(Streamlined Lulu is the same pattern as standard Lulu, but has a bit less verbage and direction than the standard counterpart; it was made in response to my testers' feedback and as such is currently a functional work in progress as I continue to find areas I can scale back or more concise ways to explain things. If you have any questions about the pattern or the differences between them, send me a message!)

This pattern was designed as a part of the Dessert Cow themed collaboration led by @SunshineStudio and @XxTheCosmosxX. Thank you so much for considering getting my pattern; I would love if you would check out the creations of the other designers who have participated and support them as well! Before I dive into more about Lulu, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my amazing testers who did a fantastic job with their makes and made this pattern much better with their input. I also want to thank my family who put up with me during the entire (frantic) creative process and were instrumental in this cow's final design.

Lulu is very much a choose your own adventure type of pattern. This extends even to there being two versions of the pattern available: the standard version and the streamlined version (this one).

The standard version is almost more like a tutorial, walking you through each step of the pattern with tons of media to supplement written instruction. If you like comprehensive patterns that feature detailed explanations and a lot of guidance, choose that more robust version. (Although this is not a pattern recommended for beginners, the standard version of this pattern is accessible to adventurous beginners looking to challenge themselves as it contains heaps of information and holds your hand through the most difficult parts.)

I recognize this level of explanation may cause information overload or border on excessive for more advanced makers, so if a lot of text/instruction is overwhelming, makes you want to run screaming in the opposite direction, or merely gets in your way, this streamlined version is for you. It is a simplified and pared down version that most people with an intermediate understanding of crochet will find amply easy to follow. TL;DR: this version is less extensive than the standard version, but still pretty thorough.

This pattern features a multitude of options for customization, and if that seems like a daunting prospect you may want to skip out on this pattern until you're more comfortable with the idea.

Now, without further delay:

My cow Lulu is inspired by that ever dreamy combination of crisp, buttery crust layered with tart, silky filling, and topped with a sweet, fluffy cloud (often toasted to perfection) commonly known as lemon meringue pie! This multi-colored cow is intended to evoke those layers of flavor, from its hooves to its horns, with bright lemon accents sprinkled throughout. This pattern features several options for customization, so you can make your meringue cow truly your own, mixing and matching accessory components to your liking.

I've tried to make this pattern more approachable by adding photos, diagrams, demonstration videos, and linked tutorials, but it is still recommended you have a decent amount of experience with crochet (particularly amigurumi ) before attempting this pattern as it does feature more advanced techniques and stitches, many different parts/options, and some sewing. A sampling of the stitches and techniques used in this pattern include: magic ring, surface stitching, increasing and decreasing, working in the round, colorwork (stranded or tapestry), slip stitching, working in the back/front loops only, sc/hdc/dc, front post single crochet, and sewing on pieces/parts.

Although the pattern may look intimidating with its size, it actually works up quite quickly and easily, especially if you are familiar with crocheting amigurumi/plushies. As one of my testers said: the hardest part is choosing your accessories!

If you decide to make Lulu, I hope you have a lot of fun, and I would absolutely delight in seeing your makes! I'm available any time via Ribblr message, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or comments about the pattern. Though I welcome constructive feedback, this also happens to be my very first pattern, so please be patient with me. You can also find me (and tag me) on IG where I post somewhat sporadically: @foxfrogandfern!