last minute makes for children to make...#2

knitted pink sugar mice
i know i've posted this one before but it's such and easy project for young knitters to attempt that i thought you may like to see it again although this pattern is knitted as flat knitting, not in the round as before - a bit easier for smaller hands...

ive used the instruction kfb throughout this pattern which means knit into the front and then onto the back of a stitch to increase - there is a good u-tube video here to show you how to do this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILcTB5hc0XM
pattern
using size 3 1/2mm or 4mm needles and a 4 ply, sock or fine dk yarn, cast on 2sts.

Row 1 knit into the front and then the back of the first stitch to increase (called kfb), do the same  kfb increase to the other stitch. 4sts

Row 2 kfb, k2, kfb. 6sts Row 3 P6. Row 4 [Kfb, k1] 3 times. 9sts Row 5 P9. Row 6 [Kfb, k2] 3 times. 12sts Row 7 P12. Row 8 [Kfb, k5] 3 times. 15sts Row 9 P15.
keep knitting in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row) until the mouse measures (approx.) 7cm/ 2 3/4in from the tip of its nose. Bind off all stitches. tail

finger knitting with 3 strands or a knitting dolly tail with 4 strands works well for the mouse's tail, or  simply just  braid 3 strands of yarn. sew the tail on.

sew the seam from the tip of the nose to the bind off edge.

Cut a tiny 6mm/ 1/2in diameter (approx.) circle from the felt. Cut the circle in half for each ear. Oversew these to the top of the head. Work stitches over the tip of the nose in black thread. Sew on the beady eyes (or embroider them on with little knots if you wish).