Hey, hey, we’re the Monk-chis . . .
My weekend was all about working on some softies for Mirabel. I had originally planned to make some sleepy, huggable bunnies and cats but during a lunch break last week, I had come up with this little guy:
I used my basic Chibi as a starting point (as I have done many times previously) and made a few alterations like a disproportionately large head and short legs :-) So out came the fleece and a wonderful vintage fabric that I had picked up from Mikes, featuring little children playing with various toys, which I thought would make great patches on their tummies.
I used a ‘chenille fleece‘ on one of the softies - it’s very much like a light-weight and stretchy version of the fake fur you would normally use on teddy bears, and gives it a very ‘plush‘ look. However, there was fluff all over the place after cutting it up and it took forever to clean it up.
After sewing them all up, I couldn’t decide on a name as I didn’t know what they were exactly. So I called in my in-house soft toy consultant for help . . . Ava :-) She gave them the once over and then her judgement (”I like it Mama!”). I asked her what she thought they were.
“They’re monkeys!” she declared.
Okay, so that was that. And after some very simple name games, playing around with the word ‘Monkey’ and the word ‘Chibi’ (since they were based on the basic Chibi pattern), I came up with ‘Monk-chi‘ :-)
Here are the Monk-chis with Ava before they make their trip to Mikes. I really do hope they bring a smile and comfort to some wonderful little kids this Christmas.
they are awesomeness!
i love the black one! ooh!
(you should donate some for the “silent auction” :))
They are just gorgeous!!! They will definately bring some big smiles to some little children this year over xmas…. Well Done!!
Jodie
Love them - wonderful expressions on their faces!
Wow - they are just adorable! I can’t believe you rustled them all up in a weekend!! It took me all weekend to knit 3 rows (OK I was doing non-craft stuff too!!)
The one with the red polka dots in the ears is too cute! I love them!
They’re all too cute! They’ll definitely cheer up some kiddos this Christmas.
Love the mon-chis. I also love the cheeky monkey pattern of yours in the latest Handmade magazine. Will make a modified version for my little cheecky monkey for her first Christmas.
They are spectacular. Love the great big expressive eyes and the tiny little legs.
Wow, you are very talented!
Do you sell anywhere else apart from Etsy? I am launching an online store with a childrens clothing and accessories section. Your beautiful little works of art would be perfect…
oh, they are just gorgeous!!!!
Love! They are amazing, and I think it’s so neat that you gave us a glimpse into your design process. Those little monk-chis are seriously adorable, and I don’t know how you and the girls can part with them. Do they have tails? They have the sweetest little faces! These might be my favorite Jhoanna originals to date, and that’s saying a lot.
oopsy, just realise Monk-chi #1 is brown not black! Even better! Apologies for my colour blindness - bad monitor.
Absolutely adorable!
they are so sweet, love all three of them : )
I am sure that would bring a smile to anybody’s face.
they are just beautiful, just like Ava.
Oh, some very lucky little children are going to be made very happy thanks to you this Christmas Jho, you’re totally awesome. Love Posie
I immediately thought of the Monchichis from my childhood, although yours are cuter!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monchhichis
You have done a lovely job as usual and will make some children very happy. Good on you!
very cute! i wish i have a way to get hold of some. tsk tsk. theyd be great christmas gifts.
and gaaah i’ve to think of handmade gifts for people, too. i might still be in denial that it’s already november and i would need time to make gifts…
you really should open a store in the philippines. hehe
you are so amazing!! these little monk-chis are brilliant.
adorable monk-chis!
not only will they warm little hearts but bigger grown up hearts too… so cuuute! great name choice!
:)
Lost brothers and sisters of Cheburashka :) Lovely!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9ZRcgRm4ds