Velvet Rabbit: The White Album

My  version.  A gift for a friend who made my shoulder better.

 

The view from the back.

  

Separates

 

This adorable bunny

 

(photo from the book)

 

from Simple Knits for Little Cherubs called the "Velvet Rabbit",  by Erika Knight.  The bunny pattern was pretty straightforward. All garter stitch.  I knit both front and back pieces at the same time to ensure that they were the same size. Same strategy as for sweater sleeves.  Also, when you are done, you are done, except for the arms, which are very quick.  The ear shaping works quite well.

 

The instructions for sewing up the bunny don't seem (no pun intended) as if they will work, but follow them and they do!  I'm making another one in Cascade Ecological Wool (a gift for the son of one of my knitting friends)..  This one was made using Cascade 220 Superwash since the recipients were busy parents.   

 

Note:  The pattern calls for Rowan Fine Chenille, which appears to be somewhere between fingering and DK weight yarn, using needles that are several sizes smaller than normally used for the yarn, (pattern calls for a US 1 needle, yarn recommends US 2-5 needles).  So, where I am going with this is:  Whatever yarn you choose to make this adorable bunny out of, go down several needle sizes from the recommended needle for the yarn.  What this produces is a fabric that is denser and more "velvet-y" (especially if you are using a chenille yarn or cotton yarn), it keeps the stuffing from showing through and helps keep the garter stitch from stretching too much.

Enough said.

 

And of course, this bib (free pattern)

before photos on the "board". Blocking makes a big difference when you are sewing together pieces that are supposed to be the same size.  I bought  this one

 and it makes all the difference.  It folds in half for easy storage and well, you can read about on Webs.  Enjoy.