We’ve been Invaded!

…by CraftyAlien's Backyard Critters, that is!

These cute little guys showed up on Easter morning and were found hiding in foliage in our backyard while Camdyn was searching for eggs. Hopefully they don’t mind being plucked out of their natural habitat to become her playthings!

Project Specs
Pattern: Backyard Critters—Fox, Skunk, Raccoon. Owl
Pattern Source: CraftyAlien, one animal from each version of her Backyard Critters line
Yarn: Fox - PatonsClassic Wool in Paprika, Cascade 220 in Cream
Skunk - Cascade 220 in Black, Patons Classic Wool in Winter White
Raccoon - Patons Classic Wool in Grey Mix and Winter White, Cascade 220 in Black
Owl - Patons Classic Wool in Natural Mix, Winter White, and Chestnut Brown
Date Started: 4/2/07
Date Finished: 4/7/07
Modifications: Ears and white body patches attached prior to felting. Eyes, noses, inner ears, and beak are wool felt that were needle felted instead of sewn on.

These little guys were so fun to make! I got the first three versions of the pattern as a Christmas gift, and even though I found these animals totally adorable, I didn’t get around to making them until now. To be honest, I was really intimidated by the finishing involved in making them, and that’s why I put it off so long, but I am really glad I finally sat down and just did it.

The pieces for all four animals were made in one day, and although I don’t think I was supposed to, I attached the body patches and ears that same day before felting. I think it turned out okay this way, and at least my shoddy sewing job was hidden in the felting process. All the animals were felted the next day. The longest part of the whole process was trying to get their faces to look half as cute as the originals, but I think I finally got them to where I am happy with them. I’m not going to lie, I kind of got tired of working on these guys, as there are quite a few steps involved, but I think the end result is definitely worth it! They are so cute, and Camdyn loves them. I will certainly make more Backyard Critters some day, and maybe eventually I’ll make Cam the whole collection. I would recommend this pattern to anyone who likes knitting stuffed animals, they’re really well designed and thought out!

I ordered some bulky weight yarn in hopes to make a supersized Backyard Critter… I can’t wait to give it a try!