I made Astrid over the course of a cruise holiday. I originally planned to read a book and play some video games, but reaching for the hook and yarn just felt right every time, like it was the only thing I wanted to do.
The original pattern has a beret, but I could only bring so much yarn with me on the ship, so I skipped the beret on this one. Maybe I can go back and make it later but I think she’s fine without it for now.
New skills
The way I made the wings was interesting, working multiple feathers into the main wing part. The first feather was tricky but I got the hang of it. I also liked sewing them onto the body before stuffing them, I think it shapes them really well.
The embroidery on the wings was new. Not my first time embroidering but the first time I’ve done it on an amigurumi like this. I absolutely love it, it’s subtle but really brings it all together.
My experience
This was the first time I’ve worked on amigumi in a public space. I normally work in my room or on the sofa, but I was sat on deck chairs and sofas around the cruise ship over the whole week.
I had bar staff and other passengers asking me about what I was doing, and telling me stories about the people they know that crochet. Or knit!
I think crocheting on that ship is one of the reasons I wanted to start catalogging my crochet more publicly. Everyone I spoke to on that trip was so genuine and lovely. It’s honestly been an antidote to a lot of my current frustration and sadness and I want to hold onto this feeling for as long as I can.