Today is Sweater Day - World Wildlife Fund

Today is sweater day ... the World Wildlife Fund is encouraging everyone to wear a sweater, and turn the thermostat down by 3 degrees to help reduce carbon emissions. So, today I've done just that. Temp's down to 18 degrees Celcius and I'm wearing a handknit sweater that my grandmother knit me about 12 years ago, which I adore.

Hugging Earth today. :)

(knit) Pet Rock pattern

Materials needed: a very small amount of any worsted, dk or aran weight yarn in grey, plus double pointed needles one size smaller than what's recommended on the label for a tight knit; a small amount of stuffing or batting to fill the pet rock           * note: I used Red Heart Soft Touch in a dark grey, and 4mm dpn's for the rock photographed

Tension: not really important for this project

Finished Size: fits in the palm of your hand :)

terms used:
k - knit
m - make
k2tog - knit two together
st(s) - stitch(es)

Cast on 4sts.
k1, m1 in each stitch (8 sts)
Divide between 3 dpn's, join & place marker.

increase rows:
Row 1: (and all odd numbered rows) knit across
Row 2: (k1, m1) in each stitch (16 sts)
Row 4: *k1, (k1, m1) in the next st* repeat between * around (24 sts)
Row 6: k5, (k1, m1) in the next st, k11, (k1, m1) in the next st, k6
Row 8: k4, (k1, m1) in the next st, k1, (k1, m1) in the next st, k11, (k1, m1) in the next st, k1, (k1, m1) in the next st, k5 (30 sts)
Row 10: k4, (k1, m1) in the next st, k1, (k1, m1) in the next st, k1, (k1, m1) in the next st, k11, (k1, m1) in the next st, k1, (k1, m1) in the next st, k1, (k1, m1) in the next st, k5 (36 sts)

Stockinette stitch (knit every row) for 1 inch.

decrease rows: Add stuffing progressively as you go in this step, ensuring that the rock is completely full (but not overstretched) before finishing.
Row 1: k5, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k5 (30 sts)
Row 2: knit all sts
Row 3: k5, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k1, k2tog, k5 (26 sts)
Row 4: knit all stsRow 5: k6, k2tog, k10, k2tog, k6 (24 sts)
Row 6: knit all stsRow 7: *k1, k2tog* repeat between * around to end (16 sts)
Row 8: knit all stsRow 9: k2tog around to end (8 sts)
Row 10: k2tog around to end (4 sts)

Cut yarn, weave through remaining stitches & pull tightly, tie knot and weave in ends. Some shapping may be needed to be done; pattern allows the rock to be slightly flatter on one side than the other.


© 2011 by Sabrina Thompson - original design and pictures. Please do not sell pattern or copy my pictures. Pattern cannot be distributed for sale, or as a 'free pattern' promotional tool for selling yarn or knitting supplies. If posting Finished Items on personal blogs, please link back to this blog and pattern, thanks. :D

The Stig

I finished knitting The Stig (from the show Top Gear) the other day for DH, which he loves, and it was an amazingly simple pattern. Great stash busting project!