Cutest Crochet Creations - A book review and GIVEAWAY!!

Autumn seems to be book review season for me...

*** GIVEAWAY CLOSED ***

But you won't hear me complaining. This is the second book I've been lucky enough to receive to review - and I must tell you, it's a cracker!!

Alison North is someone I've known for aaaaaages on Instagram, under her name of @KornflakeStew and she is an amazingly talented amigurumi designer. For the last few years, her sweet little creations have been flying off her hook and into her Etsy shop but now, you can find a whole new selection of cute characters in her new book, 'Cutest Crochet Creations'.

I really like the book - not just because the patterns are sooooo sweet, but because it's put together in an easy-to-follow format, which is perfect for new and experienced crocheters alike:

The first section covers everything you'll need - materials, yarn and accessories - and then describes all the basic stitches with illustrations to help. Alison then shares her crochet tips for amigurumi-making; everything from changing colours to fitting safety eyes and assembling the pieces together. Again, helpful photos guide the reader.

And then there are 16 original patterns - all of them equally ADORABLE!!! 

I chose to make Boris the Bear, because he looked like a serious sort-of chap:

I found the pattern easy to follow - the instructions are written in US terms, but this is easy to get used to and it didn't pose a problem at all. I liked how there were close-up photos to show me where parts should be positioned, or how to make certain stitches and I found the instructions for assembly very well-explained.

Congratulations, Alison - it's a fabulous book!

Alison has kindly sent me an extra book to GIVEAWAY!!!

All you have to do is enter below and a winner will be drawn at random on the 29th September 2018. Open worldwide.

Good Luck!

As a part of the Blog Tour with TUVA publishing, I received a copy of Alison North's book to review and a copy to giveaway. 

All views this blog post are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Very Little Llama

Inspired by everything llama at the moment, I realised that one of my previous patterns could be easily adapted to fit the bill...

You may remember The Very Little Giraffe (a random teacher gift my daughter asked me to make)? Well it struck me that the shaping was pretty llama-esque and with a little tinkering around with the ear placement, and the addition of a blanket and tassels, a llama it could be ...

It's the perfect small project for using up all those odds and ends of yarn - hooray!!

A Very Little Llama Pattern (UK)

(For US, dc is the same as sc and dc2tog is the same as sc2tog).

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
dc = double crochet
dc2tog = double crochet 2 together**
sts = stitches

**to make the dc2tog stitch using the invisible decrease method:

Insert hook into the front loop of the first stitch.

Insert hook into the front loop of the second stitch (3 loops on hook).

Yarn over and pull yarn through the first two loops (2 loops on hook).

Yarn over and pull through both loops.

You will need:

Yarn and hook of your choice (any weight yarn and hook to match will work)

I used a 3mm hook and small amounts of Rico Ricorumi in Beige (55), Tangerine (26), Wine Red (29) and Fuchsia (14)

Toy stuffing
Black / brown embroidery thread for nose and eyes

Stitchmarker - mark the first st of each round

Head

Stuff as you go.

In Beige:

Rnd 1: 6dc in magic ring or 2dc, 6dc in 2nd st from hook (6 sts)

Rnd 2: 2 dc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnds 3 - 4: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 5: (1dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)

Rnds 6 - 8: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 9: (1dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (12 sts)

Stitch eyes and nose.

Rnd 10: dc2tog around. (6 sts)

Fasten off and sew closed.

Ears (make 2)

Rnd 1: 6dc in magic ring or 2dc, 6dc in 2nd st from hook. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: (1dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (9 sts)

Fasten off. Sew to head

Neck, body and legs

(Leave long tail at beginning for stitching to head and stuff as you go)

Ch 6, join with sl st to first ch.

Rnd 1: 1ch (doesn't count as st), 1dc in each st. (6 sts) 

Now in continuous rounds

Rnds 2 - 5: 1dc in each st.

Rnd 6: *1dc, 2dc in next st; rep from *, 2dc. (8 sts)

Rnd 7: 2dc, *2dc in next st; rep from * three times, 3dc. (11 sts)

Rnd 8: 3dc, *2dc in next st; rep from * four times, 4dc. (15 sts)

Rnd 9: 4dc, *2dc in next st; rep from * six times, 5dc. (21 sts)

Rnds 10 - 13: 1dc in each st.

Front leg

Rnd 14: 1dc, dc2tog, dc 4, then cross to the other side (see pic) and 4dc back to stitchmarker. (10 sts)

Pictures from Giraffe Pattern

Rnd 15: dc2tog around. (5 sts).

Fasten off and sew closed.

Back leg

Rnd 14a: 1dc in each st around. (10 sts)

Rnd 15a: dc2tog around. (5 sts).

Fasten off and sew closed. 

Stitch between the legs to close the hole.
Stitch head to body.

Tail

Make a knot in the yarn and stitch it into place. Separate the strands to create the tail.

Blanket
In Tangerine
Rnd 1: 6dc in magic ring or 2dc, 6dc in 2nd st from hook. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: *2dc in first st, 2dc in next st, 1dc; rep from *.  (10 sts)
Rnd 3: In Fuchsia, 1dc, 2dc in next st, 2dc in next st, 3dc, 2dc in next st, 2dc in next st, 2dc. (14 sts)
Rnd 4: In Red, 2dc, 2dc in next st, 2dc in next st, 5dc, 2dc in next st, 2dc in next st, 3dc. (18 sts)
Fasten off, but leave a long tail for stitching in place

Halter
Make a chain long enough to fit around the muzzle and join with sl st. Make another chain to fit around back of head and join with sl st to other side. Stitch in place.

To finish:
Add tassels of yarn to tips of ears and sides of muzzle. Add pompoms or any other decorations you like.

And that's it!
Enjoy your teeny llama,

Sarah xx

The one with the tadpoles

Yes, you did read that correctly.

TADPOLES

You see, a couple of weeks ago, we (not me, I hasten to add - this was something the Mister and kids are responsible for) picked up a teeny little bit of frogspawn from a muddy puddle in a field.

And now we have tadpoles.

Eleventy-billion of them, to be precise.

(For anyone who hasn't seen tadpoles before, they are the aquatic lavae of amphibians - in this case, frogs. Find out more about them here.)

We are feeding them all sorts of stuff (so far, raw minced meat has been their favourite) and are enjoying watching them change and grow. And grow.. And grow...

I'm even documenting their daily progress on my Instagram Stories (it's Day 28 of #frogwatch, if you're interested) which is proving very popular with my followers and I receive lots of comments from people telling me how much they enjoy tuning in each day to see how the tadpoles are getting on.

And so it seemed appropriate to crochet one. In fact, I'd like to make a whole set for every stage of their development, but we'll see.

If you fancy making a crocheted tadpole (I cannot think of a single reason why you wouldn't) then here's the pattern in UK terms (US below):

Tadpole Pattern (UK)

Pattern notes:

The tadpole is crocheted in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of every round. Stuff as you go.

You will need:

A small amount of yarn in black and grey and a hook to match. 

I used Rico Creative Cotton Aran in Black and Mouse Grey and a 3.5mm hook 

Toy Stuffing

2 x 9mm safety eyes

Head and tail

Rnd 1: using Black, 6dc in magic ring, or 2ch, 6dc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts)

Rnd 2: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 3: 2dc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 4: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 5: (1dc, 2dc in next st) around. (18 sts)

Rnds 6 - 9: 1dc in each st around.

Insert eyes between rnds 4 - 5; 6 sts apart.

Rnd 10: (1dc, dc2tog) around. (12 sts)

Rnd 11: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 12: dc2tog around (6 sts)

Rnds 13 - 25: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 26: dc2tog around (3 sts)

Rnd 27: 2dc, leaving 1st unworked.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Tail Fins (make 2)

Using Grey, 15ch.

Along the length of the chain, make one of each st in each of the chain stitches:

1sl st, 2dc, 2htr, 5tr, 2htr, 2dc, 1sl st.

Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing to tail.

Using the yarn ends, stitch the tail fins in place.

Tadpole Pattern (US)

Pattern notes:

The tadpole is crocheted in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of every round. Stuff as you go.

You will need:

A small amount of yarn in black and grey and a hook to match. 

I used Rico Creative Cotton Aran in Black and Mouse Grey and a 3.5mm hook 

Toy Stuffing

2 x 9mm safety eyes

Head and tail

Rnd 1: using Black, 6sc in magic ring, or 2ch, 6sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts)

Rnd 2: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 3: 2sc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnd 4: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 5: (1sc, 2sc in next st) around. (18 sts)

Rnds 6 - 9: 1sc in each st around.

Insert eyes between rnds 4 - 5; 6 sts apart.

Rnd 10: (1sc, sc2tog) around. (12 sts)

Rnd 11: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 12: sc2tog around (6 sts)

Rnds 13 - 25: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 26: sc2tog around (3 sts)

Rnd 27: 2sc, leaving 1st unworked.

Fasten off, weave in ends.

Tail Fins (make 2)

Using Grey, 15ch.

Along the length of the chain, make one of each st in each of the chain stitches:

1sl st, 2sc, 2hdc, 5dc, 2hdc, 2sc, 1sl st.

Fasten off, leave long tail for sewing to tail.

Using the yarn ends, stitch the tail fins in place.

The plan, of course is to watch them grow into froglets and release them back where they were found ... (before they take over the house like a Biblical plague).

Enjoy!

Sarah xx

The Starfish and The Squid

Theres something fishy going on here today ...

Awwww, how sweet. Two little sea creatures having fun together.

As it's the summer time here in the UK, I fancied a new project. and as I haven't made any amigurumi for a while, I decided on some little ocean characters. 

They're the perfect stash-busting project, as each only uses about 20g of yarn - cotton DK is my preference, but you can use whatever you have to hand.

Patterns are in UK terms first, US below.

Enjoy!

Squid Pattern UK terms

Did you know that we squids have ten appendages? We have eight arms and two longer tentacles.

You will need:

Approx 20g of dk yarn and hook to match - I used leftovers of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK and a 4mm hook

Toy stuffing

2 x 6mm eyes

Black embroidery thread and needle

Pattern

Work in continuous rounds for the body and rows for the arms and tentacles. 

Stuff as you go.

Rnd 1: 5dc in magic ring OR ch2, make 5dc in 2nd ch from hook. (5 sts)

Rnd 2: 1dc in each st around.  

Rnd 3: (1dc, 2dc in next st) twice, 1dc in last st. (7)

Rnd 4: (2dc, 2dc in next st) twice, 1dc in last st. (9)

Rnd 5: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 6: (2dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (12)

Rnd 7: (3dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (15)

Rnd 8: (4dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (18)

Rnd 9: (5dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (21)

Rnd 10: (6dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (24)

Rnd 11: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 12: (5dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (28)

Rnds 13 - 16: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 17: (5dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (24) 

Rnds 18 - 20: 1dc in each st around.

Rnd 21: (4dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (20) 

Rnd 22: (3dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (16) 

Rnd 23: 1dc in each st around.

Insert eyes and stitch mouth, using pictures as a guide.

Rnd 24: dc2tog x 3, 4dc, dc2tog x 3 (10)

The arms and tentacles are made into the front loops only (FLO) of the stitches from rnd 24. Make sure that the longer tentacles are at the front of your squid.

Rnd 25: (shorter arms x 8) sl st into FLO of next st. *11ch, (now work into chain stitches, beginning in 2nd ch from hook) 2dc, 8htr, sl st into FLO of next st; repeat from *

(longer tentacles x 2) sl st into FLO of next st. *16ch, (now work into chain stitches, beginning in 2nd ch from hook) 3dc, 12htr, sl st into FLO of next st; repeat from *

Rnd 26: sl st into unused back loops from rnd 24, dc2tog around in BLO. (5)

Sew closed and fasten off.

Starfish Pattern UK Terms

 

Did you know that we starfish are found in oceans all over the world, from tropical to polar waters.

The starfish is made of two pieces which are crocheted together. I made the front and back in two different colours because I only had small amounts of yarn.

You will need:

Approx 20g of dk yarn and hook to match - I used leftovers of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK and a 4mm hook

Toy stuffing

2 x 6mm eyes

Black embroidery thread and needle

Pattern

Work in continuous rounds for the body, then in rows to make the arms. 

Stuff just before closing.

Body

Rnd 1: 5dc in magic ring OR ch2, make 5dc in 2nd ch from hook. (5 sts)
Rnds 2 - 3: 2dc in each st around (20)
Rnd 4: 1dc in each st around.
Rnd 5: (3dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (25)

Arms
Row 6: 1dc in next 5 sts, turn. (5)
Rows 7 - 8: 1ch, 1dc in each st, turn.
Row 9: 1ch, dc2tog, 1dc, dc2tog, turn. (3)
Rows 10 - 11: 1ch, 1dc in each st, turn.
Row 12: 1ch, dc2tog, 1dc, turn (2)
Row 13: 1ch, 1dc in each st.
Fasten off

Repeat rows 6 - 13 around rnd 5 to make 5 arms in total

To make up

Insert eyes and stitch mouth onto front piece, using pictures as a guide.

With both pieces together WS facing, use yarn of your choice and dc the edges closed, stuffing firmly before finishing.

Fasten off.

Squid Pattern US Terms

 

Did you know that we squids have ten appendages? We have eight arms and two longer tentacles.

You will need:

Approx 20g of dk or sportweight yarn and hook to match - I used leftovers of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK and a 4mm hook

Toy stuffing

2 x 6mm eyes

Black embroidery thread and needle

Pattern

Work in continuous rounds for the body and rows for the arms and tentacles. 

Stuff as you go.

Rnd 1: 5sc in magic ring OR ch2, make 5sc in 2nd ch from hook. (5 sts)

Rnd 2: 1sc in each st around.  

Rnd 3: (1sc, 2sc in next st) twice, 1sc in last st. (7)

Rnd 4: (2sc, 2sc in next st) twice, 1sc in last st. (9)

Rnd 5: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 6: (2sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around. (12)

Rnd 7: (3sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around. (15)

Rnd 8: (4sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around. (18)

Rnd 9: (5sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around. (21)

Rnd 10: (6sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around. (24)

Rnd 11: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 12: (5sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around. (28)

Rnds 13 - 16: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 17: (5sc, sc2tog) repeat around. (24) 

Rnds 18 - 20: 1sc in each st around.

Rnd 21: (4sc, sc2tog) repeat around. (20) 

Rnd 22: (3sc, sc2tog) repeat around. (16) 

Rnd 23: 1sc in each st around.

Insert eyes and stitch mouth, using pictures as a guide.

Rnd 24: sc2tog x 3, 4sc, sc2tog x 3 (10)

The arms and tentacles are made into the front loops only (FLO) of the stitches from rnd 24. Make sure that the longer tentacles are at the front of your squid.

Rnd 25: (shorter arms x 8) sl st into FLO of next st. *11ch, (now work into chain stitches, beginning in 2nd ch from hook) 2sc, 8hdc, sl st into FLO of next st; repeat from *

(longer tentacles x 2) sl st into FLO of next st. *16ch, (now work into chain stitches, beginning in 2nd ch from hook) 3sc, 12hdc, sl st into FLO of next st; repeat from *

Rnd 26: sl st into unused back loops from rnd 24, sc2tog around in BLO. (5)

Sew closed and fasten off.

 Starfish Pattern US Terms

Did you know that we starfish are found in oceans all over the world, from tropical to polar waters.

The starfish is made of two pieces which are crocheted together. I made the front and back in two different colours because I only had small amounts of yarn.

You will need:

Approx 20g of dk or sportweight yarn and hook to match - I used leftovers of Debbie Bliss Cotton DK and a 4mm hook

Toy stuffing

2 x 6mm eyes

Black embroidery thread and needle

Pattern

Work in continuous rounds for the body, then in rows to make the arms. 

Stuff just before closing.

Body

Rnd 1: 5sc in magic ring OR ch2, make 5sc in 2nd ch from hook. (5 sts)
Rnds 2 - 3: 2sc in each st around (20)
Rnd 4: 1sc in each st around.
Rnd 5: (3sc, 2sc in next st) repeat around. (25)

Arms
Row 6: 1sc in next 5 sts, turn. (5)
Rows 7 - 8: 1ch, 1sc in each st, turn.
Row 9: 1ch, sc2tog, 1sc, sc2tog, turn. (3)
Rows 10 - 11: 1ch, 1sc in each st, turn.
Row 12: 1ch, sc2tog, 1sc, turn (2)
Row 13: 1ch, 1sc in each st.
Fasten off

Repeat rows 6 - 13 around rnd 5 to make 5 arms in total

To make up

Insert eyes and stitch mouth onto front piece, using pictures as a guide.

With both pieces together WS facing, use yarn of your choice and sc the edges closed, stuffing firmly before finishing.

Fasten off.

Enjoy!

Sarah xx

The Little Snowman

Our story begins early one December morning...

It had been snowing overnight and two children from the little Alpine village made a Snowman.

In wonder he watched as they carefully dressed him in an old blue hat, with a carrot for a nose and a bright red scarf to keep him warm. 

But they had forgotten one thing and this made the Snowman sad.

Day by day, as Christmas approched, the festivities of the Yule market surrounded him.

He loved to see the magnificent tree and hear the bustle and chatter of the people preparing for the holidays.

But still, he was sad.  

Even the arrival of a man dressed in red, who bought gifts for the children and made them so happy, could not lift the Snowman's spirits. 

It was Christmas Eve when the Snowman noticed that the children had made another Snowman in the village and he looked enviously upon him, for he had the one thing the Snowman desired...

The next morning was Christmas Day and the church bells rang as the villagers celebrated, sharing presents and singing together. 

And the Snowman? 

His heart overflowed with happiness and joy, for he had the one thing he wanted so much - arms of his very own.



Footnote. When questioned by the children, the Snowman claimed that he 'found' the arms on the floor and that he had 'no idea' what happened to the children's second Snowman, suggesting that there must have been a freak accident, of which he was 'not involved'.

If you'd like to make your own Little Snowman, here's the pattern (written in U.K. Terms. - for US , read dc as sc)

You'll need
A small amount of DK yarn (I used Rico Creative Cotton Aran in White, Turquoise, Orange and Red)
3.5mm hook (or one which matches your yarn)
Toy stuffing
2 x 6mm safety eyes
Glue gun - cos I am lazy (optional)
Small piece of card (optional)

Pattern 
Worked in rounds. Stuff as you go.
Snowman
1: In white, 6dc in magic ring or ch2, 6dc in 2nd ch from hook. (6 sts)
2-3: 2dc in each st around. (24)
4-8: 1dc in each st around.
9: (2dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (18) Insert eyes.
10: dc2tog around (9)
11: 1dc in each st around.
12: 2dc in each st around. (18)
13-14: 1dc in each st around.
15: (2dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (24)
16-17: 1dc in each st around.
18: (7dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (27)
19-20: 1dc in each st around.
21: (1dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (18)
22: dc2tog around. (9)
23: dc2tog x 3
Sew closed.

Hat 
1: In turquoise, 5dc in magic ring or ch2, 5dc in 2nd ch from hook. (5sts)
2-3: 2dc in each st around. (20 sts)
4: in BLO, (dc2, dc2tog) repeat around. (15)
5: 1dc in each st around.
6. (1dc, dc2tog) repeat around. (10)
 7. 1dc in each st around.
8: in FLO, 2dc in each st around. (20)
 9. (3dc, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (25)

Carrot 
1: In Orange, 3dc in magic ring or ch2, 3dc in 2nd ch from hook (3sts)
2-3: 1dc in each st around.

Scarf
1: in red, ch40
2: 1tr in each st to end (beginning in 4th ch from hook)

To make up:
Cut around a 2p coin and insert into top of hat. Stuff hat.

Because I am sooooo lazy (and because my snowman is for decorative purposes only) I fired up my hot glue gun and stuck the hat and carrot in place. PVA glue would work, too.
Don't feel you have to adhere to my slovenly ways- you can stitch yours if you'd prefer.
 

I hope your Little Snowman is happy in your house this Christmas time  - just don't let him near the playmobile Snowman- there's no telling what he might get up to...

Happy, happy Christmas to you all,

Sarah xxx    

The one with a very little giraffe

Teacher gifts.

The one thing I always leave until the last minute (and I should know better really - I am a teacher, after all).

Imagine my delight when the little one announces that I haven't made the giraffe I promised to make for her teacher. 

Despite having approximately a billion other things I should be doing, including working on 12 new projects for my next book* I decided to make a little giraffe. 

A very little giraffe.

* yes, I am writing a new crochet book. All is a bit secret at the mo, but I'll let you have some sneaky peaks soon.

If you have a last minute teacher-who-likes-giraffes gift to make, or just fancy your very own little giraffe, then here's the pattern in UK terms. (For US, dc is the same as sc and dc2tog is the same as sc2tog).

A Very Little Giraffe Pattern (UK)

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
dc = double crochet
dc2tog = double crochet 2 together**
sts = stitches

**to make the dc2tog stitch using the invisible decrease method:

Insert hook into the front loop of the first stitch.

Insert hook into the front loop of the second stitch (3 loops on hook).

Yarn over and pull yarn through the first two loops (2 loops on hook).

Yarn over and pull through both loops.

Finished size: 12cms (4 3/4 inches) tall

You will need:

Yarn and hook of your choice (any weight yarn and hook to match will work)

I used a 4 mm (US 6/G) hook and Rico Creative Cotton Aran in Vanilla (shade 62), Tangerine (shade 76) and Nougat (56) 

Toy stuffing

2 x 6mm eyes

Tapestry needle

Stitchmarker. Mark the first st of each round

Head

Stuff as you go.

In Vanilla

Rnd 1: 6dc in magic ring or 2dc, 6dc in 2nd st from hook (6 sts)

Rnd 2: 2 dc in each st around. (12 sts)

Rnds 3 - 4: dc 1 in each st around.

Change to Tangerine

Rnd 5: (dc 1, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)

Rnds 6 - 8: dc 1 in each st around.

Rnd 9: (dc 1, dc2tog) repeat around. (12 sts)

Insert eyes between Rnds 5-6, 6 sts apart.

Rnd 10: dc2tog around. (6 sts)

Fasten off and sew closed.

Ears (make 2)

Rnd 1: 4dc in magic ring or 2dc, 4dc in 2nd st from hook (4 sts)

Rnd 2: (dc 1, 2dc in next st) repeat around. (6 sts)

Fasten off. Sew to head

Horns (ossicones)*** (make 2)

In Nougat

Ch 4, 

Row 1: sl st 3, beginning in 2nd ch from hook.

Fasten off. Sew to head.

*** a giraffe does not have horns, but ossicones. Both male and female giraffes have them. They are made from bone, but not attached to the skull, to avoid injury at birth. Males sometimes use their ossicones to fight. Educational fact. Retain as valuable information for use in random pub quiz someday.

Neck, body and legs ****

(Leave long tail at beginning for stitching to head and stuff as you go)

Ch 6, join with sl st to first ch.

Rnd 1: ch1 (doesn't count as st), 1dc in each st (6 sts) 

Now in continuous rounds

Rnds 2 - 5: 1dc in each st.

Rnd 6: (dc 1, 2dc in next st) X 2, dc 2. (8 sts)

Rnd 7: dc 2, (2dc in next st) X 3, dc 3. (11 sts)

Rnd 8: dc 3, (2dc in next st) X 4, dc 4. (15 sts)

Rnd 9: dc 4, (2dc in next st) X 6, dc 5. (21 sts)

Rnds 10 - 13: 1dc in each st.

Front leg

Rnd 14: dc 1, dc2tog, dc 4, then cross over to the other side (see pic) and dc 4 back to stitchmarker. (10 sts)

Rnd 15: dc2tog around. (5 sts).

Fasten off and sew closed.

Back leg

Rnd 14a: 1dc in each st around. (10 sts)

Rnd 15a: dc2tog around. (5 sts).

Fasten off and sew closed. 

Stitch between the legs to close the hole.

Use the long tail from the neck to stitch the head in place.

**** not anatomically correct - this giraffe only has 2 legs. And they're a bit short.

Tail

Make a knot in the yarn and stitch it into place. Separate the strands to create the tail.

Spots

Cut a variety of different sized spots of out brown felt and glue or stitch into place.

And that's it.

Job done, happy teacher (I hope)

Enjoy!

Sarah xxx