Retro Poodle Tissue Topper

I saw one of these in the 1960's, thought it was cute, went home  and made a bunch of them from memory.  I have often been asked for this pattern and since I never had a pattern I have decided to share the way I always make mine.  They are now considered Retro or perhaps tacky but, cute in any color, I still love mine. 

Materials Roll of Toilet Tissue
Worsted weight yarn and Yarn Needle
Size I (9) crochet hook
Small amount fiber fill for head
20 MM Oval Wiggle eyes or Buttons or Felt
Small piece of Colored felt for nose
Glue for nose and eyes
Pom Pom makers sizes "1-3/8", and "2 1/2"
(I used Clover Pom Pom Makers)

* Magic circle or ring or loop all the same thing.  Video and Photo links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLUaywX0-WE

http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Tutorials/How-to-Crochet-the-Magic-Circle

Body
Start with magic circle.
Rnd 1 ch 3, (always counts as first dc) 11 dc in ring, join with Slipstitch.
Rnd 2 ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join (24 stitches)
Rnd 3 ch 3, dc in same st, *(dc in next st, 2 dc in next st ) around, join (36 stitches)
Rnd 4 ch 3, dc in same st, *(dc in next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next st) around (48 stitches)
Rnd 5 Begin side, ch 3, working in back loop only, dc in each dc around, join.
Rnd 6 (thru 12) ch 3, working in both loops double crochet in each stitch around, join, ch 3.
Rnd 13 sc in each stitch around, join, fasten off, work in yarn end.

Head (part one)
Start with Magic Circle, work 12 sc in circle, do not join. Continue working a single crochet in each stitch around, until tube measures 2 1/2 inches in height. End and leave a long tail for sewing. Draw the beginning magic circle tightly closed, secure and draw end to inside of tube. Stuff tube as full as you can to ensure head will be very firm and stand upright. Leave 16 inch tail for sewing

(part two)Start with Magic Circle, work 12 sc in circle. End off. Matching sitch to stitch sew disk to bottom of head piece to secure stuffing in place. Next, matching 12 stitches of starting ring on body with the 12 stitches of the end of tube, sew head tube to center of body so it stands upright like a post.

Pom-Poms Leaving 6 inch long tails on all Pom-poms
size "2 1/2" make 3 for head, 4 for legs and 1 for the tail (total 8)
size "1-3/8" make 1 for nose

Place cover on roll and using photo for a guide tie pom-poms onto cover to create appearance and shape of poodle.

Add tail first at the exact back of poodle body on the joining line, high enough so it is not touching the table beneath. Working on right side of cover use yarn needle to draw yarn end under several stitches to hold pom-pom in place and keep it from flopping. Knot several times and trim ends the length of the pom-pom yarn.

Turn poodle to front and to maintain head balance use the same method to add top pom-pom to exact center top of head.

The side pom-poms should be on the exact opposite side of the head, both on the exact same level, high enough to touch the top pom-pom but not so high as to merge with it.

Add nose before gluing the eyes in place. Place the nose just low enough to leave room for the eyes. Here may I add, contrary to popular belief, the eyes are located in the center of the head, not the nose. The nose is located in the center of the face. Trust me on this one.
Glue eyes in place and glue small felt heart or oval in place for nose.

If desired you can make one more pom-pom and tie to back of head level with the side pom-poms to make head appear more round.  You may ask why do this as this poodle is designed to be viewed from the front but it will offset the weight of the nose pom-pom so your head will stay straight. Yes, I do add a tail. It marks the exact center back and I just like it to have a tail.

Collar: Crochet a strip of 12 dc. Place around poodle's neck, sew ends together. 

NOTES:
Gold braid, ribbon or felt also make a nice collar.
Add small bell or yarn bow at neck.
Ribbon or yarn Bows in hair and/or small flowers are also cute.
Rhinestones or broken bits from old jewelry can be used for glitz.
Just remember the trim should be as washable as your poodle.