Snowman Family

I think everyone loves Snowmen. I know I do. As the Christmas season gets under way, my Snowman Family is the first thing I dig out. They make me smile to myself as I put them in my kitchen where I can always see them. I have no idea where the pattern for these cute little guys originated. It was passed down to me years ago by a dear friend. I think this pattern goes back many years and I have since made numerous sets for my own family and friends. Now I would like to pass it on to share with you. The pattern was given to me with the hope others would enjoy making them and sharing them with family and friends as well. The pattern goes like this:

Materials: About 4oz. worsted wt. white yarn
2oz. DK wt. red yarn
2 oz. DK wt. green yarn
6 styrofoam balls: 3" and 4" for large snowman
2.5" and 3" for medium snowman
2" and 2.5" for small snowman
A small amount of black and red felt
Two 4mm or 4.5mm straight needles

NOTE: Cut a flat bottom off the top ball and a small amount off the bottom of the bottom ball. Glue or toothpick the two balls together to secure them. Set aside.

MR. SMOWMAN: Using white yarn, CO 30sts for body. Work pattern as follows:

Rows 1 & 5: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Purl to last 3 sts., turn, knit back. (last step counts as row 4). This makes a dec. row.
Rows 6,7,8 : Purl
Repeat this pattern until there are 9 dec. sections that fit closely over the snowman's head and body. Cast off. Sew edges together and pull over the two styrofoam balls.
HAT: With red yarn CO 44sts. Work 5 rows of ribbing (K1, P1) then stocking stitch (K1 row, P 1 row) until piece measures 2.5".
Next row: K2 tog across row.
Next 3 rows: Stocking st.
Next row: K2tog across row
Gather sts. together with tapestry needle. Sew seam and weave in ends.
Add a pompom, if desired.

SCARF: With green yarn CO 50sts. Work 4 rows of Seed st. (K the P. P the K sts.). Cast off and add fringe, if desired.

MRS. SNOWMAN: With white yarn CO 22sts for body. Work pattern 8 times until there are 8 dec. sections. (On dec. row knit to last 2 sts., turn). Finish as Mr. Snowman.

HAT: With red yarn CO 34sts. Work 4 rows of ribbing, then stocking st. for 2", finish dec. and hat as Mr. Snowman's hat. Add pompom.

SCARF: With green yarn CO 40sts. Work 2 or 3 rows Seed st. Cast off. Add tassels.

BABY SNOWMAN: With white yarn CO 16sts. for body. Work pattern 6 times until there are 6 dec. sections. On turn row, work to last 2 sts., turn. Finish as Mr. Snowman.

HAT: With red yarn CO 27sts. Work 3 rows ribbing, then stocking st. for 1 3/4" Finish dec. and hat as Mr. Snowman's hat.

SCARF: With green yarn CO 35sts. Work 2 or 3 rows of Seed st. Cast off. Add tassels.

Add faces to snowmen with black and red felt and enjoy.
All of us at Have a Yarn wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Knitting in 2011!
-Karen Simmons