dazzling dragonfiles
Add the wow factor to your outside space with a cluster of magical winged insects in rainbow hues by Anne Egan. Stylecraft Classique Cotton (100% cotton, 92m/50g), approx 10g of Yarn A Sky Blue (3667) for the Body Approx 15g of Yarn B: Fondant (3094) Soft Lime (3663) Wisteria (3664) Shell Pink (3666) Hot Pink (3668) or Azure (3671) for the Wings A 4mm (US G/6) hook 2 x 6mm black pompoms for eyes Small amounts of toy stuffing 170cm of 1.2mm galvanised steel wire Wire cutters Insulation tape Needle and black thread for sewing eyes
MEASUREMENTS
Body length measures 17cm (6¾in), each wing section measures 11x4.5cm (4½x1¾in), overall wing span measures 25cm (10in)
NOTES
The Dragonfly body is worked using the amigurumi method. Work in a continuous spiral without closing off each round with a ss. You may find it helpful to place a marker in the first st of each round and move it up as you work. A gap is included in the shoulder section of the body to allow attachment of the wings. The wings are made in 4 separate sections and each wing lace is joined to a wire shape. The left pair and right pair are then joined and inserted into the body before the body is completed.
BODY
StartingRound 1 at 4dc the in tail, second using ch Yarn from A, hook.ch2. [4 dc] Round 2 Dc in each dc around. Round 3 (2dc in next dc, dc in next dc) twice. [6 dc] Rounds 4-18 Dc in each dc around. Round 19 (2dc in next dc, dc in next dc) 3 times. [9 dc] Rounds 20-21 Dc in each dc around. Round 22 (Dc2tog, dc in next dc) 3 times. [6 dc] Round 23 2dc in each dc around. [12 dc] Round 24 Dc in each dc around. To make gaps for the wings the Body is continued in Rows.
UPPER BODY
Row 25a (RS) Dc in next 4 dc, turn leaving rem sts unworked. [4 dc] Row 26a Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in each dc across, turn. Rows 27a-29a Repeat Row 26a. Fasten off leaving a long tail.
UNDERSIDE OF BODY
Rejoin Yarn A in first unworked st of Round 24. Row 25b Ch1 (does not count as st), dc in next 8 dc, turn. [8 dc] Row 26b Ch1, dc in each dc across, turn. Rows 27b-29b Repeat Row 26b, do not turn at end of Row 29b, instead continue to work into Row 29a in the Round. Round 30 Dc in next 4 dc in Row 29a, continue onto Row 29b, dc in next 8 dc. [12 dc] Round 31 Dc in next dc around. Round 32 ( Dc2tog) 4 times, dc in next 2 dc, dc2tog, do not fasten off. [7 sts]
HEAD
Round 33 Dc in next 2 dc, 2dc in each of next 5 dc. [12 dc] Round 34 Dc in each dc around. Round 35 (Dc2tog) 3 times, dc in next 6 dc. [9 dc] Round 36 (Dc2tog) twice, dc in next 3 dc, dc2tog, ss to first dc to join. [6 dc] Fasten off leaving a 20cm tail. Using a tapestry needle, weave tail through last 6 sts of Round 36 and pull to close.
WING SECTIONS !MAKE 4"
With Yarn B, ch44, ss to first ch to join. Follow the Chart on p93 for the internal wing structure.
Fasten off and weave in ends on WS. Cut 4 x 42cm lengths of wire. Make a loop at the end of each piece to fit the size and shape of each wing as shown on the Chart on p93. Bend the remaining wire on each wing according to the image on p93 so that they form 2 mirrored pairs. Tape the overlap with insulation tape to create a smooth loop. See www.simplycrochetmag. co.uk for more details. Join each crochet wing to each wire loop by working a round of dc around the outside the edge, enclosing the wire. Work the dc from the right side of each wing, so for 2 of the wings you will need to flip the wings over to get a mirrored pair.
TO FINISH
Stuff the head of the Dragonfly. Tape the exposed wires of the wing section pairs together with insulation tape. Slide the long wires into the tail of the dragonfly ensuring RS is facing up, then stuff under the wires in the mid-section of the Dragonfly. With the long tail from fastening off Row 29a, sew up one side, including in the stitches the wire of the opposite wing (to hold wing in place). Pass needle through to other side and repeat. Weave in ends. Stitch black pompoms for eyes into place with black thread. Shape tail as desired.