Wednesday, June 05, 2013

New Noro Sheep Pattern!

(Noro Magazine Spring/Summer 2013, photo by Jack Deutsch)

Hi, Knitters,
I have a new toy design in the new issue of Noro Magazine! I happily agreed to knit a toy for the issue because I love knit toys in the beautiful Noro yarns. Remember this one? I asked if I could knit a sheep and they quickly agreed. 


The gigantic cone of yarn I received is definitely a luxury blend for Noro. It is fingering weight, Shiraito, 45% angora, 45% cashmere, 10% wool. Wow, what a treat this yarn was to work with. I can't get over how well it matched the project. You could, of course, use any fingering weight yarn including the Noro fingering weight sock yarns. The sheep is the perfect project for leftovers, too.

The sheep is knit completely in one-piece and seamlessly! You start at the bottom of the body and work your way up to the top of the sheep's head. The ears and legs are picked up and knit on. I loved this pattern and head construction so much that I actually knit two samples for the magazine (they only asked for one). The yarn made it fun, as well as the construction, because I had no idea what colors would turn up in the yarn. That is part of the fun of Noro.

I had so much fun figuring out how to knit this cute little guy. I was quite pleased with how the sheep worked out. He is about 4 1/2 inches tall and about 5 inches long. 

Click here for the Noro Magazine website!
This issue is currently on newsstands.




The smocking stitch pattern is a great texture for the sheep's wooly body and it's fun to do.


The #31 Sheep is knit on US size 3 dpns.


With just a bit of stuffing and black embroidery floss you are all set to go!



Erin Slonaker (I love her blog, Pepperknit), the editor in chief of Yarn Market News, emailed to let me know she was in love with this pattern and was knitting her second sheep when she emailed. That made me feel good!

Here are lots of my home photos for you. Enjoy!

The pattern, of course, is only available in the Noro Magazine (on stands now!).














Aren't they cute? I just love them and may have to make a few for myself and for gifts.

Let me know if you make a #31 Sheep!

best, susie