spacebot

The idea of designing a robot toy came to me almost a year ago, and I liked the idea so much, it was difficult to wait for the right time to work on it. But I had other projects planned that my time was committed to, so it had to wait. In the meantime, I did some research (an image search for "cute robots" was very fun). Then I drew some sketches that combined my favourite aspects of the images I found, with the basic body style I use for most of my toys. Below you can see one of these pencil sketches.

Initially I wanted to make two robots with interchangeable parts. I spent a lot of time on this idea, trying to get the different parts to work together, and trying to find a simple way to make some of the shapes I wanted. In the end, though, the second robot was taking too much time, and wasn't working at all how I wanted. Sometimes you just have to let an idea go, so you can dedicate your efforts to what is actually working. Once I made that decision, the final Spacebot toy came together very quickly. (By the way, it's called a Spacebot because that's what my older son said when he saw the sketch, and I thought that name would be better than the generic "robot").

A special feature of this pattern, which might not be obvious from the photos, is that the Spacebot's head can turn! Early in my design process, the possibility being able to swivel the robot's head seemed like too much fun to pass up, even if it made the toy a little more complicated to assemble. In the end, it actually turned out to be relatively simple, although I made sure to add some extra photos in the pattern to help with this part.

Since the final pattern wouldn't have 2 robots, I decided to make my spacebot some accessories. A rocket-pack was a necessity, but I wasn't sure about the second accessory until my husband gave me a little help. When I showed him the two sample toys, he immediately decided they should be called "Domo" and "Arigato". I told him that "Ari" was a nicer sounding name... and then we decided that I would just have to make a robot cat named "Gato" (and now you understand some of the humour you might encounter in our family).

With some good scheduling, and the help of two lovely and speedy knitters, the pattern was test-knit while I was busy getting my older son ready for kindergarten (and so didn't have time for work). Some photos, editing, and formatting happened very quickly, and now I have this adorable and fun new pattern to share with you!

I would say this pattern is intermediate level, but only because of the intarsia on the body and face. Otherwise, the knitting and construction of the toy is very similar to my other patterns. If you really don't want to do the intarsia, the toy would still be cute without it. This pattern is also a great way to play with some of your favourite colours, and to use some of those cute buttons in your stash!

I'm really looking forward to seeing some finished Spacebots, as you find time to knit one (or two!) As a little extra encouragement, the pattern is 20% off until September 19, in both my Raverly and Etsy shops.

These are the toys my test-knitters made, so you can see how well the pattern turns out (and how talented they are)! The robot above was made by Nicole (her Etsy shop), and the one below was made by Alessandra.

learning new things

I'm working away at a new design, the one which will include a bit of fabric and hand-sewing. Part of the pattern is based on some small toys I made for my friends as gifts. The knitting part of that is going well, since I had already made several. I just needed to work out a few different variations, to make the pattern more interesting. The other part of the pattern is a new idea, related to the first part by being done in the same yarns and variations (this will make way more sense when I have some photos to share). It's proving to be more of a challenge!

Often, when I'm working on a design that is similar to toys I've made before, everything comes together quickly and easily. At worst, I might have to try a few variations of the head and ears, to make sure the shaping (and/or intarsia) are just right. But when it's something really new, it doesn't always come out right the first time, or even the fifth! I try out different sizes, change the dimensions slightly, move around the increases and decreases. I'll may try out short-row shaping, or binding-off and casting-on new stitches. Occasionally, I'll try a different construction, as it may work better in 2 or more pieces. Sometimes, all these attempts to get the design just right end up making it too complicated, and I worry that knitters will decide not to bother with it. So I stick to some simpler, but less perfect version, telling myself, "It's good enough." And I move on, knowing that most knitters will be happy with the outcome, even if I will keep picking at it on my own.

An example of a design in progress. 

The one on the right ended up being cut from the final pattern.

When I design something that I'm not 100% happy with, it always leaves me feeling like I want to learn more. Maybe if I knew a different stitch or technique, or had a better knowledge of how to shape a knitted fabric, I could design something just how I imagine it. Sadly, I can't often find the time to learn new skills, with so many important tasks filling up my days. When I can, I pick my personal knitting projects specifically to learn something new. But I don't always know exactly what it is I don't know!

Do you enjoy learning new skills and techniques, or do you prefer to stick to what you know and are good at? How do you prefer to learn new skills?

background on the bandits

I thought I would share a little of what went into my newest design, the Backyard Bandits, which will be released later this month.

During the mystery knit-along I hosted in the Spring, one of the most common guesses about the animal was a fox. As well, I've many, many requests for a fox over the years. So I decided it was about time I tried to design one. Having a little look around at what was already available, and browsing through images of foxes, I quickly decided that the Scraps Chaps body style would be better suited to a fox than my other toy style.

However, since this style of pattern had previously been done as a set of three animals, I needed two more to complete the new set. Among all the animals I've been asked to design, one of the more frequent requests was for a badger. While the American badgers are not cute (to my tastes), a European badger looked like a good addition to the pattern. The third animal took me longer to decide upon. I finally found the winning idea when we borrowed the book "Red Wagon" from the library. I love the illustration style in this book, and the raccoon was so adorable, I knew I had to design one.

The body, limbs, and tails of the animals were all quick and simple to design, since I didn't want to deviate too much from the earlier patterns. I knew the heads would be the most challenging part of the pattern, both to design and knit. There was really no getting around the fact they would have to be done with intarsia, making the pattern more challenging than most of my other toys.

I started with the fox, thinking it would be the simplest. But in the end, I think this one went through the most variations before I was happy with it (plus, the ears took about 8 tries to get right). Because I knew it would be popular, I wanted to make sure the fox would be successful for anyone who knit it, so the shaping and colours had to be just right.

The badger was next, and while it was a little easier than the fox, it still took me several versions before I liked the face. Maybe it was more difficult because I've never seen one, expect in photos. This is the most complicated one to knit, because of the number of different coloured sections, and the shaping required as you work them. But the rest of the pattern is quite easy, so hopefully it will balance out.

The raccoon I left to last, thinking it might be difficult too. But it worked out on the second try! I wish the eye patches could have been a little wider, but sometimes it's more important for the stitches counts and shaping to work out neatly. If I'd changed the eye patches, the shaping would have been far more complicated.

Now the pattern is being test-knit and edited, and I'm hoping to take the photos tomorrow, or early next week. I can't guarantee a release date yet, but soon! I've been so busy with secret projects this year, I must be as excited as you to have a new pattern to share!

woodland toys in knit now magazine

Somehow I forgot to write about this here, perhaps summer just got the better of me. Anyway, I have a bit of time this morning to tell you about one of the projects that kept me busy this past spring. 

I was asked to put together a selection of woodland animals patterns for Knit Now magazine. Having never been published in a magazine, I thought it was a great opportunity. While it was a lot of work in a short amount of time (something I haven't done in ages), I learned a lot, got to work with some lovely people, and did something I'd always wanted to try. Most of the patterns included are ones I'd already published: a selection of the Wee Wuzzies, and the Owl and Baby (slightly altered, so the Owlet would actually stand). I also designed a new toy that I'd had in mind for a long while, a River Otter! 

I haven't seen it in print yet, but I'm sure it's lovely, and I really hope knitters in the UK are enjoying the magazine. I should be getting a few copies of the issue, and will hold a give-away for one, so check back soon!

quiet usually means busy

While it's been rather quiet here on my blog, I've been quite busy with my knitting needles. Two very exciting opportunities came my way about a month ago, and I said yes to both of them! This means I'm having loads of fun, working much harder than I'm used to, and making very cute things I can't share with you yet.

Over the past few weeks I've been too caught up to have much chance to write to you, but hopefully I will have a little more time next month. However, since I can't share my current knitting, maybe you'd like to hear about some of the other things I do? I sew as much as I can find time for, usually clothes for myself and other family members, sometimes little things to brighten up my home. I also adore gardening, and my gardens are coming along nicely this year. I also enjoy cooking, and I've shared some recipes in the past. Maybe I will post a few of the dishes my family likes best right now. I hope you'll enjoy reading about all of these things.

Sadly, I've had to put on hold the pattern I'd planned for early summer release, but there are some other things for you to look forward to. I plan to update one of my most-loved patterns for a September release, and that I can definitely share with you. I've also been thinking about reorganizing and expanding the clothing bundles I sell. Would many of you be interested in that?

Until then, I hope you continue to stop by, and I'll talk to you soon!

(P.S. The photos are from a recent trip to Vermont, for my birthday)

inuk and baby seal

First I want to thank everyone who left a suggestion for the holiday pattern. They were all great ideas, and I definitely want to work on some of the others I didn't get to this year (especially the merry wombat! I tried, but it needs more work than I had time for). 

In the end, I decided on making the Eskimo, or Inuk, and a baby seal (which was suggested by Mr. Mitten when I couldn't get the merry wombat to turn out right). Below you'll find the instructions for both, with the abbreviations following, if you're unfamiliar with some of the terms. I hope to get the pattern published as a PDF as soon as Mr. Mitten has time to help.

I've tried to design these toys to be simple and fast, so you can make a set in an evening. I've designed them in worsted weight yarn because I always have lots around, but you can easily knit them in a different weight with appropriate sized needles. (Note: changing to finer yarn will make the toys appear slimmer, changing to thicker yarn will make the toys appear plumper). The pattern is advanced beginner to intermediate level, and you will need to know how to knit, purl, increase, decrease, change yarns, make bobbles, work I-cord, and sew seams. However, these all make the toys fun and interesting to knit, and small toys are a great way to learn new skills!

Materials
Inuk: 15 g of worsted weight yarn in main colour (MC), 5 g of worsted weight yarn in light brown, 5 g of worsted weight yarn in black, 5 g of fuzzy or eyelash yarn, pair of 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, two 4 mm double pointed needles, pair of 6 mm safety eyes, stuffing, length of ribbon or cord for hanging, tapestry needle
Baby Seal: 15 g of worsted weight yarn in cream, black yarn to embroider face, pair of 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, pair of 6 mm safety eyes, stuffing, length of ribbon or cord for hanging, tapestry needle

Gauge: 4.5 sts per 2.5 cm (1 inch) in stockinette

Size: 7.5 cm (3 inches)

Inuk
CO 9 sts with MC.
Row 1: P 1 row.
Row 2: k2, [m1, k1] x 7. (16 sts)
Row 3: P 1 row.
Row 4: k2, [m1, k2] x 7. (23 sts)
Row 5: P 1 row.
Switch to fuzzy yarn on next row.
Row 6: k2, [m1, k3] x 7. (30 sts)
Row 7-9: K 3 rows.
Switch back to MC yarn on next row.
Row 10-11: Beginning with a k row, work 2 rows in st st.
Row 12: k3, [k2tog, k4] x 2, [k4, ssk] x 2, k3. (26 sts)
Row 13: P 1 row.
Row 14: k3, [k2tog, k3] x 2, [k3, ssk] x 2, k3. (22 sts)
Row 15: P 1 row.
Row 16: k6, mb, k8, mb, k6.
Row 17: P 1 row.
On next row, switch to light brown yarn.
Row 18: k5, k2tog, k8, ssk, k5. (20 sts)
Row 19-21: Work 3 rows in st st.
On next row, switch to black yarn.
Row 22-23: Work 2 rows in st st.
Row 24: k1, [k1, k2tog] x 6, k1. (14 sts)
Row 25: P 1 row.
Row 26: k1, [k2tog] 6 times, k1. (8 sts)
Cut yarn leaving a long end, thread end through remaining stitches and pull tight to gather.
Attach safety eyes. Sew back seam down to garter-stitch section. Stuff body. Thread yarn through cast-on stitches, gather, then sew last bit of seam. Weave in yarn ends. You may need to make a couple small stitches around bobble arms to close any holes. Embroider a face and hands. For a girl, add braids for hair. These embellishments can be as simple or as creative as you like.

Hood
Start at front. CO 16 sts with fuzzy yarn.
Row 1-3: Knit 3 rows in garter stitch.
On next row, switch to MC yarn.
Row 4-5: Beginning with a k row, work 2 rows in st st.
Row 6: k5, k2tog, k2, ssk, k5. (14 sts)
Row 7: P 1 row.
Row 8: k4, k2tog, k2, ssk, k4. (12 sts)
Row 9: P 1 row.
Row 10: k3, k2tog, k2, ssk, k3. (10 sts) Bind off, or graft back of hood together. If you bound-off, sew a vertical seam at the back of the hood. Weave in yarn ends. Sew bottom edge of hood to toy, just below the neck. If you are hanging the toy, thread the ribbon or cord through the top of the hood, and tie a knot. 

Legs (make 2)
CO 5 sts with MC yarn onto one double pointed needle. Work I-cord for 4 rounds. Bind off. Sew the bound-off edge of legs to bottom of Inuk. Weave in all yarn ends.

Baby Seal
Start at tail. CO 6 sts with cream yarn.
Row 1: P 1 row.
Row 2: k2, [m1, k1] x 4. (10 sts)
Row 3-5: work 3 rows in st st.
Row 6: k2, [m1, k2] x 4. (14 sts)
Row 7: P 1 row.
Row 8: k2, [m1, k2] x 6. (20 sts)
Row 9-13: work 5 rows in st st.
Row 14: k9, m1, k2, m1, k9. (22 sts)
Row 15: P 1 row.
Row 16: k1, k2tog, k7, m1, k2, m1, k7, ssk, k1.
Row 17: P 1 row.
Row 18: [k1, k2tog] x 3, k4, [ssk, k1] x 3. (16 sts)
Row 19-23: work 5 rows in st st.
Row 24: k1, [k2tog] x 3, k2, [ssk] x 3, k1. (10 sts)
Row 25: P 1 row.
Cut yarn leaving a long end, thread end through remaining stitches and pull tight to gather. This is the nose end. Insert safety eyes on head. Sew up seam along underside of body, leaving an opening. Stuff and sew closed. Most of the head shaping is done with the stuffing, adding extra bits to the cheeks and nose. You can also try some soft sculpture for more definition (although baby seals are really cute cute fuzzy blobs!) If you are hanging the toy, thread the ribbon or cord through the back of the neck, and tie a knot.

Flippers (make 4)
CO 8 sts.
Row 1: k6, k2tog. (7 sts)
Row 2: K 1 row.
Row 3: k5, k2tog. (6 sts)
Row 4: K 1 row.
Row 5: k4, k2tog. (5 sts)
Bind off. Fold in half lengthwise and sew together short straight edge. 
Sew 2 flippers to tail, with decreased edges facing out, and cast-on edges facing toward the head. Sew other 2 flippers to sides of body near the head, in the same orientation as the tail. Weave in yarn ends.

Abbreviations
[ ] x N = repeat sequence in brackets N times ("to end" means to repeat until the end of the row)
CO = cast on
K or k = knit
k2tog = decrease 1 by knitting 2 together
k3tog = knit 3 together, same technique as k2tog
kfbf = increase 2 by knitting into front, then back, then front of next stitch
m1 = increase 1 by picking up loop between stitch just worked and next stitch, and knit into the back of this loop
mb = make bobble: kfbf, turn, p3, turn, k3, turn, p3, turn, k3tog. You should start and end with 1 st. (there are many ways to make bobbles. If you need help, search for a tutorial that makes sense to you)
P or p = purl
p2tog = decrease 1 by purling 2 stitches together
ssk = decrease 1 by slipping 2 stitches as if to purl, transfer slipped stitches back to left needle, then knit slipped sts together
st or sts = stitch or stitches
st st = stocking stitch

dragon with a wee knight and princess

Last Spring, a friend generously gave me the brilliant idea to design a dinosaur. That idea kicked around in my head for a while, and a few months later I drew up a sketch of how I wanted it to look. In the sketch I included a variation for a dragon, and that thought was so inspiring I went out and bought yarn before the end of the week! I found the perfect yarn: brilliant colours, soft to the touch, with just a little sparkle. Within a few days I had the body all knit, and was eager to start on the rest... but then the heat of summer set in. By the end of a busy day playing with the kids, I just wasn't interested in picking up something woolly and using my brain.

We got home from visiting family at the beginning of September, and as soon as the kids were off at preschool, I started working again after a much-longer-than-expected break. I decided to go with a simple pattern to ease myself back in. The Baby Orangutan was something I'd worked on a long time ago, and just needed a few adjustments and an accessory to finish it up. While I was happy with it, I wanted more of a challenge for my next design.

I had a brilliant idea one day during a yoga class (yes, my mind was wandering, but you can't always help that)! I enlisted a friend's help with smoothing out the design and picking colours, found some yarn to knit a sample, and eagerly picked up my knitting needles... Only to fizzle out after a week, when I realized I'd messed up the first part and would have to pull it all out.

At this point I felt a little lost, so I asked my friends which idea they would choose, of the 3 I felt like working on. The vote was unanimous for the dragon. Feeling renewed inspiration for the toy, I set to work again. It came together so quickly - just a few adjustments to the legs, 3-4 versions of the head, and maybe as many for the tail... Anyway! I soon had a design I was very happy with, and then had a brilliant idea for the accessory.  A week or so of furious knitting, next to a sick little boy, and everything was done. My cousin kindly offered to test knit the pattern for me, and had it done in just a few days (she's amazing. I don't know how she got it done so quick, when she's also a graduate student!)

I took some photos, my husband worked his usual magic with the ever-temperamental publishing software, and, "Ta da!"

So, much sooner than I planned, and with a very happy heart, here are the Dragon and his wee friends. Find it on Ravelry or Craftsy. Knit some cuteness!

elephant in the works

I've been working on an idea for a new pattern for a few months now. Back in the Spring, I knit a custom toy for an acquaintance, and I loved the finished toy so much that I knew I had to publish the pattern. You can see this toy in the photo below: a Scraps Chaps style elephant! People had been asking me for a long time to design an elephant, but there are so many elephant patterns out there, it took me a while to come up with an idea for one that would be all Fuzzy Mitten style.

However, while I love the scrappy look of that elephant, I thought I would try something a little different for the actual pattern. My original inspiration for the Scraps Chaps was Noro yarn, with it's interesting texture and beautiful long colour changes. However, that yarn always seemed too pricey to use for a toy, so I came up with the alternative of using yarn scraps. But now there are several other companies with similar yarns at a more affordable price, specifically Knit Picks Chroma yarn.

So, I ordered myself a ball, in the Midwinter colourway, which seemed perfect for an elephant. Sneaking in bits of knitting time here and there (this is a real challenge with a toddler and baby in the house), I've finally managed to knit up all the pieces. They're just waiting for a larger chunk of time for me to put the toy together.

So now I need to decide if that is all the pattern will include, i.e. an elephant knit in your choice of worsted weight yarn. Or, if I want to include something else with the toy. Usually my patterns come with a clothing outfit, and since the Scraps Chaps don't fit my other clothing patterns, this would be a good choice. But I have too many ideas, and I'm just not sure what you'd like! I've drawn sketches for a raglan cardigan, a shawl-collar coat, a shrug, and a shawl. But I'm open to other suggestions.

On the other hand, I have a couple other ideas floating around. Maybe I should write it up with more sizes, with the original Scraps Chaps style being medium (about 12" tall), plus larger and smaller sizes knit with thicker and thinner yarns. Or perhaps I should include other animals in the pattern, like how the Scraps Chaps comes with instructions for a rabbit, dog, and lion.

Since this is all rather a bit complicated to put in a poll, I'll just let you leave a comment with the option you'd like best. Now, of course I won't be able to please everyone, since I'm just looking for one good idea to include with the elephant pattern. Perhaps the weight of opinion will point me to the most popular choice, or perhaps I'll come up with something all on my own (that's happened before - but I do value your input anyway). Anyway, I will let you know when I've decided, and if all goes well, the pattern should be ready by the end of the summer!

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!

autumn animals

Another preview of my new design, this time showing all the little friends. The pattern includes instructions for 6 animals: mouse, squirrel, fox, hare, hedgehog, and otter. They all have the same body, but different heads/ears/tails to make each animal. The pattern also includes instructions for the hat and scarf. I'm hoping we can get it ready by the end of the week, so you haven't long to wait!

For photos of each animal, you can check my Flickr page.

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.

moving forward

Everything is slowly coming together on the second edition of Fuzzy Knits. It's only taken us, what, a year! Sheesh, I suppose that's normal for a regular published book, but it seems like ages for me. I guess with a regular book, you also get to rely on others for a bunch of the work. Doing my own editing and proof-reading is a tad scary - hoping I don't miss any serious mistakes, that everything makes sense, that you can all follow the instructions! Thank goodness Mr. Mitten has the patience to do all the rest of the formatting in the publishing software, because I don't know if I would be up to that.

I've also taken all the photos myself, with Mr. Mitten doing the photo editing. We spent all day Sunday on the 12 pattern photos, and I think they turned out pretty good. We went for a much simpler style than in Festive Knits. I just have to get a good cover shot now, and then we're ready for the first printed copy!

Of course, all this work has me thinking, what next? (seriously, folks, my creative brain never quits. Sometimes I wish it would let me have a little vacation...) I've been perusing the Knitted Toys group over on Ravelry for ages, trying to figure out what you all want to knit. I've come up with a few categories that most of the projects seem to fall into:

• very simple, usually knit in the round with minimal sewing
• very complex with lots of pieces to sew together, or complex shaping (or both)
• somewhere in between, which is where mine usually fall
• dolls, of various styles (lots of topsy-turvy dolls lately)
• sock monkeys
• food
• other (odd but cuddly) things

All this variety has me wondering what you would like to knit next? I am a little tired of the same old thing, hence the Bunny Puppet. It's cute and cuddly like my other toys, but the design is almost totally different. However, I know you all like the cute animals with clothes, and there is no end of animals that could be worked into this format (more or less successfully, although this often depends on how inspired I feel).

I had a few ideas of what I wanted to do this year, but now I'm not too sure about how to move forward from the mammoth project Fuzzy Knits turned out to be. I'd really like to take a little break for Spring planting, and enjoy being outside with my munchkin. But, I also want to keep my brain working on new things for you, even if my knitting needles take a rest. I wish I could design all the things people ask for, and all the things I think up myself, but my knitting time is so limited now... I need to figure out the best idea, if I can, and concentrate on that. So, any input you are kind enough to give me would be very helpful!

Who knows? Maybe inspiration will hit, once I've had a little time to rest. This season of change could bring just about anything...

work report

I have a few things to report in the way of Fuzzy Mitten doings lately. We're chugging along on the new Fuzzy Knits book. All it really needs now is the photos, and then we can order the first copy to see how it looks. So close, and yet it still seems so far away! Probably because I started this project thinking it would only take 4-6 months, but it's taken us an entire year.

I'm not too sure what's next. I have one new pattern in the works, but I might hang onto it until the Autumn, as that seems a more appropriate time for it. I've been thinking of designing a pattern for Knitpicks new Independent Designer Program. Have any of you heard of this, or made use of it? It seems like a good venue for patterns, since their yarns are fairly popular in the US. However, the patterns are all $1.99, so I would design something a bit simpler than my usual patterns. I've got a good idea, I just need the yarn and the time!

Thanks so much to those of you who bought a Bunny Puppet kit! I didn't realize they would sell so quickly. If any of you wanted one, but missed out last week, you're in luck! I've found some more yarn, and there are a bunch of new kits in my shop now. The yarns are a little different from the first set, but just as nice. There's still plenty of time to knit one before Easter, so go have a look!

In other news, our Baby Mitten is growing, and no longer a baby! Maybe we should call him Munchkin Mitten now? He's been walking for a few months, is rather chatty (even if most of his words sound the same), and is finally growing some hair. He requires a lot of my time now, especially with him taking only one nap a day, learning so much all the time, and getting into anything within reach. It's really funny too, some of the things they learn! Lev loves our kitties, and is always asking me to play with them or give them treats (this is so they will stop hiding from him, since he's still a bit rough).



He's also started singing along to his favourite cartoon, a Russian version of the Bremen Town Musicians.  He's certainly not in tune, but it's so cute! He even sings at the same parts of the songs every time.

bunnies! puppets! squee!

This is just a quick post to show you the new pattern I've been working on - a Bunny puppet! I think they're rather sweet, a fun toy to make for Spring, and a bit more challenging and interesting than my usual toys.

I'll give you a little info now, but more details will follow later in the week when I'm ready to release the pattern. It's intermediate level, knit in-the-round, with a variety of increases and decreases. If you've knit mittens, you shouldn't have any trouble. The puppet comes in three sizes: small (about ages 3-5), medium (ages 6-8), and large (9+, also fits women's average size hands). It's knit from DK weight yarn, and should work with whatever brand or fiber you prefer.

Whew! I've been trying to get this pattern done for a year and a half, and I'm so glad it's nearly ready. I do so hope you like it!

blog design

In case you read this blog somewhere else, I've changed the blog design a wee bit. I've wanted something simpler for a while, and that little lamb is just too cute! It's only an interim design however, as Mr. Mitten is working on a pretty major overhaul of fuzzymitten.com, and eventually the blog will be changed to fit in with the look of everything else. I'm not quite sure when that will happen, but I'm pretty excited about some of the changes! I'll be sure to share more when I can.

In other news, I've been working on a new pattern this past month (or trying to - having a toddler running around doesn't leave me much time for work). I'm pretty happy with the design, and my mom has already test-knit one of the sizes for me (there's a little hint for you - it comes in more than one size!). I think it might still need a little something more, but I'll decide for sure once I'm finished knitting the last size. I was planning to keep it mostly secret until I'm closer to releasing the pattern, hopefully sometime near the end of the month. However, I'm hosting a knit-a-long over on my Ravelry group, and I was thinking of sharing peaks of the new design. I'll post the photos here too, so you can see what I've been up to ;o)

holiday pattern poll results

Thanks so much for all your ideas, and for participating in the poll. Although I had planned to just let your ideas and votes point me in the right direction, and let my creativity go from there, the mouse had such a clear majority I've decided to design that. There were lots of other interesting ideas, and lots of support for those too, so a few of them might get worked into future patterns.

I've got a little start on writing the pattern, and now it's time to get out my needles and yarn. If all goes well, the pattern should be ready for you within the next week. Just in time for you to make one or two for holiday decorating!

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!

owl tuque

I think I may need a slight break from all the toys lately. That would explain why I suddenly got all excited about writing up the Owl Tuque* pattern, although it might also be because the old one doesn't fit Lev any more (darn babies growing all the time). I picked up some more of the same yarn in a lovely autumn orange, but I might be looking for something else in soft wool, just to see the difference. I wrote it all out last night, but I decided to make a couple changes from the original to make it a little simpler to follow, and to make it possible to add 2 more sizes. The only difficulty I'm having is deciding between a rolled brim, which is nice to roll down over baby ears, or a seed-stitch brim to match the rest of the hat. I'm going with the rolled brim for now, but I welcome any input!

Another bonus of the yarn I chose (besides being super soft and organic) is that it's chunky, so the hat knits up super fast!

*for non-Canadians, a tuque is a warm winter hat.

introducing

Now for the fun! I just couldn't keep these new designs a secret any longer - they were just so cute I had to share them once I had a few photos. If you haven't seen them via Facebook, here they are.


Peanut, a chipmunk with a cable pullover. He's sweet on his own, but in the pullover he looks like the star of a 70's knitting pattern book. His stripes are done with duplicate stitch, so you can follow what I've done or improvise your own stripe pattern based on the chipmunks in your neighbourhood.


Kelby, a smooshy faced pug in a seamless hooded anorak. He's about the same size as the big teddy and bunny, so super cuddly for a little kid. His face is more complicated than most of my patterns, but it was necessary to get him to look just right. Don't forget to check out his tail.

Mr. Mitten will get working on the individual patterns as soon as he has time (work is a bit crazy right now), so you can look forward to them soon! These two patterns will be replacing the Squirrel and Big Teddy in the new edition of Fuzzy Knits, so you can also look forward to them there.