December 17

Here Be Dragons

The staple of any classic fairy tale involves knights and dragons, and usually a beautiful princess as well. Coming fresh from the Desolation of Smaug, and how all I really want for Christmas is a Night Fury, I’m sure you can tell that dragons are some of my favorite fairy tale creatures. While there’s no place to buy them, I’ve rounded up a few ways for you to make them!

First, for those of you who’d like an adorable stuffed toy, DIYFluffies on Etsy has a great pattern available for $9.oo. This little guy’s name is Yoki, and at 10 inches tall, he is a great gift for any little geek  or princess. You can sew him with fleece, felt, and some glass eyes.

Yoki The Fat Dragon Pattern

Next, for all you crocheters out there, Sarselgurumi has a great tutorial for creating an amigurumi Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. Made with only one skein, an F hook, some batting, and of course, lots of love, this irresistible Night Fury is sure to capture everyone’s heart.

Toothless Night Fury Amigurumi

Here’s sending you all great holiday wishes of crafting and geekiness!

Category: Craft, Geek, Myths & Urban Legends, Tutorial | Comments Off on Here Be Dragons
November 25

Lovable Monsters

I don’t know about the rest of you, but when I was young, I always wanted a big scary monster to be my friend and carry me around (I wanted a Luck Dragon so bad!). Although I never found any wandering dragons, I have found new ways to create big, lovable monster friends!

While studying abroad in Scotland a few years ago, I got to visit Loch Ness, and, of course, kept an eye out for any sign of long-necked Nessie. I didn’t spot her then, but Hannah from We Lived Happily Ever After has created a great version of her!

Loch Ness Monster Stuffed Animal Tutorial

Made with only 1.5 yards of felt and some stuffing, (she suggests using the tons of plastic bags that we all have – which is a brilliant idea), this Nessie is big enough for a two-year old to ride, and would make the perfect  addition to any geek’s toy room. Full details, great pictures, and a tutorial are available at her website.

The next project is especially for any cephalod-lovers out there! Less expensive than finding one in the deep blue sea, Emily over at the Philadelphia Weekly blog posted patterns for how to sew your own 8-foot giant squid pillow.

Giant Squid Tutorial

Emily recommends 2 yards of felt, 1 yard of polka-dot type fabric to serve as suckers, and 5 lbs of stuffing. If anyone completes this, she’d love to see pictures – email her at eguendelsberger@philadelphiaweekly.com. You can also find the tutorial on Tumblr as well.

Who is your favorite monster? Sully from Monsters Inc.? Ludo from Labyrinth? Falkor from the Neverending Story? Let me know in the comments!

Category: Craft, Geek, Myths & Urban Legends | 1 Comment on Lovable Monsters