Crocheting Baby Goblin: Allison Hoffman's Whimsical Creation

Allison Hoffman is a crochet artist and designer who creates amigurumi—small, crocheted, and stuffed dolls and toys. She is the author of several books, including 'AmiguruME: Make Cute Crochet People', and has designed patterns for various yarn companies. Hoffman's work has been featured on TV shows such as Conan and The Martha Stewart Show, and she has gained recognition for her crocheted pop culture characters, including Conan O'Brien and Pee-wee Herman. One of her most popular creations is the Baby Yoda (or Baby Goblin) amigurumi, inspired by the character from the show 'The Mandalorian'. Hoffman also sells patterns of her creations online, allowing people to make their own crocheted dolls.

Allison Hoffman's crochet creations

Allison Hoffman is a crochet artist and designer who creates "amigurumi" – adorable, tiny, crocheted and stuffed dolls. She is completely self-taught, having started back in 2007 by watching YouTube tutorials. A year later, she was already publishing patterns, and crocheting eventually became her full-time job.

Hoffman is particularly known for her pop culture-inspired creations, from celebrities like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles to characters from TV shows such as 'The Mandalorian' and 'Doctor Who'. She has also authored several books, including 'AmiguruME: Make Cute Crochet People', 'AmiguruME Pets: Make Cute Crochet Animals', and 'AmiguruME Eats: Make Cute Crochet Food'.

Hoffman's work has been featured on TV shows like 'Conan' and 'Martha Stewart', and she has even appeared on 'The Martha Stewart Show' and 'BBC Radio'. Her passion lies in pop culture with a nostalgic twist, and she loves creating designs that evoke childhood nostalgia.

Hoffman's creations are sold through her online shop and Ravelry store, where she also offers free patterns and tutorials for beginners. Her patterns are detailed and easy to follow, with simple stitches and easy-to-find supplies. She provides clear, well-written instructions with many variations, allowing makers to customize their creations.

In addition to selling finished products and patterns, Hoffman also designs for several yarn companies and has had her work exhibited in art galleries across the US. She regularly shares her expertise through classes in Austin, Texas, where she is based.

Crocheting as a full-time job

Allison Hoffman is a crochet designer who has written several books, including 'AmiguruMe', 'AmiguruMe Pets', 'AmiguruMe Eats', 'Golden Girls Crochet', 'Friends Crochet', and 'The Office Crochet'. She also designs crochet patterns for cute items, mainly amigurumi. Hoffman is influenced by her childhood and pop culture, and her designs often evoke nostalgia.

Turning a passion for crochet into a full-time job is a dream for many. Here are some ways to make that dream a reality:

Selling Crochet Items

For those who love crocheting and are often asked to sell their work, this can be a rewarding career option. Building a consistent resume, respecting your schedule, and charging a fair wage are key tips for success in this field. It's important to find your niche and document your projects to track your progress. Remember, your time and skill are valuable, so price your work accordingly.

Giving Crochet Lessons

If you have patience, enjoy working one-on-one, and want to pass on your crochet knowledge, consider becoming a crochet instructor. This career path requires clear articulation and effective teaching skills. Remember that group lessons may not be suitable for beginners, so it's best to start with private or small-group instruction. As a teacher, it's your job to ensure your students can progress from beginner to intermediate levels with ease, so a well-structured lesson plan is essential.

Writing Crochet Patterns

With the rise of online platforms and self-publishing, it has never been easier to publish crochet patterns. This career path is ideal for those who like to create their own patterns and designs. However, it's important to be aware of universal standards, guidelines, and issues like plagiarism and copyright. Before publishing, patterns must be thoroughly edited and tested to ensure a positive experience for your readers.

Other Crochet Career Options

In addition to the above, there are other ways to make a living from crochet:

• Freelance Writing: Websites and companies often seek writers with knowledge of crochet to create step-by-step tutorials and take photographs of their work.
• Teaching at a School: Some educational institutions offer crochet courses and are always looking for instructors.
• Retail Sales: Yarn stores and craft shops may be looking for associates who can assist customers with yarn selections and offer advice on crochet projects.
• Hair Braiding and Weaving: Salons that specialize in hair braiding and weaving often seek stylists with crochet skills to offer their clients a range of services.
• Pattern Making: In industries like fashion and textiles, pattern makers are in demand, and crochet skills can be easily transferred to create patterns for clothing or other products.

So, if you're passionate about crochet and willing to put in the work, there are indeed ways to turn it into a full-time job!

Allison Hoffman's books

Allison Hoffman is the author of several books on crocheting, with a focus on creating amigurumi—a type of Japanese doll. Her books provide comprehensive guides and patterns for crafting and customising these dolls, from depicting faces to getting the clothing, hair, and accessories just right. Here is a list of her books:

• AmiguruME: Make Cute Crochet People: This book teaches readers how to create miniature versions of themselves, their friends, or even celebrities in the form of amigurumi dolls. It covers everything from designing faces to customising clothing, hair, and accessories.
• AmiguruME Pets: Make Cute Crochet Animals: A book dedicated to creating adorable crocheted pets, likely in the amigurumi style.
• AmiguruMe Eats: Make Cute Scented Crochet Foods: This book takes a creative approach to crocheting by including instructions for making scented crochet foods.
• Crochet The Golden Girls: This book includes patterns and materials to make crocheted creations inspired by the popular TV show "The Golden Girls."
• Friends Crochet: A book with patterns inspired by the iconic TV show "Friends."
• The Office Crochet: Patterns and instructions for creating crocheted items inspired by the hit TV show "The Office."
• The Oxford Handbook of U.S. Health Law: A seemingly unrelated title to her other works, this book covers the topic of health law in the United States.

In addition to her books, Hoffman has also designed various crochet patterns, including characters from popular culture such as Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and Bernie Sanders. Her work has been featured on shows like Conan, Martha Stewart, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and in publications such as Crochet Today and Interweave Crochet.

Allison Hoffman's crochet patterns

Allison Hoffman is a crochet designer who has written several books on the craft, including AmiguruME, AmiguruMe Pets, AmiguruMe Eats, Golden Girls Crochet, Friends Crochet, and The Office Crochet. She has also created numerous crochet patterns, which are available on her website, craftyiscool.com, and on Ravelry and Etsy.

Hoffman's patterns are heavily influenced by her childhood and pop culture, with a focus on creating "cute stuff", mainly in the form of amigurumi. She has designed patterns for human figures, including celebrities and lookalikes, as well as animals.

Some of her patterns include:

• A stylized book nook with a slanted roof, floor-to-ceiling windows, and mod gold details.
• An emotional support otter, a snuggly baby otter made with soft Madtosh Tosh Vintage yarn and weighted to be warm and cuddly.
• A family portrait ornament, which includes instructions for making a heart base, a person's head, and how to embellish and stitch a name.
• A set of woodwind instruments, including a saxophone, clarinet, flute, and bassoon.
• A basketball player amigurumi, with instructions for making a tall athletic body type in basketball attire and a basketball.
• A baby elephant amigurumi, a life-size pattern using simple techniques and easy-to-find supplies.
• A Post Malone amigurumi, complete with yellow crocs and face tattoos.
• A classic Pennywise amigurumi, a super creepy clown doll with almost 60 detailed step-by-step photos.
• A Mr. Rogers amigurumi, which also includes instructions for making finger puppets of Daniel Tiger and King Friday.
• A set of four Wild Things amigurumi, inspired by Where the Wild Things Are.
• A set of four nesting penguin friends amigurumi, which snap together with little snaps on their wings.

Hoffman's patterns range from free to paid and are suitable for both beginners and advanced crocheters.

Allison Hoffman's crochet tutorials

Allison Hoffman is a crochet designer and author, who has written several books on the topic, including AmiguruME, AmiguruMe Pets, AmiguruMe Eats, Golden Girls Crochet, Friends Crochet, and The Office Crochet. Her designs are inspired by her childhood and pop culture, and she is known for her amigurumi patterns. Hoffman has designed various crochet patterns, which are available on her website, craftyiscool.com, and other platforms like Etsy and Ravelry.

Hoffman's crochet tutorials are detailed and instructive, providing users with the necessary steps to create a variety of amigurumi characters. Her tutorials cover a range of topics, from basic doll patterns to more complex designs, such as celebrities and characters from popular culture. She provides instructions on customising dolls to resemble specific people, with options for different head shapes, torsos, hair styles, and accessories.

Hoffman's tutorials are often accompanied by clear, well-written instructions and offer numerous variations and customisation options. She also provides recommendations for tools, yarn colours, and other materials. While some of her tutorials include process images, others feature only the completed projects. Hoffman's work has received positive reviews, with customers praising the ease of following her instructions and the creativity of her designs.

• Introduction: Hoffman usually begins by introducing the character or theme of the tutorial, such as a celebrity or a character from a TV show.
• Materials and Tools: She provides a list of the necessary materials, including specific yarn colours and types, as well as any tools or accessories needed.
• Basic Doll Pattern: Hoffman often starts with a basic doll pattern, which serves as a foundation for customisation. This includes instructions on creating the head, body, and limbs.
• Customisation Options: She then offers a range of options for customising the doll, such as different hairstyles, clothing, and accessories.
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Hoffman provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the doll, including any unique features or details specific to the character.
• Tips and Tricks: Throughout the tutorial, she may include tips and tricks to make the process easier or to achieve a more realistic result.
• Finishing Touches: Finally, she may provide suggestions for adding finishing touches, such as embroidery or additional accessories.
• Troubleshooting: In some cases, Hoffman may include troubleshooting tips to address common issues or challenges that users might encounter.
• Additional Resources: Hoffman often directs users to her website or other platforms for additional resources, such as video tutorials or downloadable patterns.

Frequently asked questions