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.






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Beard Beanie - Knitting Pattern

This is a bearded beanie designed for Joel. He is super happy with his new facial hair in school colours.



You will need:
1 ball beanie colour - dk
1 ball brown -dk
4mm needles
5mm needles

The beanie

Any beanie pattern works really.
This one was 100 stitches casted on (4mm), 12 ribbed rows, change to 5mm needles, stst 30 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 back of the hat and attach tassels or a pom-pom.

Beard section

Cast on 4
K1 front and back, knit to last stitch, knit 1 front and back
Knit
Repeat those 2 rows until 50 stitches are made



(This bit makes the mouth gap)
Knit 18, cast off 14, knit 18
Knit 18, cast on 14, knit 18

Knit 8 rows

Knit 16, k2 tog, cast off 14, k2tog, knit to end

Treat either side of the moustache section separately.

Left side
Knit to last 2 stitches, k2 tog
K2 tog, knit to end
Repeat those 2 rows until 6 stitches remain
Knit 4 rows
Cast off

Right side
K2 tog, knit to end
Knit to last 2 stitches, k2 tog
Repeat those 2 rows until 6 stitches remain
Knit 4 rows
Cast off



Attach beard to hat- this is easiest when you place the hat on the recipients head, lining up the moustache and mouth, pinning, then stitching.



To make the moustache braids:
Take 30 lengths of yarn 60cm long. Fold in half and tie together.
Stitch tied bit into the centre of the upper lip area.
Secure tassel lengths to the beard, braid and tie.


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