I want a small “extra little something” for a Christmas gift, and these dumpling kitties look like they’ll work up quickly-- plus they’re so cute!

I tried using a smaller hook-- D and then E-- but it was just not working (kept splitting the yarn when pulled through the stitch). So I’m using an F but crocheting more tightly than I normally would. Not sure how much of the problem was the hook size and how much the brand of hook. The F is my current favorite brand, Tulip Etimo, whereas the smaller hooks were Boye.

The contrast color (dark plummy purple) is a remnant of Caron Simply Soft. I used buttons for eyes, because that’s what I had on hand. The nose is embroidery floss. (Ugh, I hate embroidering faces!! It’s impossible to get them to look as I envision them.)