Knitting Archive I thought I'd share a few creations from previous years, I had great fun making all these and can recommend them all, slight bias towards the cuddly toy side of things, you'll notice.
4th August 2005 Gilbert Bunny: I adore this clever pattern designed by Kate Gilbert, which is knitted in one piece from feet to ears and then seamed up the back, at which point it magically turns into a rabbit. Her unique pattern is well worth the $5 for instant download, and is versatile, you can knit it in 3 sizes in any yarn on any suitable needles. Sirdar Snuggly Bubbly on 3.75mm pattern direct from Kategilbert.com
28th July 2005 Pink Bag: this appeared as a bridal bag (or reticule) in Simply Knitting magazine, but I chose pink instead of pure white. Done on straight needles, the circular base is cleverly shaped with increases on a scrap yarn cast on, and when the drop stich sides are complete, you simply remove the scrap yarn, pull the base round and sew in place, then make a second base and fix inside to provide stability. I learnt loop stitch for this one, don't much like loop stitch, I find. Finished bag is 9 inches high and totally impractical but everyone loves it :) Sirdar Duet on 4mm pattern featured in Simply Knitting, July 2005 issue
July 14th 2005 Two Tone Knitten: the knitten kitten shown earlier but done in two shades, plus I added a white tip to his tail. Sirdar Snuggly navy & white on 4.5mm pattern available here
July 11th 2005 Silly Kitty Ears: knitted these for a friend but they look surprisingly cute on me too. My first time using two colours in the same row as well for the pink inserts on the ears. I increased the band length from the one given in the pattern and made the ties with twisted cord rather than i-cord, didn't bother with the pom-poms either. Sirdar Country Style DK in pink and chocolate brown on 5.5mm pattern is here
28th June 2005 Double Stranded Rabbit: another variation on the basic teddy pattern shown below, this was knitted with 2 DK yarns together, with the body and legs lengthened to give a different look. The floppy ears are just repeated increases. Note pom-pom tail, cute! :) The scarf is a simple lace pattern in a linen/cotton blend yarn. Sirdar Snuggly DK in cream & lilac on 4.5mm pattern greatly adapted from this one
27th June 2005 Baby Rat: another tuition piece, this time to learn how to do short rows. Great fun, not as complex as it might seem, plus you get a cute toy out of it (which my dad claimed with alacrity, he's just a big kid at heart :) ) Sirdar Country Style DK on 4mm pattern & short row instructions at The Knitting Fiend
12th June 2005 Umbilical Hat: a wee hat from the Stitch n Bitch book, which was more to learn technique than anything else. Worked on circs, this was good practice for knitting in the round and also using DPNs to finish the top - like wrestling with porcupines, in my view, oh and i-cord for the silly topknot. Fun! Sirdar Country Style DK on needles pattern from the Stitch n Bitch book
8th June 2005 Tiny Mice: you can see how teeny these little things are, just a few rows of stocking stitch and some shaping, pink tail and ears and they're done, quick and cute to knit, ideal for using up scrap yarn too. Sirdar Country Style DK on 4mm pattern from Joy Gammons' Easy to Make Knitted Toys
20th May 2005 GlitzGlam Scarf: my own design for a quick, funky, fashion scarf using glittery acrylic yarn on big needles, ideal as a last minute gift for friends Stylecraft Twilight DK on 10mm my own pattern here	detail of latticework pattern
20th May 2005 (begun 22nd April) Garter Stitch Elephant - really pleased with how this worked out, the pattern is knit from tail to trunk in one piece and then sewn and stuffed, the latter being the real challenge! Sirdar Country Style DK on 4.5mm pattern to be found here
14th May 2005 Another variation on the little teddy pattern below, this time I knit it all in stocking stitch on larger needles, had to amend the pattern slightly as I went to allow for stocking stitch making a more elongated bear. Sirdar Country Style DK on 5.5mm
27th April 2005 Lace bookmark, my first attempt at lace with whatever yarn was to hand, slightly too chunky for a practical bookmarker but effective pattern for something quite straightforward. Debbie Bliss Merino aran on 4mm pattern from freepatterns.com, "elegant bookmark".
22nd April 2005 & 28th April 2005 More bears - large cream bear as previous, small cream bear with little teddy pattern but halving all dimensions. Sirdar Snuggly DK on 4.5mm	Bears for scale
18th April 2005 Mobile phone case: I designed this myself in reverse stocking stitch with a turned over garter cuff for more screen protection. Knit as one long piece then folded into shape and sewn, with blanket stitch edging. Rowan Tweed on 4mm
15th April 2005 Little teddy bear knitting from end to end in one piece then stuffed and sewed. Sirdar Snuggly DK on 4.5mm pattern to be found here
12th April 2005 Simple two-colour scarf for a bear, great practice for adding new colours and finishing off, weaving in ends etc once complete. Sirdar Snuggly DK on 4.5mm pattern is just repeated rows of garter stitch, plus tassles to complete
10th April 2005 That Frigging Rabbit, so called because although knitting a square of stocking stitch then folding, sewing & stuffing to create a cute bunny is nifty in principle, the execution was anything but and involved much cursing. Sirdar Snuggly DK on 4.5mm pattern to be found here
30th March 2005 A "knitten kitten", learnt a lot about increases/decreases and also sewing & stuffing; the red is my first attempt, the white a second one for mum (9th April 05). red kitty: Sirdar CountryStyle DK on 4.5mm; white kitty: Sirdar Snuggly DK on 4.5mm pattern to be found here	Kitty pattern pieces ready to assemble
17th March 2005 First finished item, a simple potholder for mum Sirdar Snuggly DK on 4.5mm practising garter & stocking stitch
Inspired to knit cute things too? Why not check out the whole range of crazy creature patterns available at: Home ©2005/2008 Blue

Questions? Comments? Email: bluecougar@barddance.org