Crochet Giraffe

I think anyone who has been in the blogging world of crochet over the last 18 months has seen this giraffe pattern... Well, I too fell in love with it, and knew it would be great for my nephew's 1st Birthday :)

I often try to stay away from the pink for girls and blue for boys, and focus on fun, bright colours. I was pulled towards this colour combination, a bit wary of people's opinions... But my husband pointed out that they were actually quite appropriate for a giraffe! I just had my heart set on orange and grey.

I love how the colours worked out in the end. In fact, I just love this little guy! The temptation to keep him for myself has been strong ;) I added some cream stripes randomly into the orange and gry, and I think it breaks it up and adds some character.

I also gave him a plaited tail - I thought he needed it! When referencing this pattern I couldn't find many views of the back of him, or what he looks like stood up, so I've included these shots below:

Crochet Owl

I'm not sure when I came across the Jip the Owl pattern originally, but I found it in my crochet patterns folder on my desktop recently, and couldn't resist making it as a little gift for a friend.

Did I mention I am currently obsessed with pairing grey with bright colours? Had you guessed?!

The stitching on the owl's tummy is done with embroidery floss and a strand of sparkly thread.

The legs have pipecleaners in them to make him a bit more poseable, and the tale acts as his support.

I actually made the wings a little bigger than the pattern. The entire owl is made in double knitting wool, and I just felt the original wings were a bit too small proportionally.

 

I think he's a fine feathered friend!

Christmas Tree II: Orange and Grapefruit Slices

 

I love how Elf has been timed to come on in the small break between the first and second halves of the Snooker finals. It makes for great TV :)

I burnt most of the grapefruit pieces I did. I cut them thinner and had them higher in the oven. The one which survived was the most beautiful though.

 

The orange slices don't catch the light quite so well because they're thicker. I finished them off on the radiator - I found it to be more effective than the oven :)

Half the orange slices also have cinnamon rubbed into them (not pictured). My sofa is right next to the tree, and I keep getting lovely wafts of cinnamon and orange floating over - mmm!

Has anyone ever dried apple slices? I'm actually thinking of doing it to string across the rabbit's run hehe.

P.S. Changed the labels round a bit in the sidebar, should make things a bit more accessible :) 

See what else is on my Christmas Tree!

Christmas Tree I: Crochet Snowman

Christmas Tree II: Orange and Grapefruit Slices

Christmas Tree III: Crochet Snowflakes

Christmas Tree IV: Star Wars Snowflakes

Christmas Tree V: Glittery Felt Balls

Christmas Tree VI: Angel Bunny 

Christmas Tree VII: The Finished Tree
Christmas Tree VIII: Next Year!