Handmaid

I have loved Margaret Atwood’s classic book The Handmaid’s Tale for years now and then when the series came out, I fell for that too. I should have made one of these a while ago, but ah, procrastination. Then when some short sighted jackasses overturned Roe v. Wade I have been looking for more and more ways to channel my anger and frustration… I give you my take on a handmaid. As always, make and do with them as you would like, but do NOT claim my pattern as your own in any way please and if someone asks, point them to the pattern. Under his eye. 

This was made on my Addi 22 with worsted weight yarn.


Body: 15 rounds in the skin color, 70 rounds in red (turn to row 85), then 15 more rounds in the skin color (to row 100), leave a long tail to sew with.

Bottom: 20 rounds in red, leaving a long tail to sew closed and to sew onto the body.

Arms: start with a bit of a tail to sew this hand together, 5 rounds in skin color, 32 rounds in red (to row 37), leave a long tail here and poke it through to the right side when you are done to use to sew to the body, 5 rounds in skin color (to row 42), leaving a tail to sew the hands together.

Wings: 40 rounds in white, leaving a long tail to sew close and into place


Assembly: Take the bottom piece and cinch both ends together. Flatten it out to a circle (think scrubby here) and stitch it together to keep it flat. Don’t weave in  your end as you use this to sew to the body. 

Turn body in on itself, lining the skin color up and cinch the top closed. Stuff the head then cinch the neck closed. Stuff the body mostly. Sew the bottom piece around the bottom of the dress, the stitches should line up pretty well here, making sure to finish stuffing before you finish sewing closed. 

Roll only the hands in circle shapes and sew closed and then together. Do NOT sew the red part in a tube. This part you leave flat. 

Put the arms in place on the body, sliding it over the head and sew onto the body. 

Turn the wings in on itself, cinch the ends together and sew in place, shaping as you go. 


And now you have a quick and easy Handmaid. Blessed be the fruit. 

Mad Hooking! 

Chibi Kylo Ren

I was asked to make a Kylo Ren similar to one I had made a couple years ago. That one I made with his mask on and honestly wasn’t my favorite. Not to mention, I had trouble finding that free pattern again. I loved the idea of a Chibi version, but of course I have an aversion to paying for a pattern, so here I am. This is how I worked him up… I was originally asked for just one, but since I couldn’t choose to scar or not, I made both and then they had to decide which to give to their friend and which to keep for their youngling.

As with all my patterns, this is out there for individual use, for you to make and do as you wish. Do not claim the pattern as yours and if someone asks just share the link. Of note, this is fan art and selling copyrighted items can lead to some not fun times.

Head, in skin tone
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mcRnd 2: *inc* around
Rnd 3: *inc, sc in next sc* around
Rnd 4: *inc, sc in next 2 sc* around
Rnd 5: *inc, sc in next 3 sc* around
Rnd 6: *inc, sc in next 4 sc* around
Rnd 7: *inc, sc in next 5 sc* around
Rnd 8-14: sc around. Go ahead and put the safety eyes between rnd 10 and 11, with about 6 st in between
Rnd 15: *dec, sc in next 5* around
Rnd 16: *dec, sc in next 4* around
Rnd 17: *dec, sc in next 3* around
Rnd 18: *dec, sc in next 2* around, go ahead and stuff the head
Rnd 19: *dec, sc in next 1* around
Rnd 20: *dec, sc in next* around
Rnd 21: *dec* around, bind off and set aside

Arms, make 2, in black, making sure to stuff as you go, primarily stuff in just the hands and very lightly stuff in the actual arms
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: inc around
Rnd 4: *inc, sc next 1* around
Rnd 4-5: sc around
Rnd 6: *dec, sc in next 1* around
Rnd 7: dec x2, sc around
Rnd 8-20: sc around, no need to leave a long tail for sewing

Legs, make 2, black, no need to leave tail for sewing for the first one and DO NOT bind off on the second. Second will lead to the body part. Make sure to stuff as you go.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: inc around
Rnd 3: *inc, sc* around
Rnd 4: *inc, sc next 2* around
Rnd 5-6: sc around
Rnd 7: dec x2, sc in next 6 st, dec x4, sc in next 6 st
Rnd 8: dec, sc in next 5, dec x3, sc in next 5 st
Rnd 9: sc in next 5 st, dec x2, sc in next 5st
Rnd 10-13: sc around
Rnd 14: *inc, sc in next 5* around
Rnd 15: *inc, sc in next 6* around
Rnd 16: sc around, bind off leg #1, but not leg 2, continue to body with leg two.

Body, starting with leg 2
Rnd 17: sc in next 4, dec using next sc and the 3rd from the end sc of rnd 16 on leg 1, sc around leg 1, dec using last sc in leg 1 and leg 2, sc around (the dec across keeps the gap from happening)
Rnd 18: sc around
Rnd 19: *inc, sc in next 9* around
Rnd 20-28: sc around 
Rnd 29: *dec, sc in next 9* around
Rnd 30: *dec, sc in next 8* around
Rnd 31: sc around
Rnd 32: *dec, sc in next 7* around
Rnd 33: *dec, sc in next 6* around
Rnd 34: sc around
Rnd 35: *dec, sc in next 5* around
Rnd 36: sc around
Rnd 37: now, here is how I attach the arms. You can always choose to just sew them on. If you do, just sc this row. I look and see about where the arms should go. Now, crochet around the back, for me it was 5 st, but don’t get hung up on that. Just where it looks right. Now, flatten the arm hole, sc through both sc on the arm and the next one on the body. Do this for the next 5 st. Now, sc to where the next arm should go. For me it was 5 sc. Repeat the process for the next arm. This moves your start over a bit, but it’s fine.
Rnd 38: sc and bind off.
Sew head to body.

Hair, in black. Conversely, you can just choose to hook in some hair and call it a day, but I was making this for a youngling. 
Rnd 1: 6 sc in mc
Rnd 2: *inc* around
Rnd 3: *inc, sc in next sc* around
Rnd 4: *inc, sc in next 2 sc* around
Rnd 5: *inc, sc in next 3 sc* around
Rnd 6: *inc, sc in next 4 sc* around
Rnd 7: *inc, sc in next 5 sc* around
Rnd 8-12: sc around
Rnd 13: ch 1, turn sc in next 10. Hdc in next 8 sc. Dc in next 6 sc. Hdc in next 8. Sc in next 6 sc. This should leave the last sc unworked.  Ch 1 and turn. 
Rnd 14: (formatted a bit differently to make it as easy as it can be to follow. Essentially you are making little octopus tentacles for hair) sl st next sc, sc in next 2 st.
Ch 6 st, 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc in next* back down the ch, sl st in same st as last sc. Sc in next sc.
Ch 6 st, back down the ch starting in the 2nd ch from hook *2 sc in 2nd ch, sc in next* 2 times, 2 sc in last ch, sl st in same st as last sc. Sc in next sc*
Ch 8 st, back down the ch starting in the 2nd ch from hook *2 sc in 2nd ch, sc in next* 3 times, 2 sc in last ch, sl st in same st as last sc. Sc in next sc* x 3.
Ch 10 st, back down the ch starting in the 2nd ch from hook *2 sc in 2nd ch, sc in next* 4 times, 2 sc in last ch, sl st in same st as last sc. Sc in next sc.* x 18. 
Ch 8 st, back down the ch starting in the 2nd ch from hook *2 sc in 2nd ch, sc in next* 2 times, 2 sc in last ch, sl st in same st as last sc. Sc in next sc* x 5. 
Ch 6 st, back down the ch starting in the 2nd ch from hook *2 sc in 2nd ch, sc in next* 2 times, 2 sc in last ch, sl st in same st as last sc. Sc in next sc* x 3
Hdc in next 3, sc in next 2, sl st in last. Bind off, leaving a long tail to sew that hair on. 


Belt and bottom of tunic thingy
ch how many ever it takes to go around his tummy. Depending on stuffing and yarn, this can change, but it’s ok. For me it was 35. Don’t worry, I’m writing this to where it really doesn’t matter. 
Rnd 1: be careful not to twist the ch, sc in 1st st and around. Yeah, it makes like a little weird bump thing, but sewing takes care of that really quick.
Rnd 2-4: sc around
Rnd 5: this round is all in FLO. ch 1, turn, dec, sc around, ch 1 and turn 
Row 6-10: dec, sc around, ch 1, turn. On row 10, bind off and honestly, I left a long tail, weaved it to the beginning and then sewed it in place. Whatever is easiest for you, but I get lazy like that. To kinda make some kind of distinction on all this black, I made sure to keep that top loop from the ch and the loops from the FLO row visible. 

Cape, I left a long tail since this is top down and that makes it easier for me to sew on, start with ch 13, this was perfect for me to go shoulder to shoulder.
Row 1: sc 12, ch 1 turn
Row 2: *inc, sc* across, turn
Row 3-4: ch 1, sc across, turn
Row 5: ch 2 (does NOT count as a st), *dc inc, dc in next 2* across, turn
Row 6: ch 2 (does NOT count as a st), *dc inc, dc in next 3* across, turn
Row 7: ch 2 (does NOT count as a st), *dc inc, dc in next 4* across, turn
Row 8-18: ch 2 (does NOT count as a st), dc across, turn
Row 19: ch 1, sc around the entire cape evenly, placing 3 sc at the corners
Now, weave in the tail and use the OG tail to sew on. I sewed about 1/3 down each arm and around the neck. 


Lightsaber, completely optional, but I felt that I needed to have it… start in red, stuff as you go, but you really won’t need much honestly.

Main part
Rnd 1: 4 sc in mc
Rnd 2: sc around
Rnd 3: *inc, sc in next sc* around
Rnd 4-15: sc around and change to black at the end of rnd 15
Rnd 16: in FLO, *inc, sc in next 2* around
Rnd 17-22: sc around
Rnd 23: *dec, sc in next 2* around
Rnd 24: dec x1, bind off and sew close. Leave a tail to sew on to his hand

Sides, make 2, starting in red, stuffing as you go, but you most likely only need the ends 
Rnd 1: 4 sc in mc
Rnd 2: sc around
Rnd 3: *inc, sc in next sc* around
Rnd 4-6: sc around and change to black at the end of rnd 6
Rnd 7: in FLO, *inc, sc in next 2* around
Rnd 8: sc around, leave a tail to sew onto main part

To scar or not to scar? The scar I just sewed on honestly and of course I had to make one of each!

And that’s it. Mad Hooking!

Cat Mascot

So as my daughter is now leaving the nest to college, I wanted to send her some care boxes. I saw a lovely idea of a crochet mascot, which is nothing new, but thought it would be great to have a ‘basic’ shape that would be easy for people to adapt to their needs. I wanted to keep it more basic and smaller size to fit in the limited dorm room space. Here’s my take on a ‘cat’ mascot… not exactly the colors I wanted, but I did promise my husband I wouldn’t buy anymore yarn until I had a least used up one of the 12 large storage containers in my craft room…

If you are familiar with my patterns, you know that I’m more of a relax, it’s chill, grab something to drink and it will be fine. This pattern isn’t a step by step walk through and assumes you understand amigurumi construction. Also, this is my hobby so I try to make it as non stressful on me as possible. Please feel free to use my pattern, make as many of these as you want, sell or give them away, but please just give me credit as the designer if asked and point people my way. Also, don’t be that person and take my design for your own… that’s so not cool.

worsted weight yarn in chosen colors
size 12 mm safety eyes
3.5mm hook or hook to make it where you don’t see stuffing showing out

Head (in primary body color)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: inc around
Rnd 3: *inc, sc* around
Rnd 4: *inc, sc next 2* around
Rnd 5: *inc, sc next 3* around
Rnd 6: *inc, sc next 4* around
Rnd 7-11: sc around
Rnd 12: *inc, sc next 5* around
Rnd 13-14: sc around
Rnd 15: *dec, sc in next 5* around
Go ahead and insert your safety eyes between rounds 12-13 with 6 st apart
Rnd 16: *dec, sc next 4* around
Rnd 17: *dec, sc next 3* around
Rnd 18: *dec, sc next 2* around, make sure to stuff the head
Rnd 19: *inc, sc* around, bind off and set aside

Arms, make 2, start with primary body color, making sure to stuff as you go, primarily stuff in just the hands and very lightly stuff in the actual arms
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: inc around
Rnd 4: *inc, sc next 1* around
Rnd 4-5: sc around
Rnd 6: *dec, sc in next 1* around
Rnd 7: dec x1, sc around
Rnd 8-15: sc around, change to jersey color
Rnd 16-20: sc around, no need to leave a long tail for sewing

Legs, make 2, primary body color, no need to leave tail for sewing for the first one and DO NOT bind off on the second. Second will lead to the body part. Make sure to stuff as you go.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2: inc around
Rnd 3: *inc, sc* around
Rnd 4: *inc, sc next 2* around
Rnd 5-6: sc around
Rnd 7: dec x2, sc in next 6 st, dec x4, sc in next 6 st
Rnd 8: dec, sc in next 5, dec x3, sc in next 5 st
Rnd 9: sc in next 5 st, dec x2, sc in next 5st
Rnd 10-13: sc around
Rnd 14: *inc, sc in next 5* around
Rnd 15: *inc, sc in next 6* around
Rnd 16: sc around, bind off leg #1, but not leg 2, continue to body with leg two.

Body, starting with leg 2
Rnd 17: sc in next 4, dec using next sc and the 3rd from the end sc of rnd 16 on leg 1, sc around leg 1, dec using last sc in leg 1 and leg 2, sc around (the dec across keeps the gap from happening)
Rnd 18: sc around
Rnd 19: *inc, sc in next 9* around
Rnd 20: *inc, sc in next 10* around
Rnd 21: *inc, sc in next 5* around, change to jersey color
Rnd 22-28: sc around
Rnd 29: *dec, sc in next 5* around
Rnd 30-31: sc around
Rnd 32: *dec, sc in next 4* around
Rnd 33: sc around
Rnd 34: *dec, sc in next 3* around
Rnd 35: sc around
Rnd 36: *dec, sc in next 2* around
Rnd 37: now, here is how I attach the arms. You can always choose to just sew them on. If you do, just sc this row. I look and see about where the arms should go. Now, crochet around the back, for me it was 5 st, but don’t get hung up on that. Just where it looks right. Now, flatten the arm hole, sc through both sc on the arm and the next one on the body. Do this for the next 4 st. Yes, technically the arm has 11, but it will be fine. Now, sc to where the next arm should go. For me it was 4 sc. Repeat the process for the next arm. This moves your start over a bit, but it’s fine.
Rnd 38: sc and bind off.
Sew head to body.

OK, so a couple things here. I currently like to chain how ever many I need and then sew that chain over the color changes and around the neck. I like the look, so that’s what I did. Conversely, you don’t have to at all. To make the head sew on look better, you can change to the body color on the last SC round to make it easier.

Tail, start in black (only because the mascot I was making had a black tail. Adjust as necessary. Also, I didn’t stuff my tail, but just left the tails inside. You can stuff as you go or even add a pipe cleaner if you want.)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle
Rnd 2-4: sc around, change to body color
Rnd 5-16: sc around, bind off, sew to butt.

Ears, make 2, start it black (because of the mascot I was making has black ear tuffs)
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle, change to body color
Rnd 2: Inc around
Rnd 3: *Inc, sc in next* around
Rnd 4-8: sc around, bind off, and make flat and concave, sewing onto the head between rnds 2 and 7 roughly. For the ear tuffs, I just added/latch hooked style 3 pieces of ‘hair’ and split the yarn. Trim as necessary.

Mouth, in slightly lighter color
Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic circle, change to body color
Rnd 2: Inc around
Rnd 3: *Inc, sc in next* around
Rnd 4-6: sc around, bind off, sew to mouth area making sure to stuff before you close up. You can add a safety nose. or embroider one like I did… because I didn’t feel like trying to find them at this time honestly. The craft room needs some organizing currently.

For the number, I chain to make the number and sewed it on. For the ‘1’ it was two chains sewed on, but that just made it easier for me.

And that’s really it, Mad Hooking!