A few years ago, several of my younger friends and colleagues embarked on a delightful baby boom. I was happily occupied with wee blankets, hats, sweaters and cuddlies for months on end. Having passed the baby years myself, I absolutely glory in the privilege of snuggling and snorgling tiny humans and then passing them back to their parents. Plenty of joy, none of the responsibility and crippling fatigue.

Now, those same teeny babes have grown to toddler- and preschooler-dom, and there’s a new crop of little siblings on the way. So back I dive into welcome gift knitting.

This panda – could not resist the pun for a pandemic baby (I’m weak) – comes from the book Knitted Wild Animals: A Collection of Adorable Animals to Create from Scratch by Sarah Keen.

I’ve had wonderful results from other patterns in this book (the elephant and the moose), and this was no exception.

Though I hate seaming with a flaming passion, it’s not so bad when all the seams are short. Plus, look at how cute the side view is.

The pandemic panda is for the newest member of the elephant’s family. I hope they are all so happy together and healthy and snuggly.