Penguin jumper

A good friend of mine sent me a link to a New Zealand knitting store, Skeinz, that was looking for knitters to make "jumpers" or "PJs" for the penguins who fell victim to the oil spill in New Zealand earlier this month. The sweaters keep the penguins warm and prevent them from ingesting the oil on their feathers until they are properly cleaned. I found pictures on the internet of some very well-dressed birds.




Skeinz provided very easy knitting directions. And I have lots of leftover yarn. Needless to say, I felt compelled to knit a sweater myself—hoping to keep one of those little birds cozy and safe. I'm not sure I sent it early enough to make it onto one of the New Zealand penguins, but if not, it looks like at least it will make it onto a blue, stuffed toy penguin. The toys will be sold and all proceeds will be donated to the Australian Penguin Foundation.


Penguin Jumper in 8ply – Must be 100% Wool Yarn
1 pair 3.25mm , 1 pair of 3.75mm needles , 1 set of 3.25mm dpn’s or circular
Cast on 36 stitches using 3.25 needles.K1, P1 to end of row. Repeat this row 7 times. Change to 3.75mm needles and K2, P2 rib. Work 4 rows increasing at each end of every row. (44 sts)
Continue until work measures 15 cms.
Decrease 1 st at each end of every row until 28 sts remain.
Decrease 1 st. in middle of next row (27 sts.)
Leave on needle.
Make second side the same.
Transfer the 54 sts from both pieces to 3 of the set of 4 3.25mm needles.(18 sts on each.) and work a round neck in K1 P1 rib for 10 rows.
Cast off.
Stitch up sides to decreasing to 27sts (opening for flipper). Add elastic to the top and bottom to prevent the penguins getting out of them. Top: 15cm of elastic; bottom 17 cm (knots allowed). Flat elastic okay