Strawberry Amigurumi

 

Skill level: Beginner

 

Finished size: About 3 inches in diameter

 

Materials:

• Yarn (medium weight) (Red and Green)
• Crochet hook size G/6/4.00mm
• Polyfill stuffing
• 8mm safety eyes
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker (or safety pin)
• Row counter 

 

Gauge:

 

Special Stitches and Abbreviations:

• INC (increase) = complete two stitches in one stitch.
• SC = single crochet
• DEC (decrease)=- insert hook into next stitch, yo and pull through, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull through, yo and pull through all 3 loops on the hook. 
• This pattern is worked in a spiral. Place your stitch marker into the top of the last stitch made at the end of every round.

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Body: In Red

 

1. Create 3 SC in a magic ring. (3)
2. INC in each stitch around. (6)
3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (9)
4. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (12)
5. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 3 stitches* around. (15)
6. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 4 stitches* around. (18)
7. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 5 stitches* around. (21)
8. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 6 stitches* around. (24)

      9 – 10. SC in each stitch around. (24)

11. SC in first 10 stitches, insert eye in hole below last stich made, SC 4, insert eye, SC in   last 10 stitches. (24)
12. SC in each stitch around. (24)
13. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 2 stitches* around (18) (STUFF)
14. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (12)
15. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (6)

 

Finish off, leaving a tail for weaving. Using a yarn needle, weave tail through the top stitches and cinch closed. Weave and trim ends. 

 

LEAVES : In Green

 

1. Create 3 SC inside a magic ring (3)
2. INC in each stitch around (6)
3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (9)
4. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (6)
5. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (3)
6. INC in each stitch around (6)
7. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (9)
8. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (6)
9. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (3)

 

Finish off, leaving a tail to sew. Flatten leaves and sew to top of work in the center (like a bow)

 

Tangerine Amigurumi

 

Skill level: Beginner

 

Finished size: About 3 inches in diameter

 

Materials:

• Yarn (medium weight) Orange and Green)
• Crochet hook size G/6/4.00mm
• Polyfill stuffing
• 8mm safety eyes
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker (or safety pin)
• Row counter 

 

Gauge:

 

Special Stitches and Abbreviations:

• INC (increase) = complete two stitches in one stitch.
• SC = single crochet
• DEC (decrease)=- insert hook into next stitch, yo and pull through, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull through, yo and pull through all 3 loops on the hook. 
• This pattern is worked in a spiral. Place your stitch marker into the top of the last stitch made at the end of every round.

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Body – In Orange

1. Create 6 SC in a magic ring. (6)

 

2. INC in each stitch around. (12)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (18)

 

4. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (24)

 

5 – 6. SC in each stitch around. (24)

 

7. SC in first 10 stitches, insert safety eye in the hole below the stitch just created, SC in next 3 stitches, insert a safety eye, SC in last 11 stitches. (24)

 

8-9. SC in each stitch around. (24)

 

10. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (18)

 

11. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (12)

 

12. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (6)

 

Finish off leaving a tail for weaving. Using a yarn needed, weave the tail through stitches at the top and cinch closed. Wave and trim the remainder of the tail.

 

LEAVES: In Green

 

1. Create 3 SC inside a magic ring (3)
2. INC in each stitch around (6)
3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (9)
4. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (6)
5. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (3)
6. INC in each stitch around (6)
7. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (9)
8. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (6)
9. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (3)

 

Finish off, leaving a tail to sew. Flatten leaves and sew to top of work in the center (like a bow)

 

A Bundle of Kittens – Free Amigurumi Pattern

 

 

Skill level: Beginner

 

Finished size: 13” tall

 

Materials:

• Yarn (medium weight) Two colors (Color A and Color B). You can also work this pattern in a single color if desired. 
• Crochet hook size G/6/4.00mm
• Polyfill stuffing
• 20mm Safety Eyes (optional)
• 14mm Safety Nose (optional)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker (or safety pin)
• Row counter 
• Pipe Cleaner

 

Gauge:

 

Special Stitches and Abbreviations:

• INC (increase) = complete two stitches in one stitch.
• SC = single crochet
• DC = double crochet
• YO = yarn over
• DEC (decrease)=- insert hook into next stitch, yo and pull through, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull through, yo and pull through all 3 loops on the hook. 
• POPCORN – complete three dc in next stitch. Remove hook and insert into the top of the first dc. Catch the loop of the last dc completed and pull the loop through. CH 1.
• This pattern is worked in a spiral. Place your stitch marker into the top of the last stitch made at the end of every round.

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Legs, Make 2

 

1. With COLOR A make 6 SC in a magic ring. (6)

 

2. INC in each stitch around. (12)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (18)

 

4. SC in each stitch around. (18)

 

5. For toes; SC in first 4 stitches, *Popcorn in next stitch, SC in next stitch* 4 times, SC in last 8 stitches. (18)

 

6. SC in each stitch around.

 

7. In COLOR B, SC in first 4 stitches, *DEC over next 2 stitches* 4 times, SC in last 6 stitches. (14)

 

8. SC in first 4 stitches, *DEC over next 2 stitches* 2 times, SC in last 6 stitches. (12)

 

9 – 11. SC in each stitch around. (12)

 

12. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (18)

 

13 – 15. SC in each stitch around. 

 

Finish off first leg, leaving stitch marker in place.

On second leg, continue to row 16.

 

16. SC in first 7 stitches, CH1, count 3 stitches back from stitch marker on 1st leg, SC in that stitch.

Continuing on first leg, SC 17 stitches, SC in CH1 on 2nd leg. 

Continuing now on 2nd leg, SC in next 11 stitches. (38)

 

17. SC in each stitch around. (both legs) (38)

 

~Stuff~

 

18. SC in first 21 stitches, *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* 6 times, SC in last 5 stitches. (44)

 

19. SC in first 21 stitches, *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* 6 times, SC in last 5 stitches. (50)

 

20 – 24. SC in each stitch around. (50)

 

25. *DC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 6 stitches* around. DEC in least 2 stitches to marker. (43)

 

26. SC in each stitch around. (43)

 

27. SC in first 29 stitches, Popcorn in next stitch, SC in last 13 stitches. (43)

 

28 – 29. SC in each stitch around. (43)

 

30. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 5 stitches* around. (37)

 

31 – 35. SC in each stitch around. (37)

 

36. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 4 stitches* around. (31)

 

37 – 39. SC in each stitch around. (31)

 

40. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 3 stitches* around. (25)

 

~Stuff~

 

41. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (18)

 

42. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (12)

 

43. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (6)

 

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave tail in and out of end stitches and cinch to close top hole.

 

HEAD: 

 

1. Make 6 SC inside a magic ring. (6)

 

2. *INC* in each stitch around. (12)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (18)

 

4. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (24)

 

5. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 3 stitches* around. (30)

 

6. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 4 stitches* around. (36)

 

7. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 5 stitches* around. (42)

 

8. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 6 stitches* around. (48)

 

9 – 13. SC in each stitch around. (48)

 

14. Eye Placement: SC in first 21 stitches, insert safety eye in hole below stitch just made, SC 6, insert safety eye in hole below stitch just made, SC in last 21 stitches. (48)

 

*Note: You may choose to embroider eyes later or use sewn on felt eyes. If this is the case, place a stitch marker or safety pin to mark eye placement and move on. 

 

15. SC in each stitch around. (48)

 

16. Nose Placement: SC in first 24 stitches, insert safety nose in hole below stitch just made, SC in last 23 stitches. (48)

 

*Note: You may choose to embroider a nose later or use sew on a felt nose. If this is the case, place a stitch marker or safety pin to mark nose placement and move on. 

 

17 – 20. SC In each stitch around. (48)

 

21. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 6 stitches* around. (42)

 

22. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 5 stitches* around. (36)

 

23. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 4 stitches* around. (30)

 

24. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 3 stitches* around. (24)

 

~Stuff~

25. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (18)

 

26. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (12)

 

27. *DEC over next 2 stitches* around. (6)

 

Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing. With a yarn needle, weave tail through the final stitches and cinch closed.

 

Sew the head to the body.

 

ARMS – Make 2

 

Make 2

 

1. With COLOR A, make 6 SC in a magic ring. (6)

 

2. *INC* in each stitch around. (12)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (18)

 

4 – 5. SC in each stitch around. (18)

 

6. SC in first 11 stitches, Popcorn in next stitch, SC in last 6 stitches. (18)

 

7 – 8. SC in each stitch around. (18)

 

9.With COLOR B,  *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (12)

 

10 – 22. SC in each stitch around.

 

Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Sew arms to side of body. 

If desired, pose and secure hands to sides of body or belly with small hidden knots.

 

EARS – Make 2

 

1. With COLOR A, make 3 SC in a magic ring. (3)

 

2. *INC* in each stitch around. (6)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (9)

 

4. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (12)

 

5. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 3 stitches* around. (15)

 

Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing. 

Fold ears in half into a triangle.

Position and sew ears onto head.

If desired, use a red or pink marker to color.

 

TAIL

 

1. With COLOR A, make 6 SC in a magic ring. (6)

 

2 – 6. SC in each stitch around.

 

Fold over ½ inch at the end of a pipe cleaner and insert into the tail. 

 

7 – 45. In Color B and working AROUND the pipe cleaner, SC in each stitch around. (6)

 

Finish off, leaving a tail for sewing. 

Position and insert the end of the pipe cleaner into the body. Sew in place.

If desired, curve and secure tail to the back or back of the head. 

 

Sculpt and personalize cat as desired. 

 

© Laura Letizia 2020. All rights reserved.

 

Free Goblin Pattern – Amigurumi

 

Skill level: Beginner

 

Finished size: 13” tall

 

Materials:

• Yarn (medium weight)
• Crochet hook size G/6/4.00mm
• Polyfill stuffing
• 14mm safety eyes
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker (or safety pin)
• Row counter 

 

Gauge:

 

Special Stitches and Abbreviations:

• INC (increase) = complete two stitches in one stitch.
• SC = single crochet
• DC = double crochet
• YO = yarn over
• DEC (decrease)=- insert hook into next stitch, yo and pull through, insert hook in next stitch, yo and pull through, yo and pull through all 3 loops on the hook. 
• POPCORN – complete three dc in next stitch. Remove hook and insert into the top of the first dc. Catch the loop of the last dc completed and pull the loop through. CH 1.
• This pattern is worked in a spiral. Place your stitch marker into the top of the last stitch made at the end of every round.

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Legs ; Make 2

 

1. Complete 6 SC inside a magic ring. (6)

 

2. *INC* in each stitch around (12)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around (18)

 

4. SC in each stitch around (18)

 

5. For Toes: SC in first 4 stitches, *POPCORN in next stich, SC in next stitch* 3 times, SC in last 8 stitches.

 

6. SC in each SC around.

 

7. SC in first 4 stitches, DEC 4 times, SC in next 6 stitches (14)

 

8. SC in first 4 stitches, DEC 2 times, SC in the next 6 stitches (12)

 

9 – 11) SC in each stitch around (12)

 

12. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around (18)

 

13-15. SC in each stitch around (18)

 

Finish first leg and leave stitch marker. On second leg, continue to round 16.

 

16. SC in first 7 stitches, CH 1, make a SC in the third stitch before stitch marker in first leg. SC 17 on first leg, SC in CH1, continuing back on second leg, SC 11. (38)

 

17. SC in each stitch around. Stuff legs. Continue with waist and body. (38) 

 

18. SC in 21 stitches, *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* 6 times. SC in last 5 stitches. (44)

 

19. SC in first 21 stitches, *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* 6 times, SC in last 5 stitches. (50)

 

20-24. SC in each stitch around. (50)

 

25, *DEC over next two stitches, SC in next 6 stitches* around. INV DEC in last two stitches. (43)

 

26. SC in each stitch around. (43)

 

27. SC in first 29 stitches, popcorn in next stitch (bellybutton), SC in last 13 stitches. (43)

 

28-29. SC in each stitch around. (43)

 

30. *DEC over next two stitches, SC in next 5 stitches* around. (37)

 

31 – 35. SC in each stitch around (37)

 

36. *DEC over next two stitches, SC in next 4 stitches* around (31)

 

37-39. SC In each stitch around. (31)

 

40. *DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 3 stitches* around (25)

-STUFF-

 

41. *DEC over next two stitches, SC in next 2 stitches* around 

 

42. *DEC over next two stitches, SC on next stitch* around

 

43. *DEC over next two stitches* around

 

Finish off, leaving a long tail for sewing and sculpting. Thread tail onto a yarn needle and sew top hole closed. 

 

Head:

 

1. SC 6 in a magic ring (6)

 

1. INC in next stitch and each stitch around (12)

 

1. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around (18)

 

1. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (24)

 

1. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 3 stitches* around. (30)

 

1. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 4 stitches* around (36)

 

1. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 5 stitches* around. (42)

 

1. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 6 stitches* around. (48)

 

      9 – 13. Sc in each stitch around. (48)

 

14. SC in next 21 stitches, place safety    eye in hole of stitch just below stitch just made, SC in next 6 stitches, place safety eye in hole just below stitch just made, SC in last 21 stitches. (48)

 

     15.SC in each stitch around. (48)

 

16. SC in first 24 stitches, popcorn in next stitch (nose), SC in last 23 stitches. (48)

 

     17 – 20. SC in each stitch around. (48)

 

21. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 6 stitches* around (42)

 

22. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 5 stitches* around (36)

 

23. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in 

next 4 stitches* around (30)

 

24. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 3 stitches* around. (24)

 

STUFF

 

25. *INV DEC over next two stitches, SC in next 2 stitches* around. (18)

 

26. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (12)

 

27. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches* around (6)

 

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing and sculpting. Using a yarn needle, cinch closed the bottom. 

 

Ears (Make 2)

 

1. SC 3 stitches inside a magic ring. (3)

 

2. *INC in each stitch* around (6)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (9)

 

4. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 2 stitches* around (12)

 

5. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 3 stitches* around (15)

 

6. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 4 stitches* around. (18)

 

7. *INC in next stitch, SC in next 5 stitches* around. (21)

 

8 – 12. SC in each stitch around (21)

 

13. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next 5 stitches* around (18)

 

14. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around (15)

 

Finish off ears leaving a long tail for sewing and sculpting. Stuff lightly and using a yarn needle, sew to sides of head. Use leftover tail yarn to cinch and sculpt ear as desired. 

 

Sew head to body. Use leftover tail yarn to cinch and sculpt head and/or body as desired.

 

Arms (make 2)

 

1. SC 6 inside a magic ring. (6)

 

2. INC in each stitch around. (12)

 

3. *INC in next stitch, SC in next stitch* around. (18)

 

4 – 5. SC in each stitch around. (18)

 

6. SC in first 11 stitches, popcorn in next stitch (thumb), SC in last 6 stitches. (18)

 

7 – 8. SC in each stitch around. (18)

 

9. *INV DEC over next 2 stitches, SC in next stitch* around. (12)

 

10 – 22. SC in each stitch around (12)

 

Finish off leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff and sew to sides of body.

 

 

Breakup Mac and Cheese

Someone dear to me is going through a tough breakup. Yea, I remember those well!! I made some super-decadent mac and cheese for him today. Sometimes you just need a big bowl of comfort.

Ingredients:

1 box elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice); cooked in boiling salted water according to package directions

1 small onion; diced

2 cloves garlic; minced

3 Tablespoons margarine

3 Tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese; shredded

2 Tablespoons salt

freshly ground black pepper

1 Tablespoon nutmeg; ground

1 Tablespoon chili powder

1 cup sour cream and onion potato chips; crushed

1/2 cup parmesan cheese; grated

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and spray a 13X9 inch baking pan with cooking spray

2. While pasta is cooking, saute onions and garlic until translucent. Add margarine and  flour and stir, cooking until they turn golden and are a sandy consistency. Whisk in milk and bring up to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and spices.

4. Drain pasta and pour into prepared pan. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir slightly.

5. Sprinkle top with chips and then parmesan cheese.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20 minutes more until top is browned and cheese is bubbly.

One Pot Vegan Korma with Rice

Serves 6-8

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Into a large Dutch Oven add:

1 cup rice; rinsed

2 small onions; diced

8 cloves garlic; minced

4 potatoes; peeled and diced

8 carrots; peeled and cut into diagonal slices

2 jalapeno peppers; seeded and diced

2 cups frozen peas

2 red bell peppers; seeded and diced

3/4 cup cashews; chopped

8 oz. tomato sauce

2 Tablespoons salt

3 Tablespoons curry powder

1 cup water

2 cups almond or soy milk

Cover and bake for 1 hour, then remove lid and bake another 15-20 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Serve with lots of warm naan.

Curry on my Wayward Son (one pot tofu curry)

After trying out his wings for six months, our youngest son is returning home today to live with us while he attends college. I couldn’t be happier. I wanted to make this tofu cashew curry since I know he loves it, but because we were so busy, I did it the lazy way and luckily, it turned out pretty delicious!!

One Pot Tofu Cashew Curry

Into a dutch oven add:

1 cup white rice, rinsed

2 1/2 cups water

1 block extra firm tofu; drained and cut into cubes

1 bag frozen cauliflower

1 bag frozen green beans

1 onion; chopped

4 cloves garlic; chopped

2 Tablespoons salt

4 Tablespoons curry powder

Give it a little stir and bake at 400 degrees for about an hour, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fully tender. Enjoy!!

Slow Cooker Lentil and Kale Soup

In your slow cooker add:

1/2 bag lentils; rinsed and sorted

1 bunch kale; washed, stems removed and chopped

1 onion; chopped

salt and pepper

2 teaspoons thyme

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

Slow cook on high for 4-5 hours until lentils are tender.

Pasta with Vegan Oatmeal Mushroom Sauce

Yes, I know it sounds odd and a little disgusting. However, the oats and mushrooms melt into this sauce and create a really delicious meaty texture. This one is hearty enough for the coldest winter night.

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta of choice; cook according to package directions

8 oz white mushrooms; finely chopped

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon soy margarine

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 cup cracker crumbs; finely crushed

1/8 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup water

salt and pepper

1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

1-2 jars pasta sauce (depends how saucy you want your pasta. You could also make your own pasta sauce, of course. I was too lazy today.)

1 can black olives; crushed (optional)

 

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, saute mushrooms in olive oil with the 1tsp salt until all liquid is cooked off.

2. Stir in margarine and cook until margarine is absorbed; 3-5 mins.

3. Add onion and cook another 3-5 minutes until onions are translucent.

4. In a mixing bowl, stir together oats, crackers, Italian seasoning, soy sauce and water. Salt and pepper to your liking. Add mushroom mixture and stir. Let sit in the refrigerator for about an hour.

5.  Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring your sauce to a boil. Add olives if desired. Add mushroom/oat mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour.

6. Serve over hot cooked pasta.