Calico Critter Dad King

I've had this pattern on my list for a while now but I finally got to it last Friday. There wasn't really a reason not to do it, just the timing never seemed to be right.

This is made using one of Dawn Smith's free patterns found here.

I was drawn to this pattern for a couple of reasons beyond a free Calico pattern. First there aren't lots of patterns for the male Critters. Second I must say was the crown. It just was a unique item.

However, once I looked at the pattern I realized the crown wasn't part of the pattern. It's a free pattern so no real complaints but I wasn't giving up on the crown so you will find my own notes for a Calico crown. I'm sure someone can improve but it is a start.

Notes:

I used a 2mm hook and size 10 crochet thread. I believe the yellow is Thread Art and the brown Aunt Lydia's.

The pattern does have a sword belt pattern but many charities have been discouraging weapons and it seemed easier not to add this than to worry about making a sword to add to the project along with figuring out the crown.

I chose the short sleeved option for this outfit and I closed with a snap rather than a button.

Crown:

Chain 30 join

Row 1 sc in each chain and join.

Rows 2-3 sc in each sc stitch.

Row 4 (Chain 3 working down the chain ss in first stitch and sc in last of the chain 3 stitches.

SS in next two chains on crown.)

Repeat ( ) until the end of row and join.

Finish off

Now that I've mastered the crown I think next year I'll change the colors to more royal colors and work on a simple cloak to make the outfit a little more regal.

Calico Critters Bay Creek Knits Crochet Mother Dress

The last order I placed for the Rag Dolls was disapointing because I didn't realize they had changed the quality of the dolls. The previous dolls had cute hair the current dolls have much cheaper hair in a less attractive color. I don't wish to waste them so I will make the clothes and donate them but once gone I won't order them again.

I looked online to find a replacement but I didn't find anything that was similiar in the price range for a replacement. I decided to revisit a project I had worked on for some family members. As a result of that project, I had collected patterns and looking online found some additional ones. This seemed like a great time to introduce a new member of the doll donation.

This year's donation will be the Milk Rabbit Family. The set here are my models. An unopened box will go to the donation. I found mine at an unexpected location, Barnes and Noble. I generally don't think to look for toys there but I have had luck finding the Calico Critters online there at a reasonable cost.

This is a free pattern found here.

Notes:

I used size 10 thread with a B hook as suggested by the pattern.

I did not use a foundation chain to start and it worked fine.

I have never been good with surface crochet so I did follow the directions after row 4 for moving the main color thread back into place to continue the project. However, before starting row 5 I did a row of ss into the starting row to avoid having to surface crochet later. I made row 5 by crocheting behind ss. It worked for me, although it was challenging finding the 25 stitches required to start the skirt. It took me a few trys but it was worth it to avoid the surface crochet.