Pippa the little Mouse

 Another little knitted creature from the book with the same name, with designs from Amy Gaines. 

Knitted Critters ... Mr. Squirrel

I’ve been knitting another little critter, and this one’s a squirrel! He’s almost finished, except… he doesn’t have a tail yet. Everything else is done, so he’s just sitting on my table looking a little awkward (seriously, it’s hilarious how much a squirrel needs a tail to look like a squirrel).

The problem is, I can’t decide what yarn to use! I want the tail to be REALLY great, and fluffy not just regular yarn. Nothing in my stash feels right, thinking should I try some mohair? Maybe something fuzzy or with a bit of shimmer would be better?

Bumblebee Duo

After making about 85 beanies for the charity animal fundraiser, with the ladies in our knitting circle, I’ve become interested in smaller toy projects. My latest work, a cute Bumblebee Duo, has been a fun change. Now, with my needles ready, I can’t wait to start on a little Squirrel,  bringing a new forest friend to life with each careful stitch.

Bumblebee

Lately, I’ve been completely captivated by making little knitted amigurumi creatures. Right now, I’m working my way through all the cute animal patterns in the “Little Knitted Creatures” book by Leisure Arts. I love these small projects because each one can be finished quickly, giving a wonderful sense of accomplishment. They’re incredibly fun to knit, and it's fun to see a cute little animal take shape as you knit along. Plus, these tiny creations make perfect gifts for children, they’re soft, charming, and sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Knitting these amigurumi creatures has truly become right now one of my favorites to knit.

Cute little "Ducky"

Knitted Turtle Pattern

Knitted Turtle Pattern

Materials Needed

• Worsted weight yarn (green for body, brown for shell, or colors of your choice)
• Pair of US 4 (3.5mm) or US 6 (4mm) knitting needles
• Small amount of stuffing
• Yarn needle for sewing
• Black embroidery thread or safety eyes

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Abbreviations

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit 2 together
• Inc: Increase (knit in front and back of stitch)

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Shell (Make 1)

With shell color yarn:

1. Cast on 8 stitches.
2. Row 1: Purl
3. Row 2: (K1, Inc) across (12 st)
4. Row 3: Purl
5. Row 4: (K2, Inc) across (16 st)
6. Row 5: Purl
7. Row 6: (K3, Inc) across (20 st)
8. Row 7: Purl
9. Continue in stockinette (K one row, P one row) for 4 more rows
10. Next row: (K3, K2tog) across (16 st)
11. Next row: Purl
12. Next row: (K2, K2tog) across (12 st)
13. Next row: Purl
14. Next row: (K1, K2tog) across (8 st)
15. Cut yarn, leaving a tail, and thread through remaining stitches. Pull tight and secure.

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Tummy (Make 1)

With body color yarn:

1. Cast on 8 stitches.
2. Repeat steps 2-9 of the shell.
3. Bind off.

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Head (Make 1)

With body color yarn:

1. Cast on 8 stitches.
2. Knit 8 rows in stockinette.
3. Next: (K2tog) 4 times (4 st)
4. Cut the yarn, thread it through the stitches, and pull it tight.

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Legs (Make 4)

With body color yarn:

1. Cast on 6 stitches.
2. Knit 8 rows in garter stitch (knit every row).
3. Bind off.

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Tail (Make 1)

With body color yarn:

1. Cast on 3 stitches.
2. Knit 4 rows.
3. Bind off.

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Assembly

1. Sew the shell and tummy together around the edges, leaving a gap for stuffing. Stuff lightly and close the gap.
2. Stuff the head lightly, and sew to one end of the shell.
3. Fold each leg in half, sew upside down, and attach to the underside of the shell at four corners.”
4. Attach the tail at the back.
5. Embroider eyes with black thread or use safety eyes.

One more for the fundraiser!

I am truly grateful for the incredible work the mobile animal clinic is providing to people like me, trying to help animals ins need.  What this organization does to help sick and homeless pets is amazingly kind. After receiving support for one of the stray cats I feed I wanted to give back and express my deep appreciation for their dedication to animals in need.

Knitting is one of my favorite hobbies, so I decided to knit beanies that people might enjoy. All proceeds from these beanies will be donated to the animal charity, which provides essential spay and neuter services for homeless and stray cats.

 

 

 

Fundraiser

Teamwork! Ginny Fegley crochet the flower, and I knitted the beanie.

Another one to add to our Fundraiser

Stockinet Cap for the Frundraiser

I changed the stocking cap because I wasn’t happy with the brim—the crochet border looked slightly off. Now, it’s been transformed into a double-layered beanie with a pompom. I’ll use the remaining pink baby merino yarn to make another stocking cap.