Chinese Lucky Dragon LONG-LONG, knitting pattern

Long-Long, the Lucky Dragon, sports all the attributes one expects from a proper Chinese Dragon: the head of an ox, the antlers of a deer, the mane of a lion, a snake‘s body, eagle claws, and the scales, well, of a dragon. But on top, Long-Long features a big mouth that is constantly chatting along and provides you with ancient dragon lore, if you want to hear it or not. Mind you, he is quite entertaining. And you have to look on the bright side: When he talks, he can not set things on fire ;-)
Good to know: Long-Long is a puppet, but he is transformed into a cuddly toy with an inlay in no time at all.

Skill level: advanced to expert. Long-Long is not the easiest toy pattern around; you will need patience and there is a lot of sewing involved. But once your puppet is finished, you will own a very special new knitted friend. I consider him a really rewarding project. (I have to admitt, I drag him to every yarn festival … believe me, he causes big waves!)

Gauge: 27 stitches x 38 rows = 10 x 10 cm = 4 x 4 inches
Long-Long is a giant: With the gauge mentioned above, he measures 70 cm / 28 inches from snout to tail.

If you substitute the original yarn, please make sure you meet the gauge. As Long-Long is puppet, you do not want him too small or large.

Original yarn:
Lana Grossa Cool Wool Merino Superfein (100 % Merino wool, 160 m/175 yards per 50 g/1.76 ounces).

• 3 to 4 skeins (150 - 200 g) in red
• 2 skeins (100 g) each in orange and yellow
• 1 skein (50 g) each in lilac, bright purple and dark purple

• leftovers in bright yellow and off-white

• Strong felt for the gums, approx 2 or 3 mm thickness, approx 20 times 30 cm / 8 times 12 inches
• Thin felt in white for the eyes, sewing thread
• Half beads or safety eyes ø 10 mm
• Set of double pointed needles and/or circular needle size 2 US (2,5 mm, 12 UK) or size 3 US
• (3 mm, 12 UK), depending an how tight you knit
• Crochet hook 3,5 mm
• 4 safety pins
• Embroidery needle, sewing needle, darning needle
• Polyester stuffing, scissors, glue