Pepe the Koala { finished }

Since I work part time, I did not get a chance to go to my local store for several days. Once I did get a chance to go shopping I was dissapointed to find out that my local store discontinued the yarn I needed to finish my koala! Absolutely devastated, I tried to think of people I know around Australia that might be able to source this yarn for me. 

Dissapointed I went to a few other yarn stores. I picked up a good amount of neutral yarn to make more koalas in the future. Eventually I found yarn that looked nearly identical ... Saved! 

My only gripe was the smallest difference in ply. Luckily the difference is barely noticeable ... I can't even tell which ear was half/half different yarn. 

If you would like to purchase any of my finished items please visit my etsy store and message me to organise a custom order. 

www.etsy.com/shop/KallunaDee

Note: Pepe the Koala is designed and created by Amalou Designs. Amalou Designs has gorgeous patterns for sale on her etsy store ( https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/AmalouDesigns) if you would like to crochet your own gorgeous Koala. 

Pepe the Koala

I just finished the body for Pepe the Koala (Pattern by Amalou Designs on etsy). I realised that I barely have enough filling for the cute little body, I will have to buy some more tomorrow! I think I might run out of my grey yarn too!

Wallace the pirate!

I've wanted to make a little pirate for so long but have been nervous about making the striped shirt. In between my custom orders I decided to start crochet'n my little pirate. 

I decided to modify the "My Crochet Doll" pattern from Isabelle Kessedjian's beautiful book. Instead of adding clothes later I crochet'd them into the dolls body. Modifying those feet into little boots worked out perfectly.

Making those colour changes in the arms was so fiddly! I'm not sure what the technique is called but I used a continuous join and finished each colour by weaving the last stitch back into the row to mimic a regular stitch. Nevertheless, it took forever. 

I am persistent! Look at those beautiful colour changes! Barely noticeable! 

One of the things I enjoyed most about crochet'n clothes into the doll, was that once I added his head, he was done!!! He reminded me of the character 'Where' Wally' from my favourite childhood books. So, I decided to name him Wallace. 

Add a removable eye patch and he quickly became the cutest little pirate! 

My daughter couldn't keep her hands off him! He was scooped up and cuddled right away. I always know I've done well by how quickly they disappear for cuddles! 

Happy hookin'~ Kalluna Dee

Basic flower design

Here is a really basic design: in a magic circle *Ch2, 2DC, Ch1, slst* repeat 5times, pull magic circle closed and tie tails together/weave in. 

Getting Ready for Markets!

Building stock, attaching care labels, price marking and just making sure everything is all together. Busy busy busy for Kalluna Dee! Markets are less than a week away, nervous yet excited.

Lace, wooden buttons and floral colours

A few weeks ago I found the most lush natural yarn, its colour was blended so I had no idea what the final colour would be like. Bright lolly pink, green and brown. Not something I would normally love, but I had a sudden inspiration from the floral combinations of colours. It took a while to find the right colour lace and then I knew I needed to find the right wooden buttons. Weeks later and I finally have finished these gorgeous newborn beanies! I can not wait to see what people think at the markets.

Preparing for Markets

I have officially booked Kalluna Dee into our local markets for April and May. Only a month to prepare and build stock levels, plan merchandising, organise pricing and what ever else you need to bring a market stall together! I am brimming with excitement that my creations could actually find themselves out in the world bringing someone a little piece of happiness and joy.