So my "Christmas knit" this month is actually more of a gift idea than a decorating one. I call it "A Sheep's Mug Mat" (mug mat being a fancy name for a coaster).
I used this Drop's pattern (small size) to knit up the round mat using short rows. For yarn I chose Berroco Linsey (Shell), a cotton/linen blend which I love.
I knit the sheep parts in Knit Picks fingering (Bison)and attached them with fabric glue (you could also slip-stitch them on with invisible thread).
I think it makes a great mug mat. A set of 2 or 4 of these would be a great Christmas gift or you could just do one up for yourself.
Instructions for the sheep's body parts, knit on U.S. #2 needles, are as follows:
Head: (make one per mat)
CO 6 stitches (this is the chin)
Row 1: Knit
Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl
Row 3, 5, 7, 9 K1, kfb,knit to 2nd last stitch, kfb, k1
Row 11, 13, 15: K2 together knit to last two stitches K2tog.
Row 17: Bind off loosely.
Ears (make 2 per head):
CO 1
Row 1 :kfb
Row 2 (and all even rows) : purl
Row 3: Kfb on both stitches (4)
Row 5: Kfb, k2, kfb (6)
Row 7: Knit
Row 9: K2tog, k2, k2tog.
Row 10: P1, P2 together, P1 (3 )
Row 11: Bind off loosely
Hooves (make 2 per mat):
CO 8
Row 1 Knit
Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl
Row 3 and 5 : K2 together, knit to last 2 stitches, k2 together
Row 7: Bind off loosely leaving 1' tail, weave down side of hoof to create a smooth line.
To put together:
Stitch ears to side of sheep's head. Add 2 french knots for eyes (black yarn)
Pin head and hooves where you want them on the mat and attach in place using invisible thread or fabric glue. That's it, you are done!
**please note, no sheep were harmed in the production of this product!
These are so cute! Thanks for the pattern :)
Posted by: Dina | 02/25/2012 at 06:27 AM
Those are going to make great gifts!! Thank you for sharing your pattern.
Posted by: Dawn | 02/26/2012 at 08:21 AM
I've already faved these on Ravelry! They're adorable!!! The fact that you designed them yourself make them that much more awesome!
Posted by: Dorothy | 02/26/2012 at 01:29 PM
I don't knit, but I just wanted to tell you these are adorable.
Posted by: Daneilia | 02/27/2012 at 04:11 PM
This appeared in my "top 20" list in Ravelry this afternoon, under "Hot Right Now" - congratulations! This is a fabulous design, and I look forward to making many for all my knitting friends! Thanks for sharing the pattern!
Posted by: Jennifer | 02/27/2012 at 04:23 PM
This is absolutely adorable!!
Posted by: rhoda | 02/27/2012 at 07:06 PM
bellissimi!!!!!!
Posted by: Paola | 02/27/2012 at 11:12 PM
Fantastic idea - hope you don't mind that I added it to my Pinterest board - http://pinterest.com/pin/148548487678969293/
Posted by: Eddie | 02/29/2012 at 06:46 AM
awesome idea!
Posted by: valtricot | 03/05/2012 at 04:48 AM
Phew! So glad to read the disclaimer at the end 😜. Very cute pattern, thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Connie | 07/23/2015 at 12:58 PM
ha, ha, thanks Connie!
Posted by: Wool Free and Lovin Knit | 07/23/2015 at 01:28 PM
I cannot find the sheep mat pattern on ravelry. Help. I have spent ages looking. From Bobbi In Murrieta Ca.
Posted by: Bobbi Thompson | 01/06/2017 at 05:20 PM
Hi Bobbi:
The pattern is right here in the post. The linked for Revelry is this:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-sheeps-mug-mat
Posted by: Wool Free and Lovin' Knit | 01/07/2017 at 11:21 PM