It has been a while since I posted a tutorial here, so how about an easy one for these adorable, teeny-tiny, Granny Smith apples? Yes! I have been crocheting tiny fruits for over a month now, for Superette‘s launch of my Fruity Cuties. (If you don’t see them on that first link to the homepage, hit refresh, as they have two alternating pics!) The pattern/tutorial is after the jump, below!   I’ve been having ups and downs lately with various things: one day I came home to find that the first book I am published in came in the mail! And then that same day I learned that all of us Etsy sellers who designed and sold items that resemble those little Easter marshmallow sugary treats we all know and love had to take them down, because of possible copyright infringement issues.  Fair enough, but still, I was so sad!  Then I was so sick with a cold and fevers on Valentine’s Day that we ended up staying home (we made homemade thick hot chocolate and cookies though!). The upside of that one was saving money, I guess? Lastly, because I was sick, I decided against going to a concert I had bought tickets for, and ended up making $100 in selling them.  Anyway, I’m better, back to creating and writing, so enjoy the apple pattern!  With green yarn (worsted weight, I used wool) and an F hook:   Ch 2 5sc, join. (5)

2sc in each around. (10)

2sc, sc around. (15)

sc around. (15)

dec 3 times evenly. (12)

dec 4 times evenly. (8)

sc 2, dec until 4-5 st left. Finish off, leaving a 6-inch tail.

For the stem: using an f hook and brown yarn,  ch 3 and sc across. (2) Finish off.

For the leaf: using an f hook and green yarn, ch 4 and sc across, then sc into free loops and sl to first. Finish off leaving a few inches for sewing.

Assembling: Embroider a face with two black beads and embroidery thread for the mouth (optional). Stuff apple and with apple green yarn tail, weave through the bottom of the apple back through the top twice, to gather the apple (it will get schmushed) and snip and tuck. Tie together the small ends/tails of the leaf and stem. With the leaf yarn tail, sew through the back of the stem to the back of the leaf so that they stay together and don’t flop. Sew to the top of the apple with a few stitches.