Monday, October 11, 2010

Hedgehog to Squirrel Reversible

Hi Knitters,
I want to be sure to share my personal photos of another toy of mine in the Knit Simple Holiday 2010 issue. The photos in the magazine are wonderful but they don't really show how the squirrel reverses or flips into a hedgehog or the other way around.
The squirrel to hedgehog toy is made in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran on size 6 double-pointed needles at 5 stitches per inch. I love the bushy tail made from three pom-poms.
I made a couple sweet acorns to loop on the squirrel's arms, too.
I think it always helps to see all angles of a toy.
The toy is 5 1/2 inches tall and about 3 inches wide. It is a small one.
The best part is that the hedgehog is tucked right up inside the body of the squirrel. You just flip the squirrel inside out and you get....
a cute little hedgehog. I used this same idea for an entire chapter in Itty-Bitty Toys called, Reversibles. I made a bunch of reversible toys for that book that are really fun. By the way, Itty-Bitty Toys has just gone into its 3rd printing so that is exciting.
I was really pleased that the squirrel with the big tail actually fit inside the hedgehog! The bodies of the animals are very stretchy and accommodating.
There are purl ridges on the head and body that are then chained with a crochet hook for added texture but you wouldn't have to add that part. It is optional.
See, there's that squirrel in there waiting...
to be on the outside again. Kids, teens and adults alike love the reversible toys so it makes a fun gift for any age.




That's all for this fine Monday morning. I am going to the Madison Knitters Guild tonight to see Jared Flood. He has a new yarn line that was just released called, Shelter. I am definitely going to have to get some of this yarn to play around with.

It should be a fun night! I'll tell you all about it and I'll try to remember my camera this time.
best, susie

20 comments:

sandy Goodchild said...

Adorable, Love it.. I cant wait to actually make one of your Reversibles or Several more.. ;)

tea_mama said...

I love this toy! Its supercute

tea_mama said...
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Suze said...

I really want to make the squirrel/hedgehog for SOME kid for Christmas (haven't decided which yet!)
And I can't believe I'm going to have to miss Jared Flood tonight. There's an important board mtg at my son's preschool that I really can't miss.

Chris said...

The squirrel and hedgehog are so cute; and I'm a little in awe at how they are reversible. But I have to say that those cute little acorns are just adorable!

Spinneretta said...

So far I have completed the Fox from the same issue... I have plans to make this one for my daughter for Christmas... she eyed up the bunny/duck reversible that I made the other day :)

great job!

Renee Anne said...

I do love the reversible....but I have yet to venture into making any of my own. I have been pondering your turtle/frog reversible toys but haven't taken the plunge. Someday...

In the meantime, yea for Guild tonight :) I think I'm excited...too bad I'm on a yarn diet again :(

Barb said...

Oh. My. Goodness! These are just too cute!! I HAVE to become a much better knitter so I can make these sometime - your talent inspires us all! Thank you so much for sharing.

Unknown said...

Adorable!!!

I have your books and love them all. Now I know my next magazine purchase.

Lulu said...

thats so adorable..

EditorMom said...

Your creativity with these reversible toys amazes me. This is frighteningly cute!

Maggie Pringlemeir said...

Saw your post the other day speaking of the upcoming article and made certain to be at Walmart the day it came out. It's a GREAT article, filled with a lot of helpful how-to's. Very, very innovative and clever -- and I've made a whole lot of knitted dolls and teddy bears. I think I see some itty-bitties in my future!
Warm hugs and woofs,
Maggie & MacTaggart

Unknown said...

I love your toys. The acorns are super super cute! The best!

Jared Flood has many beautiful designs. I follow his blog, and he has recently launched his own yarn together with many new patterns.

heatherg7 said...

I just picked up the magazine yesterday and I can not wait to make this little guy for my hubby. Squirrels are always tawnting him.

heatherg7 said...

I just picked up the magazine yesterday and I can not wait to make this little guy for my hubby. Squirrels are always tawnting him.

abipolz said...

I don't subscribe to any knitting magazines (yet!) but my mom picked up the Knit Simple one for me this weekend - at first I didn't realize it was the issue you had blogged about so I was super excited to see your awesome toys in there. Can't wait to start working on them!

Crystal said...

I just got my Knit Simple holiday issue can wait to start my woodland set it will be for my boys for Christmas. Thank you for all of your adorable designs!!

Chris said...

Susan - I just purchased the Knit Simple Holiday magazine (even the cover makes it pretty enough to buy just to look at!). Unless I'm mistaken, there's no pattern for the little acorns. Is there a pattern somewhere? I just love acorns!

Susan B. Anderson said...

the acorn pattern is right in there, you just have to look a little, i think it is on pg. 88 but w/o the mag. in front of me i am not 100% sure.

Chris said...

Ah ha! I found the acorn pattern. You're right, p. 88. It was hiding a little, in smaller font under the "FACE" heading. Might have been a typo because each of the other parts were titled in blue caps. Thanks Susan!