Smile Crocodile

There was initially some debate about whether he was a crocodile or alligator. I learned that crocodiles have skinny snouts, so there you have it. I've been eager to make a plush with a zipper mouth for a while, and a crocodile with teeth was just too attractive. I'm thinking I may need to make a shark version as well.

I put this guy off for a while honestly, because the zipper made me nervous. But once you start putting it together its really pretty easy - maybe even my easiest pattern yet. And perhaps my favorite, too. I don't know - I really like the turtles. But so far, these have been my girls' favorite.

The first one I made was a hit with the girls, even though I thought he needed a little shaping up. I cleaned up his body all over, but especially made his mouth bigger, and gave him a bit of a nose, so there's something to hold onto when you unzip him. The dark green one in this picture is the prototype.

Update:  The giveaway is now over, but the pattern is available in the shop.  

I know many of you have been wild about the reusable snack bags and the fat quarter purse, but I'm really hoping to see some turtles and flying pigs. This opportunity is open through December - so if you haven't gotten around to making something yet - get to it! Once you've added a photo of your brilliant sewing to the flickr pool, send me an email or flickr message, and I'll reply with the pattern. (see here for a list of all my patterns.)

As a side note, this pattern is for personal use only -but, because it has a metal zipper, its the kind of thing that the new CPSIA regulations prevents small businesses from selling. I guess that is a good thing, since I have no idea what my zipper's are made of. Anyway, I won't be making any to sell, so you'll have to make your own!