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What is heavy but small and preferably has a hole in the middle?

136 replies

5foot5 · 10/10/2025 23:35

No, it isn't a riddle. I have a slight problem with a craft project and I was hoping the Mumsnet hive mind might have a genius solution.

I have started to crochet a Nativity scene. Tonight I completed the sheep. He looks great, but unfortunately his head is a bit too heavy so when I try to stand him up he just topples forwards. I really don't think there is any way I can dismantle him enough to lighten his head or put anything large and heavy in his back legs, so I am looking for a solution where I can attach something small and heavy to his tail or back feet that I can then cover or disguise with yarn.

I found that if I sellotaped a pound coin to his tail that was enough to keep him stable. Apparently a pound coin weighs 9g. So one solution is to find 9g worth of something I can thread on to the tail. My best thought so far is to dig out the Meccano and attach little nuts to the tail.

Initially I thought I could make and attach some additional back feet and weigh them down, but found that it will take more weight to work at the back feet than at the tail.

The other thought is to find something I can weave through the fleece at the back but it would need to be small.

Can anyone suggest a readily available substance to insert in to or attach to the back end of my sheep?

I won't be trying anything until tomorrow because it's late be and I have had a little wine.

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NigelFaragesFakeRoarofLaughter · 04/01/2026 20:55

Gotta wet the baby's head! Grin

marriednotdead · 04/01/2026 18:34

Absolutely stunning, and yes the camel is incredible. I have nativity envy!

Supporterofwomensrights · 04/01/2026 14:59

I love it! Thanks for the update.

5foot5 · 04/01/2026 14:03

PickAChew · 04/01/2026 13:19

Joseph looks suitably sheepish but I don't like the tone of Gabriel's head tilt 😂

😅

OP posts:
outerspacepotato · 04/01/2026 13:26

What 😍 crochet work.

Now I'm off for a bagel, my answer to the thread title.

PickAChew · 04/01/2026 13:19

Joseph looks suitably sheepish but I don't like the tone of Gabriel's head tilt 😂

5foot5 · 04/01/2026 12:58

Absolutely final update.
Just noticed this morning that it now looks like the three kings came bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and...
...a gigantic bottle of Laphroaig.

I guess that one was for Joseph. No wonder Mary has turned to give him a look.

What is heavy but small and preferably has a hole in the middle?
OP posts:
isthismylifenow · 03/12/2025 04:42

What an excellent way to start the day.

You have outdone yourself @5foot5 , the camel!

After a small crochet break you might have to crochet something for dgcat as well 😃.

Thanks for updating. I had been keeping an eye out for one.

Elishiva · 02/12/2025 21:58

That is beautiful you must be so proud, definitely an heirloom, enjoy your Christmas.

ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad · 02/12/2025 21:34

They look fantastic!! You can't stop now though! You need to crochet the manger!

and my sheep 😂😂

NigelFaragesFakeRoarofLaughter · 02/12/2025 21:30

Oh. My. Goodness!

I thought they couldn't get any cuter, but the camel! The camel!

Oh thank you, @5foot5 , for bringing some much needed happiness into the world.

RaininSummer · 02/12/2025 19:39

How lovely and the camel is awesome.

Redheadedstepchild · 02/12/2025 19:06

Aw. They're so lovely and a genuine family heirloom in the making. My favourite is the camel as well.

His little drinking flask and bridle! His little legs! Be proud of yourself.

ToadRage · 02/12/2025 15:05

Would a metal bead work? You could thread it onto his tail.

DallasMajor · 02/12/2025 14:57

I am in awe of your skill. Thanks for sharing.

DallasMajor · 02/12/2025 14:55

CameForAVacationStayedForTheRevolution · 11/10/2025 15:02

Sadly we no longer work together. She upped sticks and took her vulvas with her 😁😁😁😁

This is one of the funniest lines I've read for a long while.

BatshitCrazyWoman · 02/12/2025 14:50

Oh they are fabulous @5foot5 I love the camel, too!

Blondeshavemorefun · 02/12/2025 14:44

They are wonderful @5foot5. Well done !! Thanks for sharing

Needmorelego · 02/12/2025 14:44

@5foot5 fantastic !
Such a talent.

5foot5 · 02/12/2025 14:40

For @Redheadedstepchild @ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad @NigelFaragesFakeRoarofLaughter @Blondeshavemorefun @isthismylifenow and others who asked to be updated.

So I finally finished!

I have attached a photo of the three kings with their camel (he's my favourite) and also a photo of the whole gang. I decided to slip in a shepherd to complete the line up and I just finished his crook this morning.

It's been fun but I am ready for a bit of a rest from crochet now. In the next few days I will be arranging them in the living room. We have the DGCat staying with us for Christmas so I hope he doesn't identify them as prey!

What is heavy but small and preferably has a hole in the middle?
What is heavy but small and preferably has a hole in the middle?
OP posts:
Supporterofwomensrights · 05/11/2025 19:40

You're very talented. Love it!

isthismylifenow · 31/10/2025 04:33

I just love this thread and thank you for posting the update.

These really are adorable.

Blondeshavemorefun · 31/10/2025 01:28

They are really sweet @5foot5 and looking forward to seeing the camel

5foot5 · 30/10/2025 23:05

ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad · 30/10/2025 22:57

Thank you!

You're doing really well & they're all gorgeous!! 🐑 🫏 💕

I still haven't tried to see if I can crochet (loss of a LOT of use of my dominant hand) I'm clinging on to the hope I can & a bit hesitant to confirm I can't 😪. But your photo is making me so much more determined to try & work on being able to.

In fact, I'm going to promise wobbly sheep 🤣, I'm going to give it a go this weekend. I'll report back by Monday 😘

Aw you go for it. Who knows it might even help if you start using it. I do hope it goes well and definitely report back.

OP posts:
ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad · 30/10/2025 22:57

5foot5 · 30/10/2025 20:56

Have updated because @Redheadedstepchild @ChickpeaCauliflowerSalad @NigelFaragesFakeRoarofLaughter @user1471462634 among others wanted to see more of the Nativity.

I haven't finished the whole thing yet but here is Mary, the Angel and Joseph with the troublesome sheep, baby Jesus and the donkey. I intend to start work on the three Kings/ Wise Men / Magi whatever you want to call them and their camel.

When I stuffed the donkey I put some nuts (as in nuts and bolts) in his back feet and rear end and stuffed the body very firmly. He seems OK but is only just stable. However I could easily attach something behind his tail if it becomes a problem.

I will update when the next stage is done.

Thank you!

You're doing really well & they're all gorgeous!! 🐑 🫏 💕

I still haven't tried to see if I can crochet (loss of a LOT of use of my dominant hand) I'm clinging on to the hope I can & a bit hesitant to confirm I can't 😪. But your photo is making me so much more determined to try & work on being able to.

In fact, I'm going to promise wobbly sheep 🤣, I'm going to give it a go this weekend. I'll report back by Monday 😘