Hello Yarnies!

Shelby here! It's been a little while since we've posted on the blog, and I thought it was about time to break the silence!

Just like many of you, I've been spending a LOT of time at home, watching a LOT of Netflix, and doing a LOT of crochet! It's hard to believe a month ago I was in Asia bathing with elephants...

While I was away, we got a very exciting delivery from the lovely people at Yarn and Colors. We introduced you to them with their signature range 'Must Have'. It's all in the name! A gorgeous fingering weight, mercerised cotton that comes in 101 colours? I'm sold! 

The next range to arrive at HQ is rather (dare I say it) Charming. Y&C Charming is a fingering weight cotton/ acrylic that comes in 50 of their signature colours. It's an incredibly versatile yarn - perfect for both knitting and crochet. But its 'brushed' and fluffy look makes this yarn a dream come true for amigurumi creators! 

 After my 2 week holiday turned into 4, I made it back to the office *cough* storage unit, and FINALLY got my hands on this new yarn. I just had to have a play! So off I went down the Instagram rabbit hole in search of the perfect pattern... (yep it happens to all of us!) 

I came across the designer Khuc Cay (@lespetitesmainsdekhuccay on the gram), and I remembered silly me already owned her stunning book 'Sweet Crochet Friends'! Sweet Crochet Friends features 16 beautiful crochet patterns - including the sweet little Titou the Tiger! Perfect, now I needed to select my colours. 

I went with 002 Cream, 026 Satay (a beautiful rusty orange), 027 Brunette and 071 Riverside for his little jumper. 

Working with this yarn was an absolute dream! The stitch definition is glorious, and I love the aged, vintage look that you get. It's also super soft, so I didn't get all finger cramps that I usually get when working with 100% cotton! 

I couldn't recommend this yarn enough! To make it easier for you, I have put together some yarn bundles inspired by different animals. They are available here. The bundles include 4 balls of Y&C Charming plus a set of 8mm Safety Eyes*Please note that at the time of posting, some colours are currently sold out - but we are expecting more very soon!*

These bundles would go perfectly with many of the Sweet Crochet Friends Patterns, but as we are currently waiting on some more stock of this book, I thought I'd showcase some other crochet patterns + designers to cure your iso boredom. For those who's chosen craft is knitting - stay tuned, I have a similar post coming dedicated to knitted toys!

First up, we have our very own Design Team Member and blogger extraordinaire, Reneé Ettia of @shinygurumi. 

Her Rescue Joey pattern was originally made with Scheepjes Stonewashed, so Charming is a great alternative yarn. ($2 from each pattern sale also goes towards WIRES, so bonus points for charity!)

Another of Reneé's patterns that I think would be lovely in this yarn, is Hank and Sherry the Merpeople!

I can totally see Sherry done up in the 'Goldilocks' Bundle (043 Pearl for her skin, 015 Mustard for her flowing locks, and 35 Girly Pink + 38 Peony Pink for her cute little cheeks, tail, and bikini!)

Next, there is Jhak, from Sundot Attack (@sundotattack). She is an Amigurumi designer from Melbourne, and her designs are the definition of kawaii! (For those that don't know kawaii means cute or adorable in Japanese!)

Don't you think Precious Bunny would look so kawaii in Charming?? 

I also think Rudy Red Panda and Flynn the Friendly Fox would look great in the same colours I used for Rory!

And finally, introducing Amanda from Belle & Grace Handmade Crochet (@belleandgrace_hmc). Amanda is from Gippsland, Victoria and is currently taking part in the Amigurumi World Tour. It's kinda taken over my Instagram feed but I totally don't mind!

Amanda's style is super cute, her patterns are a little bit more 'realistic', with many different Aussie animals being quite a feature! 

Lou Lou Kookaburra is just gorgeous! I've always loved hearing the kookaburras cackling, so I think I'll be making this little one myself!

Of course, you don't just have to make land animals! Our aquatic friends look great in Charming too! This is Finley Fish who I think would look gorgeous in the Splashing Dolphin bundle (061 Denim, 062 Larimar & 097 Shadow), but you could also add some shades of green/teal!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog, and thank you for supporting the Australian crafting community through these tough times! I hope you've found some inspiration today, and I look forward to seeing all your makes. 
If you're using our yarn, you can post photos directly to our Facebook group, or use the hashtag #YarnishMakes on Instagram. We always love seeing your creations! 

Stay safe everyone and happy crafting!

- Shelby @ Yarnish xxx

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