A few months ago the team at lovecrochet.com got in touch with me and asked if I would be interested in designing a bespoke charity pattern in aid of Battersea Cats & Dogs home. Obviously, as a cat fanatic with rescue kitties of my own, this cause is very close to my heart so it was an easy decision to say yes straight away.

I was asked to base my design on a real life cat called Hazel who came to Battersea Cats & Dogs Home after a road traffic accident where she sadly lost one of her eyes. The vets also found that she was now blind in her other eye as the accident had damaged the remaining optic nerve. So sad, I know, though the good news is that she has since been adopted as an indoor-only cat and has settled in really well. I’m told her new owner, Natalie, is amazed at how playful and loving she is.

After some doodling and thinking and studying of Hazel’s photos I came up with a design for a seated cat that captured her likeness as close as the yarn and hook would allow without having to over complicate the pattern. I think she turned out pretty cute!

It didn’t take too long to crochet her a friend who we then called Walnut. Were not sure if Walnut only has one eye or if this is just a cheeky wink going on!

I made a slight modification to the stripes on the face for the second one and this got me thinking how easy it would be to make tweaks to the colour changes in the pattern to create all sorts of different cats.

Here’s one I made to keep Rubick company.

Rubick is still patiently trying to ingratiate himself with the other cats and I think his charm offensive is beginning to pay off though the oldies are still inclined to give him a bop on the nose if he oversteps the mark and muscles in on their space a bit too much.

Three out of four cats sleeping peacefully on the same bed is a big achievement around here!

I decided to make a few more cats and soon crocheted up a white one called Snowball and a silver tabby called Greystoke.

Unlike the real thing, Rubick’s Mini-me and the other crocheted kitties don’t mind how close he gets and are quite happy to share the cat tower with him.

Minnie already looks a bit like Hazel so no need to make a double for her…

Though I think Minnie has a bit of an attitude problem regarding her doppelganger!

Who’s going to be the first one to pounce on the catnip mouse?

Though their markings may be quite different, the one thing they all have in common is that they love to look out of windows.

There’s a cosy ledge in the lounge where they can watch the weather rolling in above and the neighbour’s cats coming and going in the street below.

And theres a roomy ledge in my studio which is perfect for spying on the birds flitting around the garden and in and out of the grape vine.

I have plans to make more such as a Siamese and a long haired breed too, but for now this fab four will have to do.

As tempting as it is to make a whole clowder of cats I have a couple of other projects needing my immediate attention over the next few weeks. and these four already take my household cat count up to eight. No wonder I’m always sneezing!

If you want to get hold of Hazel’s pattern you can find it here. All of the pattern sale fees will go directly to Battersea Cats and Dogs Home to help with their valuable work so there’s never been a better excuse to treat yourself!

The crocheted version of Hazel had a lovely time time meeting some of the residents at Battersea and took a special shine to this cute Tabby kitten who was waiting her forever home to be found. (photo credit: LoveCrochet.com)

There are also other cat patterns to choose from over on their website and if your more of a dog lover there are plenty of canine inspired designs too.

The whole of Love Crochet’s Battersea blog post and more information on the other designers and patterns found in the charity promotion can be found here and will be available until the end of November 2017.

Maggie Coles’ cat, on holiday by the seaside, is the first Hazel I’ve seen so far. It’s reassuring to see our typical British summer holiday weather going on there! (photo credit: Maggie Coles).

Isn’t she a cutie? I like the use of the variegated yarn to create the unique patterning.

I’m as curious as any cat ever was to see what versions you come up with so don’t forget to post on Facebook or Instagram and use the #StitchFurBattersea to join in the fun!

For now this purrfectly pawesome patter of tiny paws says thank you to all who support Battersea Cats & Dogs home and look forward to being adopted themselves someday!