Several years ago I downloaded the pattern for a crocheted nativity set from the internet, designed by Tammy Blakely. There were only a few pieces in the intstructions, and the web page said that there were more to come.
Then about two years ago, thanks to a discussion in rcty, I found the instructions for a more complete set: Ox, ass, angels, Holy family, shepherds, and various sheep. I decided to make it this year. The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, and occasionally sport weight. I decided to use number 5 cotton thread, because I want it to be smaller, and to use no. 8 or 12 instead of the sport weight. I began with one of the sheep, since I already have white thread and didn't want to buy all those other colors unless it turns out well.
I have already found several errors: for example round 4, an increase round, is missing in the ewe's body. I tried to see if other animals could give me a clue, but none were the same on rounds 3 and 5. There is also no stitch count for any of the rounds. So I made it up myself and proceeded. I also found that although my reading of the pattern would produce an even number of stitches on each round, it's obvious that the instructions assume there is an odd number. (Maybe this is something that would have been addressed in the missing round 4.)
I'm pretty sure I can finish this sheep with no serious problems, but I'm wondering if this is going to be a recurring problem with the pattern. Has anybody else ever made this nativity set? I recall that when it was being discussed on this newsgroup a few years ago, at least one person was planning to make it that year.
The sheep uses a very strange stitch to simulate the wooly sheep; I've never seen a stitch anything like it, but it really does look like wool. I'm kind of undecided as to whether I want to go for the whole thing. I might try one of the human beings next. Also, it would be nice if there were three wise men and a camel in the pattern, but I could adapt a shepherd easily enough to make a wise man, and maybe I could adapt the ox, with an ass-like head, to make a camel.
I would be glad to hear from anybody who has tried this pattern.