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. . . . . . .