Just over a year ago I published this pattern for Grace the Crochet Elephant Lovie. The pictures weren’t that great and a few people had issues with the instructions for the elephant’s head.
I have now updated the pattern with better photos and a simplified head. After thorough testing (both in this pattern AND in the pattern for Meimei the Baby Elephant), I am pleased to report that it is now easier to understand.
I was toying with whether or not to add a pair of legs (arms…whatever), but have decided against it. You are welcome to add your own, though. You can find instructions for the legs here.
Another thing that was bugging me about this pattern is the “untidy” (some might call it ugly) look between the blanket and the round of contrasting single crochet (the border). I have found a solution in the form of surface slip stitches and have included a link (to this tutorial) in the pattern.
If you want to know a bit more about this pattern (like the inspiration for the name and other little ramblings), you can read the original post here.
To view (and save) the updated PDF Pattern for Grace, click HERE.
Are you a Ravelry member? If so, here is a link for adding the pattern to your Ravelry queue.
Here are some more photos of my elephant comfort blanket. I hope the recipient likes it. Or if she doesn’t, hopefully the little wriggler in her belly will!
Thank you to Michele Henson, Lisa Robson, Terry Spears and Kimberly Slifer for testing the pattern for me. A huge Thank You to Venetia Smith, who once again helped me edit it.
Oh, I forgot to mention that the blanket is now slightly smaller than the original. It should be more proportionate now, Kimberly. Using the hook and yarn specified, the resulting lovie (comfort blanket) will be about 24 cm x 24 cm (just over 9.5” x 9.5”).
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Happy Hooking!
Deb Mohr says
I love this pattern and the fact that the ears and nose are part of the head and do not need to be sewn on. I have made the Ella the Elephant Lovey and like that size of head. I have tried to adjust the pattern with the short rows, but I’m not good at creating patterns and haven’t been able to make the head come out right. Can you possibly adjust your pattern to make it bigger? Ella the Elephant has 9 sts for the trunk. I will keep trying myself, but help would really be appreciated. I am a self-taught crocheter and feel pretty advanced (with patterns), but not at making patterns. Thanks for your help and this adorable pattern.
Maree says
Oh dear, for the life of me I cannot seem to get this to go right! I just completed Sophie’s Universal Cal so I was pretty “cocky” and thought this would be a breeze. Blanket and circles done and look great but I am finding tracking where I am at with head shaping disastrous! Is there a video tutorial anywhere? I thoroughly enjoyed Sophie’s Cal with the excellent detail and video assistance for areas where I was stuck. I will get it, it just may take a few tantrums! Love your work, thanks so much for sharing. Cheers, Maree :)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Maree. I am sorry to hear that you are struggling with the head. Have you had a look at the step-by-step photos and are you using a running stitch marker to keep track of your rounds? Then we can take it from there.
Dedri
Sophie D. says
Hi!
I just finished the blanket part of this lovely pattern and have a question. On row 44, why am I not binding off the MC yarn before starting the border?
Can’t wait to start on the elephant head!
Sophie
Dedri Uys says
Hi Sophie. Well spotted. I will have to reword that. I meant that you should change colours on the next chain stitch and then keep working around the blanket as opposed to binding off and then joining your new colour with a standing single crochet. Both will have the same outcome, though, so that does need to be revisited. Sorry!
Meredith says
Thank you for such a well-written tutorial! I consider myself a beginner, but with all the detail you included, I was able to complete this pattern with no confusion or mistakes!
Dedri Uys says
You are most welcome. Thank you for taking the time to comment, Meredith :)
Kim M. says
This is adorable! Thanks for sharing.
Jenny says
I couldn’t agree more, Kim :)
Maureen Garrigan says
This is a lovely pattern Dedri I’m just starting to get back into crocheting again and was looking to find something different to do other than doilies LOL I’m so pleased I found your site…..thank you so much for sharing…!!
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Maureen. I wish I had the stomach to make doilies, but I don’t like working with fairy-hair. It takes forever for the projects to grow. I prefer as big and as bold as I can comfortably go. I AM planning to make some doily rugs soon, though. So if you have any tried and tested doily favourites, feel free to share a link.
Anne Hipwell says
I cannot find the updated version of Lovie. It keeps coming up Grace. I would rather do the easierversion. Can you email it to me? Thank you, Anne
Dedri Uys says
Anne, that is the updated version. I have now modified it to say Updated November 2013 on the first page of the PDF. If you still have problems, let me know and I will email it to you. Hope it works and just holler if you need a hand with anything.
Carrie says
Neat idea! I would have NEVER thought to fix the “messy” look of the edging that way! Okay so I also had a quick question (I’m full of those don’t you agree?). Is this head the same as Meimei’s? I wondered because in these pics. Grace’s trunk is curled and I can’t get my Meimei’s to curl. Maybe it’s the yarn I used or how I stuffed it?
Thanks,
Carrie