Scrappy-Bits: Squeaky Ball
Happy New Year to all and welcome 2025!
I think to kick things off this year I’m gonna show you some of the small projects I have whenever (if ever!) I found myself with a little bit of downtime. I call them “scrappy-bits” (and yes, I did adopt the name from SpongeBob SquarePants) and it’s my process of clearing out all the extra bits and scraps of my stash.
As most creatives know, it’s surprisingly easy to collect a mountain of extra supplies. For crocheters & knitters especially, this means yarns!
in recent years I’ve been using mine to make assorted granny squares. I got a lot of compliments on my “Stain-glass Afghan” about two years ago, and I had so much fun making it, I hope to be able to make another one later.
But a quick google search revealed to me the other cool project ideas out there for extra rolls of yarn.
And my pup recently killed off his favorite chicken, so I had an extra squeaker laying around.
How’s the old saying go? “Waste not, want not.”
Now, keep in mind this is only just a test pattern for what I hope will be future patterns. Rocky’s rambunctious with his plush toys especially, so I wanted to make sure the gauge and the stitch pattern were just right; to create something he couldn’t easily pull apart.
I decided to use the smallest hook I normally reserve for plushies/Amigurumi toys; it creates a nice tight stitch that keeps all the stuffing in, and actually helps create firmness where it’s needed…
I was mistaken…
He tore through that sucker like it was butter.
But, he also loved it so much that he refused to let it go! So, I know I’m on the right track.
That, or he just wanted the squeaker inside…
…
Anywho…
I had enough material to make him a new one, this time with an even smaller hook- that’s right! I used a D/3 hook for this baby: the size typically reserved for crochet thread and lace (and trust me, there’s a difference).
Did my hand cramp up a bunch of times? Did I curse my sweet boy under my breath (only to quickly apologize in the same breath)?
Yes. Yes to both - multiple times.
But, I’m hoping it’ll be worth it for our next “play session.”
I ran him kind of hard with the first ball this afternoon haha!
“A tired dog is a happy dog,” or so I’ve been told.
But, after some sniffing about and a little bit of whining (this dog is so scared of change, I tell you what!), he seems to have taken to it just as well. Though that may be because he still wants the squeaker…
Anyhoo…
We’ll monitor his play with the new ball for a few days, and see just how long it takes him to start pulling this ball apart. With some dogs that’s never really an issue, with other pets (like RockyTop) it’s only a matter of time.
Right now, I’m just looking for patterns and techniques that stand tough against his rambunctiousness. It’s a slow process, with lots of trial-and-error involved, but it’s worth it all if I can find the one toy that’s safe, durable, and easy to replace (in case of emergency).
In case you couldn’t tell, I really love my pet!
