a new design!

Goodness, I haven't been around much lately, have I? Well, I certainly haven't been slacking! There have been a few baby knits completed, 2 pairs of socks for Lev (never did get photos of those, and now they are much worn), a custom toy, and a new design!

The idea for the new design came to me from a bean-bag toy Lev was given for his birthday. I loved the size and shape of it, and was amazed by how much he enjoyed playing with it (aren't simple toys often the best?). I had fun over the holidays imagining how I could make my own version of a cute little bean-bag toy, and finally couldn't resist any longer. I know I had planned to spend this year updating old patterns (as well as, you know, having a new baby and all that entails!), but sometimes the urge to create will not be still.

I dug through my stash to come up with as many odds and ends of bright colours as I could find, and quickly knit up 5 of the little guys! Really, each one takes about 2-3 hours from start to finish. I decided on a knit-in-the-round design, as that was simplest, and I know many of you prefer knitting without seams (if you're still learning, this would be a great project for practice). I added stripes and a hood for extra cuteness, plus the opportunity to play with colour combinations.

I've written instructions for 3 sizes and 5 different ears/animals (4 are shown in the photo. The bear is not shown, as Lev claimed that one, and it's well-played with now). But it's super easy to customize the ears and face embroidery if you want something different - I bet a little person would be just as cute, with hair peaking out from under the hood!

I'm hoping to release the pattern very soon, but as always, it depends on when we can find time to get it all together (life with a toddler is never quiet). I hope you all like the new toy, and I really look forward to them popping up over on Ravelry!