About my patterns

Yesterday I got a question about one of my patterns, if it was simple enough for a beginner. While considering what to say I realized that I didn't really know how to set the difficulty level of my patterns. When I learned to crochet around two years ago I started by making amigurumi and learned the stitches as I went, but that doesn't necessarily mean that amigurumi is easy or suited for beginners to crochet. I had my mother, who has been crocheting doilies for more than 30 years, test one of my amigurumi patterns, and she failed miserably (sorry about that, but it's true). It's difficult for me to judge what will be easy or difficult for others, as I'm not even sure where my own skill level is.

For example, I find it very hard (or at least very troublesome) to have color changes in the middle of a row when working in the round. I have no idea where to put the yarn that's not in use. If I carry it along it shows through and if i don't carry it I'll have to cut it for each round, which leaves about a million ends to tie up :/ So, I try to avoid having those kinds of color changes in my patterns. Simple stripes, however (like on the bumblebee), is no problem.

I posted my question on Ravelry, and this is part of the reply I got from Stacey Trock (author of Cuddly Crochet, read her blog):

Below, I’ve pasted what the Yarn Council says [link HERE], and then in Italics, what I’ve added as guidelines for my own patterns.

• Beginner: Projects for first-time crocheters using basic stitches. Minimal shaping. My easiest patterns. Includes working in the round (because most amigurumi are), but the basic shapes are just circles. No fancy stitching required.
  
• Easy: Projects using yarn with basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing. Simple color change for me means just needing to change color once or twice, but not enough to make a pattern with the color changes. I put patterns here if they have more decorations/details than a beginner pattern.
  
• Intermediate: Projects using a variety of techniques, such as basic lace patterns or color patterns, mid-level shaping and finishing. ‘Mid-level shaping’ means a non-circle shape. And color patterns, such as an animal having a white tummy, makes an animal go in this difficulty level.
  
• Experienced: Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques and dimension, such as non-repeating patterns, multi-color techniques, fine threads, small hooks, detailed shaping and refined finishing. I have very few patterns here, usually only if you need to follow a chart for color changes.
  

When I began making the Cute Little Dudes, I wanted to keep them as simple as possible, but still get them to look somewhat advanced. I decided to try and make all the parts with single crochet in the round (no working flat pieces in rows, which I find can be hard to count sometimes), and as few color changes as possible. I think I have accomplished that, except for the hedgehog, which of course was the pattern in question... The spikes are made by chaining a few stitches and then slip stitching back to the beginning, repeat about a thousand times. The rest of the hedgie is pretty straight forward if you know how to work in front, back and both loops.

I also realized that people may be interested in more details about the patterns, like what stitches they would need to know to be able to make the critters, so here it is:

Great Big Bugs:

* All parts except the eyelids and the legs are made with single crochet in the round

* No shaping (increases and decreases are evenly spaced in the rounds)

* A few simple color changes (a few more on the bumblebee)

* A little embroidery (mouth)

Stitches you need to know:

Chain, sl st, sc, inc, dec, dc, hdc

Cute Little Dudes:

* All parts are made with single crochet in the round

* Almost no shaping (a few muzzles and belly patches are not completely circular, but they can be if you want them to)

* A few simple color changes (some dudes have none)

* A little embroidery (nose & mouth on all dudes, some have spots as well)

Stitches you need to know:

Chain (only for dudes with "hair"), sc, inc, dec, sl st, BLO, FLO

Kitty Princess:

* All parts are made with single crochet in the round

* Some shaping 

* No color changes

* A little embroidery (nose & mouth)

Stitches you need to know:

Sc, inc, dec, sl st, BLO, chain, hdc, dc

You can read the Ravelry discussion HERE. I guess my answer to the question about the hedgehog is that unless you're a complete stranger to crochet and the basics of amigurumi, you will be able to make it :) It looks complicated, but it's really just about placing the spikes and being patient (there are a lot of them!). I hope this has been helpful :)