I have to admit, I was disappointed when my Happy Yarn Mail came this month with a pattern for the amigurumi patriotic bear.

I have a love/hate relationship with amigurumi, which is the crocheting of cute, little things. I love the finished product, but I hate the crocheting part.

Thankfully, this was actually enjoyable. The pattern was easy to follow and my experience with amigurumi in the past made is even easier.

My first night of crocheting yielded this cute, cylindrical bear. There was plenty of stuffing. I even have some leftover (same with the yarn). My biggest discovery–safety eyes. I was totally skeptical, but now, I would use them whenever possible.

The finished result is absolutely adorable.

I could just cuddle him!