Jun 18, 2015

Knitting Pattern for Tiktaalik - Mr. T

Tiktaalik Mr. T

Tiktaalik is a creature from prehistoric times. I learned about him in Biology class that I took. I thought he was adorable and cute.


To knit your own Tiktaalik you will need about 110 - 120 yards or 101 - 108 meters of yarn.
I have used Cascade 220 Superwash.
The finished toy size is about 14" or 36 cm.

The pattern is free and you may download from my Ravelry store or by clicking on this button.

download now

Have fun knitting and thank you for stopping by.

Jun 15, 2015

Knitting Pattern for Stella, the stingray

Stella, the stingray
Sometimes my inspiration for knitted toys is completely random. One day we watched  a documentary about stingrays and I was mesmerized by their gracious movements, and their own beauty. I just had to knit one.
Stella, the stingray top

This adorable stingray is knitted in two pieces, then sewn together. Shaping is done with simple increases and decreases stitches. It is great pattern for someone who is about to try knitting toys for the first time.
Stella, the stingray bottom

Finished Toy Size: Approximately 5.5” (14 cm) wide, 6” (16 cm) long (10” / 26 cm with tail).

Yarn:
Cascade 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yards / 200 meters per 100g / 3.5oz)
892 Space Needle (1 skein), 900 Charcoal (1 skein)

Yardage:
About 40 - 50 yards / 36.5 – 46 meters each color.

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, two small safety eyes, polyester fiberfill (small bag).

The pattern is available now to purchase in my Ravelry store or by clicking on this button:



Thank you for visiting.

Jun 14, 2015

Knitting Pattern for Baby Bear in PJ

Ever since I made the first teddy bear for my kid I have been knitting toys. I personally find that knitting toys and giving them away is more rewarding than knitting anything else.
Teddy Bear Nr. 1
My knitted bears have evolved over the years. The first teddy bear is 14.5" (37 cm) tall.

Bears in PJ

My Bears in PJ are about 10" (26 cm) long and last night I made a baby version of Bear in PJ.

Bear in PJ and Baby Bear in PJ

Baby Bear is 7.5" (19 cm) long. The two bears in PJ are knitted from one ball of yarn 2 oz ( 56.7 g) Sugar and Cream 95 yards/ 86 meters, and small amount of yarn in brown color. Here is the pattern for Baby Bear in PJ:

Baby Bear in PJ
by Stana D.S.

Finished Toy Size: 7.5" / 19 cm tall

Yarn: Approximately 40 - 50 yards/ 36.5 - 46 meters of MC and 15 yards / 14 meters of brown yarn.

Recommended Needle size: DPN US #5/3.75mm (set of 5)

Notions: Yarn needles, crochet hook, stitch holders, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), small amount of black embroidery yarn.

Abbreviations:
KFB= Knit in front and back of the same sts, this creates 2 sts from 1 st.
SSK= slip st, slip st and knit the 2 sts together. This decrease 2 sts to 1 st.
R = rounds
I-cord= the sts are knitted from one needle to second needle, do not turn the needle with sts around, just push the sts to the beginning of the needle and knit again. This technique makes tube.

INSTRUCTION:

First Leg: With yarn in PJ color and three double pointed needles cast on 8 sts. Place a stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
R 1: Knit around (8 sts total)
R 2: KFB all around(16 sts total)
R 3 - 16: Knit (16 sts total), transfer the sts to 2 needles (or use the stitch holders), 8 sts per needle. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail.

Second Leg: With yarn in PJ color and three double pointed needles cast on 8 sts. Place a stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
R 1: Knit around (8 sts total)
R 2: KFB all around (16 sts total)
R 3 - 16: Knit (16 sts total), transfer the sts to 2 needles, 8 sts per needle.

Continue with Body:
R 17: Knit 8 sts from the first needle of second leg, knit 8 sts from the first needle for the first leg, continue with the next 8 sts from the first leg and finish the row with 8 sts from the second leg (32 sts total).
Thread the tail of yarn from the cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the legs with fiberfill.
R 18 - 33: Knit  (32 sts total). Continue stuffing the bear with fiberfill.
R 34: Change yarn to face color, Knit (32 sts total)
R 35 - 45: Knit (32 sts total)

Continue with Hat:
R 46: Change yarn to PJ color. Knit  (32 sts total)
R 47: Purl  (32 sts total)
R 48: Knit  (32 sts total)
R 49: *SSK, knit 6; repeat from * around (28 sts total)
R 50: *SSK, knit 5; repeat from * around (24 sts total)
R 51: *SSK, knit 4; repeat from * around (20 sts total)
R 52: *SSK, knit 3; repeat from* around (16 sts total)
R 53: *SSK, knit 2; repeat from * around (12 sts total)
R 54: *SSK, knit 1; repeat from* around (8 sts total) Finish stuffing.
R 55: SSK all around (4 sts total). Continue I-cord till the length of I-cord is approximately 4" long. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail. and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needle, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure. Make a knot with the I-cord.
Thread the tail of yarn from top of the first leg on a yarn needle. Stitch through the stitches in between the two legs to close the hole, and stitch to secure.

Arms (make 2):
With yarn in PJ color and crochet hook pull through 5 sts per needle (10 sts total) through the side of upper body of the teddy, start 5 rounds down from the beginning of face color, and continue down the other side. This will save you sewing on the arm. See this post with pictures how to attach the arms.
If this direction is not completely clear, begin with yarn in PJ color and 3 DPN and cast on 10 sts  Place a stitch marker on the first sts, and begin working in the round.
R 1 - 10: Knit (10 sts total). Begin to stuff the arm with fiberfill.
R 11: Change yarn to face color, Knit  (10 sts total)
R 12 - 14: Knit around (10 sts total)
R 15: SSK all around (5 sts total) Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure.
Repeat on the other side of teddy for the second arm. If the arms were knitted separately, sew them on the side of teddy, using the picture as a guide.

Finishing: Cut a long piece of face color yarn and thread it on a yarn needle. Begin by one arm and weave the yarn in and out around the teddy's neck, tie the two ends of the yarn together to shape the neck. Embroider the face of teddy, using the picture as a guide.

Copyright: This pattern was designed and written by Stana D.S.
The pattern is for personal use only.
Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.

Jun 13, 2015

Knitting Pattern for Bicycle Hat

Bicycle Hat
This whimsical Bicycle Hat is knitted in the rounds with stripes, zigzag stripes, big pompom and  bicycles done in stranded colorwork. Optional is to use duplicate stitch bicycles on the hat.


As you can see the hat serves as an impromptu toy during hiking adventures in the woods as well.

 You may purchase the pattern in my Ravelry store, on Knitpicks website
 or by clicking on this button:


Thank you for visiting my blog.

Jun 2, 2015

Knitting Pattern for Topsy-turvy Snake

King Snake
 
 
Coral Snake
Sometimes it is all about making something special. I have been asked to make a topsy-turvy snake in the colors of King Snake and Coral Snake.

The pattern is now available to purchase in my Ravelry store or by clicking on this button:



Thank you for visiting.