Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Like Peanuts for Elephants...

So, I was on my Spring Break last week... trying to focus on finishing Sam's Cotton Tomten (more on that Zimmermann fun later)...

However, these adorable Elephants so many ladies at the Knit Nook have been making needed something upon which to snack.

My LYS has several bowls of end o' skein "sketching" yarn & the orange-yellow was just the right shade for a circus peanut.
I could not resist improvising with the crochet hook which just "appeared" in my hand.
A DISCLAIMER: I am a self-taught crocheter, so my instructions may be a little unorthodox. This is so simple, I'm sure an experienced hooker would not even need to read any to reproduce the shape.

Amigurumi Circus Peanut!
Hook: Size 0 or A
Yarn: Dale Baby Ull (sport weight cotton blend)
Notions: Stuffing, yarn needle, a split-ring marker
(a piece of scrap black yarn for eyes & mouth embroidery is cute, but optional)

This could be sized up or down easily... just alter hook & yarn size.
(If using worsted weight, I'd go for a size G)
Just keep in mind it must have a tight “weave” to hold in the stuffing.
** Stuff lightly as you stitch!

INC = SC2 in each st
DEC = Skip over 1 st & SC

Instructions:
Row 1: SC7 on “Magic Ring” & Pull Closed
Row 2: SC7, place marker at beg. of round
Row 3: INC 7X =14 sts
Row 4: (SC1, INC) 7X =21sts
Row 5: (SC1, SC1,) 7X =28sts
Rows 6-8: SC28
Row 9: (DEC, SC2)7X =21 sts
Row 10 & 11: SC21
Row 12: (DEC, SC1)7X =14sts
Row 13-15: SC14
Row 16: INC 14X =28sts
Row 17-20: SC28
Row 21: (DEC, SC1) 7X =14 sts
Row22: DEC 7X = 7sts
Break Yarn & Sew through outer chain loops. Pull tight to close & bury yarn end.

Embroider on eyes & mouth with scrap black thread, if you wish...
Embellish at will!