Happy Tuesday, everyone! And today I have a real monster treat for you all… The first new Beastie of 2019! Here he is – a brand new Rugby Beastie!
It’s been a while since I made a Rugby Beastie – you can check out past members of Team Beastie here and here – but they’re always a fun challenge.
For starters, I usually make them a little taller than regular Beasties. Human rugby players often stand a few inches above the rest of us, so it only seems right!
So, in knitting terms, this guy is rocking an extra row on his torso, and a couple of extra rows to lengthen his legs!
And now, he needs some kit! This Rugby Beastie was requested by a lovely lady who met me at one of my markets before Christmas. She wanted a gift for her son… A lucky monster mascot to cheer him on from the sidelines at a very important match that would be taking place at the end of January.
So, it made sense to dress him in the team’s colours. That’s a deep blue rugby shirt with white collar and trim, completed with an appliquéd and embroidered star motif.
He’ll also need a ball, or we won’t be able to play! As with many previous Rugby Beasties (and even rugby supporter Beasties) he’s carrying a Beastified version of the official Ireland rugby ball.
And finally… Check out that hair!
The colour is inspired by his human counterpart, and the yarn I used was a luxurious blend of alpaca and wool. You’ll have to take my word for it, but it’s unbelievably soft.
Now, I reckon you’re ready to hit the pitch!
And hopefully he worked a little monster magic for his teammates, too!
Join us again next Tuesday, when Paddy and Plunkett are off to Belfast to check out one of the city’s most popular attractions. See you then… And have a monster week in the meantime!
But then Paddy popped up, and suggested that it might be nice to take a wander outside.
Turns out he’s pretty persuasive.
… Although some of these places are easier to get to than others.
Still, if it’s winter colour you’re after, this cheerful display of berries certainly fits the bill!
The view’s not bad either. Look how green everything is!
And when the boys spotted some long grass on the other side of the hedge, they knew exactly what to do next…
There’s always time for a quick game of hide and seek!
Uh-oh! Looks like they’ve momentarily given me the slip. Hopefully I’ll be able to track them down before next week’s post!
This happy pair were made as a Christmas gift for two real-life human sisters, Emily and Holly.
Human Holly is super into horses, so a Beastie with an esquestrienne flavour fitted the bill perfectly. I started at the top, with a traditional black peaked riding hat…
…And her soft alpaca hair is pulled neatly in underneath in a very stylish bun.
Then her outfit is completed with a natty little hand-sewn tweed jacket… Which really unbuttons!
And underneath, she’s got a crisp white shirt and ribbon tie.
Perfect! And then for little sister…
…A sweet little ribbon-tie dress, with a cute Matryoshka doll print! Ideal for little hands to play with.
I also love her hairstyle!
These are the same alpaca tresses that Emily Beastie has (they are sisters, after all!) but they look completely different cut short in a halo of soft curls.
Looking good!
Spencer Beastie was requested by our good buddy Melissa at 
Not only can he now hold things, he can also “hang out” on metal surfaces in the prison bus!
… Glasses…
… Favourite hat…
… And trademark bandana handkerchief!
I think we all know what that means… Let’s see what’s inside!
Aha! Everything a Beastie needs to tackle a serious refit project – a Beastie-sized torch, pocket knife and hammer!
Finally, for those of you who are suckers for the teeniest of tiny details, the torch contains a glass bead “bulb”…
… And the blade of the pocket knife really folds out!
Well, I think you’re ready to help out in the workshop, Spencer Beastie! Better get packed up and make the journey Stateside…
And the best bit is, you can see him settling in to his new home! Melissa very kindly featured Spencer Beastie in the latest episode of her podcast series… Check it out here!
Wow, 
I made these to tempt the attendees of the Dublin Cat Fair back in November, and thanks to a shout-out from the organisers on Facebook before the event, they sold out! From then on, I could barely keep up with demand, even when I was frantically making more behind my table on market days! I’ll definitely be adding these to my festive lineup for 2019.
And my All-Irish Beasties were still happy to down a tipple or two… Tea, anyone? Or would you maybe prefer a pint of the Black Stuff?
I also brought along a new Unicorn Beastie… It didn’t take them long to find a home!
And finally… Some of you might recognise this woolly little monster face from 
… SANTA BEASTIE!
Catch you next Tuesday!
Ooooh, nice dress… Care to give us a twirl?
Lovely!
Uh-oh! He’s missing his mum… Time to hand him back!
You might just be able to see that she has special velcro paws, so that she can hug him extra tight.
And with Baby Beastie peacefully napping in the nursery, Dad Beastie just manages to nab a quick cuddle as Mama Beastie dashes out to the hospital!
Let’s chat to him next. Hey, Cool Dad Beastie!
Looks like he’s about to tuck into some lunch! A slice of pepperoni pizza…
… Topped with lashings of every Beastie’s favourite spicy sauce – Tabeastco!
Let’s hope he doesn’t accidentally get any on that nice checked shirt! Very stylish.
Now, how about one more family portrait before we go?
Beautiful!
Then I called on Explorer Beastie to pick a winner.
This didn’t exactly go according to plan.
But Explorer Beastie is made of sturdy stuff. Look, he’s got one!
Who is it?
Taaaa-daaaaah! 2018 is the year of “Sloe on the Uptake”, courtesy of 
Of course, Explorer Beastie would have to pick the most messily-written slip of the bunch! But an excellent result. And now I can finally get those bottles labelled!
Thanks, Tammie… And to all of you who took part! I reckon I’m all set with sloe puns for at least the next decade!
I also turned my hand to making some stitched embroidery hoop pictures. I’ve been meaning to do this for years! There’s a small (4in/10cm) version and a large (6in/15cm) one.
And of course, the Beasties had to get a slice of the action! First up, I made some Beasties in cosy, smiley cat sweaters.
And there will also be Beasties with their own felty, feline friends, like this guy!
Plus I reckon a few other little woolly monsters will stow away in my Beastie backpack on market day… I’ll see how much space I have!
