Little Lambs for Peace: 2013

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.

Luna, created in memory of Ana Marquez-Greene, age 6

Aura, created in memory of Anne Marie Murphy, age 52, teacher

Cinnabun, created in memory of Jessica Rekos, age 6

Coco, created in memory of Jessica Rekos, age 6

Latta, created in memory of Caroline Previdi, age 6

Pluvia, created in memory of Josephine Gay, age 7

Sol, created in memory of Catherine Hubbard, age 6

Stella, created in memory of Madeline Hsu, age 6

Saturday, April 27, 2013

A Gallery of Little Lambs for Peace

Many of you may not have an account on Facebook where I post our completed Little Lambs for Peace. Here is a listing of the animals I've created so far. May they inspire you to work with your own color combinations. Please share your photos at littlelambsforpeace@yahoo.com or on our Facebook page. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Cupcake, created in memory of Lauren Rousseau, teacher, age 30

Little Bit, created in memory of Victoria Soto, teacher, age 27

Gabriel, created in memory of Martin Richard, age 8

Rosie, created in memory of Charlotte Bacon, age 6

Keilani, created in memory of Dawn Hochsprung, principal, age 47

Pink Lady, created in memory of Olivia Engel, age 6

Mr. Spiffy, created in memory of Dylan Hockley, age 6

Violet, created in memory of Grace McDonnell, age 7

Charlotte, created in memory of Rachel D'Avino, teacher, age 29

Coal, created in memory of Daniel Barden, age 7

J.J., created in memory of James Mattioli, age 6

Leo, created in memory of Benjamin Wheeler, age 6

Saturday, April 13, 2013

The Circle Game

They say when the student is ready, the teacher appears. My inner writer must have been poised on the starting blocks, because in the fall of 1978, I met Miss Kurtz, my seventh grade Language Arts teacher. I have vivid memories of sitting in the front row of her class, mesmerized by the way she made writing seem magical, her enthusiasm for all things literarily symbolic, and her rich appreciation for the talents of her students.

It was in Miss Kurtz' class that I knew I wanted to be a writer and began keeping a journal. In a spiral notebook, I chronicled my bumpy road through junior high, my secret crushes, short poems, and longer stories. Week by week, month by month, Miss Kurtz encouraged me to keep writing, keep editing, and become a better author. Due to her kindness and generosity, I often visited her classroom before school to ask for help with assignments that needed another pair of eyes, hers in particular. And I always left feeling supported and encouraged.

At the end of the year, Miss Kurtz asked us to complete a "Project Imagination." Utilizing our skills and interests, each student was asked to create something to share with the class that would allow our talents to shine. I gave this project a lot of thought and finally decided to make a piece of crewelwork. Having spent years completing kits that I had bought at the local craft store, I was fairly proficient in stitching techniques; however, this project needed to be an original. I scoured my sister's coloring books and found a picture of a wise, old owl sitting on a tree branch. Using tracing paper, I transferred the picture to a piece of canvas, and using split stitch, meticulously filled in the empty spaces. I remember standing in front of the class sharing my hand-stitched owl, but have no memory of what I said, only what I felt when I sat down afterward. My face was beet red, flushed with discomfort for being the center of attention, but inside I was beaming with the joy of knowing I had taken the time to do my best.

Fast forward sixteen years. Having been a first grade teacher at Greenwood Elementary for nearly a decade, I was delighted to meet Dustin in the fall of 1995. Cheerful, kind, and absolutely adorable, this little boy touched my heart and lifted my spirits simply by walking into our classroom. I was continually amazed at how bright and linguistic Dustin was, and always a fast learner, I often encouraged him to be our daily "news reader" during calendar time. More often than not, he made the class howl with laughter as he read the news with the perfect pitch of a professional journalist.

I left teaching in 1999, and in the past fourteen years have written five novels and am currently working on a memoir. As fate would have it, last summer I was shopping at Target, in search of a new writing desk, when I saw someone I knew in the distance. Walking closer, I realized it was Miss Kurtz, now Mrs. Joyce Yarnell, and was delighted that she recognized and remembered me. We caught up on our lives and spent some time talking about the writing process and the book my agent had been pitching to editors. It seemed only fitting to tell Joyce that her love of words had sparked my desire to become a writer. Enthusiastic about my memoir, she asked if she could help me edit. Of course, I eagerly took her up on the offer.

Since then I've also reconnected with Dustin, who much to my delight, is now earning his degree in Early Childhood Education. While helping him with his research papers, I found it amazing that he wrote so fluently and with great competence. When I asked him which high school teachers taught him, he replied, "Actually, it was my seventh grade Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Yarnell, who taught me to write. I loved her class...and she was so amazing!" No wonder his papers were so well executed. We laughed when I told him she had been my teacher as well.

This past week I have spent time with both Joyce and Dustin and marvel at the way life creates such beautiful circles in our lives. Joyce taught me, then I taught Dustin; then she taught Dustin and now is working with me once again as I am with him. On and on, the circle continues.

And so it is with teachers. We cannot help but share what we love, and share it abundantly. I've traded in my needlework for knitting and encourage you to join me at the Little Lambs for Peace workshops this spring and summer. I'll be at Owens Community College (Arrowhead Campus) in Maumee on June 24th from 6 - 8 PM. Please register at their website www.owens.edu. On July 23rd, I'll be at the Sanger Branch Library in Toledo from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Please call (419) 259-5370 for more information. Both workshops are free and open to the public. I look forward to inviting you into our knitting circle where we all teach and learn together.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Little Lions for Peace Pattern

Little Lions for Peace Pattern

Supplies:

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

*220 yds of MC (main color)

*100 yds of CC (contrasting color)

*100 yds of color for mane and accents

*a ribbon for a bow tie

Size 4 US double pointed needles (dpn)

Size 4

16" circular needle, optional

Size E or G crochet hook

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

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 lion 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 18 rounds.

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 - 9: k, changing back to dpns on round 11
Round 10: (k4, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (20 stitches per needle)
Round 11: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (16 stitches per needle)
Rounds 12-20: k
Round 21: (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 22: k
Round 23: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (8 stitches per needle)
Round 24: k
Round 25: (k2tog) repeat to end of the round (4 stitches per needle)
Finish stuffing firmly, gently stretch the neckline to shape.
Round 26: (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 (18 stitches)
Round 2: k
Round 3: (k1, kfb) repeat to end of round (27 stitches)
Rounds 4: k
Round 5: (k2, kfb) repeat to end of the round (36 stitches)
Round 6: k
Round 7: (k3, kfb) repeat to end of the round ((45 stitches)
Round 8: k
Round 9: (k4, kfb) repeat to end of the round (54 stitches)
Round 10: (k5, kfb) repeat to end of the round (63 stitches)
Thread the tail from the cast on edge and sew hole at the bottom. Stitch to secure
Rounds 11 - 29: k

Decrease rounds:

Round 1: (k5, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (54 stitches)
Round 2: k
Round 3: (k4, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (45 stitches)
Round 4: k
Round 5: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (36 stitches)
Round 6: k
Round 7: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (36 stitches)
Round 8: k
Stuff firmly with fiberfill.
Round 9: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end of the round (18 stitches)
Rounds 10: k
Round 11: (k2tog) repeat to end of the round (9 stitches per needle)
Finish stuffing firmly.
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.
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.

Muzzle: first piece

Beginning at lower edge with MC, leaving a ten inch tail, cast on 12 stitches
Beginning with a p row, work in St st for 3 rows
Decrease row 1: k1, k2tog k to last 3 stitches, k2tog tbl, k1
Next row: p
Repeat decrease rows 1 and 2 two more times (end with 6 stitches)
Decrease row: k1, k2tog, k2tog tbl, k1 (4 stitches)
Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight, weave in to secure

second piece

Beginning at lower edge with CC, leaving a ten inch tail, cast on 24 stitches
Beginning with a p row, work in St st for 3 rows
Decrease row 1: (k1, k2tog k6, k2tog tbl, k1) repeat twice, ending with 20 stitches
Next row: p
Decrease row 2: (k1, k2tog k4, k2tog tbl, k1) repeat twice, ending with 16 stitches
Next row: p
Decrease row 3: (k1, k2tog k2, k2tog tbl, k1) repeat twice, ending with 12 stitches
Next row: p
Decrease row 4: (k1, k2tog, k2tog tbl, k1) repeat twice, ending with 8 stitches
Thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull tight, weave in to secure
Place right sides of muzzle together, matching stitches pulled tightly on both pieces. Sew row ends, then turn right side out and stuff lightly. Sew muzzle to center front of the head, stuffing more, if needed.
Using dark colored yarn (I used the same yarn as the mane), stitch a nose and smile onto the muzzle and stitch the eyes on the head. Use photograph as guide.

Ears: (make 2 pieces)

Beginning at lower edge with MC or CC, leaving a ten inch tail, cast on 8 stitches
Purl one row
Increase row 1: k1, (m1, k1) to the end
Beginning with a p row, continue in St st for 5 rows
Decrease row: (k1, k2tog) to end (10 stitches)
Cut the yarn and pull through remaining stitches, then sew row-ends of ears; with seam at center back, attach to the head..

Legs: (make 4 pieces) Please note the hind legs in the photo are smaller; yours will match the forelegs.

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 25 rounds
Change to CC to and k 8 rounds
Decrease Row 1: (k1, k2tog) to the end of the round.
K 3 rounds
Decrease Row 2: (k2tog) repeat to end of the round (8 remain)
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail to pull through the remaining 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.

Tail:

Using 2 dpns like straight needles, using MC or CC, cast on 6 stitches, leaving a ten inch tail.
Make a 3-4 inch I-cord
Bind off in k
Using MC or CC, make a small tassel and sew it onto the end of the tail, then attach to center back of body, using the picture as a guide.

Mane:

Using color choice, cut 30-40 six inch pieces. You may want more for a fuller mane.
Using a crochet hook, attach each piece to the head as if completing a latch-hook design, or attaching fringe to a scarf. I made several rows on the front of the lion and two on the back.
Trim to desired length and style.

NOTE: To see larger pictures of Leo, please find us on Facebook.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Living La Vida Picante

They say that variety is the spice of life and as a knitter, don't I know it. I recently cleaned out my craft closet and found no less than ten projects in various stages of completion. Most of them are knitted sweaters, hand-warmers, and scarves, but I also found a cross stitch project and patterns for Christmas stockings I plan to make for next year. It's not that I have attention deficit disorder, it's just that I like to have a variety of options from which to choose.

One of my yoga students is a nutritionist and told me that the healthiest people on the planet eat the widest diversity of foods on any given day. She explained that the multiplicity of different plants, proteins and carbohydrates allows the body to work at optimum health and efficiency. Translating that understanding to my own life, I've found I'm most productive when involved in a sundry of creative projects. Right now I'm working on an original pattern for a toy lion, planning my vegetable garden for spring, teaching a host of yoga classes and workshops as well as working on my memoir. Every day is different and each activity an opportunity to spice up my life with something inspired.

Last weekend I was teaching a Self-Esteem workshop at a local community college and explained that, at forty-six, I'm at a time in my life when I feel my purpose is to spark people's interests, no matter what it might be: yoga, knitting, gardening, writing, astrology, home decor, or even just enjoying a meaningful conversation over a cup of warm chai.

One of the participants asked me, "But what sparks you?"

The answer was simple. "Anything," I told her. "Nature, the texture and color of beautiful yarn, a delicious meal I learned how to cook, spending time with children I love. I can be sparked by anything....I've created a life that continually creates life."

One of the nicest complements I've ever received was being called a "Renaissance Woman." The word renaissance means "rebirth, revival, new beginnings." With every project I attempt, I know that I'll be able to apply what I know, learn something new, possibly have to backtrack and start over, but with the clean slate, I'm forever recreating something fresh.

Keep watching the Little Lambs blog for new patterns that will be posted in March. Our monkey and lion are nearly completed and will hopefully add a little spice to your knitting life.