purlJam

# Pattern: The "Simple Shapes" Exotic Macaw
**Difficulty**: Intermediate (due to color changes)
**Size**: Approx. 6" (15 cm) tall
**Yarn**: Worsted Weight (4) in Red (Color A), Yellow (Color B), Blue (Color C), White (Color D), and Black (Color E).
**Hook**: US G-6 (4.0 mm)
**Gauge**: 4 sc = 1" (Exact gauge is not critical, but stitches must be tight enough to hide stuffing.)

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### MATERIALS
*   Worsted weight yarn in 5 colors
*   Fiberfill stuffing
*   Yarn needle
*   9mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidery)
*   Stitch markers

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### ABBREVIATIONS (US Terms)
*   **ch**: chain
*   **sc**: single crochet
*   **inc**: increase (2 sc in one stitch)
*   **dec**: invisible decrease (sc 2 together)
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **Rnd**: round
*   **[ ]**: total stitch count at the end of the round

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### CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS

#### 1. BODY & HEAD (Oval Shape)
*Start with Color A (Red). Change colors as indicated to create the "Exotic" look.*
**Ch 6.**
**Rnd 1**: 2 sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next 3 ch, 3 sc in last ch. Working along the bottom of the chain: sc in next 3 ch, 1 sc in the same starting ch. **[12]**
**Rnd 2**: inc in next 2 sts, sc 3, inc in next 3 sts, sc 3, inc in last st. **[18]**
**Rnd 3**: (sc, inc) x 2, sc 3, (sc, inc) x 3, sc 3, (sc, inc). **[24]**
**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) x 2, sc 3, (2 sc, inc) x 3, sc 3, (2 sc, inc). **[30]**
**Rnd 5-10**: sc around. **[30]** *(Head area)*
**Rnd 11**: *Change to Color B (Yellow)*. sc around. **[30]**
**Rnd 12-14**: *Change to Color C (Blue)*. sc around. **[30]** *(Body area)*
**Rnd 15**: (3 sc, dec) around. **[24]**
**Rnd 16**: (2 sc, dec) around. **[18]**
*Stuff firmly at this point.*
**Rnd 17**: (sc, dec) around. **[12]**
**Rnd 18**: dec around. **[6]**
**Fasten off**, weave in ends.

#### 2. BEAK (Cone Shape)
*Use Color E (Black).*
**Rnd 1**: 4 sc in magic ring. **[4]**
**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around. **[6]**
**Rnd 3**: sc around. **[6]**
**Rnd 4**: (2 sc, inc) around. **[8]**
**Rnd 5**: sc around. **[8]**
**Fasten off**, leave a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly.

#### 3. WINGS (Flat Oval Shape - Make 2)
*Start with Color A (Red).*
**Ch 5.**
**Rnd 1**: 2 sc in 2nd ch, sc 2, 3 sc in last ch, turn, sc 2, 1 sc in starting ch. **[10]**
**Rnd 2**: *Change to Color B (Yellow)*. inc x 2, sc 2, inc x 3, sc 2, inc. **[16]**
**Rnd 3**: *Change to Color C (Blue)*. (sc, inc) x 2, sc 2, (sc, inc) x 3, sc 2, (sc, inc). **[22]**
**Fasten off**, leave tail. Do not stuff; these are flat.

#### 4. TAIL FEATHERS (Cylinder/Tube Shape - Make 3)
*Use Color C (Blue).*
**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring. **[6]**
**Rnd 2**: (sc, inc) around. **[9]**
**Rnds 3-8**: sc around. **[9]**
**Fasten off**, leave tail. Flatten the cylinders; do not stuff.

#### 5. EYE PATCHES (Small Sphere modification)
*Use Color D (White).*
**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring. **[6]**
**Rnd 2**: inc in each st. **[12]**
**Fasten off**, leave tail for sewing.

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### ASSEMBLY & EMBELLISHMENT
1.  **Eyes**: If using safety eyes, insert them through the center of the **White Eye Patches**, then secure them to the **Head (Rnds 6-7)**, spaced about 5-6 stitches apart. If embroidering, sew the white patches first, then add black dots.
2.  **Beak**: Sew the **Beak (Cone)** centered between the eyes, slightly lower (around Rnds 8-10).
3.  **Wings**: Pin the **Wings** to the sides of the body where the color changes from Red to Yellow. Sew only the top edge of the wing to the body so they can flap.
4.  **Tail**: Sew the three **Tail Cylinders** side-by-side to the bottom-back of the bird (Rnd 16).
5.  **Details**: (Optional) Use Black embroidery thread to add small "v" shapes on the white eye patches to mimic the skin texture of a real Macaw.

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### TECHNICAL NOTES
*   **Invisible Decrease**: To keep the bird surface smooth, insert hook into front loops only of the next two stitches, yarn over, and pull through both loops, yarn over and pull through remaining loops.
*   **Color Changes**: Always change color on the last pull-through of the previous stitch for a clean line.
*   **Math Validation**: Total body circumference [30 sts] / 4 sts per inch = 7.5" circumference, resulting in a standard 2.4" diameter toy, matching the "handheld" specification.