Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Hootie the Felted Owl

Topanga is known for it's crows, rattlesnakes, and coyotes.  But there are a few other forms of wildlife including mountain lions (rare) and owls.  Most nights I can hear an owl hooting in the distance but I've never seen one during the day.  At least not until now.


This is Hootie the Owl and he's hand knit and machine felted.  I'm very pleased with how he came out and might just make him a friend.  I've always been fascinated by owls and when we lived in the Midwest many years ago one year for my birthday Steve bought me a owl house.  It was a large wooden box that had to be placed high up on a tree and it took ladders and a great deal of effort to hang.  Since we lived on the banks of the St. Joseph river surrounded by tall trees I was sure an owl would come and stay in my beautiful owl house in the woods.


But one never did. I was slightly mollified when Steve pointed out that they must be very fussy birds if they passed up that birdhouse.  Nonetheless the appeal and mystery of owls has never diminished for me.  And I just hope this little guy likes his home and doesn't decide to fly away.


Particulars:  Woolly Owls by Marie Mayhew Designs; US 10 1/2 needles; Nature Spun worsted yarn and Frog Tree Brushed Suri yarn (the yarns recommended in the pattern).  This is a great pattern and a fun knit and I made no modifications whatsoever.  He is knit and then felted in the washing machine.  I used handmade glass eyes (16 mm) by Artist JP that I glued on using clear silicone glue (at the artist's recommendation) and the glue seems to be holding well, but this is not a toy.  If it were going to be a toy I would not choose eyes requiring glue.


The MisAdventures of Simcha


As much as I kid (sorta) about Simcha being a difficult dog, he is without question at least well socialized.  Steve and I have both made a huge effort to take him out and about around Topanga so he can meet and greet other dogs and people.  He not only goes on daily hikes but is also out and about around town.  So I was very amused the other day when Steve took Simcha into a local gift shop where the clerk exclaimed "I know that dog"!  He's becoming so well known around town we might just have to nickname him Mr. Topanga!

Until next time, be well and love well and may you have a wonderful Spring filled with bird watching and time spent enjoying nature.

14 comments:

jillian said...

Awwww. Your owl is adorable.

Simcha is becoming the Topanga mascot!

SissySees said...

Hootie is a cutie, but the Mayor is coming into his own. He's handsome.

Kristen Rettig said...

What a sweet owl story to go along with that sweet wooly owl. As for Simcha, I love that he is so popular and social, it's good for the breed!

missyinedmonds said...

I love little Hootie the Owl!

As for Simcha - Mr. Topanga suits him :D

Monika said...

That is a wonderful owl! Love it. That's great that Simcha is so well socialized. IT's a little hard around here, where dogs are not allowed in stores etc. except pet stores.

gMarie said...

Mr. Topanga! He's adorable. I'm glad he's doing so well.

As for the owl - well, he's perfect too. Maybe you should put up a house to encourage him to stay. g

Kate (KnitsInClass) said...

I have a soft spot for owls, too, and I love yours - the eyes are so gorgeous!

Simcha is quite the man about town :) I really wish our dog had better social skills - although Newman does love a good car ride.

Tracy said...

The owl is WONDERFUL, Claudia! Such great shape, colors, and real presence! Mr. Topanga...that is so cute, it really is. He'd win an award for that. ;o) May spring embrace you with all her beauty and grace your days, my friend. ((LOVE & HUGS))

Andi said...

I love Hootie! He is adorable.
Then of course there is the scene stealer Simcha (Mr.Topanga), is it possible there is a more handsome dog? No.

Willow said...

I heart that owl! My daughter would love him too since her family nickname is Wol.

If I drive through Topanga in the near future, I'll keep an eye out for Mr. Topanga!

Hilary said...

So cute! And those eyes are amazing -- I love how vibrant they are against his pretty, neutral "feathers". Nicely done!

I also love how Simcha is such a popular man about town! :)

Jules said...

That owl is so cute! The eyes are little works of art.
What a great pic of Simcha. That's neat that he's well known when you're out and about. Our elderly Golden has her own fan club at the local hardware store, where my DH often takes her. I call it her ministry because she brings joy to people at work!

Gail said...

Very handsome looking owl! Very cute idea! And Simcha is looking very regal these days. Enjoy your Spring! It has arrived here too!

Robin said...

Your owl is darling! And Simcha is a very handsome boy too. :)