Now that my boys are a little older, and in preschool, it's amazing to have so much time for designing cute toys for all of you. However, there are still a lot of other demands on my time, and I don't see any volunteers for doing my laundry and cleaning my house! I also like to make time to take care of myself, whether it's going to a yoga class, spending a bit of time reading or sewing, or visiting with friends. All that is to say, it's been very difficult to fit in some other projects that have been nagging at me for a few years now.
One of them is this blog. While I've never considered myself a writer, I wanted a blog so I could share ideas, thoughts, tips, and stories with interested customers. For a while now, I've wanted to make more tutorials, especially video ones. I'm a very hands-on learner, and it's always been a struggle for me to write out pattern instructions for something that is so very tactile as making a toy. If I'm showing someone how to do something, chances are good I will take it out of their hands to do it myself as I explain, because I think more clearly when my hands are working. However, I don't know anyone who can help me with making videos (even if it's just to stand behind the camera), and I just can't seem to find enough hours together to figure out how to do it all myself. It's very frustrating. I want to help you more, but first I need to figure out how to help myself!
(The blog also needs a major redesign. That may actually be something I can accomplish this year)
The other main thing I've wanted to do is to provide more information on how to make my toys. The tutorials I talked about above would be part of that. I've also had many requests for more detailed patterns - more photos, more exact instructions about placement of body parts, more details on how to attach things, weave in ends, all kinds of stuff.* Just thinking about trying to put all that into the 50+ patterns I've written over the past 7 years makes me want to go back to bed and stay there. For a long time. However, it might be possible to come up with something more like an FAQ sheet, with some generic photos or illustrations of the things I'm asked about most often. It would also include a list of links to all my tutorials with a brief summary of each, and links to photo sets of the most popular patterns.
Once I have this FAQ sheet done, it would be included as an extra download with all my patterns on Ravelry. And I'll find somewhere to put a free download link for everyone else.
As I'm sure you can see, this would all take a lot of time, even if I don't manage to make the video tutorials. I can give you no estimate on when I might get it done. I just wanted you to know I'm listening, and thinking about what you've asked for, and trying my best to make it happen.
*As I've written many times before, I love how my patterns allow some people to express their own creativity, but there are just as many people who want to make it just as they see it. I feel like it's time to help them out.
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
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.
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?
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.
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?
Friday, October 25, 2013
I've been wandering around over on Pinterest for a few months now. I was a little late to the party, because I wasn't sure if I had time to spend on a site like that. However, I've found it a useful place to collect items of interest, and to see what's popular out on the internet. I do try to limit my browsing to about 15 minutes a day, otherwise you could lose hours there. If you're curious, you can find me here. I've started a board of tutorials for knitted toys, which mostly has my own at the moment, plus a few others I've come across. I'll try to add more, if you find it useful too.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
busy new year
Sitting here, wrapped in flannel pyjamas and a Shetland shawl my Mum gave me for Christmas (and maybe feeling groggy after a late night and a little too much bubbly), I'm thinking about all the things we have planned for this year. I'm also thinking about all the things I learned last year, which will help me make this new year a good one.
This Winter is going to be busy for us! Next week I start French classes, after 8 years living in a French-speaking province. I don't remember much from the French I took in school, and my accent in atrocious, but I feel like it's time I made an attempt at learning this language. Lev, my older boy, will be starting gymnastics and swimming classes soon (the pool cleverly combines them, so I only have to get him to one place for an hour a week). My husband will hopefully be taking portrait classes, something he's been wanting to do for years. At the end of January my Mum is coming for a visit, and my husband will be flying off on a trip to China! (I know he's excited about that, but goodness, it's so far away). My husband's parents will be visiting near the end of Winter, so I finally get to meet his father. We also have a family vacation planned, to somewhere warm and sunny!
On top of all this, I've been wanting to overhaul the blog for a few months now. I think it's time for a new header, some brighter colours, and a more functional layout. I have a couple of ideas for new patterns I want to get done before the Spring. I'd like to start on a couple of collaborations with some friends (it's so nice to know talented and inspiring people, who are also willing to listen and help with my ideas). I've also been meaning to make video tutorials for several techniques I use, but I'm not sure if I'll get to those, since I'll need help. Maybe I'll save those for the Summer.
And we'll continue to be busy for the rest of the year, with house renovations, lots of hiking and swimming, and maybe some other new designs for you.
Some of the things I learned last year, which I'm sure will help make this year successful (and all the years to come): I am responsible for making myself both miserable and content, and I get to choose which. Even if I don't start out with the strength and skills to deal with something, I can learn them. Balance in all aspects of life is one of the most difficult things to achieve, but the most worthwhile goal I can imagine. Old friends are worth hanging onto, even if our friendship has changed over the years. New friends are worth cultivating, if I carefully choose a few who will enrich my life. I need to be creative to be happy. Each moment will only exist once, so I will savour and remember the good ones, and know that the bad ones will pass, and I can let go of them.
I hope this year is a good one, for all of you.
This Winter is going to be busy for us! Next week I start French classes, after 8 years living in a French-speaking province. I don't remember much from the French I took in school, and my accent in atrocious, but I feel like it's time I made an attempt at learning this language. Lev, my older boy, will be starting gymnastics and swimming classes soon (the pool cleverly combines them, so I only have to get him to one place for an hour a week). My husband will hopefully be taking portrait classes, something he's been wanting to do for years. At the end of January my Mum is coming for a visit, and my husband will be flying off on a trip to China! (I know he's excited about that, but goodness, it's so far away). My husband's parents will be visiting near the end of Winter, so I finally get to meet his father. We also have a family vacation planned, to somewhere warm and sunny!
On top of all this, I've been wanting to overhaul the blog for a few months now. I think it's time for a new header, some brighter colours, and a more functional layout. I have a couple of ideas for new patterns I want to get done before the Spring. I'd like to start on a couple of collaborations with some friends (it's so nice to know talented and inspiring people, who are also willing to listen and help with my ideas). I've also been meaning to make video tutorials for several techniques I use, but I'm not sure if I'll get to those, since I'll need help. Maybe I'll save those for the Summer.
And we'll continue to be busy for the rest of the year, with house renovations, lots of hiking and swimming, and maybe some other new designs for you.
Some of the things I learned last year, which I'm sure will help make this year successful (and all the years to come): I am responsible for making myself both miserable and content, and I get to choose which. Even if I don't start out with the strength and skills to deal with something, I can learn them. Balance in all aspects of life is one of the most difficult things to achieve, but the most worthwhile goal I can imagine. Old friends are worth hanging onto, even if our friendship has changed over the years. New friends are worth cultivating, if I carefully choose a few who will enrich my life. I need to be creative to be happy. Each moment will only exist once, so I will savour and remember the good ones, and know that the bad ones will pass, and I can let go of them.
I hope this year is a good one, for all of you.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
wishes
I wish all of you peace, love, and happiness in this new year. May you have the opportunity to find them, the time to treasure them, and the chance to share them with others.
Oh yes, and I hope you have plenty of knitting time and successful projects!
Oh yes, and I hope you have plenty of knitting time and successful projects!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
back when I'm better
This has been a very long and difficult Autumn for me. I've been going through some personal troubles (I won't go into details right now), but I'm finally getting some help. With determination and courage, and the love and understanding of my little family, I hope to be back to my usual self by next Spring.
Understandably, this has made any Fuzzy Mitten work difficult or even impossible to accomplish - even answering emails. The new Savannah Chaps pattern only got published with the timely visit of my Mom and some much needed help with the kids. If you've been waiting for pattern support, or other questions, I'm sincerely sorry for my tardiness in answering. Maybe I'll find a few hours over the holidays.
I hope you will all be patient with me, and welcome me back when I'm feeling better. Until then, here are a few photos from a wintry walk. Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year!
Understandably, this has made any Fuzzy Mitten work difficult or even impossible to accomplish - even answering emails. The new Savannah Chaps pattern only got published with the timely visit of my Mom and some much needed help with the kids. If you've been waiting for pattern support, or other questions, I'm sincerely sorry for my tardiness in answering. Maybe I'll find a few hours over the holidays.
I hope you will all be patient with me, and welcome me back when I'm feeling better. Until then, here are a few photos from a wintry walk. Happy holidays and best wishes for the new year!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
past and new year
What can I say about the past year? I think this photo is very appropriate: it's mostly been about watching my goofy, cute baby growing into a person (Mr. Mitten and I both think it's fitting that the photo is a little blurry, just like the pace of life with a toddler). Every day I get to know a little more about who he is and will be, which is both tremendously fun and frustrating (I can't wait until he can really talk to us, even if it means he will never be quiet).
The latter half of the year has also been spent expecting our next child. While I'm excited to meet the little fellow, to have a baby around again, and for Lev to become a big brother, the past few months have been really hard. I'm not used to being sick, and to be sick for nearly 4 months is not an experience I wish to ever repeat (if you were wondering why it's been so quiet around here lately). However, I know many women have it much worse, so I try not to complain, and get on with life. I'm hoping this new year will bring better things for me, as well as for us as a family.
Of course, the past year has also seen a few new things for Fuzzy Mitten. I tried a couple new directions for my toy designs, as well as one in my usual style. I also tried my hand at a couple of hat designs, as a tentative foray into something other than toys. I think overall it's been a moderately successful year, despite being so busy with family life. I know this new year will be even busier, so it's difficult to know how much knitting and designing I will be able to accomplish.
However, you can be assured that we will stop by from time to time, to share our work and family life with you, our ever-patient and loyal readers! I hope this new year bring will bring you much joy and good fortune, in whatever ways you need them most.
The latter half of the year has also been spent expecting our next child. While I'm excited to meet the little fellow, to have a baby around again, and for Lev to become a big brother, the past few months have been really hard. I'm not used to being sick, and to be sick for nearly 4 months is not an experience I wish to ever repeat (if you were wondering why it's been so quiet around here lately). However, I know many women have it much worse, so I try not to complain, and get on with life. I'm hoping this new year will bring better things for me, as well as for us as a family.
Of course, the past year has also seen a few new things for Fuzzy Mitten. I tried a couple new directions for my toy designs, as well as one in my usual style. I also tried my hand at a couple of hat designs, as a tentative foray into something other than toys. I think overall it's been a moderately successful year, despite being so busy with family life. I know this new year will be even busier, so it's difficult to know how much knitting and designing I will be able to accomplish.
However, you can be assured that we will stop by from time to time, to share our work and family life with you, our ever-patient and loyal readers! I hope this new year bring will bring you much joy and good fortune, in whatever ways you need them most.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
looking forward
Mr. Mitten and I had a long talk last night about what direction would be best for Fuzzy Mitten in the next year or two. While I still have time for things to continue as usual for a few months, we're expecting another baby in the Spring. As you can imagine, a newborn plus two-year old will make knitting and designing difficult for a while. Added to this is the knowledge that while I can continue to come up with cute new animals for you to knit, in truth most people seem to want just bunnies, teddies, and sometimes kitties.
As well, I feel like to need to stretch myself more as a knitter and designer. I took some time this past Autumn to try a couple different knitting techniques. But I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of what is possible with a couple of sticks and string (to paraphrase from the Yarn Harlot). So while I have been trying to refine the toy patterns to make them turn out better with less effort, I think I can do more interesting things with the clothes.
So for the next year or so, we will most likely be revising and republishing a bunch of the toy and clothing patterns, especially those that are still in the old format from 3+ years ago. The toys themselves won't change much, as I will only knit new ones for better photos, and rewrite the pattern in the new format.
The clothing bundles are also in serious need of an overhaul. While I do sometimes have people asking for single clothing patterns, republishing them all separately would be a lot of work, and the number of toy plus clothing patterns would be unwieldy to keep track of (I already have about 50 published patterns). I would also like to design new and more interesting clothing patterns for more advanced knitters.
My thought at the moment is to reorganize them into bundles of 3, at a price comparable to my other patterns. However, there are two options for reorganizing them. One, I could make them into bundles of 3 similar patterns; for example, three variations on one pullover/cardigan. Or two, I could make them into bundles of 3 coordinating patterns; for example, a t-shirt, cardigan, and dress.
If you have a moment, please vote in the poll over on the side, so I can get a better idea of what you would like. Or leave a comment if you have more to say.
Of course, all this reorganization is still a lot of work, so it might happen slower than I would like. It's also going to play havoc with my Ravelry pages, but I'll find a way to deal with that. I hope you look forward to this direction we're headed in, as I think everyone will really benefit from all this house-cleaning. But I'm certain to come up with a new toy once in a while, as I can never stop my brain from coming up with great ideas (usually when I have no time to work on them)!
Well, that was a long post, and barely a sketch of the ideas floating around my head right now. I'll leave you will a cute photo for reading this far.
As well, I feel like to need to stretch myself more as a knitter and designer. I took some time this past Autumn to try a couple different knitting techniques. But I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of what is possible with a couple of sticks and string (to paraphrase from the Yarn Harlot). So while I have been trying to refine the toy patterns to make them turn out better with less effort, I think I can do more interesting things with the clothes.
So for the next year or so, we will most likely be revising and republishing a bunch of the toy and clothing patterns, especially those that are still in the old format from 3+ years ago. The toys themselves won't change much, as I will only knit new ones for better photos, and rewrite the pattern in the new format.
The clothing bundles are also in serious need of an overhaul. While I do sometimes have people asking for single clothing patterns, republishing them all separately would be a lot of work, and the number of toy plus clothing patterns would be unwieldy to keep track of (I already have about 50 published patterns). I would also like to design new and more interesting clothing patterns for more advanced knitters.
My thought at the moment is to reorganize them into bundles of 3, at a price comparable to my other patterns. However, there are two options for reorganizing them. One, I could make them into bundles of 3 similar patterns; for example, three variations on one pullover/cardigan. Or two, I could make them into bundles of 3 coordinating patterns; for example, a t-shirt, cardigan, and dress.
If you have a moment, please vote in the poll over on the side, so I can get a better idea of what you would like. Or leave a comment if you have more to say.
Of course, all this reorganization is still a lot of work, so it might happen slower than I would like. It's also going to play havoc with my Ravelry pages, but I'll find a way to deal with that. I hope you look forward to this direction we're headed in, as I think everyone will really benefit from all this house-cleaning. But I'm certain to come up with a new toy once in a while, as I can never stop my brain from coming up with great ideas (usually when I have no time to work on them)!
Well, that was a long post, and barely a sketch of the ideas floating around my head right now. I'll leave you will a cute photo for reading this far.
 |
| from Fuzzy Mitten's first Christmas |
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
normal lives
I'm sorry for the lack of information regarding the new Alpaca pattern. We had some water in our basement while we were away, which meant pulling apart a chunk of wall and flooring - right in the middle of my work space. We still haven't been able to get everything back together, so I'm unable to take the photos for the pattern. Plus, Mr. Mitten's regular day job has been requiring an awful lot of his energy. In summary, we have pretty normal lives, where annoying things get in the way of us being productive!
However, we hope to fix the basement this weekend (fingers crossed)! We're also trying to figure out a way for me to have more time for Fuzzy Mitten work. The last few months I only get 10-15 minutes at a time, while Lev is not demanding my attention. Adding up to about 4 hours a week, that's not really enough to keep Fuzzy Mitten going long-term. It's awful, feeling torn between my desire to be the good Mama that Lev deserves, but also wanting to continue doing work I love. Hopefully we can come up with a plan that lets me do the work I need and want to do, and also lets Lev and his Dada have some guy-time together.
However, we hope to fix the basement this weekend (fingers crossed)! We're also trying to figure out a way for me to have more time for Fuzzy Mitten work. The last few months I only get 10-15 minutes at a time, while Lev is not demanding my attention. Adding up to about 4 hours a week, that's not really enough to keep Fuzzy Mitten going long-term. It's awful, feeling torn between my desire to be the good Mama that Lev deserves, but also wanting to continue doing work I love. Hopefully we can come up with a plan that lets me do the work I need and want to do, and also lets Lev and his Dada have some guy-time together.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
just knitting toys
I've been thinking a lot lately about what's next. Working on Fuzzy Knits was a huge project, and I am super proud of the results, but so happy that it's done! Countless possible projects have been dancing around in my head, each trying to shout louder than the other that, "this is what everyone wants to knit next!" I think it's a little too crowded in there right now, and I just can't decide what I want to work on. Nothing much seems inspiring, in spite of the entire page of toy ideas I have written down (yes, a full page!). Everyone I ask has their own preference, and all I can muster is a lack of enthusiasm. Although somehow, while just casually thinking about my yarn stash, I think up a fabulous new idea that would be so cute!
Through all of this confusion, I've kept thinking about the stuff I really miss doing, because designing has been taking up all my time for the past year. I really miss just knitting toys for the fun of it - creating something small and cuddly with it's own personality. Something I can work away at, without writing down every detail. Changing little bits here and there, to suit the picture I have in my head. And then, sending them out into the world to be loved by someone else. As much as I enjoy having oodles of knitted toys around the house, it does make me a little sad that they will never be snuggled, chewed on, squished, cuddled up, or carried around by someone who loves them*. Or, that they might have a special place with someone older, who will look at them lovingly every day, and perhaps smile about some happy memory that the toy brings back to them.
So for the next few months, while I'm also busy with my garden and rapidly growing boy, I will be just knitting toys. The new ideas will always be there, and I will probably work on them a bit when I feel like it. But I think I have plenty of cute patterns to keep everyone busy for long enough to give me the break I need. Besides, I still have to release the rest of individual designs from Fuzzy Knits, which is quite a lot in itself!
*Lev has a nice selection of knitted toys for his very own, so don't worry! Most especially, this particular bear is quite the worse for wear.
Through all of this confusion, I've kept thinking about the stuff I really miss doing, because designing has been taking up all my time for the past year. I really miss just knitting toys for the fun of it - creating something small and cuddly with it's own personality. Something I can work away at, without writing down every detail. Changing little bits here and there, to suit the picture I have in my head. And then, sending them out into the world to be loved by someone else. As much as I enjoy having oodles of knitted toys around the house, it does make me a little sad that they will never be snuggled, chewed on, squished, cuddled up, or carried around by someone who loves them*. Or, that they might have a special place with someone older, who will look at them lovingly every day, and perhaps smile about some happy memory that the toy brings back to them.
So for the next few months, while I'm also busy with my garden and rapidly growing boy, I will be just knitting toys. The new ideas will always be there, and I will probably work on them a bit when I feel like it. But I think I have plenty of cute patterns to keep everyone busy for long enough to give me the break I need. Besides, I still have to release the rest of individual designs from Fuzzy Knits, which is quite a lot in itself!
*Lev has a nice selection of knitted toys for his very own, so don't worry! Most especially, this particular bear is quite the worse for wear.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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
Who knows? Maybe inspiration will hit, once I've had a little time to rest. This season of change could bring just about anything...
Monday, January 4, 2010
new year's list
Seems like everyone in the crafty-blogosphere is writing up some sort of list this week. Maybe I should get in on the challenge? I took a break from Fuzzy Mitten work over the holidays, but I did spend a lot of time thinking about what I want to do this year. I want it to be a year of changes, even if that is a little scary. Below is a list of some of my thoughts for the coming year, although I like to remain flexible, so I won't feel guilty if something on the list doesn't get done.
I have some ideas of other crafty things I want to do this year, but I think I'll save those for another post. I hope you're all feeling optimistic, and looking forward to a new year of fun and challenges!
- Finish the Fuzzy Knits second edition by the beginning of March - this hinges on Mr. Mitten having time to help me, and me getting the quality of photos I want
- Finally finish the secret project I've been working on for over a year, so it's ready for Spring - I have some lovely yarn for it, so hopefully that will be the incentive I need
- Over the course of the year, rewrite all the most popular patterns into our new format - if I'm feeling really ambitions, I will also take new photos, which in many cases will mean I have to remake the toy
- Time permitting, work on 1 or 2 other ideas I have for new patterns - these are a departure from my usual toy style, so hopefully more exciting to design
- Help Mr. Mitten get our own shop up and running - this is the most ambitious project, and will even require hiring someone to design a bunch of it, but it's way overdue (bye-bye Lulu!)
- Make time to knit more toys for sale - I really missed making custom toys last year, and I hope to manage a few more from now on
I have some ideas of other crafty things I want to do this year, but I think I'll save those for another post. I hope you're all feeling optimistic, and looking forward to a new year of fun and challenges!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
where did summer go?
Yesterday evening we had our first real picnic of the summer, and I thought, "It's nearly the end of August. Where did the summer go?" We haven't been to a beach or even a swimming pool once. We went on a couple short hikes in a local park, but never out of the city. We did go strawberry and blueberry picking, although we were too late for my favourite, raspberries. Mr. Mitten has limited holiday time, since he took so long off for parental leave, so we didn't have a vacation (besides being a little short of holiday money because we bought a house). Lev and I didn't even spend that much time out in the backyard, as I had envisioned in the spring. Also, my garden has been less than successful, and a bit frustrating for someone who's supposed to be a gardener.
I suppose some of this lack of summery activity was due to the crummy weather. Lots of rain and cool temperatures for June and July, then hot and humid for much of August. Both make me feel like being inside where we can be comfortable. Also, Lev is a little too young to make it really worth the expense of a pool membership, and none of the beaches around here can compare to the mountain lakes I swam in as a kid (although I don't envy B.C. the hot and dry summer they've had).
Instead of feeling bad for not taking advantage of summer this year, I'm trying to think of ways to make next year more fun. I can only hope the weather will be better, but Lev will be one year older, and I won't need to worry as much about wet or heat. Mr. Mitten will have more holiday time, so we can plan for some sort of vacation - maybe just camping, a trip to the East Coast, or to B.C. to visit my family (any of those will include a nice beach). We're going to expand the garden and put a fence around it, so I don't lose so many tomatoes and zucchini to the squirrels and skunks! I'm going to plant a tree in our backyard too, so there's a wee bit of shade.
And who knows? Maybe this Autumn will be lovely. It is my favourite season, and I find it hard to remain inside when the sun is shining and there's a cool breeze. I'll also have lots of fun in the garden, tearing up the front flower beds to redesign them, and digging a bed for raspberries.
My cup of tea is nearly done, and I have a long list of things to accomplish before the weekend. Hopefully I'll be back soon with some photos for you, instead of just rambling words :o)
I suppose some of this lack of summery activity was due to the crummy weather. Lots of rain and cool temperatures for June and July, then hot and humid for much of August. Both make me feel like being inside where we can be comfortable. Also, Lev is a little too young to make it really worth the expense of a pool membership, and none of the beaches around here can compare to the mountain lakes I swam in as a kid (although I don't envy B.C. the hot and dry summer they've had).
Instead of feeling bad for not taking advantage of summer this year, I'm trying to think of ways to make next year more fun. I can only hope the weather will be better, but Lev will be one year older, and I won't need to worry as much about wet or heat. Mr. Mitten will have more holiday time, so we can plan for some sort of vacation - maybe just camping, a trip to the East Coast, or to B.C. to visit my family (any of those will include a nice beach). We're going to expand the garden and put a fence around it, so I don't lose so many tomatoes and zucchini to the squirrels and skunks! I'm going to plant a tree in our backyard too, so there's a wee bit of shade.
And who knows? Maybe this Autumn will be lovely. It is my favourite season, and I find it hard to remain inside when the sun is shining and there's a cool breeze. I'll also have lots of fun in the garden, tearing up the front flower beds to redesign them, and digging a bed for raspberries.
My cup of tea is nearly done, and I have a long list of things to accomplish before the weekend. Hopefully I'll be back soon with some photos for you, instead of just rambling words :o)
Monday, August 10, 2009
monday morning news
Thanks for all your input so far on the poll and in the comments! There's still a couple days to vote, if you haven't yet.
Mr. Mitten and I have been discussing the results already. Some are pretty obvious, like the numbered rows, since I had a poll about that already. I've started doing that with all the patterns I've been working on recently, so expect to see it in any new or revised patterns.
Other ideas I find very exciting or intriguing. Some I can try to get to soon, some will have to wait a while because we don't have time, or it's not feasible with the way my shops are set up right now. Anyway, we'll give you a better idea of things to come once we've seen the final poll results, and figured out the best way to meet the most popular ideas.
I wanted to let you know we've decided to change a couple of patterns in the Fuzzy Knits book, so there is no overlap in toy patterns between the two books. The new patterns will be similar to the Big Teddy and Squirrel, but still unique from those in Festive Knits. I'm going to keep them a secret until the new version is released, but maybe I'll get a couple of photos for sneak peeks, once they're done (I'm having a terrible time designing the face of one, but I'll get there eventually!).
new face for the panda
Also, we are working on ways to get you the updated versions of the patterns and books, without you having to buy them again. If you bought something on Lulu, it's very important to save your receipt, since I have no way to check what a customer buys there. I'll post more info once the first of the patterns are ready.
Mr. Mitten and I have been discussing the results already. Some are pretty obvious, like the numbered rows, since I had a poll about that already. I've started doing that with all the patterns I've been working on recently, so expect to see it in any new or revised patterns.
Other ideas I find very exciting or intriguing. Some I can try to get to soon, some will have to wait a while because we don't have time, or it's not feasible with the way my shops are set up right now. Anyway, we'll give you a better idea of things to come once we've seen the final poll results, and figured out the best way to meet the most popular ideas.
I wanted to let you know we've decided to change a couple of patterns in the Fuzzy Knits book, so there is no overlap in toy patterns between the two books. The new patterns will be similar to the Big Teddy and Squirrel, but still unique from those in Festive Knits. I'm going to keep them a secret until the new version is released, but maybe I'll get a couple of photos for sneak peeks, once they're done (I'm having a terrible time designing the face of one, but I'll get there eventually!).
new face for the pandaAlso, we are working on ways to get you the updated versions of the patterns and books, without you having to buy them again. If you bought something on Lulu, it's very important to save your receipt, since I have no way to check what a customer buys there. I'll post more info once the first of the patterns are ready.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
penny for your thoughts
When I decided to make a go of Fuzzy Mitten full-time, my hope was that I could build up a good business that would allow me to be a stay-at-home mom until my kids were in school. So far I think we're doing okay, but Lev is not even close to school age! I know I've been really short on time to dedicate to Fuzzy Mitten this year, and as much as I love all the time I get to spend being a mom, I don't want my business to fall apart as a result!
So, in the interest of making the best use of the time I have, and writing patterns you *love* and not just sorta like, I'm hoping for a bit of help. Here's a few thoughts I've had:
And here is a super adorable shot of Lev having a bath in the garden, in case you needed a smile today :-)
P.S. If you got an earlier version of this post, I apologize for being over-tired and lacking in confidence when I wrote that. Please ignore my bad mood.
So, in the interest of making the best use of the time I have, and writing patterns you *love* and not just sorta like, I'm hoping for a bit of help. Here's a few thoughts I've had:
- Would it help if I gave more particulars for yarn brands etc?
- Would more detailed instructions help? I know I keep promising tutorials, but they take a lot of work, and I'm short on time the last few months. Maybe you can bug Mr. Mitten to help me ;-)
- Would you like a different style of clothes on the toys - something more detailed, more versatile, or more customizable?
- Do you want patterns like the Scraps Chaps, which has simple variations for making a variety of animals?
- I know new toy patterns have been scarce this year as I adjust to being a full-time mother, but I do have some great ideas that I hope to work on over the next 6 months. Let me know if there's anything you're dying to knit!
And here is a super adorable shot of Lev having a bath in the garden, in case you needed a smile today :-)
P.S. If you got an earlier version of this post, I apologize for being over-tired and lacking in confidence when I wrote that. Please ignore my bad mood.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec
Promenade in Ste-Anne from Konstantin Ryabitsev on Vimeo.
We don't actually live in Montréal proper, but in a small suburb on the Western tip of the Island of Montréal called Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. Even though most of the West Island towns are posh bedroom communities for lawyers, doctors, and company execs, Ste-Anne is a welcome exception, for a couple of reasons. Firstly, because it's a much older settlement than most others -- so there are no super-expensive McMansions lining the waterfront, and secondly because there are two high schools, one CÉGEP, and the Macdonald Campus of McGill university -- all in our small town of 5,000 people.
Even though the majority of West Island is historically mostly English-speaking, Ste-Anne is divided pretty evenly between French and English, especially when McGill is in session. Most townspeople are fluent in both languages, and those who aren't usually know just enough to get by. Even though I speak fairly fluent French, most people will switch to English when talking to me because I do not sound like a native (Québec has a very distinct local accent, while I learned the Parisian pronunciation). The further East you go in Québec, the fewer English speakers you will find, until you get to New Brunswick, which is the only officially bilingual province of Canada. From there on, the direction reverses and you get squarely into English-speaking territory by the time you're in Nova Scotia (with Acadia being a notable exception -- this is where the Cajuns came from).
Heading to ultrasound from Konstantin Ryabitsev on Vimeo.
The best way to get to Montréal from Ste-Anne is by taking the train, which takes about 45 minutes with all the stops. Sadly, the train doesn't run nearly frequent enough and is only convenient for commuting to and from work. The city of Montréal is trying to change that, but for the time being it's more profitable for the railroad company to let the freight trains through instead of the commuter trains. With gas prices around here being about $1.35 per litre lately (that's a whopping $5.40 a gallon), hopefully there will be more and more people taking the train instead of driving, and that might change how much pressure the city is able to put on the railroad company. Perhaps we might even see more than 3 trains a day during the weekend. :)
But, despite all of the above, we're quite happy living here without owning a car. Most stores are within walking distance from our apartment, and for stuff that we can't get in Ste-Anne, we usually plan weekend trips, sometimes involving Communauto -- a local car-sharing co-op that we're part of. Plus, we have lots of local restaurants to choose from and a Farmer's Market on the weekend that lets us stock up on organic locally-grown veggies.
Marche Ste-Anne from Konstantin Ryabitsev on Vimeo.
We quite like it here. :)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
the new me
A slight departure today from my usual ramblings.
As my pregnancy has progressed, I've noticed that the changes to my body are as significant as what I went through during puberty... and I'm only half-way there! I'm not sure why this is such a revelation, maybe because most women don't talk about what pregnancy is like until you find yourself in that condition. Perhaps they believe the truth will turn too many women off of having children, or perhaps they would rather forget about all the changes that happen to your body.
While most of me is very happy to be pregnant (because I get a baby out of it!), a small part of me is struggling to deal with the new me. I was a very shy and awkward kid, who always thought of herself as unattractive. Then in university I gained lots of weight, which made things worse. I have worked so hard since then to stay fit and healthy, and it took me a long time to overcome that negative image of myself and become happy and comfortable with my body as an adult. So, it hurts a little when each piece of clothing becomes too small, when doing yoga in the morning becomes more awkward because of my growing belly. Among other things.
I know that most of the weight will disappear in the first few months after the baby is born, but I also know that I will never look quite the same as before. I suppose time will help me become accustomed to the new me, and I will probably forget about most of my struggles in the day to day business of taking care of a new baby. But some days it is hard to look that far ahead and be content right now.
I thought of an idea this morning which, while it won't help me now, might help me once my baby is born. I keep hearing about friends and fellow bloggers doing the 365 photo thing on flickr, but I never thought my life was interesting enough from day to day to both joining in the fun. But I think that a photo a day, of the slowly changing me and my baby, would be a project worth undertaking. I also think it would be a fun thing to share with my son one day, so he can see how much he changed and grew in the first year of his life.
As my pregnancy has progressed, I've noticed that the changes to my body are as significant as what I went through during puberty... and I'm only half-way there! I'm not sure why this is such a revelation, maybe because most women don't talk about what pregnancy is like until you find yourself in that condition. Perhaps they believe the truth will turn too many women off of having children, or perhaps they would rather forget about all the changes that happen to your body.
While most of me is very happy to be pregnant (because I get a baby out of it!), a small part of me is struggling to deal with the new me. I was a very shy and awkward kid, who always thought of herself as unattractive. Then in university I gained lots of weight, which made things worse. I have worked so hard since then to stay fit and healthy, and it took me a long time to overcome that negative image of myself and become happy and comfortable with my body as an adult. So, it hurts a little when each piece of clothing becomes too small, when doing yoga in the morning becomes more awkward because of my growing belly. Among other things.
I know that most of the weight will disappear in the first few months after the baby is born, but I also know that I will never look quite the same as before. I suppose time will help me become accustomed to the new me, and I will probably forget about most of my struggles in the day to day business of taking care of a new baby. But some days it is hard to look that far ahead and be content right now.
I thought of an idea this morning which, while it won't help me now, might help me once my baby is born. I keep hearing about friends and fellow bloggers doing the 365 photo thing on flickr, but I never thought my life was interesting enough from day to day to both joining in the fun. But I think that a photo a day, of the slowly changing me and my baby, would be a project worth undertaking. I also think it would be a fun thing to share with my son one day, so he can see how much he changed and grew in the first year of his life.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
thanks
You guys are so awesome. *big hugs*
Sometimes I get very intense ideas, and I need to write them down, articulate them, in order to make sense of what I'm thinking and feeling. I'm glad it all came out clear enough for you to understand.
Since before I could remember, I wanted to be an artist (really, that's not just a cliche in my case). I went off track for a long time, and coming back to a creative life has made me so happy. But it is as difficult as I always imagined it would be, even if the difficulties are not ones I thought of when I was younger.
I'm very blessed to have a husband, family, and friends who support what I do. And there's you :) I sometimes wonder what I'd be doing now if that first person hadn't asked me to write out the pattern for my teddy bear. Cute is what I am and what I do, and I'm super pleased you all like it so much!
Sometimes I get very intense ideas, and I need to write them down, articulate them, in order to make sense of what I'm thinking and feeling. I'm glad it all came out clear enough for you to understand.
Since before I could remember, I wanted to be an artist (really, that's not just a cliche in my case). I went off track for a long time, and coming back to a creative life has made me so happy. But it is as difficult as I always imagined it would be, even if the difficulties are not ones I thought of when I was younger.
I'm very blessed to have a husband, family, and friends who support what I do. And there's you :) I sometimes wonder what I'd be doing now if that first person hadn't asked me to write out the pattern for my teddy bear. Cute is what I am and what I do, and I'm super pleased you all like it so much!
Friday, February 15, 2008
more thoughts
I've been thinking that my last post might have been a bit misleading. It isn't that someone criticized my work, it's more that I sometimes critique myself. I suppose everyone feels a bit insecure once in a while, even the cool people :)
While I do want to be successful, I am trying to do it by being faithful to who I am and how I see the world. So maybe that looks a lot different from what the cool and stylish people are doing. It doesn't mean that anyone is wrong or right in what they're creating. Trends are fickle, I suppose - maybe some people just got lucky when their ideas were the ones caught up by the main-stream. But I couldn't live with myself if I copied those ideas just to be successful. Besides, trends change too quickly for a copycat to keep up.
So what I'm good at is sort of rustic and cute, and what the main-stream thinks the thing to be is retro or weird or pastel or whatever... I believe enough people like who I am and what I do, that I can keep going for a while at least.
I also believe that life changes who you are. I'm sure my life will change a lot in the next few years. Perhaps that will change how I see the world, and so what I need to create will change too. That's a promise that things will stay interesting. The goal is happiness, right? Getting lucky doesn't have much to do with that, and I think I can be happy with the level of success I've achieved by just being myself.
P.S. I'm not really much of a philosopher, so my rambling thoughts might not make much sense. Thanks for listening, anyway :)
While I do want to be successful, I am trying to do it by being faithful to who I am and how I see the world. So maybe that looks a lot different from what the cool and stylish people are doing. It doesn't mean that anyone is wrong or right in what they're creating. Trends are fickle, I suppose - maybe some people just got lucky when their ideas were the ones caught up by the main-stream. But I couldn't live with myself if I copied those ideas just to be successful. Besides, trends change too quickly for a copycat to keep up.
So what I'm good at is sort of rustic and cute, and what the main-stream thinks the thing to be is retro or weird or pastel or whatever... I believe enough people like who I am and what I do, that I can keep going for a while at least.
I also believe that life changes who you are. I'm sure my life will change a lot in the next few years. Perhaps that will change how I see the world, and so what I need to create will change too. That's a promise that things will stay interesting. The goal is happiness, right? Getting lucky doesn't have much to do with that, and I think I can be happy with the level of success I've achieved by just being myself.
P.S. I'm not really much of a philosopher, so my rambling thoughts might not make much sense. Thanks for listening, anyway :)
good and bad
I've been thinking that this whole blogosphere concept has good and bad sides. The good side means it's much easier than before to connect with like-minded people in far-away places. You can share ideas, accomplishments, and thoughts about the world. You no longer have to feel alone in what you're doing, and there are always plenty of people to offer support and constructive comments.
The bad side is a little harder to define, or, what is bad for me about being connected to so many others doing what I do. I've always been a very independent person, wanting to fully be myself, and not follow in any one else's path. But it's sometimes difficult to be totally happy with myself, when I feel like I've been passed over for not being as creative, innovative, stylish, or just plain not as cool as other people out there designing toys.
In many ways, my toys are a reflection of myself: small, soft, sweet, cute, simple on the outside but stuffed full of good things (or so I'd like to believe). I don't think I could ever claim to be be beautiful, stylish, trendy, or cool, and I've learned to not really care. I like who I am, and there's some really awesome people who love me just the way I am.
I put so much of myself out there, when I decided to give this business everything I could. I guess I made myself vulnerable, because any critique on my designs feels like a critique of who I am. Perhaps with time I will learn to be tougher, and not care if people don't like what I do. I hope I will learn to take a bit of inspiration from those who are more successful and popular than me, rather than feel like I'm not good enough.
The bad side is a little harder to define, or, what is bad for me about being connected to so many others doing what I do. I've always been a very independent person, wanting to fully be myself, and not follow in any one else's path. But it's sometimes difficult to be totally happy with myself, when I feel like I've been passed over for not being as creative, innovative, stylish, or just plain not as cool as other people out there designing toys.
In many ways, my toys are a reflection of myself: small, soft, sweet, cute, simple on the outside but stuffed full of good things (or so I'd like to believe). I don't think I could ever claim to be be beautiful, stylish, trendy, or cool, and I've learned to not really care. I like who I am, and there's some really awesome people who love me just the way I am.
I put so much of myself out there, when I decided to give this business everything I could. I guess I made myself vulnerable, because any critique on my designs feels like a critique of who I am. Perhaps with time I will learn to be tougher, and not care if people don't like what I do. I hope I will learn to take a bit of inspiration from those who are more successful and popular than me, rather than feel like I'm not good enough.
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