Eucalyptus for Dinner!

When we were little, living in Seattle, my sister and I got stuffed toy koala bears for Christmas. She named hers Sydney, and mine was named Tamba. They were made out of kangaroo fur, which now, as an adult (vegetarian for 12 years) is slightly disturbing to me, but at the time, they were our favorite toys. About 10 years ago, I was going through my leftover childhood possessions in my parents' attic, and found Tamba. She was in a disgusting state of disintegration, and was disposed of. . . but the memories are still there, and to honor our childhood friends, I made this little Sydney #2 (100% genuine acryclic!) for my sister.

Pattern: "Cocoa Koala," from Toys to Crochet by Claire Garland.

Yarn: Red Heart Worted Acrylic for the body and stash stuff for dress.

Notions: 2 black beads for the eyes, black embroidery floss for the nose and mouth, button for the dress.

Comments: I didn't really like this pattern. . . it seemed to have too many steps. For example, the body was done in two parts -- you make 2 half globes, and then sew them together. Why? I think it would have been faster and easier to just decrease back down the other half as in most amigurumi patterns.

Also the dress was problematic -- I had to make the bodice part back and forth (in the round wouldn't fit over koala's head) and then from the skirt down I did it in the round. I put a little button on the back rather than sewing it shut, in case my sister's kids think they need to undress her!

Anyway, the finished product is cute in a wierd way. Sydney II was sent to my sister today!