Wooly Sheepy
by Amanda Hunter This stuffed sheep was originally designed for my cousin's newborn daughter. A few years ago, l knit a sweater for the same cousin's first child, and sent along a hand-knit teddy bear with a matching sweater; I wanted to do something similar. I wanted to feel soft but incoroporate texture, and I wanted it to be cute but not-quite-perfect. I think I succeded.
Materials:
1 skein Drops Merino Extra Fine in 01 off white (50g (1.75oz), 105m (115yds)) 1 skein Drops Merino Extra Fine in 02 black (50gg, (1.75oz), 105m (115yds)) note: scrap yarn may be used instead
Recommended Needle Size:
1 set US #3/3.25mm double-pointed needles
Notions:
1 tapestry needle stitch holders stitch markers Polyester Fiberfill (or similar) Guage: 24 sts/24 rows = 4"x4" stockinette stitch
Stitch Patterns:
"Wooly Stitch": Row 1: \*mb, k3\*\* repeat Row 2: purl across Row 3: \*k1, mb, k2\*\* repeat Row 4: purl across Row 5: \*k2, mb, k1\*\* repeat Row 6: purl across Row 7: \*k3, mb\*\* repeat Row 8: purl across mb=make bobble: k1, do not slide off needle, k1 tbl of same stitch, do not slide off neede, k1, turn; k3, turn; k3, slip previous 2 stitches over last stitch, one at a time, in Order. Reverse Twisted Stockinette Stitch: Right side: Knit all stitches. Wrong side: Purl all stitches through back loop.
Backside/Underside:
CO 16 sts using provisonal cast on. Work Reverse Twisted Stockinette Stitch until measures 12 in from beginning to end, move stitches to holder.
Body:
CO 17 sts using provisional cast on, PU 16 sts from CO edge of backside, CO 17sts using provisional cast on. Work in wooly stitch until measures 5.5 inches, move to holder. Starting at cast on, join backside side to body side, using the crochet chain method. Begin with the first 17 live stitches from body, then the lengthwise edge of the body, then the first 17 live stitches from the stitch holder. Insert crochet hook through both edges, crochet one stitch, continue until body and side are joined at one edge.
Neck:
Working with the body, k2tog 8 times, pm, move next 17 stitches to holder. With the underside piece, k2tog 8 times, pm, join in round (16). For the neck, the upper hald is worked in the wooly stitch while the lower half is stockinette. Work 10 rows. le even numbered rounds are knit instead of nurled as we're knittina in the round now Short Row Shaping: Row 1: k2, mb, k3, mb, k1 turn Row 2: p8 turn Row 3: k3, mb, k3, turn Row 4: p6, turn Row 5: k3, mb, k1, turn Row 6: p4, turn Row 7: k3, turn Row 8: p2, turn Row 9: k2, mb, k2, sm, k8
Head:
Work 8 rounds seed stitch. Next 2 rounds: k2tog across (4sts rem). Break yarn, pull through remaining live stitches, as if closing a hat.
Eyes:
With black yarn and tapestry needle, wrap a stitch in black at least a dozen times. Repeat on other side.
Ears:
ine with eyes but 2-3 sts away. Work 3 rows garter st, BO kwise. Repeat on other side
Legs:
On one corner of sheep's belly, PU 8 sts, forming a tiny square (2sts on each side), join in round. Work 7 rnds st st. Round 8: k2tog (4 rem), then pull yarn through rem live sts, as if closing a hat.
Finishing:
Using crochet chain method, join the front and undersides to the body in the same way as before, but leaving the backside open. Using that opening, stuff the sheep with the polyester fiberfill. Close the backside. Weave in and then bury ends.
