Mystery Crochet Along: A Gift for V-Day

By Rachel Choi – 57 Comments

Welcome to the Mystery Crochet Along (CAL)! I hope you’re ready for a fun adventure! Since this crochet along is a mystery, I can’t tell you exactly what you will be crocheting, but I can give you a hint. The object will be something that you can give to a friend as a Valentine’s Day gift, or keep for yourself if you find it too cute to giveaway. You’re always welcomed to make more than one! It is a small object, sort of like a toy, but is versatile so you can use it in more than one way.

Here is how the Mystery CAL is going to work:

  • Start right now! Use the pattern information below to gather your materials and start crocheting the first part of the pattern.
  • Every week a new part will be added to the pattern on this page. There will be a total of 4 parts. So be sure to bookmark this page and come back every week! I’ll send reminders out in the weekly newsletter and also on Facebook, just in case.
  • Feel free to leave comments on this post to ask questions if you need help while crocheting.
  • Feel free to email me ([email protected]) pictures of your work in progress and I’ll upload them to the website and show them off for you! Or you can post a link to your pictures in the comments section.
  • After completing the final part of the pattern, be sure to email me a picture of your final object! I’ll create a round up of all the submitted pictures so that everyone can see each others’ work. As a bonus, I’ll randomly select a “winner” who will receive a mystery prize.


Let’s get started! Below is the pattern information. If you need help with the pattern or have questions, feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post. We’re all here to help each other and have fun!

Skill Level:

Finished Size: 4 1/4″ (11 cm) wide, 4 3/4″ (12 cm) tall when flat

Materials:
Medium Weight Yarn (approximately 50 yards each of color A and color B, small amount of black and white)
Note: I chose to use pink as color A, and green as color B. I recommend choosing 2 complimenting colors that are bright and fun!
Crochet hook F (3.75 mm)
Stitch marker (or safety pin, or scrap of contrasting yarn)
Yarn needle
Polyester fiberfill (this is an optional material – I’ll explain the options as we crochet, don’t want to give away the mystery yet!)
crochet yarn size 4

Gauge:
Rounds 1 – 5 in part #1 measures 2 1/4” in diameter.

Need help understanding the abbreviations and symbols? Check out the crochet abbreviation chart.

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Part #1

Pattern can be found here: Lovable Owl Crochet Pattern

You are done part #1. Feel free to email your picture of your progress to me ([email protected]) and I’ll show it off for you! Or you can post a link to your picture in the comments below. If you need help while crocheting, also feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to help.

Here is my progress pic for part #1.  It is crocheted from the bottom up, so the last round will be the top.

Here is my progress pic for part #1. It is crocheted from the bottom up, so the last round will be the top.

Here are the progress pictures submitted via email so far! Don’t forget to share yours…

Yiayia is the first to share her pic!

Yiayia is the first to share her pic!

I love the colors Meridith picked.

I love the colors Meridith picked.

Here's Yvette's photo from the UK.

Here’s Yvette’s photo from the UK.

Look at the variegated yarn in Yvette's 2nd photo.

Look at the variegated yarn in Yvette’s second photo.

Here's Debbie's week 1 picture.

Here’s Debbie’s week 1 picture.

This pic is by Linda in the UK.

This pic is by Linda in the UK.

Kim chose Seattle Seahawk colors.

Kim chose Seattle Seahawk colors.

Lillie used bright yellow and green.

Lillie used bright yellow and green.

Brenda used purple and green.

Brenda used purple and green.

Loving Shirley's soft pink with yellow.

Loving Shirley’s soft pink with yellow.

Susan chose softer colors too.

Susan chose softer colors too.

Andrea's variegated yarn looks awesome.

Andrea’s variegated yarn looks awesome.

Cindy is feeling the V-day colors.

Cindy is feeling the V-day colors.

Here is Tami's work in progress.

Here is Tami’s work in progress.

Here is a picture by Sam.

Here is a picture by Sam using teal and lilac.

Tammy in Arizona submitted this yellow and pink photo.

Tammy in Arizona submitted this yellow and pink photo.

Rose is using a variegated yarn plus a solid.

Rose is using a variegated yarn plus a solid.

Ali is making two, in red, white and blues.

Ali is making two, in red, white and blues.

Here is Monica's part #1 photo.

Here is Monica’s part #1 photo.

Susan's part 1 is blue and purple.

Susan’s part 1 is blue and purple.

Loving Terry's pink and blue combo.

Loving Terry’s pink and blue combo.

Cecilia's part #1 is looking good.

Cecilia’s part #1 is looking good.

Here is Jennifer's part 1 made with black and blue.

Here is Jennifer’s part 1 made with black and blue.

I love Courtney's yarn colors - blue and orange.

I love Courtney’s yarn colors – blue and orange.

Here's Mindy's part 1 in orange and white.

Here’s Mindy’s part 1 in orange and white.

Cindy's made hers with sugar and cream yarn.

Cindy’s made hers with sugar and cream yarn.

Chantal's bright, bold colors look great.

Chantal’s bright, bold colors look great.

Here is Miki's part #1 in pink and more pink.

Here is Miki’s part #1 in pink and more pink.

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Part #2

Pattern can be found here: Lovable Owl Crochet Pattern

You are done part #2. Feel free to email your picture of your progress to me ([email protected]) and I’ll show it off for you! Or you can post a link to your picture in the comments below. If you need help while crocheting, also feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to help.

Part #3 will be posted on Friday January 24th, so be sure to check back then!

Here is my part #2 progress photo!  You should have 5 little hearts.

Here is my part #2 progress photo! You should have 5 little hearts.

Here are the progress pictures submitted via email so far! Don’t forget to share yours…

Tammy is the first to share her pic!

Tammy is the first to share her pic!

Here's Yvette's first of two pictures.

Here’s Yvette’s first of two pictures.

This is Yvette's second picture.

This is Yvette’s second picture.

Sam's hearts are looking great.

Sam’s hearts are looking great.

Loving the colors of Brenda's hearts.

Loving the colors of Brenda’s hearts.

Here's Kim's part 1 and part 2.

Here’s Kim’s part 1 and part 2.

Love the variegated yarn Rose used.

Love the variegated yarn Rose used.

Here is Lilie's week 2, part 2 picture.

Here is Lilie’s week 2, part 2 picture.

Here is Ali's first of two pics for week 2.

Here is Ali’s first of two pics for week 2.

This is Ali's second of two pictures.

This is Ali’s second of two pictures.

Susan's row of hearts look great.

Susan’s row of hearts look great.

Cami's part 1 and 2 pic looks great.

Cami’s part 1 and 2 pic looks great.

Here is a picture submitted by Cecilia.

Here is a picture submitted by Cecilia.

Take a look at Susan's blue hearts.

Take a look at Susan’s blue hearts.

I love Cindy's Valentine's day colors.

I love Cindy’s Valentine’s day colors.

Judy's part 1 and part 2 look great.

Judy’s part 1 and part 2 look great.

Courtney's hearts are blue and orange.

Courtney’s hearts are blue and orange.

Here is Dyann's part 1 and part 2.

Here is Dyann’s part 1 and part 2.

These are Mindy's hearts ready to be attached.

These are Mindy’s hearts ready to be attached.

Andrea used a nice combo of variegated yarn.

Andrea used a nice combo of variegated yarn.

Jean used fun Valentine's day colors.

Jean used fun Valentine’s day colors.

Ann made her part 1 and 2 in blue and pink.

Ann made her part 1 and 2 in blue and pink.

Mary is using a fun blue and yellow combo.

Mary is using a fun blue and yellow combo.

Nelle is working the CAL in a group with Mary.

Nelle is working the CAL in a group with Mary.

Carolynn is also working in a crochet group.

Carolynn is also working in a crochet group.

Take a look at Monica's part #2 photo.

Take a look at Monica’s part #2 photo.

Chantal's bright, bold colors look great.

Chantal’s bright, bold colors look great.

Esther is using red and white V-day colors.

Esther is using red and white V-day colors.

Loving Miki's light pink and dark pink color hearts.

Loving Miki’s light pink and dark pink color hearts.

These pink and yellow hearts are Shirley's.

These pink and yellow hearts are Shirley’s.

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Part #3

Pattern can be found here: Lovable Owl Crochet Pattern

You are done part #3. Feel free to email your picture of your progress to me ([email protected]) and I’ll show it off for you! Or you can post a link to your picture in the comments below. If you need help while crocheting, also feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to help.

Part #4 (assembly instructions) will be posted on Friday January 31st, so be sure to check back then!

Here are my part #3 pieces.  Yes, those are eyes and a nose, plus some limbs!

Here are my part #3 pieces. Yes, those are eyes and a nose, plus some limbs!

Here are the progress pictures submitted via email so far! Don’t forget to share yours…

Kim is the first to share a part #3 picture.

Kim is the first to share a part #3 picture.

Rose's part #3 pieces are looking good.

Rose’s part #3 pieces are looking good.

Take a look at Cindy's pink and red pieces.

Take a look at Cindy’s pink and red pieces.

Here is Lillie's part #3 picture - looks great.

Here is Lillie’s part #3 picture – looks great.

This pic is Meridith's part #2 plus part #3.

This pic is Meridith’s part #2 plus part #3.

This pic shows Court's work from Part 1 - 3.

This pic shows Court’s work from Part 1 – 3.

This is Yvette's first of two pics.

This is Yvette’s first of two pics.

Here is Yvette's second part #3 picture.

Here is Yvette’s second part #3 picture.

Take a look at Cecilia's part #3 pieces.

Take a look at Cecilia’s part #3 pieces.

Ann's blue pieces are looking great.

Ann’s blue pieces are looking great.

This is Miki's pink pieces for part #3.

This is Miki’s pink pieces for part #3.

Jo in the UK submitted this pic of all her parts.

Jo in the UK submitted this pic of all her parts.

Take a look at Esther's pieces for part #3.

Take a look at Esther’s pieces for part #3.

This picture is of Shirley's part 3 pieces.

This picture is of Shirley’s part 3 pieces.

Brenda's part 3 pieces are looking great in blue.

Brenda’s part 3 pieces are looking great in blue.

Mindy's part #3 photo looks great.

Mindy’s part #3 photo looks great.

Here's Ali's first part #3 photo in white.

Here’s Ali’s first part #3 photo in white.

Here's Ali's second part #3 photo in blue.

Here’s Ali’s second part #3 photo in blue.

Here are Susan's pieces in blue and purple.

Here are Susan’s pieces in blue and purple.

Here are Monica's part #3 pieces.

Here are Monica’s part #3 pieces.

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Part #4

Pattern can be found here: Lovable Owl Crochet Pattern

Part 4 is the final part where we’ll assemble all the pieces! Please read these instructions carefully and take your time sewing your pieces together. This is a versatile pattern with 2 options! The finished object can be a toy if filled with stuffing, or without stuffing it can be left open to be a pouch or envelop.

Toy create a toy, fill body (part #1) with fiberfill, then whip stitch across the opening to close. For a pouch/envelope, do not fill with fiberfill. Simply weave in your loose ends on the body (part #1) into your work. The photo below shows the piece stuffed.
assembly 1

Next we’re going to sew on the wings (part #3, piece #1) and the feet (part #3, piece #2). Note that the feet are larger than the wings. Flatten all four pieces. Sew the wings to the side of the body and sew the feet to the bottom of the body. If you’ve never sewn parts together before, check out this tutorial: How to Sew Amigurumi Parts Together
assembly 2

Next, sew on the eyes (part #3, piece #4) and the nose (part #3, piece #3).
assembly 3

Lastly, sew on the 5 hearts (part #2) using photo as a guide, or in any arrangement that you desire! Feel free to add more hearts too.
assembly 4

You are now done the mystery CAL and have a lovable owl to give as a gift for Valentine’s day! Feel free to email your picture of your lovable owl to me ([email protected]) and I’ll show it off for you! Or you can post a link to your picture in the comments below. If you need help while assembling, also feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll be sure to help. As a bonus, I’ll randomly select a “winner” from the submitted pictures who will receive a mystery prize. So be sure to submit your picture!

progress pic

Here are the final pictures submitted via email so far! Don’t forget to share yours…

Rose is the first to share her finished owl.

Rose is the first to share her finished owl.

This is Yvette's first owl in blue and purple.

This is Yvette’s first owl in blue and purple.

Here is Yvette's second owl in green and blue.

Here is Yvette’s second owl in green and blue.

Brenda's lovable owl is looking great.

Brenda’s lovable owl is looking great.

Meridith titled hers "Owl Be Yours".

Meridith titled hers “Owl Be Yours”.

Sam's owl is holding a banner of hearts.

Sam’s owl is holding a banner of hearts.

Take a look at Amrita's pink and red owl.

Take a look at Amrita’s pink and red owl.

Court's owl has a heart purse - very cute.

Court’s owl has a heart purse – very cute.

Take a look at Susan's owl in blue and pink.

Take a look at Susan’s owl in blue and pink.

Lillie's owl looks great in green and yellow.

Lillie’s owl looks great in green and yellow.

Cindy added some hair and a heart bow.

Cindy added some hair and a heart bow.

Check out Evelyn's black and pink owl.

Check out Evelyn’s black and pink owl.

Take a look at Esther's red and white owl.

Take a look at Esther’s red and white owl.

Carole's lovable owl is orange and yellow.

Carole’s lovable owl is orange and yellow.

Doreen used an awesome color combo.

Doreen used an awesome color combo.

Ann's lovable owl looks great in blue and pink.

Ann’s lovable owl looks great in blue and pink.

Here's Kim's owl in Super Bowl Seahawk colors.

Here’s Kim’s owl in Super Bowl Seahawk colors.

Loving the changes Cami made to her owl.

Loving the changes Cami made to her owl.

Check out Chantal's nice color combo on her owl.

Check out Chantal’s nice color combo on her owl.

Alison's lovable owl has a cute little scarf.

Alison’s lovable owl has a cute little scarf.

Here is Shirley's lovable owl in pink and yellow.

Here is Shirley’s lovable owl in pink and yellow.

Mindy's owl looks great in yellow and orange.

Mindy’s owl looks great in yellow and orange.

Mary's owl from Happy Hookers Crochet Club .

Mary’s owl from Happy Hookers Crochet Club .

Carolynn's owl also from the crochet club.

Carolynn’s owl also from the crochet club.

Maxine's new great grandson will enjoy this.

Maxine’s new great grandson will enjoy this.

Here are Ali's two cute owls for her boys.

Here are Ali’s two cute owls for her boys.

Take a look at Monica's lovable owl.

Take a look at Monica’s lovable owl.

Nelle's owl from Happy Hookers Crochet Club.

Nelle’s owl from Happy Hookers Crochet Club.

Nancy's owl has earrings - how cute!

Nancy’s owl has earrings – how cute!

The winner of the CAL can be found here: Mystery Crochet Along: A Gift for V-Day (winner)

Also, a PDF version of the Lovable Owl pattern can be found here: Lovable Owl PDF Crochet Pattern

Thanks everyone for participating in the CAL!

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57 Comments

  1. I’m into it! 🙂 How fun!

  2. Yiayia says:

    Hello, well I’m up to row 16…I took my measurements and it’s 3 inches in length and 4 inches in width lying flat. I’m a tight Crocheter so should I keep going until I get that length?

    Thank You!
    Yiayia

  3. sjors says:

    Wow,;) i’m in
    Starting tomorrow. …….

  4. Yiayia says:

    Rachel,

    I think I’m done with part 1 yay! Can’t wait til next week!

    Yiayia

  5. Carole says:

    I’ve finished the first mystery directions in bright yellow and orange. Can’t wait to se what comes next.

  6. AnnieM says:

    Oooh, another crochet along! I’m in! I like Yvette’s color choices…no idea yet which I’ll pull from my own stash. Hmm.

  7. Misha says:

    Oooh I’m tempted. In going to raid my stash and see what colours I have that might work.

    Can’t wait to get started….

  8. Jean says:

    I will begin this thank you dounds exciting

  9. Sharon says:

    Great idea, I love it! Except, I don’t want to look at the progress pictures, that ruins the surprise.

    • Rachel Choi says:

      No worries! Each new part is posted on Friday. So if you check for the pattern on Friday, you won’t see the progress pics 🙂
      Too late for the first part, but the next parts can still be a surprise.

  10. Janette says:

    Think I will sit this one out….not good with surprises….like to see pics so that I know I am on the right track….have fun those of you who are brave enough or confident enough to do this…..

  11. Hubert says:

    I just got your email today
    This is my first time doing a CAL, but is sounds fun can a guy join in. I think Petal Pink and Berry looks like good colors to use what do you think?

  12. Hubert says:

    I mean red berry it just says 743 Berry on it.

  13. Chantal says:

    I’m in! Love it being a surprise!
    Going to get some yarn today and will start either tonight or tomorrow =)

  14. Gigi Lee says:

    I would love to participate in your CAL! I just got a chance to read my mail so here I am! Do you think a WW yarn like RHSSaver would be OK? I’ll check gauge. Thank you! Looks like fun indeed!

  15. Bea says:

    Yes I love mysteries! I just started.
    Greetings to all,
    Bea
    The Netherlands

  16. Ali says:

    I finally finished my second one, I am making one for each of my boys just in case it’s something they will enjoy :-). I will email a pic shortly. Thanks for leading us on this fun CAL, this is my first one and I can’t wait to see what we end up with!

  17. Sheri says:

    Very late join, but ready for the next part today.

  18. Tammy says:

    This is so much fun. I’ve ever done this before. Your site is amazing 🙂
    Thank you.

  19. Carole says:

    Very cute and so easy to make.

  20. Jean says:

    This is my first crochet-a-long. I will try tp ost my pictures of part 1 and 2 this weekend. Thanks enjoyingthis bery much for my first time!!

  21. AnnieM says:

    Hi all,

    I never got around to sharing a pic of my Week 1 results, but here’s Week 2. http://hardworkinghandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/DSCN2369.jpg

    I LOVE these little hearts! So simple and quick and just as cute as can be.

    Re/ colors: I’m using some Red Heart Super Saver in “lemon” and “coral” that were left over from Rachel’s Timothy Turkey project a couple Thanksgivings ago. 🙂

    – Annie

  22. cindy andrews says:

    This is my first crochet along! I love this! so much fun! Can hardly wait until Friday. Everyone’s color choices are so great! I love seeing the pics.

  23. Courtney says:

    This is fun! I am looking forward to Friday so I can make the 3rd step. 🙂

  24. Monica says:

    Are you doing another crochet along for February?

  25. pearl f says:

    I just started mine im so excited. a bit late but ill catch up. you should do more of these.

  26. Tammy says:

    I love this! I’m in. I would love if you did the Mystery Pattern one after the other! Thank you again. It’s been SO fun and I love mysteries/ surprises and I love crochet so combine the two and I’m in Heaven. 🙂

  27. fariba says:

    So very beautiful patterns ,I try to make hearts especially (5 little hearts) Thank u for sharing 🙂

  28. Sheri says:

    No pictures as yet, but now to wait, for the finish line. So back to the blankets I have going.

  29. AnnieM says:

    Here are my Week 3 pieces: http://hardworkinghandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/DSCN2434.jpg

    OK, I confess. I’m looking at all of it together and am still completely in the dark about what we’re making. And that’s so much fun!! It’s going to be a surprise to the end, isn’t it? 🙂

  30. Yvette says:

    Hi I’m really loving taking part in the mystery crochet along its my first one I’ve ever done and I so hope you will do more. I’d love to take part in more. I’ve just finished my part 3 I’m doing 2 just incase it was too cute to give away lol this way I can have one and still give one away lol. I didn’t realise exactly how much fun it would be, every week I’m sat waiting for the next part in eager anticipation 🙂 many thanks for doing this.

  31. carolyn says:

    Done with part 3. Can’t wait til tomorrow! Lol

  32. AnnieM says:

    He is adorable, Rachel! I put him up high where my husband will see him when he gets home, and my kids are beside themselves. They can hardly stand not playing with their new buddy RIGHT NOW!

    http://hardworkinghandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/DSCN2538.jpg

    Thanks for creating and hosting. This has been a bunch of fun. I recommended this project to my SIL, too, who has been saying she wants to learn crochet. I love how you’ve used just about every basic technique and stitch and linked to tutorials for each one. It’ll be a perfect introductory project for her. 🙂

  33. Emma T says:

    Aw, this is so cute. I only came in part way through, and fairly new to following patterns (I managed the hearts so that’s a start) but will be saving this to have a go in my own time.

    Hopefully if there’s some more mystery crochet alongs, I’ll be able to get organised and join in.

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