Knit An Angel

by Marge Parker
margeparker@powernet.net

This angel was the inspiration of Marge Parker who posted it on the Internet Knit List. Marge very generously told us that if any of us wanted to include it on our home pages, we should feel free to do so. Thank you Marge, I know you are going to make a lot of knitters happy when they try this.  Don't forget to email Marge and give her a big cyberhug for sharing this pattern with us.

STARCHED CHRISTMAS ANGEL

YARN: Mayflower 100% cotton
MACHINE: Brother 890 standard gauge machine


MATERIALS REQUIRED:

Ecru Cotton Yarn (These also work up well in colors)
Aleene's fabric stiffener
Large wood bead for head
Curly Hair
1 white `bumpy' chenille stem
Misc. beads, ribbon, glitter trims
*PAINT: Pale peach for skin tone
            Royal blue for eyes
            Red for mouth
4" piece of 1 1/2" gathered ecru glitter lace
1 `pearl' loop (generally found in bridal/floral supplies)

*NOTE: PAINT NOT REQUIRED IF YOU PURCHASE ONE OF THOSE PRE-PAINTED DOLL HEAD BEADS.

ANGEL: T:5

Pull out 31 needles to 'B' position. Weave cast-on every other needle, keep others in work. Knit 2 rows.
* Increase one stitch each side, make eyelets every 3rd stitch in to 0, knit 3 rows. **

Repeat from * to ** to RC 35.

Put machine on hold, place 1 needle at each end to hold for next 4 rows (Carriage is on left), e-wrap left stitches on hold, take machine off hold, pull all needles to "E" position.

Carefully knit one row across all stitches. Latch off loosely.

WINGS: T:5

Latch hook on 20 needles. Knit 2 rows
* Decrease 1 st each side and make eyelets evenly along stitches.

Knit 2 rows.
Repeat from * down to 8 stitches on the machine.

Knit 4 rows even.

Reverse shaping, with eyelets in the same stitches as above pattern, back out to 20 stitches on machine.

Latch hook off.

ASSEMBLY:

Sew angel seam (sides, weave in ends. Pull weaving thread from cast-on taut and secure. Sew in yarn ends of wings. Following stiffener directions, saturate Angel and wings.

Angel can be shaped onto an empty yarn cone or a styrofoam form.
If using the yarn cone, be sure to cover it with plastic wrap first. An 8oz Spring-water bottle is also a good shape to try.

For the wings, I use a cork board that is covered with plastic wrap. Spread wings out in a |><| form and secure with push-pins. Allow to dry overnight.

Paint head and add features. Glue on hair according to package directions. Fold chenille stem 2" in from each end. Twist to form arms, leaving the loop for hands. Glue middle of chenille stem to back of the angel, or weave it in through a couple of the eyelets at the back. Bring arms around front and dot-glue together with hot-glue. Glue lace collar, trim, ribbon and beads as desired on your angel. Be creative! Glue wings in place securely, covering up the chenille stem in back. Dot glue the pearl loop for the halo onto the head. Glue head to angel body.