New Pattern!!

Whimsical Felted Cactus

(As seen in the Stitch and Bitch 2008

Page a Day Calendar)

This pattern was inspired by my many trips to Arizona. I instantly fell in love with the desert flora,

but being “gardening challenged” growing the real thing became impossible.

Now, no gardening care is necessary and I can still enjoy the beauty of the desert!!

Supplies:

Size 13 16” circular needle

Cascade 220 – 1 skein each of

Color #9407 and #9410 (heathered greens)

Color 4147 yellow (divided into two separate balls)

Stitch Marker

Yarn or tapestry needle

Polyester stuffing

Tropical silk flower (optional)

Decorative Pot

Toothpicks (optional)

Gauge : Not important for this project

Cast on 46 stitches with one strand of each of the green yarns. Entire cactus is worked with double strand throughout.

Place marker and join taking care to ensure stitches are not twisted.

Row 1-6 Knit

Row 7 ( begin increase rows)*K2 K in front and back repeat from * to end of round, ending in a K2 (61 stitches)

Row 8-12 Knit

Row 13 Repeat row 7 (81 stitches)

Row 14-17 Knit

Row 18 Repeat row 7 (108 stitches)

Row 19-22 Knit

Row 23 *K1 K in front and back repeat from * to end of round ending in a K1 (162 stitches)

Row 24 Knit

Row 25 (begin decrease rows) *K2 tog K1 repeat from * to end of round (108 stitches)

Row 26-28 Knit

Row 29 Repeat row 25 (72 stitches)

Row 30-33 Knit

Row 34 Repeat row 25 (48 stitches)

Drop darker green and attach yellow yarn, continuing to work in double strand throughout.

Row 35-38 knit

Drop lighter green and attach another strand of yellow, continuing to work in double strand throughout.

Switch to dpns if necessary

Row 39 K1 *SSK K5 K2tog repeat from * to end of round (38 stitches)

Row 40 Knit

Row 41 *SSK K3 K2 tog repeat from * to end of round. (28 stitches)

Row 42 Knit

Row 43 *SSK K1 K2tog repeat from * to end of round (18 stitches)

Row 44 K1 *SSK K2 tog repeat from * to one remaining stitch, K1(10 stitches)

Approximate finished dimensions (before felting) 16 inches (at widest point) by 14 inches. Dimensions do not have to be exact as each cactus will be unique.

Finishing:

Break yarn, attach tapestry needle and draw through remaining stitches to gather at top, pull tight and secure yarn.

To finish, felt by desired method until no stitch definition is seen. Manually shape and stuff with plastic shopping bags to maintain desired shape. Air dry.

Stuff dry cactus with polyester stuffing and sew bottom shut (stitching is not important here as this will be planted in the pot)

Add French knots in striped pattern down sides of “cactus” with yellow yarn, punch toothpicks through knots and into “cactus” for spines.

Do NOT use toothpicks in homes with children or climbing pets.

Attach flower to top (this can be omitted) and “plant” in decorative pot.

This pattern is for private use only. The pattern, images and products made from the pattern may not

be sold without the express written consent of the designer.

designsbykatie@hotmail.com

www.westenddesignsknits.blogspot.com

Inheritance

I have a new friend, and we will call her "I". You know I like using initials only, to protect the innocent, or not so innocent. "I" is a new knitter. A new knitter with an obsession or as I like to call it, a hungry dog on a bone. Her mother in law started her on the path, fueled in part by me. Then she signed up for a class, which leads me to today's subject...inherited projects.

So, her first real "project" is a baby sweater. A top down, no sew raglan. Ok, experienced knitters, easy enough, right??? Well, it is not the first project I would give someone. The teacher who is somewhat of a knitting snob and has taken a dislike to "I", says "Oh anyone can do this". In my kitchen, she repeated the collar portion at least 4 times....... And to make matters worse, she promised this sweater to someone. She has broken rule #1 for gift knitting, do not tell anyone you are making them something, or what the object is because you will ultimately hit a snafu.

It is now referred to as the F-in' yellow baby sweater from hell. I go to visit her at her office. The sweater is in the bag, and has now made it past the collar and working on the yoke. This is where the fun begins. "Can you fix this"?? Sure. Well, now it seems that I have to finish it. I took it home. It is all over. "I" waved the white flag of surrender and I must pick up the needles and continue to wage war with this yellow yarn. Today while we have knitting time in my kitchen, I will find her some new projects, while I work on the sweater. Pictures to follow.

I think I will introduce her today to the MDK Ball Band dihcloth. Hey if you are going to be obsessed, why not go all the way. You all know what fondness I have for those, right???