Useful Amigurumi

Most of us know amigurumi as cute little critters and dolls that are fun to look at and cuddle with. But Anna Paula Rimoli has given amigurumi a useful twist. Inspired by her children, she makes amigurumi versions of items they use every day - backpacks, lunch bags, pencil cases... Even apple cozies and sleepover duffles.
I think this is so clever! My only complaint about amigurumi is that I end up with a bunch of adorable tchotchkes taking up space. Now we can make adorable things and USE them, too.

So far I've tried out two of the projects from her book Amigurumi On The Go. This first is her turtle

lunch tote. I must have misunderstood the pattern, because the bottom comes out to a point instead if lying flat. The tote is still incredibly adorable and I can see how kids will enjoy opening his shell to find their lunches waiting.
The second project is her fish bag. This little purse will hold enough to keep tiny ladies happy, and is so charming. This bag works up pretty quickly and is sure to make you smile.

I look forward to trying more of the projects from this book. I've also been inspired to adjust other patterns into useful cuteness! You should check out her books!

P.S. - I'm sorry these are not my pictures. I don't have any decent ones of the turtle, and for some reason the instant upload feature isn't working for me, so I can't use the fish bag pictures from my phone. I hope to change that when it's not 1:12 in the morning.