I have searched all the local craft stores, and can't find those cute safety eyes. Where do you buy them?

In an effort to have a more economical Christmas this year, I am planning on crocheting until I drop. Between my husband and I there are tons of gifts to make. (9 nieces and nephews, 2 godchildren, 9 brothers and sisters... and that's only the half of it)

So I need ideas for things that make great presents. I am making some bowling ball and pins sets for some of the nieces and nephews, and some dishcloths sisters. Our families are NOT crochet nuts like us. (my husband LOVES his beanie, but I doubt anyone else in our family would want one, so I am trying to stay away from any type of apparel) I think anything like an afghan would be too time consuming, considering the amount of things I need to make.

Any ideas are appreciated. Has anyone had any luck with gifts for family and friends, or children that have gone over really well?

I scoured the internet for a pattern that would actually fit my little hands and wrists, but had no luck. So I just started crocheting. This is my first time using double crochet, and working without a pattern. All in all, I am pretty proud of myself, and my fingers are never cold anymore - a small miracle!

Yes, I know, they make my fingers look short and stubby, but that's the price I have to pay for warm hands! lol

[HUGE]

I really want to make some fingerless gloves. I have attempted 4 different patterns now, and all are HUGE for me. I decreased the amount of stitches, and tried using a smaller hook, but I feel like I am practically making my own pattern. Just confusing myself, since I am fairly new to crochet.
I'd really like a pattern to follow.

My friend asked me to make him an afghan - but every pattern I come across says it needs 7 balls of yarn! He wanted something super soft - so I didn't want to use acrylic yarn. But for that price?
Anyone have a great and (preferably quick and easy) pattern that is light on yarn?

I am making some amigurumi toys for my nephew, but am worried about what he might be putting in his mouth. I went with 100% cotton organic yarn - what do you use for filling?

I am looking for some ideas on how and where to organize and store my yarn.

I posted my pics of amigurumi Ernie glasses holder when I completed it. (used the pattern here on craftster) My mother asked me to make her one, but of a different character. I did a internet search for crocheted eyeglass holders, looking for patterns. I ended up finding the pics I posted of my Ernie all over the place! I got credit to my username on Craftster, and djones got credit for the pattern. Has this happened to anyone else?

If anybody has an easy beginner beanie pattern to share, I would really appreciate a link!

I started a beanie, using a pattern I found on craftster.org. All single crochet. (the only thing I did different, I started with a chain stitch, and put 6 sc in the first chain - like I do for amigurumi)  I got about half way through it, and it was HUGE, literally 6 inches bigger than my DH's head! I counted out the stitches, and everything was correct. I am using the correct hook size, and my gauge is right on.

Any ideas on what the heck I did wrong? Confused...

Hello,
I learned to crochet in rounds doing amigurumi (for example - chain 2, single crochet 6 in first chain stitch...)

I found a beanie pattern that I really like, but the directions are different:
Step 1 -
ch 3, 9 dc into ring, join with sl st to top of ch 3. 10 sts

Confused!
Do you chain 3 in each single crochet. I don't understand how to read this. Help please?