Tuesday, January 31, 2012

missing you

You know, I've been missing this space terribly, as well as missing the creative outlet that my toys give me. I've definitely been doing a lot of making lately, both sewing and knitting, but I've felt the need for something a little more. Have you been missing me too?

In an effort to both encourage you to do a little bit of creative knitting, and to thank you for sticking with me through the past few months, I've decided to hold a give-away! To enter, please leave a comment telling me what toy you'd like to make. I'll also need your email address, since I don't get to see those via blogger. Otherwise, you'll need to remember to check back here to see if you won.

So, what could you win? I'll be giving away 2 copies of my e-books*, Fuzzy Knits and Festive Knits (if you win, you choose which one you'd like). I'll also be giving away 5 individual patterns, of the winners' choice. So that's 7 chances to win!

The give-away will close on the evening of February 13, so you have lots of time. Then 5 lucky people will get a happy surprise on Valentine's Day! (and if you live in the northern hemisphere, it helps to have good things to lighten up February).

*Please note this is the electronic, pdf version of my books, not the printed version

118 comments:

Laura said...

Aww Barbara, I miss you!! And your fuzzy sweet toys! I've been wishing to make a Bunny Rabbit lately for my yarn shop (Sugar Bunny Boulevard). I always brag about your darling stuffies to my customers and have been thinking of doing a FM Knitalong this spring! Love Fuzzy Mitten!! laura@sugarbunnyblvd.com

Wishfox Dyeworks said...

Hi Barbara! Its so good to see you're alive out there! I want to make a zebra! I already have the pattern, but I've been procrastinating finishing my second one. Poor thing has no ears, mane, or arms! If I were to win, I'd love to have pookies to fill out my collection :)

wishfoxrequiem@yahoo.com

lapr said...

I want to thank you for all your great patterns.I love knitting all these cuties !!!!!!!!!!

Susan said...

I have missed your blog - but being amom is so important and your little ones are little for such a short time! I have quite a few of your patterns already - but have nover gotten either book.
Of those I don't have i Think I would like the pug or the macaroni penguin. Thanks for the opportunity.

susancnyec@nycap.rr.com

PS DO I have to pay for an updated copy of the Panda? I have the old pattern withouth the intarsia face?

Mary said...

You are sweet and generous :) savannah chaps have been coveted by me for so long I don't know how anyone knits with a baby

heidi said...

I'd love to make your lovely lion for my nephew (but I may have to make a second for myself!)

DogBlog said...

Since I clicked your facebook ad a year or so ago, I have loved knitting your toys! I've purchased a few of the patterns separately and knitted the lamb and kitty both. I LOVED the hoodie on the pug so I bought that pattern too :) I am excited to knit the llama, I thought that was a really adorable and creative animal to think of knitting so I was glad when you came up with the pattern. It is hard to find time to knit, I don't have kids, but am studying for the CPA exams. I have to get it in where I can :) Good luck, don't get stir crazy we are almost to summer again! Get me in the contest: kmsiupinski@gmail.com

Karine said...

How nice!

I'd love to make an owl for my daugther, she has been having quite the obsession with owls lately! Of course a bunny rabbit would also be fantastic because she also obsesses quite a bit with them ;). Of course I could be selfish and make her a penguin because... I love penguins lol!

I've been holding off making her a lamb from one of your patterns, but I've recently come across the perfect yarn for it and will be casting on shortly!

My kids are bad for my knitting obsession... I guess I can see where their addictive personnalities come from ;)

karinelarose@gmail.com

Allison said...

I have missed you also, Barbara, but I realize that at this time with 2 little ones, there is never enough time in a day! PLEASE GOD...make us 30 hour days.
I love your patterns!
~Allison

Silvia M. said...

I absolutely love the Siamese Kitten, it's been in my (way too long) Ravelry queue for a while.
Awesome giveaway, thanks!

elnath_adhara@yahoo.com

Awesome Mom said...

I am making the toy I want to make, the bunny. I love love love the bunny! I have some fingering cotton and I am loving how it is turning out. There is something extra cute about a small bunny.

Audrey said...

Your work is so fun! I know you are busy but we really look forward to your posts and your patterns!
Melissa

mysticmoon said...

Life's been busy for me too. Haven't been able to knit as much as I'd like, A bunny or lamb would be a great way to welcome spring and a new year! j.mysticmoon@gmail.com

Aurora said...

Oh! I need a reason to knit a sweet toy! I'd love the alpaca pattern or Fuzzy Knits. I hope I win! My email is aurora.cruz at yahoo.com

knistory said...

I've always wanted to knit a fuzzy farm full of critters!

Becky McNeill said...

I'm a relatively new knitter so I'm just aspiring to one creation that actually looks like the animal it was intended. I have your free lamb pattern, so it will likely be my first attempt:)
beckymac1 at hotmail dot com

Bev said...

Good to hear from you, Barbara. I guess we're all busy with one thing and another. No matter, I never stop knitting but have been working on hats and cell cozies lately. Can't wait to try one of your wonderful patterns. the little lamb is probably where I'll start. LOVE it! I've already purchased one of your books so have quite a few adorable creatures to choose from. Would be thrilled to win more of your wonderful designs. Hope to get to Montreal this spring/summer and would love to look you up.

Nancy said...

Love, love all you patterns! And I would so like to have Maltese and Westie patterns!

Nancy said...

Love, love all your patterns and would especially like a Maltese and a Westie! Thanks!

themixedborder said...

I would love a pug already knitted. i have the pattern, but have not found the time and I am an "Amma" (Grandma)...some things like time, do not change! - Kathy

Tanya said...

Would love to be entered in your giveaway! Love your ideas!

Our Family said...

I made the lamb last year for Easter and my daughter is already making orders for this year. I think the bat would be so fun! unique and just her style.

Tanya said...
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Tonya said...

I'd like to make the rhino and the elephant from the Savannah set. So cute!!
thriftyth@gmail.com

Julianne said...

Hi,
I'm going to knit the baby bunny for my Grandchild to be (any day now!).
I get lots of requests from friends to knit your toys for them, they are lovely.

Julianne
juliannedw@gmail.com

pwofford said...

nothing beats your fuzzy lambs! Thanks for the giveaway.

yarnmom69 said...

Hi! You've been missed! I would LOVE to win one of your beautiful books, or at least the Reindeer pattern. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity!!
Yvonne - yarnmom69@live.com

Wishing Web said...

I want to make Wee Woodland Wuzzies! I make lots of toys for my long distance boyfriend who lives in Canada. I am sure he would enjoy a little bundled up beaver as a surprise gift. Haha.

xceliex200@yahoo.com

Shari said...

So nice of you - just love love love your blog and patterns - I've made the sheep, and want to make another, but really I want to make your darling elephant next. Love from Ky, momoshari@yahoo.com

jleez said...

I love all your patterns....going to try the Hedgehog next.

Anonymous said...

Having already knit the kitty and lamb patterns (which I love!) I think I'd like to knit the alpaca and the sea horse next. Your critters are just the cutest!
Lea at java-katz@insightbb.com

andrea said...

So good to hear from you! I want to make that Fuzzy Lamb holding the knitting needles! It looks like it would be easy to carry along. And...my only granddaughter would love it! LOL!
Andrea W-
KnitAweigh- Ravelry

abc123 said...

Would love this adorable pattern...abc123nme@hotmail.com

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Just in time for Easter! I would love the Easter Bunny pattern.

deardutchgirl@hotmail.com

Donna said...

Love your patterns. In fact, I'm finishing up a girl monkey right now. They are just the right size for little hands. Thanks for all your hard work.
seahorse681@bellsouth.net

Hannah said...

We do all miss you!!!
My favourite pattern has to be the well dressed bunny, especially the updated version, I do of course own that! The next one on my list to buy has to be the bunny hand puppets (bit of a theme going here!)
I can be contacted through Ravelry, my username is WillowWarren :)

Little Ol' Liz said...

Hello! Long time follower, not nearly frequent enough commenter here. I tend towards the traditional (meaning bears) for toys, but I have been known to be swayed (rather easily) by the right pattern. Oh -- and I'm a sucker for baby/kiddo pictures now that my kids are teens. I won't be a GrandMom for a long time.

lizandrsn@aol.com

K said...

Oh, brother. I'm awfully glad to see so many people showing up to comment today. I wonder where they've been for the last few months? I don't mean to sound - ummm - difficult, but you know. It makes me sad. When people put themselves out there to blog, I don't know what's so hard for other people to leave word that they were there, and they understood, and they appreciated. I'm probably just thinking of my own blog and the very few beautiful souls who take the moment to just touch hands with me - especially after I've spent so many hours preparing images and funny captions and family stories.

I'm just glad you allow strangers like me a moment's view of your life and your joy and your creative process. And I'm glad I have a pup who took shape because of you tucked into my grandson's bed every night. It is something to share a bit of your soul that way.

Adonna said...

Nice to have you back on Facebook. I would love to make Emma the lamb. So sweet, but also the clothes that go with you creations. Adonna
Email: akokx513@gmail.com

Mardy said...

I've missed you too. I.d like to knit Goldilocks and the three bears.

my Beautiful Little Bird said...

You are SO sweet and generous!!! Thank you!! I have been finishing up the cute elephant from Savannah Chaps. I would love to make the Pupster and the Tabby Kitty.

My email is: toGodmyconstantlight@gmail.com

Debbolib said...

I'm a sheep lover, and I've been wanting to make one of your lambs for a long time. I love your designs and am always glad to see a post on your blog. Thanks for the giveaway. dwellsclinton at gmail dot com

pamela28 said...

You have certainly been missed. I love to read your blog and see pictures of your cute little boys. I also get really excited when you publish new patterns which send me rushing for my needles. I'm not bothered about winning anything, just wanted you to know that you are appreciated and valued

Karen said...

Your patterns are delightful. I am hoping to make your gorgeous zebra. Thanks for the chance to win.

MyLittleBlueDog said...

Well the pug turned out so well I was all set to keep going. Funny how life gets in the way. I still need to knit that cute lamb for my sister... but I love them all the alpaca is so very cute.

Jean said...

It was so nice to see a new post from you when I checked your blog today. Now, let's get down to business. I love your patterns. If you check out my Ravelry projects, you'll read of my praises of your patterns. (I'm jeand on Ravelry.) That said, I'll probably knit one of your bunnies next. But that's not set in stone. Maybe a panda....

Mary said...

I think i'd try the siamese kitten first! thanks for the giveaway

Kelly-ann said...

I would love to knit the owl - so stinkin' cute!

Mom2Schnauzers said...

I love looking at all your adorable critters. The only thing better would be knitting them (which is why I'd love one of your books)!

Joyce said...

Ravelry user name JoyKnitCrochet

a chicken

WPD-Design-NRichardson said...

Hi! I made your pug for my roommate and she loved it! He was quickly named "Puggy Bear." I have my eye on several of your lovely patterns. I'm NolaBunny on Ravelry.

Richardson.Nola@gmail.com

vkb said...

The Owl and baby have to be my favourite! Nothing cuter than a baby raptor all covered in white feathers. Awwwww.

Anon said...

I haven't made any of your designs before but I've been meaning to make one for a while. My favourite big toy is still the lamb you have on your blog. I think the pookies are very cute too.

vc said...

I love your dog and cat designs. They are just too adorable!

Suzie said...

Wow, this is so generous! I would love to knit either the chipmunk or the duck. :)

justsuzie_s at hotmail dot com

Margaret said...

I miss you terribly! Glad to see you back a bit more now. As for patterns, I love your Big Bear and the pupster. they are just adorable! I love your animals and all of your designs. Can't wait to see what more you have up your sleeve!

mags_williams@yahoo.com

Julie said...

I haven't made an alpaca yet, and since my daughter's friend raises alpacas, that is the next animal I would like to make. Although, making extensive wardrobes may be what I like to knit most.

neknitsandbeads said...

I love all things bunny! So...I would have to knit a bunny.

Jani said...

Hope things are looking up for you! I would like to make a Cat, or maybe an Alpaca . . . when I think of her in her little bikini, I can't help but smile. :) Thanks for the contest!

Anonymous said...

I love knitting your patterns, you are truly so talented to come up with such cute, brilliant toys! Please don't ever stop :)

Debbie1085 said...

I would love to knit your bunny with adorable outfit, I think with overalls or maybe a cardigan. Glad to see you blogging again.
knitting1085@yahoo.com

SissyMoon said...

Just found your site and love it! How do you do all this with two little ones? I'd love to make the elephant for my grand daughter. We have 3 sons so this baby girl is such a great excuse to knit all day now that I am retired from 35 years of teaching 4-8 year olds. Thanks for this lovely site and all your beautiful work. Christie

jchoag@midcoast.com

SissyMoon said...
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mvink said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mvink said...

Your toy patterns are amazing! I have a few of them already and they are great!! I would love to make the "Pocket Mouse" because so adorable. I love the "Pocket Mouse"!! Thank you so much for this opportunity! I love your blog and all of your patterns!!

This would definitely lighten up February as I am also from Canada.

My email is: melissacorivink@hotmail.com

Hannah said...

I would like to knit your squirrel doll, but all your toys are adorable:)

Luciana said...

Hi! I love all your patterns. I'd love to make the "cowboy", I'm from Argentina, a country with a lot of cows and they're for me lovely and special animals.
Thank you for the give-away!

queestastramando@gmail.com

Ang said...

I'm a sucker for tiny, so the wee woodland wuzzies make me melt.

Ang
chartreusemeooow@aol.com

Nicole said...

Hi Barbara, sure have missed you a lot lately. I love your patterns so much, and would love to give the little owls a try.

nlautner1@gmail.com

grannie annie said...

Oh, pick me! Love your patterns! acdaku@gmail.com

Fiona said...

Hi,
Have knitted a lamby for each of my two nieces and nephews! Next on their birthday wish list is a suitcase full of clothes for them to dress him/her with. Absolutely love him. My friend was so taken with him that she got the pattern for their grandchildren too! All I can say is keep your ideas coming!

Fiona

Yarn Miracle said...

Time off is a good thing! And it looks like PLENTY of people are missing you!

I think of you every time I knit a toy, so I never feel like you are too too too far away. :D

emily@yarnmiracle.com

*waves to Laura up in the first comment spot*

Bonnie said...

Have always admired your bunny rabbit patterns. Hope I win in your giveaway!

kpk129 said...

I've been missing you too! I hope others missing you will come by your Ravelry group where we can bond over all your cute toys and patterns! I love them all. I'm currently working on two Mama Bunnies and my future plans include a zebra from the Savannah Chaps pattern using chroma in lollipop and a mini-me of my tuxedo kitty using the Siamese Kitty pattern to start. I also want to make more bunnies & a penguin! My email is kpk129 (at) gmail (dot) com

Jean Ashley said...

I have missed reading your blog, but I totally understand--I'm a really private person, so I don't put myself out there very much (not even to comment on blogs I like) but I wanted to let you know that your fuzzy thoughts are missed.

I would LOVE to make the wee woodland wuzzies!

MarionKnitting said...

What lovely patterns from a very talented lady. I will be purchasing some of them as soon as I have finished making some baby shawls for my local hospital

Zamiel said...

I could really use this giveaway! I'm stuck in baby blanket hell right now and even looking for something to knit for myself, I remembered my friend is due the 10th and I've been slacking! (Thankfully her baby shower is AFTER he's born!)

So my choice would be the baby penguin since I already have the pug pattern (but still need yarn to make it!)

Tracy said...

such sweet little creatures you create. Always delighted when they show up on my newsfeed. :)

Rosie Wells said...

I love all your cute patterns! My nieces and nephews just love the little toys I knit up thanks to your patterns :D Keep up the awesome pattern making :D

RAD ROSE said...

I miss your blog and love your patterns. Love the lamb pattern . I have made many lambs for my friends!

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to choose just one design of yours that I would like to knit, but I think one of my favourites would have to be the Bunny with a Hoodie :)

lori@howlett.com.au

Angela said...

I have to pick one....That's too hard...I've got several of your patterns that I'd like to try but if I have to pick one...Either the bunny or the zebra.

grace.cecil@gmail.com

Wendy said...

I love them all, but specifically the Koala bear, bat and the Owls! I'd be interested in making a cat and a grown chicken with an egg someday, for my niece and nephew, who have both cats and chickens in their household. I also like the bears and rabbit! Keep up the cuteness!!!!

Wendy said...

I like them all! My niece and nephew would love some, too!!! Keep up the cuteness!!!

Unknown said...

That is so sweet! I love your designs :)

craftygal1965{at}gmail{dot}com. (Just remover the words in brackets) I do this to prevent spambots...hopefully.

EvilSquirrel said...

awe i love your patterns...i love how quick they are to make...and have gone back to them as a last minute gift more than once!!

Unknown said...

You are such a lovely lady to be doing this! Gosh, I guess if I could only pick one, it would probably be the owls from Festive Knits. So adorable! But really, I adore all of your toys; they are just so precious.

kathrynharris86@gmail.com

Connie said...

Truly missed you! I enjoyed making a few of the pugs w/your pattern. All of your toys are adorable ... next I think I would like to try the sleepy puppy ... soooo cute! constanzarg@mac.com

denisemtp said...

I have missed hearing about your two sweet boys. I would love to knit a chipmunk, my high school maccot. 1971 all girls Catholic School. I have a two grandchildren, boy and girl both almost two.. would like to make Easter Bunnies for them.
denismtp@bellsouth.net

MerryT said...

We've missed you Barbara...real life comes first though!
I love all your patterns...think I would like a bunny or alpaca!
merrythornsburg@gmail.com

Thanks,
Merry

Debra Winchell said...

It's so difficult to choose one. I already have both cat patterns, so the pupster would be great to knit and give to dog-loving friends.

Acornbud said...

I definitely want to knit more Pookies. They are so adorable and the bat has been in my queue for quite awhile. Your patterns are all so cute! Acornbud@yahoo.com

CablingKaren said...

Where to start! One of the dogs, for sure, and the lamb, and the bunny rabbit, oh and then there's the hedgehog - and just not enough hours in the day...

karenannevans22@yahoo.com

Amy said...

Hmmmmm, well I have been wanting to do another lamb for quite a while, but I have always loved the Mama and baby owl. I haven't tried the Pookies yet, and oh Fuzzy Farm. So many fantastic patterns, so little time : )

serenitynow1979@gmail.com

melosa said...

My kids definitely need more knitted toys and your patterns are definitely the cutest! I would like to do a lamb (because who could resist?) or the woodland wuzzies. :)

melosad@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Hi Barbara, your patterns are so cute!! I'd love to make the little penguin or the lamb! So cute!!
rach@iggyonline.co.uk

bren said...

these patterns are amazing...would love to make them all..

Shim Farm said...

The sheep is on the top of my toy-list! I love all of your stuff, really...

Becky said...

I'd love to make that adorable panda bear, though the sheep from that fuzzy farm is irresistable... cute patterns, I just want to make them all! :)

Becky said...

Oops, forgot to add an email.. I always do this!
lindsay4183@hotmail.com :)

Pamplemousse said...

With baby Madeline just 5 months old, you know how it is, I'm just knitting bits by bits but for sure I want to knit the chipmunk !! I'm now knitting plenty of little lambs just in time to give at Easter ! Love your patterns !

MeganMeganBoBegan said...

Going to make a pink striped cat for my niece's birthday. I will be combining the scraps chaps body with kitty ears & tail so that it will come out a bit larger than my regular pattern for the siamese kitty.

megan_sims@sbcglobal.net

Debbie1085 said...

I have been wanting to make your Bunny Rabbit or the Lamb!

knitting1085@yahoo.com

Just for Knits n Giggles said...

You are definitely missed! :0)
I have always loved the little Schmeepy, however, when I saw the Alpaca pattern get released, I just about melted right in my seat! STILL haven't knit ine up, but would LOVE LOVE LOVE to! <3
~ Brandy
(KnittAddiction at gmail)

Beeba said...

I have definitely missed you, Barbara, and your entertaining, informative and lively posts. I totally understand the reasons you are away, being a mother of little ones myself.
In fact, I am away so much I didn't even know of this terrific giveaway!

I want to knit The Well-Dressed Bunny, and Safari and Scrap Chaps. Those are on my Wishlist first.
In the meantime, I'm going to knit the Mama and Baby Bunny kit I bought from you for my baby girl almost two years ago. That's definitely next. <3

dreamer007 said...

I'm planning to make your cute lamb for too long. Maybe this time if I win the book I can add the cardigan too! ;)

helenatakei@gmail.com

Sheena Fennell said...

I want to make the Pug in an Anorak! I have the wool and everything - Rowan Organic...mmmm

thisgirlknitsuk at gmail dot com

<3

wendy said...

You were the inspiration for me to start knitting toys. Have missed following your blogging, but can fully understand having a family keeps you busy and we will still be around, off to knit a lamb ready for easter.

Valerie said...

I would like to knit some small aliens for my little nephew. I think it'd be a lot of fun to make lots of them, with different characters in different bright colours, to attract his attention and he can throw them around the place and not break anything! :)

Katy said...

I would love to knit your siamese kitty, only I would make her brown to look like my burmese cat Coco.

Barb Klein said...

Barbara, I would love to have one (or both) of your books. I really do hope I am one of your winners!!

Sweep101 said...

I simply adore your work and find it extremely difficult to pick one little character from such an array of little pets but the one that stands out to me is the little purple monster.... she is adorable and my little daugher would love her. I would love a copy of your book or even just this pattern and I would try my best to do it justice! :)

Laura said...

I have missed your postings on Facebook. I have both of your books. I'm going to make the Bunny Rabbit & the Lamb for my Easter decorations. It is so hard to find time for knitting & crafts with little ones, but amazingly they grow up & the time comes back.

lynn said...

I have made precious Lulu...I would love for you to create minature bears...so little they could sit on your keyboard....love your patterns...it is ok, Momma...take your time with that babe!!!

Wendi said...

I love your patterns! I'm thinking a bunny is in order for Easter/Spring time. :)

w.wendih@verizon.net

iaia.imma said...

Love,love Fuzzy Knits.
iaia.imma@gmail.com

Jo-ann said...

Has to be the Fuzzy Mitten Lamb. I'm thinking of knitting every lamb sheep toy pattern I can find and having my own flock to keep me company.

jo-ann.larkins@monash.edu