A less cowardly lion

I have been thinking a lot about making primitive dolls. Dolls/animals that use natural materials and that are assembled in an obvious way. I love the look of exposed seams, of visible hand-stitching, of parts of the toy being tied together, even, instead of sewn.

After I made Mayweed I knew I wanted to try again with making a lion but make him more rustic and be less timid about his design. He needed a bigger mane, a bigger head, more fibers. This less cowardly lion is made with some of the organic flannel Heather sent, some burlap from my mother-in-law's scrap bag, jute twine, and cotton tweed from Mimi. His arms and legs are tied to his body with more jute and paws are defined the same way. More of a soft sculpture, really, than a cuddly toy (what with the itchy burlap and all), but really satisfying to make.

Charlie says he hopes this lion will be able to comfort the baby when she rolls into the bars on the side of the crib because she has no bumper because I keep making softies instead of sewing the bumper slip cover. Ugh.