* catnip mouse pattern 2* * knitting blog * * completed work * * * Mouse Pattern with Garter Stitch variation * This pattern is a modification of Wendy D. Johnson's Catnip Mouse pattern ©2002-2003, using garter stitch instead of seed stitch on the sides, otherwise it's identical... I came up with this variation for my 8 year old twins sons since they are still learning to knit, and one of them just recently learned to purl and was struggling with the knit-purl sequence. I thought "hmmm, I bet this would look nice with garter stitch sides", tried it, like the results, it's easier on my son and everyone is happy! I went ahead and typed this out line by line all the way to the end. The first time something is used, it will be spelled out, and every time thereafter knitting notation will be used. Materials: small amount of worsted weight wool, needles a couple of sizes smaller than you usually use for worsted weight wool (the tighter you knit, the more likely it will be that the catnip won't leak out as easily), a cable needle, a tapestry needle, catnip for stuffing. note: : Slip the next three stitches onto cable needle (this can be a double pointed needle or one of those cable needles with a funny shape or whatever suits your fancy!) and hold these three stitches behind work. Knit the next three stitches from the left-hand needle, then knit the three stitches from the cable needle. If you find it awkward to knit off the cable needle, you can slip your stitches back onto the left hand needle and knit them from there. Cast on 30 stitches. 1. Knit 10, purl 2, knit 6, purl 2 knit 10. 2. k12, p6, k12. 3. k10, p2, , p2, k10. 4. k12, p6, k12. 5. k2 tog, k8, p2, k6, p2, k10. 6. k2 tog, k10, p6, k11. 7. k2 tog, k7, p2, k6, p2, k9. 8. k2 tog, k9, p6, k10. 9. k2 tog, k6, p2, , p2, k8. 10. k2 tog, k8, p6, k9. 11. k2 tog, k5, p2, k6, p2, k7. 12. k2 tog, k7, p6, k8. 13. k2 tog, k5, p2, k6, p2, k6. 14. k2 tog, k6, p6, k7. 15. k2 tog, k3, p2, , p2, k5. 16. k2 tog, k5, p6, k6. 17. k2 tog, k2, p2, k6, p2, k4. 18. k2 tog, k4, p6, k5. 19. k2 tog, k1, p2, k6, p2, k3. 20. k2 tog, k3, p6, k4. 21. k2 tog, p2, , p2, k2. 22. k2 tog, k2, p6, k3. 23. k2 tog, p1, k6, p2, k1. 24. k2tog, k1, p6, k2. At this point, you should have 10 stitches left. 25. k2 tog, k8. 26. k2 tog, p6, k1. 27. bind off as follows: knit 2, slip first stitch over 2nd stitch, knit 1, slip old stitch over new stitch, k2 tog, slip old stitch over new stitch, k2 tog, slip old stitch over new stitch, k1, slip old stitch over new stitch, pull yarn through this loop. Fold the mouse in half lengthwise with the right side inside and sew the long seam along the bottom, leaving the back (the cast on edge) open. Turn right-side out and stuff firmly with catnip (your cat will probably enjoy helping you with this). From the right side, neatly sew the back cast-on edge together to close up the mouse. You can attach a couple more strands of yarn and braid them to make a tail, or you could make an i-cord tail if you're feeling intrepid! The original catnip mouse pattern can be found at: http://wendyknits.net/knit/mousepat.htm ©2002-2003. If you have any questions about this pattern variation, or find any errors, email me at patchworkgirl@cooke.net , or leave a comment or tag-board on my blog . This pattern variation is a collaboration between Wendy D. Johnson & Jessica Ostrow ©2002-2003. Not to be reproduced in any form without written permission from Wendy D. Johnson & Jessica Ostrow.* * * * * * * * * * Web-Stat hit counter *