The Hobbit - Bofur Scarf - Knitting Pattern

I made the authentic prop-replica pattern for Bofur's scarf, and while it is wonderful, it isn't necessarily the most infinitely wearable scarf. Because of its loose gauge, it is tricky to knit, and doesn't hold it's shape too well.

So I've adapted the pattern for everyday wear. This has a slightly tighter gauge from smaller needles, and increased rows to compensate for lost length. Do read the whole pattern here before starting, as the tips at the end are what make it easy and neat in my opinion.






You will need:
Size 8mm knitting needles
One ball each of Grey, Bluey-grey and Copper DK yarn (or buy the mithril yarn from Stansborough in Takahe, Raupo and Kokako)

Cast on 28 stitches in the bluey colour. Carry the tail across the back of the knitting as a kind of darn-as-you-go method.
Knit 24 rows
Change to copper. Knit 44 rows.
Change to grey. Knit 60 rows.
Change to blue. Knit 32 rows.
Change to grey. Knit 24 rows.
Change to copper. Knit 42 rows.
Change to blue. Knit 18 rows. Cast off.







Wash the finished scarf in warm water, wool wash and a little fabric softener for about 10 minutes by hand.

Squeeze out water with a towel.

Hang towel over a door or the washing line and drape scarf over the top. Clip a few pegs or clips to the ends to weigh it down. Leave to dry completely.






Super simple. But totally follow these tips for making it awesome.
1. Carry the yarn tails across the first line of the colour change to avoid darning them in at the end. After washing, just chop of the bit that dangles free, and the rest will be well attached in.






2. Slip the last stitch of every row to get a neater edge. The only exception is on the first row of a colour change where I recommend knitting to the end completely, then slipping the first stitch on the following row. This does keep the rows very neat.

3. Only use 100% wool. It works the best for getting the right look and a slight felting effect in the washing stage.

4. In the colour change rows, knit 1 stitch (which had been slipped at the end of the previous row. Then tie the two ends of the old and new colour together. This will create a knot between the first 2 stitches where it will never be seen.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Exploring The Weta Cave

Now, I am a mad keen movie fan. I could happily see movies all day. Especially sci-fi and fantasy movies. I love stories and impossible worlds, so of course, a trip to The Weta Cave is always a highlight.



I've been before. And it was awesome. And now I went again. Yes, this is being posted to two of my blogs, because, I think it fits.

Richard Taylor and the team at Weta have put together and amazing experience at the Weta Cave. From a free 25 minute behind the scenes look at the various wings of Weta and the movies they have been a part of, to the museum, to the replica props, to the quality merchandise, it's all great. Now they even have a paid tour as well. (And that's only $20 per adult!) it does get busy, so go early, avoiding 11:00am-2:00pm which seems to be the busiest time.






Now, why on the Guru sight? Well... I've been wanting to knit dwalven hats for a while... And now I have a picture of a real one up close. But they also have the prop replica knitting pattern and kit... From the same yarn as the one in the films! Yes, I bought one.






And a chain mail kit!

Such a nerd, I know. Watch this space to see the hat and the scarf take shape... And go visit the Weta Cave in miramar if you are in wellington! It's amazing, even if you don't like Tolkien.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Frodo Baggins - Knitting Pattern

Not that long ago, I designed the pattern for Mr. Bilbo Baggins, and now, here is the adaptation to turn him into Frodo Baggins.



You will not need to make the jacket that Bilbo has. Instead, Frodo has a cape and an Elven brooch.

You will need:
- small piece of green felt
- silver thread
- thin elastic
- grey dk yarn

The Cape

Using 4.5mm needles, cast on 30 stitches.
Knit 40 rows.
Knit 1, (yarn round needle, k2 tog) - repeat bracketed section over whole row. This creates the row of holes.
Knit 9 rows
Cast off





Thread elastic through the holes. Tie together tightly, and stitch on a small elven brooch.





I made the brooch out of green felt. Cut the shape out, then using a blanket stitch, edge the material.

Bilbo Baggins - Hobbit Knitting Pattern

Longtime readers know I am a Lord of the Rings fan..... Well... I like the non-battle bits, and I looooooved the Hobbit, even taking time off to go to the World Premier. Meeting the cast, and Martin Freeman, SWOON.

So I designed this Bilbo Baggins. I am tempted to give it to Martin at the premier for Desolation of Smaug.... That's if that happens in New Zealand.... And I'm not in China at the time.

One Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag-end (you can adapt this pattern to be Frodo Baggins here)



You will need
4mm needles
Flesh, green, brown and red dk wool
Fluffy dark brown wool
4 green beads
6 red beads
Stuffing
2 eyes
White cotton thread
Black embroidery thread

Bilbo Baggins

Legs - make 2
Cast on 21 on 4mm needles in flesh
Stst 4 rows
K6, s1, k2tog, psso, s1, k2tog, psso, s1, k2tog, psso, k6
P6, s1, p2tog, psso, p6
Stst 18 rows

Slide both legs together
Stst 4 rows.
Change to green yarn.
Stst 16 rows
K12, k2 flesh, k12 green
P11, p4 flesh, p11 green
K10, k6 flesh, k10green
P9, p8 flesh, p9

Change to flesh
K1, k1 front and back, over whole row.
Stst 16 rows
K3, k2 together over the whole row
Purl
K2, k2 together over the whole row
Purl
K1, k2 together over the whole row
Purl
K2 together over the whole row
Purl
K2 together over the whole row
Cut yarn, leaving 30cm, thread all stitches onto the yarn, pull to tighten

Stitch up the head and legs. Stuff his body, legs and feet. Close the back seam.
Pull a little of the knitting on his face and stitch it into a nose. Do the same on the sides for ears.






Arms - make 2
Cast on 14 in flesh
Stst 14 rows
K2tog over whole row.
Cut yarn, thread stitches onto yarn and pull to tighten

Stitch up side and stuff, attach to body.

Shorts
Cast on 15 in brown.
Stst 12 rows. Slide onto end of needle.
Cast on another 15 in brown.
Stst 12 rows.
Slide together
Stst 10 rows
Rib (k1,p1) 2 rows
Cast off.
Stitch up the legs and back, slide onto doll, stitch on at waist.


Jacket - all in red

Jacket back
Cast on 11
Stst 6 rows, slide to the end.
Cast on 11
Stst 6 rows, slide together.
Stst 8 rows
Cast off 2, knit to end
Cast off 2, purl to end
Stst 6 rows
K5, k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k5
P5, cast off 4, p5
Cast off

Jacket front right
Cast on 12
Stst 14 rows
Cast off 2, k to end
P2 tog, p to end
Knit.
P2 tog, p to end
Knit
P2 tog, p to end
Knit
P2 tog, p to end
Cast off

Jacket front left
Cast on 12
Stst 15 rows
Cast off 2, p to end
K2 tog, knit to end
Purl
K2 tog, knit to end
Purl
K2 tog, knit to end
Purl
K2 tog, knit to end
Purl
Cast off

Jacket arms
Cast on 18
Stst 11
Cast off on a purl row

Jacket collar
Cast on 3
Stst 50 rows
Cast off

Jacket belt
Cast on 3
Knit 10 rows
Cast off

Hair

Cast on 12 in fluffy brown.
Knit 5 rows
K1 front and back, k 10, k1 front and back
K1 front and back, k 12, k1 front and back
Cast on 10 at the start of the next row
K5 rows
K2tog over row
Cut yarn, thread stitches onto yarn, pull to tighten.
Stitch onto head like a wig.



Scarf
Cast on 4 in green
Knit 70 rows.
Cast off

Stitch up the red pieces as you would a cardigan... Attach the top of the shoulders first, then the arms.
Fold the collar in half, and pin to the back of the jacket. Stitch onto the jacket.
Attach the belt to the back creating a little gather.
Sew on 4 beads as buttons on the front and 2 onto the belt at the back. Place jacket on Mr. Baggins.
Stitch fluffy brown wool on the top of his feet.

Attach eyes and sew on a smile.
Tie scarf around his neck.
Now he is ready for an unexpected journey.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad