Summer 2024

 

My summer project is to knit another rattlesnake. I was asked to make one, and I looked through my yarn stash and picked up the yarn in the colors I wanted to use. I have not started to knit the snake, yet and now I have a bit of deadline to finish this project, simply because I was procrastinating. 

After a year of missing, I am again participating in the Ami-a-long, an event for knitters and crocheters to create toys using the patterns from participating designers. Post about it on Ravelry, and be eligible to win a pattern from the participating designers. Ami-a-long group on Ravelry has more information in regard to who is participating designer and all the details.

As soon as I finish the rattlesnake, I should be able to concentrate on the next toy mystery KAL. I will post more details when I have everything ready. 

In the meantime, I hope that you have a fun filled summer. 

Thank you for visiting.

Stana

Fran, the toy mystery KAL and some new patterns

 

Sensory Caterpillar is one of the two new patterns that I have added to Ravelry and to Lovecraft. I have created the pattern for Knitpicks IDP program, and the pictured sample uses their Dishie yarn.

My second pattern Calypso Hat and Cowl that I have just added to Ravelry was also created for Knitpicks IDP and it just got published on Knitpicks website as well. The pattern uses Knitpicks Wool of the Andes Bulky weight.  

Link to Ravelry:  My designer page

Link to Lovecraft: My patterns on Lovecraft

Link to Knitpicks: Calypso Hat and Cowl and Sensory Caterpillar

Fran, the next toy mystery KAL will start next Monday, August 21st, 2023. 

You can sign up for my newsletter and receive a coupon code for the pattern and a free toy pattern on my website: Stana's Critters etc.

Also, you can get the pattern for 50% off by using the coupon code: Fran 

The coupon code is valid from today until August 24th, 2023. 

As always, I appreciate your visits, comments and please don't forget to follow me, here or on Instagram: stanascrittersetc

Grande Gatto and Cleo.

 

Grande Gatto II

Grande Gatto was originally created for jumbo weight yarn. The yarn company discontinued the yarn and sent me a replacement yarn to create an update to the pattern. I love to create toys in cotton yarn as it has proved over the years to be durable and last well through the years of play time, washing, and travelling. Therefore, I have picked two cotton yarns to held together to knit the new samples. I have used the Billow and Snuggle Puff yarn by Knitpicks for the samples. The first sample was knit as the original. Due to the yarn and needle size change the toy turned out to be about 10" (25.5 cm) tall. I created a second sample, and then a third sample, which came close to the original Gatto size of 15" (38 cm) tall. 

The pattern is updated on Ravelry, and you can purchase it here: Grande Gatto on Ravelry. 

You can also purchase the pattern on Payhip: Grande Gatto 

Sometime this week I will add the pattern to Lovecraft website, and the pattern will be also at some point on Knitpicks website.

Cleo

Cleo, is our next toy mystery KAL. During the next week I will add the pattern to Ravelry and create the timeline for the clues to be released over the period of 3 weeks. 

I will add the link to the pattern here: 

The pattern will be discounted during the period of toy mystery KAL, and there will be a coupon code for the subscribers of my newsletter to get the pattern for free. Visit my website to sign up for the newsletter to get the special discounts and savings.

Stana's Critters Etc

Once the mystery toy KAL is over the pattern will be priced as my other toy patterns and will be added to Payhip and Lovecraft website. 

Stana's Critters Etc on Payhip

Stana's Critters Etc on Lovecraft

Toys, toys, toys....

 

Toys and more

I have to admit, my favorite knitting projects are usually toys. I love to make them and even more I enjoy giving them away. Sometimes I get to do special requests toys that require me to be creative and use more than just knitting needles in order to capture the image or an idea. In the collage picture above, you can see some of the toys I have made over the past few months. 

The large picture has our dog posing with a large teddy bear and a small cat. They were both Christmas presents for two small children. The two dolls in the bottom corner were created to replicate drawings of a young artist, and they were received with a huge smile on the artist's face. The cat in the top corner was made for a colleague of mine at work. One day we were talking, and he showed me a picture of this peaceful looking yoga posing cat and I tried to recreate that image, while adding the coloration of his own cat.  

At the moment I am working on a new toy mystery KAL. I have to get the PDF files ready with all the clues and set the dates and hopefully it will bring some smiles to anyone who will participate. I will post more information as soon as I have everything ready. Here is a sneak preview of the yarn I am using for Cleo.

Cleo, toy mystery KAL

I spent yesterday evening knitting a new sample for my older pattern named Grande Gatto. Here is a link to the original blog post about the pattern. The jumbo weight yarn that the original Grande Gatto was made in has been discontinued and I have received new yarn from Knitpicks to give the pattern an update. The original Grande Gatto made in jumbo weight yarn measured about 15" / 38 cm, the new resized Grande Gatto is about 10" / 25.5 cm, which is still a decent size for a huggable toy or a cool decoration. It might be on a smaller size as a pillow, but I may make another sample with different stitch counts and rounds to make the Grande Gatto closer to the original size. 

Grande Gatto

Grande Gatto

Thank you for visiting.

Corey, clue 3

 

Third Clue:
Wings (make 2):
With the MC yarn and DPN, CO 6 sts. Work flat.
Row 1: KFB, (K1, P1) 2x, K1 (7 sts total)
Row 2: (P1, K1) 3x, P1
Row 3: KFB, (P1, K1) 3x (8 sts total)
Row 4: (P1, K1) 4x
Row 5: KFB, (K1, P1) 3x, K1 (9 sts total)
Row 6: (P1, K1) 4x, P1
Row 7: KFB, (P1, K1) 4x (10 sts total)
Row 8: (P1, K1) 5x
Row 9: KFB, (K1, P1) 4x, K1 (11 sts total)
Row 10: (P1, K1) 5x, P1
Rows 11, 13, 15, 17: (K1, P1) 5x, K1
Rows 12, 14, 16, 18: (P1, K1) 5x, P1
Row 19: K2tog, (K1, P1) 4x, K1 (10 sts total)
Rows 20, 21, 22: (P1, K1) 5x
Row 23: K2tog, (P1, K1) 4x (9 sts total)
Rows 24, 26: (P1, K1) 4x, P1
Row 25: (K1, P1) 4x, K1
Row 27: K2tog, (K1, P1) 3x, K1 (8 sts total)
Rows 28, 29, 30: (P1, K1) 4x
Row 31: K2tog, (P1, K1) 3x (7 sts total)
Rows 32, 34: (P1, K1) 3x, P1
Row 33: (K1, P1) 3x, K1
Row 35: K2tog, (K1, P1) 2x, K1 (6 sts total)
Rows 36, 37, 38: (P1, K1) 3x
Row 39: K2tog, (P1, K1) 2x (5 sts total)
Rows 40, 42: (P1, K1) 2x, P1
Row 41: (K1, P1) 2x, K1
Row 43: K2tog, K1, P1, K1 (4 sts total)
Rows 44, 45: (P1, K1) 2x
Row 46: K2tog, P1, K1 (3 sts total)
Row 47: P1, K1, P1
Row 48: K3tog (1 st total)
Cut the yarn, leaving a long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitch. Secure the end. 

Legs (make 2):
With the MC yarn and DPN, CO on 9 sts. PM on the first st and begin working in the rnd.
Rnds 1 – 2: Knit. Cut off MC. Attach C2. Continue with C2 only.
Rnd 3: (SSK, K1) 3x (6 sts total)
Rnds 4 – 6: Knit
If using the pipe cleaners, cut and bend small piece around the main pipe cleaner to create three fingers. Insert the pipe cleaner with the end pointing through the CO edge. See the photo at the end for visual aid.
Continue with first 2 sts. Working around the pipe cleaners.
Increase 2 sts to 3 sts and work 3 rows I-cord. Cut the yarn approximately 2-3 yards (1.80 – 2.75 meters) long. Thread the end on a needle yarn. Pull the end through the 3 sts, close the hole. 
Pull the needle through to the next 2 sts. Increase 2 sts to 3 sts and work 3 rows I-cord. Thread the end on a needle yarn. Pull the end through the 3 sts, close the hole. 
Pull the needle through to the next 2 sts. Increase 2 sts to 3 sts and work 3 rows I-cord. Thread the end on a needle yarn. Pull the end through the 3 sts, close the hole. 
Sew the holes between the 3 I-cords creating the bottom part of the leg. 

Finishing:
With the tail from the CO sts sew the wings to the side of the body, leaving a tip of the wings pointing towards the tail. With the tail from the CO sts sew the legs to the bottom part of the body 
Using the black yarn, embroider the eyes on the side of the head, if needed add more black color to the side of the bird’s head, by embroidering it. Weave in all ends. 

Have fun knitting.

Corey, clue 2

 

Second Clue: 

Begin to stuff the xxx and xxx with fiberfill. 

Rnds 32 – 42: Knit 

Rnd 43: K8, SSK, K12, K2tog, K8 (30 sts total)

Rnds 44 – 45: Knit 

Rnd 46: K8, SSK, K10, K2tog, K8 (28 sts total)

Rnds 47 – 48: Knit 

Rnd 49: K8, SSK, K8, K2tog, K8 (26 sts total)

Rnd 50: Knit 

Rnd 51: K8, SSK, K6, K2tog, K8 (24 sts total)

Continue to stuff the xxx with fiberfill.

Rnd 52: Knit 

Rnd 53: K6, K2tog, K8, SSK, K6 (22 sts total)

Rnd 54: Knit 

Rnd 55: K5, K2tog, K8, SSK, K5 (20 sts total)

Rnd 56: K4, K2tog, K8, SSK, K4 (18 sts total)

Rnd 57: K3, K2tog, K8, SSK, K3 (16 sts total)

Rnd 58: K3, K2tog, K6, SSK, K3 (14 sts total)

Rnd 59: K2, K2tog, K6, SSK, K2 (12 sts total)

Rnd 60: K2, K2tog, K4, SSK, K2 (10 sts total)

Finish stuffing the xxx with fiberfill. Fold the pipe cleaner and insert into the opening. 

Rnds 61 – 90: Knit 

Lightly stuff the tail around the folded pipe cleaner. 

Rnd 91: K7 and mark a new beginning on the side of the xxx.

Rnd 92: (SSK, K1, K2tog) 2x (6 sts total)

Rnd 93: K3tog 2x (2 sts total)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches. Secure the end. 

XXX:

Using MC, pick up 6 sts evenly along the CO edge at the front of the xxx, PM and join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: Knit 

Rnd 2: K2tog 3x (3 sts total)

Cut the yarn, leaving a long enough tail, and thread the end on a yarn needle. Pull the end through the remaining stitches. Secure the end. 

Third Clue: February 1st, 2121 

Have fun knitting.

Corey, clue 1

 

Abbreviations: 

CO = Cast On

C1, C2 = Contrast colors

DPN = Double Pointed Needles

K = Knit

K2tog = Knit two stitches together, this decreases two stitches to one stitch.

K3tog = Knit three stitches together, this decreases three stitches to one stitch.

K4tog = Knit four stitches together, this decreases four stitches to one stitch.

KFB = Knit in front and back of the same stitch, this creates two stitches from one stitch.

MB1, MB2 = Make Bobble (see stitch glossary)

MC = Main Color

P = Purl

PM = Place Marker

Rnd, Rnds = Round, Rounds

SSK = Slip st, slip st, and knit the two stitches together, this decreases two stitches to one stitch.

St, Sts = Stitch, Stitches

W & T = Wrap and Turn

Stitch Glossary:

The bobbles are worked into 1 st before moving onto the next st in the rnd. 

MB1 = KFB, KFB, turn and P4, turn and K4tog.

MB2 = KFB, KFB, turn and P4, turn and K4, pull stitches over to decrease from 4 to 1 st.

Techniques:

I-cord:

The set amount of sts are knitted from one needle to a 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 a tube.

Short Rows: Short rows are used to add extra length or dimension to your knitting only on part of your work. Short rows are worked within regular rows by adding the W & T and then changing the direction of your knitting to reach another W & T.

You work a set amount of stitches, then perform the W & T, then continue in the opposite direction and work another set amount of sts, then perform another W & T, and continue in the original direction to the end of the row. 

Here is a link to great tutorial:  Link

INSTRUCTIONS:

When casting on leave a longer tail to be used for sewing.

First Clue:

XXX:

With the C1 yarn and DPN, CO on 6 sts. PM on the first st and begin working in the rnd.

Rnd 1: Knit 

Rnd 2: KFB 6x (12 sts total) 

Rnd 3: Knit. Attach MC.

Rnd 4: (K1 in MC, K1 in C1) 6x. Cut off C1. Continue with MC only.

Rnds 5 – 6: Knit 

Rnd 7: (KFB, K4, KFB) 2x (16 sts total)

Rnd 8: Knit 

Rnd 9: (KFB, K6, KFB) 2x (20 sts total)

Rnd 10: Short row section:

Short Row 1: K5, W&T

Short Row 2: P10, W&T

Short Row 3: K8, W&T

Short Row 4: P6 W&T

Short Row 5: K23 

Rnd 11: MB2, MB1, K16, MB1, MB2 

Rnd 12: Knit 

Rnd 13: Short row section:

Short Row 1: K4, W&T

Short Row 2: P8, W&T

Short Row 3: K6, W&T

Short Row 4: P4 W&T

Short Row 5: K22

Rnd 14: K9, K2tog, K9 (19 sts total)

Rnd 15: K9, K2tog, K8 (18 sts total)

Rnds 16 – 20: Knit 

Rnd 21: K6, KFB, K4, KFB, K6 (20 sts total)

Rnd 22: K6, KFB, K6, KFB, K6 (22 sts total)

Rnd 23: K6, KFB, K8, KFB, K6 (24 sts total)

Rnd 24: Knit 

Rnd 25: KFB, K5, KFB, K10, KFB, K5, KFB (28 sts total)

Rnd 26: Knit 

Rnd 27: KFB, K6, KFB, K12, KFB, K6, KFB (32 sts total)

Rnd 28: Knit 

Rnd 29: Short row section:

Short Row 1: K23, W&T

Short Row 2: P14, W&T

Short Row 3: K12, W&T

Short Row 4: P10 W&T

Short Row 5: K8, W&T

Short Row 6: P6 W&T

Short Row 7: K19 

Rnd 30: Knit

Rnd 31: Short row section:

Short Row 1: K23, W&T

Short Row 2: P14, W&T

Short Row 3: K12, W&T

Short Row 4: P10 W&T

Short Row 5: K8, W&T

Short Row 6: P6 W&T

Short Row 7: K19 

 

Next clue: January 25th 2021

Have fun knitting.

Corey, toy mystery KAL

 

In the picture you can see some yarn that can be used to knit Corey. For my original Corey I used the yarn in the middle, red as MC, black as C1, and the beige mixed with yellow as C2. This is only a suggestion and you can use whatever color you feel like. Corey will look great in any color. 

Usually I have the toy mystery KAL only on Ravelry in my group. This year I would like to offer the opportunity for anyone to join and knit their Corey. I will have a thread for the toy in my group on Ravelry, and you can post pictures of the work in progress there, or on Instagram or FB. Just use a hashtag #stanascrittersetc or #stanascritters and I will be able to see the photos. 

Traditionally I offer a coupon code to get the pattern for free on Ravelry during the toy mystery KAL. This year I will have the PDF file with the pattern on Ravelry for a purchase and the pattern will be periodically updated with the clues. The free option will be available here on my blog. 

So here is the first step:

Finished Toy Size: Mystery toy KAL

Yarn: Worsted weight yarn of your choice. 

Yardage: 120 – 140 yards / 109 – 129 meters of MC, 10 yards / 9 meters of C1, 20 yards / 18 meters of C2.

Recommended Needle Size: Double Pointed Needles (DPN) US # 5 / 3.75 mm (set of 5) or your preferred needles for knitting in the round.

Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, stitch marker, polyester fiberfill (small bag), two pipe cleaners (optional).

Gauge: 20 sts & 26 rows = 4” in stockinette stitch.

Clue 1: January 18th 2021 clue 1 link

Clue 2: January 25th 2021 clue 2 link

Clue 3: February 1st 2021 clue 3 link

The final pattern will be available on Payhip, Lovecraft, and Ravelry February 8th 2021

Have fun knitting.

Toy Mystery KAL - poll results

 

Last week I posted about the upcoming toy mystery KAL and asked you, the readers, to vote for the toy mystery KAL that we will knit. Here is the link to the first blog post. 

Toy mystery KAL

So counting all of the votes from across the social media, 

Toy number one: 17 votes

Toy number two: 9 votes

Toy number three: 7 votes 

These results include votes in Ravelry group, here on my blog and everywhere else that people left a vote. You can see the Poll results from my group on Ravelry in the picture bellow, in case you are not on Ravelry.

So our first toy mystery KAL for the year 2021 is a toy number one. A pile of yarn on the left side of the picture. 

Details for the upcoming mystery KAL

1. More details on the amount of yarn and material needed for the toy - January 14th 2021

2. Clue 1 - January 18th 2021

3. Clue 2 - January 25th 2021

4. Clue 3 - February 1st 2021

5. Final pattern - February 8th 2021

In my previous blog post about the toy mystery KAL I have included pictures of the previous toy mystery KALs. There were 24 toy mystery KALs , but only 23 finished toy pictures. I forgot to include Celeste, pictured bellow. In the pictures of Celeste you can see a different size and look of the toy, which is done by using variety of yarn weight and colors. 

The yarn that will be in the details for the next toy mystery KAL is only suggested and you can use whatever color or brand of yarn you wish to use. 

Celeste pattern on Ravelry

Thank you for reading.

Toy Mystery KAL

 

Over the past few years I have created 24 toy mystery Knit-a-longs. 

You can scroll through the images of the toys bellow....from the most recent one for Leonard and Lola, all the way to the very first toy mystery KAL for Harriette, which was held in October 2014.

 These toy mystery KAL's are always fun to knit and in the end you end up with a cute toy, and during the process you can learn a new technique, or practice something less familiar before using that technique in a garment knitting.

Since 2015 we start the New Year with a brand new toy mystery KAL. This year I have decided to add a little twist and hopefully interest as well.

So here is a picture of yarn I picked for the next toy mystery KAL. 

 There are actually three knitted toys that can be made, and now you, the readers have to decide wich toy will be actually our next toy mystery KAL.

1. a toy made of  one main color and two small amounts of contrast colors (left side)

2. a toy made of one main color, small amount of one contrast color, and another contrast color (middle)

3. a toy made of one main color, plus contrast color, and several contrast colors (right side)

You have a week, until the January 10th midnight of EST to make a vote for the toy that will be our next toy mystery KAL.

You can leave a comment here (it will appear after it is approved) or you can leave a comment under the same picture on Stana's critters etc on FB, or Stana's critters etc on Instagram, or in my group on Ravelry. Ravelry group

Next week after the voices are counted I will post which toy mystery KAL is going to happen and the dates for the releases of the clues. It depends on which toy is picked as they are all different.

Thank you for reading and have fun.

New Year , a bright new beginning...

 

What a year we have left behind. It will not be forgotten easily. I do not know what the New Year has in store for us, or what the future is going to be like. I can only hope and wish for more good days than the bad days and take each day one step at a time, and one breath at a time. This image, that I have taken two years ago, reminds me of the feelings I have about the past year and the year ahead. I do not know what is awaiting for me or anyone else ahead, and I know that sometimes it is not easy to continue for it just may seem to be too hard to go on and climb another step. But I also see the beauty that is visible only if we allow ourselves to see it. 

Take one day at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time. 

 I wish and hope that we all will be able to see the light even in the darkness. 

Bellow is a picture of my grandmother's yarn.  It may look like a bunch of leftovers and discarded old yarn, but in the second picture you can see that even these leftovers can be turned into something new and positive. It just takes time and it is done one stitch at a time.

Take it easy, be kind, and start small. One stitch at a time will in the end create something new. 

We will have a toy mystery KAL starting soon. More details will be in my next blog post. 

Stay safe and healthy. Thank you for reading.

Summer 2020

As the pandemic continues its rampage through the world I am trying to adjust to what is happening around me in the real world and online as well. 

Under a normal circumstances I would be visiting my mom and friends in Europe. I would be sitting on my mom's balcony and knit, while the two of us would be talking. I would call my friends from the time I lived in Europe. We would get together and sit on a sidewalk in one of those little cafés, catching up on our lives. 

I miss that this year. 

But, whenever I am away I wonder what it would be like to spend the summer at home. This year is the year I can experience that. I am spending my summer at home. I have the time to watch my garden grow. I get to enjoy fresh berries and incorporate vegetables from our garden into our meals. It is exciting to sneak in a kale and create meatballs that turns green and cause raised eyebrows and musings about "What is wrong with those meatballs?", "Why are they green?". 

And a huge bonus is that I get to talk to my mom on daily basis on Skype. I love it. I know it is not as seeing her in person, but it is a joy to be able to talk to her. 

Aside from working on few knitting patterns that will be published in the future by a third party I also get to work on some fun knitting projects. 

Remember my pattern for One fish, two fish, three fish?

Blog post about it

I am revisiting the pattern and have fun with creating more fish and play with the idea of a food chain and who gets to eat who. I will be posting an updated pattern for this fun food chain sometime next week or so and if you are on Ravelry and a member of my group you can join the Knit-a-long hosted in my group. Otherwise the pattern will be available on Lovecraft, Ravelry. 

Recently I have opened a store on Payhip where you can purchase some of my patterns. I am slowly adding more patterns to that store, so check it out. Payhip store

Thank you for visiting.