WHAT’S CUTER THAN A TEDDY BEAR IN A SWEATER?

That’s the question on the back cover of this adorable book. I’m not much for dolls, but teddy bears are a different matter. If you have ever wanted to dress a teddy bear, this is the book for you!

Amy O’Neill Houck has created 20 projects to dress your favorite bear. Some are one piece outfits like the Fisherman’s vest. Others are multi-part outfits, like the cover sweater with backpack, two piece swim suit, baseball suit complete with bat, and the absolutely adorable Long Winter’s Nightgown and Cap. The caps are so cute as they are designed to reveal Teddy’s ears rather than cover them. Enchanting!

A few of the designs in this book would work perfectly well for a ‘real’ baby too. I am especially fond of the Let’s Dance Dress and the Letter Sweater (on the cover). Any baby or toddler would fill these out nicely.

The bears Amy dresses in this book are sized between 16-18 inches, but thorough directions are given for customizing sizes for other bears and other stuffed animals. With these guidelines, one should be able to adjust each pattern to suit the huggable stuffed animal in each home. There’s even a discussion, albeit brief, of modular crochet to explain how some of the designs were created.

Plenty of (charming) color photos and schematics. I’ve got to dig out my daughter’s (now age 24) favorite teddy bear and make a St. Louis Cardinal’s uniform for him. She’ll be thrilled!

BOOK STATS:

Crochet For Bears to Wear

Potter Craft Books, 2010, 96 pages.

ISBN: 9780307462121

List price $16.99 USD

Looking for more sweaters to crochet? Check out these sweater Crochet patterns we found on Etsy.

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Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be a journey filled with twists and turns, especially when you’re navigating life as a teenager. My own teen, grappling with ADHD, has been on a quest to explore new activities that might help soothe some of those overwhelming symptoms. One surprising avenue we’ve discovered together? Crochet.

You might wonder, can someone with ADHD really focus long enough to crochet? The answer might surprise you. Crochet isn’t just about creating beautiful fabric with yarn and a hook; it’s also about finding a calming rhythm amidst life’s chaos.

For those like my teen, who often crave constant stimulation and struggle with impulsivity, crochet provides a welcome distraction. With each loop and stitch, it’s as if the mind finds a moment of peace amid the storm. Research backs this up, showing that repetitive tasks like crochet can help calm the brain and bring a sense of mindfulness.

But it’s not just about the calm; it’s also about the sense of accomplishment. Watching a project take shape, stitch by stitch, can be incredibly rewarding. For my teen, who sometimes battles feelings of frustration or inadequacy, completing a crochet project is a tangible reminder of their ability to create something beautiful.

What’s more, crochet is incredibly adaptable. You can start with simple projects, like scarves or dishcloths, and gradually work your way up to more intricate patterns. It’s all about finding what works for you and your skill level.

And let’s not forget the community aspect. My teen has found solace in connecting with others online who share their love for crochet. Whether it’s sharing tips, seeking advice, or simply admiring each other’s work, the online crochet community offers a sense of belonging and support that can be incredibly comforting.

In the end, crochet isn’t just about making pretty things; it’s about finding peace in the midst of chaos, celebrating small victories, and connecting with others who understand your journey. So, if you’re looking for a new outlet to help manage your ADHD symptoms, why not give crochet a try? You might just find a whole new world of therapeutic joy waiting for you.

Here are some article on Easy Crochet Patterns to get started.

Soft Easy Crochet Blanket Pattern

Crochet for Beginners: A Stitch Dictionary with Step-by-Step Illustrations and 10 Easy Projects

Easy 2-Hour Slouch Hat Crochet Pattern

Easy Weekend Chevron Crochet Blanket Pattern

More Crochet?

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