Penguins, Penguins everywhere!

 

Here’s my long awaited release, Pippin the Penguin!  I can’t believe I started this penguin back before my kids’ summer vacation began.  I’ve spent all my time with the kiddos this summer and seriously had zero energy left for crocheting!  Now that they’re back in school, I can get back to my project list!  So after many months, Pippin’s pattern is available on ETSY and CRAFTSY.  Pop over and check it out!

This is actually my second penguin doll, the first one being Pepe Penguin, who is part of a Christmas trio set I made a few years ago.  I love how penguins can be considered to be a Christmasy kind of doll. With a knitted hat or a Santa cap, they fit in perfectly with any winter theme!

 

I actually have a soft spot for penguins.  My 2nd grader did a report on penguins last year and during his research, I learned quite a lot about these fascinating animals!  (In fact, I am learning about all sorts of things from my kids’ school that I never learned when I was young- or maybe I just forgot everything)  I used to think that they all live in icy cold areas like Antarctica, but depending on the species of penguin, they can live in moderate and even tropical climates.   My favorites are the baby emperor chicks…they are absolutely adorable, with their soft gray feathers and cute little faces!  I hope you like my “Muggle-fied” version!

 

Since we’re on the subject of cute penguins, I thought I’d include a few images I found.  I know there are a lot of people out there that love all things penguin!!  Hope these cute pics bring a smile to your face!

 

I have to include a couple of inspirational photos of penguins in food! I am always in awe when I see the beautifully arranged bento boxes that some moms make for their kids’ meals.  I tried to do it once and discovered how much time is actually put into making everything look perfect..not to mention that despite the lengthy time, I could never make my food look (or taste!)  as good as in the pictures…I came to the disappointing conclusion that making cute bento boxes was not for me.  My kid even refused to eat what I made once, saying it was too cute!  In any case, I still enjoy looking at the pictures of other people’s creativity and creations! Here are a few photos to inspire you!

 

 

 

 

I feel it’s fitting to include a picture of my own kids’ plush penguin collection.  Don’t ask me why, but they are always on the lookout for more penguin dolls! On our latest trip to the zoo in Seattle, they picked up 3 new ones, bringing their penguin doll family to close to 20 members!  Here’s a pic of most of their collection.  One or two are missing… probably hiding under the bed someplace.  My boys make up crazy names for each doll and it’s pretty funny to see the kids play make believe with these guys!

My new creation  is actually a very simple little doll but it took a long time for me to come up with a satisfactory design.  The hardest part was getting colors to line up where I wanted them to.  Working in spirals added to the challenge and at the end of the day, I just had to accept the fact that things just aren’t going to be completely symmetrical.  I’m happy with the overall look though. What I love most is that it’s really easy to change up the look of the penguin by using different colors for the beak and feet.  I would love to make a whole army of rainbow penguins but I have too many other things on my crochet list to do!  I now leave the penguin making to you all and I can’t wait to see your pictures, so don’t forget to send them to littlemuggles@yahoo.com!!

Now, I’m on to my next project!! Keep your eyes out for more creations to come!

XOXO, Amy