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 :)