My 100th Post

Welcome to my 100th post. It is hard to believe, but I have written and posted 100 posts since I started this blog.

Thank you to all who come and visit my blog.

Thank you to all of my followers.

I hope that my little corner of ideas, knitting patterns and pictures can give you, my readers and visitors more inspiration in the years to come.

My little gift to you is a List of all of my knitting patterns that I have written so far.

Free Patterns:

Food:

Apples

Blueberries or Grapes

Cupcakes

Doughnuts or Bagels

Toys:

Bears in PJ

Bitzer, the dog

Blobb

Chadwick and Igor, the frog twins

Fateaters

Funky colored Snake

Huggaluf Lovies

Jiggle

Kuky, the Bear

Mini Dog

Minions - part 1

Minions - part 2

Snowballs

Snow brick

Stripy

Toadie

Wormie

Scarves:

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy - Children version

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy - Adult version

Funky stripes or Gru scarf - children and adult version

Long Stripy Scarf - Children and Adult version

Tutorials:

Fringes on scarves

Attaching limbs without sewing

Paid Patterns:

Diamondback Rattlesnake

Huggalufs

Huggalufs Baby

Maillie, the travelling monster

Mini Cat

Mini Pig

Sockeaters

Hope Garden

I give away most of my knitted toys. Many of them are for various charities and I always wondered how much of a difference can one toy make. I never really knew the answer to this, until I saw a picture from Bonnie Jacobs of all the monsters she collected for Hope Garden. I have learned about her charitable collection of Monsters for Hope Gardens via Ravelry. I have sent few of my knitted toys thinking it's a nice thing to do. But it was when she posted the photo of her entire collection  that I have realised how much joy this can create. She delivered 83 funky, handmade and smiling monsters to the children.

The photo of the Monsters for Hope Gardens is by Bonnie Jacobs. The toys around are waiting for their new home and will travel soon someplace to share hope and smiles.

May all of you find the joy and love to share. Peace to all.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Long Stripy Scarf

Long Stripy Scarf

by Stana D.S.

This scarf is simple, and easy to make. I used off white almost beige color and taupe (grey-brown color), but it can be done in any color combination. The scarf is 9 feet (108"; 274cm) long and the sides will curl, even if you block the scarf. It is possible to make the scarf shorter, or longer, you will just need to add or delete few stripes.

Yarn:  Approximately 9oz (255gr) in off white color, and 5oz (142gr) in taupe color in medium worsted weight. I would suggest 2 - 3 balls in off white color and 2 balls in taupe color, or any color you like.

Recommended Needle Size: US#3/3.25mm, or the needle size suggested on the yarn label.

Notions: Scissors, yarn needle.

INSTRUCTIONS:

This scarf is knitted in stockinette stitch (1 row knit, next row purl). With the main color cast on 50sts.

Knit in stockinette stitch 105 rows (16"; 41cm) in off white color.

Attach the taupe color. Keep both yarns attached, and twist the unused yarn around the yarn you work with on the edge of your knitting  every few rows to keep the strings from being too long.

Knit 10 rows in taupe color

Knit 10 rows in off white color

Repeat this pattern until you almost reached the desired length of scarf. For the 9 feet long scarf I have made 25 taupe color stripes and 24 off white stripes ( 490 rows )

Cut the taupe color and continue in off white color 105 rows (16"; 41cm). Cast off sts in the last row.

Finishing: Weave in the ends.

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.

Yarn Tasting

This past weekend the local yarn store offered Yarn Tasting. I was clueless what yarn tasting actually is, and out of curiosity I have signed up.

At the store, were two big tables with small balls of yarn in various colors and various types. Everyone was able to pick knitting needles and try to work with any yarn displayed on those two tables.
I couldn't resist the temptation and tried many variety they offered. It was a great opportunity for everyone to try the different types of yarn, before committing to purchase a skein of yarn.

They even offered door prices, and I was one of the lucky winners. I returned home with two balls of yarn and a pattern for a hat.

I must say that it was a nicely spent Sunday afternoon.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Stripy

Stripy

by Stana D.S.

Finished Toy size: approximately 7.5” (19 cm) tall

Yarn: You will need less than a ball of yarn in sport to medium worsted weight in two colors.  Also you will need small amount of white yarn for the eyes, and small amount of red yarn for the lips, and small amount of black embroidery yarn for embroidering the pupils.

Recommended Needles size: Double pointed needles US #3/3.25mm (set of 5)

Notions:

Yarn needle, crochet hook, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag).

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.

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.

Gauge: will vary with the yarn used.



INSTRUCTIONS:

Body: With the yarn and four double pointed needles cast on 60sts. (15sts. per needle)

Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round. The stripes are 4rows each.

Row 1 - 20: Knit around (60sts. total)

Row 21: *SSK, Knit 13; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (56sts total)

Row 22: *SSK, Knit 12; repeat from * around, 13sts per needle (52sts total)

Row 23: *SSK, Knit 11; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (48sts total)

Row 24: *SSK, Knit 10; repeat from * around, 11sts per needle (44sts total)

Row 25: *SSK, Knit 9; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (40sts total)

Row 26: *SSK, Knit 8; repeat from * around, 9sts per needle (36sts total)

Row 27: *SSK, Knit 7; repeat from * around, 8sts per needle (32sts total)

Row 28: *SSK, Knit 6; repeat from * around, 7sts per needle (28sts total)

Row 29: *SSK, Knit 5; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (24sts total)

Row 30: *SSK, Knit 4; repeat from * around, 5sts per needle (20sts total)

Row 31: *SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (16sts total)

Row 32 - 56: (Knit 25rows) Knit around, 4sts per needle (16sts total). Stuff the neck/head with fiberfill.

Row 57: SSK all around, 2 sts per needle (8sts total)

Row 58: Knit around (8sts total). Finish stuffing the neck/head. 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.

Bottom: Attach the yarn to the rim with cast on sts. With a crochet hook, or DPN pick up 60sts on the inside part of the bottom edge. Divide the sts evenly onto 3DPN (20sts per needle) and begin working in the round. Begin to stuff the body with fiberfill.

Row 1: *SSK, Knit 8; repeat from * around, 18sts per needle (54sts total)

Row 2: *SSK, Knit 7; repeat from * around, 16sts per needle (48sts total)

Row 3: *SSK, Knit 6; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (42sts total)

Row 4: *SSK, Knit 5; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (36sts total)

Row 5: *SSK, Knit 4; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (30sts total)

Row 6: *SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 8sts per needle (24sts total)

Row 7: *SSK, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (18sts total)

Row 8: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)

Row 9: SSK all around (6sts total). Finish stuffing the body with fiberfill. 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:

Eye balls (make 2):
With the yarn and three DPN cast on 9sts (3sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (9sts total)
Row 2: *KFB, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 3: * KFB, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 5sts per needle (15sts total)
Row 4: Knit around (15sts total). Change the yarn to the white yarn.
Row 5 - 6: Knit around (15sts total)
Row 7: *SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 8: Knit around (12sts total). Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the eye ball with fiberfill.
Row 9: *SSK, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (9sts total)
Row 10: Knit around (9sts total). Finish stuffing the eye ball. 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.  Sew the eye ball on Stripy's head using the picture as a guide. Repeat for the second eye ball.

Lips: With the red yarn and DPN cast on 4sts.
I-cord 4rows. Continue knitting in the rounds.
Row 5: SSK around (8sts total)
Row 6: Knit around (8sts total)
Row 7: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around (12sts total)
Row 8: Knit around (12sts total)
Row 9: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around (18sts total)
Row 9: Knit around (18sts total)
Row 10: Knit and cast off all sts. Cut of the yarn and leave long enough tail. Sew the cast off sts to create the pucker up lips all around Stripy's lips, weave in the end. Thread the tail from cast on sts on a needle and sew the lips onto Stripy's body using 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.

While I was waiting........

...for the storm to pass I was knitting.

Last year when the unexpected snowstorm before Halloween buried us under the heavy blanket of snow I was knitting. When we were waiting the eight days for the power to be restored I was knitting.
Even now, while waiting for the power to be restored once again I keep on knitting. I hope that this time we don't have to wait that long, but one never know. What I know for sure is that knitting is a nice hobby to have......

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Maillie, the Travelling Monster

Maillie, the Travelling Monster combines two of my favorite things. Knitting toys and fair isle/stranded colorwork technique.

Maillie, has a pocket where a smaller toy or a surprise can be hidden.
She or He is about 8" (20 cm tall).
You will need approximately two balls of yarn in contrasting colors.
The pattern is written, with photographs and chart for the fair isle/stranded colorwork.

The pattern can be purchased on Ravelry or by clicking on this button.




Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Blobb

Blobb

by Stana D.S.

Finished Toy size: approximately 4 - 4.5” (10 - 12 cm) tall

Yarn: You will need less than a ball of yarn in sport to medium worsted weight. Also you will need small amount of black embroidery yarn for embroidering the face.

Recommended Needles size: Double pointed needles US #3/3.25mm (set of 4)

Notions:

Yarn needle, crochet hook, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag).

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.

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.

Gauge: will vary with the yarn used.



INSTRUCTIONS:

Body: With the yarn and three pointed needles cast on 60sts. (20sts. per needle)

Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.

Row 1 - 10: Knit around (60sts. total)

Row 11: *SSK, Knit 18; repeat from * around, 19sts per needle (57sts total)

Row 12: * Knit 9, SSK, Knit 8; repeat from * around, 18sts per needle (54sts total)

Row 13: *SSK, Knit 16; repeat from * around, 17sts per needle (51sts total)

Row 14: * Knit 8, SSK, Knit 7; repeat from * around, 16sts per needle (48sts total)

Row 15: *SSK, Knit 14; repeat from * around, 15sts per needle (45sts total)

Row 16: * Knit 7, SSK, Knit 6; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (42sts total)

Row 17: *SSK, Knit 12; repeat from * around, 13sts per needle (39sts total)

Row 18: * Knit 6, SSK, Knit 5; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (36sts total)

Row 19: *SSK, Knit 10; repeat from * around, 11sts per needle (33sts total)

Row 20: * Knit 5, SSK, Knit 4; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (30sts total)

Row 21: *SSK, Knit 8; repeat from * around, 9sts per needle (27sts total)

Row 22: * Knit 4, SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 8sts per needle (24sts total)

Row 23: *SSK, Knit 6; repeat from * around, 7sts per needle (21sts total)

Row 24: * Knit 3, SSK, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (18sts total)

Row 25: SSK all around, 3sts per needle (9sts total)

Row 26: Knit around (9sts total)

Row 27: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around, 2sts per needle (6sts total)

Row 28: SSK all around (3sts total). Continue in I-cord till the length of I-cord 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.

Bottom: Attach the yarn to the rim with cast on sts. With a crochet hook, or DPN pick up 60sts on the inside part of the bottom edge. Divide the sts evenly onto 3DPN (20sts per needle) and begin working in the round. Begin to stuff the body with fiberfill.

Row 1: *SSK, Knit 8; repeat from * around, 18sts per needle (54sts total)

Row 2: *SSK, Knit 7; repeat from * around, 16sts per needle (48sts total)

Row 3: *SSK, Knit 6; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (42sts total)

Row 4: *SSK, Knit 5; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (36sts total)

Row 5: *SSK, Knit 4; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (30sts total)

Row 6: *SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 8sts per needle (24sts total)

Row 7: *SSK, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 6sts per needle (18sts total)

Row 8: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)

Row 9: SSK all around (6sts total). Finish stuffing the body with fiberfill. 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: With the black embroidery yarn embroider the eyes and mouth on Blobb's face, using the picture as a guide, or make your own face. 

Note: It is possible to make Blobb in one piece. You would start with the I-cord at the top. After making the I-cord, the decrease rows  would be increase rows instead, and you would make KFB instead of SSK  (You would start at the row 28 and work your way in opposite direction towards the row 1).  Purl row 1 and than continue with the bottom decrease. I prefer the other direction simply because my decrease stitches look neater than my increase stitches.

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.



New Adventure

It probably took me few years of going back and forth in my mind. But finally, I made that leap of faith and jumped.
I have opened my Etsy store

Stana's Critters etc.

It's a work in progress. I am not sure what will happen next, but it sure will benefit everyone.
I will design more knitted patterns, the toys will hopefully find new home and I hope to have happy customers. In the process I might make some money to buy more yarn, which I would use to make more toys for the charity purposes.
Thank you for visiting.

How to create soft and cuddly monster

Few weeks ago, my child draw a picture. It was a very specific drawing, with many details. Then I was asked to knit this monster. As always I couldn't say no. We picked the color and yarn.
I took my knitting needles and began to experiment.

 I always wonder if I can capture the vision of the artist. If I can translate the two dimensional drawing into the three dimensional knitted toy. I must have done a good job, since I have received several hugs and kisses in exchange for a new toy to play with.

We named him (or her?) Loopy.

In a sense this is what design is about. Translate an idea or a vision into an actual product.

Now, I have some more drawings. And of course  more monsters to knit.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Jiggle

         

Jiggle
by Stana D.S.

Finished Toy size: approximately 8” (20cm) tall

Yarn: You will need less than a ball of yarn in sport to medium worsted weight. Also you will need small amount of red yarn for mouth and black embroidery yarn for embroidering the eyes.

Recommended Needles size: Double pointed needles US #3/3.25mm (set of 5)

Notions:

Yarn needle, crochet hook, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), stitch holders,two safety eyes,small piece of red felt for heart.

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:

Body:

With the main color yarn and one double pointed needles cast on 15sts.
Row 1: Knit 15, then turn the work upside down, with second and third needle pick up and knit 15sts along the cast on edge. Place a stitch marker on the first st., and continue working in the round. (30sts total)
Row 2: *KFB, Knit 13, KFB; repeat from * around (34sts total)
Row 3: *KFB, Knit 15, KFB; repeat from * around (38sts total)
Row 4: *KFB, Knit 17, KFB; repeat from * around (42sts total)
Row 5: *KFB, Knit 19, KFB; repeat from * around (46sts total)
Row 6: *KFB, Knit 21, KFB; repeat from * around (50sts total)
Row 7: Purl around (50sts total)
Row 8 - 56: Knit around 49 rows (50sts total). Stuff the body with fiberfill. At this point transfer the last 9sts in the row onto a stitch holder.
Row 57: Knit first 9sts, and transfer them onto the stitch holder. Knit and cast off the next 7sts from the front and 7sts from the back of your work, using the method of 3 needles bind off. Divide the remaining 18sts onto 3 or 4 needle and continue in the round with these 18sts.
Row 58 - 67: Knit around 10 rows (18sts total). Insert the safety eye at this point if using them.
Row 68: SSK all around (9sts total)
Row 69: Knit around (9sts total). Finish stuffing the top of Jiggle's head. 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.
Transfer the 18sts from the stitch holders onto DPN and reattach the yarn, leaving long enough tail. Repeat the Rows 58 -  69 for the second top part of Jiggle's body.  With the long tail from the reattached yarn sew up and secure the openings on the top of Jiggle's body.

Lips: With two double pointed needles, cast on 4sts in red yarn.

Row 1: Knit 4, then turn the work upside down, with second needle pick up and knit 4 sts along the cast on edge.

Row 2: Knit around, 4 sts per needle, (8sts total)

Row 3: *KFB, knit 2, KFB, repeat from * around, (12sts total)

Row 4: 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. Sew the lips on the face of Jiggle using the picture as a guide.  

Finishing: If not using the safety eyes, embroider the eyes, using the picture as a guide. Also you can cut out the heart shape from the red felt and sew it onto the Jiggle's chest.

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.

Rumbling Of the Soul

This post is not a typical one for this blog.

 Mostly my blog Stana's Critters Etc. is all about knitting and Knitting Patterns. The most favorite posts are those that are actual Knitting Patterns, and that's fine with me. I enjoy when other people make something that I have designed and created. It's actually very satisfying to see other people's project and interpretations of my designs and ideas. To see how much joy the knitted critters can bring to their recipients.

But there is more to me, than knitting. Usually, I try to keep it out of the way, but today I feel like sharing this other part of me with you, my readers.  As a perpetual student in the field of Creative Writing I take various writing classes, and this spring I took a poetry class. It was interesting class and even though I do not consider myself a poet I enjoyed it. I must have done something right because the professor asked for a signed copy of my work titled "Voices of Babel". It's a visual poem with words in several languages repeating the same words "My journey through life from birth to death". The professor even suggested to me that I should submit the work. But the world of aspiring writers is filled with endless piles of rejection letters and unreplied query letters. Once in a while I feel so helpless that I want to give up, but it's like with the knitting, once you started you cannot stop. You may leave it aside for a while, but you always return to it.  I would like to end this post with another poem from the portfolio I created during the poetry class. The portfolio was titled Journeys and I hope that you will all enjoy the journeys you have ahead.

Thank you for visiting.

I walk alone

To visit the place

Where I buried

My dream

Monkey business

A mom to be, has a thing for monkeys.  The nursery theme is monkeys.
Yet, nobody knows if the baby will also enjoy  monkeys. Is it important at this point?
What to do?

A small knitted monkey to make the mom to be happy.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Wormie

Wormie by Stana D.S.

Finished toy size: 6" (15cm)
Yarn: Approximately 180g of yarn in medium weight. I have used various remnants of yarn, all in similar thickness and weight. Small ball of white yarn (for body, arms, and eyes), small amount of red yarn (for lips), and small amount of black yarn (for eyes).
Recommended Needle Size: DPN US#3/3.25mm (set of 4). Or use your preferred needles for knitting in the round. Also the tool for making the tubes, or you can do the I-cord technique.
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), the spool for making the tubes, crochet hook.
Abbreviations: KFB = Knit in front and back of the same st, it creates 2sts from 1st.
SSK = Slip st, slip st and knit the 2sts together. This decrease 2sts to 1st.
I-cord = the stitches 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.

INSTRUCTIONS: Wormie is knitted in the rounds, start at the bottom of the body. The eyes, arms and lips are knitted separately and sewn on.  The colorful loops are made separately (whichever method you prefer - I-cord or on the spool) and sewn onto the body.

Tubes: With the DPN cast on 4sts and I-cord the tubes. Or if using the spool make the tubes on the spool. Use various colors of yarn, the length of stripes should be random, or if preferred the same length. You will need approximately 6 -7 tubes in the length of about 3meters (120") each, this depends on how big the loops will be when you will sew them onto Wormie's body.
Body:
With the yarn and three DPN cast on 6sts (2sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (6sts total)
Row 2: KFB all around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 3: Knit around (12sts total)
Row 4: KFB all around, 8sts per needle (24sts total)
Row 5: Knit around (24sts total)
Row 6: *KFB, Knit 1; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 7: Knit around (36sts total)
Row 8: *KFB, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 16sts per needle (48sts total)
Row 9 - 22: Knit around (48sts total)
Row 23: *SSK, Knit 6; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (42sts total)
Row 24 - 26: Knit around (42sts total)
Row 27: *SSK, Knit 5; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 28 - 30: Knit around (36sts total)
Row 31: *SSK, Knit 4; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (30sts total)
Row 32 - 34: Knit around (30sts total). Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the body with fiberfill.
Row 35: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around (20sts total)
Row 36: Knit around (20 sts total)
Row 37: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around, the last will be SSK (13sts total)
Row 38: Knit around (13sts total). Finish stuffing the Wormie. 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.

Eye balls (make 2):
With the yarn and three DPN cast on 9sts (3sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (9sts total)
Row 2: *KFB, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 3: * KFB, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 5sts per needle (15sts total)
Row 4: Knit around (15sts total). Change the yarn to the black yarn.
Row 5 - 6: Knit around (15sts total)
Row 7: *SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 8: Knit around (12sts total). Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the eye ball with fiberfill.
Row 9: *SSK, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (9sts total)
Row 10: Knit around (9sts total). Finish stuffing the eye ball. 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.  Sew the eye ball on Wormie's head using the picture as a guide. Repeat for the second eye ball.

Arms (make 2):
With the yarn and two DPN cast on 6sts (sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1 - 20: Knit around (6sts total)
Row 21: KFB around, 6sts per needle (12sts total) Divide the sts for 3 fingers, each finger has 4sts. You will need the first 2sts and the last 2sts for the first finger. Leave the remaining sts on a stitch holder. Continue working in the round with 4sts for the first finger
Row 22 - 24: Knit around (4sts total)
Row 25: Knit around (4sts total) Finish stuffing the finger. Cut the yarn, leaving long 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. Reattach the yarn and continue with the second finger. Use the next 2sts from the front and 2sts from the back of the arm. Repeat the rows 22 - 25 for all other fingers. Weave in all the ends.
Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle and sew the arm on the body of Wormie using the picture as a guide. Repeat for the second arm.

Lips: With the red yarn and DPN cast on 4sts.
I-cord 4rows. Continue knitting in the rounds.
Row 5: SSK around (8sts total)
Row 6: Knit around (8sts total)
Row 7: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around (12sts total)
Row 8: Knit around (12sts total)
Row 9: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around (18sts total)
Row 9: Knit around (18sts total)
Row 10: Knit and cast off all sts. Cut of the yarn and leave long enough tail. Sew the cast off sts to create the pucker up lips all around Wormie's lips, weave in the end. Thread the tail from cast on sts on a needle and sew the lips onto Wormie's body using the picture as a guide.

Finishing: Take the first tube and start sewing it onto the Wormie's body. Stitch through the tube to secure the beginning onto the body, make a small loop and secure the loop by sewing it to Wormie's body. Keep continue to make the small loops and sewing it to the Wormie's body. Start at the top of Wormie's head and work around his eyes, lips, and arms. Continue until you cover the entire body with loops. I was sewing the loops onto the body in the rounds. Finish the loops on the bottom, by creating the four loops that make it easier for Wormie to stand. See 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.



Knitting Pattern for Toadie

Toadie
 by Stana D.S.
Finished toy size: 5" (13cm)
Yarn: Less than a ball of a funky colored yarn in medium weight.
Recommended Needle Size: DPN US#3/3.25mm (set of 4). Or use your preferred needles for knitting in the round.
Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (1 small bag), small amount of white yarn for the eyes, small amount of black embroidery yarn.
Abbreviations: KFB = Knit in front and back of the same st, it creates 2sts from 1st. SSK = Slip st, slip st and knit the 2sts together. This decrease 2sts to 1st.

INSTRUCTIONS: Toadie is knitted in the rounds, start at the bottom of the body. The eyes, arms and legs are knitted separately and sewn on.
Body:
With the yarn and three DPN cast on 6sts (2sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (6sts total)
Row 2: KFB all around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 3: Knit around (12sts total)
Row 4: KFB all around, 8sts per needle (24sts total)
Row 5: Knit around (24sts total)
Row 6: *KFB, Knit 1; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 7: Knit around (36sts total)
Row 8: *KFB, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 16sts per needle (48sts total)
Row 9 - 22: Knit around (48sts total)
Row 23: *SSK, Knit 6; repeat from * around, 14sts per needle (42sts total)
Row 24 - 26: Knit around (42sts total)
Row 27: *SSK, Knit 5; repeat from * around, 12sts per needle (36sts total)
Row 28 - 30: Knit around (36sts total)
Row 31: *SSK, Knit 4; repeat from * around, 10sts per needle (30sts total)
Row 32 - 34: Knit around (30sts total). Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the body with fiberfill.
Row 35: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around (20sts total)
Row 36: Knit around (20 sts total)
Row 37: *SSK, Knit 1; repeat from * around, the last will be SSK (13sts total)
Row 38: Knit around (13sts total). Finish stuffing the Toadie. 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.

Eye balls (make 2):
With the yarn and three DPN cast on 9sts (3sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (9sts total)
Row 2: *KFB, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 3: * KFB, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 5sts per needle (15sts total)
Row 4: Knit around (15sts total). Change the yarn to the white yarn.
Row 5 - 6: Knit around (15sts total)
Row 7: *SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 8: Knit around (12sts total). Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle. Stitch through all of the cast on stitches, pull up tight to close the hole, stitch to secure. Begin to stuff the eye ball with fiberfill.
Row 9: *SSK, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (9sts total)
Row 10: Knit around (9sts total). Finish stuffing the eye ball. 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. With the black embroidery yarn embroider the pupil on the eye ball, using the picture as a guide. Sew the eye ball on Toadie's head using the picture as a guide. Repeat for the second eye ball.

Arms (make 2):
With the yarn and two DPN cast on 6sts (sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1 - 20: Knit around (6sts total)
Row 21: KFB around, 6sts per needle (12sts total) Divide the sts for 3 fingers, each finger has 4sts. You will need the first 2sts and the last 2sts for the first finger. Leave the remaining sts on a stitch holder. Continue working in the round with 4sts for the first finger
Row 22 - 24: Knit around (4sts total)
Row 25: Knit around (4sts total) Finish stuffing the finger. Cut the yarn, leaving long 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. Reattach the yarn and continue with the second finger. Use the next 2sts from the front and 2sts from the back of the arm. Repeat the rows 22 - 25 for all other fingers. Weave in all the ends.
Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle and sew the arm on the body of Toadie using the picture as a guide. Repeat for the second arm.

Legs (make 2):
With the yarn and two DPN cast on 6sts (2sts per needle). Place the stitch marker on the first st and begin working in the round.
Row 1 - 20: Knit around (6sts total)
Row 21: KFB around, 6sts per needle (12sts total)
Row 22 - 24: Knit around (12sts total)
Row 25: SSK all around (6sts total) Lightly stuff the feet part of leg. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, thread the tail on a yarn needle and stitch to secure. Thread the tail from the cast on sts on a yarn needle and sew the leg on the body of Toadie using the picture as a guide. Repeat for the second leg.

Finishing: With the black embroidery yarn embroider the mouth on Toadie's head using 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.

More of the Baby Stuff

This is the collection of photographer's props that I have been working on for a while.

Any baby dressed in the matching set of the hat and the diaper cover will be adorable.

It's a work in progress......


Thank you for visiting.

Baby gifts

Lately it seems that I always know somebody who is expecting a baby. It's such a joyful time, for the mother to be, her family and everyone around.

I must admit I love to knit for babies. It's cute and small and very quick to make. A small baby hat and a teddy bear in matching colors is the perfect gift to give to any expectant mom to be.

Thank you for visiting.

Maillie, the travelling monster

Even though it may seem that I have taken a vacation from knitting pattern writing, I am still creating new critters.

Maillie, the travelling monster is friendly and has a pocket that invites to stash something inside, perhaps a picture, a photo or a love note to be discovered at the later time.

The knitting pattern will be available.

Thank you for visiting.

The Monster Gang - part two

This is the portrait of the members of the monster gang.

These toys were created during the past three weeks as a part of Random Act of Monsters and Ravellenic games. The toys will travel soon to their new homes, hopefully bringing some comfort and smiles to their recipients.

Thank you for visiting.

The Monster Gang

It all started when I visited a friend of mine.
She showed me the little yellow tool and told me that it's fun thing to do.
I showed the tool to my mom and she told me:  "I used to make "the worms" as a child. We would sit on a branch and compete who's string touch the ground first." So she made the other tool for herself and we both began to make the colorful strings.
Than I added the body, and googly eyes, and began to sew the strings onto the body.

The result is Wormie.

Wormie started the monster gang.

The other members are coming up - Toadie, Blob, Jiggle and others. The members of the gang will be part of RAM (Random Act of Monsters) and all of them will go to their new home soon.

The knitting patterns for all of them will be available soon.

Miranda, the owl and her friends

This is Miranda, the owl and her friends.
I always wanted to knit an owl. I wanted to create one that's friendly, funky, and bright.
I think Miranda and her friends turned out the way I was hoping for.
The local library offers raffle tickets for every hour of reading for children during the summer reading program. I have donated few of these knitted toys for the raffle program.
The next step is to sit down and write the knitting pattern for others to make their own bright and funky owls.

Thank you for visiting.

Knitting Pattern for Blueberries

Blueberries (or Grapes)
by Stana D. S.
Finished Toy: Approximately 1" diameter
Yarn: Small amount of blue-purple sport to medium weight yarn. If making the grapes, small amount of green color yarn.
Recommended Needles size: DPN US # 3/3.25mm (set of 4)
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.
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:
With the yarn and three double pointed needles cast on 9sts (3sts per needle) Place a stitch marker on the first st, and begin working in the round.
Row 1: Knit around (9sts total)
Row 2: *KFB, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle ((12sts total)
Row 3: * KFB, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 5sts per needle (15sts total)
Row 4 -6: Knit around (15sts total)
Row 7: *SSK, Knit 3; repeat from * around, 4sts per needle (12sts 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 blueberry with fiberfill.
Row 8: *SSK, Knit 2; repeat from * around, 3sts per needle (9sts total)
Row 9: Knit around. Finish stuffing. Cut the yarn, leaving long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the reminding stitches on needles, gather up and close the hole, stitch to secure.
First blueberry is done.
Finishing: If making grapes, sew the finished grapes together to form the cluster. I-cord short green stem, and sew it to the top of the cluster of grapes.

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.

Knitting Pattern for Bitzer, the dog

Here it is, the knitting pattern for Bitzer, the dog.

The toy is approximately 27" tall (if knitted on DPN US#7/4.5mm and with double strain of yarn) or 20" tall (if knitted on DPN US#5/3.5mm and with single strain of yarn).

The pattern is in PDF format available for you to download for free by clicking on this button.

download now

Happy knitting and thank you for visiting.