Panda bears - Done :)

Hurray, It may have taken me four weeks but here are the finished bears. As you can see; they ended up quite big.

Each one is made from slightly different fibres of yarn but the same fluffy white yarn too. I was really surprised to find that the wool based yarn behaved so differently to the polyester based yarn that I practically had to re-write the pattern for each!

Here is a better picture of the little guys without me in the way.

Little Panda Bears

Aren't these just the cutest little bears? They belong to a CBBC show called "the same smile"

In the programme they are taken around different playgroups in Britain to see how different kids do different things (different religons or abilities) but how they are also all the same; all kids like to play and have fun. It's a really cool programme.

There is just one problem. Even though loads of kids watch the show and are, of course, in love with the bears, the people at CBBC do not make the toys for sale to the public. This is so sad.

I was asked to have a try at making one. Well, I love a challenge...

The original bears are made from different materials but I was unable to find the right materials in the right colours.

Here is my first attempt. He is knitted all from a toweling effect yarn. His legs are pretty small and there is not much difference between him sitting down and standing up - but he can do both. (his head is not really off to one side I did that for the ahhhh effect lol) He does stand an impressive 14 inches tall though - which is pretty close to the same smile bears.

If I make the others it will be in white toweling yarn and yarn with no special effect. But that will make them more like the ones I'm trying to imitate. I'm quite pleased with him.

Hello ducky

If you liked last year's snuggle bunnies, then you are going to love this years snuggle ducks. Little yellow ducky cushion pals with a choice of colours for the beak and feet.

Just like the bunnies, you can put a few on the bed or sofa and tell everyone that they are just "throw cushions" to brighten up the room. But we all know that they are for secret hugs when you feel the need (but we won't tell)

These little cushion pals are bought for baby showers, teen congratulation gifts, going-to-college gifts, housewarming gifts, toy collections, room decor, throw pillows and "just because..." Gotta love that reasoning.

All hand knitted from extremely soft, fluffy yarn with washable fibre filling; they can be machine washed on a cool cycle ('cos we all need a wash sometimes) and are a 10 inch circular artwork.

Of course, I intend to make more, but for now, you can find the blue one here and the purple one by clicking here The bunnies are also still available - they look so happy together.

Pink Mammoths on Parade

My latest dinosaur in the collection is Woolhelmina The Woolly Mammoth. She is also in my Artfire shop She is a total snuggle beast and a real hug monster. But nothing scary here.

All hand knitted, she is perfect for any age. I can also make one up in another colour if you like. Just like all Mammoths she has a head bump and lovely long tusks and just look at those manicured finger nails. Her arms and legs are securely attached but can also move (just like a teddy)

More dinos

OK this is how Barney the dinosaur should look. Lots of teeth and claws for "rawr, rawr, nom, nom, nom" Well, maybe not so scary. He can do a mean rock and roll dance too as his legs have "teddy bear" joints and he is oh, so soft and fluffy.

Of course he has a cooler name than the "other purple dinosaur" too; He is a tyrannosaurus rex so his name is Tyrone O'Saurus, of course. You can find him with others at my artfire store.

As always you don't have to have him in this colour-way. You can choose your own colours and I will make one up for exactly the same cost.

"Barney the Dinosaur is Lame"

Yes, you heard it; and it didn't come from me.

I was once told by a 4 year old, that Barney the Dinosaur is lame because he doesn't have proper teeth and claws and all dinosaurs should have proper teeth and claws.

I've given it some thought and he was right; dinosaurs just look too cute these days. So I'm making a few dinosaurs for my Artfire shop Mine will look right even if, maybe a bit cute and fluffy.

This is Pterry my first dinosaur. He is a Pterodactyl and although he doesn't have sharp teeth, he does have a big yellow beak and proper claws; they may be knitted but they are there. He's as soft as a big blanket and knitted in very fluffy yarn. He's pretty huge too standing at 40cm tall and with a wingspan of the same. I love his long goosey neck and the fact that he will nod in agreement to anything you say. He has to be the perfect companion.

12 days to Christmas

Yes, that's right only 12 days. Are you panicking yet?

Here's a quick idea for a gift or decoration.

I made mine in shades of yellow and orange so that it could be "5 gold rings" I can hear you all singing. Hee hee.

You can hang it from the tree or give it as a chunky bracelet.

You can, of course, make yours in any colours - making it as trendy as you can for a youngster.

I knitted mine using DK weight yarn and 3mm double pointed needles. I found that 5 is the perfect number for an adult or teenage wrist. This only took me 2 hours to make. But if you are feeling adventurous you could make a necklace or even wrap the whole tree in a really long one! now that would be something to see.

The instructions can be found on the fibermania webpage.