Thursday, December 24, 2009

A Little Christmas

My parents used to travel extensively and my Mom is famous for bringing back Christmas ornaments from many of their destinations. I don't remember where she got these, but they have been on my tree for many years.



She always tries to bring us ornaments that reflect our personalities. Thanks, Mom!

This last one didn't come with the little sweaters. It might not have even come from Mom, but it suits me!

Merry Christmas to you all, and happy knitting in 2010!!


Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Introducing Koda

Once again it has been nearly a month since I have updated, but I have been busy with lots of knitting-related activities.

Meet Koda, my bear, who is hitting the cyber-newstand in PetitePurls online magazine today.

I have been busy tech editing all the patterns for this issue, and there are a lot! You really should take the time to check out all the fun patterns on the site (there's even a crocheted feature that is way too cute - a perfect baby gift), and be sure to look at the Fall and Summer archives, too. I love the fact that the submissions are coming from outside the borders of the US and from designers for whom English is their second language. It just proves that knitting is a universal language, as are cute knits for kids!

Koda is my first pattern to be featured on the site. He's a bit of a challenge to knit due to the shaping, but IMHO, well worth the effort. As I wrote in the pattern intro, he reminds me of a bear I had as a child -- one that I loved so much, I wore the fur off of him. He is knit in Plymouth Sinsation which is an oh-so-soft chenille type yarn (that is also incredibly tough to photograph), but any textured soft yarn would work. He would be equally sweet in a pastel yarn.

And here is a hint of what else has been "on my plate". Can you guess what my nieces and nephews are getting for Christmas - and they are all convertible. I am working on the last pair now. Their Moms sent me all of their hand measurements, so they are all knit-to-fit.



Stay tuned and check back for updates! I plan to share this convertible mitten pattern soon!