For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved finding out the significance and meaning behind names. It’s even better if there’s a personal story to your name, like being named for a close relative or loved. one. Anyways, if you give your newborn son the name Leo, you’re basically asking for lion themed gifts, right?

• 1/4 skein of Caron Simply Soft – a worsted (4) weight yarn (colour A: Sunshine)
• 1/5 skein of Lion Brand Heartland – a worsted (4) weight yarn (colour B: Grand Canyon)
• 1/100 skein of Lion Brand Heartland – a worsted (4) weight yarn (colour C: Mammoth Cave)
• 7g Loops and Threads Classic FiberFill
• 3.00 mm hook

Pattern by Divya at hellostitches xo

I actually didn’t change anything when I was making this lion, either intentionally or unintentionally. However, because safety eyes can be considered a choking hazard, I wasn’t able to use them like I normally do. Stitching on eyes is a HUGE struggle for me, as I find it so hard to keep them “cute” and also symmetrical. My early attempts were so creepy that my mom and friends told me I had to take it off as soon as possible. If you have ever seen the movie “Coraline”, The Other Mother has eyes that are soulless and creepy, and that was what this poor lion looked like at first. My mom reminded me that “eyes are the windows to the soul”, so it was back to the drawing board until I settled on these sleepy eyelashes.

The other part of the pattern that was the most time-consuming was the hair. Each strand has to be attached individually, so it did take me quite a while to get the mane thick enough. After all, a lion wouldn’t be a lion without a luxurious head of hair. Still, I think the end result was worth it!

I hope this lion can keep Leo safe and entertained for many months and years to come.

Until next time, happy crafting!