Next Pumpkin Project & GIVEAWAY!

I have just knitted this fabulous little pumpkin (it should take about 10 minutes but it took me over a week what with other stuff getting in the way!) I am going to try knitting a bigger one by doubling the number of cast on stitches but this size is very cute.

It is knitted using the magic loop technique which is basically knitting on circular needles (there is a great tutorial here). This site also shows you the long tail cast on method which is useful as your tail and yarn are in the same place and makes for a neater finish. You can also find tutorials for this technique on youtube.

So, here is the pattern (which I found here)

You will need:
Orange yarn for your pumpkin and green for your stem.
Circular needles
Fleece for stuffing
Wool needle for sewing up
double pointed needles (for the i-cord stem)

Pattern:
With circular needles cast on 9 stitches.
Round 1: Knit the first round.
Round 2: Increase into every stitch in the second round, you will now have 18 stitches.
Round 3: Knit 1 round.
Round 4: Increase into each stitch in the 4th round, you will now have 36 stitches.
Round 5 to 9: Knit
Round 10: Knit 2 together all across the round.(18 stitches)
Round 11: Knit.
Round 12: Knit 2 together all across the round. (9 stitches)
Round 13: Knit.

Leaving a long thread, break yarn and thread onto a wool needle, thread your wool needle back through your stitches, stuff and pull tight. Do not overstuff as this may make your pumpkin look too round. The convolutions of the pumpkin's skin show up quite nicely if you understuffed your pumpkin

Once you have closed the top opening of your pumpkin, take your needle, push down through your pumpkin, pull out on the other side and pull tight. This makes a depression on the top of your pumpkin. Sew tightly underneath.

Pick up 2 stitches in the middle of the top of your pumpkin, attach your green thread and knit an i-cord for a stalk.

The i-cord technique tutorial is available here. However, I only cast on 3 stitches rather than 5. This gave me a thinner stem which was more in-keeping with the size and shape of the pumpkin.

If you try this pattern send me some pics.

PUMPKIN GIVEAWAY:

If you don't fancy knitting your own I am going to give away the pumpkin that I knitted

What to do...

Please leave a comment at the end of this post by 8pm on Sunday 23rd October 2011 and I will randomly pick a winner from your entries. The winner will receive my cute knitted pumpkin in time for Halloween!