The GSPCA are appealing for islanders to knit toy mice for the many cats at the GSPCA Animal Shelter.
Every year hundreds of cats pass through the doors at the Shelter and we are always trying to ensure their stay is filled with toys and things to do. We are always looking for new and exciting ways to provide stimulation and environmental enrichment for our feline friends. Whether you are an experienced knitter or perhaps someone who just wants to give it a go and would like to help please accept this invitation to get knitting and create a fun an interactive toy for the cats at the GSPCA. You can either drop your finished mouse into the Shelter or post them to the GSPCA Animal Shelter, Les Fiers Moutons, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.
To download a poster to advertise our cat toy appeal please
How to make A Captain Cat-Battler Pirate Mouse
3.5mm knitting needles
15g white acrylic DK (body)
15g black acrylic DK (body, eye and eyepatch)
5g pink acrylic DK (ears, nose and tail)
Stuffing (innards)
Small squeaker (optional)
Catnip pouch (optional)
Fierce feline-fighting determination (essential)
Size
10cm (4") approx from nosetip to start of tail
Gauge: Not important. No one will be wearing him.
Skills
Knitting. Purling. Increasing (make one). Basic sewing up. Very basic embroidery. Mouse making.
Abbreviations
K = knit
P = purl
M1 = make one (make stitch from yarn between stitches)
Body
Captain Cat-Battler
Cast on 2 stitches in white
Row 1. K across
Row 2. P across
Row 3. K, m1, k (3sts)
Row 4. P across
Row 5. K, m1, k, m1, k (5 sts)
Row 6. P across
Row 7. K, m1, k3, m1, k (7 sts)
Row 8. P across
Row 9. K, m1, k5, m1, k (9 sts)
Row 10. P across
Row 11. K, m1, k7, m1, k (11 sts)
Row 12. P across
Row 13. K, m1, k9, m1, k (13 sts)
Row 14. P across
Row 15. K, m1, k11, m1, k (15 sts)
Row 16. P across
Row 17. K, m1, k13, m1, k (17 sts)
Row 18. P across
Change to black
Row 19. K, m1, k15, m1, k (19 sts)
Row 20. P across
Change to bhite
Row 21. K, m1, k17, m1, k (21 sts)
Row 22. P across
Change to black
Row 23. K, m1, k19, m1, k (23 sts)
Row 24. P across
Change to white
Row 25. K, m1, k21, m1, k (25 sts)
Row 26. P across
Change to black
Row 27. K across
Row 28. P across
Change to white
Row 29- 35. Repeat rows 27 and 28 changing from white to black every two rows ending in a white knit row
Row 36. P across in white
Cut about 15cm of yarn
Thread yarn through remaining stitches and draw tight to make round 'tail end' of mouse.
Ears x 2
Cast on 5 sts in pink
Row 1. K across
Row 2. P across
Row 3. K across
Row 4. P across
Row 5 K across
Cut about 10 cm of yarn
Thread yarn through stitches and draw tight to make round part of ear.
Darn in yarn end.
Sew cast on yarn through bottom stitches and draw tight to make lower part of ear.
Finishing
1. Sew two sides of mouse body together from 'tail end' to 'nose end' (making sure your stripes match up), leaving a hole for stuffing
2. Insert stuffing (and optional squeaker and catnip) into mouse body.
3. Finish sewing body right up to the tip of the nose.
4. Sew on ears using cast on yarn ends.
5. Embroider nose with pink yarn, running end of yarn through body and out of 'tail end' to form tail.
6. Tie knot at end of tail.
7. Embroider eye and square eyepatch with band. Eyepatch band should run from left ear, across his face to first black stripe under his chin.
8. Greet your new roguish rodent with a cheery "Yaaaaaaaaaarn, me hearty!" and then launch him at the nearest cat.
Find more knit wit and free patterns at whodunnknit.com
Pattern originally designed for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home by Lauren O'Farrell (Not for commercial use)
To find out details about Cupcake Week 25th - 31st March please
You can register your business, school or organise one with family and friends by contacting the Shelter or popping in for a Cupcake pack.
Telephone - 01481 257261
Email - [email protected]
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