Friday, September 5, 2008

Res Completa: Elijah the Elephant

Look who just got back from the RNC:


Actually, I happen to be a non-partisan elephant.

Pattern: Elijah by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft 4-ply, 2 balls of Weather, held double
Needles: US 3 dpns
Start to Finish: August 24-28, 2008
Mods: Nope.

Notes: First of all, I don't think I gave an accurate depiction of my thoughts on RYC Cashsoft in my last post (the yarn for Elijah was leftover from my Ravelympics sweater). It is so soft. So amazingly soft. Quite possibly the softest yarn I have ever had against my skin. It is rare that I would purchase an entire sweater's worth of such nice yarn, but The Lady was fortuitously destashing it at the exact moment that I needed it, and she offered it at a great price. Thanks, Lady! Anyway, the softness of this yarn made me want to make a baby knit immediately and, having had my eye on the adorable Elijah for some time, and needing something to do with my hands during a Lord of the Rings marathon a couple weekends ago, I cast on and got most of the little dude done in one sitting.

I have admired Ysolda's toy patterns from afar for awhile and was thrilled to finally try one out. And it certainly did not disappoint. The shaping is so clever! I love how the decreases make for such a sweet little face...



...and how the torso is worked to make a fat little tummy. Because I was holding my yarn double, it was slightly difficult and fiddly to pick up the stitches for Elijah's limbs and ears, but that was a small price to pay for the clean lines it produced (well, cleaner than if I had seamed them).

A number of friends are expecting babies this year and next, so Elijah will go to one of them, but I have to admit that it will be very hard to let him go.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've long admired Ysolda's line of toys too, but Elijah is my favorite.
I love the color you chose for your Elijah. He's so cute!

Margo said...

Elijah's name fits him perfectly! He's adorable :)

Anya said...

I don't blame you for having a hard time letting this cutie go.

the Lady said...

So very cute! I would not let him go, he would be MINE, all Mine! ahem. Glad you like the yarn;-)

LizKnits said...

So cute! I love seeing you holding him too ... I never realized how big he way. It's great to have scale!

Team Knit said...

gorgeous! I've been wondering about Cashsoft- now I'm sold!

- Julie

Claudia Bugh said...

He's so adorable!!!! Somebody is going to be a very lucky baby :)

It' good to know this was a relatively quick knit. I've admired the pattern for some time and I'm sure there will be need before too long.

Philigry said...

this is so sweet! i love it.

jennifer said...

So, so, so cute! And I agree about the yarn...

peaknits said...

oh, he's darling - I want to hug him too!:)

Teresa said...

He looks so cute! Perhaps an ellie-sibling is in order? You can adopt out one of the family, and keep the other!

The Paskins said...

LOVE the elephant...hmm, do they come in pink? You know, Reese's birthday is in a few months...yes, that's a direct hint :)

Aline said...

His face is so perfect! What a grand use for left over yarn. I adore your challenge sweater. Those ruffles on the front are gorgeous and classy.

Lilac Quilts said...

So cute! I have young nieces and nephews - I may have to make them elephants as well.

LizKnits said...

That Elijah certainly is the handsome one!

CassieMarie said...

Super cute!
:)
I love that he is non-partisan as well- haha.