craftgrrl | I don't know if this is crafty enough, but here goes...

This is my first post here, though I've been lurking awhile. I've gotta say that so many of you ladies are creative artistic/crafty geniuses. I'm jealous! See, I basically only do crafts that tell me EXACTLY what to do. :) I mostly cross-stitch and hand-sew stuffed animals from kits/patterns (having never learned to use a sewing machine).

The craft I present to you today is Sad Sam. He's from a Haan kit I bought in 2001 for a high school Home Ec class. We had to hand-sew something for an assignment. Most people made pillows; I ordered four kits and made a hedgehog and a solid-color dog during the course. :) I had this bicolor dog kit left over (along with a still-unfinished gorilla) and I finally decided to work on it over Christmas break as a Christmas/anniversary/Valentine's Day gift for my boyfriend. I finally completed it yesterday, and I must say I'm pretty impressed with myself. I, obviously, hand-sewed the entire thing. I think he's adorable!

Here he is...

Look at that face!

My cat, Luna, is thoroughly unimpressed. I added the red bow as a gifty touch. ;)

Also, a question about stuffed animal patterns: I'm thinking of making a small stuffed hippo and flamingo (from scratch, using interesting fabric remnants) for my friends this spring. Anyone have info about places to get patterns? I've googled unsuccessfully and didn't find anything at my local Hobby Lobby/Michael's.