Bunimals Modifications

Bunimals: Simple toys with many possible modifications

My new toy pattern, called Bunimals (bun+animals), was intentionally designed to be easy to modify into other types of animals. The pattern includes a variety of shapes with the ears and other appendages, while all the other details are kept as simple as possible. This way you can easily modify the pattern by changing the yarn colour or texture, mixing and matching the pieces, or making small alterations to the pieces provided, such as adding or removing length.

One simple modification is to change the yarn colour to better match the animal you want to make, such as using black and white to change the robin into a penguin. Another is to use the frog leg instructions to make legs to add to the other animals.

A more involved modification I tried was to use chunky weight yarn and 5 mm needles to make a larger toy. I used about 75 g of a single colour to knit the seal toy, and it turned out about 50 cm around and 10 cm tall (20"x4"). To make any of the two-colour designs in this way, make sure you have about 60 g of the MC and 15 g of the CC. You’ll also want safety eyes that are 15-18 mm in size.

Below I’ve described a few of the modifications that I imagined when designing the pattern (two I knit, the others I sketched for you), but I hope you use your creativity to make many more!

Cat pattern → Squirrel or Fox

To create a squirrel or fox from the cat pattern, choose a reddish-brown or orange yarn for your main colour (MC), and white for your contrasting colour (CC). Then just knit the pieces as written. I also used a fringe/eyelash yarn to knit the tail, adding a few extra rows because the gauge of the fringe yarn is different from the worsted weight yarn. I omitted the bit of CC at the end of the tail to make my toy look more like a squirrel. Embroider a small nose and a happy mouth.

Frog → Seal
To make a seal, you’ll need 50 g of white or grey yarn. Knit the whole body in your colour of choice. Then knit four leg pieces, but leave them un-stuffed. Two of these will be attached at the sides of the face as front flippers. To make the tail flippers, fold the other two leg pieces in half lengthwise, then place them on either side of the seam at the centre-back. Make sure the folded side faces up, and that you catch all the layers as you sew them onto the body. Embroider a V-shaped nose and wider mouth.

Mouse → Panda
To make a panda, you will need 40 g of white for your MC and about 10 g of black for your CC. Knit the body all in white. Before attaching the eyes, embroider small eye-patches with some black yarn, using a duplicate stitch technique. Knit the ears in black, and omit the pink duplicate stitch on the front. If you have enough black yarn, knit the legs from the frog pattern, and add them to the toy. Embroider a medium-size nose and a downward facing mouth.

Mouse → Koala
To make a koala, use grey for your MC and white for your CC, then knit the pieces as written. Embroider the front of the ears with your white yarn (if you have some fuzzy white yarn for this, even better). Embroider a large nose, positioned slightly above the centre of the eyes. A simple mouth works well for this toy.

Rabbit → Dog
To make a dog, use a lighter brown yarn for your MC and white for your CC. If you like, use a dark brown or fuzzy yarn for the ears. Knit the body and ears as written, but exclude the tail. Attach the ears to the head so they hang down beside the face. Or, attach the ears pointing up, then fold them forward and sew in place.  After you embroider the nose and mouth with black yarn, embroider a little pink tongue.
For a tail, CO 10 sts with whichever yarn colour you like. Work in stockinette until the tail is about 7 cm (3”) long. Then cut the yarn, thread the end through the stitches, and pull tight to gather. Sew along the tail seam, but don’t add stuffing, so the tail will remain flexible. Attach the tail to the centre-back of the toy body.

Robin → Chick or Ducking
To make a chick or ducking, you’ll need 50 g of light yellow yarn, plus about 5 g of orange yarn. Knit the body, wings, and tail from the yellow yarn. For a chick, knit the beak from orange yarn. For a duckling, knit a second “tail” piece from orange yarn to make a bill, and add a bit of stuffing. Assemble the toy pieces as described in the pattern.

I look forward to seeing all the adorable toys you knit from this pattern, and please consider sharing any inspiring modifications you create.

Bunimals

I have an adorable and silly new pattern for you today!

Bunimals are bun-shaped animal toys with cat, frog, mouse, rabbit, and robin variations. Each toy uses about 50 g of worsted weight yarn, and they knit up super fast! I designed this toy to be easy to embellish and modify (look for upcoming blog post on this), and a fun way to use colourful or textured yarns.

You can also get the pattern in two versions: knit flat or circular. While I do design most of my toy patterns to be knit flat, because it allows more knitters to be able to make them, this toy design would obviously work well when knit in the round. On Ravelry, simply select the version you want to download. On LoveKnitting, you need to purchase each version separately - flat or circular (I don't like this method, but it's what was allowed on the site. If you buy one version and would like the other as well, please email me).

I look forward to seeing what everyone will make from this new pattern! Please add your projects if you're on Ravelry, so others can appreciate them too.

mystery knit-along 2018

I have a super fun new toy for this year's Mystery Knit-Along, so I'll hope you'll join us on a mysterious knitting adventure!

This year's toy is based on one of my previous designs, but with an unexpected twist. Also, the main toy will have a small companion toy, which is a completely new design. Overall the pattern is advanced-beginner to intermediate level, and uses techniques similar to my other toys. One toy uses worsted weight yarn on 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, and the other uses fingering weight yarn on 2.75 mm (US size 2) knitting needles. All pieces are knit flat and then seamed and assembled, but an experienced knitter would be able to modify most parts to be knit in the round, if desired.

If you haven't participated in one of my past mystery knit-alongs (MKAL), the way they work is fairly simple. The knit-along will begin on Thursday, April 26, and run for 5 weeks, with the final clue on May 24. Each week you'll receive a portion of the pattern, which should take one to two evenings to knit. The pattern file will always contain the previous clues, so you won't miss anything, even if you start late. As for the previous couple of MKALs, I will also include a separate file of photos, if you need some guidance on knitting and assembling the toy pieces.

Getting started is easy! First, you purchase the pattern from Ravelry. It's only available from my Ravelry shop because that's the easiest place from which to send everyone updates. Before the MKAL starts on April 26, the pattern will only contain the materials list, and a condensed version of the details you're reading here. (Hint: the pattern will be offered at a discount during the KAL, so even if you can't participate, you can get the lower price now and knit the toy later).

Second, prepare the materials you'll need for the toy. This year's materials list leaves a fair bit of room for using what you have, and being creative, which I hope will appeal to a lot of knitters. The list will also have suggestions for what to use if you need to buy yarn, so you don't have to purchase too much.

Third, decide how you want to participate. If you want the full experience, join my Ravelry group, where I host a forum specifically for the MKAL. This is a great way to share what you're knitting, and get help and encouragement, if you need them. Other options are to follow my Facebook page, where I'll post weekly updates on my progress. Third, you can follow me on Instagram, where I'll also post photos of my progress, and you can use the hashtag #fuzzymkal to share your own mystery toy. Of course, you can just knit each clue as they're available, as there's not obligation to share.

As some of you may know, I'm taking a break from designing next year to pursue some other interests. Depending on how that year goes, I may or may not return to designing knitted toys. So, it's possible this will be my last Mystery Knit-Along. This makes me sad, as this is easily my favourite part of designing toys, but perhaps it will encourage more people to participate this year. Please share this post with anyone who loves knitting cute things, and encourage them to join!

change of pace

Thanks for joining me! Are you comfortable? Have you got a nice cup of tea or coffee, or maybe some hot chocolate? I have a bunch of news to share with you.

First, I recently updated my much-loved Owl Tuque pattern. It now includes 6 sizes, from newborn to adult large, so you can knit one for anyone on your gift list. The pattern works well in a variety of yarns, as long as you choose a solid or heathered colour that isn't too dark. I knit one for myself from Cascade Eco-Duo (undyed wool/alpaca) and I get compliments on it all the time!

Yes, that's me. It's hard to photograph a hat on your own head.

Second, I had another pattern published in Knit Now magazine last week: Ursula the Polar Bear. I took advantage of the different venue to try something a little different. She's knit all in the round, and while her shape is a bit unusual, she's really very cuddly! Plus, her cozy red pullover is the perfect attire for this cold season. If your local shops carry the magazine, it comes with the yarn to make her. 

Hi!

Third, I have a new pattern coming soon, hopefully next week! As many of you probably guessed, the new design is for a yeti and big-foot (sasquatch), with a couple of really cute accessories. They look quite different from my other designs, but are still a fairly easy knit. You make the toy with chunky/bulky yarn on 5 mm needles, so the knitting goes really fast. Even the assembly is somewhat easier than my usual toys.

Buddies :)

I've also started work on a little holiday pattern, which will be offered free here. That should be ready around the beginning of December. If you can't wait, try one of my patterns from previous years: mini pookies, inuk and seal, or holiday mice.

You need to knit these, right?

And about some more personal news: my older son, Lev, started kindergarten this Fall. He loves school, and seems to be doing well so far. However, his new schedule and the demands of school have reduced the time I have to work. In addition, I've decided that my younger son, Kyr, would benefit from some extra time at home with me (and maybe I want to enjoy these years before he goes off to school too). So he's only attending pre-school 3 days a week now. Both of these together mean that I had to rethink what I want to do, regarding work on new designs, blog posts, tutorials, and everything else that goes into keeping Fuzzy Mitten going. 

My boys

So, once this year's holiday pattern is published, the pace of things is going to change over the next year and a half. I've decided to use this time to work on a longer-term project I've had in mind for a while: a third self-published collection of patterns. This will (mostly) free me from the pressure of deadlines, as well as allowing me to share my work with you as it progresses. The book will feature my Scraps Chaps designs, which have always been some of my favourites. The original three will get an update, I'll add 3 more animals to the 9 already published, and I'll design a range of outfits and accessories for the toys to wear. I hope you're as excited about this as I am!

Has it really been almost 6 years since I made these guys?

While the book will be my main project over the next 18 months, occasionally there will be new designs to anticipate. My work for Knit Now magazine will continue, with a new pattern every few months. As well, there will be another mystery knit-along next Spring. The mystery knit-alongs have become one of my favourite parts of this job, and I'm really looking forward to doing another one!

I hope you can understand that this change of pace means I will have less time to write here. When I started this blog several years ago, so many crafty people were writing about what they were making, their family life, their thoughts and challenges and dreams. But blogging has changed since then - I don't feel like I fit into this new version, and it's too hard for my little voice to be heard. I'll still write when I have exciting news, or a new tutorial, but I think that's it. However, I do hope to make time to reorganize things, so it's easier for you to find the most useful posts. If you want any other news about what I'm up to, try following me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

It's been lovely, all of you, and I hope you stick around to see where this new path takes me.

quiet summer

It's been a quiet summer here on this blog, but not in my real life! When my boys were smaller, I thought they took up a lot of my time. But there were always naps, and much earlier bedtimes, and overall more time to keep up with everything Fuzzy Mitten. However, this summer has been non-stop swimming lessons, day-camp, playgrounds, beach vacations, family visits, picnics, and so much more! It's been wonderful, but so, so busy.

Kyr, his usual silly self

And I think it's not going to slow down any time soon! My older boy, Lev, is starting kindergarten this week. He's been in part-time pre-school for a while now, so he's somewhat used to the routines etc. But with a new school, mostly different kids, and learning a second language (French), I expect we'll all be adjusting for a while yet. He's terribly excited, though, which is making the rest of us excited too!

Lev, mastering the monkey-bars

I haven't forgotten about you, though! As I've found a few hours here and there, I've been working on a few new patterns for you. My Space-bot toy is now being test-knitted, so it should be ready within a few weeks. There will also be another pattern coming out mid-September, and I'll share more about that when I can. I'm also trying to update my Owl Tuque pattern with more sizes, but I'm not sure when that will be ready. And I have two more designs scheduled for November and January (hopefully).

I will try to post here a little more often, about the new adventures we have at the "big kids" school, what I'm knitting, and other plans for the future (maybe some travelling!) My monthly featured patterns will continue through the next few months, and I really want to add some more free patterns or tutorials here to accompany them. If you're interested in more of my day-to-day adventures, you can try following me in a number of places: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram are all places I visit regularly. My Ravelry group is also a good place to check out if you want to see what other people are knitting, or to find advice and inspiration.

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)

savannah chaps

At long last, the new Savannah Chaps pattern is ready for sale! The pattern includes instructions for 3 animals: an elephant, a zebra, and a rhino. The toys can be knit from a single type of worsted weight yarn, or from multiple yarns like my Scraps Chaps pattern. Each toy takes about 50 g (at least 100 yards) of yarn. The zebra is done in 25 g of a main colour, and 25 g of white. Other materials needed are safety eyes or black yarn, stuffing, and a tapestry needle for seaming the pieces. It also includes a bonus pattern for a tiny mouse, knit with fingering weight yarn on 2.75 mm needles.

To celebrate the new pattern, and reward your patience, everything in my Ravelry shop is on sale for 20% off until Sunday night! The discount will be applied when you go to checkout. And if you've been wanting a printed book, they're also 20% off (just click on the book title to see the discounted price).

over-flowing inbox

If you've been trying to contact me, I'm starting to go through my inbox today. However, estimating by the amount of email there, and how much time I have on the computer, it could take me a week or two to get through everything. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Update (2:47 pm): I've replied to most of the messages in my email inbox, as well as Etsy messages. However, Ravelry messages will have to wait until tomorrow, as I have an upset baby to care for. (I wish there was some way to get all my messages in one place!)

Until then, look at the cute baby in knitted things! (the vest and slippers are both improvised designs, and made with some Knit Picks sock yarn I dyed a couple years ago)

happy halloween!

Brindle Bat wanted to stop by quickly to say, "Happy Halloween!" (she's knit from my Bat pattern - Rav link). I hope you all have a fun and spooky weekend!

Things have been a little quiet around here lately for a few reasons, but I should very soon have more time for thinking up fun and cute ideas for you! Lev is starting preschool next week - 2 days a week at a Montessori school. We hope this will give him the opportunity to socialize with other kids and adults, and learn a little too. It will also give me some much needed time to spend on Fuzzymitten stuff, which has been sadly neglected for too long.

I've missed blogging about knitting and all the other things I do (which you seem to enjoy reading about). I'm going to concentrate on thinking up some fun and useful items to post here leading up to the holiday season. There's at least one tutorial I've been meaning to get to for months...

One thing I can tell you about is a new hat pattern for kids and adults. I've been updating about that over on Facebook and Twitter. I have no photos yet, but it's a fairly simple and cute pattern that works for girls and boys of many ages. It should be ready sometime in November (I just need to get off the computer and actually knit the other 2 sizes).

That's all for now. Thanks for hanging out!

fun for Autumn

Hello to all my dedicated readers out there. I'm so sorry for the long absence. I've been under the weather for a while (why do so many people get sick at the end of summer?) and it hasn't been helped by a heat wave in Montreal this week. Let's all hope that both will pass very soon!

I have got a bit of knitting done, which might lead to a fun new pattern for Autumn. I'm hoping to get it ready just when knitters (in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway) are starting to think about getting out the wool, and making a start on holiday gifts. No more hints for now, though, as it still needs some work before I can show it to you.

I've also been thinking of another Knit-along on Ravlery, with some sort of Autumn or Halloween theme. The summer KAL was fun, but most people were too busy to participate. Maybe cooler weather and a more specific goal will help?

There have been a couple of other exciting developments, which I've been itching to share. Let's all hope I can do that soon!

To end on a cute note, here's some evidence that our little Baby Mitten is not a baby any more! He's grown and changed a lot over the summer - we really need to get more videos of him!


20100821: Big Boy Bed from Konstantin Ryabitsev on Vimeo.