Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 1

OMG it's CAL number 2... As requested, it's a monkey, crocheted together (no sewing required)! ENJOY ;D

This pattern will be in 4 installments, Wed & Sat (EST)!

As always, the rules remain the same, so here they are:
1. Ask any question or feedback that comes to mind while working on this project, that's why we're here!
2. Please share your pics, we want to see how it's going!
3. Even though this pattern is free, please don't copy and distribute it... but feel free to link to it here!


So here's the first installment of Manuel:
This pattern assumes that as you work, the "right side" is facing out.
color A is a natural cream colored wool(as seen in my pics)
color B is a brown colored wool(as seen in my pics)

LEGS(make 4)
Start with (color A) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3: Make bobble, SC next 17.
R4-5: SC across.
R6: change to color B, work a row of chain st across in front loops only.
R7: SC across in back loops skipped in previous row.
R8-15: SC across.
Bind off and set aside.




BELLY(make 1)
Start with (color B) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3: *SC 2, INCR1* repeat across (24 sts)
R4: *SC 3, INCR1* repeat across (30 sts)
R5: *SC 4, INCR1* repeat across (36 sts)
Next row joins legs to the belly (same technique we used for Padma)
R6: *With yarn attached to belly piece, pick up one of the legs and SC next 9sts through both belly and leg.* make sure your toes are pointing in toward the center of the belly! Repeat with each remaining leg, and bind off.

Ask and receive...

So "a pattern a week" is still on, and I am having a blast, but now is your chance to get involved... Here's the deal: suggest a pattern, if I make it you get a copy for FREE! You can suggest it here, or on Twitter (@dawntoussaint).

Rules and stuff:
Since multiple people may suggest the same thing, the first suggestor will get the pattern. And since there will only be one winner per pattern, make sure to take a look through the blogs and tweets to make an original suggestion (giving you the best chance of winning a pattern!) I'll announce all suggestions and winners here and on Twitter, and I'll contact you for email address or ravelry username to gift pattern.

Deal ends on July 31, so get thinkin' ;D
Thanks, Dawn.

UPDATES:
first pattern winner: Panda entered by Seelenfein (7/2)! Tilly the panda pattern now available on etsy

second pattern winner: Lamb entered by Mary Heather (7/9)! "Not enough good lamb patterns out there!" Thanks so much for your awesome suggestion ;D

third pattern winner: Basset hound pup entered by Simone (7/16)! I may have to take a few liberties with this one but I'm up for the challenge... thanks again for all the great suggestions ;D

fourth pattern winner: Lion entered by oOoCarinaoOo from twitter (7/23)! A few people submitted a lion suggestion, but oOoCarinaoOo was the first ;D

fifth (and final) pattern winner: Turtle entered by Brandi(and daughters)(7/31)! I hope all your girls will enjoy their very own turtle ;D

Well, that brings us to the end of this adventure! And I don't know about you all, but I had a great time hearing all your thoughts and suggestions... Be sure to come back and check out all the patterns when they're complete, and as always feel free to join the conversation!
Thanks again all ;D

Ami wants a new pair of shoes...

So it's been on my mind for a while, if my ami's can have removable sweaters, dresses, shorts, etc. then why not shoes? Well now they can! It took a little longer than I had hoped, but I've finally worked out the best shoe pattern for my ready to wear line. The first try you see here is for a custom order you can check out on my custom order blog... a casual sneaker for a recent grad. After some trimming and finishing touches I think it'll be a perfect match for her swim shorts and college t-shirt. I used a denim, backed with fusible interfacing and medium whale cord for the soles. The tongue and inside sole is lined with blue cotton, and hides all seams! This little pattern is so versatile, look forward to lots of variations. Pattern should be available in my etsy shop as early as next week!