Using my gut feeling when knitting - digestive system ...

I actually hesitated whether or not to share the progress of this project. I haven't advanced that much as the instructions are 'dense'.

I am knitting a digestive system: tongue, esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver and all that for a charity called Guts.

I read about this initiative in the July issue of the Let’s knit magazine which I bought because of a toy dog pattern. Below’s the cover.

On page 74 I found there was a Charity corner and the first thing that caught my eye was the knitted digestive system.

As you can see above it’s really exciting to see so many opportunities for using knitting to help baby units, wildlife or the homeless. All these possibilities will add nicely to my mini hat knitting that I do every year for the Age concern appeal and will keep me busy for hours while waiting in the car :D

I wrote to the charity straight away and they emailed me instructions which you can also get from Craftster which is where the pattern first appeared over 10 years ago.

I know a number of people who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - me included. I also know of very young people who suffer with Crohn’s disease.

The charity worker explained to me that they visit clubs and schools giving talks and take models with them.

During the presentations they discuss conditions and digestive system facts and information about the workings of the gut and some of the problems that can affect it.

Hopefully one of those young people will get inspired to research more about some of the conditions associated with the gut, while other people can learn a bit more and perhaps be more understanding.

Personally, I also feel it is a wonderful opportunity to both promote the craft of knitting and show what is possible.

I had done much more on that section but decided to unravel. I am going to have to make a few changes to the instructions that I received.

I was supposed to make a sort of bend but in doing so a few holes were created. I believe that the section can be better achieved by using ‘row wrapping’ so I will include a few notes for future use - as my eldest daughter would say ‘classic'; she knows I always follow my gut feeling ... 😁

Here's an update of progress in the large intestine :

As you can see I have a bit of 'intarsia' too because of that single stitch that shows the 'edge' on both sides alongside the tube. The instructions suggest using one skein of white wool where you take the outside yarn end and the inside yarn end. I have done that, but everything gets tangled up. So I have now cut lengths and at some point and will have to join new strands when it all runs out. I find it's easier this way than struggling too much.

I have included the last photo as an update to the post. I have also included another tag. I have been advised that because of the science topics highlighted in this post, ie the digestive tract and the gut conditions that the charity is trying to raise awareness towards the post had some merit... Many apologies if you do not think so. I shall continue working anyway.

Thanks for stopping by !

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all photos by @cryptocariad

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🌻 Thank you @crosheille and @crystalize for hosting #needleworkmonday 🌻