introducing tim the tiger and leo the lion

We've got two lots of friends coming over on Sunday, bringing their two little boys, Luke (3 in Sept) and Ben (2 in June).  When I found this vintage knitting pattern on the Victoria and Albert Museum site I couldn't resist - particularly as Luke is blonde and Ben is distinctly red headed.  No prizes for guessing then who's getting what!

I did the tiger first, and didn't get chance to take any pictures of the work in progress - but here are some pictures of the lion in bits before I sewed it up.

1. Parts before sewing, 2. Lion's side, 3. Lion's mane

The mane was interesting - basically a loop stitch, which seemed to go on for ever and was really hard to keep neat.  It ended up looking a bit like a wig on the underside - maybe I have a new career ahead of me!?

Here is the finished lion, I think he looks kind of cute frolicking in amongst the crocuses!

Here is Tim the Tiger, having a snooze on the bench after having frightened next-door's rather macho cat, Gizmo:

And finally the two playing nicely together:

I really hope Ben and Luke love them as much as I do - thinking I may have to make a lion for myself!;o)