• 5 Amigurumi Artists and Their Inspiring Characters

    5 Amigurumi Artists and Their Inspiring Characters

    Crocheter and character designer Príncipe del Crochet shares the artists who inspire him Marcelo Javier Cortés, best known on social media as Príncipe del Crochet (@principe_del_crochet), is a Chilean crocheter and character designer who shares his creative process crocheting characters on Instagram, YouTube, and his personal blog. His amigurumis, as these creations are called in Japan, reflect the large number of creative possibilities given by this crocheting technique. According to tradition, every amigurumi character has its own personality, and it is up to the artist to embody this aspect through their crocheting. Read on as Príncipe del Crochet introduces us to five artists who create characters with personalities and are a source of inspiration. Lalylala Germany Lydia Tresselt is a crochet artist, illustrator, and collector of inspiring material living and working in Leipzig, Germany. Lydia loves the smell of summer thunderstorms, snail shells, popping bubble wrap, chocolate vanilla ice cream, and walking barefoot on the lawn. And she also likes to create characters that accompany her on her adventures. She is Javier’s primary amigurumi model, and he’s the proud owner of a book signed by her.

  • 4 Inspiring Books for Starting Out in Weaving

    4 Inspiring Books for Starting Out in Weaving

    Learn about this mindful craft, be inspired by popular hand weaving books and get your own projects going Hand weaving is a meditative art that allows you to unwind while creating something beautiful. Fiber artist Lucy Rowan (@peasandneedles) incorporates her love of playful colors and texture in her work as a specialist hand-weaver and punch needle embroiderer. After buying a lap loom off the internet and learning from books borrowed from the library, she began almost by chance and has so far been featured in magazines, opened an online shop, and even written two books about her craft.

  • What Is Intarsia Crochet, and What Do You Need to Get Started?

    What Is Intarsia Crochet, and What Do You Need to Get Started?

    Learn about the origin of the intarsia technique, how it differs from tapestry and how to crochet patterns The intarsia technique is not widely known but worth exploring as you can use it to achieve some beautiful effects with yarn. This crocheting technique allows you to create designs by adding separate yarns when you want to change color in a section of your work. This feature separates it from traditional tapestry, where the different color yarns are inserted into the crocheted piece.

  • Essential Crochet Materials

    Essential Crochet Materials

    Interested in learning this technique? Here's everything you will need to get started Crochet has made a strong comeback over recent years. Not only has this technique been revived, but new exponents have given it a modern twist. Alicia Recio Rodríguez (@alimaravillas) is part of a group of creators who have managed to put their stamp on their work which they share on social media. There, her work has attracted lots of people who are eager to learn her techniques. If you are also keen to make something with your own hands and develop your unique style, Alicia lists the basic materials that you will need to start crocheting:

  • How Did Yarn Bombing Reach Your City?

    How Did Yarn Bombing Reach Your City?

    Discover the feminist roots of this unique street art using yarn and wool Whatever city you live in, you may have come across a tree decorated with wool or a lamp post covered in crocheted flowers. This practice is known as yarn bombing, and it’s everywhere. Yarn bombing is the decoration of public features with handmade fabrics. These colorful creations convey messages about care, respect, and the appreciation of public space. This street artform’s origins date back to the mid-19th century, the industrial revolution, and feminist resistance. Want to know more about knitted urban creations? Discover the roots of yarn bombing below!

  • Be Inspired to Create Amigurumi Characters with the Prince of Crochet

    Be Inspired to Create Amigurumi Characters with the Prince of Crochet

    Crochet artist and character designer Marcelo Javier Cortés, a.k.a. Príncipe del Crochet, shares his favorite projects Crocheting is a hand knitting technique that is gaining interest among contemporary creatives. Starting in the craft of crochet is easy, and there are lots of possibilities. One of the most attractive projects you can do using a crochet hook is ‘amigurumi.’ You can create cute, three-dimensional characters by crocheting them as if you were sculpting with yarn.

  • 6 Crochet Online Courses to Explore the Technique Possibilities

    6 Crochet Online Courses to Explore the Technique Possibilities

    Create amazing garments, decorations, toys, and functional objects with your own hands Some people think crocheting is an activity just for older people, but the reality is that contemporary artists from all over the world are reinventing and rediscovering it every day. Crochet is very easy to learn, and it’s also a relaxing artisanal technique for those who love anything fabric and textiles related. These 6 experts share with you the secrets behind their modern creations, so you too can become an experienced crocheter and create your own toys, objects, garments, or decorations.