Hello there Beastie people! I hope you’re all keeping well, wherever you are, and that the lockdown isn’t giving you cabin fever just yet. I’m using the time to get caught up on commissions that have been in progress for a while – and that made me realise that I hadn’t introduced you lot to this spooky little fellow!
Hey there, FrankenBeastie!
I should point out that FrankenBeastie is short for “Frankenstein’s Monster Beastie”… Because, as we all know, Frankenstein was the creator of the monster, not the monster himself.
I’ve made a couple of these before – you can check out an earlier version here – but I think this marled olive green yarn gives a little something extra to his complexion that the plain green was lacking. Here, take a closer look!
Woooooooo! SCARY!
I preserved some classic FrankenBeastie features too – gruesome black lips, felt electrodes and a few extra embroidered stitches here and there, to keep body and soul together.
I also always picture the classic monster from the book as having stiff black hair, a bit like toothbrush bristles. So that’s what FrankenBeastie’s rocking here. It’s made from wool and alpaca yarn, meaning it’s actually lovely and soft – but hopefully you’ll keep that little fact to yourself. If the other Beasties find out, it’ll ruin his spooky street cred.
Finally, I dressed him in a ragged-edged shirt and faded charcoal trousers.
Then he was ready to head out into the night!
Let me know if you bump into him when you’re out for your daily half hour of exercise!
Also, I have had a couple of people ask me over the past week if I’m still doing commissions. Let me assure you all that as long as there is yarn in my stash*, there will be Beasties! So if you think a monster friend might brighten up your days, get in touch and let’s talk monsters!
Until next week… Stay safe and keep washing those paws!
*And believe me, there is A LOT of yarn in my stash.
Well, the happy monster couple was only part of the deal. I was also asked to Beastify Marge, a charming and elegant pug who came into the guys’ life disguised as a humble birthday card, and then became a member (if not the ruling matriarch) of the family. Here she is getting ready to enjoy the marriage ceremony back in January.
Unfortunately, Beastie Marge wasn’t ready in time for the wedding. She takes her appearance very seriously, and that held things up a little! But while the boys and their Beasties were honeymooning, I had time aplenty to get busy with my felting needles.
Ta-daaaah! You know, it’s actually quite strange to see her with feet!
… And her glasses really have lenses!
Finally complete, she was ready to hop in a box and travel to her new home. By all accounts, she’s settling in nicely!
… Although, Beastie antics aside, it has been nice to be at home for the last week getting on with some commissions! They’ve been stacking up a bit this past while, but with my teaching schedule completely on hold for the time being, I’ve really been enjoying getting on with some teeny sewing!
First of all, you can see she’s sporting a very lovely handknitted Aran sweater. This Beastie’s human counterpart loves to travel… And although she’s been to some pretty far-flung destinations, the Aran Islands (which lie just off Ireland’s west coast) remain one of her favourite places to visit. What better way for a Beastie to celebrate this connection than with knitwear?
And now, how about something to tie into her working life? For a time, our Beastification subject worked for St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club – a Dublin team based in Inchicore, just to the west of the city centre. She’s also the head of a family of self-confessed football addicts… That made this a prime candidate for being included in the accessory lineup!
When it’s not holding the ingredients for her latest gastronomic experiments, she can use it to carry everything she needs for her other favourite pastime – getting lost in a good book!
As you can see, I’ve provided her with a selection of Beastie-appropriate titles – The Monster Family Cookbook and a classic Hercwool Poirot crime thriller!
… And let the good times roll!
Thanks to Niamh for choosing to celebrate her Mum’s retirement the Beastie way… And for all her help in getting the blend of accessories just right!
The jackets close with a snap fastener, and are completely removable. Underneath, a shirt with felt collar and cuffs completes the look… Then a black ribbon bow tie adds a final flourish. Here’s Mr P Beastie to give us a close-up!
Let’s just take another look at those jackets… First of all, they’re fully lined!
I used a lighter weight wool and viscose blend felt for this, to make sure the jackets kept their lines and didn’t end up looking like bulky winter coats. They’ve got black satin collars, and…
… I even copied the cuff buttons from the human-sized version!
… And then sending them down the aisle with a special accessory each!
Meanwhile, Mr D Beastie decided to toast to the success of the marriage with a refreshing Beastie-sized pint.
Strategically-placed magnets mean that the Beasties can set their goodies down and hit the dancefloor at the end of the night, too!
And while they’re off honeymooning, we might indulge in a bit more holiday reminiscing ourselves! Join us next week for more from 
That said, the most attentive BeastieBlog readers will surely remember 
And I’m hoping she’s as happy with her hairstyle as I am – check out those cute wool and mohair curls!
Well, the way I see it, you never know when you might be faced with a baking emergency. And I’d hate to send any Beastie out into the world without their favourite piece of kit. But if you can think of any other eventualities where a rolling pin might be useful, or if you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you thought “I really wish I’d had a rolling pin with me”, be sure to share them in the comments!
In 2019, I took a big leap and had a go at organising my own craft fair! I rounded up a group of my favourite local craftspeople, and met some awesome new makers as well.
If you’re not entirely sure who this is, you can find out in 
“… Belongs to a guy who’s travelling to Washington DC tomorrow!”
“Not quite there…”
“Sorry! Is that any better?”
And after a slightly inelegant scramble…
“Eeek! My rolling pin has got stuck!”
Paddy and Plunkett were just getting ready to tuck into a human-sized portion of their very favourite meal – honey mustard chicken.
“Hang on… When were you in Albania? Did you go without me?!”
“Sure thing… Shame to let it get cold, though. I’ll just have a bit. YUM!”
Meanwhile, at the door…
“And she’d like our guidan… WHERE’S MY LUNCH?!”
“Oh, you must be the intrepid Paddy Beastie! I’ve read all about you – what a pleasure to meet you at last!”
… Which is apparently hovering above us somewhere!
But how is he holding onto that thing?
Now he can grab all sorts of cool stuff.
A Beastie has to stay fit, after all! And since this little guy’s human counterpart works in a gym, he’ll fit right in there too. Especially in his cool shorts and muscle vest outfit…
Wait a sec, who’s that I hear?
It’s our Beastie’s trusty pup – a Beastie-sized Pekingese! (Or should that be Beastie-ngese?)
SUNGLASSES!
… Because this modelling malarkey is tougher than it looks!
Admittedly, she doesn’t look very detective-y just yet. Let’s get ready for work!
Aha! That’s better. This might also be a good time to admire her lustrous red locks and sweet star print tunic!
I always knew this Beastie would be going to live in Texas, so this sweet fabric was the perfect nod to her new home in the Lone Star State.
A nice frothy felty cappucino is the best way to start the day. Yum!
Rockin’ it! Time to grab your bag and go!
Oh cool, Beastie-sized crochet! Just in case she has any downtime.
Every detective needs her badge! This Beastie-sized version is made of felt, with teeny embroidered details and a magnet inside to hold it in place.
