Here's the partner to Marie Antoinette, King Louis.
REQUIRES
Yarn - Twinkle DK approx 20g white and 10g lilac; Goldfingering light gold, 10g; Pearl DK 20g white; cream DK 15g.
Hook / Needles - 2.5mm
Sundries - toy eyes, toy stuffing, narrow black ribbon, velcro, stick on pearls, black fabric paint.
INSTRUCTIONS (Given in UK notation)
HEAD
Work as for Marie Antoinette using cream. Using black fabric paint make moustache and beard.
WIG
Work as for Marie (Pearl DK) until both side rolls are complete. To work back reattach yarn to wider section between rolls. Work 1 row dc, then dec at each end of next 4 rows. On last row work dc to centre back, then make 5 chain. Dc on these chain, ss into same stitch and then complete row as normal and fasten off. Decorate with black ribbon. Stitch to head.
RUFF
Work as for Marie. Stitch to neck and then stitch velcro to bottom of neck.
CROWN
Using white Twinkle work as for head to end rd 1. Rd 2; inc in all stitches. 24. Rd 3; dc. Rd 4; dc in back loops only. Rd 5; (dc2, dec 1) to end. 18. Rd 6; dc. Switch to goldfingering. Rd 7; dc. Ss to finish off. Using goldfingering reattach yarn to gold row and work surface crochet line up one side, across top and down the other. Repeat so you are dividing crown into quarters, but on this line work as follows where the lines cross: Ch 3, dc into 3rd chain, dc into same stitch as ch. Fasten off, stuff crown and stitch to head.
BODY
Using lilac Twinkle work as for Marie to Rd 3. Rd 4 -8; dc. Switch to white Twinkle. Rds 9 - 11; dc. Rd 12; (dc 2, dec 1) to end. 18. Stuff. Rd 13; dc 9, ss across to 1st stitch of round forming a tube. Dc 4 rds on these 9 stitches and fasten off leaving long tail. Reattach yarn to unused stitches and work a tube as before. Stuff breeches leaving space to insert lower legs.
LEGS AND FEET (make 2)
Work as for Marie’s legs using lilac twinkle for shoes and Pearl for stockings. Stuff, insert leg ends into breeches and stitch firmly with tail ends.
TRIMS
Using goldfingering work line of surface crochet around waist, starting at centre front. Ss to complete ring then crochet up front and round neck. Fasten off. Using goldfingering embroider a line for pockets, and buckles on shows. Add narrow black ribbon at side of breeches at knee. Stick on tiny pearls for buttons on waistcoat.
ARMS (make 2)
Work as for Marie using White Twinkle instead of Pearl and Pearl for cuffs.
COAT
Using white Twinkle make 21 chain. Work 2 rows dc on these chain. On next row dc 2, chain 5, skip 5 stitches, dc 7, htr to end. On next row htr 7, dc to end working 1 dc into each chain. Work 5 rows of dc at top, htr (if this is not wide enough for your doll work more, or less if it is too wide). Work another 5dc armhole to match first, then 3 rows dc. Fasten off. Slipe coat over arms. Roll back neck and stitch down, then stitch around armholes. Sew velcro to top of body.
Quatorze Juillet is almost here and I have been making some decorations for the day.
Besides the bunting I'm making amigurumi figures for a display; Marie Antoinette and King Louis will be facing the wrath of a couple of revolutionary peasants (the lady complete with knitting for keeping busy beside the guillotine). Marie and Louis have detachable heads held on by velcro. My mother says I have a macabre sense of humour but my daughter says that's a good thing, so there you go.
MARIE ANTOINETTE
REQUIRES
Yarn - Cream DK, small amount; white and lilac Twinkle DK, about 20g each; Goldfingering light gold, about 10g; white Pearl DK, about 20g
Hook / Needles - 2.5mm
Sundries - toy stuffing, 6 or 8mm toy safety eyes (blue or black), small amount of Velcro, very small stick-on gems or pearls, black fabric paint, narrow pink ribbon
INSTRUCTIONS (Given in UK notation)
HEAD
Using cream DK, make a magic ring and work 6 dc into it. Rd 1; inc all round. 12. Rd 2; (dc 1, inc 1) to end. 18. Rd 3; (dc 2, inc 1) to end. 24. Rd 4: (dc 3, inc 1) to end. 30. Rds 5 - 8; dc. Rd 9: (dc 3, dec 1). 24. Rd 10: (dc 2, dec 1). 18. Insert safety eyes, positioning at about Rd 4 approx 5 stitches apart. Rd 11; (dc1, dec 1). 12. Stuff carefully, making sure you get stuffing between eyes. Rd 12; dec all round. 6. Rds 13 - 14; dc. Fasten off leaving long tail, run tail through last six stitches and sew in tight.
WIG
Using white Pearl work as for head to end of rd 4. Rds 5 - 6; dc. Rd 7; dc 4, turn. [Work 3 rows dc on these 4 stitches, then ss the last row to the first forming a roll. Ch1, dc into the same 4 stitches and make 2 more rolls. ] Fasten off. Skip 8 stitches on main part of wig and reattach yarn. Work 4 dc, and repeat from [ to ]. Fasten off and reattach yarn on other side of rolls. Work one row dc, turn. On next 3 rows decrease 1 at each end, fasten off. For beehive (pompadour) work 4 dc in a magic ring. Rd 1; inc all round. 8. Rd 2; (dc 1, inc 1) to end. 12. Rd 3; dc. Rd 4; (dc 2, inc 1) to end. 16. Rd 5; dc. Rd 6: (dc 3, inc 1) to end. 20. Rd 7; dc. Rd 8; (dc3, dec 1) to end. 16. Fasten off, stuff, and sew to top of wig. Decorate with stick on gems, beads or pearls, make bows with narrow pink ribbon above the rolls and at front base of pompadour. Stitch to head.
RUFF
Using Goldfingering light gold make 5 chain. Dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc into each chain to end. 4. Chain 3, ss into first chain (picot). Dc into back loops of last row. Turn. Work alternate rows of picot row/ back loop row till you have 12 picots. Slipstitch first row to last and fasten off leaving a long tail. Run tail through the row ends on the non-picot side and pull up till ruff forms ring. Stitch to bottom of head. Now stitch one piece of the Velcro to neck in centre of ruff, so ruff hides it.
BODY
Using lilac Twinkle make magic ring. Work as for head to Rd 3. Rds 4 - 5; dc. Rd 6; (dc 2, dec 1) to end. 18. Rd 7; dc. Switch to white Twinkle. Rd 8; dc through back loops. Rd 9; (dc 2, inc 1) to end. 24. Rd 10 - 12; dc. Rd 13; (dc 2, dec 1) to end. 18. Rd 14; (dc 1, dec 1) to end. 12. Stuff body. Rd 15; dec all round, fasten off, draw up and pull tight.
LEGS (make 2)
Using lilac Twinkle make 5 chain. Dc into 2nd chain from hook and into next 2 chain. Into last chain work 3 dc, then turn and work down other side as follows; dc 2 into next 2 chain, 2dc into last chain. 10. Rd 1; dc. Rd 2; dc 3, dec 2, dc 3. 8. Rd 3; dc 2, dec 2, dc 2. 6. Fasten off lilac, switch to white Pearl, stuff foot. Dc 7 rounds, stuffing as you go. Fasten off and stitch to bottom of body.
SKIRT
Using white Twinkle reattach yarn to front loops of body Rd 8. Dc all round. Rd 1; (c 3, inc 1) to end. 30. Rd 2; increase to 36 stitches, not evenly but clustering 3 inc stitches at each side of body. Where the increases come will depend on where you reattached the yarn. Rd 3; increase again to 42, clustering inc stitches at sides as before. [ds 4 - 5; dc. Rd 6; dc in back loops only. ] Repeat [ to ] 3 times. Fasten off white and switch to lilac Twinkle. Last rd; (dc 2; into next st work htr, tr, htr) to end. Fasten off, sew in ends. Sew oither section of Velcro on top at neck. Reattach lilac Twinkle to first round worked through back loops and work into front loops as follows; (c, ch3, miss 1 dc, dc) to end. Repeat this into the other missed front loop rounds, alternating Goldfingering and lilac Twinkle. Finally work another frill round around the posts of the last white round, working the fans at the low points between the lilac fans.
ARMS (make 2). Using cream make magic ring, work 6 dc into it. Rd 1; (dc 1, inc 1). 9. Rd 2; dc. Rd 3; (dc 1, dec 1) to end. 6. Change to white Pearl. Rd 4; dc through back loops only. Rd 5 -10; dc. Fasten off and stuff. Attach lilac Twinkle to missed front loops and work (dc, htr, tr, htr) into each stitch. Fasten off. Sew arms to body.
FAN
Using Goldfingering make 2 ch. Work 2 dc into 2nd chain from hook. Turn. Inc in each stitch. 4. Continue to turn and inc 1 at each row end until you have 10 stitches. Last row; (c, ch3, skip in dc, dc) to end. Fasten off. Starch fan. When it is dry, sew to hand.
Marie and her spouse King Louis - before the revolution.
It turns out I was mistaken - Mr Hedges was actually Mrs Hedges. You can't see them terribly well but there are actually two baby hedgehogs in this picture; the other evening they, and their slimmed down mum, were foraging quite openly in my garden. We were so taken with the adorable twins that we didn't notice mum at first, but then we realised there were three sets of scuffing, grunting, chewing sounds. One baby actually crawled into an upturned watering can to raid the slugs, snails and woodlice in there. I was worried it might get stuck, but it got out just fine and I never use anything harmful like pesticides when I water. I suspect there are actually more of them because the plants in the back of my garden were shaking in exactly the same way as the ones where we saw the trio feeding. So happy to see them having such a good time.
I've not been feeling too good this week, pollen highs have really affected my sinus trouble and made life hell. Still, cheered myself up making this fruity little cluster to hang off my daughter's new college bag - when we get the bag, that is!
I was deeply saddened by the news of the death of Christopher Lee today. He had a good, long life, but it still doesn't seem long enough. Still, for me he will remain forever that tall, dark and awesome idol of my teens - like Dracula, he will never truly age or die as long as there is one movie left to watch. A wonderful man, a wonderful actor.
Here's another of my crochet patterns. This angelic Hello Kitty doll hides a secret -
inside she's a bit of a devil!
REQUIRES
Yarn - 50g each of white, black, red and lilac; small amounts black and white Twinkle or other sparkling yarn)
Hook / Needles - 3 mm
Sundries - 4 toy eyes, 2 noses (or black and yellow felt), toy stuffing
INSTRUCTIONS (Given in UK notation)
HEAD (make 2 - one white, one red)
Begin with Head A in red.
Make 11 chain. Rd 1; work 1 dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc into next 8 chain, 3 dc into last chain. Turn the work and work down the other side of the base chain - 8 dc, inc in last stitch. 22 stitches. Rd 2; inc 1, dc 8, inc 3, dc 8, inc 2. 28. Rd 3; Inc 1, dc 9, inc 1, dc 1, inc 1, dc 1, inc 1, dc 9, inc 1, dc 1, inc 1, dc 1. 34. Rd 4; inc 1, dc 10, inc 1, dc 2, inc 1, dc 2, inc 1, dc 10, inc 1, dc 2, inc 1, dc 2. 40. Rd 5: inc 1, dc 11, inc 1, dc 3, inc 1, dc 3, inc 1, dc 11, inc 1, dc 3, inc 1, dc 3. 46. Rd 6; dc. Rd 7: inc 1, dc 12, inc 1, dc 4, inc 1, dc 4, inc 1, dc 12, inc 1, dc 4, inc 1, dc 4. 52. Rd 8; dc. Rd 9: inc 1, dc 13, inc 1, dc 5, inc 1, dc 5, inc 1, dc 13, inc 1, dc 5, inc 1, dc 5. 58. Rd 10 - 12: dc. Rd 13; dec 1, dc 13, dec 1, dc 5, dec 1, dc 5, dec 1, dc 13, dec 1, dc 5, dec 1, dc 5, 52. Rd 14; dc. Rd 15: dec 1, dc 12, dec 1, dc 4, dec 1, dc 4, dec 1, dc 12, dec 1, dc 4, dec 1, dc 4. 46. Rd 16; dc. Rd 17; dec 1, dc 14, dec 1, dc 4, dec 1, dc 17, dec 1, dc 3. 42. Rd 18; dc. Rd 19; (dec 1, dc 3, dec 1, dc 7), repeat twice. 36. Rd 20; dc. Rd 21; (dec 1, dc 2, dec 1, dc 6) repeat to end. 30. Rd 22; dc. Rd 23; (dec 1, dc 1, dec 1, dc 5) repeat to end. 24. Rd 24; dc.
On head A, ss from last to first and fasten off. On Head B (white) do not fasten off but put last stitch on a holder while fixing features and stuffing. On both heads position and fix eyes and nose, and stuff. Embroider whiskers with black yarn.
BODY
Using lilac, attach yarn to last stitch of Head B. Rd 1; dc. Rd 2; dc 5, inc 1, dc 11, inc 1, dc to end. 26. Rd 3; dc 1, inc 1, dc 12, inc 1, dc to end. 28. Rd 4; dc 5, inc 1, dc 1, inc 1, dc 11, inc 1, dc 1, inc 1, dc to end. 32. Rd 5; dc 7, inc 1, dc 13, inc 1, dc to end. 34. Rd 6; dc. Rd 7; dc 8, inc 1, dc 16, inc 1, dc to end. 36. Rd 8; dc 8, inc 1, dc 17, inc 1, dc to end. 38. Rd 9; dc. Rd 10; dc 9, inc 1, dc 18, inc 1, dc to end. 40. Rd 11; dc. Change colour to black. Rd 12; dc. Rd 13; dc 9, dec 1, dc 18, dec 1, dc to end. 38. Rd 14; dc. Rd 15; dc 8, dec 1, dc 17, dec 1, dc to end. 36. Rd 16; dc 8, dec 1, dc 16, dec 1, dc to end. 34. Rd 17; dc. Rd 18; dc 7, dec 1, dc 13, dec 1, dc to end. 32. Rd 19; dc 5, dec 1, dc 1, dec 1, dc 11, dec 1, dc 1, dec 1, dc to end. 28. Rd 20; dc 1, dec 1, dc 12, dec 1, dc to end. 26. Rd 21; dc 5, dec 1, dc 11, dec 1, dc to end. 24. Rd 22; dc. Ss from last to first and fasten off. Stuff body and stitch Head B in position facing same way as A.
EARS (make 2 red, 2 white)
Begin with magic ring, make 6dc into it. Rd 1: (inc 1, dc 1) to end. 9. Rd 2; (inc 1, dc 2) to end. 12. Rd 3; (inc 1, dc 3) to end. 15. Rd 4; (inc 1, dc 4) to end. 18. Rd 5; (inc 1, dc 5) to end. 21. Fasten off, stuff, and stitch to head.
BOW (make 1 lilac, 1 black or Twinkle black)
Part 1: make 8 chain. Rd 1; Work 1 dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc into next 5 chain, 3 dc into last chain. Turn so you are working down back of chain; work 5 dc, inc in last stitch. 16. Rd 2; (inc 1, dc 5, inc 1, dc 1), repeat. 20. Rd 3; (inc 1, dc 7, inc 1, dc 1), repeat. 24. Ss from last to first stitch, fasten off.
Part 2: make magic ring, work 6 dc into it. Rd 1; (inc 1, dc 1) to end. 9. Ss from last to first and fasten off.
Using length of same yarn, draw Part 1 up tightly at the centre and stitch to hold, leaving a long tail. Stitch Part 2 to centre of Part 1, then use tail to sew bow to head next to one ear.
ARMS (make 2 red/black, 2 white/lilac).
Begin with red for Devil Kitty, white for Angel Kitty. Make magic ring and work 6 dc into it. Rd 1; inc all round. 12. Change to lilac for angel, black for devil. Rd 2; dc through back loops only. Rd 3 - 14; dc. Rd 15; dc 3, dec 1, dc 3, dec 1, dc 2. 10. Fasten off, stuff and attach to body.
RUFF (make 1 in lilac or sparkling white, I in plain or sparkling black)
Make 8 chain. Row 1; dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc to end. 7. Row 2; ch 1 (does not count as stitch), dc into back loops of all dc. 7. Repeat Row 2 x 58 (you ma=y have to make it longer or shorter, depending how wide your kitty’s neck is and how thick your yarn; remember it is gathered up, so has to be wider than the actual neck measurement). Fasten off leaving very long tail. Using this and darning needle run yarn through row ends along one edge and gather up, not too tightly - you can check it by placing it round the neck and loosening or tightening as required. Position on neck with gathered edge at top and open ends at back, sew in position and finally sew first and last row together to form ruff seam.
WINGS
(DEVIL - make 2)
Using red make 4 chain. Row 1; dc into 2nd ch from hook, dc to end. 3. Ch 1, turn. Row 2; dc 3, dc 4, turn. Row 3; dc into 2nd chain and next 2 chain, htr into 3 dc of last row. 6. Ch 1, turn. Row 4; dc 3, ch 5. Turn. Row 5; dc into 2nd ch from hook and next 3 ch, htr into 3 dc of last row. 7. Ch 1, turn. Row 6; dc 4, ch 6. Turn., Row 7; dc into 2nd ch and next 4 st, 4 htr. 9. Ch 3. Work 8 dc evenly along top edge opposite points, ss into 1st chain made and fasten off. Stitch to back.
(ANGEL - make 2)
Using white make 4 ch. Row 1; dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc to end. 3. Turn. Row 2; ss into 3 dc, make 3 ch. Turn. Row 3; dc into 2nd ch from hook, dc to end. 5. Turn. Row 4; ss into all 5 stitches, make 3 ch, turn. Row 5; dc into 2nd ch from hook, dc to end. 7. Turn. Row 6; ss into all 7 stitches, make 3 ch. Turn. Row 7; dc into 2nd ch from hook, dc to end. 9. Turn. Row 8; ss into all 9 stitches, make 3 ch. Turn. Row 9; dc into 2nd ch from hook, dc to end. 11. Do not turn. Make 3 chain, work 6 dc evenly along top edge to starting ch. Fasten off and stitch in place.
TAIL
(ANGEL)
Using white make magic ring, work 6 dc into it. Rd 1; dc 2, inc 1, dc 2, inc 1. 8. Rd 2 - 4; dc. Fasten off, stuff lightly and stitch to outside of gown. (I recommend you attach the tails during working of the gowns, when they are about half the full length - it is easier to attach the tails before you have the full gown completed).
(DEVIL)
Using red, make 8 chain and join in a ring with ss. Rd 1; dc in every chain. 8. Rd 2 - 4; dc. Rd 5; dc 2, dec 1, dc 2, dec 1. 6. Rd 6; dec all round till gap is closed. Do not fasten off. Down side of tail work 2 dc, ch 3, turn. Dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc into 2 dc already made. Now work down opposite side making 2 dc and 3 chain. Turn. Work dc into 2nd chain from hook, dc 2, ss into next dc. Turn. Dec I, fasten off. Stuff and stitch to outside of gown.
GOWNS (Make 2 - 1 using black and black twinkle for devil, 1 using lilac and white twinkle for angel)
Using body colour, attach yarn to row immediately above colour change and work 40 dc evenly round waist, working around the stem of your original stitches where possible. Be sure you are working in the right direction to have your gown right side out, and keep an eye on the size - you may need to make it wider or narrower, longer or shorter, depending on your yarn.
Rd 1; dc. Rd 2; (dc 3, inc 1) to end. 50. Rd 3; dc. Rd 4; (dc 4, inc 1) to end. 60. Rd 5 - 7; dc. Rd 8; (dc 9, inc 1) to end. 66. Rd 9; dc. Rd 10; (dc 10, inc 1) to end. 72. Rd 11; dc. Rd 12; (dc 11, inc 1) to end. 78. Rd 13 - 15; dc. Rd 16; (dc 12, inc 1) to end. 84. Rd 17 - 32; dc. Change to sparkly yarn for frill. Rd 33; dc through back loops only. Rd 34; (dc 1, htr 1, tr 3 into next 2 st, htr 1, dc 1) to end. 140. Ss from last stitch to 1st and fasten off. You may wish to stitch the two gowns together at the bottom edge; if you do I recommend you attach them where the frills begin, using invisible thread if possible. But It is not essential to do this as it is quite easy to turn them over without it.
I know it isn't earth-shattering stuff but I just had to share these pics of the visitor I had in my garden this bright afternoon - first time I have seen one of them at any other time than dusk or very early morning (except that time one got stuck in a bin bag of textiles waiting for recycling, for some reason).
This pic was taken on zoom through the window;
This one I took outside, quite close to him. He did decide to go and hide in a bush, rather unsuccessfully, then the neighbour's cat came over to see what was going on so we had to go back in and hope the kitty left the hedgehog alone. I think he did, he's met the spikey ones before.
