May 23, 2012

Needle Felting

Our local library offered needle felting class.
I have never tried this before and I was curious.
At first I wasn't sure about the whole process, but I experimented.

I did not like the occasional accidents when the needle went to my flash, instead of the wool.
But overall experience was interesting enough to return to the next class.

I must admit that I still prefer the knitting needles more than the felting needles, but every once in a while (whenever the class is available at the library) I go and make a little toy.

Who knows, some of these might be a future knitted toys as well. The inspiration for my critters comes from all sorts of places.

Thank you for visiting.

May 14, 2012

Knitting Pattern for Huggaluf Lovies

Huggaluf Lovies
by Stana D.S.
Finished Toy Size: Approximately 7x7" (18x18cm) square.
Yarn: This is a great project to use leftovers from other projects as long as the yarn is soft and feel good to the touch, remnants of white, red, and black yarn.
Recommended Needle Size:  For knitting in the round DPN US #3/3.25mm (set of 5)
For flat knitting US #3/3.25mm
Notions: Yarn needle, crochet hook, scissors, stitch marker, measure tape
Gauge: Will vary with the yarn used.
Abbreviations, techniques:
KFB = Knit in front and back of the same st, it creates 2sts from 1st.
PFB = Purl in front and back of the same st, it creates 2sts from 1st.
SSK = Slip st, slip st and knit the 2sts together, this decrease 2sts to 1st.
P2tog = Purl 2sts together, this decrease 2sts to 1st.
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 beginning of the needle and knit again. This technique makes tube.
3 needle bind off = knit and cast off from two needles at the same time, this is a nice way to close the two sides together, without sewing it.
INSTRUCTIONS:
These Huggaluf lovies can be knitted in the rounds, or knitted flat and sewn together at the end. I suggest to sew on the eyes and mouth before all of the sides are sewn together, that way all of the yarn stays tucked neatly inside the square.

Body:
For knitting in the round:
Cast on 60sts, divide the sts evenly on the DPN needles, place the sts marker on the first st and begin working in the rounds.
Knit approximately 44rows (use the measure tape to assure the body is square shape)
Last row: Knit and cast off (or you could use the technique of 3 needles bind off). Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail and thread the tail on a yarn needle. Stitch to secure.
For knitting flat:
Cast on 60sts.
1 and all odd rows: Knit
2 and all even rows: Purl
In stockinette sts knit approximately 44rows (use the measure tape to assure the height is half of the body's length)
Cast off. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, thread the tail on a yarn needle and sew the sides together creating the square shape. Leave one side open for sewing on the eyes and lips.

Eye patch (Make 2):
With two DPN using as straight needles cast on 4sts with white yarn.
Row 1: Knit 5 (5sts total)
Row 2: PFB, knit 3, PFB (7sts total)
Row 3: KFB, knit 5, KFB (9sts total)
Row 4: Purl 9 (9sts total)
Row 5: Knit 9 ( 9sts total)
Row 6: P2tog, Purl 5, P2tog (7sts total)
Row 7: SSK, Knit 3, SSK (5sts total)
Row 8: Purl 5 (5sts total)
Row 9: Knit and cast off. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail. Thread the tail on a yarn needle and sew the eye patch onto the body, using the picture as a guide. Repeat for the second eye patch. Embroider the pupil and eye lashes.

Lips:
With two DPN and red yarn cast on 8sts.
Row 1: Knit 8sts, then turn the work upside down, with second needle pick up and knit 8sts along the cast on edge.
Row 2: Knit around, 8sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 3: *KFB, knit 6, KFB; repeat from * around 20sts total)
Row 4: Knit and cast off from both DPN at the same time. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Sew the lips on the face of Huggaluf lovie using the picture as a guide.

Finishing:
Sew together the last side of the Huggaluf Lovie.

Arms and Legs (Make 4)
Cast on 6sts and make an I-cord approximately 5" (13cm) long. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail. Thread the tail on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining sts on needle, gather up and close the hole. stitch to secure. Sew the beginning of the I-cord on the corner of the body, using the picture as a guide. Repeat for other arm, and repeat twice for the legs. Sew the legs approximately 1" (2,5cm) from the bottom corner on each side. Make a small knot on the I-cord.

Copyright: This pattern was design and written by Stana D.S.
The pattern is for personal use only. The finished items may not be sold for profit, except for charities. Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.

May 7, 2012

The Free Knitting Pattern Gift Away Winners...

Once again, we used this Dr. Seuss Cat's hat for the raffle.

My child wanted to draw the names....

The winners:
1. Anne Raftery
2. Wiggles Towers
3. Celtic Spacey
4. Cvetulka knits - Fireflies

Each winner can choose one knitting pattern from this selection:
1. Mini Pig
2. Mini Cat
3. Huggaluf
4. Huggaluf Baby
5. Sockeaters
6. Diamondback Rattlesnake

Congratulations!!!!!!!

Thank you for visiting.

Please send me an email to crowsd@yahoo.com with contact to where to email the PDF file with knitting pattern of your choice.

May 5, 2012

Knitting Pattern for Diamondback Rattlesnake

A while back I was challenged to make the Diamondback Rattlesnake. This snake was the result. I posted a photo of him on Ravelry and many people asked for the pattern.

To make this snake you have to be able to work intarsia and stranded colorwork. The stranded colorwork is done with all three colors. An easier alternative could be stranded colorwork in two colors and then add duplicate stitch for the third color. The snake is knitted flat, start at the tail’s end, work to its head, and continue with the bottom part. Rattle is added at the end.

You will need approximately 1 ball of each medium worsted yarn in brown, grey, off white for the top part of the snake and off white yarn with speckles for the bottom part. The pattern contains two charts, one for the upper body and second for the head, as well as written instruction.

The knitting pattern for the snake is available on Ravelry or could be purchased by clicking on this button.



Thank you for visiting.

May 1, 2012

Random Act of Kindness.... Part 2

Today is a good day to celebrate.

I have written and published twenty knitting patterns.

It's a nice and round number to celebrate by having another gift away.

Two of my knitting patterns for sale - will be given to two winners.

The winner will choose the pattern they wish to  receive.

These are the rules:
I will add the names of all followers to a hat (we will use Dr. Seuss Cat's Hat again)
For the next few days (deadline is May 6th 2012) anyone's name - who leaves a comment on my blog will be added to the hat.

On May 7th 2012 the two winners will be announced.


Enjoy and Thank you for visiting.