Lion Handpuppet - free crochet pattern

Lion Hand-puppet
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2018
This pattern can only be found on this link:
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2018/06/lion-handpuppet-free-crochet-pattern.html

Materials
Worsted weight yarn - Color A - lighter color (for mouth, cheeks and chin) about 50gms; Color B - darker color (for nose, head and neck), about 100gms
Crochet hook size 4mm and 3.5mm (for the nose only)
Polyester fiberfill
Felt fabric - small amounts black, white and pink (for eyes, eyebrows, ears, nostrils, inside of mouth, tongue and teeth)
Sewing needle and thread
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Crochet Gauge: 9 sts = 2 inches

Note: Ch 2 at the beginning of rnds does not count as a stitch.
This pattern provides complete written instruction for the crochet parts. Only general instructions for sewing and finishing with felt parts, are provided.

Lower mouth
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 10 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (10 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (20 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (30 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc).
Rnds 5-7: Repeat rnd 4 (30 dc).
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Upper Mouth
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 12 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (12 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (24 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (36 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (36 dc).
Rnds 5-8: Repeat rnd 4 (36 dc).
Attaching the lower mouth
After rnd 8, ch 1, take the lower mouth put it on top of the upper mouth, with right sides together,  sc the two parts together on the next 12 stitches. (12 sc) (see pic below)
Fasten off.

Head
Using color B, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 15 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (15 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join (30 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 2 st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (40 dc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (40 dc)
Rnd 6: Repeat rnd 5 (40 dc).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, dc in same st, dc in next 3, 2 dc in next st, (dc in next 4 st, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (48 dc).
Rnd 8: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).
Join mouth to the head
Ch 1, put the upper mouth on top of the head matching the last round of sts, sc the two parts together on the next 16 stitches (16 sc) (see pic below)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, dc in 32 dc of head, sc in next 16 sc, sl st on 1st dc to join (32 dc, 16 sc).
Rnd 10: Ch 2, (dc in 7 dc, 2 dc in next) 4 times dc in remaining sts, join (52 dc).
Rnd 11: Ch 2, dc in 36 dc, ch 20, skip the next 16 dc, do not join (36 dc).
Rnd 12: Dc in 1st dc of rnd 11 (see pic below), dc in next 35 dc, sl st on the 3rd ch.
Join head to lower mouth
Hold the bottom of mouth and sc together each ch and each of the next 16 sts (centered) on the bottom of mouth, sl st on 1st dc to join. (36 dc,16 sc).
Rnd 13: Ch 2, (dc in 7 dc, dc2tog) 4 times, sc in the next 16 sc, join with sl st on the 1st dc of this rnd (32 dc, 16 sc).
Rnd 14: Ch 2, dc in each st around, join (48 dc).
Rnd 15: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).

Rnds 16-21: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (48 dc).

Nose 
Using color B and 3.5mm hook, start with magic ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 5 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (5 dc).
Rnds 2-4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (5 dc).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, join (10 dc).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc, join (20 dc)
Rnds 7-8: Repeat rnd 6.
Rnd 9: Ch 2, (dc in dc, 2 dc in next) repeat around, join (30 dc)
Rnds 10-11: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (30 dc)

Rnd 12: Ch 1, (sc in 3 sts, hdc in 3, dc in next, tr in next, dc in next, hdc in 3, sc in 3) twice, join (30 sts).

Fasten off. 

Nostrils: Attach color A in back loop only on the 2nd st from the end of rnd 12. Work the next sts in back loop only of previous rnd, ch 1, hdc in 3 sts, dc in 3 sts, 2 tr in tr st, dc in 3 sts, hdc in 3 sts.

Fasten off. Stuff nose lightly and sew nostril to the opposite edge of rnd 12 to close.

Cheeks (make 2)
Using color A, start with magic ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 1, 10 dc in ring, join with sl st to 1st dc (10 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 dc in each dc, join (20 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (1 dc in dc, 2 dc in next dc), repeat around, join (30 dc).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. 

Chin
Using color A, start with magic ring, 
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 7 dc in ring, turn (7 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, dc in same st, 2 dc in next 5 dc, dc in last dc, turn (12 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, dc in same st, (dc in next st, 2 dc in next) 5 times, dc in last dc, turn (17 dc).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, dc in each dc, join (17 dc)
Leave a long tail for sewing. Stuff lightly and sew edges to under the mouth.

Assembly and Finishing
1. Position the nose starting just below the 3rd rnd of head, sew in place. Cut out nostril tip with black felt, sew in place.
2. Position cheeks, stuff with fiberfill and sew.
3. Cut out black felt to the shape of the inside of mouth for top and bottom. Cut out the tongue from light pink felt. Sew each part.

cut from felt fabric

Mouth joining

join mouth to head

lion and hippo

Denim Fringe Necklace

This is quite easy to do, just a bit of craftiness is needed. No sewing required, just some patience working with fine denim threads.
This sample looks wacky, but I'm posting it here to demonstrate the process of reclaiming the threads from used denim fabrics and making fringes ;)

Denim Fringe Necklace

Materials needed:
Necklace cord - I used a 17" long leather necklace cord, (I think a longer cord is better for wearing with low neckline outfit)
Denim fabric - approximately 8 1/2" x 3 1/2"

denim fringe tutorial

How-to:
1. Cut the fabric straight along the line of the blue thread. Carefully unweave the blue threads and group them into 12 strands for each fringe.
2. Fold the grouped strands in half, place the fold under the cord. Insert all the strands inside the loop made from the fold. Pull to finish the fringe.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have enough fringes desired for the look of your necklace.

Gardening hobby...

I conclude, is not for me. I definitely want to fill my balcony with plants...but now I think I'm not going to take up gardening further...I don't want to spend time studying about plants - the what, how and why... I  just want to have sturdy plants that need minimal care :p
My tomato plant died :(
The few herbs I got are not flourishing....
On the other hand, the aloe plants are multiplying at a steady rate and I just repot it.

Aloe vera plants

The peace lily is looking good too. I'm going to add several more sturdy plants when I find time and as the budget permits ;)

Peace Lily

Some recycled denim projects

While I'm not crocheting, I like making easy and quick projects. I still have plenty of used, good-quality denims and enjoy making these cute and easy projects.

The 4" diameter coasters were made from the inseams of denim jeans. The only other material needed is fabric glue. I used a special craft glue called tacky glue by Bostik. It has a very strong adhesion, yet it doesn't get stiff when dry.

For the bags I used mostly the leg parts of the denim. The bigger bag is two leg parts sewn together. One pocket is cut from the pants and sewn in front of the bag, the other pocket sewn inside. The handles came from the waistband, carefully ripped out, folded and sewn.
The smaller bag is one leg part, with a built-in outside pocket...What I love about making these bags is that the design comes naturally as the denim already has its own style ;)

Just an update: I am able to take pictures now since one of my dear sisters-in-law lent me her new camera, until I get my own :)

Crochet and other hobbies...

Summer is a good time to take up a new hobby or spend more time on your favorite.
I tend to look for simple and practical ways to brighten up my home, and at the same time improve my crafting skills.

I worked on my own little outdoor space/garden...(Progress is shown from left to right photos.)
I have a few plants to begin with...I will definitely add some more!
Here's my favorite plant for now, this peace lily I put in front of my door.
Btw, my camera isn't working properly anymore... :(

Summer is also a good time for bird watching, and we've been seeing different kinds of birds here...
Just this afternoon I heard the unmistakable sound of a crow, and looked up to see it on the top of this bamboo tree - its awesome! I could have gotten a picture, but when I changed the battery it flew away :(

May 20 update - I saw the crow again (later joined by another one, but no pic)...my camera was able to function on some shots.

I have been sewing a few projects too...starting with this tote bag. It then got me motivated to work some more on recycled denims.

(pardon the blurry pics...its not me, its my camera :p )

Since my main hobby is crochet, I would end this post with my latest favorite project (details on Ravelry). (I did finish another project after this, but I have yet to take a modeled photo.)

Crafty stuff update

Denim projects

Aside from crochet, I also enjoy sewing projects, especially when using recyclable materials such as used denims. There's a good supply of this material from thrift shops nearby. However, not all are cheap. To maximize the cost and minimize waste, recycled denim projects are up on my crafting list...and fortunately I got another custom order to make use of denims.
This time around I'm using what is left from the jeans after I have cut off the legs for the placemats. The placemats are the main products ordered from me for a small restaurant which opened a year ago here in Quezon City (see previous post). They were quite successful in their venture, now they need more placemats! They're also ordering Christmas ornaments in the form of denim stars ;)

This looks simple to make, but if you're making a hundred pieces with just one pair of hands, it takes more than patience to finish. With a deadline to meet...I should be working on it double-time now. But wait! Halloween is near and I just got the urge to crochet a spider!

Spider charm

Occasionally, I'd crochet small projects using cotton thread...I try to make it detailed as much as my hands and eyes can manage. This is the first spider that I made, and I quite liked it though it needs some improvement...maybe I'll post a pattern soon... :)

Thanks for stopping by, hope you have a blessed All Soul's Day celebration.

Earth Day and a tribute to a metal sculptor

April 22 is earth day...I love it when Google comes up with such cute logos to remind us of significant events.
I didn't do anything to celebrate, though. But the weather did remind me too of the earth and our vulnerability. In the middle of summer here, it suddenly rains! The day started sunny, and in the afternoon it turned gloomy. The strong rains lasted less than an hour, but showed that nature has more power on us than we are conscious of. Its sad how we unconsciously destroy it thru depletion of natural resources, trash, pollution, and much more...

This April I'm also reminded of someone I didn't really know, but a year ago, (in April 2008) he died in a tragic motorcycle accident in Dallas, Texas. He is Thomas Davidson, 38, a metal sculptor. I found out about his death when I followed up on his order of a Japanese crochet book. He wanted the hat on there, and I think he'd ask his mom to make him one. The book I mailed was not claimed at the P.O. there so it was sent back to me. I emailed him asking why he didn't get the book, and his mom emailed back informing me of the tragedy that struck them. It was so sad...it happened on his way home from the opening of his exhibit of metal sculptures at an art gallery :( (more on this post)