Whit's Knits: Big Snowy Owl

There's something about owls. Is it their baby-wide eyes? Their mysterious nighttime habits? Or their totemic gumdrop shape? I'm not sure, but owls somehow manage to be simultaneously enigmatic and totally lovable.

This one is heavy on the lovable! With a big, pudgy belly and a cozy soft alpaca-blend yarn, the Big Snowy Owl is one heck of a hugger. At a foot and a half tall and a yard around, he's just right for little arms to squeeze and for young imaginations to love. Although, you're never too old for an unconditionally devoted friend!

Making the Big Snowy Owl was probably the most fun knitting I've done all year. From easy stitch patterns to simple shaping, there's never a dull moment! Plus I love just being around the downy softness of Blue Sky Bulky, big wonderful stitch after big wonderful stitch!

For your own big hug, visit our Big Snowy Owl Project Journal by clicking right here! Thanks! - Whitney

Comments

[Amy]

I LOVE owls! Between this post and the last, there's a real aviary theme going on here!

[Penelope]

Absolutely gorgeous! I need to make one xox

[Crafted by Carly]

Hello Purl Bee,
Your site is a FANTASTIC find - so inspirational!!! I've had a quick look through your tutorials. Everything is so gorgeous! I want to try so many of them out! The only problem is..... Which one shall I try first??? Thank you for providing such a great resource for crafters everywhere!!!
Carly
x

[Lisa]

I've been waiting just for this (only I didn't know it). I have two WIP's that I have been putting off and wishing I had something else worthwhile to occupy my fingers. This is it - this owl is so incredibly sweet - I think I need to make three (both girls, and myself of course). Love it, thank you for the project.

[Krysta]

I am in love with this! Bless your hands! I can't wait to make this for my daughter for Christmas.

[Abby]

What a cutie! He's adorable, and I love the colors.

[~Carola~]

Hermoso! Un búho con grandes ojos =) Me cuesta tejer ....prefiero el crochet ...pero voy a intentarlo =D

[Sarah H]

I love this! Nice work.

[StillTraveller]

Oh this is so adorable.

[Julie]

Oh my if that is not the cutest thing - I am a Kappa alumna - what an adorable representation of the wise old owl! :-) You made my day! Now only to have the skills and time to make!

[Sam]

How long did it take you to make this? What was the total cost in materials, if you don't mind

[Sue]

I love your owl! He is gorgeous.

[Daedre Craig]

Haha. When I saw the first photo of the owl in the chair I was hoping those were normal sized chairs and that the owl was huge. Wouldn't it be fun to have an enormous owl like that to hug with!

[windupbirdee]

this is adorable! but tbh i thought it was totoro at first...

[Rebeka Russell]

What a fabulous idea - the eyes are most owlsome and I'd love to feature your pattern (and promote your fab-tastic website) on my owls and pears blog if wouldn't mind? I know there are so many owl lovers out there who also love knitting - the perfect autumnal project!

[purl bee]

Hi Rebeka-

You are free to re-post our pictures as long as they link directly to the the project journal for this project:
http://purlbee.squarespace.com/big-snowy-owl/

Thank you so much for your nice question!

[Stephanie Monroe]

*Squeeze* Looks irresistible. Looks like so much fun to make! Love stitching and beautiful yarn!

[Lindsay]

I like the cat who joins in the shoot! Maybe I will make an owl for my new living room... it's kind of retro. Do you think the owl would be too much?

[Cathy]

Your photography is stellar! I really want to make this for all the little ones on my Christmas list. Thanks!

[Kimberlee]

hedwig!! love this!

[Mary]

I love this beautiful owl! What about offering one in crochet please?

[purlbee]

Hi Sam,

Hmmm, I'm not sure how long it took me to make my owl since it was over the course of a few weeks, but my guess would be between 5 and 8 hours. The cost of the yarn is between $45 (for a monochromatic Cascade Magnum version) and $96 (for the Blue Sky Alpaca version I made).

Thanks for your questions!
Whitney

[Katie]

Of course I love the owl & he's the feature of the picture/post...but I can't get over how cute that kitty is hiding behind the chair!

[eliza]

this is the perfect totoro shape! i may have to attempt it for christmas. thanks!

[erica K]

That owl made my day. It's adorable!

[casapinka]

awwww, this got me in the mood for winter. this is adorable!

[Blake @ salt, teak & fog]

holy cuteness! I can barely handle how precious that is. And I don't even know how to knit (yet). wow.

[Brittany]

I started knitting my own Big Snowy Owl last night and I love the way it's coming along. Great project instructions, this is going to turn out wonderfully! He's the perfect shape, color and size to be a companion to our Mashimaro doll. I wanted to start right away though, so I used some cheap Wool-Ease Thick & Quick with Sensations Beautiful, both in off-white and from my stash. Seems to have the same effect, maybe even fuzzier!

[Emily]

Most. Huggable. Thing. Ever.

[Alice]

This own is utterly adorable! I want to knit one very much! :D

[Sarah]

This is amazing!!!! Is it for sale?!?

[purl bee]

Hi Sarah-

This owl is not for sale but there is a free pattern to knit it here: http://www.purlbee.com/big-snowy-owl/

If you'd like to find someone to knit it for you you can call our NYC store, They might be able to put you in contact with someone who does custom knitting.

Thanks! Molly