Happy Holidays....

I would like to wish everyone  a very Happy Holidays, may all your dreams and wishes come true.

Just don't forget to keep knitting even during these busy days. It may help you relax a bit, and in the end you will have a nice gift for someone special.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Mini Pig

Another of my knitted animals - small piggies. Just the perfect size for a small child's hand.
The pattern is written for knitting in the rounds, with very little sewing. The finished toy is approximately 10" (25cm) tall.
The pattern is available on Ravelry or could be purchased by clicking on this button.

 

Thank you for visiting.

A gift for someone unknown....

This past Sunday, we picked one of my knitted teddy bears. We made ready the labels and the letter.











We choose the perfect spot. This little playhouse is in Children's garden in Tarrywile Park, Danbury, CT and is very close to a troll house in the same garden.











We said good bye to Teddy and left him there, to be found by someone unknown. I hope that the person who found the teddy bear smiled and took him home and would take good care of him.










Thank you for visiting.

Craft Fairs

When designing my little critters I tend to knit many samples. In this respect I am perfectionist, I like when my patterns are good. Some of these little critters are given away to many children that I know. Some I give to charities. Few of my critters are available at the art galleries which sell my art.

This past weekend I had an opportunity to sell my critters at a craft fair. I must say that it has been an interesting experience. This coming weekend I am attending another craft fair. It will be once again with the Tip Top Toes shop owner. I adore her baby slippers. The store can be also found on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TipTopToes?ref=ss_profile

Thank you for visiting.

Charitable donations

This is the time of year when I think more about charities and their purpose. To who should I donate and what should I donate.
Ever since I remember I have always given something to someone who was in a greater need.
I always believed that it is a good thing to do, and that perhaps when I will be in a need, someone will return the kindness.
Since knitting is a big part of my life, I do end up with a lot's of knitted things. Well, some of the knitted creations are spoken for, but what about the rest? I would love to give them away, but to who?

Should I give locally or internationally? Should I give to children, or adults in need?
I think I have come to a conclusion. I give as much as I can. I give to where my heart points me at the moment.
These squares (even though they have a shape of rectangle) are my latest charitable donation. They will be a part of a blanket for someone. I hope that the blanket will keep someone warm, even in his/her heart.


Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Mini Dog

Mini Dog
by Stana D.S.
Finished Toy Size: Approximately 10" (24cm) tall.
Yarn: You will need less than a ball of each yarn, one color for head and body, and one or two colors for the PJ. I like to use cotton yarn.
Recommended Needles Size: Double pointed needles US #3/3.25mm (set of 5)
Notions: Yarn needle, crochet hook, stitch holder, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), small amount of black embroidery yarn.
Abbreviations: KFB= Knit in front and back of the same st, this creates 2sts from 1st.
SSK= slip st, slip st and knit the 2sts together, this decrease 2sts to 1st.
Gauge: will vary with the yarn used.
INSTRUCTIONS:
First leg: With PJ color yarn and three double pointed needles cast on 8sts. (3 or 2sts per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (8sts total)
Row 2: KFB all around, 6 or 4 sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 3 - 20: Knit around (16sts total), transfer the sts to 2 needles (or use the stitch holders), 8sts per needle. Cut the yarn. leaving long enough tail.
Second leg: With PJ color yarn and three double pointed needles cast on 8sts (3 or 2 sts per needle) Place stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (8sts total)
Row 2: KFB all around, 6 or 4 sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 3 - 20: Knit around (16sts total), transfer the sts to 2 needle, 8sts per needle.
Continue with body:
Row 21: Knit 8sts from the first needle with second leg, knit 8sts from the first needle with the first leg, continue with the next 8sts from the first leg and finish the row with 8sts from the second leg (32sts total)
Thread the tail of yarn from the cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the legs with fiberfill.
Row 22: - 42: Knit around, 8sts per needle (32sts total). Continue stuffing the dog with fiberfill.
Continue with Head:
Row 43: Change yarn to head color, continue knitting in the rounds, 8sts per needle (32 sts total)
Row 44 - 57: Knit around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 58: *SSK, knit 6; repeat from * around, 7sts per needle (28sts total)
Row 59: * Knit 2, SSK, knit 3; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (24sts total)
Row 60: *Knit 3, SSK, knit 1; repeat from * around, 5sts per needle (20sts total)
Row 61: * SSK, knit 3; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 62: * Knit 2, SSK; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (12sts total)
Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure. Thread the tail of yarn from the top of the first leg on a yarn needle. Stitch through the stitches in between the two legs to close the hole, and stitch to secure.
Arms:
With PJ color yarn and crochet hook pull and secure the yarn to the body by tying a knot and pull through 6sts per needle (12sts total) through the side of upper body of the cat, start 6 rows down from the beginning of face color, and continue down the other side. This will save you sewing on the arm.
If this direction is not completely clear, begin with the PJ color yarn and three double pointed needles and cast on 12sts (4sts per needle)
Place a stitch marker on first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1 - 12: Knit around, 4sts per needle (12sts total). Begin to stuff the arm with fiberfill.
Row 13: Change yarn to body color, continue knitting in the rounds, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 14 - 16: Knit around (12sts total)
Row 17: SSK all around (6sts total)
Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, eaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure.
Repeat on the other sidde of the dog for the second arm. If the arms were knitted separately, sew them on the side of the dog, using picture as a guide.
Ears:
With body color and two double pointed needles cast on 6sts (3sts per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around, 3sts per needle (6sts total)
Row 2: * KFB, knit 2; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (8sts total)
Row 3: * KFB, knit 2, KFB; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 4: Knit around, 6sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 5: * KFB, knit 5; repeat from * around, 7sts per needle (14sts total)
Row 6: Knit around, 7sts per needle (14sts total)
Row 7: * SSK, knit 5; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 8: Knit around, 6sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 9: *SSK, knit 2, SSK; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (8sts total)
Row 10: Knit around, 4sts per needle (8sts total)
Row 11: *SSK, knit 2; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (6sts total)
Row 12: Knit and cast off from both double pointed needles at the same time. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Weave the end inside the ear.
Make second ear. Thread the yarn from cast on sts and sew the ears to the head of dog, using the picture as a guide.
Tail:
With body color yarn and crochet hook pull and secure the yarn to the body by tying a knot and pull through 2sts per needle (6sts total) through the middle of lower back of the dog. This will save you sewing on the tail.
If this direction is not completely clear, begin with body color and three double pointed needles and cast on 6sts (2sts per needle)
Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.
Row 1 - 10: Knit around (6sts total)
Row 11: SSK around (3sts total).
Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure.
If the tail was knitted separately, sew it to the middle lower back of the dog.
Finishing:
Cut a long piece of body color yarn and thread it on a yarn needle. Begin by one arm and weave the yarn in and out around the dog's neck, tight the two ens of the yarn together to shape the neck. Embroider the face of dog, using the picture as a guide.
It is possible to use two colors for the body. Switch in between the colors while knitting, always on the same side, the pattern for color switch could be every two rows, or every four rows or which ever mathematical combination pleases you, as long as the numbers add to the total number of knitted rows to keep the proportion of dog. When changing the yarn do not forget to twist the two threads around to make sure there aren't any holes.

Copyright: This pattern was design and written by Stana D.S.
The pattern is for personal use only. The finished items may not be sold for profit, except for charity purposes. Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.

Cabin fever...

In the part of the World where I live, shortly before Halloween, the nature decided to trick us. A rare snow storm in October. The red and yellow foliage looked stunning against the white snow.

Then the electricity was gone. With the electricity, also everything else that we take for granted disappeared, the heat, the light, the water. So, we began to camp in our home.

When candles are the only source of light, there is not much to do. I took some knitting needles and knit, and knit, and knit.

As you can see, we waited for some time.

Thank you for visiting.

Confession...

I must confess, well sort of. I love to knit. I love to create new critters, and toys. But even more I love to give them away.

Few weeks ago, I had a small visitor. She came and asked me to knit her Kuky, the bear. Then she returned and asked for another toy. She looked through my pile of yarn, and picked some. She told me, I want a sheep in these colors, the sheep needs a pacifier and the sheep's name will be Timmy. I really didn't have time to knit. Life got busy with other things. But she was persistent, every time she came for a visit she asked: "Where is my sheep?"

I couldn't resist, I just had to knit the sheep. When she came the next time, I gave her the sheep. She looked at me, took it, hugged the sheep in her arms, and smiled. That was it. No words, just the smile and a hug.

I know, I can't go to a yarn store and buy a new yarn with a smile or hug, but sometimes these little gestures are the best rewards that we can receive.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Cat

This is the Knitting pattern for Cat.
It's fairly simple and easy pattern, knitted in the round. The finished toy is approximately 10" (25cm) tall. The knitting pattern is available on Ravelry or could be purchased by clicking on this pattern.

How to make same length fringes

Pick a sturdy object in the size of desired length for the fringes. I have used a plastic pencil box, but a cardboard can work the same.











Wrap the yarn around the object.













Cut the yarn with scissors on one side.






























Take two pieces of cut yarn and bend in half. With a crochet hook pull about half of the yarn through the edge of scarf. Pull the ends of yarn through the eye and make a knot.

Knitting Pattern for Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy scarves

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy scarves
by Stana D. S.
These are very basic patterns, but the results are delightful and warm.
Yarn: 1 or 2 balls of medium or sport weight yarn. The yarn needs to be soft to the touch and very colorful, preferable in the child's favorite colors.
Recommended Needles size: For these scarves I have used US#7/4.5mm. I personally usually use one size smaller than the yarn manufacture recommends.
Notions: Scissors, crochet hook.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Decide which pattern to use and cast on 20sts. Begin to work.
Pattern # 1:
Knit all rows.
Pattern #2:
Row 1: *Knit 1, Purl 1; repeat from *
Row 2: *Purl 1, Knit 1; repeat from *
Repeat these 2 rows.
Pattern # 3:
Row 1: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from *
Row 2: *Knit 2, Purl 2; repeat from *
Row 3: *Purl 2, Knit 2; repeat from *
Row 4: * Purl 2, Knit2; repeat from *
Repeat these 4rows.
Pattern # 4:
Row 1: *Knit 4, Purl 4; repeat from *
Row 2: *Purl 4, Knit 4; repeat from *
Row 3: *Knit 4, Purl 4; repeat from *
Row 4: *Purl 4, Knit 4; repeat from *
Row 5: *Purl 4, Knit 4; repeat from *
Row 6: *Knit 4, Purl 4; repeat from *
Row 7: *Purl 4, Knit 4; repeat from *
Row 8: * Knit 4, Purl 4; repeat from *
Repeat these 8rows.
This pattern makes a small checker squares.

Keep knitting until desired length is reached. To make the scarves more texture interesting change the various patterns: For example knit 5" (12.7cm) in pattern #1, switch to pattern # 3 for the next 10" (25.4cm), switch back to pattern #1 for the next 5" (12.7cm), switch to pattern # 3 for the next 10" (25.4cm). The last pattern used should be the same as the first pattern, just to keep the symmetry. The changing of the patterns will make the knitting less boring and monotonous.
The scarves I have knitted are around 50" (127cm) long and 5.5" (14cm) wide.

Finishing: Cut the yarn for fringes. Take two pieces of cut yarn and bend in half.With a crochet hook pull about half of the yarn through the edge of scarf. Pull the ends of yarn through the eye and make a knot. For easy way to have all fringes cut the same lenght check out my next post.

Copyright: This pattern was design and written by Stana D. S.
The pattern is for personal use only. The finished items may not be sold for profit, except for charity purposes.
Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.

Sockeaters....

Have you ever wondered what happens to all those missing socks?

Well, we captured them and managed to take a picture.

Here they are - The Sockeaters.

Thank you for visiting. (And I mean it, really)

PS: The knitting pattern will be available in the near future.

Cats or Dogs?

that is the question.....
I have created both, just because.
Now I am trying to write the pattern. Which one should I do first? The cats or the dogs?
The answer to this question will be revealed soon.

Thank you for visiting.

Tulip Hat

This is my last (for now) flower inspired hat. I took several photos of tulips in bloom this spring. The design for my Tulip hat was inspired by these images.

You can see in the background the image I took in the spring, and in front is the Tulip hat.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting pattern for Huggalufs baby

When I knitted few Huggalufs, it occurred to me that they needed a baby. I created a small Huggaluf baby. The Huggaluf baby can be on its own, or could accompany the adult version of Huggaluf.

The knitting pattern for Huggaluf baby is also available on Ravelry, and can be purchased by clicking on this button.

Knitting pattern for Huggalufs

Huggalufs are very soft and cuddly critters.
I had this beautiful yarn in mixed blue, purple and green colors. One day I picked up the yarn, knitting needles and began to experiment. When the critter was finished I wanted to give it a special name, so I began to play with words. Hug - a - love turn into Huggaluf and that's how Huggalufs were created. I knitted another one, and another one. I played with different colors, and different yarns. People started asking for one, and now most of them are in their new homes. I love to knit them.
As a result, I wrote up the knitting pattern for Huggalufs and made it available on Ravelry. You can purchase the knitting pattern by clicking on the button.

Knitting pattern for Cupcakes

Cupcakes (Calorie free version)
by Stana D. S.
Finished Toy Size: approximately 3.5" diameter.
Yarn: This is ideal project for remnants and leftover yarn. You will need a light brown color for the vanilla cupcake and a dark brown for the chocolate cupcake and bright colors for the frosting. What is your favorite cupcake? Inspiration is endless.
Recommended Needles size: DPN US # 3/3.25mm (set of 5)
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag),
Abbreviations: KFB = Knit in front and back of the same sts, this creates 2sts from 1st.
SSK = slip st, slip st and knit the 2sts together, this decrease 2sts to 1st.
INSTRUCTIONS: The cupcake is knitted in one piece, from the bottom up. With the light or dark brown and four double pointed needles cast on 20sts (5sts per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (20sts total)
Row 2: *KFB, knit 4; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (24sts total)
Row 3: *KFB, knit 5; repeat from * around, 7sts per needle (28sts total)
Row 4: *KFB, knit 6; repeat from * around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 5: *KFB, knit 7; repeat from * around, 9sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 6: *KFB, knit 8; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (40sts total)
Row 7 - 11: Knit around, 10sts per needle (40sts total) Change the color to frosting.
Row 12: Knit around, 10sts per needle (40sts total)
Row 13: Purl around, 10sts per needle (40sts total)
Row 14: Knit around, 10sts per needle (40sts total)
Row 15: *SSK, knit 8; repeat from * around, 9sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 16: *SSK, knit 7; repeat from * around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 17: *SSK, knit 6; repeat from * around, 7 sts per needle (28sts total)
Row 18: *SSK, knit 5; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (24sts total)
Row 19: *SSK, knit 4; repeat from* around, 5sts per needle (20sts total)
Thread the tail of yarn from the cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the cupcake with fiberfill.
Row 20: *SSK, knit 3; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 21: *SSK, knit 2; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 22: *SSK, knit 1; repeat from * around, 2sts per needle (8sts total)
Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure.
Finishing: You can embroider the sprinkles, or use small beads. Enjoy the cupcake. It's calorie free.

Copyright: This pattern was design and written by Stana D. S.
The pattern is for personal use only. The finished items may not be sold for profit, except for charity purposes.
Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.

Monster Al.....

is my favorite critter. The story behind his creation is interesting, I hope. One day we had an assignment at class to write and illustrate children's book. My child's drawing was the inspiration for the design of Monster Al. I wrote the story, knitted Monster Al and used photographs of Monster Al as illustration and the book was created. Everybody loved the book, as well as Monster Al. I was asked to knit other Monster's. So now Monster Al has many friends, and perhaps one day you might read the book with his story.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Doughnuts or Bagels

Doughnuts or Bagels (the healthier version)
by Stana D.S.
Finished Toy Size: approximately 5" diameter Yarn: This is ideal project for leftover yarn from other projects. You will need light brown (regular doughnut) or dark brown (chocolate doughnut) for the dough and bright color for the frosting. What is your favorite doughnut? Inspiration is endless.
Recommended Needles size: DPN US # 3/3.25mm (set of 5)
Notions: Yarn needles, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), small amount of contrasting color for embroidering the sprinkles on top of frosting.
Abbreviations: KFB = Knit in front and back of the same sts, this creates 2sts from 1st.
SSK = slip st, slip st and knit the 2 sts together. This decrease 2sts to 1st.
INSTRUCTION: The doughnut or bagel is knitted in one piece,the seam will be in the middle of the hole, and therefore almost invisible. With the light or dark brown and four double pointed needles cast on 28sts (7sts per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.
Row 1 - 5: Knit around (28sts total)
Row 6: *KFB, knit 6; repeat from *around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 7: *KFB, knit 7; repeat from * around, 9sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 8: *KFB, knit 8; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (40sts total)
Row 9: *KFB, knit 9; repeat from * around, 11sts per needle (44sts total)
Row 10: *KFB, knit 10; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (48sts total)
Row 11: *KFB, knit 11; repeat from * around, 13sts per needle (52sts total)
Row 12: *KFB, knit 12; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (56sts total)
Row 13: *KFB, knit 13; repeat from * around, 15sts per needle (60sts total)
Row 14 - 18: Knit around (60sts total) If making frosted doughnut change the color after this row,(otherwise continue knit around the next 5rows)
Row 19: Knit around (60sts total)
Row 20: Purl around (60sts total) This will make the frosting stand out.
Row 21 - 23: Knit around (60sts total)
Row 24: *SSK, knit 13; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (56sts total)
Row 25: *SSK, knit 12; repeat from * around, 13sts per needle (52sts total)
Row 26: *SSK, knit 11; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (48sts total)
Row 27: *SSK, knit 10; repeat from * around, 11sts per needle (44sts total)
Row 28: *SSK, knit 9; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (40sts total)
Row 29: *SSK, knit 8; repeat from * around, 9sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 30: *SSK, knit 7; repeat from * around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 31: *SSK, knit 6; repeat from * around, 7sts per needle (28sts total)
Row 32 - 34: Knit around (28sts total)
Row 35: Purl around (28sts total)
Row 36: Knit around and cast off. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail.
If you are not knitting the frosting, rows 32 - 36 should be knitted around only.
Finishing: Thread the end of the yarn on a yarn needle. Shape the doughnut and began to stitch together the begining and end of the knitted piece. Began to stuff the doughut as you stitch the two ends together. Weave the end of yarn to the inside and trim. You can embroider the sprinkles, or use small beads. Enjoy the doughnut. It's calorie free.


Copyright: This pattern was design and written by Stana D.S.
The pattern is for personal use only. The finished items may not be sold for profit, except for charity purposes.
Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.

Lily of the Valley hat

Lilly if the Valley is one of my favorite flowers. I love the scent. When the flowers are in bloom I enjoy looking at them. They inspired me to create the Lily of the Valley hat.

The pattern is still in scribblers at the moment, but at some point in the future I will write it down in more readable fashion.

Thank you for visiting.

Alphabet blanket

This blanket is knitted from various leftover yarns. At first I charted out all of the letters and then knitted them. I knitted other blocks in various complimentary yarns. The fun part was to piece the blocks together. The other side of blanket has flannel fabric sewn to it to prevent the yarn from getting tangled. At each block's corner is stitch through the two layers to keep them together.
This project takes time, but it's worth it.

Thank you for visiting.

Huggalufs...

are cuddly critters. I knitted the first one few months ago, and ever since I keep on adding new members to the Huggalufs family. The photo shows the Huggalufs family together, before some Huggalufs were given away to their new homes.

The knitting pattern is basically ready and will be available very soon.


Thank you for visiting.

Tomatoes

I love fresh tomatoes. These tomatoes were picked from our garden.
Just for fun, I knitted two heirlooms tomatoes. The pattern for the tomatoes is work in process at the moment, and at some point in the future will be available.


Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Funky Colored Snake

Funky Colored Snake
by Stana D. S.
Finished Toy Size: up to 6' tall
Yarn: It depends on how colorful the snake will be, you will need approximately three or four balls of yarn. The more colors you use the less amount of the yarn is required. I love to mix leftover yarns to create unique snakes.
Recommended Needle size: DPN US #3/3.25mm (set of 5)
Notions: Yarn needle, crochet hook, stitch holders, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), small amount of black embroidery yarn, small amount of red yarn or red felt for the snake tongue.
Abbreviations: KFB= Knit in front and back of the same sts, this creates 2sts from 1 st.
SSK= slip sts, slip st and knit the 2sts together. This decrease 2sts to 1st.
I-cord= the sts are knitted from one needle to second needle, do not turn the needle with sts around, just push the sts to the beginning of the needle and knit again. This technique makes tube.
INSTRUCTION:
The snake is knitted in one piece from the tail to the head. Change the various yarns to create different length of stripes. The pattern could be random or if preferred create some precise mathematical pattern.
With first color of yarn and three double pointed needles cast on 6sts (2sts per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first sts and begin working in the round. Keep knitting in the round. Thread the tail of yarn from cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the snake with fiberfill.
To increase sts to total 30sts for the head add 1st only per row every 20 or 30 rows. I add the sts in the round pattern to make the increase in the snake's body very smooth and subtle. First st increase I add on first needle, second st increase I add on second needle, third st increase I add on third needle, fourth st increase I add on first needle. Continue knitting in the round in this increase pattern until you have 30sts total (10sts per needle) and desired length of snake. Do not forget to keep stuffing the snake with fiberfill while knitting.
Continue with Head:
transfer the 30sts from 3 to 4 DPN, remember there are 15sts for top and 15 sts for bottom of the snake's head (7 or 8 sts per needle).
Row 1 - 3: Knit around, 7 or 8 sts per needle (30sts total)
Row 4: Knit 1, KFB, knit 11, KFB, knit 2, KFB, knit 11, KFB, knit 1 (34sts total)
Row 5,6: Knit around (34sts total)
Row 7: Knit 1, KFB, knit 13, KFB, knit 2, KFB, knit 13, KFB, knit 1 (38sts total)
Row 8,9: Knit around (38sts total)
Row 10: Knit 1, KFB, knit 15, KFB, knit 2, KFB, knit 15, KFB, knit 1 (42sts total)
Row 11,12,13,14: Knit around (42sts total)
Row 15: Knit 1, KFB, knit 17, KFB, knit 2, KFB, knit 17, KFB, knit 1 (46sts total)
Row 16,17,18,19: Knit around (46sts total)
Row 20: Knit 1, SSK, knit 17, SSK, knit 2, SSK, knit 17, SSK, knit 1 (42sts total)
Row 21,22,23,24: Knit around (42sts total)
Row 25: Knit 1, SSK, knit 15, SSK, knit 2, SSK, knit 15, SSK, knit 1 (38sts total)
Row 26,27: Knit around (38sts total)
Row 28: Knit 1, SSK, knit 13, SSK, knit2, SSK, knit 13, SSK, knit 1 (34sts total)
Row 29: Knit around (34sts total)
Row 30: Knit 1, SSK, knit 11, SSK, knit 2, SSK, knit 11, SSK, knit 1 (30sts total)
Row 31: Knit around (30sts total)
Row 32: Knit 1, SSK, knit 9, SSK, knit 2, SSK, knit 9, SSK, knit 1 (26sts total)
Row 33: Knit around (26sts total)
Row 34: Knit 1, SSK, knit 7, SSK, knit 2, SSK, knit 7, SSK, knit 1 (22sts total)
Row 35: Knit around and cast off. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Finish stuffing the snake with fiberfill. Sew together the bottom and top of the snake's mouth, stitch to secure.
Finishing: With the black yarn embroider the snake's eyes. With a red yarn cast on one DPN needle 4sts and I-cord the snake's tongue, after approximately 2" split the I-cord in two and I-cord the first 2sts for another 1". Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a needle. Pull the end through the 2sts on needle, gather up and close, stitch to secure. With the red yarn attach it to the remaining 2sts and continue the I-cord for 1". Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a needle. Pull the end through the 2sts on needle, gather up and close, stitch to secure. Weave in all the loose ends. Sew the tongue to the snake's mouth. Another alternative is to cut the snake's tongue out of red felt and sew it to the snake's mouth. Use the picture as a guide.


Copyright: This pattern was design and written by Stana D. S.
The pattern is for personal use only. The finished items may not be sold for profit, except for charity purposes.
Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.

Strawberry Hat

I knitted this little hat just for fun.

There is not a real pattern for it. I cast on 60sts and knit in the rounds( I use four DPN), at some point I add the yellow yarn and switch the yarns while knitting to make the seeds. When the hat looks long enough I decrease 2sts per needle per row until 4sts are left. I switch to green color and I-cord the stem. To finish the hat I add tiny leaves to the base of the stem.

I can visualize a photo of little baby in this hat with knitted strawberries all around.

Thank you for visiting.

Three little pigs...

These pigs are my newest little critters.

On this picture you can see the process of creating the perfect knitted little pig.

First I made the big naked pig. Second I made the pig in PJ. Third, the smallest pig turned out to be the perfect one.

The knitted toys are avaliable upon request.
The knitting pattern will be available soon.

Thank you for visiting.

The treasure box

This yarn is part of a box filled with yarn that used to belong to my grandmother. My mom gave it to me to do something with it.

So I did. Now I have to figure out what to do with the knitted toys. These might be hard to give away, because when I look at them I think of my grandmother. She was the one who taught me how to knit when I was a little child. I am grateful for her being my grandmother and I miss her.



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Sunset

I created this knitted image many years ago.
It used to be a sweater, but now it's just a knitted piece that I cannot part with. I like to look at it from time to time, wondering what to do with it.

Perhaps one day I will know what to do with it. Till then it stays half hidden in the box with memories from the past.

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Kuky, the bear

I came across the book in Czech language "Kuky se vraci" few months ago.

I could not help it, but I fell in love with the main character, the small stuffed bear Kuky who got lost and was trying to find his way back home.

Also I could not help myself, and I had to knit one. The knitting pattern is my own.

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Rare Pink Snake....

....has been spotted in our garden.



The original toys are available upon request. The pattern will be available soon.






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Art or Not?

This is not only the question I ask about knitting, but also the name I have chosen for the second piece of art that was accepted for art exhibition.

I have submitted one piece of art, and it was accepted. They asked to see more of my work, and accepted another piece.

I am very happy about it.

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Strawberries

Few years ago I discovered the pattern for strawberries on Knitting Pattern Central. I liked the perfect shape. However I had to tweak my strawberries a bit, by embroidering the seeds.
Ever since I have made dozens of them. The basket of strawberries is the perfect gift for any little child's kitchen.

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How to attach the arms without sewing them on

tie the PJ color yarn to the side of teddy.











with crochet hook or knitting needle start casting on sts on one side















when finished casting on one side, continue on the other side















when all sts are cast on, divide the sts evenly between three double pointed needles and begin knitting in the rounds.















Copyright: The photos are by Stana D.S. Please aknowledge the author. Thank you.

Knitting Pattern for Bears in PJ

Bears in PJ
by Stana D.S.
Finished Toy Size: 10" tall
Yarn: Less than a ball of each in two or three colors, ideal for leftover yarn. I like to use cotton yarn for my teddies.
Recommended Needle size: DPN US #3/3.25mm (set of 5)
Notions: Yarn needles, crochet hook, stitch holders, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), small amount of black embroidery yarn.
Abbreviations: KFB= Knit in front and back of the same sts, this creates 2sts from 1st.
SSK= slip st, slip st and knit the 2 sts together. This decrease 2sts to 1st.
I-cord= the sts are knitted from one needle to second needle, do not turn the needle with sts around, just push the sts to the beginning of the needle and knit again. This technique makes tube.
INSTRUCTION:
First Leg: With yarn in PJ color and three double pointed needles cast on 8sts. (3 or 2 sts. per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (8sts total)
Row 2: KFB all around, 6 or 4 sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 3 - 20: Knit around (16sts total), transfer the sts to 2 needles (or use the stitch holders), 8sts per needle. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail.
Second Leg: With yarn in PJ color and three double pointed needles cast on 8sts. (3 or 2 sts. per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (8sts total)
Row 2: KFB all around, 6 or 4 sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 3 - 20: Knit around (16sts total), transfer the sts to 2 needles, 8sts per needle.
Continue with Body:
Row 21: Knit 8sts from the first needle for second leg, knit 8sts from the first needle for the first leg, continue with the next 8sts from the first leg and finish the row with 8sts from the second leg (32sts total).
Thread the tail of yarn from the cast on stitches on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, and stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the legs with fiberfill.
Row 22 - 42: Knit around, 8sts per needle (32sts total). Continue stuffing the bear with fiberfill. Row 43: Change yarn to face color, continue knitting in the rounds, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 44 - 57: Knit around, 8sts per needle (32 sts total)
Continue with Hat:
Row 58: Change yarn to PJ color. Knit around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 59: Purl around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 60: Knit around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)
Row 61: *SSK, knit 6; repeat from * around, 7sts per needle (28sts total)
Row 62: *SSK, knit 5; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (24sts total)
Row 63: *SSK, knit 4; repeat from * around, 5sts per needle (20sts total)
Row 64: *SSK, knit 3; repeat from* around, 4sts per needle (16sts total)
Row 65: *SSK, knit 2; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 66: *SSK, knit 1; repeat from* around, 2sts per needle (8sts total) Finish stuffing.
Row 67: SSK all around (4sts total). Continue I-cord till the lenght of I-crod is approximately 4" long. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail. and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needle, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure. Make a knot with the I-cord.
Thread the tail of yarn from top of the first leg on a yarn needle. Stitch through the stitches in between the two legs to close the hole, and stitch to secure.
Arms: With yarn in PJ color and crochet hook pull through 6sts per needle (12sts total) through the side of upper body of the teddy, start 6 rows down from the beginning of face color, and continue down the other side. This will save you sewing on the arm.
If this direction is not completely clear, begin with yarn in PJ color and 3DPN and cast on 12sts (4sts per needle). Place a stitch marker on the first sts, and begin working int he round.
Row 1 - 12: Knit around, 4sts per needle (12sts total). Begin to stuff the arm with fiberfill.
Row 13: Change yarn to face color, continue knitting in the rounds, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 14 - 16: Knit around (12sts total)
Row 17: SSK all around (6sts total) Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure.
Repeat on the other side of teddy for the second arm. If the arms were knitted separately, sew them on the side of teddy, using the picture as a guide.
Finishing: Cut a long piece of face color yarn and thread it on a yarn needle. Begin by one arm and weave the yarn in and out around the teddy's neck, tie the two ends of the yarn together to shape the neck. Embroider the face of teddy, using the picture as a guide.
It is possible to use two colors for the body and hat. Switch in between the colors while knitting, always on the same side, the pattern for color switch could be every two rows, or every four rows, or which ever mathematical combination pleases you, as long as the numbers add to the total number of knitted rows to keep the proportion of teddy.

Copyright: This pattern was design and written by Stana D.S.
The pattern is for personal use only. The finished items may not be sold for profit, except fro charity purposes.
Please acknowledge the author. Thank you.