Jessica's Present is DONE!

Now I hope I didn't hype this up and you are expecting more than it is, but I am pretty excited to have started AND completed this project. I can't remember if I mentioned  The Best Dressed Knitted Bear book that Jessica saw in a recent KnitPicks catalog. She was enamored of the ballerina teddy bear she saw sampled in the catalog. (It's also where Amy saw the most recent giraffe she wants me to make for her). Anyway, I wanted to see the book first before buying it and I found it at Barnes and Noble (unbeknownst to Jessica). That started my mad dash to create the bear as a Christmas gift for her. Last night I put the finishing touches on the bear and thought I'd share it with you. Please remember, I'm much more of a crocheter than a knitter.

Here is my version of Ballerina Bear. The pattern called for adding a bunch of sequins to the skirt. I didn't think it needed the bling (the sample Jessica saw didn't have the sequins, either) as I felt it would over power the outfit.

I had to make a slight modification to the skirt as it ended up too large for the bear (I'd stuffed her first and made the clothes after stuffing). After mulling it over a bit, I decided to weave some ribbon through the waistband so it could be tightened to fit. That way it didn't look like a mistake (taps forehead with finger-always thinking), if you know what I mean. LOL

I have fallen in love with that face. I'm SO tickled at how it turned out. No mischievous, naughty grins this time. hee, hee



A couple of close-ups, if you don't mind...

Here's that face again....love how the ears droop a bit, too.

And the shoes. Can't forget the shoes!

Here she is from the back...and that is the mommy is much relieved to have completed somewhat successfully Christmas gift for Jessica. Whew!

And in keeping with the ballet theme, last night I was at Target picking up an Amy Grant Christmas cd, because I can't find my copy (so much for claiming to work on my organizing around the house). Found one called A Christmas Collection, with four new songs on it (Love the songs, Jena).  Anyway, I wandered around looking for gift ideas for the girls and I came across a rack of  dance leotards on clearance for around $3 each! I was thrilled and got one for each of the girls. (We may be signing them up for dance class this winter, since Amy they keep asking). 

Nona posted these mittens on her blog yesterday. Omg, they are adorable! But I have to overcome my fear of double-pointed knitting needles before attempting this one. Maybe I'll make it one of my goals for 2010?

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you have a great day! Now that I've got this bear done, it's onto other projects...