OK, I've had so much fun with these felted critters that I'm going to submit an application to teach at next year's Bead and Button show. I'm thinking a small project could be completed in a few hours...I think the basic body could be done in a 3-hour class, with enough time to talk about embellishment and demonstrate a few techniques. Luckily, Wayne is behind the idea and would supply heads for my class kit!
So here's what I came up with:



Cute? Exciting enough to build a class around? He's totally poseable, and if I'd known I was going to make such a tall hat I would have left enough wire to make that bendable, too. He has purple and blue warts on his back. I think I'll try using sheet felt for his hands and feet so they're more flipper-ey. It would also be nice if he could stand up...
That's one thing about felting that's so cool: you can tear our and redo pretty infinitely.
I have until July 15 to figure things out, something tells me that's not as far away as it sounds...

I neglected to bring the Circle Jacket to Milwaukee with me and was roundly scolded for it, so here's a picture:



Overall, I'm really happy with it. I think I was a bit overzealous in cinching up the center, which caused that puckering. It should be fixable, if I ever get around to it...The yarn is so so soft and comfy, but was shedding and pilling a lot. Hey, you expect that with mohair -I think they call it 'bloom'-- so I went after it with my sweater shaver (carefully!) and it looks much better now. One of those things that will settle in with time and wear, I suspect. Can you believe there are only two different kinds of yarn in that? --Except for the boucle edging, of course. The main color is 'Riata' from Brooks Farm Yarn, in the 'Maggie' colorway. The contrasting color is Ultra Alpaca from Berrocco in Prune. Penny's sister LeeAnn helped me find it, and it was the perfect choice! The boucle is a silk blend from Oak Grove Studio.

Can you tell, picking out the yarns was half the fun?
Oooh, you should see the colors Penny got...maybe I'll take a picture of the yarn when I'm there in August. Maybe I should crack the whip and get her started! Maybe she'll send me the yarn so I can make it for her! Maybe I should shut up before I get myself in trouble!
Yipes!