We would never be accused of being opinionated knitters, no not us. This category is for general running commentary on what’s going on in the world of knitting.
There were about 20 pieces to this little bear man. A fun project because it was like putting together a three dimensional puzzle. Creating the face was an interesting experience - giving him personality in his slight smile and choosing just the right eyes. As soon as the eyes were in place (done last) he took on real life and sometimes I feel like he’s staring at me.
He’s about the size of a one-year-old child and his arms and legs move. Propped up carefully he’ll actually stand up. His head swivels side to side, too. Because of his little parts (eyes, arm and leg joints) he’s not a good toy for a small child, but he is a wonderful decoration and cuddler for the small child in me.
This was the “Jack” pattern from The Knitted Teddy Bear, the same pattern as “Catherine” (large bear in the middle in the picture on the left (click for large picture)), but with contrasting hands and feet. My version is definitely a boy bear, though I didn’t necessarily plan it that way. He just became a boy when I put him together. Don’t you think he looks masculine?
Made with Katia Papiro, cotton/linen blend, in colors 85810 (light brown) and 85815 (dark brown), 93yds and 20sts/4 inches. This pattern took 5 balls dark brown and less than one ball of the light brown. (I think this yarn is since discontinued (check eBay)
The Knitted Teddy Bear : Make Your Own Heirloom Toys with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing and Accessories
Author: Sandra Polley
At first glance, all the bears in this book look too similar to justify a whole book. But on closer inspection, you’ll see that each bear has a personality all it’s own - from sweet teeny tiny bears to great big huggable teddys. Some of the designs allow for moving arms and legs, others are all yarn and stuffing, perfect for babies and little kids. Tips are included for personalizing the expression on the little guys as well as instructions for making them appear ‘old’ and ‘ready-loved’. There are patterns for clothes made to fit the various body sizes.
Read more and see sample designs from the book.
Rating: 
It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen a book of patterns where, not only did I want to knit every other pattern I saw, but I felt a sense of excitement in the discovery to come.
When you’ve been knitting awhile, and collected a substantial library of books as I have, after awhile, everything starts to look the same. You begin to feel like there’s nothing left to learn - and it’s the discovery that I find fun in knitting. I’ve never been one that found peace in endless hours of stockinette or rib or moss stitch. Give me something I don’t know how to do, something I couldn’t write the pattern for myself, something unusual and beautiful and wearable and (and and and !) my heart starts to sing.
That is what I’ve found in this new book by Norah Gaughan:
Knitting Nature : 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature
Author: Norah Gaughan
Unusual and inventive designs. A book an advanced knitter can pick up a few new ideas from…and then actually wear the finished object. Thank you Norah!
Rating: 
Pattern after pattern after pattern. Not only are these interesting and unique patterns, but this is great fashion.
A couple nights ago, just before I was going to switch off the news (as who really can watch that crap anymore?) one of the reporters says “And coming up! A Washington woman’s knitting needle explodes! Heh heh.” - I’m paraphrasing, except for the laugh at the end. So I kept watching. I almost posted about it right after the segment - what a timely post! But didn’t - it seemed too hokey.
Today, however, I ran across the discussion that had already been circulating across the internet about the incident, and thought I’d post about it, just in case you hadn’t already heard.
Video from a Washington TV station.
The article from a local paper
and the thread from Knitter’s Review
All riveting - the best theory is that there were gases or particles left inside from the casting process that oxidized and were just too much for the old, worn-away metal of the needle’s tip - more information coming as soon as the bomb expert(!) finishes his analysis.
I actually just like seeing anything knitting-related in the news. Personally I knit exclusively with bamboo or wooden needles. I like the organic feel of them. But they can give splitters, so really, no one is ever completely safe.
As if coming back from a haze of non-knitting, non-blogging activity, I’ve been drawn right back to full attention with the latest Rowan Magazine #36. I think this butterfly sweater, in those colors even (I always change the colors) is a knockout.
See more at TheKnittingGarden.com
I owe you all a summary of where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to as I’ve fallen off the face of the blogging world (I even got kicked off the knitting bloggers ring). I actually have been knitting, quite a bit. I’ll follow up in posts to come. But, I think I can say that I’ve rested enough, and now I’m back, longing to share again. Should be posting more regularly!
Jamie
There were about 20 pieces to this little bear man. A fun project because it was like putting together a three dimensional puzzle. Creating the face was an interesting experience - giving him personality in his slight smile and choosing just the right eyes. As soon as the eyes were in place (done last) he took on real life and sometimes I feel like he’s staring at me.
This was the “Jack” pattern from The Knitted Teddy Bear, the same pattern as “Catherine” (large bear in the middle in the picture on the left (click for large picture)), but with contrasting hands and feet. My version is definitely a boy bear, though I didn’t necessarily plan it that way. He just became a boy when I put him together. Don’t you think he looks masculine?
