*** Promotion - All patterns $1 and if you buy one pattern, you get second pattern free. Discount is automatic when you add second pattern to your cart. ***
Scary Ghosties link - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scary-ghosties---...

The Day of the Dead is celebrated in many countries as a way to remember and honor those who have passed on. Highly decorated Sugar skulls are a prominent feature in the ceremony. I observe the day with a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa and a loaf of Pan de los Muertos set out for my family members who are no longer with us. I make sugar skulls to decorate (mold available from mexicansugarskulls.com).

My knitted version for the Dia de los Muertos is a quick knit. Your skill set should include crochet chain cast on, garter stitch, short rows, colorwork (only for the teeth and that is optional), surface crochet, picking up stitches, increasing and decreasing of stitches, I cord, I cord bind off, applied I cord and simple sewing.

I stuff the skulls with a ball of yarn. This can use up snips of yarn – I save a all of my snips for use as the core of ball of yarn stuffing. I use the ball of yarn because it uses up otherwise unusable yarn. Ball of yarn stuffing also does not “beard” out as does polyester fiberfill. Other stuffing may be used, but I recommend a weight of some kind in the bottom, such as plastic pellets, to prevent the skull from tipping over.

MATERIALS:
All models are made with Red Heart Super Saver Worsted weight yarn. One 7 oz skein is sufficient for one large skull and yarn ball stuffing. Small scraps of other yarn is used for trim. This is a wonderful way to use up scraps of homespun, hand dyed yarn. Use as much color as possible!

Worsted Weight yarn main color about 82 grams, small amount of black for teeth, nose and other accents.
Small quantities of worsted weight yarn for trim
Yarn scraps for stuffing about 64 grams or the stuffing material of your choice
Worsted Weight waste yarn for crochet chain cast on
Size 8 needles
Size 5 needles
Size E, H & K crochet hook
Other embellishments – feathers, costume jewelry, lace, beads or anything you want

Created for the October 2012 Phat Fiber Sampler Box “Day of the Dead” phatfiber.com.