Personalized Cat Mat with Funny Self Portrait Applique

Traveling has been productive for me, especially when I am not driving, as my hands are free to fiddle with the yarn; yes, I can still talk and look around while doing so :)

I had leftover yarn from a previous craft, so I decided to make another cat mat. I use the 8 mm crochet hook.

Blu is sharing the mat I previously made for my first cat, Coco, and Coco is not very happy about it.

So, I decided to make one for Blu.

I used the same pattern, a basket weave, which looks cozy and is perfect for cats.

The trip to the northwest was 2.5 hours, enough to finish most of it.

When we arrived, I spent a little time finishing the lining.

Back home, I decided to personalize it for Blu.

He loves making funny poses, so I tried to make an applique similar to his usual funny pose.

Making the leg.

Making the tail. Increasing stitches and skipping a chain will create a curly tail.

Making the body. A mixture of single, trebble, and double-trebble crochet.

Making the head. I use the Picot stitch for the ears and the double crochets.

Single crochet down to the front leg, then secure the end.

Then, I micro-crochet a collar using a .6 mm hook and sewing thread.

I made it into a circle.

I added a bead, pretending it had a bell. :)

I slipped the collar on and added bluish-green eyes.

It is just like Blu! :)

I stuck it on the mat.

All done and ready!

Ohh, he loves it!

Now, they each have a mat of their own, and they seem happy and relaxed.

Blu seemed to like it and spent a while on it today.

Happy Needleworking Monday, everyone!

Mariah💗😺