FREE PATTERN FRIDAY: Bathtime (?) Blanket Buddy v.1 Bessie

After being inspired by this photo on Flickr that was created from this free pattern, I decided to design my own blanket buddy. I decided to make my blanket buddy out of Sugar N' Cream cotton because it washes easily and I had some in my stash. Since I used the cotton (which is often used for dishcloths), I think this Blanket Buddy could also be a fun Bathtime Buddy.


Just a thought. I still need to test her out with Little Man in the tub. I'll let you know how that goes. I've done a garter stitch baby blanket that is knit from the corner and decided that would be an easy way to start this blanket buddy. It ends up that the free pattern maker had the same idea. I basically followed the original pattern (with a few minor changes) for the blanket portion, but started changing it when I got to the neck and head. I really wanted a seamless blanket buddy so I picked up stitches and started knitting in the round for the head. I also wanted a little more shaping so I tried some short rows on the face, but am not thrilled with the results. I was not originally aiming to make this buddy a cow, but that's just what she looked like with this particular head pattern. I wanted to pick up stitches for the ears and knit them directly on the head, but it wasn't working so I knit them separately and then attached them. I'm not 100% satisfied with this Blanket Buddy so there will probably be another version in the future when I need a break from sweaters and other larger WIP. Anyway, if you like how Bessie turned out, please feel free to use this free pattern. Let me know how it turns out or if you have any questions. Thanks!


Bathtime Blanket Buddy v. 1 Bessie

Materials
Yarn: Less than one skein of Sugar N' Cream Cotton or any worsted weight of your choice
Small amounts of other yarn for face details
Needles: Size 8 straight or circular, Size 6 double point
Tapestry needle
Small amount of stuffing for head

Abbreviations
st = stitch
K = knit
P = purl
yo= yarn over
k2tog = knit 2 together
k3tog = knit 3 together
SSK = slip 1 as to knit, slip 1 as to purl, slip both stitches to left needle, knit together in back
SKPO = slip 1 as to knit, K1, pass slipped stitch over knitted stitch
WT = wrap and turn

wrap and turn directions (from Alexandra Virgiel's Pasha the Penguin pattern)
On a knit row: slip the next stitch purlwise, bring the yarn to the front of the work, and replace the slipped stitch back onto the left needle without twisting it. Turn the work around to begin working back in the other direction.

On a purl row: slip the next stitch purlwise, bring the yarn to the back of the work, and replace the slipped stitch back onto the left needle without twisting it. Turn the work around to begin working back in the other direction.



Pattern (Starting with the bottom of the blanket)
With larger needles, cast on 1 st.

Rows 1-6: Knit into the front and back of first st, knit to end of row. (7 sts at the end of row 6)

Rows 7-41: K3, yo , knit to end of row. (42 sts at end of row 41)

Rows 43-44: Cast on 12 sts for Paws, knit to end of row. (66 sts at end of row 44)

Rows 44-47: Knit

Row 48-49: Bind off 12 sts, knit to end of row. (42 sts at end of row 49)

Rows 50-63: K2, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end of row. (28 sts at end of row 63)

Rows 64-65: K2, k2tog, yo, k3tog, knit to end of row. (24 sts at end of row 65)

Row 66: Switch to smaller needles, k3tog across row. (8 sts)

Row 67: Knit


Head

*Pick up 8 stitches across the k3tog row using a second doublepoint needle (you will be able to see the tripled loops).

You will now have 8 stitches on your first doublepoint needle and 8 stitches on a second doublepoint needle. Begin knitting in the round.

Round 1: *K1, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K4, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K1* repeat. (20 sts)

Round 2: Knit

Round 3: *K1, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K6, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K1* repeat. (24 sts)

Round 4: Knit

Round 5: *K1, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K8, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K1* repeat. (28 sts)

Round 6: Knit

Round 7: *K1, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K10, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K1* repeat. (32 sts)

Round 8: K27, (begin short rows using wrap and turn method described at the bottom of the pattern), P6, WT, K6, WT, P6, WT, K6, WT, P6, WT, K6, WT, K5.

Rounds 9-12: Knit

Round 13: *K1, SSK, K26, k2tog, K1* repeat. (28 sts)

Rounds 14-15: Knit

Round 16: *K2, k2 tog* repeat across round. (21 sts)

Round 17: Knit

Round 18: *K1, k2tog* repeat across round. (14 sts)

Round 19: k2tog across round. (7 sts)

Cut yarn leaving a 6"tail. Using a tapestry needle, weave yarn through remaining 7 sts.

Add any desired embroidery for face. Fill head with stuffing. Pull yarn tight to close up 7 sts and weave yarn tail in.

Tie "paws" into knots.



Ear (Make 2)

Cast on 5 st.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: K1, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K1, knit into the front and back of the next stitch, K1 (7 sts)

Rows 3-10: Knit

Row 11: K1, SKPO, K1, k2tog, k1 (5 sts)

Row 12: Knit

Row 13: SKPO, K!, k2tog (3 sts)

Bind off.


Shape ears by folding in half and sew onto head where desired.



Hope someone enjoys making their own Bessie Blanket Buddy. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback on this pattern. It would be much appreciated!