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

17 comments:

Suzanne said...

I thought the sheep wore bobbles and am pleasantly surprised to see smocking. That's such a clever use of that stitch.

gail said...

My daughter, tongue in cheek, asked, "Is that how you get colored yarn, from colored sheep??"

kimmiekat on Ravelry said...

Oh, Mercy! Those are delightful sheep.

Elaine said...

Beautiful little sheep. I love the Noro Magazine and will go right out to get the new issue.

Stefanie said...

These are too clever and too cute.

Tricia U. said...

Oh no! Not another adorable toy pattern!! How am I ever going to be able to knit something OTHER than toys if you don't stop creating these irresistible patterns?!

Sam I Am...... said...

I love them! I have to get that magazine. I lke the sheep better than then sweater set they're pictured with...although it's a pretty set too! LOL! You're amazing!

Anonymous said...

Very sweet little sheep! I've added them to my project list. Thanks for another creative toy pattern!

Vicki Maynes said...

I can't believe that I just ordered that magazine and didn't even know it had the sharp pattern in it! My lucky day!

LauraLillyLaura said...

The sheep is super cute, but I love the baby outfit too. I adore anything in Noro!

Vicki Maynes said...

I can't believe that I just ordered the magazine and didn't even know that it had that cute sheep pattern in it.
My lucky day! One of my best friends raises sheep and alpaca and I think I will make her one for her birthday in August.

Anonymous said...

love the sheep with the nubbly texture. I think I will go out and get the Noro magazine and a ball of yarn to send to my Mom. I am looking for some easy projects to occupy her fingers while she recoups from hip surgery and this one will tickle her I think ; )

YarnOnTheHouse said...

Seriously adorable!!

Pepper said...

I love the sheep!! SO CUTE!

Alison said...

Unbelievably cute. Cannot believe how you just devise these adorable creatures. I can barely pick up a dropped stitch when I knit.

Nicoleta said...

Beautiful, I love the color combination.

sweetpea family said...

I need to get the pattern your sheep are adorable - I want to knit a family x