While I was Toft, I vowed to pick up a crochet hook because finally, there were cute animals to tempt me into learning. I decided to jump right in and start with Esme the Fox. Making each of the separate body parts was easy enough. Once you make one leg the rest is very similar. The only challenging bit was Esme's head. The colourwork is slightly lopsided, but that was due to my own impatience. I wanted to finish her, versus wait to be shown how to properly change colours. However, I still love her, imperfections and all.
Toft's Fine Alpaca creates a slightly smaller animal compared to those you've seen in Edward's Menagerie. A small size animal is perfect for small hands. However, I did not make Esme for anyone but myself so she's a perfect pocket size to accompany me on my travels throughout England.
Here is my Esme, pictured with the original inspiration. I have to confess that I've ready started a second animal who shall remain a mystery for now. I'm pleased that I have warmed up to crochet yet I still think that my hands simply prefer the motions of knitting. I'm positive that I hold my hook and yarn awkwardly by the looks and comments I get from experienced crocheters. I'm too engrained in my knitting ways to hold the yarn in my left hand.
I introduced Esme to some of the alpacas who were pretty unimpressed. However, I did get Pippa'a approval and then it was time to say goodbye to the Toft team and the farm. My four weeks flew by and it was an incredible learning experience. I parted ways with Pippa after a few alpaca kisses. Here's one more cute video of Pippa.
