One of the most enticing things about playing Pokémon GO is the way it encourages you to move around in the real world, experiencing a sort of virtual crossover where Pokémon are hiding everywhere.
But what if there were real Pokémon to be found at PokéStops too?
Thanks to self-described “crafty geek” and stay-at-home mom of two Nichole Dunigan, the next time you hit a PokéStop (GPS-mapped locations where players can refuel and get Poké Balls, potions, etc.), you might find an unexpected discovery.
Dunigan calls it #CrochetGO, and her project started as a personal hobby. The expert crafter crochets Pokémon that are perfectly identical to the characters in the game—from Squirtle to Bellsprout and more.
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Some crafters even posted photos of the Pokémon after they were hidden, leaving subtle clues for players who might be in on the secret sub-game.
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Dunigan said on Facebook that she doesn’t plan to start selling the crocheted ‘mons no matter how many times people ask.
“I am in love with designing them and making them to hide,” she wrote on the page Nichole’s Nerdy Knots. “Also, I kinda like that you have to find them in the wild to have one! Anywhere I travel I’ll be dropping them off, so keep an eye on my feed for locations.”
The most brilliant part of Dunigan’s magical, free project? She’s made all of the Pokémon patterns available for free on Ravelry so inspired crafters can join in the fun.
Gotta craft ’em all.