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History of Amigurami

Amigurumiaccording toWikipediais theJapaneseart of ofknittingorcrochetingsmall,stuffedyarn creatures. The word Amigurami is a combination of the Japanese words "ami", meaning crocheted or knitted, and "nuigurumi", meaning stuffed doll. Amigurumis will vary in size and there aren't any restrictions regarding size, shape or look. While Amigurumi has been best known in Japan for several decades, Amigurumi first started becoming popular in other countries, especially in the West, in 2003. By 2006, Amigurumi were reported to be some of the most popular items onEtsy, where they typically sold for $10 to $100. Since then amiguramis popularity has continued to increase.

Even though Amigurumis seem popular online on sites such as Etsy and Pinterest, Amigurumi is still a developing craft continually spreading and directly based on emerging trends andpopularculture.

Where Did Amigurami Originate?

The Amigurumi term was most likely first originated in Japan after WWII as a gradually developing techniques. It's thought that it might have been an alternative for many families to be able to create toys for their children during the huge during the huge economical crisis.

Aesthetic

The most popular of Amigurami areKawaiiandChibi. While Amigurumi is sometimes used as children's toys, they are generally purchased solely for decorative & collecting purposes.

The Technique of Amigurami

Amigurumi is usually crocheted out of yarn, but some choose to create them with knitting instead.  When working an Amigurumi project, they are usually created in sections and then the sections are then crocheted, knitted or sewed together to make one whole piece. However, depending on the piece—some Amigurami are created as one piece. When Amiguramis are crocheted they are typically created in spiraling rounds to prevent the visible appearance known as "Striping" which generally occurs when joining rounds of crochet within a project.

It's common and often beneficial to use crochet hooks or knitting needles which are smaller than what would typically be used. The reason for using a slightly smaller gauge is to help achieve a tighter gauge to help hold in stuffing without making it visible from the outside. Amiguramis can be stuffed with pretty much anything you can think of or choose such as: standard polyester, cotton, plastic pellets, glass pebbles, stones (weight distribution), toilet paper, paper towels, and more.

What Exactly is Creativebug?

If you've never heard of or experienced Creativebug, then let me tell ya—you're missing out BIG TIME! Creativebug is a diverse learning platform for passionate crafters and DIYer's that allows you to take expert instructed online classes. You'll get unlimited access to over 700 art & craft classes consisting of a broad range of skills and styles. Choose from art, sewing, knitting, and more, with new classes added weekly.You'll learn from top designers and artists which have been featured in Vogue, Martha Stewart Living, O Magazine and more! How cool is that!? It's a great way to find unique crafts, improve on the crafting and DIY skills you already have, as well as sparking creativity. Trust me, you're way more creative than you think!

Creativebug's drive to create is ongoing, which I think most of us crafter's and DIYer's can closely relate to. Even if you've never been the crafty or creative type or you're someone who knows that you have creativity hiding inside you, but you just don't know where to start—Creativebug is a great place to help spark your creative side and easy enough for those that don't feel very crafty or creative. Creativebug's main objective's are to make crafting a fun, satisfying, and easy part of your daily life.

Behind everything that Creativebug does, they always follow the philosophy of: artists supporting other artists artists. There's a reason that they purposely share their entire library, so give members the ability to play and explore with all their different project types as well as being exposed to different artists.

How Much Does Creativebug Cost?

When I first heard about Creativebug, my first thought after hearing that they offered instructor taught online classes that it is was most likely going to cost a fortune. To my surprise (very surprised I should say) Creativebug was actually very affordably priced at just only $4.95 per month for the extremely large selection of courses. The platform also includes an array of useful features to help you get the most from your classes and your money. You'll receive lifetime access for every month that you subscribe. You're account is credited with one token each month which you can save to your personal library for the class of your choice. Classes added to your library never expire, even if you cancel your subscription.Each month you'll receive one credit that you can use or save. If you choose to save the credit (which I recommend), if you decide to cancel your subscription you'll still be able to access your credit to use.

Try Creativebug for FREE!

If you're not quite sure if Creativebug is for someone like you, they do give you the convenient option to signup and create a free Creativebug account for theirFREE TRIAL periodto get a feel for what they're all about. For a short time you'll also receive a Creativebug promo code tosave 30 percent at Jo-Ann Fabricstoo! The free trial does require a you to enter your credit card information. I always like to be upfront about free trials that require credit card info because I hate getting excited about being able to try something out for free, only to find that you a credit card is required. However, you're credit card WILL NOT be charged during your free trial period. If you end up deciding that Creativebug isn't for you (but, I bet you won't!), all you have to do is cancel your subscription before the end of your free trial period so you're not charged the $4.95 the next month. So, just jot down the the last day you have to cancel and make a note or enter it in your planner or calendar just in case.

Creativebug Features:

Video StreamingExperienced instructors take you through each project step-by-step.Downloadable PDF filesAccess to talk with instructors via the Instructor Discussion Forum.The ability to bookmark entire workshops and video tutorials/note taking.Creativebug app (which is available for smart phones and tablets).TutorialsInspiration FeedPattern LibraryClass CollectionsCreativebug BlogThe ability to search by instructorsCreativebug TV channel

You'll quickly come to find that some classes are longer and others are very short. It just depends on the specified skill being taught.

Creativebug is continuously publishing new and fresh courses—so, you never have to worry about running out of awesome and creative learning opportunities and crafts!

You can easily get overwhelmed while looking through Creativebug's large library of classes. An easy way to overcome this is by simply setting up reminders for the courses you're interested in. Creativebug displays a monthly New Release Schedule which allows you to do just that!

Can't I Just Find Similar Videos for Free on YouTube?

Well, of course, sure you can—most often than not you can find a YouTube video on pretty much anything your little heart desires, but how often are those YouTube videos taught by experienced instructors and how easy is it to actually speak with the people creating and instructing those videos? From experience, the answer to both is—not very often. Creativebug tutorials aren't just conventional tutorials, they take you far beyond the normal everyday tutorial. No matter how complex or simple the project, Creativebug allows you to broaden your skills.

I'm both a hands on and visual learner. I learn best when I'm trying something as I'm being taught. If you're anything like me in that aspect, than having the ability to have a craft or DIY project explained to you as you're trying to create yourself or the ability to go back and access the video is very important beneficial.

As I stated before, I actually started and eventually learned how crochet Amigurami thanks to Creativebug'sFruit & Veggie Crochet-Along online classes with Twinkie Chan(she is just as adorable as her beautiful Amigurami art!). I really like that each of Twinkie's Amigurami projects can be worked up generally within an hour. The other think I love about her classes is not only does she teach you how to create Amigurami, she also thoroughly goes through and teaches you basic crochet techniques such as:

Creating a magic circleIncreasingDecreasingChanging colorsSingle crochetDouble crochetSlip stitchSewing on detailsTriple crochetTips for making your crochet semi-circles extra roundShort and tall stitchesHalf-triple crochet stitchShell stitchSpike stitch

You can do so much with just these basic crochet techniques alone!

Here's a full list of all theFruit & Veggie Crochet-Along online classes from Twinkie Chanon Creativebug that I took:

Part 1: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Strawberries and Blueberries 

Whip up these adorable berries designed by crochet food fanatic Twinkie Chan. Using only small amounts of yarn, this is a quick-to-stitch project that begs to be made in multiples.

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 2: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Potato

You’ve never seen a cuter potato than one designed by Twinkie Chan. Using a basic cylindrical pattern, Twinkie first talks you through the crochet construction, then demonstrates how embroidery can be used to turn a tube into a tuber.

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 3: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Radish

Spice up your stuffed salad with Twinkie Chan’s darling little radishes. This skill-building project incorporates multiple colors and stitch patterns in a manageable, methodical way.

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 4: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Apple

Tart and sweet, Twinkie Chan’s crocheted apple uses minimal shaping for maximum effect. A tiny stem and leaf add fresh-picked details. You know what they say about an apple a day, so don’t hedge your bets – make one now!

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 5: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Eggplant

A green stem and leaves makes the purple pop on this mid-sized veggie. Whether you call it “eggplant” or “aubergine,” this firm-fleshed nightshade is an unexpectedly adorable addition to your family of crocheted produce.

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 6: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Watermelon

Stitch yourself a slice of summer with this tricolor chunk of watermelon. Once the crochet portion is complete, seeds are sewn on  using an embroidery needle – an unexpected-yet-essential detail.

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 7: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Broccoli

Broccoli is the undeniable king of the cruciferous – a nutrition packed (or in this case, poly-filled) veggie. Worked with two shades of green using elementary crochet stitches, these bite-sized florets can be stitched up quickly.

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 8: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Tomato

A bit of red yarn, a scrap of green, and some stuffing are all you need to make nature’s favorite fruit-disguised-as-a-vegetable. Sew long stitches after shaping to create a vintage effect, reminiscent of Grandma’s pincushion.

WATCH PREVIEW

Part 9: Eat Your Fruits & Veggies Crochet-Along: Crocheted Pineapple

Long considered a symbol of welcome and comfort, this crocheted pineapple is perfect for the ambitious beginner. The body is worked using two colors of yarn, leaves are stitched in two sizes, then Twinkie walks you through artful assembly and the importance of sturdy stitching.

WATCH PREVIEW

Other Classes Creativebug Offers:

KnittingCrochetArt & DesignPaperSewingQuiltingJewelryKidsFood & HomeHoliday & Party

*Video's are high-quality and they are broken down into chapters to make navigation easy.

My recommendations to get the most out of Creativebug and get started on your way to creating your own adorable Amigurami art:

Try out some of Creativebug'sFREE online classesto get a feel.

Take advantage and get a30-day free trial to Creativebug & also save 30 percent at Jo-Ann Fabrics.

Have you ever tried Amigurami? If so, what creations have you made? If you haven't but really want to, what's been holding you back? If you try Creativebug's FREE TRIAL, I would absolutely love if you would come back here and let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. I always love hearing from your!

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