Swatchies

Submitted by Crochet Me Admin on 13 March 2006 - 11:13am. Categorized As:

Author

by Marta Orlowska

Swatchies

Introduction

Swatchie

I like to recycle everything I can, so I’ve been collecting all my swatches, convinced that I would find a use for them. Just as I was reaching my storage limit, I thought up a way to use them all: Swatchies are little creatures made out of swatches, using leftover craft materials and a little imagination.

Materials List

  • Swatchie, 2Two swatches of similar size
  • A handful of Polyfill
  • A tapestry needle
  • Crochet hook of choice
  • Scraps of yarn and felt
  • Any other crafty materials you have left over from other projects (ribbons, buttons, beads, Fun Fur, etc.)

Finished Size

Gauge

Notes

There is no set pattern for making a Swatchie; everyone's will be different. Following is the way to make the body of a Swatchie and ideas on how to fancy it up. Be creative, and most importantly, recycle, reuse, and re-purpose!

The Pattern

Swatchie Body

Step 1. With right sides together, sew the two swatches together along three sides using the tapestry needle and some yarn.

Step 2. Flip the Swatchie body inside out. Stuff with Polyfill and sew up the bottom.

stuffing

Ideas to Accessorize

  • Hook into the sides of the body and make limbs by adding chains from  scraps of yarn
  • Sew or glue felt eyes and spots
  • Make hair with Fun Fur
  • Embroider designs
  • Sew on buttons
  • Add googly eyes

What a brilliant idea!!!!!

Submitted by Patrice (not verified) on 15 March 2006 - 9:21am.

These are cute.

Submitted by Cora on 1 January 2008 - 6:17pm.

Brilliant. I hate throwing away perfectly good things like swatches. I will be wittling down several piles of I-know-I'll-use-it-somedays. Thanks. Oh, and your two samples are charming.

Submitted by JoAnn (not verified) on 15 March 2006 - 7:11pm.

I must be weird. I'm the only person I know who doesn't finish off my swatches, and frogs them, instead. I just leave the yarn attached, then measure. Which I don't understand. Unless the yarn is ra-heely delicate, or wool you've fulled/felted, why not? I'm afraid I might be missing something. *feels dumb*

Well, they're really cute for anybody who does keep their swatches. Clever!

Submitted by Maryann (not verified) on 17 March 2006 - 4:08am.

Me too! I always frog my swatches and use them for my project...

Submitted by Joie (not verified) on 29 March 2006 - 3:01pm.

The more I think about the Swatchie Thing, the more I can't think about anything else...I have become swatchified. Marta, I salute you, you and your adorable swatchies!

Submitted by Melissa (not verified) on 17 March 2006 - 6:45am.

I have been putting my swatches together for afghans(it takes forever to get one done) But this is a better idea. I have 8 neices and nephews to make stuff for them to play with and for gifts
This gave me and idea for making a toss game for the kids.
Yours are great and now I have a way to use some of those single buttons that are laying around.
Thanks for the great ideas

Submitted by debi (not verified) on 19 March 2006 - 1:42pm.

Allo! I am very glad that you like the swatchies. Please, do e-mail me your swatchie creations! I would really like to see what you come up with.

Submitted by marta (not verified) on 19 March 2006 - 5:10pm.

This is just wonderful, I love the creativity. thank you for sharing

Submitted by Robin (not verified) on 2 April 2006 - 10:42pm.

I love these swatchies. The first one looks like a blue "Sponge Bob" with no pants. LOL
Janice B.

Submitted by Janice B (not verified) on 3 April 2006 - 9:29am.

I see these and I think...cat toys! What a fantastically creative thing...I'm actually going to make swatches now to use...is that sad?

Submitted by Sue (not verified) on 12 April 2006 - 1:51pm.

Sue, Thank you for stating what I didn't have the guts to admit...

Submitted by Melissa (not verified) on 13 April 2006 - 11:08pm.

I just made my first swatchie tonight for a coworker whose under stress. Thanks for such a great idea-- a little happy for her office! I'm sure this one won't be my last. :)

Submitted by Melissa R. (not verified) on 19 April 2006 - 9:00pm.

Super cool idea! You could also fill them with large plastic beads and make stress swatchies, could make nice stocking stuffers for Christmas.

Submitted by Erin (not verified) on 10 May 2006 - 2:44pm.

ooh yey,i am into that!!!!

Submitted by amanda (not verified) on 8 June 2006 - 5:53pm.

So freakin' cute! What a wonderful little fun thing!

I am having a debate about whether or not to let the cats play with the swatchies I am going to make.

I might decorate the house with these and hang one on my knitting bag, and my keychain, and my computer bag, and everything.

Submitted by Shelley (not verified) on 19 June 2006 - 6:46pm.

These would make great pediatric ward donations, if a person were careful not to include beads and buttons for the youngest patience. I imagine even hospitalized teens would love one as a good luck critter.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on 27 July 2006 - 9:54pm.

This is a great idea. I too save my swatches but did not know what to do with them. Now I know, make swatchies for my five kids. Thanks for the wonderful idea!

Submitted by heather (not verified) on 13 September 2006 - 10:42pm.

i think that you are trying your best and as you keep on doing it you come more better and confedent trust me your good

Submitted by roxanne (not verified) on 25 September 2006 - 3:02am.

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