Dinosaur

I was invited to a baby shower last weekend, so I crocheted a baby gift to take. I might know next to nothing about the care and maintenance of babies, but I think I am pretty good at making baby things.

He is such a handsome dinosaur.

I had a bit of a false start with some 4-ply (fingering) wool, and I soon realised that the finished toy would be very, very small. I ripped out that attempt and restarted with 8-ply (DK) cotton. The pattern actually calls for 5-ply (sport), but 8-ply yarn worked perfectly.

I had a false start when I tried using 4-ply yarn. Too small.

I hemmed a piece of double gauze for a swaddle to include with the gift.

I supported three local shops with this project.

• The 8-ply cotton yarn came from Crossways Wool & Fabrics.
• The safety eyes were bought at the Teddy Tree, who also stock the yarn
• The double gauze fabric for the swaddle came from Calico & Ivy, where I work.

Although I work one day a week in a craft shop that has most things I need, I like to visit the others. You never know when a customer is going to be looking for something that we do not stock. Having a knowledge of the other local shops helps me send customers in the right direction. I also get to indulge my crafty habit and support other local businesses.

When you think you are close to finishing, there is still quite a bit of sewing to do.

The pattern for the dinosaur was one I cut out of Mollie Makes magazine a couple of years ago. It is by Yanina Schenkel of Pica Pau, and I cannot believe that no one else has added it to their projects on Ravelry. He is so cute!!

The spots cover his butt join.