for me! Now I don't have to ask my husband or son to help! 😂 And I totally agree, a ball winder and swift make life so much simpler! ❤
I had my husband make me stands like this, but with just one upright, he sliced up a couple of logs and used thin branches from trees h'ed cut back , cost me nothing but my husbands labour😃I use fine fishing line to attatch the toys to the upright, it's virtually invisible a,nd does the job, makes the toys much more presentable for shows than laying them flat or trying to prop them up. I didn't varnish mine, so they're even more rustic
I just got my first yarn winder from my daughter for my birthday. I have been crocheting for a very, very long time and had never tried one. Now I am hooked (pun intended)!! I want to wind every skein, ball, hank, etc... in my arsenal, LOL. I have to admit, in the directions for my winder, it mentioned using a swift. I had no idea what they were talking about until I saw this video. I was my grandmother's swift and yarn winder when I was little, and that's how I've always done it. Great recommendations from both of you! Thanks 😀
I'm thinking that the doll stands can be homemade for much less. A chop stick or a small size crochet hook handle works very well for stuffing. My kitty, Skittles, likes to give his approval on the yarns abd and tools just like your kitty. Thank you Elise for sharing these great tips.
Cleaned face cream jars of all sizes make great little holders for the different types of stitch markers. They do weigh more but the bigger ones stay on the shelf and the tiny ones travel in the bag. They never wear out. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
I use Altoids boxes as well. The standard size works very well for cable needles and stitch holders for knitting cables. I reuse all kinds of small containers for everything from beads to notions. My guilty pleasure is buying something just for its pretty container. I have a translucent bin where I keep my unused containers so I can find them when I need one.
Love my neck lamp! I put an order in with my woodworking husband to make me a few doll stands! Gotta get me one of those eye thingies! One tool I always have at hand is a small scale (got mine at harbor freight) for weighing yarn. I make a lot of really small amigurumi, and it helps to weigh a ball of yarn to see if I have the 7 oz I need for this project or the 1.4 oz I need for that one! All of the mini projects that I make over and over again have handwritten notes on the exact amount of yarn needed for the project.
I wonder if a kitchen scale would work just as well? I mean mine does weigh ounces (or grams). That's a good idea in general, much easier than unraveling a whole ball to measure its length!
For your number 2 tool, I can also recommend a brush where you cut all hair down to a base. It is perfect, inexpensive and available anywhere tool that works great for stuffing.
I love the amigurumi doll stands and the neck light. Before I watched your video, I thought they were pretty much a waste of money. However, I too am getting older and find myself leaning over to get directly under my light. I currently use a dual floor lamp with a light on top and an adjustable light pointing downward. This is great except for when I need a little more direct light on my project. My neck and back start hurting because I am leaning from my desk to be directly under the light. Thank you for all the great tips! I am NOW a subscriber!!
Good morning, Elise! The doll stands are beautiful. Perhaps the seller has different length dowels or maybe you can find them in a hardware store. I have a set of the Clover Amour crochet hooks. I got mine at Joann’s with a coupon. I got them there to get the genuine ones because Amazon showed the good ones but shipped knock-offs (according to the reviews). These hooks help my old crookedly hands so much! Someone gave me a travel set of bags for make-up and toiletries, but I use them for my notions bags. Thanks to Pickle for his expertise! What a guy! 😻 And thank you for another great video! ☺️👍😽
The doll stands are gorgeous! I am in love! And thank you for sharing about the Clover Amour sets on Amazon! And Pickle really does deserve an award for his help with this video! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet it’s mostly cuz with the embroidery I do it’ll be covered up anyway. But you def want something contrast enough to see but not so much that it’ll show through
A small help to cut off the dowls get a pair of gardening snips, which are made to cut wood/plants easily. I have seen the safety eye thing before in another video, tho I cant remember where (60 yr old brain fart). Thank you for all the helps you showed it looks fun and I cant wait to try things out. Also one of the best places I have found for the little cloth pouches with the zipper closure is goodwill. They usually have a bin at the side that has lots of them in various sizes and most are under $2 or $3.
Once you try, you will not stop! I promise!! It is so fun, and the projects tend to be much quicker. When I give family, friends, etc. the amigurumi dolls I make, they get a look of shock and awe and a huge smile! Children and adults. I cannot recommend it enough. Have fun making your first project! 😀
Elise, I finally ordered the Safety Eye tool and I can't wait to try it out. I hate putting the backs on because it hurts my fingers, hands, arm, neck and shoulder so due to my health issues with Distonia, (a muscle spasmatic disorder). If this tool works for me, I'll be in love with it. You are so wonderful in sharing everything Amigurumi related. Thank you SO MUCH!!!
Great ideas!! I have an old hemostat tool I use to stuff my toys. The small curved blunt nose gets into tight spots gripping the stuffing. The real star of this video is your adorable kitty!!! She (he?) Made me laugh so much. 😸
I've seen those before but have never tried using it! I may need to try it! And Pickle was a great help in this video....😂😂😂. I kept telling him that I could do the video without his help, but he insisted! 😆
Pickles helping 😂 I love those stands, that will be so nice. So many great tips. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and great tips❤️ Definitely going to use some of these!
Loved your helper!!!❤❤❤ the tool for eyes is exactly what I described to my husband as he helped me install the last eyes that were too difficult! Thank you!!!🎉
Thanks for the tips! I watch your videos every Saturday without fail! Have you seen the Wool Jeanie? I just started using one and it is a game changer for me. My yarn just glides smoothly, no more yanking the yarn every couple of minutes. No more yarn ending up on the floor. I love it so much!
Elise, You just popped up on my home page and 7 or 8 of your videos have already been gobbled up! My only amigurumi project so far has been a carrot rattle that ended up "bleeding,", so obviously I need help! You've inspired me to try again, mostly because your toys are so well done and creative (I've decided to take up knitting again just to try and make some little clothes because yours really stand out.) Your toys have actually become the grid for comparing the amigurumi I'm seeing on line and also for trusting your generous posting of other creators, which end up being like amigurumi pattern books! Thank you for letting us benefit from your trial and error over the years as well as your quest for always improving and making something you love and love to share! Also (and this is the best part) you have a gift for making your viewers feel as if they've made a new friend. Kelly from Louisville, KY :)
Thank you Elise! These gadgets are all awesome - Amigurumi can be tricky, and any hacks or tips are readily invited by me! Thank you and have a lovely Saturday! 😘🧶🤩
Hi Elise, I really agree about having a full set of crochet hooks. Even a small set of steel hooks come in handy if you want to make any fine lace detail to the clothes. I also keep some size 10 crochet cotton in various colors on hand. I live out in the country and it is hard for me to get into town to get last minute supplies for a project, so having the right tools really helps me a lot. I love your yarn swift! I ended up buying an electric yarn winder at Hobby Lobby and just love it. I didn't really need one to do whole skeins but for just for making smaller balls out of my leftover yarn. It makes a really nice cakes that pulls out from the center and never gets tangled. I really enjoy having pretty little zip up bags to carry my accessories also and have found some beautiful things on Etsy. Also on Etsy I have collected some really pretty bejeweled stitch markers. They are light and slide off the knitting needles as I knit along really easy. I am definitely going to get one of those safety eye tools, have never seen that one before. Thanks for all the great suggestions!
Also if you get a yarn bowl you can pull from the outside and then it doesn't get loose. And Walmart sells and set of floss in nearly every color. I keep those on hand for detail work
I put my dowel in a pencil sharpener and give it just a rounded end to get in there without putting a hole in the corners. Thank you for all the great tips.
Girlfriend! Girlfriend! Girlfriend! I have got to tell you this... I received my safety eye tool knobby thing you shared and ... IT WORKS WONDERFULLY!!! I'm so excited about it! My poor hurting fingers had no issues putting it on with this tool, in fact it went on smoothly and security that I wasn't sure they were on until I looked. They were!!! I have already had to put the backs on wrong for my fingers to put them on and now that's forever over. They go on correctly and super easy.... ALL because of YOU, Elise. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video of info. You're the BEST!!!!!!!
Woohoo!! I've been wondering how you liked the safety eye tool!! It really is fantastic! I'm so glad you like it and that it will get a lot of use!! It's so well made too! 👀👀👀
THANK YOU! I have had that safety eye tool for several months now and try as I might I could not make it work. Now I know what I was doing wrong! Thank you so much!!!! The other gadgets are really a neat idea too. I carry a seam ripper in my notions pouch but not for the normal use (though yes, I can use it for that too). When I use pipe cleaners or wire in small amigurumi that helps make the opening wider so I can more easily place the wire/pipe cleaner. Just a tip.
I use the hard plastic straw from my water tumbler for the more stubborn safety eyes. Makes them really easy. The hardest thing to ever put together though were leg/arm joints! Had to get my hubs to do those. He has pretty strong hands and even he had a hard time. So i probably won't ever do a pattern with joints again. Or I'll change it and sew or crochet in the arms and legs.
I’m so so tickled as I Watch this because I recently started employing some of these same tips you mentioned! 1. Tool pouch: I always a a travel project with me if my WIP is too big. What I started doing was having a small pouch of tools including my amazingly perfect Dollar Tree scissors (perfect size and sharp!); stitch markers; measuring tape; needles, what ever size hooks I’m using; notecard and pen. Clear pouches like makeup bags are my favorite! 2. I’ve developed a habit when ever I snip or stitch i out my tools right back in. It took me years of losing hooks, needles etc. But having my little tool pouch helps. And if it’s clear it seems even better. 3. Also born for the tool pouch trick, is that I make several of these pouches and the. Just keep them with my current WIPS. Not all the WIPs, but just the two or three that I’m really actively working on. 4. Ball/Cake winder: YES!!! Period. 5. I bought a complete set of hooks. These don’t leave the house. I highly recommend these. Economical and I love the length of the handles. Very comfortable: Ergonomic Crochet Hooks with Roll... www.amazon.com/dp/B083BRNTVN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share 6. I use a notes app call Goodnotes to keep notes on my projects. Taking these notes is really helpful because for example sometimes I use the head from one pattern and the arms from another. ( I accidentally said OneNote but I fixed it!) a. I take pictures of the yarn I’m using b. Type the color/colors of the yarn c. If I used a TH-cam video or website I put a link for the source. Adding a QR code is good too. d. I spell out the name of the author of the pattern so I can give her or him credit. e. I take a picture of the final project, and any helpful pictures along the way. f. I make note of any helpful stuff I want to remember like hook size I used if different then the pattern.
@@EliseRoseCrochet I highly recommend that app. I use it for work, learning, Bible Study and personal. The capabilities are limitless. You can also add audio recordings. They just upgraded the app to Goodnotes 6. If you’re a documenter like me I can’t recommend it enough. Also, I’m adding QR codes to my notes so if I print them for others they can scan links to TH-cam videos! I love your videos. I’m watching your TikToc have review video right now.
I always use old Ipsy bags as notions pouches. They’re the perfect size and I already have them. (I’ve also recently started to use reusable produce bags as project bags. 😂 It’s one of those things I threw on my wedding registry as a cheaper option but never expected to get/use.)
I came to say the same thing! I have tons of cute Ipsy bags and I use them for everything. I have one in my purse as a first aid kit and in my crochet bag I have hooks sorted by type- although I’m thinking doing it by size might work better. I have small notions, stitch markers, scissors, embroidery thread, etc neatly sorted into different pouches! They are the best and so cute.
I recently got a neck light and a pair of readers because I'm using dark, sock yarn for one of my current projects. It's so dark and little, I struggle to see what I'm doing. It has been a huge game changer, and I wear the light even when I'm working on something else.
Great list ! I have only made one animal but several times so this list is very helpful since I just started to make animals again after many years. I was surprised you only had one set of crochet hooks since most crocheted own quite a lot of hooks sometimes around 20 to 50 of which I'm quilty. I'm now having to buy a set of the ergonomic hooks which cost more but having both carpel tunnel & arthritis make it a must.
Thank you so much! A good ergonomic hook is definitely a must!! I have a lot of inflammation in my hands so I understand the need for a good quality crochet hook! 🧶🧶🧶
8:15 oh I def feel that. I have a pair of scissors in my crochet hook set case, a pair in my sewing bag, a pair in my embroidery bag, like 4 packed up somewhere, I forgot I had scissors for my crochet so I bought another pair then realized I had some with my hooks I always had with me… 😭
personally ive been using a felting needle to secure any embroidery in my amigurumi to the weave, it works wonders and makes the embroidery look less flappy!
I once made a doll stand its so simple and much cheaper you can get the wood circles in bulk home depot will cut them if you buy the wood then drill small holes and used wooden skewers you can get 50 for about $5 cut them to the size you need sand the end and a nice wood stand
7:18 oh yeah I def feel the small pouch thing. I just use a drawstring backpack for crochet BUT when I’m sewing or doing embroidery I just use a makeup bag to keep what I’m using together so I don’t have to keep digging through an entire kit. I’ve also done the same with drawing, where I just have a small makeup or pencil pouch for what I use most/on the go and then have that with my sketchbook. Either way it’s easy cuz you don’t have to keep digging for everything
I recommend a Dritz Dual Purpose Disappearing Ink & Mark-B-Gone Marking Pen. The blue end is the Mark-B-Gone pen with water-soluble ink. The purple end is disappearing ink: it disappears in about 24 hours (a little less in some cases, possibly due to humidity). I've been using these for over 20 years, first for counted cross-stitch (marking the center of the fabric) and for crocheting. I use the disappearing side more than the Mark-B-Gone side.
I’ve recently bought the tool for the amigurumi eyes. To make the eyes secure I normally burn the point of the eye with a candle lighter and then push on it to make it flat and the eyes will never come off ( hopefully ).
I accidentally discovered that the little plastic rods that shoe stores have in the shoes to keep the heels from falling works great for stuffing projects too. I must be buying the wrong poly-fil because I have yet to get a stuffing rod. Love your videos.
Thanks, this was most informative, I came up with a home made idea for the safety eye tool, I remember having a tool when I used to make paper beads, and it was a slotted spring pin, with a handle, you can buy these in many sizes, (just right for putting in safety eyes), loving your positive vibes ♥
Looking at the tool for putting on safety eyes made me think of a screwdriver I have. It's the one where you can change the tips and it's magnetic. With no tip in the end it could be used to put on those eyes just like that tool.
Hi. I'm so glad I found your channel! I have been wanting to knit little toys. Actually, I love knitting little clothes but need a little friend to dress up! So here I am! Love little Pickles!!!
Awesome video!!! Your little helper is adorable!! I will definitely have to get one of those neck lights. I cannot live without my hemostats. I have several sizes and they make stuffing my projects so much more enjoyable.
Love the video & I love your scissor fob idea. A while ago I started putting my scissors on my many Vera Bradley key fobs so I can put them around my neck. It helps so much! You should give it a try and let me know what you think!
Those doll stands look super easy to make. I'll have to remember that and make some myself.blooks like less than 2 dollars worth of material in them. All things you can get from a dollar store.
I use a small galvanized board (9”x6”) from the dollar tree and strong rare earth magnets from Amazon to keep my scissors and needles handy. I also use my “shorthand” and condense patterns (when possible) to a 4x6 index card and magnet that to the board and use a small magnet to keep my place in the pattern. You can even glue small magnets to things that aren’t metal to keep handy. I also have a three tier rolling tray next to my workspace and everything that I can, I magnet to that. I love magnets ! 😂
I have some really long needles, like 3 inches. Makes sewing on arms and legs alot easier. You can see where needle comes through and get lined up easier.
I use a blunt sewing needle (for knits) threaded with a piece of spare yarn. Knot the yarn by the eye to stop it falling off. Then I use it to mark end of rounds by threading needle through front loop of the last chain. It just dangles in front of work 🙂 When I’m finished and don’t want work to come undone I pass needle through last loop. Much quicker than using row markers or pins. Hope this makes sense!
My husband had already made me stands with a wooden disk base, but only one dowell! I made little frames by wrapping some stiff copper wire around it with the ends sticking out, to stick in the doll. But two dowels? Genius! Now I don't have to stab my dolls in the back! LoL!
Another great video, Elise! Have you tried heat-erase pens? I've used both the water soluble and the heat erase markers for tracing embroidery patterns on fabric, and I much prefer the heat erase ones. The three problems I've had with the water soluble are 1) having to wait for fabric to dry afterwards, 2) no easy way to do finely-detailed spot-erasing, and 3) sometimes on light-colored fabrics the ink will leave a pale splotchy hue behind. The heat-erase ones disappear completely with a quick shot of a hair-dryer (at least, the ones I got leave no trace behind, I can't vouch for all of them) and what's more, I found I can do detailed spot-erasing with the tip of a heated awl or large tapestry needle. It makes my patterns come out so much finer and crisp and clear. I haven't tried them on yarn, but I'd imagine they'd work the same. They've been a game-changer for me, so if you do try them out, I'd love to hear your take on them. Now I'm off to Amazon to check out your fab neck light. :D
@@EliseRoseCrochet If they work as well on yarn as they do on fabric, I predict a long and happy love-affair between you and the pens. ;) There are lots to choose from. I just went to Amazon and bought the cheapest generic set they had to offer, and couldn't be happier with them. Good luck!
Hi Elise! Thanks for the great tips, especially the doll stands and the ball winder. I have two other favorite tools, a plastic row counter and a funny yarn bowl. I'm really looking forward to your next video with your adorable kitty helper. :)
I am a beginner (been doing this for a week) and yesterday I was making a shoe with black yarn and realized I couldn't see the stitches! Going to get me one of those neck lights for sure. As for things that have helped me, I downloaded a free row counter app so I could keep my place. I will place a stitch marker, then up the row counter. I am still learning so sometimes I will skip a stitch or overstretch and I will just redo the row, and it helps remind me where I am in the pattern.
Hi! 🖐️ I bought one of those neck lights. Best $18 I've ever spent on a crochet tool 🙂 also, a tip for working with black yarn, it makes it a bit easier to see your stitches if you put a white towel on your lap. I hate working with black yarn. I do it, but i don't like it 🙂 when i can, i use the black from the I Love This Yarn line with the metallic thread. It can help you see your stitches a bit better 🙂
My must have crochet hook is definitely the tulip etimo red. They have all the sizes literally you can adjust your hook size based on your tension. Which the clover hook doesn’t have that specific size Personally the best for amigurumi😇
9:09 I def agree light is so important. I’ve tried crocheting in the car at night before and it just didn’t work out very well. It was so hard to see and I don’t need to pay extra attention all the Time to what I’m doing and my colors weren’t even really dark just… I just found it too much a pain in the ass 😂
5:35 I also have a set of crochet hooks. (Possibly two sets I might have packed my first one up and rebought it later). Mine has like… so many hooks 😂 I got it for $15 but it’s got like 10 or so crochet thread type hooks and than about half a dozen regular crochet hooks going up to 5 or 6 mm I think? Def comes in handy to have cuz it’s def more expensive to buy them individually and unless you need a size that’s not in the set or you need an extra one, you’ve already got everything you need hook wise.
I LOVE making yarn cakes - there’s something so satisfying about it. One TH-camr said that you shouldn’t cake your hanks until you’re ready to use them - that it stretches the yarn. Have you found this to be a problem? I like having my yarn ready to go when I want to use it - not having to stop the creative process and cake my yarn.
I have heard that, but I have yarn that was caked 10 years ago and it's fine. I think what matters most is not winding too fast so that the yarn isn't taught.
I love small pouches but being a sewer I haven't bought any because "I can make that" LOL. I am currently using ziplock bags and honestly I should either find the time to make some pouches or buy some because the ziplocks wear out quickly and is also easily punctured.
Hi Elise Thank you for sharing these tips are awesome - I’ll definitely keep them in mind when I get back into doing Amigurumi. My tip is I’ve purchased a stuffing tool which is shaped like a ‘Y’ with a metal extension handle from PlanetJune. It works so good as she explains how to grab the stuffing and twist the tool to stuff the project it’s an art form 😂 I love your tabby Mr Pickle he is just so funny 🤣 and reminds me of my cat Sassy - always into everything. Take care, stay safe and God bless 🙏🏼💕🧶😊
hello wanted to let you know I just got into waiting to make arigrumo tours. I bought a book lately you suggested n I love it..can't wait to make the penguin. it was the pica Pau 3
One of my favorite products when I crochet is actually a nursing pillow. One of the c-shaped ones you put around your belly. It just gives me a much more comfortable posture so I can crochet without getting uncomfortable too easily.
I've heard that from several different people. Thanks for sharing! ❤
I also really recommend a row counter. Makes crocheting long limbs for Amigurumi a lot easier. Great for helping to write your patterns. 10 bucks, but definitely worth it, especially the ones that you can wear as a necklace.
Thank you for sharing that! I've never tried one of them before but it sounds great!! 🧶🧶🧶
They have an app called row counter that was a game charger too
I be prefer the little $5 clicker counter you get off Amazon. It slides on your finger like a ring and was a complete game changer! 10/10
@@EliseRoseCrochetk de. 😅😊 TV in la
I have tried a counter but have a hard time trusting it. I forget to use it or bump it and mess up the numbers. I do better with a scratch peace of paper and a pencil to make tally marks.
I happened upon "flexible soft foam hair curlers" at the Dollar Store and thought I'd try one to stabilize the neck. Then I realized they have a wire inside and come in several sizes. So I use them in the arms, legs and neck. The arms and straight part of the legs need no stuffing and can bend.
That's awesome! I will have to check that out!! 🧶🧶🧶
❤i use those too, also if you take the wire out of them, you can use them as squishy handles for crochet hooks. Bonus is the hole is already made. 👍🇦🇺
I love it when the internet remembers I crochet and actually recommends helpful videos to me!
I'm so glad!! 🧶🧶🧶
The cat is definitely the star of this video. So adorable! :D
Yes!! 🤣🤣🤣
I use a curved needle for sewing on eyes etc, makes a massive difference. I loved the first one definitely good to display finished items and the safety eye tool is just genius!
Thank you for sharing! I've tried using those and for some reason my hands can't hold the needle for some reason! 😂
Thanks for the shout out! I’m so glad that something I shared has made your crocheting easier. I love my yarn swift and winder, too! It was the largest purchase I made early on in my yarn journey, but it is so worth it. Thanks for reminding me of the tip about breaking your wooden stick for stuffing! I had forgotten that and I’ve been using my small scissors, which is a bit of a no-no. I am heading directly over to Amazon to get one of those lights, because as I get older, I just need things to be brighter to see properly. Love, love, love the wooden stands and maybe I can get my son to make some for economy’s sake. Thanks, as always, for sharing because you are positive and uplifting and brighten my Saturdays! 🧶❤️
Thank you, Katie for sharing the safety eye tool! It has become increasingly harder for me to be able to put those safety eyes on and the new tool really is a game changer for me! Now I don't have to ask my husband or son to help! 😂 And I totally agree, a ball winder and swift make life so much simpler! ❤
I had my husband make me stands like this, but with just one upright, he sliced up a couple of logs and used thin branches from trees h'ed cut back , cost me nothing but my husbands labour😃I use fine fishing line to attatch the toys to the upright, it's virtually invisible a,nd does the job, makes the toys much more presentable for shows than laying them flat or trying to prop them up. I didn't varnish mine, so they're even more rustic
I just got my first yarn winder from my daughter for my birthday. I have been crocheting for a very, very long time and had never tried one. Now I am hooked (pun intended)!! I want to wind every skein, ball, hank, etc... in my arsenal, LOL. I have to admit, in the directions for my winder, it mentioned using a swift. I had no idea what they were talking about until I saw this video. I was my grandmother's swift and yarn winder when I was little, and that's how I've always done it. Great recommendations from both of you! Thanks 😀
I always lose my scissors too so I bought a retractable lanyard and attached it to my crochet bag. Life Changing!
Oooh! That's a great idea!! ✂️✂️✂️
I'm thinking that the doll stands can be homemade for much less. A chop stick or a small size crochet hook handle works very well for stuffing. My kitty, Skittles, likes to give his approval on the yarns abd and tools just like your kitty. Thank you Elise for sharing these great tips.
Thanks so much for sharing!! ❤️❤️❤️
Cleaned face cream jars of all sizes make great little holders for the different types of stitch markers. They do weigh more but the bigger ones stay on the shelf and the tiny ones travel in the bag. They never wear out. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Oooh! Thank you for that suggestion!!! 🧶🧶🧶
I repurpose an Altoids tin to hold my foldable scissors, stich markers, tapestry needles and tape measure.
Oh that's such a great tip!!! Thank you for sharing!!! 🧶🧶🧶
I use Altoids boxes as well. The standard size works very well for cable needles and stitch holders for knitting cables.
I reuse all kinds of small containers for everything from beads to notions. My guilty pleasure is buying something just for its pretty container. I have a translucent bin where I keep my unused containers so I can find them when I need one.
Love my neck lamp! I put an order in with my woodworking husband to make me a few doll stands! Gotta get me one of those eye thingies! One tool I always have at hand is a small scale (got mine at harbor freight) for weighing yarn. I make a lot of really small amigurumi, and it helps to weigh a ball of yarn to see if I have the 7 oz I need for this project or the 1.4 oz I need for that one! All of the mini projects that I make over and over again have handwritten notes on the exact amount of yarn needed for the project.
Thank you so much for sharing!!! And yes, you need the safety eye tool!! 👀👀👀
I wonder if a kitchen scale would work just as well? I mean mine does weigh ounces (or grams). That's a good idea in general, much easier than unraveling a whole ball to measure its length!
For your number 2 tool, I can also recommend a brush where you cut all hair down to a base. It is perfect, inexpensive and available anywhere tool that works great for stuffing.
Thanks so much for sharing! ❤️
I love the amigurumi doll stands and the neck light. Before I watched your video, I thought they were pretty much a waste of money. However, I too am getting older and find myself leaning over to get directly under my light. I currently use a dual floor lamp with a light on top and an adjustable light pointing downward. This is great except for when I need a little more direct light on my project. My neck and back start hurting because I am leaning from my desk to be directly under the light.
Thank you for all the great tips! I am NOW a subscriber!!
Wonderful! The neck light is a true life saver for me!! I love that it's rechargeable so no need to buy batteries! 🧶🧶🧶
Good morning, Elise! The doll stands are beautiful. Perhaps the seller has different length dowels or maybe you can find them in a hardware store. I have a set of the Clover Amour crochet hooks. I got mine at Joann’s with a coupon. I got them there to get the genuine ones because Amazon showed the good ones but shipped knock-offs (according to the reviews). These hooks help my old crookedly hands so much! Someone gave me a travel set of bags for make-up and toiletries, but I use them for my notions bags.
Thanks to Pickle for his expertise! What a guy! 😻 And thank you for another great video! ☺️👍😽
The doll stands are gorgeous! I am in love! And thank you for sharing about the Clover Amour sets on Amazon! And Pickle really does deserve an award for his help with this video! 🧶🧶🧶
Thanks!! I use the eraser ✏️ part of a pencil to stuff my Amigurumi, it works great!! Now it is always with my hooks.
That is a great tip! Thank you for sharing!! ✏️✏️✏️
10:27 for embroidery I just use a pencil to draw/trace. Regular pencil for white cloth and white and/or yellow fabric pencil for darker
That's a great tip! 🧵🪡
@@EliseRoseCrochet it’s mostly cuz with the embroidery I do it’ll be covered up anyway. But you def want something contrast enough to see but not so much that it’ll show through
A small help to cut off the dowls get a pair of gardening snips, which are made to cut wood/plants easily. I have seen the safety eye thing before in another video, tho I cant remember where (60 yr old brain fart). Thank you for all the helps you showed it looks fun and I cant wait to try things out. Also one of the best places I have found for the little cloth pouches with the zipper closure is goodwill. They usually have a bin at the side that has lots of them in various sizes and most are under $2 or $3.
Thank you so much for sharing those tips! 🧶🧶🧶
I use the broken dowel too! Thanks so much for your Saturday videos. I look forward to them every week.
Thank you so much, Carol! I'm so glad you like the videos. 🧶🧶🧶
I buy pouches at garage sales and resale shops. I also buy crochet hooks, knitting needles, and yarn at garage sales and resale shops.
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
You’re getting me closer to trying Amigurumi! Worse case scenario, I have a wonky first project, right? Excellent video, as always!
You should see my first amigurumi toy! He's totally wonky and I adore him!! ❤️❤️❤️
Once you try, you will not stop! I promise!! It is so fun, and the projects tend to be much quicker. When I give family, friends, etc. the amigurumi dolls I make, they get a look of shock and awe and a huge smile! Children and adults. I cannot recommend it enough. Have fun making your first project! 😀
My favorite stuffing tool in a unshaven pencil. Both ends a perfect fiber grabbers.
That's a great idea!!! I bet the pencil eraser grabs the stuffing well! ✏️✏️✏️
Elise, I finally ordered the Safety Eye tool and I can't wait to try it out. I hate putting the backs on because it hurts my fingers, hands, arm, neck and shoulder so due to my health issues with Distonia, (a muscle spasmatic disorder). If this tool works for me, I'll be in love with it.
You are so wonderful in sharing everything Amigurumi related. Thank you SO MUCH!!!
Oh Cheryl, I hope you like the tool as much as I do!! It's been a game changer for me!! 👀👀👀
Great ideas!! I have an old hemostat tool I use to stuff my toys. The small curved blunt nose gets into tight spots gripping the stuffing. The real star of this video is your adorable kitty!!! She (he?) Made me laugh so much. 😸
I've seen those before but have never tried using it! I may need to try it! And Pickle was a great help in this video....😂😂😂. I kept telling him that I could do the video without his help, but he insisted! 😆
Pickles helping 😂 I love those stands, that will be so nice. So many great tips. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and great tips❤️ Definitely going to use some of these!
Oh my goodness!! Pickle insisted he was going to help. 😂😂😂
@@EliseRoseCrochet he was definitely happy to help this morning 😊 Glad he’s feeling fabulous ❤️
Loved your helper!!!❤❤❤ the tool for eyes is exactly what I described to my husband as he helped me install the last eyes that were too difficult! Thank you!!!🎉
You're welcome! 🧶🧶🧶
Thanks for the tips! I watch your videos every Saturday without fail!
Have you seen the Wool Jeanie? I just started using one and it is a game changer for me. My yarn just glides smoothly, no more yanking the yarn every couple of minutes. No more yarn ending up on the floor. I love it so much!
Thank you so very much! I saw a review of the Wool Jeanie on TLYarn Craft but I haven't tried it myself! Thanks for sharing your experience! 🧶🧶🧶
Elise, You just popped up on my home page and 7 or 8 of your videos have already been gobbled up! My only amigurumi project so far has been a carrot rattle that ended up "bleeding,", so obviously I need help! You've inspired me to try again, mostly because your toys are so well done and creative (I've decided to take up knitting again just to try and make some little clothes because yours really stand out.) Your toys have actually become the grid for comparing the amigurumi I'm seeing on line and also for trusting your generous posting of other creators, which end up being like amigurumi pattern books! Thank you for letting us benefit from your trial and error over the years as well as your quest for always improving and making something you love and love to share! Also (and this is the best part) you have a gift for making your viewers feel as if they've made a new friend. Kelly from Louisville, KY :)
Awwww! Thank you so very much!! I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you Elise! These gadgets are all awesome - Amigurumi can be tricky, and any hacks or tips are readily invited by me! Thank you and have a lovely Saturday! 😘🧶🤩
You're so welcome, Zara! I'm glad you enjoyed it!! Hope you have a wonderful weekend as well! ❤
Those stands look amazing. They also seem fairly easy to diy. Thank you for the tips!
They are amazing and yes, I bet they are super easy to make!! 🪵🪵🪵
Yes that safety eye tool is wonderful, I had to have my husband put the eyes on and now I do it myself.
Yes!! I'm so glad you like the safety eye tool!! My fingers have thanked me for no longer abusing them!!! 👀👀👀
Hi Elise, I really agree about having a full set of crochet hooks. Even a small set of steel hooks come in handy if you want to make any fine lace detail to the clothes. I also keep some size 10 crochet cotton in various colors on hand. I live out in the country and it is hard for me to get into town to get last minute supplies for a project, so having the right tools really helps me a lot. I love your yarn swift! I ended up buying an electric yarn winder at Hobby Lobby and just love it. I didn't really need one to do whole skeins but for just for making smaller balls out of my leftover yarn. It makes a really nice cakes that pulls out from the center and never gets tangled. I really enjoy having pretty little zip up bags to carry my accessories also and have found some beautiful things on Etsy. Also on Etsy I have collected some really pretty bejeweled stitch markers. They are light and slide off the knitting needles as I knit along really easy. I am definitely going to get one of those safety eye tools, have never seen that one before. Thanks for all the great suggestions!
Thank you so much for sharing all your tips!! The safety eye tool is incredible and it's very well made and should last a long time! 🧶👀🧶👀
My favorite to have on hand is a set of light ups or my everything crochet hooks. One ergonomic hook handle with interchangeable hooks.
Also if you get a yarn bowl you can pull from the outside and then it doesn't get loose. And Walmart sells and set of floss in nearly every color. I keep those on hand for detail work
I put my dowel in a pencil sharpener and give it just a rounded end to get in there without putting a hole in the corners. Thank you for all the great tips.
Oooh! That's such a great idea!! Thank you for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Girlfriend! Girlfriend! Girlfriend! I have got to tell you this...
I received my safety eye tool knobby thing you shared and ... IT WORKS WONDERFULLY!!! I'm so excited about it!
My poor hurting fingers had no issues putting it on with this tool, in fact it went on smoothly and security that I wasn't sure they were on until I looked. They were!!!
I have already had to put the backs on wrong for my fingers to put them on and now that's forever over. They go on correctly and super easy.... ALL because of YOU, Elise. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video of info. You're the BEST!!!!!!!
Woohoo!! I've been wondering how you liked the safety eye tool!! It really is fantastic! I'm so glad you like it and that it will get a lot of use!! It's so well made too! 👀👀👀
THANK YOU! I have had that safety eye tool for several months now and try as I might I could not make it work. Now I know what I was doing wrong! Thank you so much!!!!
The other gadgets are really a neat idea too. I carry a seam ripper in my notions pouch but not for the normal use (though yes, I can use it for that too). When I use pipe cleaners or wire in small amigurumi that helps make the opening wider so I can more easily place the wire/pipe cleaner. Just a tip.
Oooh!! Thank you so much for sharing that tip!!! I'm going to try that!! 🧶🧶🧶
I use the hard plastic straw from my water tumbler for the more stubborn safety eyes. Makes them really easy. The hardest thing to ever put together though were leg/arm joints! Had to get my hubs to do those. He has pretty strong hands and even he had a hard time. So i probably won't ever do a pattern with joints again. Or I'll change it and sew or crochet in the arms and legs.
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you so much for this week's tutorial. I RALLY appreciate each and every week.😀
You're so welcome! Thank you for watching! 🌻
I’m so so tickled as I Watch this because I recently started employing some of these same tips you mentioned!
1. Tool pouch: I always a a travel project with me if my WIP is too big. What I started doing was having a small pouch of tools including my amazingly perfect Dollar Tree scissors (perfect size and sharp!); stitch markers; measuring tape; needles, what ever size hooks I’m using; notecard and pen. Clear pouches like makeup bags are my favorite!
2. I’ve developed a habit when ever I snip or stitch i out my tools right back in. It took me years of losing hooks, needles etc. But having my little tool pouch helps. And if it’s clear it seems even better.
3. Also born for the tool pouch trick, is that I make several of these pouches and the. Just keep them with my current WIPS. Not all the WIPs, but just the two or three that I’m really actively working on.
4. Ball/Cake winder: YES!!! Period.
5. I bought a complete set of hooks. These don’t leave the house. I highly recommend these. Economical and I love the length of the handles. Very comfortable: Ergonomic Crochet Hooks with Roll... www.amazon.com/dp/B083BRNTVN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
6. I use a notes app call Goodnotes to keep notes on my projects. Taking these notes is really helpful because for example sometimes I use the head from one pattern and the arms from another. ( I accidentally said OneNote but I fixed it!)
a. I take pictures of the yarn I’m using
b. Type the color/colors of the yarn
c. If I used a TH-cam video or website I put a link for the source. Adding a QR code is good too.
d. I spell out the name of the author of the pattern so I can give her or him credit.
e. I take a picture of the final project, and any helpful pictures along the way.
f. I make note of any helpful stuff I want to remember like hook size I used if different then the pattern.
Thank you so much for sharing! I will check out that app! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet I highly recommend that app. I use it for work, learning, Bible Study and personal. The capabilities are limitless. You can also add audio recordings. They just upgraded the app to Goodnotes 6. If you’re a documenter like me I can’t recommend it enough. Also, I’m adding QR codes to my notes so if I print them for others they can scan links to TH-cam videos! I love your videos. I’m watching your TikToc have review video right now.
I always use old Ipsy bags as notions pouches. They’re the perfect size and I already have them. (I’ve also recently started to use reusable produce bags as project bags. 😂 It’s one of those things I threw on my wedding registry as a cheaper option but never expected to get/use.)
Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I came to say the same thing! I have tons of cute Ipsy bags and I use them for everything. I have one in my purse as a first aid kit and in my crochet bag I have hooks sorted by type- although I’m thinking doing it by size might work better. I have small notions, stitch markers, scissors, embroidery thread, etc neatly sorted into different pouches! They are the best and so cute.
I use a hemostat (locking forceps) for stuffing my projects. With it you can place stuffing with more accuracy.
I've seen those before but have never tried the technique! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Fab ideas. I love my neck light especially when I’m using dark yarn 👍🏻
It really is such a great tool to have!! 💡💡💡
I recently got a neck light and a pair of readers because I'm using dark, sock yarn for one of my current projects. It's so dark and little, I struggle to see what I'm doing. It has been a huge game changer, and I wear the light even when I'm working on something else.
Good lighting really is a game changer!! And I also use my neck light for other projects!! 💡💡💡
I use my neck light for everything. My nurses even love it
Great list ! I have only made one animal but several times so this list is very helpful since I just started to make animals again after many years. I was surprised you only had one set of crochet hooks since most crocheted own quite a lot of hooks sometimes around 20 to 50 of which I'm quilty. I'm now having to buy a set of the ergonomic hooks which cost more but having both carpel tunnel & arthritis make it a must.
Thank you so much! A good ergonomic hook is definitely a must!! I have a lot of inflammation in my hands so I understand the need for a good quality crochet hook! 🧶🧶🧶
8:15 oh I def feel that. I have a pair of scissors in my crochet hook set case, a pair in my sewing bag, a pair in my embroidery bag, like 4 packed up somewhere, I forgot I had scissors for my crochet so I bought another pair then realized I had some with my hooks I always had with me… 😭
Haha!! Love it! ✂️
For the safety eyes tool, I use a pen cap lol. But I do also have the one with the knob and I totally agree that it makes that process easier!
I love making normal household items into amigurumi tools! Thank you for sharing!! 👀👀👀
i use a pencil with an eraser on the end to help with stuffing. the eraser grips the polyfil and makes it wayyy easier !! :3
Yes!! That's a great way to stuff, I do it too!! 🧶🧶🧶
personally ive been using a felting needle to secure any embroidery in my amigurumi to the weave, it works wonders and makes the embroidery look less flappy!
So you felt the nose and mouth parts? I love that idea!!! 🍂🌰🍁
@@EliseRoseCrochet ye! eyebrows too when im feeling ✨fancy✨
❤ ooooooh i need to try that...off to TH-cam i go😊
I once made a doll stand its so simple and much cheaper you can get the wood circles in bulk home depot will cut them if you buy the wood then drill small holes and used wooden skewers you can get 50 for about $5 cut them to the size you need sand the end and a nice wood stand
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
7:18 oh yeah I def feel the small pouch thing. I just use a drawstring backpack for crochet BUT when I’m sewing or doing embroidery I just use a makeup bag to keep what I’m using together so I don’t have to keep digging through an entire kit. I’ve also done the same with drawing, where I just have a small makeup or pencil pouch for what I use most/on the go and then have that with my sketchbook. Either way it’s easy cuz you don’t have to keep digging for everything
Exactly! 🪡🧵🧶🎨✍️
A zippered pouch also prevents small items from escaping through a project bag's loose opening 🥰
I love those stands.
They are so great!! 🧶💖🧶💖
I recommend a Dritz Dual Purpose Disappearing Ink & Mark-B-Gone Marking Pen. The blue end is the Mark-B-Gone pen with water-soluble ink. The purple end is disappearing ink: it disappears in about 24 hours (a little less in some cases, possibly due to humidity). I've been using these for over 20 years, first for counted cross-stitch (marking the center of the fabric) and for crocheting. I use the disappearing side more than the Mark-B-Gone side.
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I’ve recently bought the tool for the amigurumi eyes. To make the eyes secure I normally burn the point of the eye with a candle lighter and then push on it to make it flat and the eyes will never come off ( hopefully ).
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
For smoll tools, i use eyeglasses case. Ideal size for a few hooks, sizzors, neddle and sitchmarks 😊
Great tip! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I love this, thank you! I have most of the tools but the pen to mark with and that eye placement wooden/metal aid looks awesome!
I'm so glad you enjoyed those!! I'm all about finding things that make amigurumi easier!! 🧶🧶🧶
I accidentally discovered that the little plastic rods that shoe stores have in the shoes to keep the heels from falling works great for stuffing projects too. I must be buying the wrong poly-fil because I have yet to get a stuffing rod. Love your videos.
Great tip! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Thank you Elise! You always have the best tips! Love your kitty❤️
You're so welcome!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! And Pickle loves being the star!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks, this was most informative, I came up with a home made idea for the safety eye tool, I remember having a tool when I used to make paper beads, and it was a slotted spring pin, with a handle, you can buy these in many sizes, (just right for putting in safety eyes), loving your positive vibes ♥
Oh wow!! That's a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Looking at the tool for putting on safety eyes made me think of a screwdriver I have. It's the one where you can change the tips and it's magnetic. With no tip in the end it could be used to put on those eyes just like that tool.
That's a good idea!! That totally might work! ❤️
Love the cat 😂 especially when he was trying to steal the stitch marker.
😹😹😹
Hi. I'm so glad I found your channel! I have been wanting to knit little toys. Actually, I love knitting little clothes but need a little friend to dress up! So here I am! Love little Pickles!!!
I'm so glad you found the channel and that you are enjoying it!! ❤
Awesome video!!! Your little helper is adorable!! I will definitely have to get one of those neck lights. I cannot live without my hemostats. I have several sizes and they make stuffing my projects so much more enjoyable.
I'm going to have to try those for stuffing!! Thank you for sharing!! And Pickle loves to "help"! 😂😂😂
Darling Jersey sad😢 I’m so sorry for your loss, I know the grief that follows the loss of a beloved pet ❤
Thank you so much. Still can't believe he's gone. ❤️❤️❤️
I made a thing with light pull chains and a clip to hold my scissors around my neck to keep them handy.
Great idea! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
Another very helpful video.The doll stands are so nice! I just ordered the tool to help with the safety eyes. I look forward to your video every week.
Thank you so much! I hope you love your safety eye tool as much as I love mine! 👀👀👀
Love the video & I love your scissor fob idea. A while ago I started putting my scissors on my many Vera Bradley key fobs so I can put them around my neck. It helps so much! You should give it a try and let me know what you think!
Ooh! That's a super good idea!! Thanks so much for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
love those stands! have been looking for it or a while. Thank you for sharing.
They are fantastic!! Love these so much! 💖💖💖
Those doll stands look super easy to make. I'll have to remember that and make some myself.blooks like less than 2 dollars worth of material in them. All things you can get from a dollar store.
I bet they would be easy to make!! 🧶🧶🧶
I crocheted a chain for my scissors and hang them around my neck when I knit or crochet.
That's fantastic! Thank you for sharing!! ✂️✂️✂️
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I enjoy watching your videos and pick up much needed information from you.
You are very welcome! ❤️❤️❤️
I use a small galvanized board (9”x6”) from the dollar tree and strong rare earth magnets from Amazon to keep my scissors and needles handy. I also use my “shorthand” and condense patterns (when possible) to a 4x6 index card and magnet that to the board and use a small magnet to keep my place in the pattern. You can even glue small magnets to things that aren’t metal to keep handy. I also have a three tier rolling tray next to my workspace and everything that I can, I magnet to that. I love magnets ! 😂
Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶
I have some really long needles, like 3 inches. Makes sewing on arms and legs alot easier. You can see where needle comes through and get lined up easier.
Thank you so much for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
I use a blunt sewing needle (for knits) threaded with a piece of spare yarn. Knot the yarn by the eye to stop it falling off. Then I use it to mark end of rounds by threading needle through front loop of the last chain. It just dangles in front of work 🙂 When I’m finished and don’t want work to come undone I pass needle through last loop. Much quicker than using row markers or pins. Hope this makes sense!
Makes perfect sense! Thank you so much for sharing! I really think I'm going to try that some time!! 🧶🧶🧶
I wish I'd seen this vid a long time ago I adore making arugurami, learnt a couple of new things today ty , xx
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🧶🧶🧶
The tool for safety eyes are GREAT!!!
I can't live without it!! 👀
The marker is a really good idea!
Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
Loved the broken dowel idea. So perfect. I have a few that I can use. Who knew!! Thank you ❤
You're so welcome!! It really works so much better broken! 🧶🧶🧶
interesting I've always used a knitting needle for stuffing.
My husband had already made me stands with a wooden disk base, but only one dowell! I made little frames by wrapping some stiff copper wire around it with the ends sticking out, to stick in the doll. But two dowels? Genius! Now I don't have to stab my dolls in the back! LoL!
That was pretty genius to add the copper wire!! I'm so happy to have the doll stands! 🧶🧶🧶
My cat also likes to become a part of my process as well haha Great list! thank you!!
You're so welcome! 🐈
Another great video, Elise! Have you tried heat-erase pens? I've used both the water soluble and the heat erase markers for tracing embroidery patterns on fabric, and I much prefer the heat erase ones. The three problems I've had with the water soluble are 1) having to wait for fabric to dry afterwards, 2) no easy way to do finely-detailed spot-erasing, and 3) sometimes on light-colored fabrics the ink will leave a pale splotchy hue behind. The heat-erase ones disappear completely with a quick shot of a hair-dryer (at least, the ones I got leave no trace behind, I can't vouch for all of them) and what's more, I found I can do detailed spot-erasing with the tip of a heated awl or large tapestry needle. It makes my patterns come out so much finer and crisp and clear. I haven't tried them on yarn, but I'd imagine they'd work the same. They've been a game-changer for me, so if you do try them out, I'd love to hear your take on them. Now I'm off to Amazon to check out your fab neck light. :D
I haven't tried the heat erase pens, but thanks so much for the suggestion!! 🧶🧶🧶
@@EliseRoseCrochet If they work as well on yarn as they do on fabric, I predict a long and happy love-affair between you and the pens. ;) There are lots to choose from. I just went to Amazon and bought the cheapest generic set they had to offer, and couldn't be happier with them. Good luck!
I just got the safety eye tool and love it!!
I'm so glad! I use it all the time! Total game changer for me! 🧶🧶🧶
Love the safety eye helper!
I'm so glad! It's such a great tool!! 🧶🧶🧶
Thanks for the lovely tips! I use a thin long nose tweezer to stuff my amigurumi. It works amazingly.
That's such a good idea!! Thanks for sharing!! 🧶🧶🧶
Hi Elise! Thanks for the great tips, especially the doll stands and the ball winder. I have two other favorite tools, a plastic row counter and a funny yarn bowl.
I'm really looking forward to your next video with your adorable kitty helper. :)
Thank you so much for sharing!! I'm sure our kitty, Pickle, will be ready to help!! 😂
I love my yarn bowls too. I've only purchased ones that are ultra smooth inside.
I am a beginner (been doing this for a week) and yesterday I was making a shoe with black yarn and realized I couldn't see the stitches! Going to get me one of those neck lights for sure.
As for things that have helped me, I downloaded a free row counter app so I could keep my place. I will place a stitch marker, then up the row counter. I am still learning so sometimes I will skip a stitch or overstretch and I will just redo the row, and it helps remind me where I am in the pattern.
Thank you so much for sharing what is helping you!! And the neck light is fantastic!! 🔦🔦🔦
Hi! 🖐️ I bought one of those neck lights. Best $18 I've ever spent on a crochet tool 🙂 also, a tip for working with black yarn, it makes it a bit easier to see your stitches if you put a white towel on your lap. I hate working with black yarn. I do it, but i don't like it 🙂 when i can, i use the black from the I Love This Yarn line with the metallic thread. It can help you see your stitches a bit better 🙂
My must have crochet hook is definitely the tulip etimo red. They have all the sizes literally you can adjust your hook size based on your tension. Which the clover hook doesn’t have that specific size
Personally the best for amigurumi😇
Thank you so much for sharing that information! 🧶🧶🧶
Very helpful information. I love your kitty.
Thank you! 😊
9:09 I def agree light is so important. I’ve tried crocheting in the car at night before and it just didn’t work out very well. It was so hard to see and I don’t need to pay extra attention all the Time to what I’m doing and my colors weren’t even really dark just… I just found it too much a pain in the ass 😂
Yes, I can't crochet in the car because... 🤢
5:35 I also have a set of crochet hooks. (Possibly two sets I might have packed my first one up and rebought it later). Mine has like… so many hooks 😂 I got it for $15 but it’s got like 10 or so crochet thread type hooks and than about half a dozen regular crochet hooks going up to 5 or 6 mm I think? Def comes in handy to have cuz it’s def more expensive to buy them individually and unless you need a size that’s not in the set or you need an extra one, you’ve already got everything you need hook wise.
Yes! It's so nice to have all the different sizes! 🧶🧶🧶
I LOVE making yarn cakes - there’s something so satisfying about it. One TH-camr said that you shouldn’t cake your hanks until you’re ready to use them - that it stretches the yarn. Have you found this to be a problem? I like having my yarn ready to go when I want to use it - not having to stop the creative process and cake my yarn.
I have never heard that before and I can't see that it stretches the yarn. I cake mine up too!! 🧶🧶🧶
I have heard that, but I have yarn that was caked 10 years ago and it's fine. I think what matters most is not winding too fast so that the yarn isn't taught.
I love small pouches but being a sewer I haven't bought any because "I can make that" LOL. I am currently using ziplock bags and honestly I should either find the time to make some pouches or buy some because the ziplocks wear out quickly and is also easily punctured.
I totally get that!! They really are handy to have around! 🧵🪡
Hi Elise
Thank you for sharing these tips are awesome - I’ll definitely keep them in mind when I get back into doing Amigurumi.
My tip is I’ve purchased a stuffing tool which is shaped like a ‘Y’ with a metal extension handle from PlanetJune. It works so good as she explains how to grab the stuffing and twist the tool to stuff the project it’s an art form 😂
I love your tabby Mr Pickle he is just so funny 🤣 and reminds me of my cat Sassy - always into everything.
Take care, stay safe and God bless 🙏🏼💕🧶😊
Thank you for sharing! I'm going to have to check out that stuffing tool!!! And Mr. Pickle's middle name should be Sassy! ❤️❤️❤️
@@EliseRoseCrochet Hahaha 🤣 he is too cute and so is Olive.
Your cat reminds me of our cat Thor! ALWAYS into everything!
Haha!! Love the name!! 🐱🐱🐱
I very recently bought a neck light … in fact the very same as the one featured here. It’s handy, and recharges with a usb
I love that it's rechargeable!! It's such a great light, using it right now in fact! 💡💡💡
hello wanted to let you know I just got into waiting to make arigrumo tours. I bought a book lately you suggested n I love it..can't wait to make the penguin. it was the pica Pau 3
That one is such a cute pattern! 🐧
Ooooohhhh I gotta get the marker and the safety eye gadget!! Also definitely want the doll stands! Great and fun video!!!
The safety eye tool is amazing!!! So glad I'm no longer going to have sore fingers!! The doll stands are amazing too! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for all of your tips . Dowels are great
Wow that’s awesome thank you for sharing I think I need to go shopping for some of those tools 🙌🏼💕 thank You happy stitching 🥰
I'm so glad you enjoyed all the tools!! 🧶🧶🧶
You forgot to mention your ultimate tool! Kitty cat for moral support and cute attacks! 😂
Dang it!! You're right!! Totally should have recognized him for all his hard work! 😂😂😂
And I LOVE Pickle!!! Always curious!!
So curious and helpful!! 😂😂😂
Great tips and tools!! Thanks for sharing and explaining all these! Brilliant!!!
You're so welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🧶🧶🧶