I was browsing Pinterest when I came across a very interesting project. I had to follow it to its source, and ended up buying three patterns from a designer named Heidi Bears. She uses a crocheted motif called the African Flower Hexagon to create marvelous stuffed animal patterns. I purchased three of her patterns from her Ravelry page -
and Max the Bulldog.
Are these not unbelievably cute? The instructions indicate fingering-weight yarn (the scrappy looks can be achieved with leftover sock yarn scraps) and a 1.75mm crochet hook. Of course, I had just about every size crochet hook except that one! I took a quick trip to The Yarn and Fiber Company in Derry to pick up that hook and two skeins of yarn, one for joining the hexagon motifs, and one for scales. I think I'll be starting on Puff the Stegosaurus soon.
In the meantime I keep finding other patterns I need to make. I have, I think, four sets of yarn and patterns for baby sweaters. Those include a Wonderful Wallaby, an Elizabeth Zimmerman Tomten jacket, and an Alan pullover (in the child size). I'm also still looking for an alternative pattern for the angora/merino scarf. I may use this Simple Chevron Pattern Scarf, which is also a free pattern. This always leads to other things as well, of course - in this case, another free pattern called the Boyfriend Cardigan. That exact pattern won't work because it calls for a fingering weight or so (size 2 & 2-1/2 needles). I need something that will work with the sweaters' worth of lovely gray Naturespun Sport that I picked up at Coveted Yarn last fall. I like that look, though - v-neck cardi, easy fit, and I love the look of the button band. As much as I'd love to do something with gorgeous cables (I just came across this one this morning - the Jurisfiction cardigan, by Glenna C. - but I just don't have the attention span for something like that right now.
Last spring we had three people make the Hippo pattern at my local shop. It's a huge hit and a lot of those patterns stuffed animal patterns are really cute.
It's good to see your crafting mojo seems to be returning!
Posted by: D | March 21, 2015 at 09:55 AM