Throughout the fall, I went on a big kick of crocheting fun things–Little donut keychains, whimsical stress balls, and chickens. Everyone loves chickens.

I imagined that I was going to sell these items on consignment in a local business, but somehow I kept pushing it off. I wasn’t sure why I needed 15 chickens and a dozen stress balls.

It turns out I did need them.

For gifts.

Teacher gifts. Class gifts. Hostess gifts. Stocking stuffers.

It was amazing to have these simple items around to give away when needed.

My kids’ co-op teachers got chickens. My co-op students got stress balls right before a big exam. When we got invited to someone’s house over the holidays, we took them a chicken.

The Donuts

These donuts were perfect for using leftover yarn. I had lots of safety eyes and obviously lots of yarn, so I ordered these key chains and went on the lookout for a pattern. I used this pattern from Baby Cakes Studio.

My daughters quickly claimed one of these and put them on their backpacks. The rest of my donuts are still sitting in an apothecary jar on my end table. I’m sure I’ll find a way to use them soon.

Whimsical Stress Balls

I saw so many versions of these stress balls online. There were chickens that pooped eggs, blobs, animals, and so much more. I ended up using this purchased pattern from Bebus Design and this video by Klassy Krafts to inspire my finished product.

I knew that I wanted to purchase heavy duty stress balls to reduce the risk of rupture, so I ordered these on Amazon. I also knew I couldn’t use safety eyes and didn’t want to use the lighter method in the video, so I ordered these eyes and was able to crochet them directly onto the balls. The yarn I used was from TEMU before shipping made it cost prohibitive, but any blanket yarn will work.

Once I had the basic method figured out I was able to add ears, fins, and more to make them unique.

I was trying to figure out a good price point for these, so I pulled them out during our college ministry one night. Let’s just say that these are a hit with young and old alike.

Chickens

This chicken’s name is Mabel. She comes from a paid pattern called Mabel Chicken available on Etsy from Oak and Marlow. Can I just say, I love Mabel.

I had a pile of Premier Chunky Candy Yarn which I thought would work well for Mabel. My chickens were small, no larger than 5 inches in length. But they were loved and hopefully still are. My flock of 15 has been depleted. Soon though, I’ll have to go back into the chicken business. Because chickens (and crochet) make me happy.

Peace out, –Heidi