Louie the Llama

Introducing...

Louie the Llama!

Now available on Ravelry & Etsy!

Louie the Llama is soft & squishy and just the right size for cuddling! Made from Blanket Yarn with an 8mm hook this llama works up quickly!

Featured Pattern: Pearl the Purrmaid

November's Featured Pattern:

Pearl the Purrmaid

Featured Pattern: Charlie the Dog

October's Featured Pattern:

Charlie the Dog

Get this pattern for 1/2 Price!

Doll Pattern Update: Now Available!

The updated doll pattern is now available on Ravelry & Etsy!

After weeks of redesigning, crocheting, typing, editing, testing & more I am so excited to announce that the doll updates are finally available!! Even though the changes are really quite small I think they make a big difference & I hope you agree!

What's new?

Sunny the Sunshine

Introducing...

Sunny the Sunshine!

Now available on Ravelry & Etsy!

Sunny the Sunshine is a quick, no-sew pattern that is sure to brighten your day! Made with Super Bulky yarn it works up fast & is extra cuddly! For a mini version, try using worsted weight with a 4mm hook!

Doll Pattern Update: Coming soon!

My dolls were some of my very first patterns. Although they got the stamp of approval from testers & customers, the more I learn about designing, the more I feel my dolls could be improved! So I am finally doing something about it! 

I am currently working on updating all of my Doll Patterns!! It is a very big project that includes making several dolls, painting eyes, taking pictures, editing pictures & retyping the pattern. I will also be sending each revised pattern to testers all over again!

The revisions are fairly minor & focus on simplifying steps but also improving proportions or shape. So far I have only worked on the dolls themselves, although I do plan to revisit each outfit as well. All of the revised dolls will have attach-as-you-go limbs to eliminate sewing!

As for timeline, I am hesitant to give an estimated release date, but I will post progress pictures as I go along. If you're interested in staying up to date follow me on Instagram & Facebook! 

✦   @featherbyandfriends   ✦   #featherbydollupdate   ✦

Birthday Giveaway

Friday, March 9, 2018 marks 3 years since I started Featherby & Friends!

It has been such an exciting adventure! In addition to designing patterns, I started doing video tutorials, stop motion, photo editing & even writing a little jingle! I've learned so much along the way & I can't wait to see what the future brings!

To celebrate this milestone, I am throwing a week-long celebration complete with contests, coupons, games & (of course) PRIZES!

For the FIRST day:

It's a BIG GIVEAWAY! To enter visit Featherby on Facebook!

NEW Video Tutorials!

The driving force behind my Video Tutorials is customer questions! I have a long list of contact methods on every pattern so that customers can contact me if they need help. One reason for this is simply that I want to help. The other reason is so I know where customers are getting confused! I use customer feedback not only to improve my patterns but also to determine which video tutorial I need to make next!

My "recording studio." I use my painting easel to hold my phone!

So, by popular demand, I give you 3 new Featherby & Friends Crochet Tutorials! These are all related in some way to my most popular pattern, The Mix & Match Lovey, but they are useful for other patterns as well.

Elephant Lovey

Introducing the 

Elephant Lovey with "Elly" Blanket!

Now available on Ravelry & Etsy!

Charlie the Dog

Introducing....

Charlie the Dog!

Featured Pattern: Little Sister Doll

October's Featured Pattern:

Little Sister Doll

Little Sister, Poppie is wearing a Lacie Top!

Adding Hair to a Crocheted Doll: Video Tutorial

Wondering how all of that hair gets on my dolls??

Check out the 4-part Video Tutorial on YouTube!

Mix & Match Critters

Introducing....

The Mix & Match Critters!

Now Available on Ravelry, Craftsy & Etsy!

Special Features:

• Minimal Assembly: attach as you go arms & legs!
• Interchangeable parts: make any of the 6 animals with the same basic head/body, just change the features!
• Use your favorite yarn: it's been tested in various worsted weight yarns so you can switch it up without worry! (see below for description of pictured yarn!)
• Easy to follow pattern with step-by-step instructions for all the finishing touches
• Pocket size: Finished critters are about 4 inches tall, that means minimal time & materials!

Included in Pattern:

• Round Head - for Dog, Koala, Monkey & Mouse
• Pointy Head - for Fox & Cat
• Body (same for all)
• Dog, Koala, Monkey & Mouse Ears
• Arms & Legs
• Fox Tail
• Pointy Snout (for Dog, Fox & Mouse)
• Flat Snout (for Cat & Monkey)
• Instructions for adding eyes/noses, defining cat/fox ears, & making a braided tail

Materials needed:

• 3.5mm hook 
• Your favorite soft, worsted weight yarn (see below)
• Stuffing
• Embroidery thread (optional)
• Finishing needle, embroidery needle
• Safety Eyes/Noses (optional, see below)

The Critters shown were made with Loops & Threads Colorwheel in the following colors:

• Grey Heather (koala)
• Toast (cat, accents on monkey)
• Orange (fox)
• Gold (dog)
• Dark Taupe (monkey, accents on cat)
• Pale Taupe (mouse, accents on koala)
• Charcoal (accents on fox)

Each Critter requires approximately 32 yards of yarn depending on parts used.

Safety Eyes & Noses:

All of the Critters have 4.5mm eyes. The noses pictured are as follows:

• Cat: 6mm triangle
• Dog: 9mm triangle
• Fox: 6mm triangle
• Koala: 10mm oval
• Monkey: embroidered
• Mouse: 6mm circle (actually an eye!)

Please note: Safety eyes/noses are recommended for ages 3 & up. If you are making a toy for a younger child consider embroidering facial features instead!

Featured Pattern: Eggcellent Pet Sweater

March's Featured Pattern:

An Eggcellent Pet Sweater

For the month of March 2017 this pattern will be available for $1 

on Ravelry & Etsy! 

That's 50% off!! No code needed!

Get your pet ready for Easter with this Eggcellent sweater! Designed for cats (or dogs) that are approximately 10-14 pounds it's sure to impress!

Finished dimensions:

• 12 inches long (add or subtract rounds of white to adjust!)
• 5 inches wide or 10 inches around at neck (unstretched)
• 8 inches wide or 16 inches around at belly (unstretched)

Materials needed:

• Worsted Weight Yarn in your choice of colors (about 180 yards)
• 5mm (H) Hook
• Large finishing needle

Techniques used: 

• Foundation Half Double Crochet
• HDC in the Third Loop
• Single, Double & Treble Crochet
• Working in the round
• Chains & working in chain spaces

Find the pattern on Ravelry: Click Here!

And on Etsy: Click Here!

Note: This sweater is not intended to be worn for long periods of time. Keep a close eye on your pet while he/she is wearing it and remove if the pet seems distressed.

Mix & Match Lovies

Introducing....

The Mix & Match Lovies!

Now Available on Ravelry, Craftsy & Etsy!

Special Features:

• Minimal Assembly: the only parts that need to be sewn on are the snout, owl eyes, & bear ears. Even the blankets are attached as you go!
• Interchangeable parts: Make any animal with any blanket
• Use your favorite yarn: it's been tested in various worsted weight yarns so you can switch it up without worry! (Shown in Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn: White, Light Grey, Light Peach, Glacier & Ocean)
• Easy to follow pattern with step-by-step instructions for all the finishing touches

Included in Pattern:

• Round Head - for bunny, bear, & puppy
• Pointy Head - for owl, fox & cat
• Stripy Blanket (show with cat & puppy)
• Lacey Blanket (shown with owl & bunny)
• Bumpy Blanket (shown with bear & fox)
• Puppy, Bunny & Bear Ears
• Arms & Wings
• Snout & Owl Eyes
• Instructions for embroidering faces, defining cat/fox ears, & adding owl feathers

Materials needed:

• 4mm hook (for head, arms/wings, snout, ears, owl eyes)
• 5mm hook (for blankets)
• Your favorite soft, worsted weight yarn
• Stuffing
• Embroidery thread
• Finishing needle, embroidery needle

Now available: Elephant Lovey!

This adorable Elephant & "Elly" Blanket are compatible with the original lovies! The Elephant can be made with any of the 3 original blankets & the original animals can all be made with the Elly blanket! Available on Ravelry & Etsy!

Useful video tutorials:

Not sure if you're ready for this pattern? Check out the Bluebird CAL! It's a 5-part video that guides you step by step from Magic Loop to Finishing Touches on a little bluebird. A great way to learn essential amigurumi techniques before attempting a bigger project!

Click HERE to go to the YouTube Bluebird CAL Playlist!

The Big Brother Elf!

Introducing the first Big Brother Doll.... Felix!

The Big Brother Doll pattern is the first doll pattern to feature no-sew, attach as you go limbs! All of the dolls will eventually be adapted to be no-sew as well but Felix is the first!

The Big Brother Doll has a built in shirt & undies like his Little Brother. The pattern also includes shorts to match Little Brother's & instructions for making suspenders.

For the rest of December get the Big Brother Elf Outfit pattern FREE with purchase of the Big Brother Doll pattern! No code needed, just add both patterns to your Ravelry cart.

Big Brother Doll Pattern

Big Brother Elf Outfit Pattern

Also available:

Big Sister Doll & Elf Dress

Little Sister Doll & Elf Dress

Little Brother Doll & Elf Outfit

Visit us on Facebook!

Vote for the Mix & Match Monsters!

I am excited to be part of the Amigurumi Monsters Design Contest! 

There are so many amazing designs it is just a teeny bit intimidating, but I love my Mix & Match Monsters and hope you do too!

They're full of mischief & curiosity...

... but mostly just want to be buddies!

"Please vote for us!"

Click here to vote!

For more about the Mix & Match Monster pattern click here!

*Note: To vote click on the heart in the corner of the photos. Everyone gets 5 votes. When you select 5, you'll have the option to submit your vote!*

Mix & Match Monsters

Introducing the Mix & Match Monsters!

Pattern Features:

• Interchangeable Parts: All of the heads, legs, arms, eyes, mouths, etc can be rearranged to make unlimited monster combinations!

Monsters made by my amazing testers!

• Attach as you go legs: Intimidated by all those octopus legs? They are attached as you go so there is no sewing later on! Check out the video tutorial to see how it's done! Link also included in pattern.

• Not too big & not too small: Each monster is about 8-9 inches tall. A great size for playing & hugging but it doesn't take forever to make!

• Cut & Paste Sheet: Included with the pattern is a Cut & Paste sheet with all sorts of parts! Cut out the pieces & rearrange as much as you want until you get exactly the right combination! Great for letting the kids make their own designs.

• Easy to Follow formatting: As with all Featherby & Friends patterns I spend a lot of time getting the layout just right! Color coding, space for checking off rounds & lots of pictures with labels. It all comes together to make a pattern that is easy to read so it's easy to make!

Materials Needed:

• Worsted Weight (4) yarn: I used Loops & Threads Impeccable (pictured in Sunny Day, Clear Blue & Kelly Green). Each monster uses approximately 150-200 yards depending on parts.
• Hook Size G (4.0mm)
• Stuffing
• Safety Eyes: shown in 12mm & 15mm but really any size can work for a monster! If you are making a monster for a child under 3 consider crocheting or embroidering eyes instead.
• Yarn needle, finishing needle
• Felt: I used white felt for the teeth but you can use it for other parts too - spots, spikes, belly, mouth, even eyes!
• Sewing needle & thread: only if you use felt!
• Scissors, glue, plain paper, crayons: for cutting, pasting & coloring your Monster designs!

PDF version included with pattern!

Where to get the Pattern:

The Mix & Match Monsters are available in all 3 Featherby & Friends stores; Ravelry, Craftsy, & Etsy. Wherever you shop please remember to come back & rate the pattern!

Share Your Monsters!

• Instagram: tag your creations #featherbyandfriends
• Facebook: Post on the Featherby & Friends facebook page or tag @featherbyandfriends on your own timeline! Send me your photos to be included in the "Featherby's Friends" photo album!
• Ravelry: Create a project & I just might request to feature your photo! Not sure how? Find step by step instructions here!

Betsy the Huggable Ballerina!

Introducing Betsy the Huggable Ballerina! She's the newest of the Huggable Buddies & I absolutely love how she turned out!

All of the previous Huggable Buddies have had Sleepy Eyes. Someone that didn't quite suit her! This little lady is ready to dance & definitely isn't about to fall asleep. I tried quite a few different eyes before settling on these 15mm solid black eyes.

Betsy is 18 inches tall & has built in tights, leotard, tutu & ballet slippers. Her hair is in a bun & is made in one piece. All of the limbs are made first & attached as you go so there is very little assembly! All of the little finishing details really make this girl special: the bow & headband in her hair, the laces on her slippers, & the braided straps on her leotard. There are step-by-step directions on how to do all of them!

To make Betsy you'll need:

• An 8mm (L) hook
• Bernat Blanket Yarn in 4 colors:

1. Hair: 25 yards
2. Tights: 30 yards
3. Skin: 55 yards
4. Outfit: 70 yards

• Lots of stuffing!
• Blunt needle large enough for Super Bulky yarn
• 15mm eyes

Pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy, & Craftsy!

Don't forget to make a Ravelry Project to show off your Ballerina!

Bluebird Bulletin: New post for a new name!

Welcome to the Bluebird Bulletin!

Formerly called "Chickadee Press" the new name comes with a new focus! This blog used to have a random assortment of crafts, gardening stories, and musings on whatever topic took my fancy at the time. A few of the old posts are still available & will give you a taste of how it all started. However, from now on, most of the posts will be related to my crochet business, Featherby & Friends.

If you aren't familiar with it, here's a quick overview. Open since March 9, 2015, Featherby & Friends offers original Crochet Dolls & Stuffed Animals. Featherby is my mascot; a little crocheted bluebird measuring about 4 inches from beak to tail! He appears in pictures all over my sites & patterns alongside his friends.

Featherby the Bluebird - Mascot of Featherby & Friends

All of the original Feathery & Friends patterns were designed by yours truly, Alicia Moore. I've spent countless hours brainstorming, sketching, crocheting, assembling, frogging, testing, typing, proofreading, etc! But it has all been a labor of love! Each new pattern has been released with much excitement & some trepidation. It is always a little nerve-wracking to send something I love out into the world. However, the response has been overwhelmingly positive! Testers, customers, friends & family have offered encouragement every step of the way.

Currently I have 42 original designs available for purchase on Ravelry. I also have stores on Craftsy & Etsy with a selection of some of my most popular patterns & Etsy has a few finished items as well! All of  my patterns focus on being easy to follow, quick to make & fun to play with. They each include step-by-step directions, pictures & of course contact information in case you have any questions!

I have many more ideas for new patterns & plan to use The Bluebird Bulletin to announce their development & release! You can also expect to hear news about Giveaways, Contests, Coupons & more! Thank you for visiting, hope to see you again soon!

Use Coupon code "Bluebird20" for 20% off any Ravelry purchase!

(one use per customer)