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© One’s Creative Mind 2023
HAPPY APRIL!
This month’s second Midi tier Pattern/customisation tutorial is Li Shang from Mulan.
Whilst sorting through my craft hoard some time ago, I found some leather scraps that I forgot I even had. So, when this project came about, I was so excited because I immediately thought that I could put some of those scraps to use. Looking at my finished Li Shang there is not doubt in my mind that I made the right choice.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to also use leather in your project, you can just use black felt and your Li Shang will still look great. But those of you who know me and my style will be aware of my obsession with mixed media. It’s all down to personal preference so be sure to just apply whichever finishing touches make you happy.
As with all of my person based male characters, I used my Arlo doll base and customised him into Li Shang. This base pattern can be purchased in my Etsy and Ravelry stores. Just to note that I have done the template sizing based on making your Arlo doll using a 2.5mm hook. You can adjust the hook size and yarn weight when making the doll to increase or decrease your doll, but you will also need to adjust the size of the clothing template accordingly.
You may notice that in pictures of Li Shang that parts that are light grey should actually be a green/teal colour. I did not have the right colour and I didn’t want to buy felt for such a small detail, so I used a different colour altogether and it still turned out great. You can do the same. Don’t worry too much about matching colours exactly. Fortunately, most Disney characters are iconic enough that you can tell who they are right away.
You may also notice that Li Shang’s tunic is two toned. This is because I only had enough off white felt to do the front of the tunic and the sleeves. Luckily, these dolls are made for me to be displayed on my shelf, so it doesn’t bother me.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
(Template size is based on the Arlo doll base made using 4ply yarn and a 2.5mm hook).
- White felt *
- T-shirt transfer paper *
- Printer *
- Iron *
- Scissors
- Felt glue
- Yarn needle
- Same yarn you used for your base doll (to stitch the nose)
- Back 4ply yarn (for the hair)
- Gold coloured thread or 4ply yarn
- Off white, beige, dark grey, light grey felt (with matching/similar threads)
- Fasteners (i.e. poppers, Velcro, buttons, etc.) approx. 5-7mm wide
- Black leather (OPTIONAL: You can just use black felt)
- Needle felting needle and black wool roving (OPTIONAL – You can embroider the eyebrows on)
- Sewing machine (OPTIONAL: You can hand sew it)
* These items are required if you plan to use the t-shirt transfer paper eye method.
THIS POST CAN ALSO BE VIEW DIRECTLY ON MY PATREON PAGE HERE.
You are now complete.
I hope that you are happy with the way that your Li Shang turned out. Did you also decide to use leather in you project? If so, how was it working with the leather? I could use some tips!
Next month’s Midi tier pattern will be Cri-Kee from Mulan – so stay tuned.
Until the next post, happy crocheting.
Chantelle X
