Friday, October 30, 2015

Mr. Cocky Pants and Lady Samson

A few weeks ago I measured my pal, Satish, for a new sweater I planned to make him for Christmas. He's one of the biggest University of Michigan fans I know, so of course he was elated when I said I could knit a blue pullover with a gold "M" on the upper left side. Surprised at how much he has grown in the last two years, I exclaimed, "Wow! I'd better get to work on this pronto."

Days later I had a conversation with Satish's mom during which Nidhi said, "He's so excited about his sweater...he even asked if you could finish it by the end of October."

"I wonder why?" I replied.

Then, while driving Satish and Danta home from school, we got to talking about prospective Halloween costumes.

"I'm going to be an Avenger!" Danta exclaimed...after which he had to explain to me what that meant. (Since I no longer teach preschool or first grade, it's hard to keep up with the latest superheroes.)

"How 'bout you, Satish?" I asked, glancing in the rear-view mirror.

He shrugged.

"Would you like to be a Michigan football coach?"

"I've considered it," Satish admitted.

I knew he'd never ask me to do a rush job on his gift, so I volunteered. "Well, your sweater's supposed to be for Christmas, but I could try and get it done in a couple of weeks. Would you like that?"

He brightened. "Yes!"

"Okay...how 'bout this..," I offered. "The back is almost done. I'll get to work on it this weekend and let you know by next Friday if I can finish it or not, so you'll have time to plan a back up costume."

"Deal."

"What else would you wear?" I asked. "A whistle and a ball cap?"

"Yeah," Satish nodded. "And cocky pants."

I giggled. "You mean like the ones I have on?"

"No...they're more brown."

I knew he meant khaki pants, but I didn't correct him.

"Why that color?"

"Coach Harbaugh wears them," Satish explained. "So now all of the coaches have started wearing them, too."

"Sounds like a plan." I smiled.

In the past few days, I've spent every spare moment working on Satish's sweater and am delighted to say I just finished sewing the blue and gold "M" on the front...a day ahead of deadline. And I know that it's big enough for him to wear for at least two football seasons...maybe more. Then he can pass it on to Danta.

Well, maybe not.

In typical fashion, Mr. Contrary requested that his sweater be green and white a la Michigan State.

In any event, I'll be giving my head and my hands a break for the weekend, so here's a repeat of last year's Halloween blog, "Lady Samson."

Hope you and yours have a safe and happy celebration!

Lady Samson

Originally published on October 31, 2014

Outside my window, in the midst of howling wind and a rainy/snowy mix, I can hear the shouts and laughter of children braving the weather to go trick-or-treating. For the past three years I was with my pals, Satish and Danta, and their family, but this year it was not meant to be, so earlier today I passed out treats to little ones I know in my neighborhood. Now I'm happily sequestered in my office until Halloween is officially over.

You see, it's not one of my favorite holidays.

Sure, when I was a kid, I loved dressing up, loved pretending to be someone who represented my unconscious alter-ego at the time. If memory serves I was once a gypsy, a hillbilly, and a hobo. The thirty-five millimeter film reveals my three-year-old self as a tiger, complete with a blackened nose, thanks to my mother's careful application of her mascara.

But my favorite part of Halloween was when my mother would cut the top off of our pumpkin. Then I would eagerly shove my hands into the gooey mess of seeds and pulp, pulling it out by stringy handfuls so I could horrify my sisters. There are pictures of me stripped to my tidy whities gloriously grinning with my arms elbow-deep in the muck. They still make me laugh with delight and a glorious awareness.

Then and now I've never minded being a terrific mess as long as I can clean up afterwards. And that counts for more than what you can see on the outside.

This past year has been a bittersweet one as ghosts from past life experiences have snuck up behind me, spooking me with their relentless repetition. Yes, I've had moments of indescribable peace, but they've been interspersed with days of debilitating grief. It's been a year of loss and a messy one at that. Not that I haven't experienced this kind of thing before. Live long enough and you'll start to notice patterns that repeat themselves.

Still, in all this time I can see a slow evolution...a strengthening of my spirit as I allow myself to drift in a muddle of confusion, to cry and ask why and finally let go of needing to know all the answers. I can feel my alter-ego becoming more conscious through each lesson and each opportunity to reframe it so that I can learn what I need to learn and move on.

In all this time, I've been growing my hair...and I don't think that's a coincidence.

Last spring I was teaching a yoga for kids class with a group of lively preschoolers. All of them had shoulder-length hair or longer; a couple even had tendrils drifting halfway down their backs. As we rolled up out of a ragdoll pose, Nina shook her head and gently pushed her hair off of her face.

"It feels really good to do this," she beamed, tilting her head so the blonde locks dusted her upper back.

"Yeah," piped up Emmie as she mimicked her friend. "It really does."

"Yeah," echoed Milly and Brianne as they tossed their heads from side to side.

Nina looked at me knowingly. "And you know, Katie, it feels really good when I'm naked."

"I'll bet," I said, winking. At the time, my hair barely dusted my neck, but I had to giggle at Nina's forthright discovery.

Since then I've discovered that the longer my hair grows, the more I allow my feminine side to flourish. I can now pull it back into a French braid or twist it into a clip. In the morning I love to wake up knowing I don't have bed head and can run a brush through my locks with more than one styling option. The silver stripe over my left temple looks bolder and I no longer feel the need to hide it.

Perhaps I'm like Samson...and as my hair grows, so does my inner strength. For certain I know that my ability to handle waves of sadness has become more stable and enduring. I'm able to recognize an emotion without repressing it or shoving it where it doesn't belong. I can keep my own counsel and still know when to reach out for help and a shoulder to lean on.

A few weeks ago I dreamed of teaching some kids at our local art museum. My little charges were painting landscapes at their easels, fat brushes bursting with color in their tiny hands. I smiled as I meandered my way through the rows of preschoolers when I happened to look up and see a man from my past. Raji stood at a distance with his own group of children. I was startled at first as he was completely bald. Where a thick mane of wavy dark hair used to adorn Raji's crown there was now a shiny pate.

As I tucked my own long, dark hair behind my ears, he smiled at me, but said nothing. I nodded and smiled back, then turned my attention once again to my children...as did he.

Waking up the next morning, I knew that Raji no longer had any power over me, but neither did he seemed to be weakened for having his hair taken away. I suppose it was simply my unconscious self wanting me to wake up to the fact that I'm finally done with that chapter of my life. That I no longer have to plow through my pain with vicious determination. I can soften and creatively go with the flow while I paint a colorful new way of being...and still keep growing.

I plan to let my hair unwind as it will over the next year or so. Perhaps by next Halloween I'll know what it feels like to have wavy tendrils dust my naked back, metaphoric or otherwise. And perhaps I'll shift from embodying a feminine version of Samson as my alter-ego might want to try out Lady Godiva instead.

I'm certain the ride will be a fascinating one.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Better than socks

It's a gorgeous sunny day in Toledo, Ohio that's amplified by the mountain of white outside my office window. We were hit with a major storm last Sunday that dumped over a foot of snow and left three foot drifts swirling around my house. It was incredibly beautiful though. While I watched it steadily fall outside the picture window in my living room, I curled up beneath a polar fleece blanket while soft music played in the background. As snowflakes swirled in air and kids in the neighborhood threw snowballs at each other, my hands were busy winding yarn into neat balls of wool that I will soon be making into a hooded scarf.

In my little world on a snowy day, there's nothing better than knitting. And let me tell you, it's a relief to be able to pick up my needles again in the midst of a long winter. As you might remember, I took a long hiatus last summer when my hands simply wouldn't cooperate. (Read "Why I quit knitting...for now" here.) What I thought would be a week or so away from my knitting projects ended up lasting over four months...the longest I've ever been apart from my wool and cotton blends.

Yes, I eventually found other ways to occupy my spare time - not that there's been all that much of it since September. I spent long hours reading, watching documentaries, researching, and preparing for yoga classes and workshops. But when the holidays rolled around, I realized how disheartened I was that there were no handmade gifts to give to my friends. Usually a plethora of hand-warmers or gaiters or toys have flown off my needles and into the hands of my loved ones...but not this year.

What a gift to take the time during the winter break and pick up my needles once again...this time to make some socks for my friend and editor extraordinaire, Joyce. While shopping at a craft store, a couple skeins of purple sock yarn serendipitously found their way into my hands. Later that night, while Christmas carols played in the background, I eagerly got to work. Mind you, I hadn't made a sock in over a year. Still, I found it was just like riding a bike. Since a yoga student had taught me how to make them ten years ago, I've created more than fifty pairs. That's a lot of practice, so of course the pattern easily pulled itself from my memory banks as I cast on sixty-four stitches. Several hours later, I was thrilled to turn the heel and carefully pick up stitches to make the gusset, all the while reveling in how easy it was to pick up where I had left off so long ago.

Five days later, the socks were finished, ready to meet their new owner. As I tried them on to see if they matched, I remembered something a friend asked all those years ago when I was struggling to learn how to make the gusset: "Why in the world would you spend all that money and take the time to make a pair of socks when you can just buy them at the store for a fraction of the price?" She obviously didn't know the warmth and comfort of a hand-made wool and alpaca blend. For from my very first pair, I was hooked.

And so are a bunch of folks I have gifted in the years since then.

I have a fond memory of hanging out in the lodge at Esalen, winding up some sock yarn while my friend, Craig, sat dutifully holding the skein of 100% wool across his hands so it wouldn't get tangled. He had carefully chosen the colors himself and I promised that upon my return to Toledo later than month, I'd dedicate myself to knitting him the best pair of socks he's ever owned...and as there was a little yarn leftover, I made a pair of baby booties he could pass on to a friend who had a little one at home.

During a phone call later that year, Craig told me, "I think of those socks as a work of art...and I wear them all the time." That's one of the best compliments I've ever received...and one I always remember when casting on a new pair.

My friend and accountant, Lynda, does my taxes every year and I've knitted her a pair of socks in a variety of colors to thank her. Satish and Danta were given some holiday socks years ago, although I imagine they've long outgrown their snowman and Santa's elf footwear. I've lost count of how many socks I've made for others and am always delighted when cold weather arrives because inevitably I receive a phone call or an email thanking me for the wonderful gift of warm and comfortable feet in the midst of a wicked Midwestern winter.

Just yesterday my veterinarian called to thank me for the pair I had made for him shortly after his stroke six years ago. "They still keep my feet warm and I had to thank you again for making them for me!" Later in the evening Joyce emailed to thank me for her purple socks and to let me know they're keeping her comfortable as the temperature plunged after a clipper system made its way through Toledo, dropping another three inches in the process. I smiled to myself as I looked at my own feet, donned in a pair of cheerful green-striped woolies, a pair I had made years ago. I still remember how excited I was that, even though the stripes were a bit complicated, I could get them to perfectly match.

"What does that matter?" a knitting student asked a few years ago. "Your feet are never together to know the difference."

"I'm a yoga teacher," I smiled. "When I stand in mountain pose, my feet are right next to each other. I like the structure of matching socks...it makes me feel more balanced."

We both laughed out loud and I commented, "As you can see, I'm easily amused."

And truly...I am.

It doesn't take much to make me feel at peace these days. I delight in a nourishing bowl of homemade soup. A warm bath. A contented cat sitting on my lap. A sunny afternoon that lights up my whole house. A long day of silence which feeds my spirit and opens up a place inside that knows how to be content with the simple things in life.

Of all the things I can knit, footwear is my absolute favorite. But what's better than the socks themselves is the joy in making something that is a gift beyond warmth and comfort. With every stitch, I weave in whatever is happening in the present moment. The music in the background. The soft snowflakes falling down and settling on the earth. The warm mug of peppermint cocoa. The delicious scent of a lavender candle. The silly cat playing with the ball of yarn as it unwinds. So even though they may not know it, when my friends slip into their new socks, they're gifted with the sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and textures of the environment in which they were created. But maybe they are aware of all of those things..and that's why years later, my friends call or write to thank me for the gift that came from my heart and keeps on giving.

Perhaps that's what "made with love" is all about.

For all the experienced knitters out there, here's a simple sock pattern I created...

Socks on Two Circular Needles

Materials: 2 size 2 or 3 circular needles (I prefer the 24 inch length)

2 skeins of Kroy Patons sock yarn, 50 grams each

2 markers, scissors, safety pin, and tapestry needle

To Begin

Cast on 60 stitches on size 2 or 3 needles.
Divide the stitches evenly between the two circular needles.
Knit in K2 P2 for about one inch (or desired length), then in stockinette stitch until total desired length to begin heel (6 to 7 inches).

Heel Flap

*Working back and forth on one needle with only 30 stitches.

Row 1: slip 1 stitch as if to purl, then K1, slip1, to the end of the row

ending with k1

Row 2: slip 1 as if to purl, purl across row to last stitch, knit last

stitch

*Repeat these two rows for a total of 30 rows. Keep track by using a

row counter or by tallying

Heel (When slipping stitches, follow knit or purl in row)

Row 1: K17, K2 tog, K1, then turn

Row 2: slip 1, P5, ssp (slip 2 sts. then purl together), P1, then turn

Row 3: slip 1, K6, K2 tog., K1, then turn

Row 4: slip 1, p7, ssp, p1, then turn

Row 5: slip 1, K8, K2 tog., K1, then turn

Row 6: slip 1, p9, ssp, p1, then turn

Row 7: slip 1, K10, K2 tog., K1, then turn

Row 8: slip 1, p11, ssp, p1, then turn

Row 9: slip 1, K12, K2 tog., K1, then turn

Row 10: slip 1, p13, ssp, p1, then turn

Row 11: slip 1, K14, K2 tog., K1, then turn

Row 12: slip 1, p15, ssp, p1, then turn

Row 13: knit 18 stitches

Starting the Gusset

Continuing on with the same needle, with a crochet hook, pick up and knit 15 stitches in the loops along the heel edge.
In the corner between the heel and next needle (instep), pick up one stitch.
Place a marker here.
Then continue on with the busy needle (the one with the yarn) and knit across half of the instep stitches (15 stitches). Now drop this needle and slide the stitches to the middle.
Go to the other end of this needle and slip 9 stitches to the end of the non-working needle (the back end). There should now be 40 stitches on this needle.
Begin with the other needle. Knit across the remaining instep stitches (15 stitches).
Place a marker here.
With a crochet hook, pick up and knit one stitch in the instep, then pick up 15 more stitches from heel edge and knit them.
Knit the 9 heel stitches. You should now have 40 stitches on this needle as well.

Gusset

*Knit the initial round like this: K9, K14 through the back loops, K2 together (marker is here), K 15; go to next needle and K15 (marker is here), ssk, K14 through the back loops, K9. This is one round. Place a safety pin in the heel to mark the beginning of the rounds.

Round One: K21, K2 together, K1 (marker is here), K15; on the next needle, K15 (marker is here) K1, ssk (slip 2 stitches then knit together), K21

Round Two and all even rows: Knit the round

Round Three: K20, K2 together, K1 (marker is here), K15: on the next needle, K15 (marker is here) K1, ssk, K20

Continue decreasing on odd numbered rounds, knitting one fewer stitch before the K2 together and after the ssk

Foot

When you have 30 stitches on each needle, knit all the rounds until you are two inches less than the length of your foot. I usually knit until the sock length is to the middle of the big toe.

Toe

Round one on each needle: K12, K2 together, K2, ssk, K12

Round two and all even rows: Knit the round

Round three on each needle: K11, K2 together, K2, ssk, K11

Round five and all odd number rows: Knit one stitch fewer than before and after the decreases. When you have 10 stitches on each needle, knit one more round.

Then, knit 5 stitches and shift remaining 5 stitches to the other end of the needle. Now you are knitting flat as you were at the beginning of making the sock.

Note: When you shift, there will be 10 stitches on each needle. To prevent “donkey ears,” slip the end stitch closest the end of the needle over the stitch next to it. Do this 4 times, on the end of each needle.

Kitchener Stitch

This stitch is used to weave the two seams together so there is a continuous row of stitches.

The two needles are held side by side in the left hand and the working yarn is broken, leaving a tail three times the length of the seam. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle, held in the right hand.

Draw the threaded needle through the first stitch on the front needle as if to purl but leave the stitch on the needle. Then draw the threaded needle through the first stitch in the back needle as if to knit, but leave this stitch on the needle also. Do not pull the yarn too tight.

Work the seam as follows:

Bring the working yarn through the first stitch on the front needle as if to knit, then slide the stitch off the needle

Bring the yarn through the second stitch on the front of needle, but leave this stitch on the needle

Bring the yarn through the first stitch on the back needle as if to purl and slide it off the needle

Bring the yarn through the second stitch on the back needle as if to knit, but leave this stitch on the needle

**Repeat these four steps until all the stitches are woven, and then weave the tail into the toe to finish.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Wee Little Lambs for Peace Pattern....FREE!

Here are the newest additions to the Little Lambs for Peace project. Finnegan and Fiona, our first Wee Little Lambs! The pattern is very similar, but they are much faster to make. And with their cute embellishments, these little ones will help you use up your stash!

I'm collecting Little Lambs for Peace to donate to the Children's Hospital this holiday season. If you're an experienced knitter, we'd love to have you make one for our charity. Simply email me at the address below so I can keep track of how big our flock is growing.

When your little lamb is complete, you can drop it off at Sanger Branch Library on Central Avenue. If you live in the Perrysburg area, let me know. I teach near Levis Commons on Tuesdays, so we can schedule a time to meet. I need to have all the lambs collected by Monday, December 23, 2013.

Please feel free to share this blog with your knitting friends. You could even "tag team" a lamb and knit one together! Thank you for your support! I look forward to seeing your creations soon! Visit our Facebook page for color combination ideas!

Happy knitting!

Peace,
Katie Ingersoll

ingersoll.katie@gmail.com

Wee Little Lambs for Peace

from the knitting library of

Katie Ingersoll

ingersoll.katie@gmail.com

Finnegan & Fiona measure approx. 8 in.

Supplies:

Any light worsted weight yarn (I use Caron Simply Soft and use up my stash for the scarves/accents):

*200 yds of MC (main color)

*50-75 yds of CC (contrasting color)

*a small amount of soft pink for inner ears

*a small amount of black or pink for accents

*a small amount of any color yarn for collar, or ribbon for a bow tie

Size 4 US double pointed needles (dpn)

Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill stuffing, stitch marker, scissors and plastic safety pins

Abbreviations: (please use YouTube for assistance with these knitting techniques)

k: knit

p: purl

m1: make 1

k2tog: knit 2 together

p2tog: purl 2 together

k2tog tbl: knit 2 together through back loop

St st: stockinette stitch (K one row, P one row)

kfb: increase, knitting front and back of stitch

TLst: twisted loop stitch (k the stitch, leave it on the left needle; pull the loops from the right needle out 2-2.5 inches with your fingers. Place your finger in the loop and twist the loop until it fold over on itself. Place the loop on the left needle and k the 2 stitches together.

NOTE: To watch your little lamb come to life, it will be sewn together as you create it. Directions are in bold italics.

Body:

Using MC and dpns, cast on 9 stitches, K one row, then divide evenly on three needles (3 stitches per needle)
Round 1: kfb in each stitch Round 2: K
Round 3: kfb in each stitch Rounds 4-5: k
Round 6: (k2, kfb) repeat to end of the round
Round 7: k
Round 8: (k3, kfb) repeat to end of the round
Rounds 9-10: k
Round 11: (k4, kfb) repeat to end of the round
Place a stitch marker on round 11 and K all round until body for 20 rows

Decrease rounds:

Round 1: (k4, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Round 2: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Rounds 3-12: k
Round 13: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Thread the tail from the cast on edge and sew hole at the bottom. Weave in end, then stuff with fiberfill.
Round 14: k
Round 15: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Round 16: k
Round 17: (k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Finish stuffing firmly, gently stretch the neckline to shape.
Round 18: (k1, k2tog, k1) repeat to end of the round
Cut the yarn, leaving a ten inch tail to sew the head on later. Pull through the remaining 9 stitches and gather to close hole. Stitch to secure.

Head:

Using MC and dpns, cast on 9 stitches, K one row, then divide evenly on three needles
Round 1: kfb in each stitch
Round 2 - 3: K
Round 4: kfb in each stitch
Rounds 5-7: k
Round 8 (k2, kfb) repeat to end of the round
Thread the tail from the cast on edge and sew hole at the bottom. Stitch to secure, then mark the beginning of the round
Rounds 9-19: k

Decrease rounds:

Round 1: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Round 2: k
Round 3: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Rounds 4-5: Change to CC, then k
Round 6: (k1, k2tog tbl, k2, k2tog, k1) repeat to end of the round (10 stitches per needle)
Rounds 7-10: k
Stuff the head firmly.
Round 11: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (4 stitches per needle)
Finish stuffing firmly.
Round 12: (k1, k2tog, k1) on each needle.
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail to pull through the remaining stitches and gather to close hole. Stitch to secure. Weave ends inside head.
Using a color of your choice, take a couple of stitches for each eye and nose accent, using photo as a guide. I gently shape the head to make the muzzle more pronounced.

Legs: (make 4 pieces)

Using MC and dpns, cast on 18 stitches, leaving a ten inch tail.
K one row, then divide evenly on three needles (6 stitches per needle)
Knit every round until piece measures 3.75" from the cast on edge
Change to CC to begin the hoof:
Round 1: (k1, m1, k4, m1, k1) on each needle
Round 2-5: k
Round 6: p
Rounds 7: k
Round 8: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Round 9: k
Round 10: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round
Round 11: (k1, k2tog, k1) repeat to end of the round
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail to pull through the remaining 9 stitches and gather to close hole. Stitch to secure. Weave ends inside hoof.
Stuff firmly with fiberfill, then whipstitch the top of the leg closed. Using the photo as a guide, whipstitch the legs to the body.

Outer Ears: (make 2 pieces)

Beginning at lower edge with MC or CC, leaving a ten inch tail, cast on 6 stitches
Beginning with a p row, St st for 3 rows
Increase row 1: k1, m1, k 2, m1, k1
Increase row 2: p
Next row: repeat increase row
Beginning with a p row, continue in St st for 9 rows
Decrease row 1: k1, k2tbl, k to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
Row 2: p
Row 3: k1, k2tbl, k2, k2tog, k1
Row 4: p1, p2tog twice, p1
Row 5: k2tbl, k2tog
Row 6: p2tog
Cut the yarn and pull through remaining stitch, then weave into the wrong side of the work at the tip of the ear.

Inner Ears: (make 2 pieces)

Beginning at lower edge with pink yarn, leaving a ten inch tail, cast on 4 stitches
Beginning with a k row, St st for 2 rows
Increase row 1: k1, m1, k to the last stitch, m1, k1
Increase row 2: p
Next row: repeat increase row
Beginning with a p row, continue in St st for 9 rows
Decrease row 1: k1, k2tbl, k to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1
Row 2: p
Row 3: k1, k2tbl, k2tog, k1
Row 4: p2tog twice
Row 5: k2tog
Cut the yarn and pull through remaining stitch, then weave into the wrong side of the work at the tip of the ear.

Place inner ear into outer ear, purl sides facing and tips touching. Pin in place, then using the tail from the inner ear, sew the lower edge in place (there will be two rows of the outer ear still showing), then sew along outside edge of inner ear, tucking the stitches inside the curled edge of the outer ear. Weave in pink yarn.

Fold the ear in half at the lower end, sew into place and take a few stitches up the inside of the ear until you reach the inner ear. Whipstitch onto the head, slightly down-turned (see picture for guidance). Weave in end of yarn inside the head.

Curly Top:

Using 2 dpns like straight needles, using MC or CC, cast on 6 titches
Row 1: TLst in every stitch
Row 2: K
Repeat rows 1 and 2 three or more times, depending on your preference, ending with row 1
Bind off in K
Attach the curly top on the head between the ears, attaching the back seam, then taking a few stitches underneath to tack it down securely.

Curly Tail:

Using 2 dpns like straight needles, using MC or CC, cast on 4 stitches
Row 1: TLst in every stitch
Row 2: K
Repeat rows 1 and 2 two or more times, ending with row 1
Bind off in K
Taking a few stitches underneath to tack it down securely to the seat of the lamb.

Optional Scarf:

Using 2 dpns like straight needles, use any color yarn and cast on 5 stitches
K in garter stitch for 15 inches
Bind off in k
Attach fringe, if desired
Place the scarf around the lamb's neck and loop into place.
You can also use a small piece of ribbon and make a little bow tie.
I also added a bow tie made with extra yarn to the girl's ear.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Little Lambs for Little Ones this Christmas Season....plus the FREE pattern

Calling all knitters in the Toledo area! I'm collecting Little Lambs for Peace to donate to the Children's Hospital this holiday season. If you're an experienced knitter, we'd love to have you make one for our charity.

Simply email me at the address below so I can keep track of how big our flock is growing. When your little lamb is complete, you can drop it off at Sanger Branch Library on Central Avenue. If you live in the Perrysburg area, let me know. I teach near Levis Commons on Tuesdays, so we can schedule a time to meet. I need to have all the lambs collected by Monday, December 23, 2013.

Please feel free to share this blog with your knitting friends. You could even "tag team" a lamb and knit one together! Thanks for your support! I look forward to seeing your creations soon!

Happy knitting!

Peace,
Katie Ingersoll

ingersoll.katie@gmail.com

Little Lambs for Peace FREE Pattern

from the knitting library of Katie Ingersoll

ingersoll.katie@gmail.com

Supplies:

Any light worsted weight yarn (I use Caron Simply Soft):

*220 yds of MC (main color)

*100 yds of CC (contrasting color)

*a small amount of soft pink for inner ears

*a small amount of black or pink for accents

*a small amount of any color yarn for collar, or ribbon for a bow tie

Size 4 US double pointed needles (dpn)

Size 4 US 16" circular needle, optional

Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill stuffing, stitch marker, scissors and plastic safety pins

Abbreviations: (please use YouTube for assistance with these knitting techniques)

k: knit

p: purl

m1: make 1

k2tog: knit 2 together

p2tog: purl 2 together

k2tog tbl: knit 2 together through back loop

St st: stockinette stitch (K one row, P one row)

kfb: increase, knitting front and back of stitch

NOTE: To watch your little lamb come to life, it will be sewn together as you create it. Directions are in bold italics.

Body:

Using MC and dpns, cast on 9 stitches, K one row, then divide evenly on three needles (3 stitches per needle)
Round 1: kfb in each stitch (6 stitches per needle)
Round 2: K
Round 3: kfb in each stitch (12 stitches per needle)
Rounds 4-6: k
Round 7: (k2, kfb) repeat to end of the round (16 stitches per needle)
Round 8: k
Round 9: (k3, kfb) repeat to end of the round (20 stitches per needle)
Rounds 10 - 12: k
Round 13: (k4, kfb) repeat to end of the round (24 stitches per needle)
Round 14 - 16: k
Round 17: (k5, kfb) repeat to end of the round (28 stitches per needle)
Round 18 - 20: k
Round 21: (k6, kfb) repeat to end of the round (32 stitches per needle)
Place a stitch marker on Round 21; continue on dpns or switch to circular needle and k all round until body measures 3 inches from the stitch marker

Decrease rounds:

Round 1: (k6, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (28 stitches per needle)
Round 2: (k5, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (24 stitches per needle)
Rounds 3 - 11: k, changing back to dpns on round 11
Round 12: (k4, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (20 stitches per needle)
Round 13: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (16 stitches per needle)
Rounds 14 - 25: k
Round 26: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (12 stitches per needle)
Thread the tail from the cast on edge and sew hole at the bottom. Weave in end, then stuff with fiberfill.
Round 27: k
Round 28: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (8 stitches per needle)
Round 29: k
Round 30: (k2tog) repeat to end of the round (4 stitches per needle)
Finish stuffing firmly, gently stretch the neckline to shape.
Round 31: (k1, k2tog, k1) repeat to end of the round (3 stitches per needle)
Cut the yarn, leaving a ten inch tail to sew the head on later. Pull through the remaining 9 stitches and gather to close hole. Stitch to secure.

Head:

Using MC and dpns, cast on 9 stitches, K one row, then divide evenly on three needles (3 stitches per needle)
Round 1: kfb in each stitch (6 stitches per needle)
Round 2 - 3: K
Round 4: kfb in each stitch (12 stitches per needle)
Rounds 5-7: k
Round 8 (k2, kfb) repeat to end of the round (16 stitches per needle)
Round 9: k
Round 10: (k3, kfb) repeat to end of the round (20 stitches per needle)
Thread the tail from the cast on edge and sew hole at the bottom. Stitch to secure
Rounds 11 - 24: k

Decrease rounds:

Round 1: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (16 stitches per needle)
Round 2: k
Round 3: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (12 stitches per needle)
Rounds 4 - 5: Change to CC, then k
Round 6: (k1, k2tog tbl, k6, k2tog, k1) repeat to end of the round (10 stitches per needle)
Rounds 7 - 12: k
Round 13: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (8 stitches per needle)
Stuff firmly, gently stretching to shape muzzle.
Rounds 14: k
Round 15: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (6 stitches per needle)
Round 16: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (4 stitches per needle)
Finish stuffing firmly.
Round 17: (k1, k2tog, k1) repeat to end of the round (3 stitches per needle)
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail to pull through the remaining 9 stitches and gather to close hole. Stitch to secure. Weave ends inside head.
Using a color of your choice, take a couple of stitches for each eye and nose accent, using photo as a guide. I gently shape the head to make the muzzle more pronounced.
Whipstitch the head to the body using tail from the top of the neck. I usually go around at least twice to make sure the head is secure.

Legs: (make 4 pieces)

Using MC and dpns, cast on 24 stitches, leaving a ten inch tail.
K one row, then divide evenly on three needles (8 stitches per needle)
Knit every round until piece measures 5" from the cast on edge
Change to CC to begin the hoof:
Round 1: (k1, m1, k6, m1, k1) on each needle (10 stitches per needle)
Round 2 - 7: k
Round 8: p
Rounds 9: k
Round 10: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (8 stitches per needle)
Round 11: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (6 stitches per needle)
Round 12: k
Round 13: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (4 stitches per needle)
Round 14: (k1, k2tog, k1) repeat to end of the round (3 stitches per needle)
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail to pull through the remaining 9 stitches and gather to close hole. Stitch to secure. Weave ends inside hoof.
Stuff firmly with fiberfill, then whipstitch the top of the leg closed. Using the photo as a guide, whipstitch the legs to the body.

Outer Ears: (make 2 pieces)

Beginning at lower edge with MC or CC, leaving a ten inch tail, cast on 10 stitches
Beginning with a k row, St st for 4 rows
Increase row 1: k1, m1, k to the last stitch, m1, k1 (12 stitches)
Increase row 2: p
Next row: repeat increase row (14 stitches)
Beginning with a p row, continue in St st for 13 rows
Decrease row 1: l1, k2tbl, k to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1 (12 stitches)
Row 2: p
Row 3: repeat row 1 (10 stitches)
Row 4: p1, p2tog, p to the last 3 stitches, p2tog, p1 (8 stitches)
Row 5: k1, k2tbl, k2, k2tog, k1 (six stitches)
Row 6: p1, p2tog twice, p1 (4 stitches)
Row 7: k2tbl, k2tog (2 stitches)
Row 8: p2tog (1 stitch)
Cut the yarn and pull through remaining stitch, then weave into the wrong side of the work at the tip of the ear.

Inner Ears: (make 2 pieces)

Beginning at lower edge with pink yarn, leaving a ten inch tail, cast on 8 stitches
Beginning with a k row, St st for 2 rows
Increase row 1: k1, m1, k to the last stitch, m1, k1 (10 stitches)
Increase row 2: p
Next row: repeat increase row (12 stitches)
Beginning with a p row, continue in St st for 13 rows
Decrease row 1: k1, k2tbl, k to last 3 stitches, k2tog, k1 (10 stitches)
Row 2: p
Row 3: repeat row 1 (8 stitches)
Row 4: p1, p2tog, p 2, p2tog, p1 (6 stitches)
Row 5: k1, k2tbl, k2tog, k1 (4 stitches)
Row 6: p2tog twice (2 stitches)
Row 7: k2tog (1 stitch)
Cut the yarn and pull through remaining stitch, then weave into the wrong side of the work at the tip of the ear.

Curly Top:

Using 2 dpns like straight needles, using MC or CC, cast on 10 stitches
Row 1: TLst in every stitch
Row 2: K
Repeat rows 1 and 2 four or five times, depending on your preference, ending with row 1
Bind off in K
Attach the curly top on the head between the ears, attaching the back seam, then taking a few stitches underneath to tack it down securely.

Curly Tail:

Using 2 dpns like straight needles, using MC or CC, cast on 6 stitches
Row 1: TLst in every stitch
Row 2: K
Repeat rows 1 and 2 three times, ending with row 1
Bind off in K
Fold tail in half then sew it to the back of the lamb between the hind legs, taking a few stitches underneath to tack it down securely.

Optional Collar:

Using 2 dpns like straight needles, use any color yarn and cast on 5 stitches
Make an I-Cord approx. 9" long
Cast off in K, thread the yarn through the remaining stitch and pull tightly. Weave in end.
Fold cast on end of collar approx. 1 - 1.5 inches and tack into place on the collar to make a loop.
Place the collar around the lamb and loop into place.
You can also use a small piece of ribbon and make a little bow tie.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Alice Crosetto's amazing flock

Hot off her needles, Alice Crosetto brought over these amazing Little Lambs for Peace to show our knitting group today. We think they're grand! Only one more to go until there will be a lamb to donate in honor of every victim at Sandy Hook . Next we will make lambs for those who died at the Boston Marathon and in the tornadoes in Oklahoma. Please join us at one of our FREE events this summer to learn how to make these darling little ones. We'd love to see you there!

For more information, see our Facebook page or write littlelambsforpeace@yahoo.com.