Flying Monkey!

The story behind this creation is about a supervisor of mine. She's moving out of state, so she can manage her own store. I thought it would be a nice thank-you to crochet her something. One of her favorite movies is The Wizard of Oz, so I thought a flying monkey would be great!

The head, body, and ears were made using patterns from the Creepy Cute Crochet book. I attempted to crochet the vest, but it just wouldn't turn out the right way. I improvised a bit of the pattern, and sewed on the red embellishment later. I used puff-paint for his smile, nose, and the white lining on his jacket. I crocheted the wings using this pattern from Crochet Cricket. I modified it slightly so the wings wouldn't be as large.

The only thing he's missing is the hat, I haven't sewn it on quite yet. I was being lazy about it because I thought I still had this week to give it to her. Apparently though, she's been scheduled at her new store since yesterday! That's what happens when you procrastinate, I guess.

My Journey with Mr. Skellington

So, I've put a few projects on hibernate since the last time I wrote. The MLP purse being one of them; I just ran out of steam on it. It looks pretty good for being half done. My goal is to finish it, but for now, it's on the back burner. 

I've been a little down in the dumps lately. I don't want to get into details, but I'm glad that Pinterest, DeviantART, and my family exist. I was challenged to crochet a Jack Skellington doll for my second-cousin. Immediately I thought, "Why haven't I done this already? Let's get to it!"

I've loved The Nightmare Before Christmas movie since it came out in 1996. I was the generation who didn't know if they enjoyed it or was going to have nightmares because of it.

It took me two days to get the bust of Jack done, and then another day to figure out the legs. I had to wait a bit longer to do details (like his pinstripes) because I didn't have felt or white puff paint. I had originally planned on using white embroidery thread for the pinstripes in his suit. Once I had assembled him though, I thought puff paint would be easier to work with. As for the hands, I thought I would try and fanagle some out of yarn. That idea quickly went out the window once I thought about felt.

I was trying to test how I wanted the hands to look with puff paint. I chose the third from the left styled one.

I don't know why, but this is my favorite shot.

First side done on the Popsicle-looking arms :)

Here is the last shot before I flipped Jack over and pinstriped his back. I know I say this all the time, but I'm in love with this project. I'm grateful that it's fired me up about crocheting again and I can't wait to finish him! I wrote down the pattern, so maybe I'll be making him again in the future.

Oh, and about giving this guy to my cousin, I think she's going to have to pay me instead! I can't just give him up, but I will make her one if she at least pays for shipping and handling :D

Well wishes everyone!