off the hook: sleepy crochet Totoro

It's happened. I made my first ever amigurumi thingy and I'm in love!

It was Mr P's birthday recently and he's got a soft spot for dear old Totoro (don't we all?), so I thought I'd see if I could hook one up in time.  I found an unspeakably adorable free pattern at Amigurumei (soooo cute) and instantly knew he was the one. I dug out the yarns I needed, grabbed my hook and took a deep breath. 

This was my first foray into the world of amigurumi, and I had been warned how addictive it was. So yes, I've fallen under the spell. But what I liked most about this way of crocheting was just how easy it was. Really, just double crochet stitches (UK). For days. Well, not actual days. You know what I mean. And barely any sewing up afterwards. I found that as long as I was vigilant with my stitch counting and became BFFs with my stitch marker, I muddled along just fine. This speedy little guy came together in about a week, but had I really been motoring along, I reckon you could do it in a couple of evenings. This might even be the first time I've finished a make on time for Mr P. Wow. 

He may be pudgy and wonky, but I love him wholeheartedly. (That's Totoro, not Mr P, who is neither pudgy nor wonky. Mostly). Do you have any tips for an amigurumi newbie? I'm thinking maybe a smaller hook size could have worked, too?

Just snoozin under a leaf. Like you do.