Last week was Michelle’s birthday. For her gift this year I got her the book 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders: A world of possibilities inspired by just one skein
Sometimes its just fun to do a fast craft. Also, it is so much fun to use different yarns. So, I decided, along with the book, to get her 1 skein of yarn, on the 30th of each month, for the whole year! Rather like a “Yarn of the Month Club” š What fun it will be to pick out a beautiful skein of yarn with no particular project in mind. Then, she can look at patterns, and find one that matches her yarn that month. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it?And because I tend to make things a little more complicated than need be, I decided it would also be fun to present the yarn in unique and fun ways. Thus, the birth of our Lamb Brooch and Yarn Sheep. I got Michelle a skein of single ply, felting wool. I decided to turn it into a sheep š I designed a sheep face that will double as a brooch, added a tail and legs, and presto chango… the wool yarn turned back into a sheep!
I bet you too can think of a friend that would like a skein of wool yarn… especially if it comes with a cute face š You don’t need to know how to knit to make and give this to a knitting buddy. She’ll love EWE for it š
TheĀ Lamb BroochĀ pattern can be found HERE.
The tutorial on How to Cut Out Felt can be found HERE.
The Stitching Glossary can be found HERE.
Materials:
Skein of yarn – I used 100% natural single ply felting wool and scraps of black wool for the legs
Wool felt – I used natural and gray
1″ bar pin
Embroidery floss
embroidery needle
yarn needle
pattern
Make a copy of the pattern.
CutĀ out the “face” and the “wool”. (Note: You can also cut out the backing now, but I found it worked outĀ better if I used the backing pattern piece as a template for laying out the other pieces of felt, and when I had finished embroideringĀ the front, I used that piece to cut out the backing. This way I made sure they were exactly the same size.)
Using the backing pattern piece as a template, lay out the “face” and theĀ “wool” and pin or staple together.
Using the pattern as a guide, sew the “wool” to the “face” using 2 strands of floss. Then, following the stitching guide on the pattern, embroider the eyes, nose, mouth and swirls.
Using the front as a pattern, cut out the backing.
Sew the bar pin the right side of the back piece.
Sew the front to the back with wrong sides together. Use 2 strands of floss and a running stitch.
Your Lamb Brooch is now done!
To make the body, wind your yarnĀ into aĀ loose ball.
Cut off a 12″ piece of yarn. Then, starting at the end, wind another small ball. This will be the tail. Do not cut off this second ball.
Using the piece of yarn and a yarn needle, tack the tail to the body using big stitches. Do not tie it off, but rather tuck the end into the ball. When you are ready to knit with the yarn, you will be able to untie the tail without hurting the yarn.
Using scraps ofĀ black yarn, wind 4 small balls for theĀ legs.Ā Tuck in the ends.
Using a piece of black yarn, tack the 4 pieces together making a square.Ā DoĀ notĀ cut the yarn.
Position the legs under the sheep, and tack to the ball of yarn using big stitches. Make sure you position the feet so the tail is high on the back side of theĀ lamb.
Pin the brooch to the front of the ball of yarn, and it’s ready to go š
BAA BAA BAA
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I left a comment on Facebook but I’m so thrilled with this project that I decided to double thank you, ha! I mentioned that I belong to a knitting group and for Christmas we exchange 1 skein of yarn with one another. This is so how I’m going to “wrap” the skein. Also, the girls have been practicing their handwork, and the lttle lamb is something they could do. I see gifts for one of their grandmas and an aunt in these. Thanks “a sheep”! Sorry, couldn’t resist but I thought EWE would appreciate the pun!!!
Always appreciate a good pun and smile : ) I think it will certainly be a hit. If you can remember after the exchange, let us know how it goes.
This is SOO cute! I think I would have trouble taking such a cutie apart! I want to make a little one to display in my craft corner once I have one! I love all your creations!
Hi! I love love love your blog; it always makes me smile. I was wondering if you would tell me where you purchase your bar pins? I purchased some in a big box craft store, but the quality was awful. The pins barely opened or closed. The pins you’ve used look rather nice!
What a great and creative birthday gift! I’m going to do this for my Momma. Thanks for the inspiration!
Actually, I just bought a big container of them at JoAnn's and I've been real happy with mine. They aren't in the original container so I can't tell you who actually made them, but I've been using them for the past few years (told you they were in a big container š and they have been fine. Perhaps they have changed the brand they carry since I last bought them. Glad I still have a bunch!