Micro- Crochet

Mini, micro, tiny ...

I'm loving tiny crochet at the moment.  My love affair started with something I saw on Etsy (but more of that later) and I've been browsing to find more examples.  If you make teensy teeny weeny things PLEEEEASE post some pics or links.  I am in awe of the tiny, accurate stitches and the skill and patience that must go into these creations.  I am also itching to have a go and have put micro-crochet on my to-do list ... any tips gratefully received.  Watch this space for my first attempts in the weeks to come.

In the mean-time, here are some examples worth a look:

1    Really cute Winnie the Pooh but my favourites are the tiny yellow ducky and the gingerbread man. Featured on Dolls House Minatures Sites.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/75247218/muffas-micro-miniature-piglet-pooh

2   More dolls house stuff - this time there are patterns!http://www.buttercupminiatures.co.uk/free-crochet-patterns.asp

3   This is where I started with micro-crochet (NB link on Blog does not go to Etsy).  I absolutely adore the work here.  It is AMAZING.  The best thing I've ever seen is the minature whale - it actually has a water spout! - but there are so many brilliant pieces it is so difficult to pick out the best selection.  I highly, highly recommend browsing their Etsy shop.
http://su-ami.blogspot.com/p/macro.html
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68540570/micro-honey-bee-crochet-miniatures?ref=cat1_list_38

4. This crocheter specialises in in small mice  http://www.crochetedgifts.com/mice.htm

5.  A flicker stream of tiny dolls - I recommend page five for the Wizard of Oz - Oh yes!http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbaminis/page2/

This all led me into the parallel world of knitting.  Are there mini-knits to match the mini-crochets???  Why yes, of course there are!  In fact, much much more than there is for crochet.  Behold!

6.  http://www.bugknits.com/gallery/garments3.htm
There are even patterns here ..  I think I might have to knit a  fisherman's cardigan.
7.  This was a real find.  A whole index of mini-knit sites:
http://www.miniknittingstuff.com/links.htm

8.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muce8MVqTaU
and the youtube video of the knitting of Coraline's jumper.  Wow!

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:  

• That yarn the Coraline knitter is using isn't even fine for most thread-work crocheters - in fact some would count it as quite a thick yarn.  So is there more micro-knit because it is less fiddly than micro-crochet? 
• Having said that, the equipment for tiny crochet is much more readily available - I have some tiny antique hooks in my own collection - some so small that it is hard to tell there is a hook there.  Why don't more crocheters use their thread hooks to make teeny, tiny things?  I do some thread work but have never used the tiniest hooks - they will now have a job of work because I intend to have a go!!  Join me and post your creations.