Oh Balls!

Many years ago I saw the movie Impromptu, about the affair between George Sand and Frederic Chopin. With a cast of well known actors, beautiful locations and costuming, and an interesting story, I am a bit embarrassed to say that what I remember most is that "Oh Balls!" was the stand-out line of the movie for me. A sphere is such a versatile shape to have in one's knitting repertoire. I use this ball pattern to make fruits, toys or something soft enough to throw at the television (oh like you haven't wanted to throw something at the tv before). Materials Set of US size 7 double pointed needles Worsted weight yarn Stitch marker Material for stuffing (yarn scraps, batting, plastic grocery bags, etc.) Yarn needle, for weaving in ends Pattern Cast on 6 sts and knit one row as for I-cord. Divide sts equally among 3 dpns. Place stitch marker and begin to knit in the round. Round 1: kfb all sts (12 sts) Round 2: knit Round 3: *k1, kfb; repeat from * (18 sts) Round 4: knit Round 5: *k2, kfb; repeat from * (24 sts) Round 6: knit Round 7: *k3, kfb; repeat from * (30 sts) Round 8: knit Round 9: *k4, kfb; repeat from * (36 sts) Round 10: knit Round 11: *k8, kfb; repeat from * (40 sts)

Rounds 12-14: knit Round 15: *k8, k2tog; repeat from * (36 sts) Round 16: knit Round 17: *k4, k2tog; repeat from * (30 sts) Round 18: knit Round 19: *k3, k2tog; repeat from * (24 sts) Round 20: knit Round 21: *k2, k2tog; repeat from * (18 sts) Round 22: knit Stuff ball with yarn scraps, batting, etc. Round 23: *k1, k2tog; repeat from * (12 sts) Round 24: knit Round 25: *k2tog; repeat from * (6 sts) Cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread needle with yarn tail, pull through remaining stitches and knot discreetly. Run needle down the center of ball and through to other side. Snip excess tail close to balls surface. Makes about a 2.5-inch diameter ball. ***** The size of the balls can be adjusted by using larger needles and chunkier yarn. You can also change the size by adding more increase, and corresponding decrease, rounds. The striped ball is easily made by casting on and knitting rounds 1-10 with color 1, switching to color 2 for rounds 11-15 and changing to color 3 for rounds 16-25.

2008. Pattern and photographs are the property of M. Nishioka. Do not reproduce this pattern elsewhere without prior permission. This pattern is for personal use only. In other words, please don't try to make money off of it. Corrections (if needed) and links to additional project photos can be found by visiting the online pattern pages at http://ilikelemons.net or http://i-like-lemons.blogspot.com.