It's Been a Long Time

It has really been a long time! As a matter of fact, it's been over seven months since I posted. Wow, how time flies! No, I didn't fall off the edge of the earth; I am still living with and taking care of my mom. I did have a terrible case of "lost cro-jo", though, and this is why you haven't heard from me.

If you recall from some previous posts, I was in the process of creating stuffed animals for my sister's grandchildren. All of them had been done except Riley's dragon, which was the most complicated and detailed. You will be glad to know that he is finally done and is safely in my sister's hands for Christmas gift-giving. You have no idea how relieved I am. I was beginning to have nightmares about giving these stuffed animals to college-age kids, and although they are a little bit older than what I was planning (the gifts were supposed to be given at Easter), none of the children have officially hit puberty yet. (All right - maybe one. But he was tall to begin with.)
So here they are (horn tooting) - the long awaited grandchildren's stuffed animals!

Attachment 33259
Emily's Ballerina Bunny, bunny pattern here; bow pattern here

Attachment 33260
Sophie's Black Cat, pattern here

Attachment 33261
Lorelai's Toy Owl, pattern here

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Abbie's German Shepard Puppy, pattern here

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Paden's Fiery Dragon, pattern here

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Riley's Magnificent Dragon, pattern here

A little side note about Riley's dragon - the original design was meant to go over a sphere-shaped lamp. I just wanted the dragon to be placed on a table or shelf, so there were adjustments to the pattern that I had to do. Just FYI, in case anyone is daring enough to be up for the challenge of making this behemoth!

As always - stay safe, stay well, and happy crocheting!

You've been busy!! The ballerina bunny is cute and the dog looks life like, like a real dog. How did you do the dog's nose? The black cat is cute too. The owl is cute but it looks like a lot of work. Both dragons are realistic.

Hi Nova 55,

Oh my what wonderful gifts these children will receive. Each one is so real looking.
I would never attempt that dragon. I understand it took you some time but you did it Yea!

Stay safe and warm.
Spoula

Thank you Jean Marie! The dog's nose is plastic and I bought it from CR Crafts. They carry a lot of supplies for dolls and bears, and you can find a pretty good selection of eyes and noses. They are also willing to ship small quantities, which many places won't do anymore. The owl was a lot of work because the designer has you make all the feathers separately, then sew each one of them on. The German Shepard's markings on the face were done with a fabric paint pen.

Thank you Spoula! You know how I dragged my feet on Riley's dragon, and if it wasn't that everyone else's animal was done, I doubt I would have finished it. I won't say that I'll abandon amigurumi, but I really think I need a break. I do have my eye on an absolutely adorable elf at Love Crafts called Miss Elfi, but I think she'll have to wait a bit.

Hi Nova55, I like Miss Elfi she is so cute and I know my little granddaughter would love her but I don't know how to do those kinds of toys. I guess if there is a pattern I could try, By the time I get it made she would be a grownup. I really like your work and love to see all the things you make.

Spoula

Spoula - Now this is just my opinion, but I really think since you are capable of LOOKING at an item and figuring out the pattern to be able to make it yourself, you would certainly be able to follow a pattern for a softie/amigurumi. Granted, Miss Elfi is a bit more complicated than average, so maybe you wouldn't want to start with her. But something like this simple Cuddle Me Bear would not be too difficult for you. I'm sure you have some spare yarn to give it a shot.

And BTW, I love seeing your things too!

Hi NOva55, You are kind in your opinion of me thanks for the compliment. I looked at the link for Miss Elfi that you posted. I would like to try it I like a challenge. Only I saw that it is a free pattern but you have to give your email address and password and I don't like to do that online.

I could look at it and see if I can figure it out but it might come out deranged and not cute. Ha

Spoula

It's true, they are free patterns but you do have to create an account with them to get the patterns. Can't blame you for not wanting to do that. I have three typewritten pages of places I've set up accounts with. It really gets tedious!

I love these!!!

Welcome back, Nova.

Magnificent, all of them. The first one (bunny)I made something similar, 16" in height I think, decades ago during my First Phase of Crocheting (it lasted 20 years from a teenager, then I quit) and I was amazed at how much effort and work it took.

Oh, those lucky kids. I especially prefer the black cat. I find it hard to crochet with really dark yarn, though. I have one weak eye and need bright light when working. Do you have any challenge with dark yarn??

Happy Christmas to you. I hope that you will be surrounded by family and friends! Nothing like a happy houseful!

Nice to hear from you, MeToo! and thank you for the compliments. Yes, these stuffed animals really took me much longer than I expected - I started them in September/October 2019. This is the first time I worked with black yarn and it is challenging. I have magnifiers and I bought a really bright LED spotlight lamp to help me. The only thing worse than black yarn is furry yarn because it is really hard to see the stitches through the fur. I don't use much of that either!

Merry Christmas to you and yours! My mom and I will be going over to my brother's family for dinner. We see my brother and SIL on a weekly basis, and their 2 kids are in college but they go remotely, so they are in our group of people. My sister and her clan are all going to celebrate separately, but we're getting pretty good with zoom now, so we'll be all together that way. It's not ideal, but it's still pretty good. I hope everyone can have a wonderful and safe time for the holidays!

Those are the most beautiful I have seen! The kids will love them. If they don't, I would be glad to take them off your hands!!!!! LOL

Judy

Hi Nova55
I have been MIA also for a period of time. (Discussion on that at a later date) but.....
WOW! your pieces are amazing! My favorite is the owl...so beautiful and detailed. You do amazing work. Thank you for sharing the pictures. I love each piece.