In Like a Lion out like a Lamb Crochet Project

Well it is March and as the little saying for March goes "in like a lion and out like a lamb", I thought I would post this little lion for my  weekly project. I finally got the nose and mouth sewed on, which was all it has been needing for the last month.  I started this while visiting Marie.  We started them together actually, but I came home with the pattern, so Marie was left with only the beginning of the head. Instructions are following so Marie and any one else can whip it up in no time.  Now I am hoping to come up with a nice little " lamby project"  so that I can post it at the end of March.

Check out little Tobby posing with Lion... isn't he cute?

Instructions for Crocheted Lion

This came out of one of Vanna White's little crochet books with a few variations of my own.
I used one color, hers called for three
I used 1 portion of 1 skein of gold yarn
2 plastic eyes

Head and Body
Begin at center off face, chain 2
Round 1
work 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook.
Place marker for beginning of rnd; move marker up as each rnd is completed. 

Round 2
2 sc in each st around : 12 sts.
Round 3
(2sc in st, sc in next st) 6 times  -18 st
Round 4
(2 sc in next st, sc in next 2  sts) 6 times - 24 sts

Round 5 
(2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times - 30 st
Round 6 
(2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times - 36 sts.
Round 7
(2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts) 6 times - 42 sts.
Round 8 
Sc in each st around.
Round 9
Working in back loops only,  sc in each st around.
Follow package directions to attach safety eyes.
Rounds 10 -17
Sc in each stitch around.
Round 18
(Sc2tog, sc in next 5 sts) 6 times - 36 stitches
Round 19
(Sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts) 6 times -30 sts.
Begin to stuff piece firmly.  Continue to stuff as work progresses.
Round 20
(Sc2tog, sc in next 3 sts) 6 times- 24 sts.
Round 21
(Sc2tog , sc in next 2 sts) 6 times - 18 sts.
Round 22
(Sc2tog, sc in next st) 6 times - 12 sts.
Round 23
(Sc2tog) 6 times - 6 sts. Fasten off.
Mane
For the mane, I did single strands inserted in each stitch, tied and knotted.
Here is the other variation:
Join with slip stitch into any stitch on round 9.

Round 1
Working in front loops of round 9, chain 1 ( sc, hdc) in same stitch as join, (dc, hdc) in next st, (sc, sl st) in next st, *(sc,hdc) in next st, (dc, hdc) in next st, (sc, sl st) in next st; repeat from * around.  Fasten off.
Ears (make 2)
Ch2
Round 1
Work 8 sc in 2nd chain from hook.  Place marker for beg of rnd: move marker up as ech round is completed.
Round 2  
Sc in each st. around - 8 sts
Round 3 
(Sc2tog) 4 times 4 sts.  Fasten off.
Legs (make 4)
Ch 2
Rounds 1 and 2
Work rounds 1 and 2 of head and body
Round 3
Working in back loops only,  sc in each st around
Rounds 4 and 5
Sc in each st around.  Fasten off.
Tail
Chain 5. 3hdc in 2nd ch from hook.  Fasten off.
This little tail seemed too skinny to me.. I added another row of stitches and a little fringe on the end like the mane.

Finishing
Sew ears to head.  Stuff legs and sew to body.  Sew tail to end of Body.  With contrasting color, embroider straight st nose, mouth and whiskers.

If you have any questions comment me.
Enjoy