Lion Basket by Cynthia Pilon Designs

Lion Basket by Cynthia Pilon DesignsA gift basket for a child or animal lover, this little lion is knit in the round from the bottom up, then felted in a washing machine. Two strands of worsted weight wool yarn are held together throughout. The mane is applied post felting, as is the simple yarn embroidered face. Directly from Cindy: "Ive found that many of my customers are accomplished knitters but unsure of their felting skills. Ive recently started a newsletter where I answer

A gift basket for a child or animal lover, this little lion is knit in the round from the bottom up, then felted in a washing machine. Two strands of worsted weight wool yarn are held together throughout. The mane is applied post-felting, as is the simple yarn-embroidered face.

Directly from Cindy:  "I’ve found that many of my customers are accomplished knitters but unsure of their felting skills. I’ve recently started a newsletter where I answer customer’s questions and provide tips on felting, as well as announce new patterns and provide substantial newsletter-only discounts." Newsletter Signup

Pattern Kit includes .pdf file & printed pattern as well as selected yarn and embroidery floss for face. For yarn winding services, click here.  PRE-ORDER now available in any color.  Please allow an extra 7 business days for your PRE-ORDER to arrive at your location.

 Worsted Weight

DESIGNER RECOMMENDED YARN: Wool of the Andes Worsted by Knit Picks (100% Wool; 50g/110 yds): 3 Skeins.

ALTERNATE YARN: NatureSpun Worsted by Brown Sheep Co. (100% USA Wool; 100g/245 yds): 2 Skeins.  Durable, strong, staple yarn made 100% in the USA!  Solids & heathers only.  

ALTERNATE YARN: Lanaloft Worsted by Brown Sheep Co. (100% USA Wool; 100g/160 yds): 2 Skeins.  This single-ply USA wool is perfect for felting!  Available in many solids and several handpainted hues.

ALTERNATE YARN: Lamb's Pride Worsted by Brown Sheep Co. (85% USA Wool / 15% USA Mohair; 113g/190 yds): 2 Skeins.  Add a little extra fuzziness and texture to your hat with a touch of mohair in this single ply, American made yarn.  

ALTERNATE YARN: Woolstok by Blue Sky Fibers (100% Peruvian Fine Highland Wool; 50g/123 yds): 3 Skeins. We will substitute 1x 150g skein if available.  This heathered and soft wool comes from Peru and is wonderfully soft, but not as soft as merino wool.  Very durable and can be knit several times without any fraying, just like NatureSpun.  Heathering adds extra depth and different colored "hairs" in the finished hat.  

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: approximately 8" long x 4" wide x 5" tall
YARDAGE: 300 yds
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate - small circular knitting with double points, I-cord

NEEDLES: Size US 11 / 8mm Set of Double Points and small circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge 
OTHER TOOLS: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, sewing needle & embroidery floss
GAUGE: 11 sts x 11 rows = 4" in stockinette stitch, unfelted.  This project will shrink approximately 20% once felted.

Images courtesy of Cindy Pilon with yarn images by Yarn Loop