The last quarter of 2015 saw me taking on my biggest Beastie challenge yet (in what had already been a pretty good year for big Beastie challenges) – an entire Beastie family! As always, each individual Beastie had to capture the look, personality and interests of their human counterparts… And we couldn’t leave out the family cat, of course!
Oh, and did I mention that they had to be ready in time to catch the last Christmas post to Italy? Never have knitting needles moved so swiftly! Anyway, now that the festive season is over, the presents have been unwrapped, and no surprises will be spoiled, I’m delighted to be able to introduce La Famiglia Beastie at last! First of all, let’s meet Antonello – creating a family of monsters was his idea, so it’s only right that we should start with him!
He’s a fan of all things Irish, especially our ever-popular exports of Guinness and world-class rugby players! So he is proudly sporting a Munster rugby jersey, Ireland rugby ball and felt pint…
…And as you can imagine, I had a great time styling his beard and hair!
Next up – Antonello’s wife Tiziana, who is an ER doctor. So get me a set of Beastie-sized scrubs and a stethoscope, STAT!
And here they are in extreme close-up!
I was also able to indulge in a spot more Beastie hairdressing… I loved capturing the highlights in Tiziana Beastie’s hair!
And of course, no family home would be complete without a beloved pet!
This is Tris, the family cat! She’s made of soft cuddly felt, with embroidered markings to match her feline big sister’s… oh, and a super-contented smile!
But what about the rest of the family? Well, that’s another story for another day – swing by next Tuesday lunchtime, when we’ll be meeting the boys! In the meantime, I’ll have another update from a Beastie abroad on Friday… and you still have time to put your name in the hat for the Great January Begone Giveaway if you haven’t already! I’ll be picking 5 lucky winners this coming Sunday at noon (Irish time) – check out the original post here to find out how to enter!
See you Friday!
PS It seems like the Beastie kitty has stolen the show! So, for all my fellow cat people out there, I thought I’d introduce you to the real life inspiration behind the felt feline – this is Tris!
Isn’t she a sweetie? Thanks again to Antonello and family for your Beastie-tastic order 🙂
Wow that’s such a high honour to be portrayed with our family!
I look forward to spotting the 2nd part of the post!
Thanks and Sláinte! from Antonello Tiziana Antonio and Ketto!
My pleasure! It was such a fun and challenging project, I couldn’t wait to share it with everybody! 😀
Absolutely Fantastic! Each one has so much personality and you are clearly an amazingly talented craftsperson.
Awww, thank you! These guys were so much fun to do, and I almost felt like I knew the family by the time I was finished 😀
Oh my goodness! I love the little kitty! Do you sell these too?!
Not usually… My order included a request for a felt cat to complete the family, so I just found a pattern and tweaked it a little! There’s been a lot of love for the cat though, maybe I SHOULD look in to making more… Thanks for your comment 😀
It’s absolutely adorable! (And I’m a crazy cat lady, so what can I say) 🙂 you did a great job with the entire family
Thanks, fellow cat lady! I’d love to have a real cat, but felt ones are a good substitute in the meantime 😀
That’s one cute Beastie family, and an especially adorable Beastie cat!
Thank you! That little kitty really has stolen the show… Mind you, you should see the cat she’s modelled on 😍
Helen you have the pic, if you want you can share it here. 🙂
Good thinking, I reckon I’ll do just that! Thank you 😀
Cat research? Sounds like an excellent excuse for a trip to Italy!
Hahaha! Any excuse, right? 😀
They are all beautiful. I can see them lined up in a row on my desk, waiting to charm passersby.
And why not? Explorer Beastie usually hangs out on my desk while I’m working… We don’t get many passersby outside our window, but he does like keeping an eye out for urban foxes and unusual birds!
Foxes sometimes lurk outside my house, as I live near a small forest so I am definitely going to need some extra protection. I look forward to the day. Have a great Wednesday. xo
Ha! Good call… Although I can’t guarantee that Beasties won’t let the fox into your house and ride it around like a pony. Enjoy your Thursday… Weekend’s nearly here 😀
Beasties are naughty but that’s why I like them. xo
Oh wow – the beard, the stethoscope, THE CAT – they are amazing! I always have a smile on my face when I read your posts as your Beasties are just the best. As a crazy cat lady I would be first in line if you decided to branch out into making kitty critters too 🙂
Woweeee, thank you for your lovely comment! 😀 The Beasties are delighted to have brought a little silly sunshine into your days! And there’s another vote for the cats… I may have to seriously look into this 😺
So cute! I love Beastie Antonello’s beard. What a lovely little family you have made!
Thanks! Making Beastie beards is a hoot… They always look like crazy mountain men before I trim the excess yarn away 😀