Kathryn Ivy

July 31, 2008 - Posted by Alice Schnebly

Arach-knit

Crazy eyes!

Project Specs
Pattern: Aragog the Spider Monster by Wendy Gross
Pattern Source: Wendy’s Ravelry Shop
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Stonechat, about .25 skeins
Needles: US 10 DPNs
Date Started: 7/31/08
Date Finished: 7/31/08
Final Measurements: 5 1/2" wide, with a body the size of a tennis ball
See him on Ravelry!

Attack of the spider monster! After I heard a few times that the octopus I made resembled a spider, I decided to give a real spider pattern a go! I remember seeing this creature on Ravelry awhile back, and when Grace told me the pattern had been released I bought it right away. I think this could possibly be my quickest FO ever. I was able to knit and felt this little monster all before lunch today! I also love how quirky he is—who knew a knitted spider could be so cute?

There are so many things that I love about this guy. He is—of course—insanely cushy since he’s made from Malabrigo. This was the first time I’ve felted with Malabrigo. Before I thought it might be a bit of a waste of such a beautiful yarn, but the fabric it creates is so soft and cuddly I would definitely consider using Mal for other felted knits. If you’re thinking about doing a felted project where softness is a concern (like stuffed animals, hats, or mittens) I’d suggest you check out Malabrigo. It is so much softer when felted than Patons, Cascade 220, and Lamb’s Pride.

The eyes are added and the body is stuffed before felting. Even though this toy is so simple to make, there was something I encountered that I was a little hesitant to try out. This was the first time I’ve had to attach safety eyes and stuff a toy before felting. I was really concerned that my eye placement would be totally off or I’d overstuff him and he’d turn out terrible but that was not the case at all. I have to say it was so cool to take my toy out of the washer and he was basically finished! It worked out really perfectly since a lot of times I stall out on a project right before adding those finishing touches.

The pattern was really easy to understand, though I wish it included a picture before felting to help with eye and leg placement. Also in the body section where it says to knit eight rows in stockinette stitch I only knit seven to stay consistent with the row numbers.

If you like this spider monster you should check out Wendy’s other creatures, as well as her pattern for her Little Monster Bear from the book 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders—it’s too cute!

Who could be scared of this spider?


 

Comments

  • August 16, 2008, 8:00 am - dottyspots (http://www.ninnynoodlenoo.com/blog)

    Oooooh - I haven't been on your blog for a few weeks and it just gets better - he's fabulous! Even my almost 14 year old son loved this! Off to blog about this one (I really hope you don't mind that I borrow a pic too, I will of course be using it to illustrate a link through to here - let me know if it's a problem and I'll take it straight off).

  • August 5, 2008, 7:51 am - Katie (http://grevillea.wordpress.com)

    The eyes are prefect - I love it.

  • August 4, 2008, 7:24 pm - Shannon (www.minervaturkey.com)

    The colors are perfect! Great job as always,and as usual you have made me add a pattern to my queue. :)

  • August 3, 2008, 9:23 am - Laiane (http://itsfuriousbalancing.com)

    He is one awesome spider. Felting Malabrigo is never a "waste," but you're talking to the woman who has felted kitty beds made with Malabrigo.

  • August 1, 2008, 5:10 pm - melusine_tricote (http://melusinetricote.canalblog.com)

    Very cute !!

  • August 1, 2008, 12:32 pm - WonderMike (http://www.yknit.com)

    Love it, love it, love it!!!

  • August 1, 2008, 11:03 am - Meg (http://bloglessnomore.blogspot.com)

    How cool! I've wondered if it was possible to stuff and then felt - cool to see that it works out.

  • August 1, 2008, 10:04 am - Jen (nuttyirishmanknits.typepad.com)

    Ha! I love it! I have had this in my faves forever on Ravelry waiting for Wendy to write up the pattern! I just saw the pattern yesterday and queued it up. Perfect for a certain 10 year old for Christmas! Great job Alice! (By the way... I'm back, let's chat!)

  • August 1, 2008, 9:15 am - Mary Ellen

    OK, I never thought I'd be saying a spider is cool, but this one is....and in Stonechat. One of my favorites.

  • August 1, 2008, 8:26 am - Zonda (http://zbelmont@msn.com)

    That's one cool spider! :)

  • August 1, 2008, 8:15 am - lolly (http://lollygirl.com)

    Ha! I love it! ;)

  • August 1, 2008, 8:04 am - whitney (http://whitknits.wordpress.com)

    Oh, wow. That looks so much like a real spider that it freaks me out (I'm a total arachnophobe). But it's very cool, and felted Malabrigo sounds absolutely dreamy.

  • August 1, 2008, 6:29 am - Ruth (http://ruthlessknitting.ruthlessediting.com)

    What a great spider! Every time you make a toy, I want to drop everything and make one, too. This little guy is so tempting!

  • August 1, 2008, 3:47 am - Claire (www.justclaire.blogspot.com)

    He's a gorgeous colour for a spider! Very cute indeed :)

  • August 1, 2008, 1:49 am - mari (http://marireads.blogspot.com)

    Love him!
    So cool. I may have to get myself that pattern.

  • July 31, 2008, 10:43 pm - Aunt Kathy (http://gimpykatk.blogspot.com/)

    Yeah I saw the spider on Ravelry today... cute sure, but I hate spiders, lol. Too many of those things in my house, eewweeee

  • July 31, 2008, 10:13 pm - Heather (http://theaddknitter.blogspot.com)

    Vewy Scewy!!

  • July 31, 2008, 10:08 pm - Krissy (www.freerangeknitter.blogspot.com)

    Even though it's yarn, it still gives me the creeps. I just can't take spiders. But he's the cutest spider I've ever seen.


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