*ManThong with Condom Amulet

by Amanda Gale

About 80 yards light worsted weight yarn (I used some hand dyed Cascade 220)

Size 6 U.S. Knitting needles

Size 6 U.S. Double-pointed needles (optional)

Size H-8 (5mm) crochet hook

Gauge: 18 sts and 26 rows = 4"

Pattern Stitches:

Stockinette Stitch (knit RS rows, purl WS rows)

INSTRUCTIONS

Cast on 35 sts.

Row 1 (RS): Knit.

Row 2: Purl.

Continue in Stockinette Stitch for 2 more rows.

Row 5 (decrease row): K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1—33 sts.

Rows 6-10: Cont. in Stockinette Stitch (ending after WS row)

Work dec row next and every fourth row 3 more times—25 sts rem.

(Work 1 row even, then repeat decrease row, work 3 rows even, then repeat decrease row) twice—15 sts rem.

Work 15 rows even (approx 2½"), then work dec row next and every fourth row 4 more times—5 sts rem.

Work 3 rows even.

Next row: K2tog, K1, K2tog—3 sts rem.

Cont in st st on these 3 sts for approx 6" (you may want to change to dpns and knit the 6" strip as an I-cord).

Bind off.

Condom Pocket: From the center top of cast on, measure 3½" down length of front and mark with a safety pin. From this center marked point, measure 1¼" out to the right edge. Laying yarn on front of piece, pick up 12 sts in a straight line towards left edge. Work in Stockinette Stitch for 14 rows or until pocket measures 2¼".  Bind off.  Sew sides of pocket to garment.

Edging: Using a crochet hook, attach yarn to right edge of last decrease row before the 6" strip. Chain 2, work 1 double crochet in every other stitch along right edge until you reach top right corner, work (1 dc, ch 2, 1dc) in top corner st. 1 dc in every st along top cast on edge, (1dc, ch 2 1dc) in top left corner, 1dc in every other stitch down left edge, fasten off on last dec row before 6" strip.

Tie Cords: Using crochet hook, join yarn at top right corner in the ch 2 space. Make a 10" long chain. Fasten off.  Repeat on left edge. Make two 13" chains into the bind off edge of the 6" strip. Weave in all ends.

Try on.  Place condom in pocket.  Find sexy partner.  Enjoy safe sex!

Amanda Gale an artist—in fiber,  metal, and performance—to name a few, is a native New Yorker.  Currently a fulltime student at Sarah Lawrence College, her plans for the future are unknown.