Croc!
Every time anyone asked Bella what she wanted Father Christmas to bring her this year, she would say "a bracelet and a knecklace" (yes she got both), but every time her bestfriend was asked she would say "a crocodile with a closed mouth and a dinosaur with a pink tail".
Well I wasn't sure that I could come up with a dinosaur in time, but last week, when I couldn't sleep at all and ended up being awake the entire night, I decided that a crocodile would be fun to have a go at.
I started off by looking for an existing pattern, but just couldn't find anything that I liked. The pattern in Toys To Sew came the closest but it was 2 dimensional, too big and the legs weren't right because they just hang underneath the croc.
So I decided to just make it up as I went along. It's obviously a pretty straight forward shape, and even with the gusset, you're still only looking at three pieces for the body, so I was feeling confident.
I started by drawing the main body piece freehand straight on to some thick craft paper and then I just eyeballed the size needed for the gusset.
My new found understanding (overstatement ) of dress patterns has already had an impact on my general sewing and in particular how I cut the pattern pieces, so things came together really quickly and much more accurately than normal.
You can't really see them in the pictures but the legs are my favourite part of the crocodile. Through no talent of my own, I've somehow managed to get them to look all gnarled and pointy, like real croc feet and they sit in just the way that I wanted them too.
As I mentioned, the request was specifically for a closed mouth crocodile, so I kept the stitching simple for the mouth, with just a hint of a smile. I really didn't want it to be threatening in any way and think that the fact that he looks quite cartoony is a good thing.
I'm also pleased that I kept him simple with my choice of fabric. Because it was 5 in the morning when I started putting him together, I really didn't want to be faffing about with patchwork and instead opted for one of my favourite Amy Butler prints - which I think works perfectly for a crocodile.
And I'm really pleased to say that the croc's recipient was very pleased with him and wouldn't let anyone else even look at him on Christmas day. Which in my toddler led world is pretty high praise indeed.
This croc is definitely a home run! Perfect fabric choice too!
Posted by:LeeAnn | December 27, 2007 at 09:55 PM
I think he is fab. I adore the book you mentioned and I am gradually working my way through the book, saying that I think your Croc is better than anything in there, it really is stunning.
Suzie Sews (UK)
Posted by:Suzie Sews | December 27, 2007 at 10:48 PM
Definately a fantastic crocodile! Yes I have to agree that if no-one is allowed to touch or play with him then he is a BIG fave already.
Posted by:sue | December 27, 2007 at 11:56 PM
how creative are you?! and what a good mama for fullfilling her daughter's request :)
my mom loved the blue fraidy cat I got for her, except she kept calling him a scaredy cat & I kept having to correct her!
Posted by:tracy | December 28, 2007 at 12:52 AM
oh my! That is too stinkin' cute!!!
What a great mommy you are!
With friendship,
Lisa
Posted by:Lisa thedomesticdiva | December 28, 2007 at 02:57 AM
I think just about everything about this crocodile is pure genius...the fabric choice, eyes, scalloped back, feet. Bella's friend is not the only one in love with this fella!
Posted by:Monica Mondragon | December 28, 2007 at 03:04 AM
He is too cool, or is it a she croc? Totally Love he/her either way. And, you made it for your girls best friend...what a great mum!
Posted by:Cindy | December 28, 2007 at 03:38 AM
Oh he's fabulous - such personality and perfectly lumpy!
Posted by:Louise | December 28, 2007 at 04:09 AM
Oh my goodness, that is a fabulous croc! If he was mine, I wouldn't let anyone else look at him either. hee hee
Posted by:Jane | December 28, 2007 at 04:34 AM
How adorable!
Posted by:april m | December 28, 2007 at 05:34 AM
I have a dinosaur pattern in my computer. I could share...
Posted by:mijk | December 28, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Manda, what a lovely surprise to see a post of my decoration on your blog...honoured!
Love the croc by the way :)
Posted by:Paula | December 28, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Manda, you continue to amaze and inspire me. The croc is just perfect with the right blend of sweet and gnarly. She looks very huggable!
Joan
Posted by:Joan Gibb | December 28, 2007 at 01:20 PM
He is wonderful!!
Posted by:Keri | December 28, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Wonderful toy!
Posted by:Rita Joiner | December 28, 2007 at 03:41 PM
He's one cool dude that crocodile of yours! Amazing what you can do when you cannot sleep!! I am impressed!
Posted by:Di | December 28, 2007 at 03:44 PM
I wish I could jump over this pond and have a craft day with you! I love how you come up with things! His toes are my favorite! awww
Posted by:Rachael | December 28, 2007 at 03:49 PM
very cute! I made the one in toys to sew for my son.
Posted by:christina b | December 28, 2007 at 03:58 PM
You got the expression just right! So perfect.
Posted by:Lisa | December 28, 2007 at 04:46 PM
Absolutely splendid! Love the fabric choice (it just wouldn't be the same if it was solid green), love the shape of his body, love everything about him! Now if only my 4 year old daughter wanted a crocodile...I'd have to give it a try! She's been asking for a pink elephant instead; and she wants to make it together. I'm feeling more inspired to get started after reading this post! Thank you!!!
Posted by:Jill | December 29, 2007 at 07:22 AM
He's adorable!
Posted by:Melanie | December 29, 2007 at 03:27 PM