fuzzy farm

I think the new pattern is ready for testing! As you can see, it's a set of three little farm animals - a sheep, a pig, and a chicken. This was an impulse knit for me. I decided I needed something simpler and faster to knit for craft sales, and something that would be a little more toddler-friendly. They're also great for using up leftover bits of yarn.
So far I've knit all the animals 4 times, and I don't think I'm going to make any more progress on my own. If there are still problems, I'm overlooking them. I think I found the names of everyone who volunteered, but the comments were rather scattered around. I randomly picked 4 names: Mintsu, Sara/sarloz, Katt, and Jackie. I have a couple of your email addresses, so I'll be contacting you later today with all the details. You can also contact me (barbara at fuzzymitten dot com).

If you are too busy right now, or not that interested in the pattern, feel free to decline. Your name will stay on the list for future pattern testing, and I'll pick someone else. Basically what I need is for people to knit up the toys, and locate any pattern mistakes, incorrect stitch counts, and confusing instructions. I'm not so much interested in major design changes, since by this stage, I'm pretty happy with the overall look of a toy. You'll have plenty of time to complete your assignment, then I'll collect your input and make final adjustments to the pattern. If all goes well, the fuzzy farm pattern should be ready by the end of May. Can the rest of you wait that long?

volunteers

I've had a flood of volunteers to test my patterns! It feels lovely to have so many people want to try out my new patterns, in spite of possible mistakes and whatnot. However, I really only need about 3 people for each new pattern, so I'll have to draw names from a hat. But don't worry, because if you don't get picked this time, your name will stay on the list and have an even better chance the next time.

I haven't had a chance to work on the new pattern today, but I hope to get it done sometime this weekend. Then I'll let the lucky people know. I'll email you with all the details, if I have your address, but I'll also post the names here, in case I don't.

I ran down to the local second-hand book store yesterday for some light reading material, and also found a great book on soft animal toys. It has a ton of patterns, both simple and complicated, as well as instructions on how to design your own patterns from a 2-D line drawing. It's exactly what I needed, and hopefully I'll have some time soon to try designing my own toys.

I've been itching to try out fabric toys, partly because I'm so inspired by all the ones I see on Flickr and other blogs. Also because I think they would take less time to put together, so I could pad out what I have to offer at craft fairs. I love my knit toys, but they do take an awful lot of time to make. I doubt I will sell the patterns for the fabric toys, though. Writing knitting patterns is enough work!

test knitters

Thanks so much to everyone who volunteered to test my patterns. I didn't expect quite so many! My plan is to put all your names on a list, and each time I need a new pattern tested, I will pick 3 people from the list. I will contact those people to find out if they have time to help me. I can't afford to pay you for the help, but you will get a free copy of the completed pattern. I'll let you know what kind of yarn I used, although you will be free to use what you like. Basically what I need for you to do is knit up the pattern, and report to me any mistakes, confusing bits, or places where more instruction is needed. I'm not sure yet what sort of deadline I will set, it will probably depend on when I get the draft ready, and when I would like the pattern to come out. I will try to give you at least 2 weeks. Is there anything I forgot?

All that said, I don't expect to have a new toy pattern ready to test for a couple of months. There's a lot of stuff going on right now that I need to concentrate on, and unfortunately, new patterns aren't my top priority. There will be a new clothing pattern for April, but there isn't time left for testing that one.

This whole week has been a little crazy and overwhelming, to the point of having a mini break-down and crying while trying to wash the dishes one night. I love what I do, but it isn't always easy to be happy when I'm being pulled in a dozen different directions. Running your own business doesn't really leave you any time to yourself, even though I try to take breaks a few evenings a week. But I don't even get holidays to myself -- I had people bugging me on my honeymoon! While I can't take a bit of time off right now, hopefully I can figure out a way to manage things better so they don't drive me so crazy. Reading all your lovely and supportive comments always cheers me up, too.