Brian the Sheep!

Brian the sheep, (named by Dave because he thought he looked like Brian from the "Go Compare" adverts) is the biggest amigurumi I've ever made. I know that usually amigurumi are small but I've found that people seem to like to order things that are more standard cuddly toy size.

Brian was a (very belated by the time I finished) Mother's Day present for my lovely mum. She has always been very encouraging of my crocheting. More so since I've moved into my own house and no longer leave bits of yarn all over her carpet!

I had a go at making Stephanie at All About Ami's Lambert pattern, The only fluffy yarn I had was purple (didn't like working with it at all) and my sheep ended up looking like a lion/monkey hybrid.

Slightly disheartened I decided to use the Stephanie's pattern as a basis to make a larger sheep and so Brian was made.

I wrote out a basic pattern which was altered several times while I was making it. I didn't actually intend for him to end up so big (he is about 14 inches tall now he's finished!) but by the time I realised I was too far in.

My mum loved him and he has pride of place on top of a unit in their living room.

I've mentioned before that I crochet at work, and many people saw parts of Brian in the making so once he was actually finished he was taken on a tour round the office for people to see.

I will admit I did have another reason to make Brian, he was a trial run. I have several work friends who have relatives who are having children this year (the year of the sheep) and have ordered sheep off me as gifts. One the same size of Brian and one is smaller with a pink face because they know the baby is a little girl (not sure what the feminine version of Brian is? Brianita?).

Lots of happy sheep crocheting to come!

Hope you all have a lovely weekend

xxx

Stress Free (almost)

I have been under so much stress recently, a large part of which was lifted when mine and Dave's passports turned up on Thursday. I answered the door to the delivery man in my pajamas (it was my day off) and told him he had made my day. Now everything is sorted and I can finally just look forward to our holiday.

After the minion was done I did have a few days break from crocheting. It really stressed me out having a strict deadline and not being completely happy with the finished result. I think I get more judgemental when someone is paying for what I make. I want everything to be perfect!

I picked up my hook again after a short break (can't stay away for long) I just always want to make sure that I don't associate negative feelings with something I love so much.

I'm working on a set of elephants for someone Dave works with. One small pink one ane one large multi coloured one for her grandchildren.

I'm also working on a cow for the son of an old school friend. I just need to sew on his name and then stitch him all together. I might put up the pattern when I'm done if people are interested in making their own cows

P.S. My parents cat has had 2 kittens but can't get a good photo yet. Expect lots of cute kitten photos to follow