Acryligate... Acrylipocalypse... Acrylistinction...

 Okay, perhaps a bit dramatic... but, it truly feels that way if you don't have a yarn stash that rivals the product isles of a specialty store like Joann's, Hobby Lobby or Michaels..

Have you been out looking for yarn lately?? Not the expensive stuff that only knitters buy... (inside joke.. knitters, please do NOT take offense and start eMailing me...) ...
I mean the acrylic, "scratchy stuff" that we Amigurumists love to use!!

RED HEART YARNS!!

It's getting harder and harder to find even the most basic colors like Aran, Light Blue & Baby Pink... nevermind the ami specific colors like Warm Brown, Spring Green & Coffee..

Although I have not personally purchased yarn in almost 3 years ... I was made aware of this shortage, when I was contacted by a client asking for HELP on color substitutions and because of rumors that colors were being discontinued... 

So, I did what I always do.. (first I contacted a slew of sister designers.. then... ) I went to the source for answers!

I wrote to Yarnspirations to address the shortage issues as well as request an answer to the rumors that Warm Brown, a staple in the Amigurumi Community, had been "discontinued"... (Spoiler Alert.. it has and it hasn't.)

As I had suspected, COVID-19 is largely responsible for the yarn shortages of Red Heart.. or at least, COVID is getting the blame..

I had figured that with lockdowns and such, mills haven't been exactly 'milling'... and with so many people being home and picking up hooks while binge watching whatever on Netflix or Hulu.... supplies were bound to run short or even out.. 

But as I was searching for Warm Brown the other night, I nearly had a heart attack at what a single skein of Red Heart .. the Blue Collar Worker's yarn... is selling for!
Amazon is selling "Warm Brown Classic" .. (which is a 3&change oz skein) for almost 8 dollars... 
8 DOLLARS!!   (I am not going to put in my 2 cents as to 'why' Warm Brown is no longer a 'super saver' skein.. at 7oz.... but... yeah... 16 dollars for what you used to get for around 4 or 5??  ... you can figure that out for yourself...)

and Walmart wasn't any better.. they DO have a few skeins remaining of Warm Brown Super Saver.. if you are willing to pay between 11 & 20 dollars for each one!!

As for Joann's, Michaels, Yarnspirations, etc - they have absolutely NONE in stock!

Supply & Demand Baby.... 
Price gouging ?? ... 
Or perhaps something in between..

So, I think I'll be looking for a new yarn to call my own (eventually. I have been getting the hooking itch lately) .. and make a new Yarn Palette Ring... 

I do love the muted colors of Big Twist yarns... so maybe I'll go with that.  I haven't used them for my work because they were more expensive than Red Heart..  and let's keep it real.. most people love Red Heart because it is so inexpensive!
I am not a fan of ILTY for Amis (its too soft), but there are other medium weight yarns out there... 
I mean, if you're gonna have to pay $5 to $7 bucks (or more) a skein for acrylic... might as well work with whatever is pretty and available eh??

For those of you who are strict followers of pattern instructions... color substitutions will not affect the overall completed project.  Sure it's going to change the aesthetics .. but who's to say that my color palette is the 'correct one'?  Rainbow Zebras and Pink Elephants are actually very adorable!
So yes, you can absolutely substitute Red Heart Warm Brown with another Red Heart yarn.. such as Aran Fleck or Cafe Latte... or completely go with another brand or even weight.. (weigh WILL affect the size of your project) - color changes have always been a discretionary aspect of the design anyway.

Comments for this post have been left open - so please tell me your thoughts...
what has been your experience in trying to find your own favorite colors.. or even brands.  I know of Red Heart, because it's what I use... are other brands also lacking in stock?

P.S. - I did offer to start a 'petition' for Yarnspirations... you know, to allow a visual demand/need/desire; for their 'sales & marketing dept' to return Warm Brown back into the Super Saver package...
but...
a "yeah.. no thanks" was pretty much the answer..
which only firmed up, in my mind, the REAL reason it went from being a 7oz skein to a 3oz one...  I was born on a day.. just not 'yester-day'.. 

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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.

All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission.

Courtesy Pattern : CP73 - Prince Charming

CROCHET PATTERN

Prince Charming Young Heinrich, the Frog Prince, is just waiting for that fairytale ending of a happily ever after.  He's been so melancholy over the winter months waiting for his favorite pond to thaw; hoping someone will look beyond his outer appearance and see just how beautiful his heart is. Perhaps this February you can be his Valentine!  Even if a kiss is not in his future, maybe just a slumber on a little princess' pillow. ✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦
Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner   Measurements: 5.5 inches in height (approx.) Gauge is not critical for this project, however your finished size may vary slightly, depending on materials used and personal crochet style.  Materials Used in Model:  Red Heart® WW 4-Ply Yarn in 0672 Spring Green, 0321 Gold, 0312 Black and 0311 White Size US F/5-3.75mm Crochet Hook  Filling for Plushies (fiberfil or similar)  Yarn Needle for Sewing
✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦ General Notes: - This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds unless otherwise noted. - This pattern utilizes standard US Crochet Terms. - This pattern utilizes multiple methods to indicate repeats.  Remember, [ .. ] indicates the entire Row or Rnd, ( ... ) indicates a smaller repeat within a Row or Rnd & { ... } indicates multiple smaller repeats within a Row or Rnd. - I recommend that you PIN all pieces in place prior to securing them permanently to insure that all pieces fit within the small frame of the project. ✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦ HEAD/BODY: (Make 1)  with Spring Green, ___ Rnd 1: Using either the [ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook] or [magic circle] method to begin project, 6 sc in st  (6 sts) ___ Rnd 2: [Inc in nxt st] 6 times  (12 sts) ___ Rnd 3: [sc in nxt st, Inc in nxt st] 6 times  (18 sts) ___ Rnd 4: [sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, Inc in nxt st] 6 times  (24 sts) ___ Rnd 5: [sc in ea of nxt 5 sts, Inc in nxt st] 4 times  (28 sts) ___ Rnd 6: [sc in ea of nxt 6 sts, Inc in nxt st] 4 times  (32 sts) ___ Rnd 7: [sc in ea of nxt 7 sts, Inc in nxt st] 4 times  (36 sts) ___ Rnd 8: [sc in ea of nxt 8 sts, Inc in nxt st] 4 times  (40 sts) ___ Rnd 9: [sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, Inc in nxt st] 4 times  (44 sts) ___ Rnd 10: [sc in ea of nxt 10 sts, Inc in nxt st] 4 times  (48 sts) ___ Rnds 11-19: sc in ea st around  (48 sts/ea rnd) ___ Rnd 20: [sc in ea of nxt 6 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (42 sts) ___ Rnd 21: [sc in ea of nxt 5 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (36 sts) ___ Rnd 22: [sc in nxt st, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 12 times  (24 sts) ___ Rnd 23: [sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (18 sts) ___ Rnd 24: [Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 9 times  (9 sts) Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to weave through the front loops of Rnd 24 to close opening so that no stuffing can escape. BELLY: (Make 1)    with Gold, ___ Rnd 1: Using either the [ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook] or [magic circle] method to begin project, 6 sc in st  (6 sts) ___ Rnd 2: [Inc in nxt st] 6 times  (12 sts) ___ Rnd 3: [Inc in ea of nxt 3 sts, sc in ea of nxt 3 sts] twice  (18 sts) ___ Rnd 4: [(Inc in nxt st, sc in nxt st) twice, Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 4 sts] twice  (24 sts) ___ Rnd 5: [(Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts) twice, Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 5 sts] twice  (30 sts) ___ Rnd 6: sc in ea st around  (30 sts) Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure Belly to lower front of Body. LIP: (Make 1)  with Spring Green, Chain 25, slst in 2nd ch from hook, slst in ea of nxt 3 chs, sc in ea of nxt 4 chs, hdc in ea of nxt 2 chs, DC in ea of nxt 4 chs, hdc in ea of nxt 2 chs, sc in ea of nxt 4 chs, slst in remaining 4 chs  (24 sts) Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure Lip to Head/Body just above Belly. EYELID: (Make 1)  with Spring Green, Chain 12, ___ Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, 3 sc in end ch st - turn piece to allow you to work up the other side of original beg chain (as if a flat round), sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, Inc in last st (24 sts) ___ Rnd 2: Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, Inc in ea of nxt 3 sts, sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, Inc in ea of nxt 2 sts  (30 sts)  ___ Rnd 3: sc in nxt st, Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 5 sts, Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 17 sts  (33 sts) ___ Rnd 4: sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, (Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 5 sts) twice, Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 18 sts  (36 sts) Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure Eyelid to Eyeball as well as secure Eyelid to Head/Body. EYEBALL: (Make 1) Stuff Eyeball only 50% - just enough to hold shape  with White, Chain 12, ___ Rnd 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, 3 sc in end ch st - turn piece to allow you to work up the other side of original beg chain (as if a flat round), sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, Inc in last st (24 sts) ___ Rnd 2: Inc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, Inc in ea of nxt 3 sts, sc in ea of nxt 9 sts, Inc in ea of nxt 2 sts  (30 sts) ___ Rnds 3-4: sc in st around (30 sts/ea rnd) ___ Rnd 5: [sc in ea of nxt 3 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (24 sts) ___ Rnd 6: [sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] 6 times  (18 sts) Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to whip stitch the back closed as well as secure Eyeball to front of Head/Body.   With separate piece of yarn (Spring Green used in Model) - break the single Eyeball in half, giving the appearance of 2 seperate eye balls. Once you've completed your eyes - Slide it into the Eyelid at a slight angle, you will want to slip the yarn tail from the Eyeball through the lower part of Eyelid so that you can use this white tail, to secure bottom of Eyeball (the white area) to Head.  PUPIL: (Make 2)  with Black, ___ Rnd 1: Using either the [ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook] or [magic circle] method to begin project, 6 sc in st  (6 sts) Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure Pupil to Eyeball. With White, add a point of light to each pupil. HIND LEG: (Make 2) This piece contains NO stuffing  with Spring Green, ___ Rnd 1: Using either the [ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook] or [magic circle] method to begin project, 6 sc in st  (6 sts) ___ Rnd 2: [Inc in nxt st] 6 times  (12 sts) ___ Rnds 3-5: sc in ea st around  (12 sts/ea rnd) ___ Rnd 6: [sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] twice  (10 sts) ___ Rnd 7: sc in ea st around  (10 sts) ___ Rnd 8: [sc in ea of nxt 3 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] twice  (8 sts) ___ Rnd 9: sc in ea st around  (8 sts) ___ Rnd 10: [sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, Dec nxt 2 sts tog] twice  (6 sts) ___ Rnds 11-17: sc in ea st around  (6 sts/ea rnd) ___ Rnd 18: [3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 2 sts] twice  (10 sts) ___ Rnd 19: sc in nxt st, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 3 sts  (14 sts) ___ Rnd 20: sc in ea of nxt 2 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 6 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 4 sts  (18 sts) ___ Rnds 21-23: sc in ea st around  (18 sts/ea rnd) ___ Rnd 24: sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, {(sc, hdc, sc) in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 3 sts} twice, (sc, hdc, sc) in nxt st, remainder of stitches remain unworked  Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to close opening of flipper foot.  With separate piece of Spring Green, secure Hind Leg to Body - notice that the Hind Leg folds in half forming an upside down U not including the flipper part of foot. FRONT LEG: (Make 2) This piece contains NO stuffing  with Spring Green, ___ Rnd 1: Using either the [ch 2, begin work in 2nd st from hook] or [magic circle] method to begin project, 6 sc in st  (6 sts) ___ Rnds 2-9: sc in ea st around  (6 sts/ea rnd) Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure Front Leg to Head/Body. CROWN: (Make 1)  with Gold, Chain 30 and join to form a large ring, ___ Rnd 1: slst in ea ch around  (30 sts) ___ Rnd 2: sc in ea st around  (30 sts) ___ Rnd 3: [slst in nxt st, skp ea of nxt 2 sts, (3 DC, ch-2, slst into top of lst DC made, 3 DC) in nxt st, skp ea of nxt 2 sts] 4 times, repeat from [ to ] once more, slip stitching into same first slst made this round to complete the round. Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure Crown to top of Head/Body. ✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦
Pattern Support: While every effort has been made to be as thorough as possible in giving instructions regarding this pattern (including links to unusual techniques or stitches under the General Notes/Special section above), it may still happen that you need some more assistance.  All Courtesy Patterns are written with the novice crocheter in mind and many of the answers to any questions that may arise can be found within the Tips & Tutorials section of this blog. If you believe you have found an error within this pattern, please feel free to contact me at fiberdoodles@gmail.com.  ✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦⋆✦ (¯`·._(_.·´¯`·._.»  Copyright Notice  «._.·´¯`·._)_.·´¯) Should you wish to share this pattern, please share using an Official FiberDoodlesbyK4TT authorized page  . ✦⋆✦  RAVERLY  ✦⋆✦  BLOG  ✦⋆✦  ETSY  ✦⋆✦ Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products. By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification. All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work. All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission.