I’m very excited today to be sharing with you an interview with Amy Ting, creator of Curious Papaya. I’m so happy that Amy and her team reached out to me because now I have found a very talented designer that is truly inspirational to me! It turns out that Amy and I have some things in common. We are both elementary school teachers, we both love crochet, and sharing crochet is something we are both passionate about.
Amy Ting is a Korean-Taiwanese crochet designer based in the Bay Area, California. She is the author of Amigurumi Critters and creator of Curious Papaya. Amy’s amigurumi creations have resonated with a wide audience but especially so with the Asian-American population. Her designs have been featured in notable publications such as Simply Crochet Magazine and Crochet Society, and she has also collaborated with popular brands in the fiber arts community such as Michael’s Arts and Crafts, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Clover Needlecrafts. Amy hopes for those viewing her work to feel empowered through representation and inspired to take on new challenges.
Review of Amigurumi Critters
I am going to be very honest and say I struggle with amigurumi. I have all the skills I need to hook up amigurumi, but I struggle with sewing on pieces and with the fine details, like the faces of animals. I recently hooked up a bunny for my son, and I was quite proud of myself until I realized I sewed on one leg slightly crooked and then placed the eyes too closely together and glued on the mouth appliqué a tad messily.
Something I liked about Amy’s book was that there was a short section at the beginning about some of the skills and techniques used, but then each pattern includes photos and details about how to assemble, where to insert your needle, where to place the eyes and also has detailed photos to illustrate these instructions. The book includes patterns of varying degrees of difficulty so even someone newer to crochet and amigurumi can tackle these projects.
To someone like me, who struggles with these details, I found that very useful to have as reference. Useful, and even reassuring because of course when you take the time to crochet something, you want the final piece to one your child adores and cuddles, and one that you can proud of as well.
I recommend that you do not skip the introductory sections at the beginning. I usually read them very skippiygly, but I found so much useful info in these pages that I am glad I took the time to read them as there was a lot in there that I didn’t know as an amigurumi maker. Plus, they are very readable and I felt as though Amy was just chatting to me.
You can buy Amy’s book at Cedar Mills Press
The patterns are very cute and original. You get a good mix of some of the critters being ones that are on trend and others that are not so much (to my knowledge), but are equally cute and inspirational. I love the sea creatures included in this pattern book and some patterns included baby family members! It’s my personal opinion that this book is far better than another amigurumi book I have and I’ll be referring to it more for sure.
I’m very excited to see which of these patterns my son (he’s not quite four) will choose for me to make for him!
Interview with Amy
1. Can you describe how you first became a pattern designer?
I definitely think that my experience with writing lesson plans for my students played a part! My background is in elementary education and developing lessons with a clear learning objective is key. When I first started out crocheting, I was making a lot of other people’s patterns and pattern testing. Seeing a bunch of different styles of templates ultimately allowed me to develop my own design layout.
2. What keeps you inspired and designing?
I find inspiration in everything! From nature to the latest craze in pop culture… inspiration is everywhere. I’m always itching to create, no matter how crazy life can be. I think that’s how you know that it’s your lifelong passion – when you find enjoyment in it in every season.
3. How would you describe your patterns and designs?
My overall style is a good combination of realistic and kawaii as can be seen in Amigurumi Critters, my new crochet book. Most people recognize my work from the colorful pastels sprinkled in.
Dainty eyes and a tiny mouth are features that make my style more distinct. I also enjoy making chubbified versions of animals and popular video game characters (like Pikachub which is a free pattern on my blog). Some of my designs can be intricate and detailed (like Fluffy, the 3-headed dog in “Harry Potter: The Official Crochet Amigurumi Book”).
4. What do you hope to accomplish with each of your patterns?
I think it’s pretty amazing to see others re-create designs from my patterns. The whole point of designing is to share the joy of creating with others! Learning amigurumi can be daunting at times which is why I’ve made sure to introduce tips and tricks in bite-size pieces in my book.
5. How have you grown and changed as a designer over the years?
It’s safe to say that the hours consistently devoted into this craft over the past 7 years has allowed me to develop better patterns. (I still cringe when I look back on my earliest drafts of my first patterns)! I’ve also become more experimental when it comes to the types of patterns I come out with. For example, I first started out my crochet page creating amigurumi foods that represented my Asian American heritage. Since then, I’ve branched into other types of food, animals, and even some wearables.
6. What tools do you like to use best?
My favorite yarns tend to be on opposite extremes! The first kind I like working with is thin, strong cotton yarn. My favorite brand is Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/8 and I use my trusty 2.75 mm Clover Amour hook for everything. In fact, all 25 patterns in “Amigurumi Critters” use the tools just mentioned.
The other favorite is extra chunky chenille yarn (like Sweet Snuggles or Parfait XL). I use a 9 mm Clover Amour hook with that and it’s just really satisfying to see projects work up so quickly.
I never set out to become known for my giant crochet patterns (like my Giant Pillow Plushie series), but it seemed to be wildly popular with the crochet crowd! Low and behold, I have over 20 patterns that make jumbo, cuddle-sized makes.
7. Who are designers that you admire or that influence your work?
Lately, the designers I’ve been finding extra inspirational are: Schranki for her beautiful stitch definition, Mama Made Minis for their gorgeous color palettes, IIoerica for their Korean-inspired creations.
Final Thoughts
Be sure to follow Amy on all her socials! Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Pinterest, TikTok and check out her website. Don’t forget to check out her book online! I want to thank Amy and her team for reaching out to me, it has been so wonderful to be able to thumb through Amy’s book and learn more about amigurumi. I’m really inspired to get crocheting.
