Knit a sweet little platypus toy, who is dressed for a day in the countryside. She even has a little basket for picking flowers, apples, or other treats. If you enjoy sewing, you can also make her an easy dress to fit under the knitted suspender skirt.
 
The knitting pattern is intermediate level. All pieces are knit flat, then seamed and assembled. This pattern is a fun way to learn or practice some useful knitting skills, like casting on at the end of the row, picking up stitches, and more advanced seaming techniques.  The finished toy is 8" tall. The pattern has extra photos to help with toy assembly and finishing.
 
Materials Required
Platypus: 50 g of worsted weight yarn in brown (MC), 10 g of worsted weight yarn in grey (CC), pair of 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, stuffing, pair of 9 mm black safety eyes (or buttons), black yarn to embroider claws, tapestry needle
Skirt and Basket: 25 g of fingering weight yarn in colour A, 8 g of fingering weight yarn in colour B, pairs of 3 and 3.5 mm (US sizes 2.5 and 4) knitting needles, tapestry needle, two small buttons plus needle and thread to attach (optional, for suspenders)