The Healing Magic of Amigurumi Crochet (+ Free Cute Amigurumi Patterns!)

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*Scroll down for the free pattern list below. Free amigurumi jiggly puff keychain pattern click here*

Recently, I've needed a healing outlet. On March 14th, 2017, Musd, our family dog (a small apricot-peach poodle, our forever puppy) passed away. Snowstorm Stella blanketed our streets with inches of snow, crying ice pelts and freezing rain. My sister never calls me on the phone (millennials!), so when she called me that morning, I knew it was an urgent call. I could barely understand her through all her crying, but I already knew why she was calling me. "Musd is dying!"

Both Phil and his daddy were home when I ran out and half walked, half-ran, across snow-covered street after street. Amidst all this white downpour of snow, and with the harsh cold wind whipping at my face, I could barely see. I rushed as fast as I could to say goodbye to Musd. "Please hold on, baby..." I begged.

Musd the poodle (million U.S. Dollars) 6-2-2001 to 3-14-2017. rest in peace, dear friend

I'm no stranger to painful goodbyes and death of loved ones, but Musd's passing still pains me, and I'm tearing up as I write this. We wrapped her in a blanket, closed the lights, and kept our hands on her. She sniffed my hand, but she wasn't really there any more. Minutes after I arrived, she exhaled her last breath. I really believe that she waited for me before she passed. Once upon a time, almost 16 years ago, she came into our lives, a happy little poodle. In that quick moment, she was gone forever.

I didn't want to start this post with something so personal and painful, but death is a part of life. And healing must occur in order for us to move on, and go forth with our lives. I needed to heal quickly. I'm a mommy, wife, daughter, professor, blogger. I needed to be me again. And Musd wouldn't want me to be sad! I truly believe she's in a good place now, happily running around, smiling at the sun, and perhaps meeting up with my grandpa, who liked her very much.

My love for amigurumi and crocheting blossomed only after Musd left us. Crocheting helped me occupy quiet and sorrowful moments. I lost interest in video games and TV, but was drawn to the crochet hook. I lost myself in yarn and my creations.

I was five years old when my paternal grandma taught me how to knit. (She said I was too talkative and energetic. Knitting in a way was my baby sitter, haha.) When I was a child, my great grand aunt knitted vests and hats for me to last me for years. Knitting was her favorite hobby. When she left the world, she left us with all her needles and crochet hooks. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was an older teen. I only learned how to crochet scarves then, and soon grew bored because no one wore my scarves, and I hated itchy wool scarves myself! (LOL)

My love for knitting and crocheting spans decades, but it was only recently that I've learned how to start a "magic loop" and create dolls and amigurumi toys, starting with the magic loop.

My favorite ergonomic crochet set!

amigurumi jiggly puff... i realize I had forgotten her ears here

>Download the free jiggly puff amigurumi pattern from philandmama.com here!<

Work in progress amigurumi totoro. he's going to have a backpack, and a leaf on his head. Maybe a scarf...

To be able to make something with yarn and my hands, and to gift my creations to others and bring them joy, are all part of the healing magic of amigurumi crocheting. I highly recommend you pick up a crochet needle, some acrylic yarn, and start crocheting. All you really need is to learn how to make a magic loop, chain, single crochet, decrease, increase, double crochet, and fasten off to make some very basic amigurumi dolls and toys!

Having a healing outlet and a great support system is so important, especially during mourning. Crocheting and amigurumi to me are magical. I still miss Musd, every day, but I'm healing. I can't wait to make an amigurumi version of her, my beloved forever puppy. (See you at that rainbow bridge, buddy!)

I'd love to see your creations and hear your thoughts. What is your creativity outlet? Was there a time you needed a healing outlet?