Kindergarten Milestones, TMNT Crochet, and Fall Knit Along Projects

I am in a whirlwind of emotions today. My oldest turns six. He started kindergarten two weeks ago and has been loving it. Every day when I drop him off, he gets out of his seat, comes around to my door, and gives me a kiss goodbye. He then blows a kiss to his little brother behind me and walks into the school like he has been doing it for years.

I am so happy to see him growing up, but so sad at the same time. It is a scary place out in the real world. This year, he is still all about trains, but he is also very much into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. We are actually having a TMNT-inspired party with family only.

I wanted to make him something special, so I decided on the TMNT Michaelangelo pattern by Linda Potts. She has a lot of cute patterns, so if you are a crocheter, you should definitely check out her Ravelry page.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tmnt-michaelangelo

I pretty much followed the pattern, with a few changes. I altered the shell ring and shortened the body. I worked three double crochets in a stitch, then slipped stitched to the next, and repeated. I also made the belt differently and added the strap that goes over the arm, similar to the newer turtles. I changed the hip area as well, although I am not quite sure how to explain that part clearly. I used safety eyes from Hobby Lobby, and the mouth is embroidered using black yarn.

I gave him to the birthday boy last night, and he absolutely loves him.

This project is crocheted using a 4.0 mm (G) hook and Red Heart Super Saver yarn in green, blue, and taupe. It is an acrylic yarn, which makes it sturdy and perfect for a toy that will get lots of love.

I started this project back in July and have worked on it in small pieces of time. I finished the head first, then slowly moved through the body, arms, and legs as I had time. Since my son has started kindergarten, I am finding more quiet moments to pick it back up and make progress.

This project has been such a fun one to work on, and it feels extra special knowing it is being made just for him.

Currently, I am participating in three KALs for September and October. The first is through Must Stash. They host a podcast that I absolutely love. If you have not listened to it, you should definitely check it out. https://www.ravelry.com/groups/muststash

The KALs they have going on this month include a handspun KAL and Rhinebeck or Bust. For the handspun KAL, I am using my pumpkin handspun and knitting the Nora Spiral One-Skein Hat by Manuela Ducret. I am also using this same project for the Knit Girllls Halloween KAL. I mean, a pumpkin-colored hat does not get much more Halloween than that, so this project is definitely being double-dipped.
https://www.ravelry.com/groups/knit-girlls

The last project I am working on is the Easy Folded Poncho by Churchmouse Yarns. I hope to make good progress on that one soon.

I hope you check out my WIPs and consider dropping into one of the groups, Must Stash or Knit Girllls, and tell them I sent you. I would also love to hear about your WIPs and see pictures of what you are working on. You can find all my projects here: https://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarning4asmile

Happy yarning.