recent fo's

Some recent, and not so recent, finished knits (a bunch of these links are to my Ravelry projects, so you can read the details there. If you don't have a Ravelry account, why not?)

This modification of Citron was finished a few weeks ago, but I haven't found time to block it yet. Once I find something to actually wear it with, perhaps I'll finally do that step and get some better photos.

This lacy scarf is knit from some Noro Sekku yarn I picked up on an impulse during my vacation to BC. I love the summery colours of it. I'm glad it's cooling off here so I can wear this now.

This little vest I knit for my newest nephew. It's in Knitpicks Simply Cotton Worsted, and I had no trouble getting gauge with this yarn. It's my second time knitting this pattern, and I really like it.

If you follow me on Facebook, this is the hat I was talking about knitting for Lev. I have the instructions finished, but I need help getting photos of it on him for the published pattern. The longest he's left it on his head is about 10 seconds.

And finally, here is a little preview of the new pattern I'm releasing soon!

over-committed

I think I might have a problem with over-committing myself. I had planned to take it easy this summer, slowly working on a couple of projects, and spending lots of time with Baby Mitten. Now I have some great ideas for a clothing bundle for the big bunny and teddy, an interesting sketch for a new toy, all the work involved in revising the Fuzzy Knits book (which includes knitting all the toys in it), and a secret project I've been wanting to work on for over a year. At least one of those is going to be cut, I know, because I just don't have that much time! Or maybe I need to rework my ideas so all the projects are a little more manageable. Are any of you work-from-home moms? Do you have any advice for how to balance work and time with baby?

This is just a random picture to make the post more interesting.

Well, in other news, the Ravelry swap is going well! I got my swap partner the other day, so picked out some pretty yarns in her favourite colours and matched them to some of my favourite clothing patterns (ravelry links). I have one item done already, and I think it turned out just gorgeous! (I'll try taking photos later today so you can see) Next up is a pocket sweater in hot pink!

While I was deciding which outfits to make, it got me thinking of which clothing designs I like the most, and why. I think I will go start a discussion thread in my Ravelry group, to see what other knitters think. Feel free to leave comments here too, if you have anything to say! (now I'm thinking, Ravelry is a big time-suck, but I love the feeling of connection to everyone knitting my patterns! Yet one more thing to try organizing time for.)

Oh, and if you're stopping by from Fiber Arts Friday, check out this interesting post from earlier in the week.

wee bit tired lately

Between vaccinations last week, the beginning of teething, and rearranging our schedule in preparation for Mr Mitten going back to work, I've been a wee bit tired this past week. I didn't feel much like whining, and I haven't done much work anyway, so there wasn't a whole lot to blog about. Anyway, thanks so much for your lovely comments on the video and photos! It's fun sharing a bit of our lives with you, especially since we don't have many friends with kids with whom to commiserate.


One thing I did manage to get done, after about 2 weeks of squeezing in an hour of knitting here and there, was this big bunny. I wasn't quite sure I liked her when she was done, but she zipped out of my shop so fast, I was clearly mistaken about her cuteness! I know some of you will ask about her dress, so I'll tell you what I can. I've had some thoughts about putting together a bundle of clothes for the bigger toys, so this was a trial at one dress design. It was a bit too complicated, though. The final version will have a simpler skirt, but should be just as cute. The bundle I'm planning will have 3 designs: a dress, a cardigan, and something else. Anyone care to leave a comment about what they'd like? There's no set date for when I'll get it ready, considering how much we have going on the next few weeks.

ballerina pattern

The ballerina pattern is now available in both my Etsy and Lulu shops. I've read through it a bunch of times, and I'm pretty sure there are no mistakes, but if you find anything please let me know asap. Both pieces are knit in the round, which should please those of you who hate seaming. I know not everyone has this skill, but there really was no other good way to knit this outfit.

It should be a good way to use up little bits of leftover sock or lace yarn. In the pattern I give the amounts as 15g for both the leotard and tutu, but in reality they probably need less than 10g each - I just wanted to be on the safe side.

I didn't include any kind of ballet shoes with the pattern, and I'm not sure how to knit removable ones. But a compromise solution is quite simple. For the legs of the toy, cast on and knit the first 5 rows in a contrasting colour (such as pink). Later, when the legs are stuffed, add a little ribbon to make the laces.

Today I'm putting together 3 more toys for my last big order this spring. A fuzzy white bunny, a panda, and a lamb. It should be a fun day :)

sleepy kitty

Yesterday I found time to make four sleeping bags for the toys, and I love how they turned out - much better than the pouches I made on my first try. They are all lined with soft flannel from an old sheet, and the outsides are whatever I found in my fabric stash that I felt like using. This one is a bit of checked seersucker I found at the thrift store, one is made from an old pillow case, the other two from nice fabric I bought new. It feels so good to do a bit of successful sewing. Plus it was an incentive to give my machine a well-deserved oiling.

I think I woke him up :)

Another idea I had recently, that I forgot to mention yesterday, was a featured clothing pattern. The idea is this: each month I will have for sale a different clothing pattern, and on the sixth month, I will put them all together into a bundle of patterns. The clothing patterns I choose will be based on whatever outfit I've had the most questions about, or whatever one I really like and want to share. This way, you can get whatever one you like, or wait and buy them all together (at a lower price). I'm going to start in December with the hat and scarf pattern from the Silly Duck, maybe with a slipper/sock pattern as well. What do you think of the idea? I think there are going to be some well-dressed toys out there!

How you doin'?

I will still put out the occasional new toy. I've had some questions lately about a cow I made, so in January I will start working on that. But the number of patterns I have now is almost the maximum I can manage, so as I add new patterns, I might remove some of the older unpopular ones.

Also, thanks for your nice words yesterday :) It's so awesome to know that lovely kind people read my blog, and care about what I do.