In case you were hesitating to knit a bunny puppet, because you weren't sure if your kids would like one, maybe this will convince you!
Remember that the pattern is 50% off until the end of March! You can find it on Etsy and Ravelry (if you buy it on Ravelry, the discount will be subtracted when you check-out)
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Tutorial - soft sculpture for the head
A long time ago I wrote a brief tip describing how I use soft-sculpture to enhance the shape of the heads of my toys. While stuffing is the most important step in shaping any toy, soft-sculpture will reinforce the shape, and help maintain it if the toy is played with. It also adds a lot of character to your toy's face. Below is a photo tutorial showing my technique for sculpting around the eyes. I hope you find it useful!
The method shown above will change the direction that the eyes face, so they seem to be more on the sides of the head. This technique works well for animals like rabbits, otters, beavers, and other animals with longer faces. If your toy has forward facing eyes, like a cat, a dog, or a monkey, try the slightly different method below.
I use this technique on most of my toys. It's simple and quick, and can make a big difference in the appearance of any toys you knit. The sample used in the photos is the head from the Well-Dressed Bunny, but you can adapt it for any of my patterns. I used this technique on my Bunny Puppets, which is my featured pattern for March. Try it out, if you're knitting a bunny puppet!
Here is the head from the front, with safety eyes attached, then stuffed and sewn closed. You can see that I've added some extra stuffing to the cheeks and nose, so the head is not just a round ball.
Here is the head from the side. If you are using buttons or felt instead of safety eyes, attach them first before doing any soft sculpture to the head.
Step 1: To begin, cut a length of your main-colour yarn (about 30 cm or 12"), and thread it onto a sharp needle. (I've used a long, sharp darning needle, which is a good tool to own if you're making several toys.) Insert the needle at the center-bottom, through the seam (shown with the arrow).
Step 2: Have the needle exit the head near the first eye, towards the nose and in line with the lower edge of the eye. Pull the yarn through, leaving a 3" tail where you began.
Step 3: Insert the needle again below the center of the eye, making a short stitch (about 1 cm or 3/8"). Have the needle exit at the bottom of the head where you began.
Step 4: Gently pull on the yarn attached to your needle, making sure not to pull through your yarn end. This will make a dent in the head below the eye, and make the cheek seem to stick out more.
Step 5: When you are happy with the shape of the head, tie your yarn in a knot with the short yarn tail. Do not cut the yarn yet, but repeat the same steps to shape the other side of the head.
Step 6: Once you are happy with the shape of the head, make sure your knots are secure, and trim the yarn ends to about 2.5 cm or 1". These ends will be hidden when you attach the head to the body. Now you can embroider the nose and mouth, and attach the ears.
The method shown above will change the direction that the eyes face, so they seem to be more on the sides of the head. This technique works well for animals like rabbits, otters, beavers, and other animals with longer faces. If your toy has forward facing eyes, like a cat, a dog, or a monkey, try the slightly different method below.
Follow Steps 1-2 as shown above. When you get to Step 3, insert your needle in front of the eye, as shown in the photo below. Complete Steps 4-6 as described above.
You can see that the eyes point forward now, giving the face a different look. If you want the nose/muzzle more pronounced, you can use the same method to make another stitch between the eyes, and in line with the other two. I did this on my Big Teddy.
I use this technique on most of my toys. It's simple and quick, and can make a big difference in the appearance of any toys you knit. The sample used in the photos is the head from the Well-Dressed Bunny, but you can adapt it for any of my patterns. I used this technique on my Bunny Puppets, which is my featured pattern for March. Try it out, if you're knitting a bunny puppet!
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Featured Pattern - Bunny Puppet
I love puppets! When I was a child, the way that fabric or felt, yarn or feathers, could come alive and have it's own voice and personality seemed like magic to me. Sesame Street and the Muppet Show were some of my favourite kids' TV shows (and I still watch them with my own boys). I have enormous respect for Jim Henson and the team of people who produced all those Muppet films. If I could go back in time, that would be my dream job. Maybe I can't have my dream job, but I can make my own puppets!
I decided to make my first puppet a rabbit, because they appear to be nearly the most popular toy animal (perhaps only slightly less popular than teddy bears). Although it added a lot more complexity to the pattern than I was used to, I knew I had to make the puppet in more than one size. There's nothing quite like a tiny puppet just right for small hands to play with, and sometimes adults like to get in on the fun too! While having puppets with mouths that open is ideal, instead I chose a simpler 2-armed design for my first puppet, which works really well from a mitten base.
It's been a few years since I wrote the pattern, but I remember it took a lot more fussing to get it right than most of my previous patterns. I was determined to make it work! While I knew how to knit in the round quite well, writing a pattern that way was a fairly new experience. As well, I decided to go with a lighter weight yarn than I usually use for my toys, because I didn't want the puppets to be too warm. I chose a deliciously soft DK merino wool that came in some beautiful shades (sadly, a limited edition yarn that sold out quickly). I also wanted to include a little accessory - a sweet bow that is knit in two pieces, then joined in the middle (a technique I had been wanting to try).
In the end I was very happy with the final toy. Everyone who sees them is charmed, and immediately puts one on to try it out. I was really hoping the bunny puppet would sell as well as my other patterns, so I could justify designing some other puppets. Sadly, that's never been the case. I hope that featuring the pattern this month will encourage a few more people to give it a try! As a bonus, it will be 50% off for the month of March in both my Ravelry and Etsy shops.
I decided to make my first puppet a rabbit, because they appear to be nearly the most popular toy animal (perhaps only slightly less popular than teddy bears). Although it added a lot more complexity to the pattern than I was used to, I knew I had to make the puppet in more than one size. There's nothing quite like a tiny puppet just right for small hands to play with, and sometimes adults like to get in on the fun too! While having puppets with mouths that open is ideal, instead I chose a simpler 2-armed design for my first puppet, which works really well from a mitten base.
It's been a few years since I wrote the pattern, but I remember it took a lot more fussing to get it right than most of my previous patterns. I was determined to make it work! While I knew how to knit in the round quite well, writing a pattern that way was a fairly new experience. As well, I decided to go with a lighter weight yarn than I usually use for my toys, because I didn't want the puppets to be too warm. I chose a deliciously soft DK merino wool that came in some beautiful shades (sadly, a limited edition yarn that sold out quickly). I also wanted to include a little accessory - a sweet bow that is knit in two pieces, then joined in the middle (a technique I had been wanting to try).
In the end I was very happy with the final toy. Everyone who sees them is charmed, and immediately puts one on to try it out. I was really hoping the bunny puppet would sell as well as my other patterns, so I could justify designing some other puppets. Sadly, that's never been the case. I hope that featuring the pattern this month will encourage a few more people to give it a try! As a bonus, it will be 50% off for the month of March in both my Ravelry and Etsy shops.
Friday, February 21, 2014
linen stitch bunny blanket
One of the featured patterns for February is the Mama and Baby Bunny pattern. When these patterns were originally published in my pattern collection, Festive Knits, the Baby Bunny pattern also included a simple blanket. However, we decided not to include the blanket when we published the two patterns together. Below you will find instructions for another simple, but lovely, baby blanket that any little toy would be happy to snuggle into!
There are two sizes given - the small blanket is shown in the photos. It is fairly quick to make, and a good size for the baby bunny or any other small toy. The medium blanket would be a good size for my regular sized (8-9”) toys. I’ve used fingering weight yarn because I have lots of pretty sock yarn scraps in my stash. But you could easily use a thicker yarn for a larger, or quicker, knit.
Linen Stitch Bunny Blanket
Materials
15-25 g of fingering weight yarn, pair of 3.25 (US size 3) knitting needles, tapestry needle
Gauge
7.25 sts and 10 rows per 2.5 cm (1”)
Size
Small (10 x 15 cm, 4 x 6”) or Medium (15 x 20 cm, 6 x 8”)
You can make the blanket from a single yarn, in a solid or variegated colour, or use up a bunch of yarn scraps for a more colourful blanket. If you use scraps, change yarns every 3 rows, leaving 3” ends when joining yarns, to be knotted into a fringe.
CO 47 or 61 sts.
Row 1 (WS): P1, s1, [p1, s1] to last st, p1.
Row 2: K1, [k1, s1] to last 2 sts, k2.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until blanket measures 10 cm/4” (small), or 15 cm/6” (medium), from the cast-on edge, ending on a WS row. Bind off. If you used a single yarn, weave in your yarn ends. If you used yarn scraps, overhand knot the yarn ends into a fringe on both ends of the blanket (you can add extra strands if you want a thicker fringe). Trim the fringe to 2.5 cm (1”)
Abbreviations
CO = cast on
K = knit
P = purl
RS = right side
s1 = slip 1 stitch from your left needle to your right needle. Remember to bring the yarn forward before slipping a stitch on RS rows, and to take the yarn back before slipping a stitch on WS rows, so that the strands always show on the RS of the blanket. It’s important to keep an even tension when slipping stitches.
WS = wrong side
Save 50% on both the Mama and Baby Bunny pattern (Ravelry, Etsy), and the Flat Foot Floogies pattern (Ravelry, Etsy), until the end of February!
P.S. the little bunny in the first photo is from my Bedtime Clothing Bundle.
Friday, February 14, 2014
mystery knit-along 2014
Are you all ready for another super fun mystery knit-along? Everyone had such a great time last year, I knew I would have to do it again this year.
The pattern is now available in my Ravelry shop. Until the start date, February 28, the pattern file will only include the information you see here. Beginning on February 28, the download will include a new segment of the pattern. Each following Friday, for another 5 weeks, the pattern will include another new segment (each Friday, you should get a notice that a new update is available). The mystery part is that you won't know what the toy will be until the final week, although you are welcome to guess! You can join any time during the 6 weeks. I've tried to divide the pattern up as evenly as possible, but the first week has less knitting than the rest, so everyone will have a bit more time to join and catch up.
If you'd like to join us, you can find the Ravelry thread here. If you're not a Ravelry member, you can still purchase the pattern after March 28, and get the weekly updates. Maybe you and a group of your knitting friends can have your own knit-along!
The pattern is advanced-beginner to intermediate level. You will need to know how to work stockinette and garter stitch, increase (m1), decrease (k2tog and ssk), yo, cast-on stitches within a row, pick up stitches, sew seams, and the garment has sleeves that can be worked in the round (but that part is optional). There are many fun techniques in this pattern, so it would be a good chance to learn or practice new skills.
Here are all the materials you'll need for the project:
Garment
25 g of fingering weight yarn, pair of 3.25 mm (US size 3) knitting needles, set of four 3.25 mm (US size 3) double pointed needles (dpns, optional), three small buttons, scrap yarn, tapestry needle, hand-sewing needle and thread for attaching the buttons
Gauge: 7 sts and 10 rows per 2.5 cm (1")
Toy
50 g (100 m/110 yds)* of worsted weight yarn in russet or brown (MC), 25 g (50 m/55 yds) of worsted weight yarn in cream (CC), pair of 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, pair of 10 mm safety eyes or buttons, stuffing, black yarn to embroider the face, tapestry needle
Gauge: 5.5 sts and 8 rows per 2.5 cm (1")
Here are the yarns I've chosen for my toy. The Berroco Vintage yarn is a practical and affordable yarn for toys, and comes in lots of colours. I'm going to use the russet (colour 5176) for my main colour, and the cream (colour 5102) for my contrasting colour. The Blue Sky Alpacas Royal Petites (colour 1708) is for the garment. It's a lovely, soft yarn, and I have a few spare balls that I've been using for small projects.
*I've included the number of yards of yarn because I'm close to 45 g for the knitted pieces I've made for the sample. So if your gauge is off, or your yarn is thicker than what I've suggested, you may need more yarn.
The pattern is now available in my Ravelry shop. Until the start date, February 28, the pattern file will only include the information you see here. Beginning on February 28, the download will include a new segment of the pattern. Each following Friday, for another 5 weeks, the pattern will include another new segment (each Friday, you should get a notice that a new update is available). The mystery part is that you won't know what the toy will be until the final week, although you are welcome to guess! You can join any time during the 6 weeks. I've tried to divide the pattern up as evenly as possible, but the first week has less knitting than the rest, so everyone will have a bit more time to join and catch up.
If you'd like to join us, you can find the Ravelry thread here. If you're not a Ravelry member, you can still purchase the pattern after March 28, and get the weekly updates. Maybe you and a group of your knitting friends can have your own knit-along!
The pattern is advanced-beginner to intermediate level. You will need to know how to work stockinette and garter stitch, increase (m1), decrease (k2tog and ssk), yo, cast-on stitches within a row, pick up stitches, sew seams, and the garment has sleeves that can be worked in the round (but that part is optional). There are many fun techniques in this pattern, so it would be a good chance to learn or practice new skills.
Here are all the materials you'll need for the project:
Garment
25 g of fingering weight yarn, pair of 3.25 mm (US size 3) knitting needles, set of four 3.25 mm (US size 3) double pointed needles (dpns, optional), three small buttons, scrap yarn, tapestry needle, hand-sewing needle and thread for attaching the buttons
Gauge: 7 sts and 10 rows per 2.5 cm (1")
Toy
50 g (100 m/110 yds)* of worsted weight yarn in russet or brown (MC), 25 g (50 m/55 yds) of worsted weight yarn in cream (CC), pair of 4 mm (US size 6) knitting needles, pair of 10 mm safety eyes or buttons, stuffing, black yarn to embroider the face, tapestry needle
Gauge: 5.5 sts and 8 rows per 2.5 cm (1")
Here are the yarns I've chosen for my toy. The Berroco Vintage yarn is a practical and affordable yarn for toys, and comes in lots of colours. I'm going to use the russet (colour 5176) for my main colour, and the cream (colour 5102) for my contrasting colour. The Blue Sky Alpacas Royal Petites (colour 1708) is for the garment. It's a lovely, soft yarn, and I have a few spare balls that I've been using for small projects.
*I've included the number of yards of yarn because I'm close to 45 g for the knitted pieces I've made for the sample. So if your gauge is off, or your yarn is thicker than what I've suggested, you may need more yarn.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
featured patterns: your projects
As part of my featured patterns series, I would like to share with you some of the toys other knitters have made. I hope these will serve as examples and inspiration for what you could make!
Don't forget, both the Mama and Baby Bunny (Ravelry, Etsy) and the Flat Foot Floogies (Ravelry, Etsy) are half price for the month of February!
I love how chubby and cuddly this bunny is! Don't you just want to hug him? The knitter who made this bunny also has an Etsy shop, where she sells some of her adorable toys.
I usually knit my pattern samples from yarn colours that match the actual animal, but it's fun to see how they look in all different colours!
If you're a Ravelry member, check out the projects page to see more Mama and Baby Bunnies.
Here's an adorable lamb lovey that's sure to be treasured for many years. I've noticed a number of knitters have worked the feet in garter stitch instead of stockinette. Babies do love different textures!
And finally, here is the sweetest ever bunny lovey, with an embroidered heart on it's tummy! It makes me want to add a little heart to all my toys.
If you need more cuteness, check out the other toys on the Ravelry projects page.
All photos have been used with permission.
Don't forget, both the Mama and Baby Bunny (Ravelry, Etsy) and the Flat Foot Floogies (Ravelry, Etsy) are half price for the month of February!
I love how chubby and cuddly this bunny is! Don't you just want to hug him? The knitter who made this bunny also has an Etsy shop, where she sells some of her adorable toys.
I usually knit my pattern samples from yarn colours that match the actual animal, but it's fun to see how they look in all different colours!
If you're a Ravelry member, check out the projects page to see more Mama and Baby Bunnies.
Here's an adorable lamb lovey that's sure to be treasured for many years. I've noticed a number of knitters have worked the feet in garter stitch instead of stockinette. Babies do love different textures!
And finally, here is the sweetest ever bunny lovey, with an embroidered heart on it's tummy! It makes me want to add a little heart to all my toys.
If you need more cuteness, check out the other toys on the Ravelry projects page.
All photos have been used with permission.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Featured pattern - Flat Foot Floogie
The second pattern I'm featuring for February (because I didn't think of the idea in time to do one for January) is the Flat Foot Floogie. While this pattern is fairly recent (published last February) it tends to get overlooked because it's quite different from my other patterns. However, the people who have added projects to Ravelry are very enthusiastic about the toy.
As an added bonus, the pattern is 50% off during the month of February (Ravelry shop, Etsy shop)
The Flat Foot Floogies are both quick and easy to knit, and the end result is always cute. There is a large variety of yarns that would work well for it, from inexpensive acrylic yarns, washable wools, organic cottons, to luxury yarns for an heirloom gift. While I've knit mine in neutral colours, bright colours work just as well (you could even coordinate it to your nursery). Although it may not seem as cuddly as my other toys, my boys adopted the two pattern samples as soon as I was done with the photos. For added interest, you can put a rattle insert in the head. If you're making the toy for a baby, and don't want to use safety eyes, you can either embroider eyes, or sew on felt eyes.
If anyone has questions about the pattern, just leave a comment below, and I will add my answer to the bottom of this post.
As an added bonus, the pattern is 50% off during the month of February (Ravelry shop, Etsy shop)
The Flat Foot Floogies are both quick and easy to knit, and the end result is always cute. There is a large variety of yarns that would work well for it, from inexpensive acrylic yarns, washable wools, organic cottons, to luxury yarns for an heirloom gift. While I've knit mine in neutral colours, bright colours work just as well (you could even coordinate it to your nursery). Although it may not seem as cuddly as my other toys, my boys adopted the two pattern samples as soon as I was done with the photos. For added interest, you can put a rattle insert in the head. If you're making the toy for a baby, and don't want to use safety eyes, you can either embroider eyes, or sew on felt eyes.
If anyone has questions about the pattern, just leave a comment below, and I will add my answer to the bottom of this post.
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