This week, the Grade 1 children in my class, drew names to make a special handmade gift, completely from scratch. I drew a little girl’s name and knew right away what I would make for her. Katie, the little girl’s sweet dog, died a few days ago, after having supper, and suffering a heart attack. Katie was often at school, helping children learn to read. Katie, with only one eye, loved to be read to. She was a white bull terrier, and her long wide snout, stocky little body, and wagging tail, all came together in a dog full of happy! She was so loved. I knew that I would knit an angel.
My handmade gift is one of Alan Dart’s creatures, adjusted from a 2 needle knit, to a circular knit. Also, I knit I-cord in place of flat pieces sewn into tubes. You can find the free pattern here or on Ravelry. Please email me if you would like help with the conversion.
I used Sandnes Garn Sisu and 2.75 mm double pointed needles. I found some 6 strand gold embroidery floss in my stitching box and it worked really well for the wings and star, on the same needles. Funny how the more I knit, the more the mouse began to look like Katie!
Wool roving makes a nicer stuffing than polyester fibre fill. I love the way that a little of the fuzz always leaks out to add softness to the surface.
We open our handmade gifts tomorrow. . . . . . .