Sunday, June 16, 2013

Introducing Octavia, the Octa-Pinkie Octopus!

Normally, I am not a fan of knitting toys........I don't really know why, but it's just not my thing.  However, since we're sending lots of handmade things for the MEGSTRONG auction and sale in August, I figured I should try.  So far I've made and owl and a cat from other patterns and now I came up with this octopus. Thank you Lynn and Laurel for her name.  Of course, this octopus could be knit in any color or in several colors at once.  I used scraps of super bulky yarn that I had left over from hats for this one, but you could use any yarn you have on hand.  I'd go at least one needle size smaller than recommended for the yarn to make it a tight enough knit to stuff.  




If you're not aware, MEGSTRONG is a fundraising effort to help my friend Meagan pay for her treatment.  She was recently diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer and we are trying to help.  You can visit www.megstrong.com to find out more.

Please remember to buy your copy of the MEGSTRONG Trilogy if you can.  Three new hat patterns for only $5.00.  There is more information about MEGSTRONG here and you can purchase the e-book using the link to the right.  The book and the individual patterns are also for sale in my Craftsy and Ravelry stores accessed by clicking on the store name or by using the links to the right.




 If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too. 

Schnapps is busy helping MEGSTRONG!

Octavia the Octo-Pinkie Octopus



Abbreviations:
kfb:  knit into the front and back of stitch
k2tog:  holding working yarn as if to knit, knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 8 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.


Work Body
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Row 2:  kfb all stitches
Row 3:  knit all stitches
Row 4:  *kfb all stitches
Rows 5 - 11:  knit all stitches
Row 12:  *k2tog*; repeat around
Row 13:  knit all stitches
Row 14:  *k2tog*; repeat around


Finish Body: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure. This leaves the top open for stuffing.


Work Tentacles: Make 8

Cast on 19 stitches, then bind off all stitches.


Attach:
Attach 8 legs where you want them and stuff the body.   Stitch together the top, taking care to secure tightly.


Embroider face as desired.


If you wish to work this flat, simply purl all stitches for Rows 1,3,5,7,9,11 & 13 and work the rest as written.  Then seam the body before stuffing.


Options:  Attach the legs to the sides, rather than the bottom and you can create a spider.





Of course, this octopus or spider could be knit in any color or in several colors at once.  I used scraps of super bulky yarn that I had left over from hats for this one, but you could use any yarn you have on hand.  


I'd go at least one needle size smaller than recommended for the yarn to make it a tight enough knit to stuff. 



 


All are welcome to join us in some way!  
If you know anyone who needs chemo caps, please don't hesitate to contact me and I will send some anywhere in the USA.
 

1 comment:

  1. You are just awesome.. not sure if you have been told that today.. but all that you do for so many, I cannot think of the right words, or put them together in such a way that truly states how amazing you are. Thank you for all that you do for so many, between your patterns that we use to help others, your organizing and sending out the hats made with love and now toys added to your long list of designs.. amazing! Thank you so very much for all that you do, simple words that come from the heart.

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