Grumpy

To justify knitting small toys (or amigurumi) is easier than sweaters, scarves, blankets, etc.  It would cost about $50 of cheap yarn ($100 if I got the nice stuff) to make a sweater or blanket, and with winter is coming to an end, it seems like the toys are a better choice to make.  Plus, how many blankets does one really need?

So I went searching for some new projects involving amigurumi.  When I came across a pattern for a "Grumpasaurus", I couldn't resist.  Lucky for me I had some left over yarn from Emily's scarf that it was perfect for such a creature. 

First thing was first: acquire double point needles.  Second step: learn how to use DPN's.  Not as challenging as I thought, though I had to be very conscious of when I started the round, and when I finished it.  Maybe one of these days I'll invest in some stitch markers.

After not being very successful at embroidering facial features onto my stuffed toys, I decided to cheat and bought some beads from JoAnn's.  I'm very glad I did that, though the rest of the embroidered face doesn't impress me a lot.

The other new thing I did for this project was the picot stitch for the "comb".  I'm pretty happy with the results, and this guy currently sits on top of the TV in the bedroom.  I might move him to my office eventually.