It's done, it's done! It's finally done!

I may or may not have had to work my fingers to the bone to crochet the final pieces of this together on Christmas Eve, but I'm pleased to say that I was able to sew the panels and work up a border before packing it in a cute bag as my cousin's Christmas gift.

I used colors of Red Heart Super Saver that I thought went well together (as opposed to the Knit Picks selection recommended in the original pattern). I chose more of a creamy white than the pure white pictured in the pattern because I figured the white would ruin after some wear and tear - I couldn't bear the thought after all that work :) I also crocheted the eyes entirely instead of sewing buttons on white circles. Plus, I chose a different border because I had started to lose my patience.

But when all is said and done, I'm pleased with the result. If I wasn't such a procrastinator, it wouldn't have taken so long to work up, either - it's relatively easy and relaxing, although there are a ton of ends to weave in or over. I was able to figure out some different ways to hide them as I went along, which made that part a little less tedious.

Interested in making your own? You can download the detailed pattern (with helpful photo tutorials) by clicking here and buying it directly from the designer on Craftsy.

Sigh... and with that, Christmas is pretty much over, isn't it? Seems like I just finished putting the decorations up and they're already about to come down. And now, we march on to yet another new year. There's something bittersweet about getting back to "normal" - whatever that is - but I'm looking forward to using some of my new knitting/crocheting supplies, as well as lot of art stuff I received as gifts.

Have a great New Year and be safe! Back to cuddling with my puppy and playing with yarn.