CACTUS CUSHION
This is one big cactus you’ll have no problems sitting on! Designed by Samanta Fornino.
Italian designer Samanta is living out her cactus obsession with this super-chunky cushion. The original pattern features in her home décor book, published in Italy, and we’ve got the English-language version exclusively for you.
MAIN CUSHION PANEL MAKE 2
Using Green, ch33.
Round 1 Tr in 4th ch from the hook, tr in next 28 ch, 4tr in last ch, working on the other side of the chain, tr in next 28 ch, 3tr in the last ch, join with ss to top of beg ch3. [62 sts]
Round 2 Ch3 (does not count as a tr throughout), 2tr in next st, tr next 27 sts, 2tr next 4 sts, tr in next 27 sts, 2tr in next 3 sts, join with ss to top of ch3. [70 sts]
Round 3 Ch3, 2tr in first 2 sts, tr in next 27 sts, 2tr in next 8 sts, tr in next 27 sts, 2tr in next 6 sts, join with ss to top of beg ch3. [86 sts]
Rounds 4-6 Ch3, tr in each st around, join with ss to top of beg ch3.
Fasten off.
CACTUS BRANCHES
With RS facing, join Green approx 10cm up on the right-hand side of the Cushion.
Row 1 Ch3, tr in next 6 sts, turn. [6 sts]
Rows 2-4 Ch3, tr in each st, turn.
Row 5 Ch3, tr in 6 sts, ch15, turn.
Row 6 Tr in 4th ch from hook, tr in each st across, turn. [18 sts]
Row 7 Ch3, tr in next 16 sts, 2tr in next 2 sts, 2tr in beg ch-3 working in other side of chain, 2tr in first ch, tr across next 11 sts, 3tr evenly along the side of branch, ss back to Main Cushion Panel.
Fasten off.
With RS facing, join Green approx 20cm up on the left-hand side of the Cushion. Repeat Rows 2-6 to make the second branch.
Working on the second Main Panel with the WS facing, repeat the pattern for the branches, making sure the branches are positioned in the same place as the first Main Panel.
TO FINISH
Sew together the front and back of the Cushion with RS facing out, stuffing the Cushion as you go. Using Fuchsia, tie strands on the front side of the pillow, using the image a guide.
YOU WILL NEED
■ Scheepjes Catona (100% cotton, 50g/125m), 1 ball of each:
Yarn A Dark Teal (401)
Yarn B Tropic (253)
Yarn C Tangerine (281)
■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook
■ Stranded cotton, black
■ Stitch marker (optional)
For yarn stockists visit www.scheepjes.com/en MEASUREMENTS
Bookmark measures 6x16cm (2 x6 in); each Motif measures 6cm (2 in) long
ABBREVIATIONS
For a full list, see page 92
NOTES
The Fish Motifs are worked using the amigurumi method: do not close each round with a ss, instead work in a continuous spiral. You may find it helpful to place a marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.