This little hot dog octopus (or tako wiener) crochet pattern is now available in my Etsy shop! They are really cute and little and stand about 2.25 inches tall.

I do plan to release collections of Bento Buddies patterns for people who want to buy them more in bulk, but I’m still undecided as to whether I will release one big “booklet” of EVERYTHING, or split them up into maybe 2 or 3 groups, like “meat/proteins,” “fruits/veggies” or “rice ball extravaganza.” I’m not sure yet : X. Cuz, like, if you put hamburgers in the “meat/proteins,” then do you put the french fries in the “fruits/veggies”? I think people would be mad about splitting them up like that!

If you have any feedback or wants/wishes, I am so open to hearing them!

Thank you, Inside Crochet, for the news mention in Issue 87! You can find the free crochet pattern for the English cottage paper towel box cozy right here on my blog 🙂

I’m excited to announce that I wrote two new crochet patterns to be taught in Michaels Stores! The Craft Yarn Council asked if I could create some beginner amigurumi projects for their CYC Discover program, and we decided on a little teddy bear and a little potted cactus. If you search your local Michaels Store and neither of these classes is listed, please call or visit your store to put in a request! These patterns are available only in these classes, and I cannot release them anywhere else.

If you get a chance to take one of these classes, I hope you have a super fun time and learn some new crochet skills! Hopefully, I’ll be able to see some of the projects you’ve created!

Heads up to my L.A. readers! There will be a super cute and super pink art show at QPop opening next weekend on Saturday, February 18th, 7pm-8pm, curated by Messy Pink. I’ll have two pieces in it, and they are more bento boxes cuz I’m still all up in that crochet bento zone. I wanted to stay in the realm of the “pink” theme… although my pieces are definitely in the “savory” category. They have sweet personalities!

There’s a Valentine Onigiri Bento Box

and a Spam Musubunny Bento Box.

They will be available for sale at the show as well as online when the show goes up! I hope you can check it out if you’re local, cuz it’s gonna be a lot of fun!

Gang!

Today is the last day to register for Craftcation 2017 with regular pricing before the price goes up. Craftcation is four days of creative business classes and hands-on craft + food workshops on April 27-30, 2017 at the Ventura Beach Marriott in Ventura, California.

I’ll be teaching two beginner crochet classes, and I’ll also be sitting on two panels. You can see my class/panel schedule here: Twinkie’s Craftcation Schedule. And you can check out the main page for Craftcation to learn more about the rest of the conference.

On Friday, I’ll be on one panel about licensing your work and another about writing and publishing a craft book.

On Saturday, I’ll be teaching Beginning Crochet. I’ll show you the basics and everything you need to get started, plus we’ll learn how to get the yarn on your hook, chain, single crochet, and weave in ends.

On Sunday, I’ll be teaching you how to make Daisy Chain Crowns! They are super easy and beginner-friendly, and all you need to learn is how to make a chain with crochet!

I can’t wait to hang out with you guys! I think I get to take some classes, too.

If you’ve been thinking about attending, grab a spot really soon before they run out!