This is a great little pattern to knit and make up in just 3.5 hrs. It uses scraps of yarn (about 16g Aran for body, wings, base) too and works just as well in Aran as chunky weight. Using dpns as straight needles means you can work either side for casting off parts.

It is pretty straightforward to follow. It’s a lovely pattern and fun to knit.

There was an instruction to put some of the sts onto st holders only to then rejoin the yarn later, for each side, just for a cast off row! So, I have decided to cast off as I work for my next one.

I have made a dip in the BASE of the hen, by pushing my fingers into the filling to make a well before sewing on the base, so that she sits better without falling over and there’s no need for cardboard insert.

I have also added two tail feathers at the end of each tail and will make the remaining three to add later. Instead of making each separately, I just cast on the next lot of tail feather sts to the last cast off st of the previous one, to make each one. Saves all that fiddly slip stitch/ yarn snipping each time!

I love the M1 technique in this pattern. It’s a new one on the version I’ve always used.

HEN 1: I sewed the body WST and this left some obvious seam stitches visible.

HEN 2: I sewed RST and turned RSO which made a better shape.

A five star design for sure!