pug nose tutorial

When I wrote the Pug pattern, I couldn't think of a better way to describe how to shape the nose, other than "fold it up between the eyes and stitch in place." I'm really a hands-on type of teacher, so I find it much easier to show how to do something, rather than write down how I did it. I think most people who make this toy don't even bother with this step, and their pugs look just fine. But in case any of you are wondering what the heck I meant, here's a video tutorial that will hopefully clear things up.



If you don't have this pattern, you can purchase it on Etsy or Ravelry. It's also included in the new edition of Fuzzy Knits (Rav link).

sneak peek

As promised, a sneak peek at my newest design! I bet you can guess what it is, but I'll keep the complete toy as a surprise for the release date. I'm so excited about this toy, I wish I could have the pattern ready now. But as I wrote in my last post, the test knitting isn't nearly done, and I'm going to be away for a few weeks. I hope you enjoy whatever summer (or winter) knitting you have on your needles, and can wait a little longer for the newest addition to the Fuzzy Mitten clan.

summer plans

Spring has quickly become summer here, and my free time seems to have disappeared! (I suspect this happens to most parents)  I hope you don't mind if my writing here is more sparse, while we enjoy the warm weather.

Lev wants to spend most of his time outside, which is good because I have a garden to look after. I've finally discovered what will grow in the clay soil here. We've been eating salads from the garden for a couple of weeks now, and it's so satisfying! We eat a lot of salad in the summer, and I love running around back for 10 min, and coming in with a basket of fresh greens. Now my tomatoes and peas just need to get in on the action.

We've also been making weekly trips to the library, now that I know it's only a 20 minute walk away (can't believe it took me a year to figure that out). Lev is far more interested in the toys, but I enjoy all the free books! I might just have to steal a bit of my knitting time to make room for a bunch of summer reading. I've heard librarians and knitting go hand in hand, but I can't seem to find the craft section at our library. I will need to ask one day, since they could be hoarding all the good books.

Even with the warm, humid weather, I've managed to fit in a bit of knitting. I'm slowly working away on a new pattern for you! I have a huge list of ideas, but nothing was quite inspiring to me - I think because many had already been done by others. I wanted something I could really make my own. Finally, while chatting with a friend one day, the perfect idea struck! The toy is finished, and just as cute as can be. Now I'm working on a set of summery clothes to go with it. I will try to get some sneak peeks up here for you soon!

I'd hoped to finish it soon, but realized that I'll be away for nearly a month starting at the end of June. Releasing a new pattern and then not being available for sales and support would be terribly bad planning. However, the extra few weeks will give my test knitters some breathing space, and you'll get a much better pattern.