That’s about all I have to show for the past week and a half. Whee!
I’ve got two critters to finish up (a custom calico and an orange Cat) and then I can start on my patterns for this year! I’ve got three alphabet animals planned with an option for a fourth.
The theme to this year appears to be texture.
I forgot that I was naming all the modern-style toys after flowers, so I went with ‘Hydrangea’ for the hippo. Now I’m working on a classic dog, an elephant and I’ve got a bear in a really luscious merino/alpaca in my To Go bag. After that, I need to do a classic monkey and a Roger cat and then I’ll feel re-stocked enough to work on something new!
Daisy Dog
Now I’m working on a Hippo. A I can’t decide if she is a Plum Hippo or a Persimmon Hippo (it’s a new shade). Probably Persimmon. It’s more fun to say.
Poppyseed Cat
It’s getting harder and harder to come up with flavor names for all the different grays. While I’m waiting on my Ravenwood Kid (arriving sometime this summer), I’m trying to knit up the other cashmere I have. Poppyseed is made from Jade Sapphire in the aran weight.
Itty Bitty Vultures will be in the shop later today. Probably.
I did so want to have a finished prototype to show you this week! But I’m not quite there yet.
But I can tell you that Susanna is our lollipop recipient!
And I can tell you that the Middle Eastern Cast on wins the Crazy Easy toe-up cast on award (thanks for the tip, Beth).
I can also tell you that while I have decided to recommend a toe-up cast on in the pattern, I am going to write the directions for the regular way with a seam. It isn’t critical to the pattern so I don’t want anyone to read the directions, panic, and then not try the toy. My Favorite Trick remains awesome, but not worth the explanation if a seam will do.
In other words: I wussed out.
All that wasn’t for nothing, the M.E.C.O. is going to be invaluable for a future pattern – and I’m not even going to tell people that’s what they are doing until it’s all over. I’m so tricky.
I have SO MANY IDEAS. And not enough time for them.
Ellie contracted and then kindly shared a virus this past week. We’re all fine now but it wasn’t a fun time.
These guys almost make up for it.
Will be in the shop when I edit his pictures.
Ellie has her own lion already but requires an elephant in hot pink (she has settled for magenta). She says I can take a picture of her pink vase with the birds in it AFTER she has the elephant. I’ll get to work.
Rubber Duckie for a fun customer.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win your own Yarn Miracle Itty Bitty Exclusive! There is still time to enter and win (and by enter, I mean leave a comment) an Itty Bitty Bunny in cashmere on the Natural Kids Blog.
He’s not a toy, he’s a pocket companion. Or a cubical watchdog. Or a belated Valentine (contest closes on Saturday). Go here and leave a comment and I’ll show you some knitting that isn’t a toy. I’ve got some around here somewhere.
Every Saturday, the Natural Kids Team (it’s an Etsy thing) gives away something created by a team member. Today’s giveaway is sponsored by Yarn Miracle.
Cupcake wrapper not included. Unless you really want it.
An Itty Bitty Cashmere Bunny! He’s tiny. He’s sweet. He’ll be just in time for Valentine’s Day if you live in the US. Hurry over there and leave your comments for a chance to win – entries will be accepted all week!
He’s giving lots of thought to nesting in your eves.
You are probably asking yourself, “Which part of that picture is in focus?” The answer is: I can’t tell either.
I’ll take another one tomorrow.
If I’m not feeling too lazy.
Here’s the concept sketch:
I left off the tummy and added whiskers.
One of these days I’ll do a post series titled “From Picture to Pattern.” But that day is not today, Ellie has shared a cold (the deluxe version with fever). Today is a win if I answer all my email.
*blows nose*
‘Scuse me.
