Crazy Cute Creatures!

I know … I know … I said I wasn’t going to buy any more books, but how could I resist this one? Amigurumi Knits by Hansi Singh is full of crazy critters created from bits and pieces of left-over yarn. 

The patterns are colorful, so very creative and utterly adorable! What child could resist a red octopus, striped spider or the Loch Ness monster made out of soft alpaca??

My favorite though is the praying mantis knit in bright green yarn with incredible detail. Often thought of as good luck, we always cherish them when we discover one on a bush or tree on the farm. (… off on a tangent …) Last summer at the farmers market, I bought a 2’ high mantis made from old shovels and bits of junk metal. “Manny” as we dubbed him, has a place in the garden off the deck overlooking a bird bath.

I’m always looking for interesting patterns to knit or crochet and was excited to find one for a small llama purse. I’ve seen the purses for sale on various sites but have not run across a pattern until now. It looks like a fun diversion and would be a really cute gift for a little girl.

I’ll share the results of some of my creatures as they come to life.

Stay warm! Liz

I hereby resolve …

For some reason I always feel the need to declare a new year’s resolution. More often than not they don’t stick very long. Last year I resolved to use up the yarn in my stash before buying any more. While I did buy some yarn, I didn’t do too bad working with much of what I had on hand. Generally the skeins I bought were for a specific project where more yarn was required in a color or weight than I had on hand.

The 2^nd part of the resolution ‘making at least one pattern in each book I own’ didn’t pan out as well. I did make several things from my own patterns but somehow it’s hard to resist when I’m on so many email lists and patterns come my way about every day. And there are so many wonderful free patterns (thank you)! In my defense, I can assure you that I love each and every book I own and have poured through them over and over again, each time seeing something that renews my creative juices. That’s got to be worth something.

So, this year, I resolve to finish all the ‘works-in-process’ I have in various stages of completion. Let’s see … 2/3rds of a Fair Isle mitten, 2 or 3 brim hats, a lacy cardigan sweater … and then there’s the line-up of projects I have already pulled together with pattern, yarn and needles ready to go … more hats, 1 or 2 scarves, a cabled capelet … to name a few. Yes, I’ll do my best to finish all those WIPs in between some new projects (like the adorable ‘mad bomber hat’ pattern I just found!).

A glimpse of summer ...

There’s nothing like sitting in the yard at day’s end on a nice summer evening to watch the alpacas. It’s a great time to catch the crias at play and the best way I can think of to wind down. 

Sorry to make you think of summer half-way through winter! J  I just couldn’t help sharing this photo.

Warmest regards! Liz

Huntress Sweater

I made this sweater for myself (a rare occasion) and then decided I’m just not worthy! Actually I have a wardrobe full of alpaca sweaters now and not enough places to wear them all! 

The sweater is made from a blend of Ginger Snap, ChiChi and Cloudy – super-soft, yes they are! It’s thick and cozy warm, and it’s possible that it still may end up in my wardrobe.   

Warmest regards! Liz

  

    

New product will soon be on-line!

My good friend’s daughter, Kaitie and boyfriend, Dustin modeled some of my outfits and accessories on New Year’s Eve. Kaitie and Dustin both had such natural smiles making my products looks “so fine!”

Here’s Kaitie modeling the slouch hat made from Spirit’s cria fleece. Très chic!

And Dustin modeling my Embers ribbed scarf and hat. 

Watch for these items and several others on-line soon! 

Warmest wishes for a happy new year!

Liz