Pink Piglet

I decided to use a partial ball of Bernat Satin worsted weight yarn in maitai (bright pink) to crochet another critter. I thought I might make another bear, but then decided pink was more appropriate for pigs.

Since I was making a pig, I made shorter legs then, as I started working on the body, realized there might not be enough yarn. I decided to alter my pattern to make a little Pink Piglet. Even with my alterations, I was worried the yarn would run out.

I finished the body then made the head using light pink yarn from my stash. Next I made the hood, curly tail and two pig ears. By this time, I was running very low on bright pink yarn and wondering how I might be able to "fake it" to finish the arms. 

I really did not want to buy more yarn to finish this project, so I crossed my fingers and carried on. Luckily shorter piglets require shorter arms. I finished one arm, then started the other; still not sure it would work out.

Phew, I did it. Check out the teeny, tiny amount of leftover yarn. Little successes like this make me really quite happy. I would say it was a lucky day for meo my crochet. 

Plus, the best part of all, I love the look of this little Pink Piglet. What do you think? Isn't he cute with his big smile and curly pig tail? 

 

Pink Piglet was happy to meet shy Boo Bear. Despite their differences, I think they will make great friends. 

 

The free pattern for Pink Piglet is provided below in case you would like to make one too and the pattern for Boo Bear can be found on my Free Crochet Patterns page here. These crochet critters are fun to make. 

pink piglet PATTERN

PDF Version

Materials used:

partial ball (4.2 oz) of Bernat Satin Maitai (100% acrylic worsted weight yarn in bright pink)

partial ball of 100% acrylic worsted weight yarn in light pink

Hook size = 3.5 mm

yarn needles to join pieces

Polyester Fiberfill for stuffing

Small amount of black yarn (for eyes)

Small amount of medium pink yarn (for mouth)

Stitches used:

ch - chain stitch

ss - slip stitch

sc - single crochet
inc - sc increase (2 sc in same stitch)

sc2tog - single crochet 2 together aka dec - decrease

Magic Circle - see how here (start each piece with magic circle)

Time to Complete - 10 hours (approximately)
Finished size - 11 inches tall

Legs (x2)

Use dark maitai (bright pink) yarn. Working from the bottom up, starting with a magic circle, use stitch marker to mark end of rows (work in continuous rounds with no joining)

R1 - 6 sc (6)

R2 - inc x6 (12)

R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)

R4 - (2 sc inc) x6 (24)

R5-R6 - sc around (24)

R7 - sc2tog x4 + 16 sc (20)

R8 - sc2tog x4 + 12 sc (16)

R9-R13 - sc around (16)

R14 - (3 sc inc) x4 (20)

R15-R16 - sc around (20)

R17 - (4 sc inc) x4 (24)

R18 - sc around (24) Finish off and stuff leg.

Body

Join legs on middle 2 stitches as shown in this tutorial. The instructions are in German but the video alone is enough to understand the technique. Once the legs are joined continue crocheting around both legs to form the body.

R19 - sc around (49)

R20 - sc around (49)

R21 - (5 sc inc) x 7 + 4 sc (56)

R22 - sc around (56)

R23 - (9 sc inc) x 5 + 3 sc (61)

R24 - sc 24 + (sc inc + 2 sc) x6 + 24 sc (67)

R25 - sc around (67)

R26 - sc around (67)

R27 - sc around (67)

R28 - sc around (67)

R29 - (8 sc dec) x6 + 5 sc dec (60)

R30 - sc around (60)

R31 - sc around (60)

R32 - sc around (60)

R33 - (8 sc dec) x6 (54) 

R34 - 14 sc dec dec + 23 sc dec dec + sc to marker(50)

R35 - sc around (50)

R36 - 14 sc dec dec + 23 sc dec dec + sc to marker (46)

R37 - sc around (46)

R38 - 14 sc dec dec + 20 sc dec dec + sc to marker(42)

R39 - sc around (42)

R40 - 12 sc dec dec + 18 sc dec dec + 8 sc (38)

R41 - sc around (38)

R42 - 12 sc dec + 13 sc dec + 8 sc (36)

R43 - sc around (36)

R44 - (4 sc dec) x6 (30)

R45 - sc around (30)

R46 - sc around (30)

R47 - (3 sc dec) x6 (24)

R48 - sc around (24)

R49 - (2 sc dec) x6 (18)

R50 - sc around (18)

Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail to attach the head. Stuff body firmly.

Arms (x2)

Start with light pink yarn

R1 - 6 sc (6)

R2 - inc x6 (12)

R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)

R4 - sc around (18)

R5 - (4 sc dec) x3 (15)

R6 - sc around (15)

R7 - (3 sc dec) x 3 (12)

Change to dark grey yarn at end of R7

R8 - sc around (12)

R9 - (4 sc dec) x 2 (10)

R10-R27 - sc around (10)

Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail for joining. Stuff only hands and part way up arm.

Head

Use light pink yarn.

R1 - 6 sc (6)

R2 - inc x6 (12)

R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)

R4 - (2 sc inc) x6 (24)

R5 - (3 sc inc) x6 (30)

R6 - (4 sc inc) x6 (36)

R7 - (5 sc inc) x6 (42)

R8 - (6 sc inc) x6 (48)

R9 - (7 sc inc) x6 (54)

R10 - (8 sc inc) x6 (60)

R11 - sc around (60)

R12 - sc around (60)

R13 - sc around (60)

R14 - sc around (60)

R15 - sc around (60)

R16 - sc around (60)

R17 - sc around (60)

R18 - sc around (60)

R19 - sc around (60)

R20 - (8 sc dec) x6 (54)

R21 - sc around (54)

R22 - (7 sc dec) x6 (48)

R23 - (6 sc dec) x6 (42)

R24 - (5 sc dec) x6 (36)

R25 - (4 sc dec) x6 (30)

R26 - (3 sc dec) x6 (24)

R27 - (2 sc dec) x6 (18)

R28 - (2 sc dec) x3 + 6 sc (15)

R29 - sc around (15)

R30 - sc around (15)

Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail for joining. Stuff head and neck firmly to hold shape.

Hood

Use maitai (bright pink)nyarn and follow pattern for Head up to Row 24. Check to make sure hood fits head as and adjust tension based on fit. You may have to move up a hook size if the hood is too tight.

R1 - 6 sc (6)

R2 - inc x6 (12)

R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)

R4 - (2 sc inc) x6 (24)

R5 - (3 sc inc) x6 (30)

R6 - (4 sc inc) x6 (36)

R7 - (5 sc inc) x6 (42)

R8 - (6 sc inc) x6 (48)

R9 - (7 sc inc) x6 (54)

R10 - (8 sc inc) x6 (60)

R11 - sc around (60)

R12 - sc around (60)

R13 - sc around (60)

R14 - sc around (60)

R15 - sc around (60)

R16 - sc around (60)

R17 - sc around (60)

R18 - sc around (60)

R19 - sc around (60)

R20 - sc around (60)

R21 - (8 sc dec) x6 (54)

R22 - ss loosely around (54)

Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail for joining. Position on head as shown in photos above. After attaching head to body, I like to wrap the tail from the hood around the neck to cover joining stitches.

Ears (x2)

Use maitai (bright pink) yarn.

R1 - 6 sc (6)

R2 - (sc inc) x3 (9)

R3 - sc around (9)

R4 - (2 sc inc) x3 (12)

R5 - sc around (12)
R6 - (3 sc inc) x3 (15)
R7 - sc around (15)
R8 - (4 sc inc) x3 (18)
R9-R11 - sc around (18)

Finish off leaving 8" tail for joining.

Fold ear in half to form a natural point curled over and attach to head (see photo above).

Tail 

Use maitai (bright pink) yarn.
Leave a long tail at beginning for joining

R1 - sc 16
R2 - (sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc2tog) x8
Finish off leaving 6" tail for joining. Tail should curl naturally. Attach to bottom (see photo above),

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Crochet Chicks for Easter

Yesterday blogger Lucy at Attic24 shared a free crochet pattern for Mini Chicklets. They are so adorable, I couldn't resist making a few. 

Lucy added embroidered flowers to the front of her chicks. I prefer a simpler look so just omitted that step. I made four chicks altogether: one bright blue, one light blue, one yellow and one cream. What do you think? Aren't they simply sweet?

 

 

I think I'll stop at four as it's a perfect number for our grandchildren - two chicks each are easy to count and fair to share. I also like that these chicks are tiny and fit in a small envelope. Yes, I'm "cheep, cheep, cheep" when it comes to postage.

My daughter tells me they will be in California for Easter so these chicks will make a nice surprise when they get home. I love thinking of our grandchildren having fun opening their gift. I hope they enjoy their Crochet Chicks for Easter half as much as I enjoyed making them. 

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Boo Bear Pattern

Update June 14, 2016: This pattern has been removed and is no longer available. Read Copycats? post for explanation. 

Update September 21, 2018: After receiving many supportive comments on my Copycats? post regarding design inspiration versus copying, I am ready to share this pattern again. Happy crocheting!!

* * * * * 

I continue to crochet critters using my Blue Bunny pattern as a prototype. This time I've altered the pattern to make a bear. I made him a bit chubbier with slightly longer arms. He has a little round tail and his ears are totally different of course. 

Meet Boo Bear. He was happy to pose for photos last night before the sunlight faded. Isn't he a cute little bear? 

Boo Bear is a shy little bear. I think it would be good for him to have some playmates so I plan to make more in a rainbow of colours. As always, I'll be sure to share photos as my bear clan grows. 

I've included the free pattern for Boo Bear below in case you would like to make one too. 

Boo bear PATTERN

PDF Version

Materials used:

1 ball (5 oz) of worsted weight yarn in dark grey.

1 ball (5 oz) of worsted weight yarn in cream colour.

Hook size = 3.5 mm

yarn needles to join pieces

Polyester Fiberfill for stuffing

Small amount of black yarn (for eyes)

Small amount of pink yarn (for mouth)

Stitches used:

ch - chain stitch

ss - slip stitch

sc - single crochet
inc - sc increase
dec - sc decrease (sc2tog - single crochet 2 together)

Magic Circle - see how here (start each piece with magic circle)

Time to Complete - 16 hours (approximately)
Finished size - 14 inches tall

Legs (x2)
Use dark grey yarn. Working from the bottom up, starting with a magic circle, use stitch marker to mark end of rows (work in continuous rounds with no joining)
R1 - 6 sc (6)
R2 - inc x6 (12)
R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)
R4 - (2 sc inc) x6 (24)
R5-R6 - sc around (24)
R7 - sc2tog x4 + 16 sc (20)
R8 - sc2tog x4 + 12 sc (16)
R9-R16 - sc around (16)
R17 - (3 sc inc) x4 (20)
R18-R20 - sc around (20)
R21 - (4 sc inc) x4 (24)
R22 - sc around (24) Finish off and stuff leg.

Body
Join legs on middle 2 stitches as shown in this tutorial. The instructions are in German but the video alone is enough to understand the technique. Once the legs are joined continue crocheting around both legs to form the body.
R23 - sc around (49)
R24 - sc around (49)
R25 - (5 sc inc) x 7 + 7 sc (56)
R26 - sc around (56)
R27 - (9 sc inc) x 5 + 6 sc (61)
R28 - sc 24 + (sc inc + 2 sc) x6 + 23 sc (67)
R29 - sc around (67)
R30 - sc around (67)
R31 - sc around (67)
R32 - sc around (67)
R33 - (8 sc dec) x6 + 5 sc dec (60)
R34 - sc around (60)
R35 - sc around (60)
R36 - sc around (60)
R37 - (8 sc dec) x6 (54)
R38 - 14 sc dec dec + 23 sc dec dec + 10 sc (50)
R39 - sc around (50)
R40 - 14 sc dec + 23 sc dec + 9 sc (48)
R41 - sc around (48)
R42 - 15 sc dec + 21 sc dec + 8 sc (46)
R43 - sc around (46)
R44 - 14 sc dec + 20 sc dec + 8 sc (44)
R45 - sc around (44)
R46 - 13 sc dec + 19 sc dec + 8 sc (42)
R47 - sc around (42)
R48 - 12 sc dec + 18 sc dec + 8 sc (40)
R49 - sc around (40)
R50 - 13 sc dec + 17 sc dec + 6 sc (38)
R51 - sc around (38)
R52 - 12 sc dec + 17 sc dec + 5 sc (36)
R53 - sc around (36)
R54 - sc around (36)
R55 - (4 sc dec) x6 (30)
R56 - sc around (30)
R57 - sc around (30)
R58 - sc around (30)
R59 - (3 sc dec) x6 (24)
R60 - sc around (24)
R61 - (2 sc dec) x6 (18)
R62 - sc around (18)
Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail to attach the head. Stuff body firmly.

Arms (x2)
Start with cream yarn
R1 - 6 sc (6)
R2 - inc x6 (12)
R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)
R4 - sc around (18)
R5 - (4 sc dec) x3 (15)
R6 - sc around (15)
R7 - (3 sc dec) x 3 (12)
Change to dark grey yarn at end of R7
R8 - sc around (12)
R9 - (4 sc dec) x 2 (10)
R10-R37 - sc around (10)
Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail for joining. Stuff only hands and part way up arm.

Head
Use cream yarn.
R1 - 6 sc (6)
R2 - inc x6 (12)
R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)
R4 - (2 sc inc) x6 (24)
R5 - (3 sc inc) x6 (30)
R6 - (4 sc inc) x6 (36)
R7 - (5 sc inc) x6 (42)
R8 - (6 sc inc) x6 (48)
R9 - (7 sc inc) x6 (54)
R10 - (8 sc inc) x6 (60)
R11 - sc around (60)
R12 - sc around (60)
R13 - sc around (60)
R14 - sc around (60)
R15 - sc around (60)
R16 - sc around (60)
R17 - sc around (60)
R18 - sc around (60)
R19 - sc around (60)
R20 - sc around (60)
R21 - (8 sc dec) x6 (54)
R22 - sc around (54)
R23 - (7 sc dec) x6 (48)
R24 - (6 sc dec) x6 (42)
R25 - (5 sc dec) x6 (36)
R26 - (4 sc dec) x6 (30)
R27 - (3 sc dec) x6 (24)
R28 - (2 sc dec) x6 (18)
R29 - (2 sc dec) x3 + 6 sc (15)
R30 - sc around (15)
R31 - sc around (15)
Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail for joining. Stuff head and neck firmly to hold shape.

Hood
Use dark grey yarn and follow pattern for Head up to Row 24. Check to make sure hood fits head as and adjust tension based on fit. You may have to move up a hook size if the hood is too tight.
R1 - 6 sc (6)
R2 - inc x6 (12)
R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)
R4 - (2 sc inc) x6 (24)
R5 - (3 sc inc) x6 (30)
R6 - (4 sc inc) x6 (36)
R7 - (5 sc inc) x6 (42)
R8 - (6 sc inc) x6 (48)
R9 - (7 sc inc) x6 (54)
R10 - (8 sc inc) x6 (60)
R11 - sc around (60)
R12 - sc around (60)
R13 - sc around (60)
R14 - sc around (60)
R15 - sc around (60)
R16 - sc around (60)
R17 - sc around (60)
R18 - sc around (60)
R19 - sc around (60)
R20 - sc around (60)
R21 - (8 sc dec) x6 (54)
R22 - sc around (54)
R23 - (7 sc dec) x6 (48)
R24 - (6 sc dec) x6 (42)
R25 - ss loosely around (42)
Finish off and cut yarn leaving a long tail for joining. Position on head as shown in photos above. After attaching head to body, I like to wrap the tail from the hood around the neck to cover joining stitches.

Ears (x2)
Use dark grey yarn.
R1 - 6 sc (6)
R2 - inc x6 (12)
R3 - (sc inc) x6 (18)
R4 - (2 sc inc) x6 (24)
R5-8 - sc around (24)
Finish off leaving 8" tail for joining.
Fold ear in half to form a natural curve and attach to head (see photo above).

Tail
Use dark grey yarn.
R1 - 6 sc (6)
R2 - inc x6 (12)
R3-4 - sc around (12)
Finish off leaving 6" tail for joining.
I just stuffed starting yarn end into tail but so it is only lightly stuffed then attached to form a neat little ball on his backside (see photo above).
Refer to photos of Boo Bear before joining ears, head, arms and tail. I like to pin the pieces in place to pick the most pleasing look before attaching. 

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Shutterfly Book

Crocheting Bobo Bunny and Evie Bunny for my grandchildren provided the creative inspiration I needed to make another Shutterfly Book. I really had fun with this one.

My Mom willingly participated posing for photos bringing the Bunnies to life in a story called "Bunny Buddies' Travel Tale". It is the fourth fifth in a series of books I've created using Shutterfly. I love creating these memory books for our grandchildren.

This book follows the same story line and uses most of the photos shared in my last post, but eliminates some of the detail to make it more interesting for kids. You can see how it turned out here. It is nice to be able to share it electronically but I still prefer getting a real book because text formatting messes up in on-line shared views. 

Probably the best part about ordering Photobooks through Shutterfly is the price. If you're patient, Shutterfly regularly provides discount coupons. I ordered two copies of this book for $14 total, saving $44 using 1FREEBOOK coupons. I am paying for shipping and tax only on this order. 

In case you're wondering, I am not particularly patient but I was lucky to receive these coupons when I needed them. 

A printed hardcover book will be delivered to my daughter in Boulder next week. I'll have to wait until they visit in June to get my copy as I'm too cheap to pay extra unspecified costs for delivery to Canada. 

If you're from the US or can have your orders delivered to the US, I would highly recommend Shutterfly as an easy-to-use, versatile and affordable option to to make your own Photo books. 

When I got home, I added my daughter's book "The Alphabet Song" to my collection and realized I made a mistake. It looks like I will have 2-4's in my series. Oh well, it wouldn't be truly mine if it was perfect. I seem to have a knack for missing at least one error every time. I corrected the on-line copy which can be viewed here.

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Bunny Buddies' Travel Tale

Bobo and Evie Bunny are over-the-top excited to be moving to Boulder. Finally the day has arrived. They wake up early Saturday morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to travel.

The rest of the gang snuggles safe and sound in the suitcase but Bobo and Evie Bunny are thrilled to be traveling on board with Grammeo and GG.

They remember to pack their blankets to keep warm and cozy. 

It's time to go. Bobo and Evie Bunny hop into their travel pack. Evie Bunny giggles with delight and grabs Bobo's arm. Traveling is fun.

Their travel companions, Grammeo and GG are excited too although a bit weary being up and out the door so early. It's dark and foggy and it's March Break. Let's hope it doesn't take long at the border.

Bobo and Evie Bunny cuddle up inside their travel pack to rest and keep warm until they get to the airport in Detroit.

Making good time with no line at the border. It looks like it's going to be a great day for travel.

Grandad dropped us at the airport by 8:10 a.m.  We checked our luggage and got through security by 8:30 a.m. It was amazingly quick and easy. Grammeo and GG think they should travel with Bunnies more often. 

We sit and enjoy our coffee while Bobo and Evie Bunny hop out to stretch.

They love the view from their travel pack. It's a great way to travel.

 Another traveler at the coffee shop has a posh pack for her little Buddy.

Grammeo wants the Bunnies to smile for a group photo before we head off to explore the airport.

 Bobo pokes at Evie Bunny and gets into trouble.

GG takes over so Grammeo can keep an eye on the Bunnies. The Bunnies like this shop. They point at the cute chocolate bunnies on the table.

GG tries on the fancy headsets so Bobo does too. Evie Bunny thinks he looks funny.

Now that we've wandered from one end to the other and checked out the shops, we stand at our gate and wait. Bobo makes silly faces.

GG gets out a bunny sticker book to show the Bunnies. They like it.

Evie Bunny and Bobo hop along by the windows watching for the airplane.

How exciting. There is the airplane and look - there is Grammeo's suitcase at the bottom of that big pile ready to be loaded.

The Bunnies hop back in their pack and get ready to board. They are so excited to be going on an airplane for the very first time.

They find a seat and introduce themselves to the nice man by the window.

Then Bobo and Evie Bunny head to the front to meet the pilot and co-pilot who are busy conducting a pre-flight check. The Bunnies keep quiet so as not to interrupt this very important task.

The Bunny Buddies can't believe their luck. They actually get to meet both the pilot and co-pilot and have their photo taken as proof. How cool is that? Southwest Airlines truly have the nicest pilots.

Back at their seat, Frank Gregory lets them look out the window. He has eight grandchildren and is very good with Bunnies. We learned Frank is a flight instructor at Macon Thomas Flight Academy and is heading to a graduation ceremony in Denver for six young women who officially become pilots tomorrow. 

Frank divides his time between the flight academy and his photography studio in Detroit. He also loves to travel so is an interesting and fun person. We feel so lucky to have chosen to sit with Frank. With Southwest Airlines, your boarding pass provides a numbered spot in line but seat selection is open - a very efficient way to board a plane.

 The Bunnies settle down for drinks and snack time.

When they get a bit restless, we go for a walk and chat with a very nice flight attendant. She let the Bunnies try out the flight crew seat and she let them pose for a photo with her. Southwest is definitely one of the best airlines with the best crew. 

 

Almost time to land. Bobo and Evie Bunny hop into their pack to hide. They don't want to spoil the surprise.

All wrapped and ready to meet their new family in Boulder.

Smiles, hugs and kisses. Bobo is happy and Evie is too. It's been a very long exciting day so it's time to say good-night to little bunnies, boys and girls. Good night All.

These Bunny Buddies are Here to Stay.

They LoVe to Cuddle, Laugh and Play.

They LoVe Boulder. They LoVe Sun.

But most of ALL, They LoVe FUN.

********************

I hope you've enjoyed the Bunny Buddies' Travel Tale. If you would like to make Bunny Buddies just like Bobo and Evie Bunny, check out my "Free Crochet Patterns" here. Evie Bunny was made following the pattern for Blue Bunny. You can read all about her creation here.

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