The college craft club I advise is getting ready to participate in a holiday craft show that is run by another club at school, so of course, this means we are switching gears from making snuggles (our service project for this semester and a good way for members to learn to knit or crochet) and making items to sell at the show. Proceeds from sales will be donated to the same place we will give the snuggles, Domino’s House, a local no-kill cat shelter.

We received a huge donation of acrylic yarn (lots of Red Heart Super Saver), and so along with snuggles, we are now using it to make small amigurumi items for the show. In the past, I have hesitated to try to get members to attempt amigurumi because it required crocheting in the round, which is not that difficult, but it is also not that easy for someone who basically learned to crochet a few weeks ago. As it happens, however, this semester we have a group who is really into the yarn and are very eager to learn. A few have really taken off with it, so I think they are ready. Plus, I figure if I at least make the parts and pieces, those whose crochet skills are not up to it, can still help with finishing them such as gluing on noses, eyes, stuffing them, etc.

I am starting off with this adorable little owl pattern by Ana Clerc called Owls Two Ways because she has instructions for knitting or crocheting them. It is a free pattern available here through Ravelry.com. These are crazy easy and quick to make and take very little yarn. For my first finished one (pictured at top), I used buttons for the eyes, but I also have some googlie eyes we can use that you just glue on. I’m hoping that considering we are selling these at a college craft show, that owls will be kind of popular. I also plan to attempt some of these mini-amigurumi animals from a Lion Brand pattern.