A Crochet Toy Chest

Translating Patterns

I have had a few emails recently about translating patterns, so I thought I would share with you what I use. 

Google has a language tool that allows you to copy and paste the link you want translated and the language you want it translated from and to. 

I have found this works on most of the patterns. Sometimes it doesn't and then I just try and figure it out the best I can. 

If anyone has any other sites that translate patterns please email me and I will add it to the site.

Thanks!

I'm back with new patterns!

It seems like forever since I did my last update, but I am now back and ready to add new patterns.

I have added a few patterns that were emailed to me, but I have a feeling I have plenty more to go. It might take me a few days to go through all of the sites, so please check back throughout the week to view all of the great, new patterns!

New patterns coming in April

I will be taking a breather for a few weeks to finish my final proofreading class. I should be back and ready to post new patterns the first of April. Until then, if you see any great new patterns that should be included please email me. I'll be sure to add them when I get back to reality. :)

Suncatcher Eyes

I just added a new section, "Online Stores" and in it is a link to a wonderful new store, Suncatcher Eyes.

Suncatcher Eyes sells "hand-painted acrylic eyes for bears, soft toys, and amigurumi." Each eye is hand-painted by Michelle who began painting her own eyes after struggling to find the perfect eye colors and sizes.

She offers dozens of colors, sizes, and styles including: 6mm - 20mm, basic colors, metallic colors, stripes, pinwheels, sleepy eyes, and cat eyes all perfect for the toy patterns found here.

You will also find free patterns (I have added all of the links to the free patterns in their specific categories) as well as amigurumi noses and patterns for sale. My favorites are the Ogilvy Dolls!

So, go check it out. After you do, why not let Michelle know you read about her on this site :)

Happy New Year

Well as you can see the site has remained the same. The consensus from everyone was to leave it alone, so that is exactly what I did. I do want to point out a few minor changes that I did make.

The first change was to add a few more links under the "Helpful Hints" section. All of these items used to be lumped together under one link, but now each item is broken down separately. So, if you want to find Japanese pattern help you just need to click on that link instead of having to search for it.

I have started to mark the patterns that are in a foreign language by including the language in parenthesis next to the link. I am slowly making my way back through all of the categories to label those as well, but if you come across one please shoot me an email. It might take me awhile to get through all of them!

I am also going to try to find some sort of foreign language pattern help for every language that appears here. I am not sure if this exists, but we'll see. If you know of anything like this please let me know.

There are three new categories as well: hearts, doll clothes, and jewelry. If there are any other categories you would like to see just email me. I have tried, for the most part, to keep everything doll/toy oriented, but if there is something else you would like I can definitely add it.

Here is to a happy, healthy, and super crocheting 2008!

A Few Updates

A few new updates. . .

I just finished adding a whole bunch of new patterns, plus a new Easter category. I am also working on two new categories: hearts, and doll clothes. They should both be done by the new year.

With Christmas coming up next week, I will not be adding any more new patterns until after Christmas. Hopefully when I get back online there we be a ton of new patterns to add :)

Also, please keep the comments coming about the site. I have gotten several comments & emails with some great suggestions. I will be implementing some of them soon.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

How do you like the blog?

I have been contemplating changing the blog around a little and am interested in your thoughts and comments. Here are a few questions for you:

1. Do you like the color? Is it too light? Too hard to read? (This is a Typepad design, so I can't change anything with this one. I would have to make my own design.)
2. Do you like the layout with only one column? Would you like to see a column on each side?
3. Are the patterns easy to find?
4. Are there any categories or features you would like to see added?
5. Any other comments?

If you can take just a moment and leave me a comment or an email I would appreciate it. I'd like this site to be easy and fun for everyone to enjoy.

Thanks!

New Widget

You probably noticed the new widget I added to the left side of the blog. It is for the website Free Patterns which posts a new free crochet pattern every day.

Many of the patterns are for toys and dolls, but some are for clothes or home decor items. You might want to take a peek around the site for the previous week's patterns and for knitting, cross-stitch, and quilting patterns. Remember though, the patterns do not stay on the site forever, which is why I haven't added their links. I thought this way would be better.

You do have to sign up to gain access to the patterns, but it is free and I think only requires an email address.

Also, I added a few new patterns last week including one for the Teenage Mutant Turtles under Retro Patterns. This one is on my to do list!

Have fun looking around!

Flickr group featured on Craftzine!

Hey guys! Craftzine has featured our new Flickr group on their blog. Check it out and then swing by Flickr to sign up! I see a few of you on there already and Planet June's new adorable pics.

I am finishing up my Christmas presents now, but when those are done I hope to start on some toys. I can't wait to see everyone's finished projects.

New Flickr Group

There are so many patterns I want to try, but I just don't have the time. I would love to see how they look finished though.

So, I have decided to set up a Flickr group. It is open to everyone, but is designed for those who want to submit pictures of their WIPs or finished dolls or toys from patterns found on this site. The group is called A Crochet Toy Chest and you can find it here.

I have started by including some of my pictures. I have also included a link to the free pattern or sale pattern with the picture (we want the designers to get the credit for their cute patterns).

If you have any questions or problems with signing up, shoot me an email. I'm fairly new to Flickr, so I'll try to help as best as I can. And of course, if you know of any patterns that you think should be included on the site please email me. I'll put them on as soon as I can.

Thanks everyone! I can't wait to see your pictures!!!