Davey Jones

Of course, in the last entry, when I said I'd be posting about the completed nautilus tomorrow, I meant Friday.

So a former coworker and current friend of mine chose this nautilus from a list of potential knitted birthday gifts. It really was the best option, as you don't need scarves, hats, or gloves in this oh-so-frigid SoCal weather. Besides, a knitted nautilus is a quirky item--she said she wants to put it in her car and frighten her passengers. I know only quirky people. And I love it.

The pattern was a lot of fun to make. At the very beginning, my buddies at get stitchy! helped me through understanding how to coil the shell. It wasn't too difficult, one of those things you have to do to understand. The shell came out great, maybe a little under-stuffed in some areas, but nicely coiled.

And instead of knitting the face as a separate piece, as is called for in the pattern, I picked up stitches around the top of the shell and knit up from there. I stopped after a few rounds to weave in the starting end, and then continued on my merry way.

I used the tail leftover from securing the stitches at the top of the face to make the first i-cord tentacle. One less end to weave in!!! The rest of the tentacles went surprisingly fast. The eyes were an exercise in frustration--I cannot cut small, even circles to save my life. But the misshapen eyes are just a part of the nautilus' personality now.

He has been dubbed Davey Jones. At least, by me. I don't know what his new owner will christen him...Here he is:


His eyes are felt, foam, and permanent marker. Because my house is that crafty. He came out so well, if I do say so myself. Hopefully the recipient will enjoy his company as much as I have.

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On Sunday, I'll post my first FO for the April Showers Knit-Along--the entirely-knitted-but-not-yet-finished Bathtime Blossoms washcloth and soap-sack set. Say that three times fast.