My first, only and definitely my last effort at making stuffed toys

@JudyEv (341742)
Rockingham, Australia
August 16, 2018 4:07am CST
Against my better judgement, I’ve been trying to make a crochet koala. When Vince visits Nepal, his group will be visiting a children’s cancer hospital and I thought a stuffed little bear or two might be nice to hand out. However it is way too fiddly and has caused me a lot of stress. It is only a few inches high and very tricky simply because of its small size. To be a ‘real’ koala, its ears should be more towards the sides of the head. The one pattern is used for all four legs but I ended up with two slightly shorter and two slightly longer which was lucky. What would I have done if I’d had three of one and one of the other? The good news is that I now know that making tiny stuffed toys is not for me. Vince thinks it looks cute but I think it might be consigned to the thrift shop and be denied a trip in an aeroplane to Nepal. I’m so pleased I don’t have to make any more.
28 people like this
39 responses
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
16 Aug 18
if you wanted him to be a "real koala" then you should have used gray and white - then no one will notice the ears anymore. just kidding! it does seem awkward to bring just one, but i'm sure vince will find the perfect person and occasion to give it to.
4 people like this
• Philippines
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv maybe an easier shape, say, a dolphin? might be awkward/weird for the snowy landlocked himalayas, but maybe its exoticness will be a hit to the kids.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
My mother used to knit small bears which were given to children in hospital. They would be easier to do. I thought I'd make one koala first before worrying about the colours - and I know you're just kidding. I need to find something else. I can't really send one little bear - he'll be lonely in the suitcase.
4 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
@hereandthere I need something without legs and ears! A dolphin sounds good.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471969)
• Switzerland
16 Aug 18
I also think that it's cute Judy. It looks more like a little bear than a koala, but it's cute.
3 people like this
@LadyDuck (471969)
• Switzerland
16 Aug 18
@JudyEv It's hard to crochet too small things.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
@LadyDuck Trying to stuff the legs was a pain too. The beanies were much easier.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
Yes, the ears are in the wrong place for a koala. They are so fiddly to make though.
2 people like this
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
16 Aug 18
The koala you made is so cute. I like it very much. The children will love it very much.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
I'm not sure I'll send it to Nepal. I don't think it's nice enough really - and it seems silly just to send one.
2 people like this
@caopaopao (12395)
• China
16 Aug 18
@JudyEv You must send it. Because you made it yourself, and it would make a lot of sense.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
@caopaopao Perhaps a little child might like it.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (107859)
• Marion, Ohio
16 Aug 18
I like it. It is cute
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (107859)
• Marion, Ohio
16 Aug 18
@JudyEv Yes, if you wernt so far away I would get it for Adeline
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
@wolfgirl569 That's nice.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
Do you think so? I don't want to make another that's for sure.
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
16 Aug 18
i believe it is crocheted, am i right? or maybe knitted?
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
It's crocheted. I like crocheting as whatever you're making grows much faster than if you knit.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
@ridingbet Thanks
1 person likes this
@ridingbet (66854)
• Philippines
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv for sure, it si soft when pressed. i like the canary yellow color.
1 person likes this
@lynnief (1203)
• Australia
16 Aug 18
Aw ... I think he's very cute, and quite good for a first effort.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
@lynnief That's a really lovely idea. I might try to find something a bit simpler without so many bits and pieces. I need a cute animal without legs and ears!!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
Do you ever knit toys? My Mum used to knit very simple teddies which were given to children when they came out of an operating theatre. They were knitted in one piece - not like this tricky thing with all its tiny bits and pieces.
1 person likes this
@lynnief (1203)
• Australia
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv Yes, I have done some. I have a few great patterns. I am about to launch a knitting group as an outreach from our church, to knit or crochet toys for needy kids.
2 people like this
• Pamplona, Spain
17 Nov 18
Aww, he is really cute. I am not good at making those kind of things either. In fact they relax me so much I almost end up asleep a lot of the times. Very good effort.
1 person likes this
• Pamplona, Spain
18 Nov 18
@JudyEv I don´t blame you to be quite honest. I am much better at knitting but have not done anything for ages.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Nov 18
Thanks. Needless to say, I haven't made another one.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Nov 18
@lovinangelsinstead21 I have some yellow baby wool that I need to use up but I'm not sure what to make with it. I might just start an afghan rug and keep going till it is all used up.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (137552)
• India
17 Aug 18
You did not give up and that is a good thing. The guy looks cute. I did see a Koala when I visit your country but do not remember seeing one with a large head (lol)
2 people like this
@allknowing (137552)
• India
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv There are so many stories about cooking. You start making a pudding and that turns out to be a ''kheer' There the guests are told that the plan was to make a kheer but here you are honest
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
Poetic/handcraft licence! and I've decided it's a bear, not necessarily a koala.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (51458)
• Canada
16 Aug 18
I agree with Vince, its adorable! But with there is a lot of detail to it and being so small you would really just get going and have to change your stitches to accommodate the details. I think that you should do up one more, and then give one to each of your sons-kind of a present from their past.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
Our youngest barely had room for himself in his bed by the time he put all his teddies in so perhaps he'd like this one. I don't think I could face making another - unless I leave it a month or two.
2 people like this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
16 Aug 18
That is so cute @JudyEv . I think you did a good job.
2 people like this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
19 Aug 18
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
Thanks. He looks better as I get used to him.
2 people like this
@andriaperry (117130)
• Anniston, Alabama
17 Aug 18
Its cute but I know what you mean.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
The legs are so difficult. I couldn't work out when I got to the end of the row or how many rows I'd done. I'm glad it's finished and I never have to do another.
2 people like this
@Dena91 (16692)
• United States
16 Aug 18
You did a great job. You're talented. I enjoy doing needlepoints but never could learn how to knit or crochet.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
I can't do needlepoint so you're ahead of me there.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (55131)
16 Aug 18
Its cute. I think the children would love it.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
I guess if they have little else they might like it.
1 person likes this
@Icydoll (36717)
• India
16 Aug 18
It is too cute , love it !
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
It's a pain to make.
2 people like this
@Icydoll (36717)
• India
16 Aug 18
@JudyEv I can understand my dear friend.
2 people like this
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
17 Aug 18
AT least you have tried making it and discovered that the craft of making if isn't your interest. Maybe you should try another craft to discover your real passion and interest.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv Oh, crocheting! We were taught that when we were in elementary or primary grades. But now, I forgot how to make a sleeveless tank by crocheting.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
@SIMPLYD You quickly forget these skills if you haven't used them for a long time.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
I like crocheting but not these tiny things that take a lot of sewing etc.
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
18 Nov 18
Seriously, and I mean it, it still looks cute for me, Ms. Judy.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Nov 18
Thank you. There is beauty even in imperfection isn't there?
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
18 Nov 18
@JudyEv Yes, there is :)
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
24 Aug 18
@JudyEv What you made is very good. That is a great idea for the cancer patients.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Aug 18
Thanks. Some of the beanies may go to the cancer patients too.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
26 Aug 18
@JudyEv That is very nice. I feel good when I donate part of what I sell to Sderot. They really need to help.
1 person likes this
@Meramar (2695)
16 Aug 18
You did a good job, it's really nice. I am sure the children would love it!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
@Meramar They are too fiddly. I prefer something that is more straightforward.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
I'll have to find something else to send as well. I can't very well send one.
1 person likes this
@Meramar (2695)
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv I am sure you will find the right item. But, it's a pitty that you don't like to carry on with your stuffed toys. It's really sweety.
1 person likes this
@porwest (92412)
• United States
17 Aug 18
Oh no my friend. Look at what the folks that created the Pikachu made? MILLIONS! I think you may be onto something here. This is extremely cute and extremely unique. I'd see if you can maybe make a cult following out of these.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
Would you like to buy the prototype? It's going cheap! I had to look up Pikachu. I'd never heard of them.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
@porwest You can't have it. It's priceless - or should that be worthless? And how come those two words are opposites? You'd think they should mean the same.
1 person likes this
@porwest (92412)
• United States
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv I think its cute. How much do you want for it? I even like the fact that one ear is a little bit smaller than the other.
1 person likes this
@iniaku (2157)
• Indonesia
16 Aug 18
for me it is a talent to make this stuff..you did a great job
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
17 Aug 18
@iniaku Yes I think so.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (341742)
• Rockingham, Australia
16 Aug 18
I found it hard work and I didn't enjoy it much.
@iniaku (2157)
• Indonesia
17 Aug 18
@JudyEv you can stop if you dont like it anymore. better do something you like isnt it?
1 person likes this