Maya Angelou, the Poet of the People, is a Pulitzer Prize author and poet. “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”

This is an instant PDF download crochet pattern of Maya Angelou with her bird companion from her novel Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Skill level: ★★☆☆☆ Beginner-Intermediate. The detailed instructions include step-by-step pictures, along with tutorials and videos from PlanetJune by June Gilbank for basic crochet tips. Basic techniques include magic ring, single/half double/double/treble (triple) crochet (sc, hdc, dc, tr), increase and decrease stitches, color change, crochet in rounds and rows. US terminology. Methods used in this pattern involve little sewing (as I’m not a big fan of assembled sewing). Alternative methods are also included in the pattern.

Your finished doll is approx. 32 cm in height (with a 2.75 - 3.00 mm crochet hook). Required materials: Color yarn, safety eyes, polyester filling.

This doll is a fun gift for teachers, friends, baby showers, graduations, and girls and boys who aspire to be whatever or whoever they want when they grow up! (I asked my kids’ teachers who they admire, and Maya was one of them!)

Note: This pattern was originally inspired by Amour Fou Crochet. The pattern and methods have been completely altered. Permission has been granted by Carla Mitrani, the designer of the original Amour Fou patterns. Many of the tutorial videos are from PlanetJune.com by June Gilbank.