Friday, November 20, 2009

holiday pattern ideas

Thanks so much for all your ideas! You've really inspired me. I read through all the suggestions, and drew up sketches of all the ones I thought would be doable in the limited time I have. Here's a sketch and a brief description of each one, to help you make your choice:


1: Mistletoe and holly: little white or red berries with options for each kind of leaf. I think these would be great on their own, or to add to wreaths, table decorations, etc.
2: Pullover: this would be based on a simple pullover pattern, with striped sleeves, and a snowflake worked as intarsia on the front.
3: Skirt: to dress-up your toys for the holidays. It would be knit in the round (with optional instructions for knitting flat), possibly with stripes or a colour-work design.
4: Mouse: a small ornament, with bobble feet, and with head and hat sewn on.
5: Elf hat and boots: to fit smaller toys. A pointy striped hat, and boots with pointy toes. Both items would probably be easiest to design knit in the round.
6: Sleeping bag and pillow: simple and quick item to knit, and a nice addition to a gifted toy.
7: Angel wings: similar design to wings from owls/penguin/duck patterns. I'll probably add some way to strap them onto the toy. (there are lots of dress patterns already which could be adapted to make an angel's gown)
8: Elf: I know people probably wanted a full-size elf toy, but I just haven't time! This would be made similar to the mini alien (and much cuter than my terrible sketch).

You have until Sunday evening to vote for your favourite idea. I'll choose the winning design based on which gets the most votes and which one I feel most excited to design. Hopefully it won't take too long to get ready for you, so you have a few weeks to get your needles busy!
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30 comments:

  1. GodfreyKateNovember 20, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.

    Angel wings? Yeah, baby!
    I could knit them up with ribbon ties as last minute presents.

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  2. periwinkleNovember 20, 2009 at 12:34 p.m.

    little mousie please :-)

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  3. bperry042November 20, 2009 at 1:11 p.m.

    I love that little mouse! It has my vote too.

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  4. HappyMe2November 20, 2009 at 1:18 p.m.

    I have to ask you for the tiny elf pattern.
    Your little alien is so cute, so I'm certain the elf would be.
    And the elf could be an ornament, stuffed in a stocking, attached to a wreath, hiding on a shelf, attached to a present, oh think of the ideas!
    Yes, my vote is for a tiny elf please!!!

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  5. AnonymousNovember 20, 2009 at 1:49 p.m.

    When I said this little cute elf, I was referring to a skinny body like the size of a walnut, with icord for legs, arms and pompoms at the end of the foot, small hands and a hat? How hard is that for you? I could attach a photo but it won't work and it won't let me do that. Please! Please!

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  6. AnonymousNovember 20, 2009 at 1:52 p.m.

    I forgot to mention in here that if this adorable elf is not possible, I will be ok with intarsia sweater with snowflake design on front...

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  7. Barbara PrimeNovember 20, 2009 at 2:41 p.m.

    Anon: sounds like you have a good enough idea to knit that up without any help from me!

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  8. AnonymousNovember 20, 2009 at 3:04 p.m.

    Sweater would be my first choice but the sleeping bag would be great too!
    Jill

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  9. SusiNovember 20, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.

    I would love the sweater with the snowflake. I can already imagine a bunny wearing it!

    Thanks for your time and effort in drawing them for us to choose.

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  10. ROCIO LAMNovember 20, 2009 at 4:54 p.m.

    Hi. I love the sweater¡¡¡¡¡

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  11. CathyNovember 20, 2009 at 4:55 p.m.

    I have your pattern "Scrappy Chaps". How long does it take you to knit one animal? And where do you buy the safety eyes? Thank you.

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  12. LynNovember 20, 2009 at 5:19 p.m.

    Mouse please, or holly and berries but I would love a mousie design!
    Love
    Lyn
    xxx

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  13. Kate LeMayNovember 20, 2009 at 6:11 p.m.

    First choice mouse, second choice holly and berries. Although you did make it very hard to choose, they all would be lovely!

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  14. RCNovember 20, 2009 at 7:04 p.m.

    angel wings, angel wings!!!!

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  15. StellaNovember 20, 2009 at 7:41 p.m.

    I love the idea of the pullover with the skirt and a mouse .. will be soo cute that a bunny will be hugging a mouse

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  16. ugliducklynNovember 20, 2009 at 7:48 p.m.

    MOUSE!!! Your little drawing sold me on the mouse, very cute!

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  17. ugliducklynNovember 20, 2009 at 7:50 p.m.

    Turns out I really like the sweater idea too! So mouse or sweater. Actually seeing little sketches makes it hard to choose! :)

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  18. LeahNovember 20, 2009 at 7:53 p.m.

    I just ♥ the angel wings!

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  19. KKNovember 21, 2009 at 8:16 p.m.

    No one else has voted for this but my first choice is the Elf hat and boots :) and my second choice would have to be the skirt!

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  20. AnonymousNovember 22, 2009 at 8:44 a.m.

    I love the mouse and the elf. Either one and I would be a happy camper!

    Margaret

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  21. JimberlysNovember 22, 2009 at 9:02 p.m.

    1.Elf hat and boots
    2.Holly and Berries

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  22. SydNovember 23, 2009 at 6:55 a.m.

    Angel wings please!!!!! Can dress up a ton of cuties!

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  23. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 7:59 a.m.

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  24. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 8:09 a.m.

    Barbara:
    Why did you delete my comments? You were snotty to begin with and you were ashamed to let the world see my comment???

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  25. Barbara PrimeNovember 23, 2009 at 8:15 a.m.

    Anon: I removed your comment because I did not believe it was in the spirit with which I wish to write this blog. I did not intend to be insulting or condescending, rather I was trying to encourage you to design your own toy, since you seemed to have such a good idea of what you wanted, and I thought that idea should belong to you.

    I began designing toys while still just a beginner, and I've found it's been a great way to learn new skills and progress as a knitter. I hope that you can do the same.
    If you would like to discuss this further, please email me (barbara @ fuzzymitten . com)

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  26. Barbara PrimeNovember 23, 2009 at 8:27 a.m.

    Anon: if you'd like somewhere to start with your elf design, I found this free pattern: http://isomyreallife.blogspot.com/2008/11/phone-gnome-pattern.html
    You could gather together the bottom of the coat, and stuff the body. Then you just need to make the legs with pom-poms, as you wanted.

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  27. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 8:29 a.m.

    Barbara:
    What I don't really understand is WHY you asked us to give you some ideas and all of a sudden you gave me the impression I can do it myself... UGH! YOu leave a mixed message.... You just lost a valuable customer and I am somewhat turned by your comment. Thank you.

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  28. Barbara PrimeNovember 23, 2009 at 8:41 a.m.

    Anon: I am sorry you feel that way.

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  29. melanie girouardNovember 23, 2009 at 9:14 a.m.

    Anon: Perhaps it is that the tone of your comment didn't convey the possible complex emotions you wanted to convey, but rather sounded grumpy and not help- and creativity-conducive...

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  30. VacskamatiNovember 23, 2009 at 10:47 a.m.

    One vote for that lovely mouse!! :D

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