My Velveteen Rabbit

I don't know if it is just the age, but Alina doesn't play with dolls that much. She prefers her animals:)

Taking bear for a walk

Here she is with the bunny

She also LOVES  her  lizard. :)  Sometimes I think she likes it more than anything. 

Doesn't go anywhere without it!

So I've been wanting to make some new friend for Alina for a long time. And when I came cross this book, I fell in love instantly with the  Rabbit.  

I used Italian mohair that I ordered from Russian long time ago.The fabric was so soft and rich that I was afraid to cut it.

But I am so glad I finally found the courage. :) I am so proud of the result.

Here is  my "Velveteen" Rabbit!

I made the ears a little longer than they were supposed to.

I used oil pastels to tone the eyes- I think it gives them more depth. 

I think he is perfect! But the best part is that Alina loves him! :)

And four is a crowd....

Have you seen Me to You Bear? 

The cutest Tatty Teddy... with blue nose, patches and stitches... You can learn about his story here.

I have been obsessed with them for the past ten years!

I got the first one as a gift I was in college,and I brought him with me to the US.

The second one was a  last years birthday present. He flew to US all the way from Russia.

And the big Tatty Teddy I found in one of the closing Hallmark stores couple of months ago.


But I still hope that one day my dream will come true and that I will add giant Blue Nose Tatty Teddy to my collection :)

Unfortunately, they are only sold in UK, and they do not ship overseas because of the size.But I am believer. The dreams do come true! :)

For now, I thought, why not to make blue nose friend of my own?!

That's how this lovey dovey Teddy was born!

  Soft and cuddly-just perfect for little ones:)

This is a very easy project, perfect for beginner. Only basic crocheting knowledge is required.

This pattern can be found in my ravelry, craftsy or etsy shop:)

Isn't he a cutie?!!:)

Very wise owl FREE crochet PATTERN

Do you know someone who is graduating this summer and do you want to congratulate them with a special gift? What could be better then a gift made with your own hands! :)
So today I will show you how to make this VERY wise owl!

You will need:

-worsted weight yarn ( two colors for the body and wings, yellow for the beak, white, blue and black for eyes)
- Hook # F/3.75
- black felt for hat
- yellow embroidery floss to make a tassel
- brow felt and brown thread to make feet
- paper and red thread for the diploma
- Poly-fill
- needle and scissors

Lets make the owl!

Head-body:
Ch2

Round 1: 6sc in the 2nd ch form the hook. Do not join, place stitch marker. (6)
Round 2: 2sc in every st around.(12)
Round 3: *sc in 1st st, 2sc in the next st* repeat all the way around. (18)
Round 4: *sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in the next sts* repeat all the way around. (24)
Round 5: *sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in the next sts* repeat all the way around. (30)
Round 6: *sc in next 4 sts, 2sc in the next sts* repeat all the way around. (36)
Round 7: *sc in next 5 sts, 2sc in the next sts* repeat all the way around. (42)
Round 8: *sc in next 6 sts, 2sc in the next sts* repeat all the way around. (48)
Round 9-23: sc in every st around (48) Change to contrast yarn color for Round 13 and Round 17.
Round 24: *sc in next 6 sts, sc dec* repeat all the way around.(42)
Round 25: sc in every st around. (42)
Round 26: *sc in next 5 sts, sc dec* repeat all the way around.(36)
Round 27: sc all the way around. (36)
Round 28: *sc in next 4 sts, sc dec* repeat all the way around. (30)
Round 29-34: sc all the way around.
Now stuff with Poly-fill.
At this point you will need to make about 6-7 sc so that the "right side"-where the face will be is now facing you, fold the body in half and join with sc st- work sc sts until you reach the middle, then make slip st in the st 4 Rounds below.

Then continue working sc till the end. Finish off.

Now cut 6-8 strands of yarn for each ear.Line the ends up and attach them to the ears. Trim the strands so they are even.

To make Eyes (make 2):
Starting with black yarn make Ch2.
Round 1: 6sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. (6)
Change to blue yarn and continue.
Round 2: 2sc in every st around. (12)
Round 3: *sc in 1st st, 2sc in the next st* repeat all the way around. (18)
Change to white color yarn.
Round 4: *sc in next 2 sts, 2sc in the next st* repeat all the way around. (24)
Round 5: *sc in next 3 sts, 2sc in the next st* repeat all the way around. (30)
Finish off leaving long tail for sewing.

Beak:
With yellow yarn make Ch2

Row 1: 2sc in the 2nd ch from the hook. (2)
Row 2: sc in every st. (2)
Row 3: 2sc in every st. (4)
Row 4: sc in every st. (4)
Then work sc evenly around the beak making 2sc in the bottom corner. Finish off, leaving long tail for sewing.

To make Wings (make 2):
Starting with Color A( I used blue), make Ch2
Round 1: 6 sc sts in the 2^nd ch from the hook. (6)

Round 2: 2sc sts in each st around. (12)

Round 3: *sc in the first st, 2sc in the next sts* repeat all the way around. (18)

Round 4: sc all the way around. (18)

Change to color B.

Round 5-12: sc all the way around. (18) 

Round 13: *sc in next st, sc dec* repeat all the way around. (12) 

Round 14: sc dec all the way around.

Finish off leaving long tail for sewing.

Now when all parts are done, the wise owl is about to be born. Sew eyes, beak and wings to the body. 

Make the feet out of felt and sew it to the body.

To make the hat,you will need to cut out of felt:

-two 2x2 pieces  

- 1/2 inch wide and 4 inches long piece

Sew two ends together.

Join the bottom piece with the top one with couple of stitches.

Place the second square on top and join it with a blanket stitch.

And it is done!

Just add a tassel and put it on your very wise owl! :)

After graduation my owl left her hat and diploma on the shelf and joined Alina's Zoo! :)

She met new friends...

and is having a lot of fun around here!

Even wise owls need a break! :)