Whit's Knits: Toadstool Baby Rattle

It's Mushroom Week at the Purl Bee! Mushrooms, with their friendly shapes and rainbow array of colors, are pretty irresistible. As homes for fairies everywhere, mushrooms hold a special place in children's imaginations. As we grow up our fascination with mushrooms extends into more culinary or scientific directions, but I think those early stories of wood nymphs grabbing shelter from a sudden rainstorm under the eaves of a toadstool might have something to do with a lifelong attraction for mushrooms.

It occurred to me recently that mushrooms are nature's perfectly engineered baby rattles. An ergonomic handle, an amusing bouncey cap with room to accommodate a noise maker, and a welcome canvas for color and decoration. To carry out my vision, I used Koigu Premium Merino because no one makes better colors, and it won't irritate a baby's skin. This project is also accompanied by our new Double Pointed Needles Tutorial. If you've never used double pointed needles, but have always wanted to try, now is a great opportunity!  

I always say that projects are fun, but this, I assure you, is fun! Make one for your next baby shower. You'll see! For instructions, please visit our Toadstool Baby Rattle Project Journal.  Thanks! --Whitney

Comments

[Miaou]

Oh wonderful! I will just have to have a go at knitting those, they are great!

[lolly]

oh my! so sweet!

[Veronica]

These are absolutely adorable. I can't wait to make one.

[Melissa W]

Argh! So cute! I'm definitely lining this project up even though my kids are a bit old for this and I don't know of any babies coming along soon.

[vicki]

Wow these are so funny and original. Good work.
Vicki

[Gudrun]

Wow this is the perfect baby shower gift. I have three friends that will be be delivering in desember, one of them with twins. I will definately make four of these rattles. You guys are my favorite website.
Gudrun

[Jess]

TOOOOO CUTE!!!!

[ml]

great project! How should one knit a gauge swatch when knitting with dpn's since the typical 4x4 swatch knit in stockinette stitch doesn't give you same gauge as what is knit w/dpn's

[Linn]

Oh my goodness! These are the cutest things I've ever seen. I just found your blog today and already you make me want to learn to knit (something I generally leave up to my mom and sister while I quilt.) I am passing this link on to my sister right now!

[purl bee]

Hi ML,
Here is a link to our circular gauge tutorial which is done on circular needles but could easily be adapted for double points:
http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2008/4/7/whits-knits-circular-gauge-tutorial.html

[Jackie]

These are adorable! I'm going to make some for a shower this winter.

[Katie]

Thank you for the pattern! I made a traditional red and white Amanita muscaria version:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katiepipu/2742291203/in/photostream/