The Spider and the Fly
by Mary Howitt

"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly;
"'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you may spy.
The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,
And I have many curious things to show when you are there."
"Oh no, no," said the little fly; "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

To read the rest of this charming poem,click here.

Materials needed:

Oddment of a soft, lace-weight gray yarn
Size US 3 knitting needles
Size 5/1.9 mm steel crochet hook
2 - 4mm glass beads
Small amount of black waxed linen thread

Gauge: The gauge is not particularly important, however, the tension is very loose, forming the lacy (or spider-webby) appearance.

Note: The cape is knit side-to-side.

Cast on 12 stitches using a long-tail cast on method. Leave a 15-inch tail to be used for a crocheted tie.

Knit 12 stitches across row.

Basic short row pattern: Row 1: Slip 1. Knit 8. Turn work. Row 2: Slip the first stitch purl-wise and purl to end. Row 3: Slip 1, knit 5. Turn work. Row 4: Slip the first stitch purl-wise and purl to end. Row 5: Slip 1, knit 2. Turn work. Row 6: Slip the first stitch purl-wise and purl to end. Row 7: Knit across all 12 stitches. Row 8: Knit 12. Work the short row pattern 14 more times. Bind off, leaving another long tail.

Blocking: It is essential that you take the time to block your cape in order to open the lacy web. Pin out the cape in a shape slightly larger than a semi-circle. Take care to open the stitches gently as you stretch and pin the outer edge. When you’re satisfied with the form, mist the cape lightly, but thoroughly, with warm water and let dry overnight.

Finishing: Insert the crochet hook into the stitch closest to the edge of either side of the neck and crochet a chain 3-4 inches long. Finish off with a glass bead. Do the same
for the other side.

For spider: Cut four pieces of the waxed linen thread, approximately four inches long.
Stack them together and gentle roll the center of the bundle together between your fingers so the pieces hold together. Tie a knot, using all four threads, in the center of the bundle. Pull the ends gently to firm up the knot, which is the body of your spider. You now have eight “legs”, radiating from the center. Tie a knot in each leg from ¼ inch to ½ inch away from the knot – be consistent. Trim the legs to ½ inch or a little more/less on the outside of the “knee”. Fold each leg up and then fold the knee down. Adjust the spider to your personal creepiness quotient and sew her to the “web” with black thread.

Created especially
for
The Wiregrass Hitties
All Hallows 2007