Another crochet project for me this week! As I’ve previously mentioned I’m ok at crochet but always seem to forget how to do it in between projects (same with knitting), so I’m hoping that if I do several projects in a row the technique might finally stick in my head! This one is from Toft, a craft company known for Edward’s Menagerie and Alexandra’s Garden, collections of animal and flower crochet kits aimed at beginners. I was gifted this kit by my sister-in-law for my birthday because it has the same name as me – Caroline; this is Caroline the Platypus!
Included in the kit was:
- Oatmeal yarn x2
- Fudge yarn x1
- Length of black yarn
- Crochet hook
- Stuffing
The yarn colours I received in my kit were actually different to what was detailed on the instruction card. The colours that were supposed to be included were mushroom and cocoa. My colours are a bit lighter than the ones shown in the picture, which has the unfortunate effect of making my platypus look like its naked! Nevertheless, I shall still love her just the same.
There are two instruction cards included in the kit and when I first looked at them I felt a bit intimidated, even though I know it is aimed at beginners as there is a lot of information on them. Once I started reading however I found all the information to be very helpful. There is detailed descriptions of each type of stitch (including some that aren’t even used in this project), how to change colours, advice on stuffing, and how to manage each of the body parts. I did try to find some videos on the Toft website, but I only needed help with one small part and there was so many videos on there that I actually found it easier to look on YouTube.
The pattern was very easy to follow. The main stitch used was double crochet, increasing or decreasing stitches according to the design. The trickiest part was the webbed feet. I had never split a crochet into three to create the toes like that before, but I just followed the instructions and it seemed to work out in the end!
After all the pieces had been crocheted and stuffed accordingly I then sewed the parts together. Apart from a diagram of how the legs should be attached to the base of the body there wasn’t any specific instructions on how to sew it together as the instruction card is just a general one that is included in all kits, but there is a nice clear photo of how it should look, which gives a good idea of where to place the arms and head.
I think my crochet attempt at Caroline the Platypus has turned out well. I’m still not sure that the crochet technique has stuck in my head, but I guess we’ll see when I do the next project!