Welcome to this garden-inspired project that brings together the delicate beauty of blooming hydrangeas and the cheerful presence of spring bluebirds. This sheep character is designed to be a timeless keepsake, featuring a rich variety of textures from woolly bobble stitches to intricate mesh lacework. Creating this piece is an invitation to explore detailed embroidery and multi-layered garment construction. To ensure your project has the same high-end finish as the inspiration, you should buy premium cotton yarn in soft pastel tones. For the most accurate color matches and high-quality accessories like safety eyes and fiberfill, I recommend using Amazon to fulfill your crafting needs. The estimated cost for materials is approximately $18 to $22. Once completed, a highly detailed artisan doll of this caliber can be sold for approximately $75 to $105, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

Please note: I strive for accuracy in every pattern, but occasional errors can happen. Thank you for understanding and for enjoying my designs.

Project Materials and Equipment

The success of this complex character depends on selecting the right fibers and tools. Because we are working with both bulky textures and fine embroidery, consistency in your yarn weight is vital for maintaining proper proportions.

• Yarn: Use a Sport weight (Category 2) or DK weight (Category 3) cotton or cotton-acrylic blend.
  • Cream/White: For the main sheep skin and woolly parts.
  • Sky Blue: For the main dress, shoes, and bluebirds.
  • White: For the lattice top and hat lace.
  • Beige/Tan: For the sun hat and birdcage.
  • Lilac, Pink, and Cornflower Blue: For the hydrangea clusters.
  • Leaf Green: For the floral leaves.
  • Yellow: For tiny bird beaks and floral centers.
• Hooks: A 2.5 mm hook for the body and birds to ensure tight stitches, and a 3.0 mm hook for the dress and hat for a softer drape.
• Eyes: 10 mm black safety eyes for the sheep and 4 mm safety eyes (or black thread) for the tiny bluebirds.
• Stuffing: Premium polyester fiberfill.
• Other: Tapestry needle, embroidery needles, stitch markers, and pink fabric pastel or blush for the ears and cheeks.

Stitch Abbreviations and Special Techniques

This pattern uses United States terminology. Please familiarize yourself with the special Bobble stitch, which provides the characteristic woolly texture of the sheep.

• MR: Magic Ring
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• dec: Invisible decrease (sc 2 together using front loops only)
• hdc: Half double crochet
• dc: Double crochet
• tr: Treble crochet
• sl st: Slip stitch
• ch: Chain
• BLO: Back loops only
• FLO: Front loops only
• B (Bobble Stitch): Work a 4-dc bobble in the same stitch. Yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops. Repeat 4 times in the same stitch until you have 5 loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through all loops. Finish with a ch 1 (the ch 1 does not count as a stitch).

The Sculpted Head

The head begins with a smooth face and transitions into a woolly cap. Use Cream/White yarn and a 2.5 mm hook.

The Smooth Face Section

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
9. Round 9: (7 sc, inc) x 6 (54)
10. Rounds 10-18: sc in each st around (54)
11. Round 19: (8 sc, inc) x 6 (60)

The Woolly Cap Section

In this section, we alternate single crochets with bobble stitches to create the hair. Always push the bobbles toward the right side of your work.

1. Round 20: (1 sc, 1 B) x 30 (60)
2. Round 21: sc in each st around (60)
3. Round 22: (1 B, 1 sc) x 30 (60)
4. Round 23: (8 sc, dec) x 6 (54)
5. Round 24: (1 sc, 1 B) x 27 (54)
6. Round 25: (7 sc, dec) x 6 (48)
7. Round 26: (1 B, 1 sc) x 24 (48)
8. Round 27: (6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)
9. Round 28: (1 sc, 1 B) x 21 (42)
10. Round 29: (5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)
11. Placement: Insert 10 mm eyes between Rounds 14 and 15, about 10 stitches apart.
12. Round 30: (1 B, 1 sc) x 18 (36)
13. Round 31: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
14. Round 32: (1 sc, 1 B) x 15 (30)
15. Round 33: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
16. Round 34: (1 B, 1 sc) x 12 (24)
17. Round 35: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18). Stuff firmly.
18. Round 36: (1 sc, dec) x 6 (12)
19. Round 37: 6 dec (6). Fasten off and weave in the end.

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Woolly Ears (Make 2)

Use Cream/White yarn. The ears are smooth inside with a bobble texture on the outer shell.

Smooth Inner Ear

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. Fasten off, leaving a short tail.

Outer Woolly Ear

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, 1 B) x 6 (12)
4. Round 4: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
5. Round 5: (1 B, 1 sc) x 9 (18)
6. Round 6: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
7. Joining: Place the smooth inner ear against the outer ear, wrong sides together. Sc through both layers around the edge to join. Fold the bottom of the ear and sew it to the sides of the head. Use pink blush to color the center of the inner ear.

The Body and Limbs

Main Woolly Body

The body is worked similarly to the head cap, using alternating bobble rounds.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, 1 B) x 6 (12)
4. Round 4: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
5. Round 5: (1 B, 1 sc) x 9 (18)
6. Round 6: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
7. Round 7: (1 sc, 1 B) x 12 (24)
8. Round 8: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
9. Round 9: (1 B, 1 sc) x 15 (30)
10. Round 10: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
11. Round 11: (1 sc, 1 B) x 18 (36)
12. Round 12: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
13. Round 13: (1 B, 1 sc) x 21 (42)
14. Round 14: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
15. Round 15: (1 sc, 1 B) x 24 (48)
16. Rounds 16-24: Repeat bobble patterns without increases (48)
17. Round 25: (6 sc, dec) x 6 (42)
18. Round 26: (1 B, 1 sc) x 21 (42)
19. Round 27: (5 sc, dec) x 6 (36)
20. Round 28: (1 sc, 1 B) x 18 (36)
21. Round 29: (4 sc, dec) x 6 (30)
22. Round 30: (1 B, 1 sc) x 15 (30)
23. Round 31: (3 sc, dec) x 6 (24)
24. Round 32: (2 sc, dec) x 6 (18). Stuff firmly.
25. Round 33: 18 sc around. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Smooth Arms (Make 2)

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Rounds 3-25: sc in each st around (12)
4. Stuff only the bottom half of the arm. Flatten the top and work 6 sc across to close.

Smooth Legs (Make 2)

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. Rounds 4-20: sc in each st around (18)
5. Stuff firmly and fasten off, leaving a tail for assembly.

White Lattice Mesh Top

This top is worn underneath the dress. Use White yarn and a mesh stitch.

Body Lattice

1. Row 1: Ch 32. Join with sl st to form a circle.
2. Row 2: (sc 1, ch 1, skip 1) around. Join.
3. Row 3: (dc 1 in the sc, ch 1, skip 1) around. Join.
4. Rows 4-10: Repeat Row 3. This creates the mesh texture.

Mesh Sleeves (Make 2)

1. Row 1: Ch 14. Join to form a circle.
2. Row 2: (sc 1, ch 1, skip 1) around.
3. Rows 3-12: Repeat the mesh pattern (dc 1, ch 1, skip 1).
4. Fasten off. Sew the sleeves to the body of the lattice top at the shoulder level.

Sky Blue Garden Dress

The dress is the centerpiece of the outfit, featuring an A-line skirt with a smooth bodice. Use Sky Blue yarn and a 3.0 mm hook.

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Bodice Section

1. Row 1: Ch 30. Work in rows for the opening at the back.
2. Row 2: sc in each ch across (29), ch 1, turn.
3. Rows 3-8: sc in each st across (29), ch 1, turn.
4. Row 9 (Waist): BLO sc in each st across. Join with sl st to work in rounds from now on.

Skirt Section

1. Round 1: (sc 2, inc) around (approx. 40)
2. Round 2: sc in each st around (40)
3. Round 3: (sc 3, inc) around (50)
4. Round 4: sc in each st around (50)
5. Round 5: (sc 4, inc) around (60)
6. Rounds 6-25: sc in each st around (60). Continue until the skirt reaches the desired length.
7. Round 26 (Hem): (sc 1, ch 2, sc 1) in each st around to create a subtle scalloped edge. Fasten off.

Embroidery and Floral Clusters

The hydrangeas on the skirt are the most detailed part of this project. Use your lilac, pink, and cornflower blue yarn for the petals.

Hydrangea Clusters

1. To create the 3D hydrangea effect, we use French knots or tiny 3-dc popcorn stitches.
2. Mark a circular area on the skirt about 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Using Lilac yarn, work many tiny popcorn stitches or French knots very close together within that circle.
4. Repeat with Pink and Cornflower Blue to create three distinct clusters as shown in the image.
5. Using Leaf Green yarn, embroider small leaves (ch 4, sl st back down) around the base of each cluster.

Bluebird Appliques on Skirt

1. Using Sky Blue yarn, make a small MR with 5 sc.
2. Ch 2, work 3 dc into the MR (this forms the tail).
3. Embroider a tiny yellow beak and a black eye.
4. Sew two of these birds onto the front of the skirt among the flowers.

Beige Sun Hat

Use Beige/Tan yarn. The hat has a wide brim and hydrangea decorations.

1. Round 1: 6 sc in a MR (6)
2. Round 2: 6 inc (12)
3. Round 3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18)
4. Round 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6 (24)
5. Round 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6 (30)
6. Round 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6 (36)
7. Round 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6 (42)
8. Round 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6 (48)
9. Rounds 9-13: sc in each st around (48)
10. Round 14: Switch to Sky Blue yarn for the ribbon. sc in each st around (48).
11. Round 15: Switch back to Beige. FLO (sc 1, inc) around.
12. Round 16: (sc 2, inc) around.
13. Round 17: sc in each st around. Fasten off.
14. Decoration: Create 3 tiny hydrangea florets (MR, 5 sc) in lilac and blue and sew them to the side of the hat.

Ballet Flats and Birdcage

Shoes (Make 2)

1. Using Sky Blue yarn.
2. Round 1: Ch 6. Start in 2nd ch from hook. 4 sc, 3 sc in last ch. Turn to work other side of chain: 3 sc, inc (12)
3. Round 2: inc, 3 sc, 3 inc, 3 sc, 2 inc (18)
4. Round 3: BLO sc in each st around (18)
5. Round 4: sc in each st around (18)
6. Round 5: 5 sc, 4 dec, 5 sc (14)
7. Strap: Ch 8 across the top of the shoe. Sew a tiny white button as a buckle.

Beige Birdcage

1. Base: MR, 6 sc. R2: 6 inc (12). R3: (1 sc, inc) x 6 (18).
2. Cage Bars: Attach yarn to BLO of R3. (Ch 10, skip 1 st, sl st in next) repeat around.
3. Top: Gather all the ch-10 loops at the top and join with a sl st. Work 3 sc into the join to create a handle.
4. Bird inside: Use a tiny blue sphere (MR, 4 sc) and place it inside before closing the top.

Tiny Shoulder Bluebird

1. Using Sky Blue.
2. Round 1: 4 sc in a MR.
3. Round 2: (1 sc, inc) x 2 (6).
4. Round 3: 6 sc around. Stuff lightly.
5. Wings: Ch 3, sl st back. Sew to the sides.
6. Sew this bird onto the left shoulder of the sheep’s dress.

Assembly and Finishing

The assembly phase requires precision to capture the gentle personality of the sheep. Take your time to align the limbs and garments symmetrically.

Facial Details

1. Embroider a small “Y” shape for the nose and mouth using dark brown embroidery floss. The center of the “Y” should be positioned about 4 rounds below the eyes.
2. Use a small amount of pink pastel or makeup blush to gently shade the cheeks and the pink inner part of the ears. This gives the sheep a sweet, lively glow.

Attaching the Head and Limbs

1. Sew the head to the body at the neck opening. Ensure the neck is stuffed very firmly to support the weight of the head and ears.
2. Sew the legs to the bottom of the body. Position them so the sheep can stand upright.
3. Sew the arms to the sides of the body at round 28. Ensure they are aligned with the legs.

Final Dressing

1. Slide the white lattice top onto the sheep first.
2. Place the sky blue dress over the lattice top. Secure the back of the dress with a small button or a few stitches.
3. Place the shoes on the feet.
4. Set the beige sun hat atop the head, between the ears. You may use a few hidden stitches to secure it.
5. Attach the birdcage to the right hand and the tiny bird to the left shoulder.

Your Hydrangea & Bluebird Sheep is now complete! This character brings the peace of a sunny garden to any room. By combining the textured bobble stitches with delicate embroidery, you have created a piece of art that showcases the beauty of detailed craftsmanship. Store your finished doll in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight to keep the pastel blue and hydrangea colors vibrant for years to come.

Would you like me to provide specific tips on how to stiffen the birdcage handle or suggest alternative floral patterns for the hat?