Echidna and echidna baby puggles at Easter

Happy Easter to you all! A time that is about new beginnings, fresh starts and family. I thought this a perfect time to share my echidnas with the world.

When I undertook to design an echidna in crochet, I took on one heck of a challenge. The trick is getting the echidna look, and not becoming a hedgehog or porcupine. I have seen some really cute crochet hedgehogs, but they often use fun fur which although it gives a spiky look, is soft to the touch. I did consider doing a loopy effect but that didn't quite look right either. So in the end I did the best I could with rows of individual spikes. Yes this is a bit tedious, but quite relaxing once I was in the rhythm.

Echidnas by their nature aren't very colourful critters. Their whole goal in life is to not get noticed. The one that looks the best in the real is the dark brown and variegated. These are always a bit of a pain to count stitches on and photograph so I ended up doing a goldy yellow echidna as well.

I do like these guys. I think of all my stuffed Aussie Animals these are my favourites. Probably because the Koalas and Kangaroos, and platypus are a bit better known around the world, there are a few patterns for these about. Although they are of varying quality, they do exist.

The echidna, also called the spiny ant-eater, is one of the most primitive orders of mammals, a monotreme. They are closely related to the platypus and are egg-laying mammals. They lay only one egg at a time hatch is incubated is incubated in the pouch.

Baby echidnas are called puggles and once hatched, they remains in the pouch until its spines appear. It makes good sense because as a Mum, I don't think I would want a prickly little fellow in my pouch for long! The ones above I have named Blue, Elizabeth, Rusty and Shazza.

Their main food is ants. The echidna's snout is between 7 and 8 cm long, and is quite stiff. This enables them to break up the termite mounds and logs.

They have a long sticky tongue to lick up insects.
They look like a hedgehog or porcupine but are not related. Their backs and sides are covered with spines and coarse hair and they can roll themselves into a ball when in danger. While they look pretty tough, they are quite shy. They also have the claim to fame being of being featured on the Australian five cent piece.

Having seen the echidna in the wild, they are quite fascinating. You have to wonder what nature was thinking.

These ones I used variegated yarn for a different effect. This is Dave, Muriel, Digger and Lucy doing a bit of bush calisthenics. Of course once their spines devloped they wont be ablt to do that!

I believe the term puggles originally was associated with the echidna, however at times it is incorrectly used for platypus young as well. The same way the koala is incorrectly called a bear. There is no such thing as a platypus puggle, or a koala bear. I like to research the animals I am designing, and the misuse of these terms annoy me. (lol) I must be getting old!

The baby echidnas are a lot of fun to make and play with. I have made a few over the long weekend. The one below I thought I would try to felt to make a bag pull. I attached some yarn to his beak. He sort of felted, but not quite.

These are nice and tactile and they just fit in the hand. I might try felting another one as I think they would be good on keys and bags.

The indigenous people have some interesting myths about the echidna. One story is that a group of young men where hunting and stumbled on a wombat. They threw spears at the wombat, and it became the echidna.

Thanks for looking, and have a safe and happy Easter.


(c) copyright crochetroo 2007

Bonnet Babies crochet square (free pattern)

1. Koala, 2. Duck, 3. Kangaroo, 4. Penguin, 5. Red Eyed Frog, 6. Year of the Pig Square

Meet the Bonnet Babies. This is number 7 in my rugalugs series.

I designed this one as as quick novelty square to be used in charity blankets and rugs. My intention here that this one would be free on my blog. While the pattern is copyright and you cant sell it, you can make as many things as you can for charity. That is the goal!

Each square uses a minimum of yarn and I imagined they would look quite colourful in a variety of colours. The hardest part is finding a good skin coloured yarn; light apricot often works well, but is hard to find.

There are actually 2 squares - a bonnet baby girl, and a bonnet baby boy. The girl has a frilly bonnet, and the boy a plain bonnet. I like to add a dimensional component to my squares, and the bonnets, bow and nose all pop out. I suggest you mix these with a plain granny. While this square is about 11cm/4inches you can make it larger by adding extra rounds. I am sure they have multiple applications, and with Easter approaching bonnets are in season!

I hope you like it. If you do use it I would love to hear which charities you are supporting, and even see some photos of finished products. It is so easy to download something from the internet, without providing feedback.

As with all my patterns there are both Australian /British and American versions. So make sure you use the correct one or your babies might look a bit odd. Have fun!

Bonnet Baby Square (c) 2007crochetroo
Australian instructions

· 8 ply yarn, worsted weight, or double knit yarn - size 8 (4mm) hook
· Square measures approximately 11cm/ 4inches.
· The Baby is worked in anticlockwise rounds giving a right and wrong side. Some stitches are worked through the front or back loops only so look out for these.

Baby Face

Skin Colour
Round 1: 4ch into 4th ch from hook work 10tr, 4tr popcorn, slst into top of start ch to form a circle =12.

Round 2: 3ch, 1tr same place, (2tr next st) around, slst join finish off, weave in ends= 24

Bonnet colour
Round 3: Join bonnet colour in the first st of round 2. Work front loops only.
Girl: 1dc next 6, (3tr next st, 1dc next st) 5times, 1dc next 6st, bows – (1dc 8ch 1slst into dc) into next st twice, slst join and weave in ends.

Boy: 1dc next 6, 2htr next st, 2tr next 8st, 2htr next st, 1dc next 6st, bows – (1dc 8ch 1slst into dc) into next st twice, slst join and weave in ends.

Background

Round 1: This round is worked in back loops only. Each side consists of a corner, and 4 stitches along the side. Check that your baby is centred.
Fold the bonnet forward, join contrast in back loop behind 3rd dc to the left of the bow. (3ch 1tr 2ch 2tr) into this loop, *1dc next 4st along side of head, miss 1st, work corner (2tr 2ch 2tr) next st, repeat pattern from * finishing with a slst into top of starting ch.

Round 2: From here you will work between the stitches. All corners are 3tr 3ch 3tr.
Slst to 2ch sp, (3ch 2tr 3ch 3tr) start corner into this sp, * (miss 2, 2tr between stitches) 3times make corner of (3tr 3ch 3tr) in ch sp, repeat pattern from * finishing with a slst into top of starting ch.

Round 3: Start with a slst in a corner. Work (1dc 3ch 1dc) in corners; 3ch 1dc in spaces around. Slst finish off round.

Stitch 2 eyes either side of nose. I weave the yarn through the stitches to get a neat finish.
Stitch a rose bud mouth under nose.

Bonnet Baby Square (c) 2007 crochetroo
American instructions

· 8 ply yarn, worsted weight, or double knit yarn - size 8 (4mm) hook
· Square measures approximately 11cm/ 4inches.
· The Baby is worked in anticlockwise rounds giving a right and wrong side. Some stitches are worked through the front or back loops only so look out for these.

Baby Face

Skin Colour
Round 1: 4ch into 4th ch from hook work 10dc, 4dc popcorn, slst into top of start ch to form a circle =12.

Round 2: 3ch, 1dc same place, (2dc next st) around, slst join finish off, weave in ends= 24

Bonnet colour
Round 3: Join bonnet colour in the first st of round 2. Work front loops only.
Girl: 1sc next 6, (3dc next st, 1sc next st) 5times, 1sc next 6st, make bows – (1sc 8ch 1slst into c) into next st twice, slst join and weave in ends.

Boy: 1sc next 6, 2hdc next st, 2dc next 8st, 2hdc next st, 1sc next 6st, make bows – (1sc 8ch 1slst into sc) into next st twice, slst join and weave in ends.

Background

Round 1: This round is worked in back loops only. Each side consists of a corner, and 4 stitches along the side. Check that your baby is centred.
Fold the bonnet forward, join contrast in back loop behind 3rd dc to the left of the bow. (3ch 1dc 2ch 2dc) into this loop, *1sc next 4st along side of head, miss 1st, work corner (2dc 2ch 2dc) next st, repeat pattern from * finishing with a slst into top of starting ch.

Round 2: From here you will work between the stitches. All corners are 3dc 3ch 3dc.
Slst to 2ch sp, (3ch 2dc 3ch 3dc) start corner into this sp, * (miss 2, 2dc between stitches) 3times, make corner (3dc 3ch 3dc) in ch sp, repeat pattern from * finishing with a slst into top of starting ch.

Round 3: Start with a slst in a corner. Work (1sc 3ch 1sc) in corners; 3ch 1sc in spaces around. Slst finish off round.

Stitch 2 eyes either side of nose. I weave the yarn through the stitches to get a neat finish.
Stitch a rose bud mouth under nose.

Thanks for looking, and enjoy your babies.

(c) crochetroo Australia 2007

Rustic Easter Basket - free crochet pattern

Easter is sneaking up on us and I have been making some little baskets. I decided this year away with the pastel pretty stuff, and to come up with something a bit more earthy. So I have created a few Rustic Bush Baskets.

These remind me of the ones the Indigenous women make in the territory. The following links are 2 great human projects that involve Aboriginal women in remote outback Australia. I just love the texture and colours of the Tjanpi women's craft. You might also like to look at their crocheted beanies. The use of colour and texture is wonderful.

http://www.tjanpiaboriginalbaskets.com/Index.html

This is also a good link, which has some interesting stuff re Easter as well. I am not catholic, but I admire the approach.

http://www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion/lentenStories2.htm

So my basket is very simple, uses earthy colours and can be made with scraps.

It measures about 5cm/2inches high plus handles and is about 10cm/4 inches wide.

Here is the pattern, in both Australian and British terms. While I have used acrylic yarn, I reckon they would look pretty cool in scrap cotton yarn, or even string.

Rustic Easter Basket
Australian Instructions

Yarn is 8ply, double knit or worsted weight, with a 4mm hook.
Four earthy colours are used in example.

Basket Base Colour A
1. 4ch into 4th ch from hook work 2tr, 3htr, 3tr, 3htr slst into top of start ch =12.

2. 3ch, 1tr same place, (2tr next st) twice, (2htr next st) 3 times, 2tr next st 3times, (2htr next st) 3 times, slst join

3. 3ch 1tr same sp, 1tr next st, (2tr next st, 1tr next st) twice, (2htr next st, 1htr next st) 3times, (2tr next st, 1tr next st) 3 times, (2htr next st, 1htr next st) 3times.

Basket sides Colour B
1. 1bpdc join at last st worked, 2ch, 1bptr each st around slst join= 36

2. 1fpdc 2ch first st, 1fptr each st around slst join.

3. Colour C, work as for row 2

4. 1round 1dc each st, slst join

5. Colour D, slst join 1dc next 2st, 1fptr around tr in row 3, *miss 1dc, 1dc next 2, missing 2 tr in row 3 1fptr around next tr. Repeat from * around slst join. = 12 fptr

6. 1dc next 9st, 10ch handle, miss 6st, 1dc next 12, 10ch handle, miss 6st, 1dc next 3 slst join finish off.

7. Colour A, 1dc each st and each ch of handle around, slst finish off and weave in ends.



Rustic Easter Basket
American Instructions

Yarn is 8ply, double knit or worsted weight, with a 4mm hook.
Four colours are used in example.

Basket Base Colour A
1. 4ch, into 4th ch from hook work 2dc, 3hdc, 3dc, 3hdc slst into top of start ch =12.

2. 3ch, 1dc same place, (2dc next st) twice, (2hdc next st) 3 times, 2dc next st 3times, (2hdc next st) 3 times, slst join

3. 3ch 1dc same sp, 1dc next st, (2dc next st, 1dc next st) twice, (2hdc next st, 1hdc next st) 3times, (2dc next st, 1dc next st) 3 times, (2hdc next st, 1hdc next st) 3times.

Basket sides Colour B
1. 1bpsc join at last st worked, 2ch, 1bpdc each st around slst join= 36

2. 1fpsc 2ch first st, 1fpdc each st around slst join.

3. Colour C, work as for row 2

4. 1 round 1sc each st, slst join

5. Colour D, slst join 1sc next 2st, 1fpdc around dc in row 3, *miss 1sc, 1sc next 2, missing 2dc in row 3, 1fpdc around next dc. Repeat from * around slst join. = 12 fpdc

6. 1sc next 9st, 10ch handle, miss 6st, 1sc next 12, 10ch handle, miss 6st, 1sc next 3 slst join finish off.

7. Colour A, 1sc each st and each ch of handle around, slst finish off and weave in ends.


So I hope you enjoy making these. They look kinda cute filled with eggs and sweets. At least my emu chicks liked it!

Easter doesn't have to be all bunnies, pastels and chicks. There are a lot more things that come from an egg than chickens!

Thanks for looking, and take the time to read the links and spare a thought for our Aboriginal women. Some of them do it pretty tough.

Hot cross buns - free crochet pattern

With Easter approaching I thought I would try and come up with some fresh ideas for Easter tokens. There is nothing fresher and more scrumptious than a hot cross bun. I used to make these, yeast and all, and the aroma that filled the house was wonderful. I also like the hot cross bun because it puts the cross back into Easter, which somehow seems to have got lost along the way... Again, I reckon this is all an evil plot by the bunnies who have a mission to take over the earth!





I designed this bun to be whipped up quickly, and something that even beginner's could have fun with. It uses the continuous spiral technique. The clever bit ( in my humble opinion) is that I popped some cloves in with the stuffing and it smells wonderful! You could also pop some in the outside at it is a sweet little pomander. These are a cute car freshener, desk decoration, pin cushion, or fridgie.



Here is the pattern first in Australian/ British terms, and then in American terms. While this is my copyright pattern you are free to make as many of these to give away or donate to charity and fund raisers. I like them as they are just as thoughtful to give a male as a female. The aroma is one of those feel good moments.



My goal is share the meaning of Easter so please enjoy making and giving these at this time of year.


Hot cross buns

Australian Instructions

Yarn is 8ply, double knit or worsted weight, with a 4mm hook.
Bun measures 7cm/ 2 ½ inches square by 5cm/ 2inches high.

Starting at the base, this little bun is worked in continuous spirals.
1. 3ch, 6dc into 3rd from hook,
2. 2dc each st = 12
3. (1dc, 2dc next st) around = 18
4. (1dc next 2, 2dc next st) around = 24
5. (1dc next 5st, 3htr next st) four times = 32 (the htr are the corners)
6. Working in back loops only 1dc each st around = 32
7 – 9 1dc each st around = 32
10. Join second colour, 1dc each st around = 32
11. (1dc next 6st, 2dctog) 4 times = 28
12. (1dc next 5st, 2dctog) 4 times = 24
13. (1dc next 4st, 2dctog) 4 times = 20
14. (1dc next 3st, 2dctog) 4 times = 16. Stuff bun through opening. For a scented bun pop in some cloves, or a cotton bud dabbed in cinnamon oil.
15. (1dc next 2st, 2dctog) 4 times = 12
16. (1dc next 1st, 2dctog) 4 times = 8 finish off, and using a needle gather up remaining stitches and pull up tightly closing hole.

Cross your bun: Using a light colour join at centre of one side of last row of base, cross to other side and stitch then cross back. Pull these firm enough slightly puff the top. Push needle through bun and cross other way. This will give you 2 thread of yarn each way.

For a pomander effect you can poke cloves in the top. These smell wonderful! I would not recommend this for homes with small children.
For a fridgie glue a magnet on the base.
Use as a pin cushion.
Use as a car freshener.
Make a dozen and put in a basket.



The little rustic basket in this photo is another Easter pattern which I will be posting soon.




Hot Cross bun
American Instructions

Yarn is 8ply, double knit or worsted weight, with a 4mm hook.
Bun measures 7cm/ 2 ½ inches square by 5cm/ 2inches high.

Starting at the base, this little bun is worked in continuous spirals.
1. 3ch, 6sc into 3rd from hook,
2. 2sc each st = 12
3. (1sc, 2sc next st) around = 18
4. (1sc next 2, 2sc next st) around = 24
5. (1sc next 5st, 3hdc next st) four times = 32 (the hdc are the corners)
6. Working in back loops only 1sc each st around = 32
7 – 9. 1sc each st around = 32
10. Join second colour, 1sc each st around = 32
11. (1sc next 6st, 2sctog) 4 times = 28
12. (1sc next 5st, 2sctog) 4 times = 24
13. (1sc next 4st, 2sctog) 4 times = 20
14. (1sc next 3st, 2sctog) 4 times = 16. Stuff bun through opening. For a scented bun pop in some cloves, or a cotton bud dabbed in cinnamon oil.
15. (1sc next 2st, 2sctog) 4 times = 12
16. (1sc next 1st, 2sctog) 4 times = 8 finish off, and using a needle gather up remaining stitches and pull up tightly closing hole.

Cross your bun: Using a light colour join at centre of one side of last row of base, cross to other side and stitch then cross back. Pull these firm enough slightly puff the top. Push needle through bun and cross other way. This will give you 2 thread of yarn each way.

For a pomander effect you can poke cloves in the top. These smell wonderful! I would not recommend this for homes with small children.
For a fridgie glue a magnet on the base.
Usa as a car freshener
Use as a pin cushion.
Make a dozen and put in a basket.

Bilbies not bunnies

As we approach Easter the shops become plagued by rabbits. Now I don't mean to offend any one, but there are mountains a patterns and toys for rabbits, and one thing the world doesn't need is another bunny toy or pattern. Bunnies annoy me. I have one in my shop and it is designed to be casseroled!

Well meet the bilby. This is a sad story.
Once up a time when the British settled Australia they brought with them rabbits and foxes to hunt , and pigs to farm. And the rabbits went forth and multiplied, and took over the land, and burrowed away, and munched on the nice grass. In the absence of a natural predator, they had found the promised land. The bilby however, used to live in about 70% of Australia now had to compete. The bilby is a burrower, and likes nice munchy green things as well. They also are more attuned to our climate and have a slower reproductive cycle. They were very quickly outnumbered.

When the settlers realised they had a problem, they laid poison, and traps. They caught lots of rabbits, but they also killed as many native animals such as wombats, and wallabies, and bilbies.
So now one type of bilby is thought to be extinct. Hasn't been seen since about 1930. The remaining one we are down to about 600. So I find bunnies pretty annoying. To think they came in and took over and the locals are now an endangered species. The bilby is only found in Australia.

The bilby, sometimes known as the rabbit eared bandicoot is a marsupial with a backwards facing pouch. Bilbies are nocturnal ground dwellers and live in burrows. They are protected in Australia as only 600 now live in the wild. I reckon if you can count them, then there isn't enough! There used be 2 types of bilby, but one species has been extinct since 1931. The “save the bilby” campaign has been active for a number of years, with the slogan “Bilbies not Bunnies” used at Easter to promote the plight of this little animal. Sales from chocolate bilbies go towards conservation efforts. The rabbit has been an environmental disaster in Australia, and needs to be eradicated from our country to enable the survival of the bilby.

So I took on the task of designing a crochet bilby, and to put the bunny in its place. My lovely tester did the one below.

I also made him a little goody basket. I tried for a rustic bush look. While their is some history to the rabbit and Easter, I believe that all Gods creatures have a place on this earth. So the bilby has just as much a role as any other critter. Besides the bilby needs all the publicity it can get if it is to survive.

Easter is about new life, and new beginnings. If you are facing extinction, then this is doubly important.

The patterns are in my etsy store, but the real message is about protecting our environment and raising awareness of how acts of the past have had such a devastating effect on our environment. They had a bilby display at the Ekka last year, and the queu was a mile long to see them. We waited patiently, and saw a bilby. They are such gentle and amzing little animals, it was well worth the wait.

The kids need to know about the bilby, and understand why all animals have a place. Hence I am not into the glorification of the bunny!

Thanks for listening.

Here is a link with some bilby info:

http://www.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum/april2006/

(c) copyright crochetroo (this include images as well as content. I am happy for you to link to this page, but dont pinch my pictures.)