Puppets and Monsters

Last year Knit for Nowt sent out an appeal for therapy puppets and monsters which are desperately needed for children who have suffered physical and  psychological trauma.  These puppets are used by Social workers throughout the UK  to help a traumatised child to communicate through a puppet or monster.

I think it's heartbreaking to think that there is always a desperate need for these and supply can't meet demand, you can read all about Knit for Nowt here

I have never really enjoyed making fiddly things but this cause really tugged at my heart and I knew that I had to try to help in anyway that I could. 

Out came the sewing machine I had to dust off a few cobwebs I can tell you but I was determined to give this a go and this was the result....

I know they aren't great but I was quite proud that I had actually managed to produce something that could be used, the worst part for me was sewing the faces. 

I then approached my U3A Patchwork and embroidery group and asked them if they would like to make some too, I even made a couple more and do you know what, apart from the faces I really enjoyed making them, this is what we made between us....

As you know crochet is my forte and although I did enjoy sewing some I was itching to make some crocheted ones too, apparently although all types of puppets are needed and used a MOJO  monster is the most useful as several facial flaps are used one for each facial expression. I found a knitted and sewn pattern on the website but none for crochet so I fiddled about a bit and came up with a very simple pattern of my own, made a few puppets then sent photo's to Clare from Knit for nowt to see if they were acceptable......

Here they are all sat on the windowsill in my conservatory which I had just had built, my next door neighbour was having an extension built at the same time which meant that her workmen spent a great deal of time working from my garden. When I took a photo of these little guys I was actually in my pyjamas and kept moving them around darting back and forth and yes talking to myself too as I do😳 I then turned and looked out of the windows at the side only to find next doors workmen sat on the new extension roof watching me and looking very amused indeed.  To say I felt embarrassed is an understatement.😆 

Anyway I'm very pleased to say that Clare was delighted with the puppets and asked me if I would share the pattern with diagrams so that it could be added to the website.

I do hope that this will inspire some of you to make some puppets, I know that I will continue to make them whenever I can. There is loads of information on the website and patterns of all types for you to try. I have added some links below for easy access.

CROCHET MOJO WORRY MONSTER 

CROCHET TEDDY HAND PUPPET PATTERN

WORRY PUPPET AND MONSTER PATTERNS (WEBSITE)

HAND AND FINGER PUPPETS ( WEBSITE)

SEWN PUPPETS AND MONSTERS (WEBSITE)

Mostly Teds and a cute ending

Hello all you lovely people it seems ages since I posted even though it's just over a week, life has been quite crazy here in the crafty corner household and my blog has had to take a back seat for a while.  I have missed visiting your blogs too but will try and catch up as soon as I can.

The Teddy puppet making continues in earnest it's a long time since I worked on just one thing but I'm really enjoying it it's fun, I have everyone I know helping with this project and this is what I have made so far.

Most are crocheted 

Pattern here

but I have made some knitted ones too..

Pattern here

The ladies from NELH have been making Teddy puppets throughout August too...

We have managed to complete 50 so far and hopefully there will  be more to come before the deadline.

There is still time to join in if you would like to, the last Teddy must be in before September the 20th, please contact me if you would like the address to send them to.

You can read all about the Teddy Puppet appeal in this post

Here is a photo of the puppets they have received so far

The end of the month is upon us once again but you still have time to link those August stash-busting creations before the end of the month.

I will be going on holiday to Benidorm on the 1st September but hopefully I will have time to post the September Link Party before I leave.

and finally remember the gifts I made for little Simran here well she has just popped in to say hi and show you just how much she loves her owl...

Isn't she so cute! she has promised to model the dress for us just as soon as it fits. :) 

See you soon.

Teddy Puppet Fun and another challenge.

As you know I can never resist a challenge and once I read the notice below which was displayed on the Loving Hands Forum I declared August as Teddy bear puppet making month and everything else has been put on hold.

"Help is needed to beat the record number of knitted/crochet teddy bear puppets by OCC Barton upon Humber. 

The record is over 15,000 teddies and they still have a way to go! The deadline is Sunday September 20th.  Some they have made already......

All the teddy puppets will be used for the Christmas shoebox appeal, they will all go to kiddies around the world to brighten up their Christmas.

The Teddy Puppets can be made in any colour and decorated for fun."

You can find more details here and the Facebook page is here

If you would like to help out please email me for an address to send them to.

Patterns for knitted Teddies here and here and visit the puppet lady for another one here

I did make a knitted Ted and he's very cute but I'm a much faster crocheter so I have designed a very simple crochet Teddy Puppet Pattern which can be found here.

I hope you will join the challenge. :)

How to Thread The Needle and Meeting the Challenge

I hope that you have all had a lovely Easter Break and that the Easter Bunny was good to you and brought you lots of chocolate eggs,  I must admit that I had my fair share who can resist, I wonder if there is anyone who doesn't actually like chocolate.  

Thank you for all the lovely comments about my new Bunny family and also to Una, Regula and Kate for the how to thread the sewing machine suggestions 

Which were

1. Good lighting is essential.
2. Ensure that the end of the thread is not frayed.
3. Ensure that the needle is at it's highest setting.
4. Place a white object behind the needle or dark object if using white thread.
5. Use a magnifying glass.
6. Use Polyester thread.
7. Use needle no 80.

There is also a great post here on The Art Of Manliness which explains it all, I am going to give them all a try and I will let you know what I find works best.

Or maybe we should just get one of these :)

April challenge

Just to refresh your memories I challenged you to use up some of your least favourite stash yarn and this was the yarn in question for me.

So introducing the

Candy Floss Scarf

You have feel it to believe just how soft it is.  I have to be honest I really didn't expect much of this yarn but I was pleasantly surprised.

It isn't the easiest of yarn to crochet because of it's knobbly texture.

I used a 7.00 mm hook and the simplest stitch and one of my favourites, moss stitch crochet.  It was finished in no time and will keep someone very warm I'm sure.  

But that's not all!

Cuddly Bunny

This is knitted and I must admit with this yarn it was very hard to keep the tension even so it's not perfect but I love it because it's soft and cuddly so I'm sure a little one will love it too.

You can find the pattern here

So all in all I haven't done too badly even if I haven't managed to bust it all, can you believe there's still this much left.......

Any Suggestions ?

Linking with 

April is nearly over so link up all you April stash projects before the end of the month.
How is your stash-busting going ?

Also there is still time to 

With lots of 
love

Easter Chick Pattern in Knit and Crochet

It's not too late to make some of these cute little chicks for Easter, we are making them at work to raise funds for the Day Unit.  It's surprising how popular these little chicks are, we are struggling to keep up with demand as the ladies and gents who attend the unit are wanting them for their grandchildren.

With this in mind I wanted a nice easy pattern, something that will work up in no time and yet still look effective.  I know there are lots of Easter Chick patterns out there but this is how I made mine.

There are knitted and crochet versions although crochet chains are used to finish off the knitted chick.
(New crocheters my find this link helpful)

NB...
I have added a smaller version both in crochet and knit to accommodate the now smaller cream eggs, although the large version is still workable by just sewing a tiny seam along two stitches at the opening. 

Crochet Easter Chick

Made to cover a chocolate cream egg but would look good as an egg cosy too.

English Crochet Terms

htr = half treble  ( US hdc = half double crochet)

You will need
Double knitting yarn in any colour you wish.
3.50 mm hook for body
3.00 mm hook for trims

For a smaller chick Chain 20, htr in 2nd ch from hook and in each chain to end = 18 htr.
 increase one st at each end of rows 2-6 = 28 htr. For the head join yarn to the 10th htr, continue as above. 

**Tail feathers (Optional)
You can have fun with these, make them look outrageous kids will love them.

Head Feathers and Beak
change to 3.00 mm hook

work two French knots at each side of the head for eyes. 

Stuff the head with a little cotton wool or fibre fill, to complete put a cream egg inside the chick. 

Knitted version

 Smaller version now available to accommodate the now smaller creme eggs, larger version in brackets. 
Double Knitting yarn
4.00 mm knitting needles
3.50 mm for smaller version.

Cast on 30(32) sts and work 6 rows in rib.
garter stitch until you have 6 ridges of garter stitch on right side then cast off 10 (11)sts, knit to end.
Cast off 10 (11)sts knit  to end.
Work on these 10 sts until you have 4 (6) ridges for the head.
Finish chick as for crochet chick from **

So which do you prefer

Crochet or knit

or perhaps.....

a few of each.



find a print friendly version of pattern here

Rainbow Babies

It so long since I made any toys I had forgotten just how much work was involved in the making of them.

These cute little dolls took me ages to make because there are so many parts to them.  Luckily the legs, head and body are just one piece. Then two arms, a hat and a scarf, simple! nothing to it you may say and yes knitting the little pieces is simple enough but then..... you have to assemble, sew, stuff, and sew again, not mention the embroidering of the features, not something I am very good at, it usually involves me pulling out and trying again and again.

So why put myself through this you might ask? well it's for a very good cause, one of the members of Loving Hands has had an appeal from her contact in Gambia who has stressed how much the children would love knitted toys. 

Please don't let my ramblings put you off if you would like to make some too, the pattern is incredibly easy and almost fool proof, it tells you exactly where and how to sew on on all the little bits and pieces.

You must admit they are incredibly sweet but I have to say I do think that four is my limit.

   
 Wouldn't it be lovely for each child to have a toy :)

If you would like to make some too please email me and I will give you a UK address  where you can send them.

You can find the pattern here

These cute little babies took 20 grams of yarn each (before stuffing) 

made from my... what's left in the bag stash

                                                                                     the bag is almost empty!

Angel Bears

I was on holiday this week I chose this week not because I was going anywhere but because I though it would be nice and warm and sunny and I could do lots of outdoor jobs that really need doing, after all it is August, I was wrong it has rained and rained and rained.  I have been so unlucky with the weather this year, last week was beautiful and I bet next week will be too when I'm back at work. :(

Anyway Loving Hands has been asked to make some of these cute Angel Bears, they are to be taken to children in Belarus in October,  because the weather has been so bad I have had the time to make quite a few of these little cuties so I have made good use of my holiday after all.  They are a bit faffy especially the loopy ears but they are worth it, I did find I was going over the top with the loops, they were getting bigger and bigger with each bear I made, so I have had to control the loopy madness and make the loops smaller. 

There are knitted and crochet versions of these I have tried both but most of mine are crochet however the crochet pattern on the link will give you a very small bear, I increased the number of rows to make mine bigger, the small bear was made to the actual pattern.
Crochet Pattern here

Small bear made from original pattern