This month, I’m really excited to share my latest creation: an Amigurumi Cat to support Stitchers in Solidarity for Gaza. If you saw my last vlog, I mentioned an amazing initiative by Squish & Co and Knotmoth on Instagram. They’ve launched a powerful campaign to raise funds for people in Gaza through crochet. They’ve asked for contributions from crocheters and designers, including pattern bundles, finished pieces, and even sweepstakes (still not 100% sure what that is – maybe a raffle?).
Last month, I made a little watermelon bandana from their first accessory crochet bundle, and now they’ve released an adorable amigurumi pack. I’ve started working on one of the patterns.
The Pattern: From Bear to Cat
The original pattern was for a bear named Melanie Bear, it was designed by Jay @crochetbykittengrll , but I decided to turn her into a cat. Unfortunately, I ran out of the right colors in my baby snuggle yarn, so I had to use worsted-weight yarn instead.
This pattern was fantastic—so detailed and well-written. I don’t usually do amigurumi (I’m more of a granny squares person), but I couldn’t resist. The instructions for the face were especially great; I’ve always struggled with getting facial details right. This time, though, I feel like I nailed it! The placement for the eyes and cheeks turned out just how I hoped, thanks to the clear directions in the pattern. Normally, my attempts end up looking a bit more “Frankenstein” than cute, but not this time!
I did tweak the pattern a little by changing the ears to make them more cat-like. Now, I just need to add a tail to complete her look.
Why This Project Matters
Supporting Stitchers in Solidarity is an incredibly tangible way to help those in Gaza. When you buy the patterns, the money goes directly to people who need it. It feels meaningful, knowing that each stitch represents care and support for people facing unimaginable hardship.
I’m planning to promote this project on Instagram, though I’ve noticed that posts related to Gaza don’t get the visibility they deserve due to the algorithm. Even my ceasefire tapestry didn’t reach many people. But I’ll keep pushing, because this cause is far too important to ignore.
Help Me Name Her!
Now for the fun part: my little cat needs a name! The original pattern calls her Melanie Bear, but since this is a cat, I want to find her a fitting name—something that embodies her message of peace and compassion. She’s here to remind us that no one should have to suffer, and she’s full of hope for an end to violence. If any name comes to mind, please let me know!
What’s Next?
I don’t have any concrete plans for my next project yet, but I’ll be digging through Instagram to find more craftivism efforts. I’m still working on baby blankets for my local group, but if you know of any larger crochet or community art projects that raise awareness or provide support, I’d love to hear about them!
I’ve noticed that there aren’t as many craftivism resources on YouTube as I expected, apart from people like Sarah Corbett and Badass Cross Stitch, both of whom I’ve followed for a long time. But I’m sure there are more amazing projects out there—if you’re involved in one, please tell me about it!
Thanks for sticking with me through this update! If you have any feedback on my amigurumi (I’m still learning!), feel free to share it. And if you’re curious about my other work, I have a YouTube Channel which covers a mix of topics: crochet adventures in spooky locations around the UK, monthly recaps of my Etsy shop, studio vlogs, and sometimes discussions on hot topics in the crochet community.
Jack's Yarn Crochet Designs 