Dirk Dragen aka Derek/Diana

This was a pattern that I downloaded from the Hobbii website. I can't for the life of me remember whether it was a paid pattern or not but I love making this toy.

It took a little trial and error at first.

I use the yarn under method now after I read about it online. I also didn't really stuff the first few firmly enough. I've discovered the trick it to stuff the head firmly; then stuff the body well but not so much that it is showing through the stitches (yarn under really helps with that); use pins to position the head onto the body; and then keep stuffing as you stitch the head onto the body. It always amazes me how much stuffing needs to go into the neck to stop the head flopping forward.

The spikes are the only piece which I really dislike making in a 4ply or thin yarn. 3 stitches in a magic ring to start feel really awkward and fiddly so I must admit I do tend to only make the dragons in 8ply (DK), Aran or something chunky.

Also, it cam be a little tricky getting the legs in position so that he/she sits nicely.

The pattern is called "Dirk" but I tend to call him Derek (or an obviously 'girly' one Diana. They sold well at markets but I always told the buyer (or their child) to call it whatever they wanted to.