April 20:

My first handmade noodle.

I really should have used a 3.5mm needle, smaller than most of my worsted projects, but the knit is a little thin. Unfortunately I started him on a poorly planned trip to the cottage, without a full selection of needles. He’s turning out quite a bit bigger than I expected, (possibly chihuahua life-size) I hope I have enough yarn. The pattern doesn’t say what is required, but the Ravelry page gives estimates. I have the recommended amount, but not much extra. I wish i could change the needle, but Ive finished his bum, approaching his neck, it seems like too much work to start over, and it seems too far along to change now.

I had a hard time choosing a yarn for this, I contemplated starting several times but wasn’t satisfied with my yarns. this time I’m trying some Paton’s Classic wool in a denim shade that I over-dyed to add a little tonal variation without being variegated or striped, though he might look good with some stripes. we’ll see how this one turns out before I go planning another.

I was considering giving this to my sister’s little dog, but after seeing him destroy his new, “extra-strong” Easter toy before breakfast Easter morning, I’m not so sure I want to put this much effort into a toy for him. Maybe tightly knit RHSS chunky could stand up to him, it seems pretty indestructible!

April 27:
Body, head & ears finished. This “little” guy is huge, he’s at least as big as some real chihuahuas.

Used 15mm eyes & nose (about a row too low). His muzzle should point up more, and I should have used a larger nose; it seemed too large during early assembly, but now with the completed head & gigantic ears it seems like it would have been appropriate.

May 1:
Not a huge fan of the lumpy feet & tail, and I didn’t position his legs so that he could sit independently. He had to be propped & pinned for the photoshoot. But overall, he’s pretty cute, and I had enough yarn in the end, phew!

I’m very pleased with how neatly the ears went on. I’m getting better at mattress stitching unequal surfaces.

Noodle must be shy though, I haven’t really gotten to know him very well yet. I do see him “gazing” up at DH pretty often, kinda watching him from the corner of his eye, not making direct contact. I’m not quite sure what that’s all about. Noodle’s probably trying to assess the Alpha male to make sure he doesn’t get eaten by the Big Dog, and to plan his takeover of the pack.

I’m thinking the right green could easily turn noodle into a really good Yoda, but I shouldn’t say that or someone will try it and get all the credit before I get around to trying it. Shhhh!