Knit a Sweater for a Penguin in Need

Rena, an oil tanker that cracked a couple weeks ago when it ran into a coral reef off New Zealand’s coast is slowly leaking onto that island’s shores, which harbors some of Earth’s most unique biodiversity. And treehugger.com says it’s only getting worse as storms buffet the damaged ship. Awash in grief and futility as usual, this time there’s something we can do to help–knit a shivering oil-slicked penguin a sweater! The yarn store Skeinz is organizing efforts and posted this pattern.

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 OK.