Toonces The Driving Cat

I've been on a bit of a toy-knitting jag recently, probably because they're quick and fun and provide a good distraction from a couple of longer term projects on which I've been working. But let's not over-analyze this; they're also pretty cute.  The three most recent toys (including the Bates and Crawford families) have all been Rebecca Danger patterns, which are available both on Ravelry and Etsy.  I have to give a shout-out here to Ms. Danger and her patterns, which are really clearly written and include large and helpful photos.  The toys are all fairly simple, cute and a bit funny looking, which is just as a knitted toy should be, to my mind.

I think Toonces here fits that description.

Details:

Pattern: Greta the Captivating Cat, by Rebecca Danger

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted Multi, in Glenwood

Needles: US5/3.75mm

Started: July 26

Finished: July 29

Named for my favorite car-driving cat from 1980s late night TV, Toonces is going to live with Consuelo and David and their on-the-way baby. I made him using a partial skein of Lorna's Laces that was left over from a Baby Surprise Jacket I'd made two years ago.  I hadn't initially planned it, but after I'd been working for a bit, I noticed that the variegated nature and colors in the yarn were creating a great calico effect.  The yarn is soft and springy and, importantly, machine washable.

I was nervous about stitching on his arms, ears and tail because finishing is not my strong suit and there's no great way to hide these stitches, but again, the variegated yarn worked  in my favor masking some of my stitches.  I did make a modification with respect to his tail, and instead of working it in the round, I just made a 5-stitch i-cord.  Easy as pie, and it looks good.