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Post Info TOPIC: Looking for a knitting project? Try this little job!
Rip and Rosie


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Looking for a knitting project? Try this little job!
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The Penguin Foundation has a global callout for knitters to make pullovers for penguins in rehab.

Capture.JPG

Penguins caught in oil spills need the little jumpers to keep warm and to stop them from trying to clean the toxic oil off with their beaks.

Knitter Lyn Blom is the receptionist at Phillip Island Nature Parks in Victoria and has knitted many penguin jumpers over the years.

The Penguin Foundation is based at Phillip Island, which is known for having a large penguin colony.

Lyn Blom says it's not just major oil spills that cause problems for local penguins.

"Fishermen might clean out a container or something while they're at sea," says Lyn.

"It's a continuing problem," she says. "We get probably about 20 birds a year."

One advantage of knitting a penguin sweater is that they are small.

"They're very quick," says Lyn.

The Penguin Foundation also distributes the jumpers to other wildlife rescue centres where needed.

You can download more information about how to knit for penguins, including the knitting pattern and where to send the finished product.

While the Penguin Foundation's website says it currently has a 'good supply' of the little jumpers, the organisation also uses them in educational programs as well as selling them as a fundraising measure.

In 2011 the foundation raised money for a new Phillip Island Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre which can house up to 1500 penguins in the event of a major oil spill.

http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2014/03/05/3957423.htm?site=melbourne&WT.mc_id=Innovation_Radio-Local-Melbourne|PenguinPullovers_FBP|abc

 



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Rosie
Happywanderer


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Do they have to be wool Rosie. I imagine they would need to be and not acrylic.

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marggie and David


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Hi Rosie. I spin and knit natural fleeces and  often have home spun yarn left over and it might just be enough for these little guys, tried to download the pattern but wont open can you email m the pattern please to marg2745@bigpond.com also the web site for the contact details to send them off. always looking for a knitting project while on the road.

Marggie



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Rip and Rosie


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PENGUIN JUMPER
8 ply Pattern Directions given Australia (U.K., USA)
You will need:
8 ply (D.K., Sport/Worsted) yarn
1 pr 3.75mm (no.9, US no.5)
Method:
BACK:
Cast on 36 sts.
K1 P1 to the end of the row.
Repeat for 7 more rows.
Change to K2 P2 and inc. 8 sts. evenly across this row. (44sts.)
Continue until the work measures 12cm.
Dec. 1 st. each end of every row till 28 sts.
Dec. one stitch in the middle of the next row. (27 sts)
Change to K1P1 rib for 10 rows. Cast off.
FRONT: Knit same as the Back.
Using a flat seam join the neck edges together.(about 4cm)
Stitch the sides to the beginning of the upper decreasing (opening for each flipper).Side seam
should be12cm approximately. Flipper opening about 4cm in length.
Total length of finished jumper should be no more than 20cm, width should be 12cm.
4 Ply Pattern Directions given Australia (U.K., USA)
BACK;
4 ply (4ply, Fingering/Sport) wool
1 pair 3.25mm (no.10, US no.3) needles
Cast on 50 stitches.
K10 rows in K1, P1, rib
K2, P2 rib whilst increasing 12 sts evenly across the row (62 sts.)
Then continue to knit in K2P2 until garment measures 12cm.
Decrease one stitch at each end of every row until 36 stitches remain. In the next row
decrease one stitch at each end and also one stitch in the middle of the row to leave 33
stitches.
Change to K1, P1 rib.
Knit 11 rows and cast off firmly on Row 12.
FRONT:
Knit same as for Back.
FINISHING:
Sew the two pieces together joining at the neck (neck seam about 3½cm long)leaving the upper decreasing open for the flippers (this opening should be at least 4cm in length), then join the sides. Side seam is approximately 12cm long.
IF YOU ARE A LOOSE KNITTER USE SMALLER NEEDLES.
For further information please contact Joyce Ball at jball@penguins.org.au
Please send finished jumpers to
Knits for Nature
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Reply Paid 97
Cowes
Victoria 3922
Australia
Email for more details to reception@penguins.org.au

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Rosie
rayjanet


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These jumpers are not used for live penguins but for toys in the gift shop.

www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/penguins.asp

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wendyv


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I knit dog coats for the local animal aid shelter, also 1 foot size squares - which they then make up to whatever size blankets or bedding they need. Bought a knitting book that has about 14 different dog coat patterns in it, in a range of sizes. Buy wool when it is on special, or from discount outlets. They are good travel knitting projects.

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wendyv

 http://wendyviney.blogspot.com/

https://thisadventurousage.com/
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