Jean Greenhowe's Toy Collection (20 pages)
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This booklet features a splendid variety of entertaining designs, ranging from mascots to decorations and playthings.
The tiny bears in the Teddy Bears' Picnic are spending a lovely day in the sunshine. They measure just 10cm (4in) when standing and have movable arms and legs so they can stand up or sit down. The picnic cloth is spread with a feast of knitted cakes, sandwiches and lemonade.
The Octopus mascot is a must for football fans - with his eight legs you will have four centre
forwards instead of one! He can’t possibly miss the goal. From the top of his head to the soles of his boots the Octopus measures
26cm (10¼in). Knit the socks and removable hat and scarf in your own team colours. We have often spotted this fellow at football matches, sometimes on top of a supporter’s head!
The basic Octopus pattern
can also be used to make a toy, with each sock knitted in a different colour. A
matching twisted cord is added to each leg, providing a fun method of teaching children to tie shoe laces and at the same time identify colours. In both versions the legs can be posed in various positions for extra play value.
Jean’s prehistoric world of Dinosaurs and Stoneage People is packed full of humour. The little cave people are only 4cm (1½in) high yet every one is an individual with a different facial expression. The slightest variation in the facial stitches can create different expressions of happiness, surprise, worry etc. There’s so much going on in this prehistoric land - dinosaurs and flying reptiles watch as cavemen dig their allotment, invent the wheel and play eggball (ancient football!) It’s such fun, the children will think you have given them a picture book. Try counting the cave people ... a game in itself. It took Jean four weeks to make the set for the photograph and we were delighted when it was exhibited in the Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh.
Adults absolutely love our adorable Grandpa and Grandma Humpty Dumpties. These senior citizens measure 18cm (7in) in the seated position and knit up quite quickly using double yarn. As you can see Grandma is always busy knitting and if you’re wondering how Jean made their spectacles ... you begin with a plastic soft drinks bottle! Can’t you just picture this loving couple sitting together on a cosy armchair by your fireside?
For Christmas you will find eight novelty Tree Decorations from Crackers to Baubles, Snow People and Christmas Puddings. The Crackers measure about 10cm (4in) in length.
Still on a wintry theme, there are boy and girl Sweet Little Snowballs. These chubby charmers are both knitted with two strands of yarn and take no time to make. The Snowballs measure 9cm (3½in) when seated.
Jean has included one of her favourite themes
- with a Bunny Family. The
set is another storybook picture where Jean made most of the props including the fireplace, armchair, trunk and even the tape measure which of course is accurate! Mummy and Daddy are
18cm (7in) high and Little Bunny 12cm (4¾in) including the ears.
© Copyright
Jean Greenhowe Designs 2006