blogiversary + contest
Note: don’t forget to enter my contest at the end of this post!
Year in Review
Doesn’t time fly? I can’t believe I’ve been running this blog for 2 years! Looking back to last year’s blogiversary post, I see that I’ve added 19 more original designs to my crochet pattern store, plus I created 4 more free patterns.
This year’s tutorials included lots of Amigurumi Help, the Offset Square Wrist Pincushion and the amazingly popular Shrinkydinks Rings tutorial. If you’ve made anything from my tutorials, don’t forget to upload the pics to my new Flickr group, PlanetJune Tutorial Gallery – I’d love to see what you’ve made!
I tried some new crafts: felt toys, modular origami and needlefelting – all of which I hope to do more of in the future.
This year, PlanetJune also appeared in print for the first time:
- A pattern in the 2008 Crochet Pattern a Day calendar, and featured on the back cover of the box
- My Joining Amigurumi article in CROQ Zine
- A full page of photos of my designs in the design gallery section of Amigurumi Animals
- My ice cream bear pattern and a companion article I wrote in A Needle Pulling Thread magazine (Summer 2008 issue – should be out any day now, and I can’t wait to see it!)
And, on top of all that, we moved to a new city and bought our first house, which resulted in me driving back to my old job every day for 6 months (that’s almost 4 hours per day in the car) over a very long and snowy winter – I can’t remember how I even managed to get anything else done…
What’s Next?
It came as quite a shock to see how much crochet I’ve done this year, compared with other crafting. I suppose I’ve been concentrating so much on making patterns, everything else has come second. For the coming year, I’m hoping I’ll find more time to make more things, without neglecting my pattern designing either. It’s exhilarating to try new things, so I want to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
I also have some new and exciting things in development, but they aren’t quite ready to share just yet…
Roll on year 3! I can’t wait to see what comes next in the PlanetJune story…
Thank you!
Of course the best part of all this is still getting to ‘meet’ so many wonderful people! I was going to namecheck some of my bestest online friends, but I don’t want to leave anyone out, so… well, I’m talking about YOU. Thank you for reading this, thank you for your comments and e-mails, thank you for buying my patterns.
Contest Time!
Now your reward for reading this far: it’s contest time! I’m running 2 contests this time:
- Win any pattern (your choice) from the pattern store. FYI, each PocketAmi set counts as one pattern 🙂
- Win a finished PocketAmi Mouse (shipped to you, anywhere in the world). I have crocheted an adorable little grey mouse especially for this contest… This is a rare opportunity to get your hands on a PlanetJune original!
I have small hands – he is even smaller than he looks here!
To enter, leave me a comment on this post, including:
- Your choice of prize – type MOUSE or PATTERN
- Tell me something, e.g. your favourite thing I’ve made, a suggestion for a future design, something you’d like to see on PlanetJune. Anything goes – I just want to hear from you!
If you want to enter both contests, just leave me 2 comments!
On Friday 20th June at 5pm EST, I will draw one name from each set of MOUSE comments, and one from each set of PATTERN comments. (In the unlikely event that the same person ‘wins’ both, I will contact them to see which prize they would prefer, and then draw another name for the other contest winner). Good luck!
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Angela said
I can’t decide which of your animals are my favorite, it is either the ferret or the rat!! I would love to see a cat, maybe in a sitting position!
Angela said
I would want to win a pattern!
Pam Everhart said
I just love your little dogs, and made both sets for my 3 year old granddaughter who is absolutely nuts about dogs. Now she won’t leave the house without at least one of her puppies, and it takes her about half an hour to decide which one to take with her!
Love your patterns!
Pam
paula said
I have bought several patterns, and love the free acorn-my intro to amigurumi to go with a felted squirrel. Thanks for teaching me the Magic Ring! The mousie is so cute! I would love to win it!
Sonja said
Mouse
All of your patterns are so cute. I’m saving to buy some of your ami dogs and the little hamster. :0)
Sonja
Sonja said
Pattern
I bought the fuzzy bear pattern when you first had it available. My granddaughter loved it. It turned out sooooo cute!
Sonja
Renee said
Hi June!!
Thank you so much for your offering of a prize! I am thrilled for the opportunity. My wish would be to win a pattern. My favorite pattern is the
AmiDogs Dachshund – I have two “wienie” buddies (as we call them) that are sunshine in my life.
Cathy E. said
Dearest June,
I have enjoyed your blog. Congrats on the 2 years of hard work. Keep encouraging us newbies to amigurumi. I’m a fan, but don’t crochet – yet.
If I’m a winner I’d like the MOUSE for inspiration to begin crafting my own amigurumi.
Thanks,
Cathy
Sherri said
Hi June,
Your patterns are adorable.
I have purchased quite a few, but to WIN one of your patterns,
would be really ideal !!
I would have a hard time picking one, since they all are so cute and
cuddly.
The Jack Russell Terrier, is my favorite, since I have that breed of dog.
(she’s an old baby, now.. she’ll be 16 in Nov).
Congrats on your two year anniversary !!
Many more prosperous ones!!
Sherri
Jessica Manning said
HELLO AGAIN.
I would like to see a woodsy gnome or a forest Pixie pattern.
Also I would love to see a meerkat aka sticktail. I just love Animal Planet series called Meerkat Manor. I cried when the dominate female died.
Thanks again for your creativity.
PATTERN
Jessica Manning said
Hi June,
I really enjoy the ami items you have created for us. My granddaughter was thrilled with the ami Boston Terrier I made for her. She has since asked me to make 2 puppies to go with her Boston ami. I will need my glasses for this one!!!
Would like to thank you for using the “ami” word instead of amigurumi …..no one should have to spell that!
MOUSE
Melissa J said
Hi! Gratz on your blog’s anniversary…and you are SOOO talented. Your work is a real inspiration to me. I love your fuzzy critters the most, they almost look real! I hope to be as good as you are at crafting someday. 🙂 I’m working on it, hehe!
Here’s my choice: PATTERN
Have a great weekend!
Carol Hall said
How do you do it making so many wonderful patterns in such a short time. They are wonderful and so detailed but easy to follow and make up just like the pictures. Your tutorials are explained easily and I love the magic ring method. Keep up the good work!!!!! I would love the pattern (maybe the monkey).
Crafts By AP said
Congrats on your Blogivarsary! Hope you have a stellar 3rd year with more excellent patterns and creations. I love your dogs!! Best of luck in all of your endeavors… Armina
Christal said
I just love all your creations! You are a very talented designer!
Pattern!
Nicole said
PATTERN! I can never have too many of your cute patterns. 😉
As you know, I’d LOVE to see you make a sugar glider crochet pattern!!! 😀 If I had to choose a favorite from all your patterns I’d have to choose the hedgehog. I gave it bigger eyes then the pattern called for and it turned out SOOOOO cute!
MaryAnne said
Firstly happy anniversary. Well done, for a fab site. You have achieved to bring much joy to all the children and adults alike with all your wonderful crochet work.
I would love to win a mouse, that is made by its creator.
As for future patterns, my grandson is crazy about pre-historic animals and my granddaughters of fairies and angels.
Holly said
I love your patterns. I don’t remember when i first came across your blog–it may have been soon after you launched it, but I only recently added you to my google reader feed (and very glad I did!). I love how whimsical and clever your patterns are. Well done. I especially love how you experimented with different yarns to create a fur effect on some of your amiguri dogs, like the Miniature Schnauzer–very smart!
I’d love to see a fantasy set. Sure, there are tons of dragon and unicorn patterns out there, but I love your style and balance of the stitches. A second woodland creature set with a deer, would be fun, too.
PATTERN
Misty said
Congratulations on all of your achievements this past year! I hope that this next year will be just as wonderful and I look forward to seeing what new things you will be making. I really enjoy your patterns and the details in them. I just finished the beagle and learned a lot from the experience (also he is fun to play with!). If I were lucky enough to be chosen, I’d love a pattern.
Thanks!
Fran said
PATTERN
Happy 2nd blog anniversery. I love all your patterns, I will look at them carrefully again and again so I can tell you wich one to send me when you tell me I am the winner. Great contest. Thank you and on we go for a beautifull year no 3.
Again thank you for everything.
Barbara Liedtke said
Love all your crochet designs, especially the dogs! I’ve crocheted for years and have never found such cute designs anywhere else. You are a very creative person. I hope your business continues for a long, long time. Congratulations.
I’d like to win the PATTERN!
Michelle said
Okay, now that I’m on the right page (ahem, I left a comment on the Crochet Along post…ooops), I’d like to thank you again for all you
Kathy said
Pattern
All of your patterns are great, but I think I was first drawn to your ferret pattern. Congratulations on the anniversary!
Lynda Fryer said
PS. Hope I don’t sound greedy, but would also dearly love to win a gorgeous little mouse, to live in my pocket as a good luck charm. Also, just for anyone who’s interested, I recently had a barrage of tests and the stinky cancer has now been gone ofr over 18 months – yippee, am very proud of myself!! *huge grin*
Best wishes, hugs & smiles,
Lynda ( Gold Coast, Australia).
Becky said
I’d love to win the little mouse! My favorite creation of yours are the felt sea creatures, especially the little octopus.
Lynda Fryer said
I’ve recently beaten stinky old breast cancer and, to keep myself sane whilst being stuck at home, have recently discovered amigurumi crochet, although have always loved crochet & knitting. I love all your patterns and would dearly love to win one of your dog patterns, please. Huge congratulations on your anniversary, from across the big pond, and I wish you amny more anniversaries of creating!
Best wishes,
Lynda ( Gold Coast, Australia).
Betty said
If I can’t win a pattern then I would love to have the little mouse made by you. What fun to have something that is soooo cute.
Betty said
I would love to have a pattern from you. They are so cute. It would be really hard to pick just one but I would love to be given the chance to give it a try. 🙂
Brandy said
I’d also love to win the little moust! It’s so cute!
Brandy said
I check your website often to see what you’ve been working on. Your patterns are adorable and quick to do. I’d love to win a pattern of yours!
Michele said
Happy Blogiversary!
I
Katie said
MOUSE
How could anyone pass up an opportunity to win a PlanetJune original?! I know I couldn’t!! And it’s a mouse! I have eight (real) mice, and I would love to have a PlanetJune mouse to add to my “collection.” Too cute!
Congrats on 2 years! II’ve only been reading your blog for a few months, but I have gone through your archives, and your work is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
I’m particularly fond of your fuzzy friends collection. They are so sweet. The seal and chicks are my favorites. The fuzzy rat is up there as well. I have five pet rats, so I got all excited when I saw your rat pattern!
Keep up the great work!!
Katie said
PATTERN
Oh gosh, June, how can I pick a favorite? I love everything you’ve done this past year! I had a great time perusing your archives, and I wish I would’ve been reading your blog around Christmas. Your modular origami ornament is amazing! I’m getting into origami now, so thanks for the links. I like it when you try new things and show us the results. 🙂
Congrats!
Melinda McBride said
Hi June, Happy Blogaversery 2! I would love to win your AquaAmi collection as I remember when you were designing them and asking for suggestions for names and more creatures. I voted for AquaAmi! So was pleased when you picked it. I also voted for a whale and was delighted to see the beluga join the gang.
JaimeM said
MOUSE! Love the mouse. 🙂
Happy Blogiversary! Two great years and I am sure this next will be even better for you!
I have to say I think one of my favorite critters you have made is the fuzzy guinea pig. I used to have a real one years ago and it reminds me of her. 🙂
Thank you for sharing such creativeness with us!
lolagurumi said
Happy Bloggiversary!
I don’t know how I found your site, but I have been checking out all your stuff for the last couple of months. My mom has gotten me really into crocheting, which is a nice departure from writing my thesis (sometimes too much so!), and I’m hooked on amigurumi! I love your minis! I am in mid-project (an owl) and haven’t bought one of you patterns becuase I have to finish something before I start another! But the chance to win one of your PATTERNS would be so great! Hmmm i think you should keep going with the minis, i think they are a great idea. Maybe some mini squids and octopi!?! I know someone else said a camel, but I really like that idea too!
Congrats June!
–Laura
Gail Hogsten said
I forgot, I also adore your Guinea Pig! I had to look twice to make sure it wasn’t a live one. I know someone that I would love to make one for, a writer whose books I buy as soon as they hit the store. There is a Guinea Pig named Rex in her most popular series of books, so I think she’d love to receive one.
But since I already entered for the pattern, I’ll chose your MOUSE. And I have a glass display case that he would fit into just perfectly, with my pig & hog collection~
hugs and thanks again,
gail e aka the Stitch ‘n Frog
Gail Hogsten said
Congratulations! I hope you will stick around to make it to your tenth blogiversary~
At the moment my favorite critter you have made is the pocket mouse (our home is named MouseHill because we have so many mice) but I also love the pocket pig, and the dashound, and all of the Fuzzy critters, and the acorns, not to mentin that the poinsettia is breathtaking, and, and, and. How on earth can anyone select just one? Oh yeah, I love your fuzzy rat, I saw him sneak out to the ground level bird bath just this morning to get a drink of water~
If I am so lucky as to win the draw, I’d like another PATTERN to go along with the others I’ve bought.
I truly love your work and enjoy looking in the online store and reading your blog. I hope you will be here for us, for a very long time to come.
Hugs and Thanks for sharing your talent with all of us,
gail e aka the Stitch ‘n Frog
Denise said
Hi June – 2nd entry for second contest, for the pattern! So awesome.
A suggestion for the future – northern (north american) animals – grizzly bears, moose, wolves, bison…..how different would that be?!
all the best!
Denise said
Hi June- happy blogiversary! I have enjoyed your patterns and creativity and yes, it is amazing to see how much you’ve done in just one year.
I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
I love all the dogs that you have made, they are so adorable and you have done a great job portraying the breeds. And all your fuzzy creations as well.
I would love a chance to win the adorable little mousie!
Cheers! (clinking of glasses) to many more successful years.
Victoria said
Thanks so much for running this contest June! Your blog has been a joy to read and I look forward for many more years of reading!
I’d love to have a chance to get one of your patterns!
FeltLikeStitchin said
What a cool blog – congratulations on your anniversary:)
I’d love a chance to win that cute mouse!
I fell in love with all your crochet animals – it was hard to choose a favourite but I think it has to be the fuzzy rat – it’s so sweet!
JoAnn said
Hi again,
2nd post for pattern.
How about a little owl to go with the woodland group?
A seahorse.
A sheltie ( great dogs!)
Can’t wait to see what you design next!
Micky said
Happy Bloggiversary!
I was only going to enter once, but then I thought of something else I really like.
The little acorns are too cute. Just the little expressions they give.
And for a suggestion, maybe you could work up more flower patterns? Your poinsettia and daffodil are gorgeous, so any other flower you made up would be just as lovely.
Thanks again for this chance.
So for this entry I’ll choose:
PATTERN.
🙂
Yenner said
Hey June. I’ve been scratching about the site and really enjoyed the tiny animals. But I was wondering if the gaming world would be of your interest. Namely the Mushrooms from Mario, or perhaps bo-bombs. There are little balls like katamari which would be fun to have as a small key chain. Or as my favorite, a PSP game called RocoLoco had small yellow singing characters! Just a thought. I’d love to grab a pattern from you!
Anywho, hope to see more.
Yenny
Micky said
Congrats on the two years!
I love the little mouse. It’s too cute. But the next favorite would be the poinsettia.
And I love your magic ring tutorial. I have used it more than once and it is so much better than a regular beginning.
Thanks so much for all your freebies and for this little contest. And here’s to many more years of fun for you here.
Since it’s my favorite, for the contest I’d have to pick:
MOUSE.
🙂
JoAnn said
Hi June,
Congratulations!
Love your little critters!
I’ll enter for the mouse here.
It would be an honor to win something made by the artist!
Here’s to another great year!
sarahmakes said
Oooh! Happy blogiversary. And…
PATTERN!
Else said
Okay, here’s another idea: how about some little coin purses with animal or flower faces? That would be cool. For this comment, enter me in the running for your little mouse! I’d love to have something made with your own hands! Have a blessed day! 🙂
Else said
June, I am always cheered and inspired by your ami designs and patterns. They are simple yet evoke the spirit of the creatures so well! Keep up the good work. Your latest pocket patterns are awesome…so please sign me up to compete for a pattern (cuz that’s what I would choose!). I would love to see more flower patterns to make as trims or brooches.