Making a permanent record, once and for all, of stitch totals 1x and 4x sizes, my use later, mostly related to yarn consumption and time remaining.

I like to make all the small/attached pieces first, then I can install them as I work on the torso. So I start at the bottom of the pattern and work up.

For the nose, I embroider from the final stitch in the first round of muzzle to the final stitch(es) in 4th round.

I insert the eyes, then attach ears and muzzle all before stuffing. I crochet the arms directly into the body (with 3 stitches between front and back, 6 if doubling). I attach tail before stuffing body or splitting for the legs. I find one middle stitch and SC thru both layers for the crotch.

This one has about 15% less stitches than standard in the body because I was running thin on yarn. Reduced more than was absolutely necessary, had about 2 grams remaining and didn’t even need to use Skydiver for the bottom paws.

1x bear in fingering(ish) weight included in photo for size reference. Is he being protected behind Mama Bear, or on her shoulder whispering wicked little ideas? Why not both?