Critter-Roy

Mark loves Corduroy- the book with a bear that's missing a button? He calls Corduroy, "Critter-Roy," because he thinks it's a variation on Little Critter. I wanted to make Mark his own "Critter-Roy." I haven't figured out just how to make the overalls yet, but I think this is pretty close!

 

It's amazing how much of a difference light makes in terms of how colors look. Here is Critter-Roy at rest. He really needs his own bed (like in the story)!

 

Clothes really make a difference for this little Critter-Roy. Love this teeny tiny sweater.

 

Want to make your own Critter-Roy? I used this excellent free pattern from Julie Tarsha. Here are my notes for the project.

• Materials. Yarn: Cascade 220 for the bear, Knitpicks Wool of the Andes for the sweater.  Needles: Size 3 circular. I used plastic safety eyes and leftover yarn to make Critter-Roy's face.
• Overall assessment of the pattern. This is a wonderful pattern! There are no seams - you make the teddy all in one piece. The Cascade 220 yarn really makes for a small bear. I would use worsted weight yarn in the future.
• Skills needed. Magic loop. Make 1 Right and Make 1 Left. Three needle bind off.  Tunisian Cast On. I haven't done much in terms of toe-up types of cast ons, so this was definitely a new skill for me. I think this is a great pattern for a seasoned beginner knitter (like me).
• Stuffing. I used leftover yarn bits (I save tails when I cut them). This was such a great use for all of those bits! The teddy feels squishy but solid.
• Eye placement. I'm still learning about how to place eyes. I love this post from Planet June on eye placement. I should have looked at it before I placed the safety eyes! I didn't realize that once you put on the back of safety eyes, you are stuck with the placement. Duh! It makes total sense that the eyes are not supposed to move around. They are supposed to be "safe" for older toddlers.
• Legs. The legs are kind of long for this pattern. I might make the legs a few rows shorter next time.

Hope you guys enjoy making a Critter-Roy as much as I did!  Want to make more super cute items for kids? Try kitten mittens, toddler mittens, or maybe some furry pom-poms! Want to see more of my current projects? I'm on instagram (SaltyCrafter) and on ravelry (bsl19).

~SaltyCrafts