Generally speaking it tends to be quite easy to find crochet patterns for toys of animals that are cute. An animal only need to have big adorable eyes, be perhaps fluffy and appear to mimic certain endearing human traits or emotions, and Pinterest is awash with awesome inspiration and patterns.

So, what do you do when your child asks for a deep sea Angler Fish!!!

My son loves all things to do with the sea and ocean. The Blue Planet DVDs have been played on a loop in our house. I love that he is so into it, but have you seen these guys?!

(He also likes dinosaurs, but Nanny’s already knitted up a whole bucketful of these prehistoric fellas!)

I searched and searched for a pattern online but with little success and then, when visiting my local library, I discovered ‘75 Shells, Coral & Colourful Creatures of the Sea to Knit & Crochet‘ by Jessica Polka. Boy, was I happy because there, on one of the last pages, was a pattern for none other than my elusive Angler Fish! Hurrah!

And it turns out Angler Fish can be cute after all!

Not suitable for very young children as the design uses a pipe cleaner for the lure and the eyes, although safety ones, are not as safe as ones which have been embroidered. However, he has been perfect for my son who’s a bit older.

I knew he had got the seal of approval when my son took him into school for Show and Tell!

Thank you Jessica Polka! x