I have fallen in love with "critters" made from repurposed wool and/or cotton sweaters. I first saw these marvellous creations made by "Sweet Poppy Cat" on pinterest and I decided I would give it a try. Turns out making "Wooly Critters" is addictive. I visit a number of thrift stores in the area and pick up sweaters to use. Next I bring them home and wash them in the washing machine (like colours together, of course) using hot water wash with added soap and a cold water rinse. This shrinks the wool sweaters so that they will not unravel when sewn. Finally I throw them in the dryer and dry with heat to further "felt" the sweaters. Now the fun begins: I decide on a critter, be it cat, dog, lamb, monster, reindeer, etc, etc and I make a sketch on freezer paper to fit one side of the sweater. Iron the pattern to the front of the chosen sweater, then cut out the pattern and create a hole for the face piece. I kept two light coloured sweaters specifically for use as faces. I add the face details, the heart or front pocket, the ears etc. by hand using embroidery floss. Finally I use the sewing machine to sew the front to the back and voila, a "Wooly Critter" is formed. Without further ado here is the collection: The Happy Striped Cat Family Made with one of my old wool sweaters. This one is going to a friend. This doggy was made from my dad's vest and is now living in Alberta! A fat, happy cat made with another of my old sweaters. This colourful feline was made from a child's cotton sweater. Yes, a sock monkey got into the mix. I knit him the sweater and cap. But wait there are more: Two doggies waiting for their bone. A lambie and Blizten. The sweater let me know that it wanted to become a reindeer! I just love this lamb with his heart in his pocket! "Twinkle Toes" doubles as a pyjama bag (zipper in the back) I call this one the Giggle Monster. MacGordon the goofy Scottish cat. Two sweet bunnies. Rudolf, of course A bandit! Buddy made with my left over wool sweater and a repurposed cotton sweater for his overalls. The cat on the front of this sweater dictated that this critter would be a cat! The Flower Monster made with a Liz Clairborne cotton repurposed sweater. Flower Monster bids adieu for now!