Shell's belles

Hook up this happy homebody in a pinch.Designed by Irene Strange

- Irene Strange

YOU WILL NEED

DMC Natura Just Cotton

(100% cotton, 50g/155m)

1 ball of each: Yarn A Safran (N47)

Yarn B Nacar (N35)

Yarn C Chartreuse (N48)

Yarn D Ixora (N104)

Yarn E Aquamarina (N25)

A 2.75mm (US C/2) hook

2 black safety eyes, 11mm

Toy stuffing

Tapestry needle

Brown stranded cotton

For stockists contact DMC 01924 231669 www.dmc.com

TENSION

Tension is not critical for this project, but it may affect the yarn quantities required

MEASUREMENTS

Crab measures approx 13cm (5in) tall

ABBREVIATIONS

Inv dec (invisible decrease) Insert hook through fl of next 2 sts, yrh and pull through the two fl on hook, yrh and pull through two loops on hook (alternatively work standard dc2tog) bobble Worked individually over surface of Shell, join yarn to st on Shell, ch2, tr3tog in same st, ch1, ss into Shell one round below For a full list, see page 88

Kermit the hermit loves a day at the beach, but won’t go without his home comforts – or even his home. We can all relate! This is a great time to master the invisible decrease – a simple adaptation that make decreases barely detectable on tightly curved shapes.

NOTES

The Crab is made up of separate pieces, which are joined together at the end. This pattern is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a slip stitch. You may find it helpful to place a marker in the first st of each round, moving it up as you work. Work standard decreases on Shell, and invisible decreases (inv dec – see Abbreviations) on all other pieces.