This second coaster pattern, Black Sheep (CAT) of the Family, is a technically easier way to make the cat coasters for intermediate beginner.
The simple cast on make an easy start. One of my testers suggested an alternate crochet cast on which did well too for the pattern. In fact, it "stabilized" the wavy edge a little bit better. So if you are a crocheter turning knitter, this cast on will be easy for you. Below on the left is the original knitted cast on and on the right is the less wavy crochet cast.
Also, the comment I gathered from last pattern, Rub My Tummy Please, was that the short rows were particularly bothersome as it was executed in such a short space of stitches, and yes, by the time you did a few turns, you lost your bearing. That is why I suggested to place marker at the start of the rnd. And this time, I have written the curled tail slightly different to make away with any wraps or double stitch in short rows. In a lot of cases, wraps are not totally essential. Usually, it is that the pattern welcomed the gaps as part of it (same effect as k2tog, yo) or that the knitting is tight enough to hide the gaps. So if you try out my pattern and find a noticeable gap, switch to needles 1 to 2 sizes smaller and do it again). One of the testers also find a new way to make the curled tail too ... .I am not spoiling the surprise, so please check it out at the project page.
In order to make this pattern interesting, I added simple stripes and intarsia to the body of the cats. There is no limitation to the patterns you can create and customized .... I made a few new one later on with spur of the moment intarsia pattern (although they are knitting from inside out, it still could be translated to pattern outside in if needed be).
For the face of the cat, I have lower down the difficulty level to knit front and back. Obviously there will be a purl bump noticeable on the RS but with all the eyes, nose and whiskers sewn on, the distraction should be enough to hide this. I also find out there is a way to do the kfb without a purl bump (I recognized it as a two rows L1R, but nobody really agreed with me :p) which you can try, but notice that it is still a directional leaning increase, so it will not be as perfect as a Lift One or Make One increase with direction in a symmetrical increase. The simplest way to describe this modified kfb will be instead of knit into back loop in the 2nd step in executing kfb, just slip that loop purlwise ...continue knitting until the next row or round, and purl or knit the loop as needed.
The bind off of the face / head has made easier by doing a three needles bind off all the way which I think is an acceptable finish to the head. The bind off ridge actually gives the face a simple rustic characteristic which will suit the décor of a cabin or cottage in the forest ..... big sabretooths prowling the indoor looking for treats and warm human laps to sleep on :D (Sorry, can't bear the idea my furballs are outside facing unknown danger lol)
The pattern is now available for purchase at Ravelry store.
Finally thanks to all the testers for their valuable comments and hard work :) Enjoy the knitting :D
