My Teeny-Tiny Minions

This past month I have started playing Dungeons & Dragons with a Meetup group in Manhattan.  I've never played before, but the group has been great and very helpful teaching me the rules. There are basically two ways to play. You can be an adventurer and try to take take on the bad guys or you can be the dungeon master and lead the adventure and control the bad guys. Most of the time I am an adventurer, but the way our group works every takes a turn being a dungeon master.

I still don't have a great grasp of the rules, so when my turn to lead the group came up, I decided to play to my strengths. To set up the game board I knit all the bad guys using Anna's new book Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi. My adventurers had to face panthers, gnomes and eladrin, so I had to improvise, but I was able to get the point across.





I confess they probably were not as intimidating as teeny-tiny knits, but now the whole group knows what they are in for when they play with me. Now I need to go work out a teeny-tiny wolf.

Wintercrest Wizard

I got so excited about this that I forgot to blog.





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Migrated

My flock is finally finished. Weaving in all of the ends was a daunting task

While I tackled those, Hubby sewed them onto the branches and arranged the birds. It took both of us the better part of an afternoon, but it was a lovely result.




Here is a baby's eye view!




I love it! Hubby was having trouble letting it go. He had it hanging in our living room right up until I packed it up to ship out. Eventually they migrated south (a bit late but all in one piece) to our friends and their new baby. I hope he enjoys those adorable tummy stripes as much as I do.

WIP: Growing Flock

My flock hasn't gotten much attention lately but my time table has been pushed way up. Fortunately these birds are quick little knits. I only have two more before I start the branches and leaves. I've found the best way to get work done on these is to carry all of my supplies for the project around in one bag. It really is more than I need for any bit of knitting, but these work up so quickly that it is only a bit of knitting before I am changing colors or sewing up a new piece. I feel like I'm carrying around an ridiculous amount, but I am not getting stuck with nothing to do after 10 minutes of knitting. No hangups means progress continues. Now on to the next one, with a green tail, and maybe yellow stripes.

Billy - Class of 2011

From Billy's introduction letter:


Hello,


My twin brother Willy and I decided to sign up for the internship program because we were inspired by the Abbott and Costello programs we saw during class. We saw how funny they were and then thought how much more wonderful it would be if they would have been twins like us! I am looking forward to getting to observe your family and learn all of the great things that I can from you, hopefully faster than my brother does from his host family!






Favorite Joke:


What did the right eye say to the left eye?
Between us, something smells.




Jessica's pattern is written completely flat. Even the adorable tail is done back and forth and seamed up so for Billy I decided to do everything in the round. I used Susan's Elefante feet and then just converted Jessica's purls to knits and rows to rounds.

Willy - Class of 2011

From Willy's introduction letter:

Hello,


My twin brother Billy and I decided to sign up for the internship program because we were inspired by the Abbott and Costello programs we saw during class. We saw how funny they were and then thought how much more wonderful it would be if they would have been twins like us! I am looking forward to getting to observe your family and learn all of the great things that I can from you, hopefully faster than my brother does from his host family!








Favorite Joke:


How do you catch a squirrel?
Climb a tree and act like a nut.





These brothers are a great little lesson in gauge. Billy was knit on a set of needles one size smaller than Willy. You can look at the class photo for a great comparison of their size difference. I think I like the tighter gauge better for toys. I can stuff them a little tighter and now worry about the innards showing through the stitches.

Marcy - Class of 2011

From Marcy's introduction letter:


Hello,


My name is Marcy. My grandmother says I’m shy, but I’m just quiet. Either way I think this internship is really going to help. Grandma thinks it will bring me out of my shell, but I am just hoping to work on my comedic timing. I am looking forward to getting to know you.










Favorite Joke:


What did the fish say when it hit the concrete wall?
Dam!



This is Maddy's cousin. They lived a couple towns over from each other but ended up at the same university  and in the same program. Marcy doesn't talk much, but Maddy chattered enough for the both of them. At her internship she has 6 very qualified mentors to help her find her voice. I'm pretty jealous of her current opportunity.

Jimmy - Class of 2011

From Jimmy's Introduction Letter:

Hi,


You can call me Jimmy. My family has been in energy obtainment for generations. I grew up learning all of my father’s best scare tactics, so I am counting on this internship to help me catch up. I want to be as good of a comedian as I am a scarer. My hero used to be Axe Cop, but lately I’ve been trying to pay more attention to Jughead. Thank you for this opportunity. With your help, I’ll make my dad proud.




Favorite Joke:


What is the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
Anyone can roast beef.




I am really proud of Jimmy's mohawk. Not only did I find a use for some left over fun fur, but it looks fantastic! I was so caught up in making that I didn't even think about the jog in my stripes. If I was smart I would have put the mohawk over the the new round repeat, but I was too worried about making it work to make it perfect. Next time I'll do better. The one regret I do have about Jimmy is his plastic eye. I tried to make sure that every one in the cohort that was going to live with a young child would be resilient and safe for rough housing. The plastic eyes are not child safe (they can pop out and be swallowed by the very determined) and I just found out in the past month that the family he is going to live with is expecting a new arrival.

Maddy - Class of 2011

From Maddy's Introduction letter:
Hi!


Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am very excited about getting to spend some time observing your world. I am a huge fan of music and movies. I also love to go shopping with my friends. I know that we are going to have a lot of fun together and I’m confident that I am going to learn a lot from you.






Favorite Joke:


Knock, Knock
Who’s there?
A cow goes...
A cow goes who?
No! A cow goes moo!

Maddy was the start of this entire project. I wanted to do something special for a girlfriend. She is almost as big of a Monsters, Inc. fan as I am (though she makes up for it with her undying love of other Disney creations.) I had tried to make her a Hug, but mine just looked creepy. I decided to go through my queue and find something huggable. Penelope was perfect.

I wrote up the internship letter from Roz. As each monster finished they hung out in my apartment and Hubby and I started coming up with tidbits about them to include in their introduction letter. Right before sending them out I decided to include their favorite jokes in the introduction letter. I think it gives the host families a good sense of where their humor levels are at.

The Class of 2011

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I present to you the Monster's Incorporated graduating class of 2011!

Class of 2011

This cohort has completed all of the classes and training that Monster's Incorporated can offer. Now they are leaving for their internships to perfect their comedy styles.  They would like to give a special thank you to their commencement speaker Fred Rickert and their instructors: Kat Lewinski, Angela Tennant, Rebecca Danger, Jessica Zoz, and Heather Rupe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I started this project in October and I have loved every moment of it since. A couple of weeks ago, several of my friends received this letter:

Class of 2011

Over the last week they have been receiving their interns. I've already been getting pictures of them in their new homes and promises of Flat Stanley style updates! I'm loving it. Over the next week I'll post about each of them individually and tell you knitterly things as well, but before I go any further I want to give a big thanks to Hubby for helping me create these creatures (in every aspect other than knitting), for keeping my secret, for helping me not ruin the surprise, and for being the official class photographer.

Class of 2011

Not a Flock Yet

I am burnt out on secret knitting, so there is nothing secret about this project. Friends are having a baby, so I've decided to make them a mobile. I confess that a mobile was not really my idea. Meg Bakewell planted the idea in my head before  I even knew my friends were expecting. Her pattern Flock, from the Spring 09 Knitty, instantly won my heart.

I have already finished the first bird, and I am in love with this pattern. Meg did a fantastic job designing these birds. The shape of them is perfect and they knit up quickly in just three pieces. I am excited about the other four.

Queued: Monterey Sea Otter

From Cara Key

I have another toy pattern in my queue. This one is unique because I am determined to make not one but two Monterey Sea Otters for me. Generally, I make toys to give away. I currently don't have much need for toys, but I won't be sharing these.

The last Cara Key pattern that I made was fantastic. I made Alfonso the Monkey and I cannot gush enough. The pattern was fantastic and the outcome was adorable. I really had a hard time parting with it. The sad part of this story though is that to date (and I check back every month or so) Cara and I are the only ones who have posted pictures of this cute cute CUTE monkey. I want other people to make this pattern. I want to see more Alfonso and all of the adorable versions that are just waiting to be made. Make this toy! Don't wait! You will love him as I did.

But back to the otters. I am making two of these. Why two? Because I am going to knit myself up this sweetness.

Were Are They Now Continued 2KCBWDAY4

I already covered Day 4, but now I have pictures!

From Rikki

Look at that cutie with his bunny and... coffee cup...

From Rikki

Something is brewing in that noggin...

From Rikki

There it is. it is a novice mistake of a professional magician. They are not supposed to share their tricks, but clearly Sam here hides the bunny in his travel mug before pulling it out of a hat. It is pretty brilliant. No one has ever search my mug for rabbits.

From Eskimimi Knits

Where Are They Now? - 2KCBWDAY4

From Eskimimi Knits

Where Are They Now? - Write about the fate of a past knitting project. Whether it be something that you crocheted or knitted for yourself or to give to another person. An item that lives with you or something which you sent off to charity.
There are a lot of different aspects to look at when looking back at a knitting project and it can make for interesting blogging, as much of the time we blog about items recently completed, new and freshly completed. It is not so often that we look back at what has happened to these items after they have been around for a while.

I decided right away which project I wanted to hunt down and find out about.

This bunny was a gift to the new son of a friend from college. He is now a year old, and part of one of the sweetest, funniest and most generous families I know. I can always count on my friend Rikki for a smile and unique advice. She has promised me some pictures of Sam and his bunny, but I haven't gotten them yet. I'm sure they will come, but until then, you will have to enjoy this baby video.


Did you see that comedic timing? How could that bunny not be loving life in that house? It is not possible. Everything is good for him.

Find out the fate of other finished projects.

The Brick Thief

It is the middle of the week, the weather is fantastic, and I just got home from a wonderful meetup, so I would like to share something playful with you.



via LikeCool

Queued: Zozo

From P. Wickens

You are probably not surprised to learn that I like toys. They simply make me smile and I appreciate that. This adorable little alien, Zozo, is no exception. Pauline did an incredible job on this pattern. If those smiles are some how resistible to you, check out the cute little fingers. If you follow the link, you'll find extra cuteness in their tails.

Toys are great because you can use left over yarn, you don't need to gauge, and they are great gifts for everyone. I have just made a few toys so far, and but most of my pattern books are for toys. I find it a little difficult to knit at the tighter gauge especially when I knit with cotton. The real challenge is also the most fun: the faces. Every time I finish a toy, I have a great time working out the different expressions that can come from embroidery or buttons. I am just starting to get the hang of sewing on a face, and I'm amazed at how much just a couple stitches can give a whole personality.

When I started knitting toys, I thought I hated them. (That is completely because I was knitting dishcloth cotton on a set of US3 DPNs. I thought that I was going to break my fingers.) Now, I am completely addicted. I am drawn in by their great shapes and cute faces. My queue is full of them.

Queued: Knitted Kaleidocycles

When I decided to start blogging every day, I new I would run out of catching up on FOs and WIPs.  All along I've had a plan.  I am starting reoccurring feature called Queued.  Unlike Follow Friday, I don't have a set schedule for these posts. To be completely honest, I am going to write one of these when I don't have anything else I want to update about.  Today for example, I am still wrapped up in secret knitting and I cant tell you anything about it. As I mentioned my goal is to just write regularly, so I am introducing Queued.  In these posts, I will be showing off a pattern from my Ravelry queue.  I'll write about why I like it and hopefully feature some other knitter's projects that I find inspiring.  My queue currently has 960 projects and it's growing.  Let the project parade begin!

From Brent Annable

Knitted Kaleidocycles was designed by Brent Annable. This is a fantastic little toy that I am certain could mesmerize me for hours.  Hubby has already requested one (or more) for his desk.  I think it could be soothing to have on hand at work.  I also think that Dad would enjoy one as well.  Really anyone who likes to fiddle with things would probably enjoy one of these.  Fiddly toys are rarely as soft and cuddly as hand knits so this one this one gets extra points.

If you haven't seen this pattern before, you are probably wondering why I am using words like mesmerizing and soothing and talking about fiddling.  Well, you will just have to see them in action. This video is from the designer and it will show you how great these really are.






What do you think?  Are you hooked?  I agree with Brent, I'd like to pick one up and just give it a turn.

Nedroid Knits

Do you read Nedroid.com? If you do, than I don't have to introduce you to Reginald and Beartato. If you have no idea who I am talking about, I suggest you go check them out. They are best friends who were introduced to me by a couple of great friends. Both pairs never fail to make me smile.

About two days after I swore off knitting any more secret gifts, a new comic popped up and I realized Beartato is just ball and I could easily make him. Reginald I was a little intimidated by, until I noticed how much he was shaped like Sophie. I was instantly obsessed with making these for my friends, but they are avid twitter users and far more aware of what is on the Internet than I am. If I wanted ti to be a surprise, I had to go back to knitting in secret. Now the secret is out, so I can tell you all about my favorite toys.

Pattern: Sophie by YsoldaTeague

Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport in Hydrangea

Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)

Notes: I made Reginald first because I knew it would be easier to scale Beartato to fit him. I started with Sophie's head an body then I tried to make his arms a bit more wing-like. I made them flat and had them taper out and come to a point at the end rather than the rounded end in the pattern. The legs I made much smaller and gave him some little make shift feet just to close them off.

The beak was the hardest. I had to redo it about three times because I couldn't get the size quite right. I picked up stitches on the face similar to the other pick ups in the pattern, but this was in a triangle with seven stitches on the bottom and five on each side. Then I just decreased every other row until it came to a point. The bottom of the beak was the same except with five stitches on top and three on each side.

I debated for a long time about the eyes. They seemed too big to just embroider or duplicate stitch on. Then I remembered the giraffe from Itty-Bitty Toys. I made two giraffe spots in black and they were the perfect size. Though I must admit, in the comic, you never get to see Reginald straight on. Now that I've made a 3-dimensional version I can see why. When you've got both of Reginald's eyes on you, he is a terrifying bug like creature. I decided to take all of my pictures in profile to be true to his light-hearted nature.

Pattern: Oh Balls! by Marcie Nishioka

Needles: US 3 (3.25 mm)

Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll in Cocoa held double

Notes: Beartato was much simpler. I did expect him to turn out a little longer in the body than he did, but I still think he looks great. I increased in the Oh Balls! way until I felt it was about right then a did a couple straight rounds. I did the white for the teeth with short rows, did a few more straight round and then decreased until he was done. His ears are similar to the ones I made for the dragon scarf and everything else was embroidered and duplicate stitched on. His arms and legs are just two pieces of string drawn through his body and knotted on the ends. They are 'floating' in there so if he has to do any super high fives, he's got the stretch.

I loved making both of these guys. I may have a bit of design in me after all, but for now I'm happy just working on all the incredible patterns that other people have already written up.

Here's to friends!