purlJam

# Flora the Flamingo

This charming flamingo is designed specifically for beginner knitters. Every piece is knit flat on straight needles and seamed at the end.

## MATERIALS
*   **Yarn**: Worsted weight (Category 4). Approx. 100 yards of Pink (Main Color), 10 yards of Black (Contrast Color A), and 10 yards of White/Cream (Contrast Color B).
*   **Needles**: US 6 (4.0 mm) straight needles.
*   **Notions**: Polyester fiberfill stuffing, tapestry needle, two 6mm safety eyes (or black yarn for embroidery).

## SPECIFICATIONS
*   **Gauge**: 20 sts and 26 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. (Note: Gauge is not critical, but should be tight enough to hold stuffing.)
*   **Finished Size**: Approximately 11 inches (28 cm) from head to toe.

## ABBREVIATIONS
*   **CO**: Cast on
*   **k**: Knit
*   **p**: Purl
*   **kfb**: Knit front and back (increase 1 stitch)
*   **k2tog**: Knit 2 stitches together (decrease 1 stitch)
*   **st(s)**: Stitch(es)
*   **St st**: Stockinette stitch (Knit RS rows, Purl WS rows)
*   **RS**: Right side
*   **WS**: Wrong side

---

## INSTRUCTIONS

### BODY (Make 2)
Using Pink yarn, CO 8 sts.
*   **Row 1 (RS)**: Knit.
*   **Row 2 (WS)**: Purl.
*   **Row 3**: [kfb] in every stitch across. [16 sts] (Math: 8 original + 8 increases = 16)
*   **Row 4**: Purl.
*   **Row 5**: [k1, kfb] across. [24 sts] (Math: 16 original + 8 increases = 24)
*   **Rows 6–20**: Work in St st (start with a Purl row).
*   **Row 21**: [k1, k2tog] across. [16 sts] (Math: 24 original - 8 decreases = 16)
*   **Row 22**: Purl.
*   **Row 23**: [k2tog] across. [8 sts]
*   **Row 24**: Purl.
*   Bind off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

### NECK AND HEAD (Make 1)
Using Pink yarn, CO 10 sts.
*   **Rows 1–30**: Work in St st (start with a Knit row). This creates the long neck.
*   **Row 31 (Head Increase)**: [k1, kfb, k1, kfb, k2, kfb, k1, kfb, k1]. [14 sts]
*   **Rows 32–40**: Work in St st.
*   **Row 41**: [k2tog] across. [7 sts]
*   Bind off, leaving a tail.

### BEAK
Using White yarn (CC B), CO 8 sts.
*   **Rows 1–4**: Work in St st.
*   Break White, join Black yarn (CC A).
*   **Row 5**: [k2tog] across. [4 sts]
*   **Row 6**: Purl.
*   **Row 7**: [k2tog] twice. [2 sts]
*   **Row 8**: P2tog. [1 st]
*   Fasten off.

### WINGS (Make 2)
Using Pink yarn, CO 4 sts.
*   **Row 1**: [kfb] in every stitch. [8 sts]
*   **Row 2**: Purl.
*   **Row 3**: [k1, kfb] across. [12 sts]
*   **Rows 4–10**: Work in St st.
*   **Row 11**: [k1, k2tog] across. [8 sts]
*   **Row 12**: Purl.
*   **Row 13**: [k2tog] across. [4 sts]
*   **Row 14**: P2tog twice. [2 sts]
*   Bind off.

### LEGS (Make 2)
Using Black or Dark Gray yarn, CO 4 sts.
*   **Rows 1–35**: Knit every row (Garter stitch).
*   Bind off. (The garter stitch will create a sturdy, slightly bumpy leg).

---

## ASSEMBLY

1.  **Body**: Place the two Body pieces with RS facing together. Sew around the edges using a mattress stitch, leaving a 2-inch (5 cm) gap. Turn RS out, stuff firmly, and sew the gap closed.
2.  **Neck/Head**: Fold the Neck/Head piece lengthwise (RS facing in) and sew the long edge to create a tube. Turn RS out. Stuff the head and neck firmly. (Beginner Tip: Use the blunt end of a knitting needle to push stuffing down the long neck).
3.  **Beak**: Sew the side edges of the beak together and stuff lightly. Attach the wide end of the beak to the front of the head.
4.  **Eyes**: Attach safety eyes or embroider small black dots on either side of the head above the beak.
5.  **Wings**: Sew the wings to the sides of the body. You may leave the bottom half of the wing unattached to allow them to "flap."
6.  **Legs**: Fold the bottom 0.5 inches of each leg up and stitch to create a "foot." Attach the tops of the legs to the bottom of the body.
7.  **Final Attachment**: Sew the base of the neck to the front-top of the body. Ensure it is secured tightly so the head doesn't wobble.

**Technical Editor's Note**: To help the flamingo stand or pose, you can insert a chenille stem (pipe cleaner) into the neck and legs before sewing them to the body.