I really like the idea of Chinese New Year, I like the idea that the festival signals the beginning of Spring and that it’s seen as a time to spend with family.

I also find the mythology of the Chinese zodiac animals fascinating, I remember learning about it in primary school, and it’s just something that has always stuck with me – I’m a horse by the way, if you share a similar fascination I’ll bet you know what animal you are too.

Last January I released Reginald the Royal Rat for the year of the rat which is the first animal in the Chinese zodiac. I enjoyed trying to think of a different way to create a rat and so I thought I would create a new design for the year of the Ox – allow me to introduce Olin the Ox!

Olin the Ox is a calm and patient fellow that can always be trusted for a cuddle. He loves lily of the valley and to run freely in the fields! His horns radiate with some rainbow positivity and who can’t help fall in love with his big soulful eyes! Olin’s a perfect pal!

I had sketched an idea I had for an Ox last September, and the main feature I knew I wanted was his rainbow horns! I do so love a rainbow, but you could easily replace the rainbow colours for white or cream for a more ‘natural’ looking ox.

Did you know that the Ox is the second of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party, Ox could have arrived the first but it kindly gave a ride to Rat, who hopped out first. However the diligent ox did not mind and simply continued on to arrive second.

Olin is made from a mixture of Scheepjes Stonewashed XL, Scheepjes Stonewashed (both in Boulder Opal) that I’ve had in my stash for ages, that I was glad to fit to a project, and some Scheepjes Catona and a bit of Gold thread for the ring in his nose. I used some 12mm orange glitter eyes (that I’d been desperate to use!), a 4.5mm and a 3mm hook and for the finishing touch I added a lovely large 38mm bell on a thin piece of red ribbon around his neck.

This would make a fun design for anyone born in the year of the Ox, or for ox and cow lovers everywhere!! The 4 page PDF pattern is available in either UK or US terms and includes explanations of all stitches and abbreviations.

To celebrate the new release I’m offering 20% discount from today until 17 February 2021 on Ravelry and Etsy. Just use coupon code: OX21

🧡 PURCHASE OLIN THE OX ON RAVELRY 🧡

🧡 PURCHASE OLIN THE OX ON ETSY 🧡

🧡 PURCHASE OLIN THE OX ON LOVECRAFTS 🧡

After a year of much anxiety let’s hope that 12 February brings with it some characteristics of the Ox for all – the time to take things slowly, some stability and some strength for those that need it.

I don’t know if I’ll create designs for every Chinese new year, but that would certainly be something fun to do – and next year is the tiger!

I hope you’ll tag @kcaco.uk on Instagram or share your projects on my Facebook page as I love to see your finished work! Happy Crocheting!

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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