Dinosaur Cocoon

I love when I have customers who request items I haven't made before.  It challenges me and I love watching a new design unfold.  I recently had a customer who asked for a baby cocoon set with a dinosaur applique.  I have struggled in the past to find a good dinosaur patten, but I ran across this one the other day from Coats and Clark:

I have to admit--the sweater itself is ugly.  I can't say that I would ever crochet a boy a sweater with a massive dinosaur applique.  Ugh.  A little too cheesy for me.  However, a baby cocoon is a different story!  Also, why is it  that some of the free patterns from yarn sites show the final product in such awful colors?  Does anyone else feel like that? 

The pattern itself calls for an H hook, but I chose to use an F hook, and I am glad I did.  It is a large applique and a baby cocoon isn't that big.  The customer wanted blues, white, and orange, so I had fun playing around with colors and a design.  This is what I came up with:

I like the idea of the dinosaur wrapping around the side of the cocoon, rather than straight on.  I think it makes it more visually appealing. 

I have had many people ask which pattern I use for the cocoon.  I actually use a basic beanie pattern and make it longer.  I increase up to 54 stitches and then make it about 18-20 rows in length.  My new niece born a few weeks ago was a good reminder of how tiny newborn are and that I don't have to make cocoons too wide or long.  Babies are supposed to fit snuggly inside!

April

Much has been happening in my neck of the woods!  We welcomed a new niece, Lucy Rae, into the family on April 21.  She is all sorts of cute and so far has proven to be a great baby.  Of course I had to get her some Dainty Daisy gear to wear her first day into the world!  She doesn't look very impressed.

Paul and I also just spent our first weekend away from Belle while staying at home!  Paul's family took her for the weekend because we were busy with a wedding.  It was a great break and I feel like a refreshed mother!  I highly recommend it!

The crochet world has slowed down a bit for me.  This usually happens as warmer weather starts.  I have been making some fun newborn hats to keep on inventory, and following up with other newborn orders/gifts.  I also have some orders to complete before November--when Baby T is supposed to debut. 

On a pregnancy note, things are going well!  I have been taking Zofran for the nausea and I am almost finished with 1st trimester.  Paul and I will find out the sex in a couple of months and I cannot wait! 

I am still working on that soccer ball hat, as well as a basketball hat.  I hope to get them figured out soon so I can show them off!!  Cross your fingers I figure them out! I am very open to suggestions.