i heart you...

Ok, so I am not really that big on Valentines day. 
I don't usually buy the old man anything as I am a little cynical about the commercial side of it, but when I have presented him with a token of my affection on the 14th February, it has got to be handmade, no overpriced stuff from the shops. 
And it is usually heart shaped. 
There have been many gifted items in assorted shapes and sizes over the years, received with varying degrees of enthusiasm, but all stored fondly since nonetheless.
So, this is my favourite, simple heart pattern, which I find sits satisfyingly in the hand as a stress reliever or comforter. Alternatively it can be made easily into a charm or keyring or other form of decoration. 
The best thing about it is that if you forgot to buy your loved ones something, you can knock this up in no time this morning before they wake up! Go on, you know you want to! 

Materials
Use any scraps of yarn with corresponding needle size. 
Small amount of toy stuffing.
Yarn needle.

Exact tension not essential but ensure you knit tightly to conceal the stuffing.

With 4mm hook, cast on 3 sts

Row 1: Purl

Row 2: Inc, knit to last st, inc – 5sts.

Rep last two rows until there are 15 sts.

Work 4 rows straight in stocking stitch on these 15sts.

Next row: k2tog, k5, CO 1 stitch, k5, k2tog.

Next row: P4, p2tog, turn leaving rem sts unworked.

Next row: k2tog, k1, k2tog.

Next row: Purl

Cast off

Rejoin yarn to rem sts and complete to match first side.

Make another piece the same.

Sew the two pieces together. Leave a small hole to stuff, then sew up the rem hole.

Lots of love!