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If you've mastered the patterns of booties, hats, and mittens, why not kick your crocheting skills up a notch? Take on these unique creations.
1. DUMPLING KITTY
Sarah Sloyer designed these tiny crocheted cats with flat bottoms so they'll stay where you put them. Recreate the project in any color to match your own cats, or go wild with colors not found in nature. The pattern is a free download from Sloyer's Ravelry shop Critterbeans, where you'll also find free patterns for sharks, dolphins, and even a T. rex.
2. STRAWBERRY BACKPACK
Ripe for the taking: "Even a beginner crocheter can master this," Irish crocheter Carrie Chambers writes of the pattern for her crocheted Strawberry Backpack on her blog. The project requires a 5mm crochet hook and worsted weight yarn.
3. PIZZA PARTY SNUGGLE SACK
Why use a throw when you can stay warm and cozy with a pizza? Just slip into a slice and veg out on the sofa. You can download this pattern (of mid-level difficulty) for this tasty, toasty Pizza Party Snuggle Sack at Yarnspirations.
4. PARTY SNAIL
"Little known fact – snails are total party animals," according to the Tiny Curl blog. Help them reach their true potential by crocheting these amigurumi snails in any color you like with a pattern available for free. You can also buy them ready-made on Etsy.
5. DARTH VADER
Honor The Sith Lord with this pattern, available free in both English and Italian from Amigurumi Amo. To recreate the project, you'll need black and gray cotton, white, red, and blue thread, black felt, black fabric, stuffing, needle, and a size 2 hook.
6. MERMAID TAIL
Stitch together this warm and form-fitting mermaid tail in any of five different sizes offered up by Marta Selter Design. You'll need a 7 mm crochet hook and either double-stranded Aran weight yarn or single stranded super bulky yarn.