Sunday, February 03, 2008

Happy Birthday, Jennifer L!

I finished this crochet project a while ago, but I couldn't post about it because it is a birthday present and the recipient reads my blog. Today is my friend, Jen's birthday, so I can finally reveal it. In my sleep deprived stupor, I forgot to mail it out on Friday, so it will be mailed on Monday. I hope Jen will use it on her desk at work to hold paperclips and other desk top accessories.
If you are a fan of the game Katamari Damacy, then you should give this pattern a try. Though I have to warn you that it's labor intensive. My poor hands can attest to that.

First you crochet 2 halves for the sphere and then you need to crochet 14 of those nubs. I found it easier to sew on the nubs after sewing and stuffing the sphere first, but the directions differ. There is a lot of sewing in this project so be prepared.
I also would follow the original directions of what brand of magnets to use. You need really strong magnets in order for the Katamari Ball to hold anything, so don't skimp on that. The magnets can be quite pricey because you need 2 magnets in each nub, totaling 28 magnets. The magnets comes in packs of 8, so you will need 3 1/2 packs of magnets. I found the Darice 3/4" magnets at Joann's, but they didn't have enough, so I ordered some from HERE and got them promptly.

Pattern: Free Magnetic Katamari Pattern by Amy Shimel
Hooks: Size US G/4.00mm and US 00/3.50mm
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Brites "Blue Mint" and Red Heart Super Saver "Banana Berry"
Helpful Tutorials: Magic Adjustable Ring and Double Ring

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Even though Melody is too small to fit into the onesie or hat yet, she has been wearing the socks all week to bring the Patriots good luck. This was a gift set from Uncle Scott. GO PATS!!! (I wonder who Melody will root for when she grows up since she is born in NYC, but her parents are from New England.)

11 comments:

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

We love Katamari! Finally, I connect with another fan! And since we cannot cheer for either the Chargers or Green Bay, we will join you in rooting for the Pats... Go Pats!

Rebekah said...

Jon loves Katamari! That is such a neat game and this is such an awesome desk organizer.

Go Pats!

Anonymous said...

Angela, you are the best! Thank you so much. This is my favorite birthday gift ever (I didn't even know it was possible to knit a katamari, but you did it!). Thanks!

And GO PATS!

rohanknitter said...

That is so cool!

schrodinger said...

How very cool! What a commitment on your part, it looks like a lot of work.

flanthrower said...

I love Katamari! (Quite possibly the happiest video game I have every played.)

Even though I can barely crochet I may have to try that pattern....someday.

I had no idea that they made Patriots gear *that* small...ok maybe not. There are a lot of hardcore football fans out there.

Anonymous said...

What a cute gift! I wish I could crochet!!

Unknown said...

That is fantastic! At first I thought, what a weird looking ball. Is she going to stick paper clips in it (ala pincushion), but then it clicked and it's AWESOME!

Par said...

That's cute, if I know how to do that, I make one for my furball.

Danielle said...

That's really neat, and if you didn't put the magnets in it it would make a great baby toy lol ;)!

I cringe at your mention of sleep deprivation, hang in there sweetie! It does get better :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for checking out the scarf! Oh, this is a cute gift - - and it's magnetic? How clever....love the colors.