Willa and Ellis

Willa and Ellis are knit in the round from the bottom up. The arms are knit first and then set aside to be attached later. Next each leg is knit and then joined together to work the body. The arms are then joined before knitting the shoulders, neck and head. Stitches for the muzzle are provisionally worked with waste yarn which is later removed. The live stitches are then picked up and worked in the round to form the muzzle. The ears and tail are knit separately and sewn on. Ellis’ mane is worked separately and sewn on. The sample lions have embroidered eyes, but tips are included for using safety eyes if you prefer.

The sweaters are worked flat from the top down. Stitches are placed on holders for the sleeves which are knit in the round after the body is complete. Stitches for the pockets are provisionally worked with waste yarn and are completed after the sleeves. Pockets are optional, but are super cute - and they give you a place to put Luna the pocket hamster! The sleeves are pockets are worked with contrasting yarn - a great way to use up leftover yarns.

The pattern was designed to use a DK weight yarn for the lions and a fingering weight for the sweater and pocket hamster. Testers are welcome to use the yarns of their choice. I am happy to help with yarn selection.

6.5”/16 cm tall

Knitting in the round

i-cord

working with waste yarn (tutorial included in the pattern)

picking up stitches

simple embroidery (face)

k - knit

k2tog - knit two stitches together

kfb - knit front and back

ktbl - knit one stitch through the back loop; knit into the back loop (leg) of a stitch. This technique is used to close the hole left by a yarn over which leaves a less visible increase. This increase is used on the body and head to make the increases less visible and leave a smoother area on the face.

p - purl

ssk - slip 1 knit-wise, slip 1 knit-wise, return last two slipped stitches to the left needle and knit two together through the back loops

yo - yarn over

Yarn

For the Lions - Brioche DK from Kim Dyes Yarn, DK weight, 280 yds/256 m. Each lion used about 50 yds/46 m in the Dandelions colorway. You will also need about 2 yds/2 m each of suri alpaca lace and fingering weight boucle for the mane. The sample used Meringue Fluff and Crumble Slubby from Kim Dyes Yarn.

For the sweaters -  Sourdough Sock from Kim Dyes Yarn, fingering weight, 400 yds/423 m. Each sweater used about 30 yds/27 m for the sweater body and 15 yds/14 m for the sleeves and pockets. The body of the sweaters were worked in the Indie Dyer Barbie colorway with contrasting yarn for the sleeves and pockets.

For Luna - 2 yds/2 m finger weight yarn

Needles

For the Lions - US size 2 (2.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge below. You will need two sets of double pointed needles (ten total). One set is used for holding stitches and one is used for knitting.

For the  sweaters - US size 2 (2.75 mm) 24” circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge below. You will also need a set of  double pointed needles in the same size for the sleeves and pockets.

For Luna - US size 2 (2.75 mm) set of doubled pointed needles.

Miscellaneous - darning needle for weaving in ends; about 1/4 oz/7 g of wool stuffing (or stuffing of your choice); 4 locking stitch markers; two 6”/15 cm scraps of yarn to hold stitches for the muzzle and sweater pockets; scrap of black fingering weight yarn or embroidery floss for eyes and pink for noses; scrap of finger weight yarn to match the mane; cardboard 2.5 x 5”/2.3 x 4.6 cm for mane.

Finished project by the end of the test, with notes on yarn and needles used, mods, finished measurements, and gauge.

Finished size may vary from sample, but please note the mods.

Completed feedback questions.

A linked project on Ravelry following the publication of the pattern would be lovely, but is not required.

The designer is offering discounted or free pattern(s) to testers

Testers who complete the test will be gifted a copy of the finished pattern as well as an additional pattern of their choice from my Ravelry store.