A Kiwiana pattern Wanna-Bee (I wanna be a Buzzy Bee™)

Approximately 8 inches long and 5.5 inches high.

The inspiration for Wanna-Bee came from the iconic Buzzy Bee™ sold in New Zealand since the early 1940’s. Buzzy Bee™ was made by H (Hec) E Ramsey Limited of Auckland, who also created the Marylou™ doll.

Despite the popularity of this toy, I could not find a knitting pattern - so I decided to create my own tribute – Wanna-Bee.

The success of the Wanna-Bee pattern has inspired a collection of patterns of ‘cousins’ including:
US Bee - Stars and Stripes
G-Bees - Union Jack, England and Scotland flags
O Canada - Canadian flag
Rug-Bee - inspired by the Rugby World Cup 2015
Thistle - a wee Scottish heather bee

I have also created a number of bespoke one-offs:
A S Bee (to represent ASB Bank in New Zealand)
Wimblebee - for Wimbledon
DIversibee - for Gay Pride
Irn Bru Bee - a tribute to Scotland’s Irn Bru drink
TIffany - a tribute to Tiffany & Co

The original version was knitted using Cleckheaton Country 8ply - however the colour is discontinued. Yarns recommended are plain colours, but you can use any DK/8ply yarn with a fleck.