Don't sweat it ..... it's just PEANUTS!!!

The two little munchkins at  home were planning for their auntie's birthday. Through an elaborate discussion of me asking the questions and they meowed in reply, we agreed on the good old gluten free peanut butter cookies.



"Happy Birthday, Auntie Cathy. We will have our catnip tea and you have your peanut cookies!!"

I always tried to do some experimentation each time I make them, and this time, I made four varieties. I read about the current trend in adding salt to baking, probably to enhance the sweetness, and in my recipe, I cut down the sugar by half, so it could use a little boost. Diabetes and hypertension are a concern for most people but hey you only go around once.



From left to right, top to bottom, chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, salts, and everything included

I only tried two cookies so far and they were delicious and froze the rest. I confess to keeping my cookies in the icebox for months without problem :p I used the basic flour-less peanut butter cookies recipe. The general proportion is 1 egg, 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of white caster sugar (1/4 tsp. of baking soda optional). Each time I made these cookies, I would change the recipe a little bit to see how far I can stretch it to reduce the amount of sugar used. I figured the structure of these cookies, without flour, would be solely resting on the egg and sugar, so cutting down sugar might make a difference. The amount of peanut butter used will also do something to the dough as it is rich in protein. Although with all these proteins from eggs and peanut butter, still without gluten, do not expect these cookies to look like the "floured" type, as it is more delicate and holding its shape is not their strong suit :(, meaning those crisscross markings will not be as nicely and properly displayed.



Salted peanut butter cookie with a trace of the crisscross pattern

Let me write down the recipe I used this time for future reference :)

Ingredients
2 extra large eggs (room temperature)
3/4 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
1/4 cup white granulating sugar
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups chunky peanut butter (room temperature)
1/4 cup chopped peanuts, toasted and salted (room temperature)
1/4 cup gluten free chocolate chips
pinches of salt (preferably coarse grain)


1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs lightly with a whisk. Add in the brown and white sugar, and continue beating until the mixture looks slightly thicken up and creamy.
2. Change to a large spatula or wooden spoon and fold in the peanut butter. Add more peanut butter if needed, to get the mixture into a smooth and thick consistency.  The mixture should be easily scrapped off from the side of the bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or more (overnight will be fine).
3. Preheat the oven to 350 degree F and lined the cookie tray with parchment paper.  Take the chilled dough out. It should be firm enough to be handle without overly sticky. Scoop out heapful of tablespoon of the dough and gently roll it into a ball around 1.5" in diameter. Place the dough ball onto the cookie tray about 2" apart. Use the palm of your hand to press it down slightly.  Sprinkle and press in peanuts, chocolate chips and salts as preferred. Return the cookie tray with its content to the ice box for a few minutes before putting into the oven for baking.
4. Once you put the cookie dough into the oven, stared at it and when the top of the cookie starts to crack, it is time to come out :)  Let the cookies rest on the hot tray for another 5 minutes or until firming up before transferring to the cooling rack. Makes 21 cookies.

For me, I made one tray (6 cookies) of plain with salt, one (6 cookies) of salted peanuts, one (6 cookies) of chocolate chips and half tray (3 cookies) of salt, salted peanuts and chocolate chips.  The dough did spread, so make sure they are given enough rooms in between on the tray. I did not have coarse grain salt at home, so I used table salt instead :(  I am expecting a better presentation with a coarser grain and better taste as well compare to fine table salt .... oh well.

When I am doing step 3, I did not need to use any oil or starch to handle the dough on the spoon or my hands. The chilled dough should be firm enough and the oil in the dough will prevent it from being too sticky.

You can see the crisscross markings on the plain cookies are not as neat as expected, so pretty sure you can take this decorative step off (or if that decoration is important to you, try to use the full amount of sugar .... that will be 2 cups of white caster sugar .... no brown sugar as the water in it will weight the structure down, cut down the baking soda to 1/4 tsp. or even to none, and really give the rolled dough a good final chill before putting into the oven .... good luck :p)

If you are making a genuine gluten free version, please ensure no cross contamination in the kitchen and check the ingredients in the peanut butter to ensure no added wheat or gluten components.  Baking soda should be pretty well free of gluten and making sure it is 100% sodium bicarbonate will ensure that. I am pretty sure eggs are 100% gluten free (they feed hens with corn I think, but I am no farmer :p)  The chocolate chips I used are everything free including soy, diary and gluten, so you will be pretty hard not to ask the question what is in it?  I am not going there :p, just have everything in moderation :D Peanuts too, should be 100% gluten free but could be contaminated during handling in the factory, storage and transportation. So I guess the lesson here is nothing is 100% guarantee in life (if there is, it will cost you a leg and an arm). For testing please send cookie samples to Mike.

"Yummy, we ate all the cookies ... good luck next time Auntie Cathy :p"

Counting SHEEP ............ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

While I was enrolled in a pattern testing works (which I might, time permitted, write about the experience in the blog later), I also came across this popular Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith.  After looking at hundreds of beautiful finished project pics, I just had to try my hand on it.

Even Dave the duck falls asleep with the baa baa :D

I took the modified route as suggested by a few knitters that find the original pattern produces a hat that is on the big side, and knowing my knitting is on the loose side, I casted on 88 sts.  Still, 88 sts for the circumference for a hat could be a little bit tight with my experience, so to be on the safe side, at least I could put it on, I used German twisted cast on (instead of the normal long tail cast on) just to make sure the tightness on the cast on rows were kept to a minimum.  It works perfect.

Since the body of the hat is 90 sts (instead of the original 120 sts), the distribution of the flecks along the rows would need to be adjusted as well. The only two numbers that will give a even number after dividng 90 is 3 (30) and 5 (18), that will be the number of the pattern repeat for the flecks along the rows.  So the repeats are every 2 and 4 sts, you do a different colour.  When we got to the crown decrease, there was really no set number to evenly spread out the sparkles but need to look at the sts in between the 2 decreases and work from there.  It might be easier to set up a quick knitting chart and experiment it from there before actual knitting if wished. Also try not to put the flecks below the k2tog (I am using k2tog decrease, but we can be different too and do a ssk decrease; as long as we keep it consistent).  This will give you a half stitch colour look, but if that is what you are looking for, go ahead :p

Every sheep has its day :D

Or have a look at Susan Anderson's blog, she has all that written :)

Also the measurement from the top of the ribs (k2,p2) to where you want to start the crown decrease should be kept at around 4".  For my small head, it is a good fit in circumference and a slightly relaxed fit in length.  It will look perfect with a yarn or faux fur pompom.

It is a 2 colour work for any single row and easy knit for a lazy afternoon watching movie :D

Oscar counting sheep, made it to 1 ..........

Then came the Baa Ble mittens. You know, have to make a set :)



Happy Baa Baa !!

This took me a some time to decide on the final plan.  Although it will be consistent to do a normal ribbed type mittens to echo with the ribbed hat, but the problem with the position of the gusset and the sheep pattern bothered me.  I read a few comments and saw the pic. In order to have the sheep pattern around and near to the wrist, and they did it by using the afterthought thumb technique, not the normal gusset technique. Normal gusset should be starting immediately to 4 - 5 rounds above ribs for a good fit, while afterthought thumb opens up higher in the body of the mitten. I am not a fan of afterthought thumb for its fit and the overall appearance of the mittens as they were worn. Sometimes pattern will get  distorted. Remembering this is also a colour work, there will be not be enough ease to "give" for the fitting. So moving on ...... :p

If one wanted the sheep pattern around the wrist, it will not be joined but punctuated by the gusset stitches. So I decided to try again with the arch gusset technique that I saw on Purl Soho's website whereby it is a rolled up knit edge and gave me enough rounds to knit the sheep pattern before starting the gusset. 

Outside and inside of the mittens

I tried to knit the arched gusset mittens once before but the left thumb opening somehow made no sense to me then and I did what I thought best and that was it. This time the light bulb turned on and the instruction finally make sense to me but I still think it need rewriting.

So here it is my clumsy attempt :) 

After increasing up to 56 sts
Next rnd knit all the way to the marker, remove marker, slip the next st (unknitted st); then slip all the following sts till the end of rnd (15 in total) onto a piece of contrast colour yarn to hold; slip the unknitted st back onto the left needle and k2tog with the next st following on the left needle (that should be the start of the rnd st).  The resulting k2tog stitch will be the new start of the rnd st (40 sts)

You will also find that the thumb hole in the left is a round lower than the right to start, so when knitting the thumb, be sure to add 1 row more on the left side; or alternatively knit to length instead.

Moo Moo adding his hairs to the pieces as bonus :D

Enjoy !!!

Good Luck Charm

Cat tail or shark fin?

Cyrus the Luckie Sharkie is taking "Fish and more fish" pattern a step further to make a cute little shark for kitties.  I am sure it will go well with the shark hat I made :p  Nice gifts for kitty and his / her human companion for special occasion :p

Shark infested coffee table ... Run for your life !!!

The design came to me as I knitted more fish and then the light bulb suddenly turned on ..... the opening could be the mouth and all was needed were teeth to make it looked menacing.  I would love to make a simple video with the Jaw's background music, but I am not too sure about copyright of the music :( So please play that music in your head while reading  this blog or knitting the sharkie :D

This creation is dedicated as a good luck charm for my friend, Cyrus, that had his surgery a week back. He is recovering and hope he will get back on his feet soon :)

I know it will be scarcely to  meet a big white shark in the open sea, but Cyrus the Luckie Sharkie is very different. He is totally friendly and will bring good luck and health to the human companion of the cat that "befriended" one :D

The pattern for Cyrus the Luckie Sharkie is available on sale in Ravelry pattern store at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cyrus-the-luckie-sharkie.  If you have no time to make one, have no fear :D  Let us help you for a small cost. Everything inclusive (shell, stuffing and catnip) at CAD $12.00 and the shell only at CAD $8.00.  Shipping and Handling extra. Everything is made from new material.  Please leave a message for further information. Thank you :)

EEKKKKKKKKKK ..... is a mouse

Ronnie the mouse is my latest creation of a line of refillable pet toys.  And yes, there will be more to come. 

Ronnie walking all over Moo Moo

My inspiration is from a story I wrote for self entertainment.  In the story, a magical world co-exists with ours.  Our animal companions (I call them fiends) talk and have great magical power.

Ronnie the mouse was featured in one of my story, Toads giving Thanks.  He is a magical animal that lives in the woods behind a Witch's home.  He loves cheese and will do anything for it. He has eight kids at home with his wife, so with that many mouths to feed he is always on the lookout for food. He likes to raid the treat stash of the fiends at the Witches home.  He is a very good actor and even fakes his own death in the story :D

"Hmm, where is my cheese?"

"Ronnie the mouse" is now available in my Ravelry pattern store.  The pattern is truly an one piece (excluding the inside pouch), knitting from the same yarn from tail to nose (ears included) without breaking, so it is safer for our companions on swallowing and choking.

Ronnie the mouse is also on sale now!  He is refillable any time for your pet's enjoyment and hygiene.  Ronnie is  machine washable (wash in wash bag, regular cycle, no tumble dry) CAD $12.00 inclusive (shell, filling and catnip) or CAD $8.00 for shell only, plus shipping and handling.  Shipping options are available from overnight to regular post so will vary along with cost.  Any inquiries are welcome.  Leave us a message :)



Want to see more ........ here you go ,

Fishing gone crazy

Could there be too many fish for the furballs? Definitely not in our household.  After the "Blue Dolphin" pattern, it was just naturally to move into developing the seamless version.  Once started out, I thought I could not stop knitting them.

Moo Moo, the security guard, watching over the fish

"Fish and more fish" is a refillable cat toy with a seamless design suitable for advance beginner and up that could not be bother to pick up a yarn needle to sew (though yarn needle is still necessary to wave in loose end or alternatively you can use a small crochet hook to do so).  Using one colour only, there will only be 4 loose ends (add 6 for fins and 4 for eyes) and with being a pouch design, all the loose ends can hide inside, so just a knot on the wrong side and you could be done :D

Although there is no small metal or plastic pieces, it has detachable pieces, like the fins and eyes, so strongly advised on supervised play with the toy to minimize swallowing and choking.

The star formation in team fish synchronized swim in the 2016 Fish Olympia :D

The "Fish and more fish" pattern is now on sale in Ravelry pattern store.

A few tips about the pattern:

1. Depending on a variety of factors, like the yarn you see, tension in your knitting, etc, the joining of the new cast on might leave some noticeable gaps as you knit through the 2nd or 3rd rows. You can leave it for now and later use a yarn need to tighten the tension around the gap by pulling the stitches around; or more reliable method is to pick up a stitich below and k2tog (something equivalent to what you do when you do the wrap and turn short rows).  I did it for a few fish but not all, so it is a judgement call :)

2. All embellishments of the fish is easier to do before knitting up the inside pouch. Fins and eyes are optional.  The shape of the piece with its tail gives the impression of a fish already.  I had made a few fish with different way to decorate: stripe, variegated yarns, simple intarsia and simple embroidery.  The last two might take more time, but it might worth the time as the piece is not a one off and throw away one.  You can always wash and refill

3. Now that we come to washing, best to wash the toy, with all the inside filling removed, and into a wash bag before putting into a washing machine.  Obviously consult the yarn label before proceeding to set the right washing cycle and water temperature.

If you have any problem following the pattern, please let me know. I will be happy to explain further.

Happy knitting :)

Dolphin goes swimming

After the dog bone pattern, All in one Piece, my two Sabretooths at home had gone into the "work according to rules" mode.  They called me up early in the morning and would not let me sleep in. They tried to ignore me whenever possible, and the quality lap time was reduced to less than 15 minutes a day.  Basically, they were telling me they were not happy at all :(

Okay, I got it. Dog Bones has no place in our feline household.  So I made peace by designing this pet neutral toy, Blue Dolphin :D It is basically a knitted shell where by you can refill like polyester fills, catnip pouches or any herb sachets you have anytime you want.

Oscar spending quality time with Blue Dolphin

Blue Dolphin has an opening in the belly but does not require metal hook or plastic button for closing.  So it is safe for pet but still there are attachable parts, like the dorsal fin, so supervised play with the toy is advisable to prevent your best friends in swallowing or choking.

This free pattern is written in one size only, but it will not be difficult to increase the size according to your need. Just keep on increasing the stitches to the size desired.  Also if you increase the length, don't forget to do the same row increase to the inside flap

I know we all hate sewing, and in this knit project, the sewing is hidden all inside, so do not worry about what stitches to use .... just sew it up and stitches not showing up outside and that will do.



Blue Dolphin and friends

A few tips about the pattern:

1. I used a few different types of increase.  In general, you can replace LLI and RLI with m1l and m1r.  It wont make a big different, but definitely not vice versa though.

2. For knitting up the tail, I wrote a simple version and assuming the readers are familiar with knitting in rounds using circular needles.  If having problem, please refer to my earlier posting which talks about the fish tail pattern in details.

3. Make sure you have all the surface / outside embellishments (like the fin, eyes, etc.) done before sewing up the edges of the inside flap. This make life so much easier :D

I have also come up with a seamless design and will post in Ravelry later. Stay tune !!

Enjoy the knitting.

Blue Dolphin finding a safe haven with Moo Moo

This pattern is for personal use only. Pattern and products made from this pattern are not intended for commercial use .

©Tomato68Evony August 2016

Blue Dolphin

 

It is designed as a pet toy for cats.

 

Technique to review before the project

1.       Slip knot, knitting cast on and pick up stitches

2.       Knit in rounds, convert knitting from rows to rounds and vice versa

3.       Knit (k) and purl (p)

4.       Increase  stitches: knit front and back (kfb), left lift increase (LLI), right lift increase (RLI), m1l (make one left) and m1r (make one left)

5.       Decrease stitches: slip slip knit (ssk), k2tog (knit two together) and p2tog (purl two together)

6.       German short rows

7.       Knitted bind off and Jeny's very stretchy bind off

8.       Add yarn

 

This project is set at intermediate level, suitable for advance beginner and up

 

Material

Worsted yarn, 11 g (660 cm)

Circular needles, 4.00 mm

Double point needle(s), 4.00 mm

Scissors

Yarn needle

 

Measurement (flat)

Length (minus tail)          13.5 cm

width                                    6.0 cm

 

Gauge (stockinette stitch)

10 stitches x 10 rows       5.3 cm x 4.0 cm

 

Abbreviations

CO             cast on

st(s)          stitch(es)

kfb            knit front back

rnd(s)       round(s)

k                 knit

LLI              left lift increase

RLI             right lift increase

m1l            make one left

m1r           make one right

p                purl

ssk             slip slip knit

k2tog        knit two together

t&w          turn and work

BO             bind off

p2tog       purl two together

ssp            slip slip purl

 

The dolphin will be made through the following steps:

1.       Knitting from head to tail in one piece

2.       Inside flap will be knitted from stitches on a stitch holder separately and side edges sew on the inside of the boy

3.       Stitches will be picked up and knitted into dorsal fin

 

Using 4.0 mm circular needle, CO 1 slip knot on the needle

Row 1                kfb (2 sts)
Row 2                kfb 2 times (4 sts)

From here,  start knitting in rnds,

Rnd 1                 k1 to join, k3

Rnd 2                 *LLI, k2, RLI; repeat from * one (1) more time (8 sts)

Rnd 3                 k to the end of rnd

Rnd 4                 *k1, LLI, k2, RL1, k1; repeat from * one (1) more time (12 sts)

Rnd 5                 k to the end of rnd

Rnd 6                 *k2, LLI, k2, RLI, k2; repeat from * one (1) more time (16 sts)

Rnd 7                 k to the end of rnd

Rnd 8                 k to the end of rnd

Rnd 9                 *k3, LLI, k2, RLI, k3; repeat from * one (1) more time (20 sts)

Rnd 10               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 11               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 12               *k4, LLI, k2, RLI, k4; repeat from * one (1) more time (24 sts)

Rnd 13 - 20      k to the end of rnd (8 rows)

Rnd 21               k12, slip the remaining 12 sts on the other needle onto a stitch holder or scrape yarn; continue to CO 12 using knitted cast on method (24 sts)

Rnd 22              k1 to join; k to the 11, *k1, p1; repeat from * to the end of rnd

Rnd 23               K12, *k1, p1; repeat from * to the end of rnd

Rnd 24               k12, *k1, p1; repeat from * to the end of rnd

Rnd 25 - 31       k to the end of rnd (7 rows)

Rnd 32               *k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1; repeat from * one (1) more time (20 sts)

Rnd 33               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 34               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 35               *k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1; repeat from * one (1) more time (16 sts)

Rnd 36               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 37               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 38               *k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1; repeat from * one (1) more time (12 sts)

Rnd 39               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 40              k to the end of rnd

Rnd 41               *k1, ssk, k2tog, k1; repeat from * one more time (8 sts)

Rnd 42               k to the end of rnd

Rnd 43               k to the end of rnd

Change knitting in rnds into row knitting

With a third 4.00 mm needle,
Row 1                *k1 into the top needle and p1 into the bottom needle of the circular needles; repeat to the end of the row (8 sts)

Continue either with another double point needle or transfer the sts back to circular needles

Row 2                *k1, m1l, p1; repeat from * one more time, then **k1, m1r, p1; repeat from ** one more time (12 sts)

Row 3                *k1, p1, m1l, p1*; repeat from * one more time, then ** k1, p1, m1r, p1; repeat from ** one more time (16 sts)
 

Row 4                Start German short rows
                            Row 1       *k1, p1; repeat from * two (2) more times, t&w

                            Row 2       p1, * k1, p1;  repeat * until the end of row

                            Row 3       *k1, p1; repeat from * one (1) more times, t&w

                            Row 4       p1, k1 p1

                            Row 5       k1, p1, t&w

                            Row 6       p1

                            *k1, p1; repeat from * to the end of row

Row 5                Start another German short rows

                            Row 1       *k1, p1; repeat from * two (2) more times, t&w
                            Row 2       p1, *k1, p1; repeat * to the end of row

                            Row 3       *k1, p1; repeat from * one(1) more time, t&w

                            Row 4       p1, k1 p1
                            Row 5       k1, p1, t&w

                            Row 6       p1

BO to the end of row using knitting bind off method.  Cut yarn leaving a 15cm tail
Weave in the loose end

Using a 4.00 mm circular needle, pick up the 12 sts on the needle holder or scrape yarn

Row 1                Add yarn leaving a 15cm tail, k to the end of row (12 sts)
Row 2                p to the end of row
Row 3                k to the end of row
Row 4                p to the end of row

Repeat Row 3 - 4 three (3) more times (6 rows)

Row 11              k1, ssk, k6, k2tog, k1 (10 sts)

Row 12              p to the end of row

Row 13              k to the end of row

Row 14              p1, p2tog, p4, ssp, p1 (8 sts)

Row 15              k to the end of row

Row 16              p to the end of row

Row 17              k1, ssk, p2, k2tog, k1 (6 sts)

Row 18              p to the end of row

BO using Judy's very stretchy bind off (JVSBO) method.  Cut yarn leaving a 15cm tail

Laying the piece flat, the tail end part inside out
Using the two tails, sew both side edges of the flap, starting from 3.5 cm from the upper edge opening of the flap,  to the inside main piece to form a pouch with an opening toward the tail end
Weave in the loose ends

 

To make the dorsal fin, eye ball the top centre of the piece and around 6cm from the tip of the head,  pick up 8 sts

Start German short rows

Row 1                *k1, p1; repeat from * two (2) more times, k1, t&w
Row 2                *k1, p1; repeat from * to the end of row
Row 3                *k1,p1; repeat from * two (2) more time, t&w
Row 4                p1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to the end of row
Row 5                *k1, p1; repeat from * one (1) more time, t&w
Row 6                p1, k1, p1

BO using knitting bind off method.  Cut yarn leaving a 15cm tail

Weave in loose end

 

 

 

Bad to the Bones

I apologize it has been a long time since last posting. I finally pick up some knitting needles again and totally enjoying developing a new  knitting pattern, "All in One piece", and it is more enjoyable to think of ways to decorate the bones to make it special.

"They are all mine, don't even think....."

 The pattern is on sale in the Ravelry store at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-in-one-piece

A few tips about the pattern.:

1.  Make sure check the tension of stitches after a few rounds especially at start and end of the project. Sometimes, "artificial" help is required using a yarn needle and picking on stitches to evenly distribute the tension in the knitted rows (the knitted "V"s should be near to the same size).  It is better to catch it early than to make amendment after the last row.

2. Markers are not totally essential unless you are knitting in DPNs. The markers I placed along the row are to give me visual clue to where I was. My two furballs always bug me while I am knitting :D, so the markers are helping me to pick up my knitting easy. They are also placed at the centre of each half round. So if I made mistake in my knitting, the lopsided will be easily spotted.

3. The k2tog decrease on the right side is not a typo mistake :p I tried ssk before for a few pieces and find the ssk stitches showed a very prominent ridge on the right side. I like a smoother finish, so turned back to k2tog on the right side decrease instead.

4. To do the BO, the tail should be around 3 - 4 times the length of the round to be bind off, so the length in the pattern is just a recommendation.  It is probably more than needed, but always better to have more than less in the end.  It is always difficult to attach yarn at this stage.

As for decoration (my favourite), I tried from simple to complicated. Simple as in no extra time involved as it is all inclusive in the knitting. Expected to spend half an hour or more for complicated one.

The simplest is to use variegated yarns and let them form bright and random beautiful patterns. It probably will show better in larger size piece as more yarn will be used in knitting a row.  Combining it with complimentary / contrasting solid colour yarns, it is a easy way to make an eye pleasing bone for human :D

Solid red on half and variegated the other half

The next step up will be classic simple colour stripes either using solid contrasting / complimentary colours alternating, variegated / solid colour alternating or different colours for each stripes( this will really use up the scrape yarns fast!).  Remember it is a closed up sachet when finished, so attaching yarns with big solid knots will not affect the aesthetic of the piece. Everything hides "inside" (evil smile). With my pattern, there might be a little bit of problem doing that evenly in part of the condyles at both ends :(

Moo Moo is checking out the light blue stripes bone with catnip

More complicated will be simple intarsia with contrasting colour makes a stunning piece. Unless the yarns you are using are very soft and compliable, I will recommend two colours only. The more colours used, the more twisting the yarns at the back will be, and thus the piece will be less stretchable and stuffing to obtain the shape might prove difficult.

CEO of 2 Cats Knitting Factory is checking out the grey and purple intarsia bone

Most complicated and time consuming will be embroidery.  Simple initials embroidery using yarn needle or crocket hook will not be that difficult (although I have not try one yet :p).  Start with simple embroidery, like using duplicate stitch to make some polka dots or stars.  Flower embroidery involves more complicated stitches.  Also unlike thread embroidery, it is really impossible to draw the design on the fabric, though it might help to have the design on a piece of paper to follow. Embroidery makes the piece unique and beautiful.  Check out YouTube for techniques and ideas.
 

Plain colour bones with flower embroidery

Before ending my ranting :p, also pay attention in stuffing. This is a knitted piece, and unlike crochet one, it is more stretchable. It is easy to overstuffing. Our pets like us stinky :D, so unwashed old T shirts, etc., you are going to throw away, hold them back. Cut then into pieces and stuff into the bones.  They will like it more.  For kitties, a catnip pouch inside is a must.

This toy is good for your soft mouth companion. If your pets are chewers, I will not recommend it. Not that the hand made toy will disintegrate in seconds, they can also swallow or choke on it. So make sure the stuffing materials are non toxic and non expandable (after soaking up water).  One of my furballs is a chewer meow meow.  The fish or mice lose their tails, the strawsberry loses its hanging leaves, the sweet shrimps lose their tails on the sushi (facepalm). He chewed and swallowed, but at least he limited his intake (lol).  Traces would show up the next day in his poo poo. Choose the right size toys for the size of your pets. Always supervised them while playing with toys to ensure safety. That will help with those hefty veterinarian bills and suffering of your best friends if they ever swallow the toy.

Finally enjoy the knitting, but if you do not have time to do it, I am always willing to knit the bones for you for a small price. Please leave me a message and address for private message. Thank you :)