Over the last few weeks, I’ve been doing what a lot of folks are doing… trying to find something to do. I don’t think anyone expected our current situation to evolve like it has. Shelter in place, school closures, empty shops were not on my 2020 bingo card.

And, Mount Vernon sure has been quiet without the college students on the hill, without the bustle of uptown, without the festivals.

So, while looking through projects I’ve been meaning to get to, Ulysses poked his head out of a basket and reminded me that I had extra plans for him. Some tutorial pics and maybe videos. Perfect timing, Ulysses!

I’ll be releasing the pattern here in three parts, beginning next Friday (April 17, 2020). This knit along is open to anyone who wants to participate.

Here are the supplies you’ll need for this project-

Set size 4 or 5 DPNs

100 grams medium grey yarn/worsted weight

25 grams off white yarn/worsted weight

50 grams purple yarn/worsted weight

piece felt/white

DMC embroidery floss numbers 310, 414, 550 (there is a trick you can use here, if you don’t have access to embroidery floss- see notes at bottom of page).

Darning needle- preferably one with a good point on it

Stuffing

 

For those who want to avoid guesswork, I do have a limited number of kits available on Etsy, and I can dispatch those in the US within the next week. Kits contain the pattern, yarn, embroidery floss, stuffing, a felt C, and a complimentary flannel scarf for Ulysses to wear.  Those can be found here.

I hope this is a fun project for everyone! Any questions, drop me a line at wrenandstarling@gmail.com, or on instagram @wren_starling! Cheers!

Notes-

The pattern has a few hacks that I’ll be sharing as we go along. I initially wrote the pattern to help people learn some of the skills I was afraid of as a beginning knitter. I’ll be following the pattern as written, but each week will contain a “hacks” section that shows you how to simplify key areas of the pattern. I want this to be approachable as possible- we have enough stress in our lives at present, right?

First hack– if you don’t have access to the embroidery floss called for in this pattern, you can use yarn if your yarn is plied. Some yarn does this easily, and others take some patience. Keep in mind that this pattern doesn’t call for black yarn, so that is something you’ll still have to find. Additionally, if you have a lighter weight yarn- sock or lace weight- you can use those alone.