Crochet Brains: Easier Than You Think!

Who doesn't love a good brain? We all have 'em, some get used more than others, some are more appreciated, others overlooked, and if zombies dream of anything I expect brains would be on the list. I was playing around with some ideas as I get ready for Fan Expo and wanted to try my hand at crocheting some brains of my own. I love the result! And it's not that hard either. In fact, I'll tell you just how not-hard it is :)

Ever heard of "hyperbolic crochet"? It's pretty awesome and exquisitely nerdy- some universities have adopted the practice of teaching crochet for certain math / physics courses so that students can create models that are impossible to visualize on 2-dimensional diagrams. Hyperbolic crochet occurs when the number of stitches per row expands exponentially, the same way that a plane does for the mapping of a hyperbolic function. It's easier to create than it is to understand ;)

So here's what you do!
Grab a G size hook (4mm or 4.25mm), a darning needle, and some size 4 yarn in pink, or green, or flesh, or grey...or any other colour :)

1. Decide approximately how long and large you want your brain to be and crochet a chain of corresponding length (your brain will come out a little longer than this chain). For a brain that will fit in the palm of your hand, a range of 6-9 chains is adequate. The longer the chain, the bigger the brain.

2. Start crocheting hyperbolically! That means that you choose an expansion factor for each row and watch your original chain morph into awesomesauce. I chose a factor of 3 for my first 2 rows and then a factor of 2 for my third (last) row.
Example: Row 1- (3sc) in each ch, at end of row ch 1 and turn. Row 2- (3sc) in each sc, at end of row ch 1 and turn. Row 3- (2sc) in each sc, at end of row cut yarn leaving a long tail (like an arms length), tie off. Thread your darning needle onto the long tail.

3. It won't look quite like a brain when you finish crocheting, but if you look at the outer shape, it should be the size you were aiming for. If not, you may want to add another row, or try another attempt with different factors for your rows. Now you have to get playful and rearrange where all of the folds go. Just keep playing until it starts to resemble a brain. Once it does, hold the folds gently in place and start working the darning needle through in a haphazard kind of fashion to secure the brain layout you've just created.

4. I used the tail ends to create a brain stem with some friendship-bracelet-style knotting, but it will look like a brain without it.

And there you have it! BRAINS! Would make a funny cat toy ;) If you whip one up I'd love to hear about it in the comments or to see a photo shared on the Nerdifacts facebook page, or Twitter (@Nerdifacts).

*Maria

Crochet Skittles Applique: My Birthday Gift to Myself!

Whenever my birthday rolls around, I craft a little something special for myself. This year, as my clock rolled past 31 years of delightful existence, I decided on a set of... are you ready for this? (And the pattern too?!)

*SKITTLES BROOCHES*

 I almost exploded with happiness at the mere thought of creating something so outrageously wonderful. I love candy and sweets and baked goods, and I thought that if I can find a way to wear it, or surround myself with inedible versions of my favourites, then it would be easier to enjoy them infrequently without going overboard.

Crochet Tutorial: No-Slip Magic Circle

 This tutorial is part of my pattern for an amazeballs Skittles applique, but this technique can be used anytime that you require a Magic Circle, OR when a pattern calls for chains connected into a circle that you then work the same way you would a Magic Circle:
-amigurumi creations    -bowls    -hats     -hackey sacks or juggling balls....
I found with most of my projects that standard Magic Circles (working in one loop) didn't hold my circle tightly enough and would often loosen as I progressed through my project, or even after I'd completed it and had no way of tightening it up again- sooo frustrating! And I loathe creating circles with chain circle foundations. Yuck. This method ensures that your Magic Circle will remain tight from start to finish and will eliminate loose circle problems. No one likes a loose circle ;)

 (1) Make 2 loops around your fingers instead of just one.