Hi everyone,

This is my version of the Vintage Shawl pattern from Runway Knits by Berta Karapetyan.  The pattern uses ladders and drop stitches to make a really pretty pattern.

Modeled by Myrtle:



Close-ups of stitch pattern:





Close-up of reverse side:



In my version, I did a mock cable instead of a stockinette.  At least I think that's what it's called.  Row 1: K 2nd from needle, k first from needle, slip both off, k 2nd from needle, k first from needle, slip both off; Row 2: p1, p 2nd from needle, p 1st from needle, slip both off, p1.  Etc.

I did this in Mirasol Sulka bulky.  It's a 60% merino/20% alpaca/20% silk blend that is gorgeous and lustrous and lush, as you can see in the pictures; that sheen is not an artifact of the photos.  The colors are Cocoa and Truffle; there are flecks of other colors in their yarns that give the tints a beautiful depth.  I just sort of striped them as I felt like it as I went along. http://www.mirasolperu.com/sulkayarn.htm  The Mirasol Ranch is something like fair-trade yarn, and it's a source I feel very good about buying from. 

I bought it last year because I just knew it needed to live with me.  I spent months and months going around and around about what to make with it; with such a bulky yarn, finding a flattering pattern for a curvy girl such as myself is challenging.  Also, I didn't want to make something that would be out of style in short order.  I finally decided that a nice cozy-but-lacy shawl would not be going out of fashion soon--well, ever--so that would be the best use of the yarn...  Er...am I gushing?  (Sorry I just really love this yarn.)

Awww, thanks everyone.  I hope my friend likes him!  I can't wait to give him to her, although I admit I have gotten kind of attached to him and will be a little sad when he isn't "mine" anymore.

Raja!  I like that too!  He might need mulitple names. Raja Dyngyldai Hefalumpalai Khan....

Hi Susan!

I don't really have a pattern--actually, I never read patterns (I don't have the patience), and writing them down as I go is just too tedious for me to actually accomplish, however good my intentions are at the start.  But I would be happy to draft pattern pieces for the parts and the gusset, and if you can figure out how to work them in crochet, maybe that would be enough of a start?

Dyngyldai!  I like it!

Aww, thank you, everyone! 

I made this little guy for a friend for Christmas.  She collects elephants, and I wanted to add something to her collection.  The body and headdress are crocheted, while the blanket is knitted.  My mom and aunt nicknamed him Hef (for Hefalump) but I'm not sure that's the best name for him.  If you have any suggestions, 'Hef' and I are all ears 





Here he is without his livery:



And his little tushie:



And in profile:



Here's his headdress:



He is made of Patton's sock yarn, while his tusks and tail tuft are lace-weight cashmere.  His eyelashes are eyelash yarn.  I filled his feet with sand so he could stand up straight.  The blanket is made of a plied decorator yarn.  It has a satiny ply, a cotton ply, a metallic string ply, and a plain string ply.  To make the headdress, I separated out the satin, and then edged it with the metallic.  I added some beads for decoration, and then he was done.

I'm afraid I won't be able to provide a pattern at the moment, because I sort of winged it and don't remember exactly what I did.  But I want to make another, and when I do, maybe I'll record a pattern.

I also want to maybe add a little lower lip in the grey and some toenails in the same yarn as the tail, before I gift him--our gift exchange is a bit late, so I still have a few days.

P.S.  I have copyrighted him, so if you want to model a project after him (hard without a pattern, but in any case) please just ask me for permission first.  I will say yes!  I just want to know who's inspired by it.  

Awwww, thanks, all!  I hope I'll have a close-up of the nose to post soon, thanks to helpful brothers-in-law who are willing to take pictures of the giftie which has already been sent to recipient's home....    Yaaaay, helpful brothers-in-law!

My niece looooooooves Tim Burton. Which is awesome, because she's six.  She dresses up like the Corpse Bride and can watch Nightmare over and over.

Their Tivo'd version of the movie got lost, however, so it became necessary to buy her a copy on DVD.  I thought, Why not knit her a Nightmare toy to go with it? 

Zero was the obvious choice, especially because my niece also loooooves dogs. 

Here he is:




The body is knit. He was big enough for a chihuahua sized collar.  His nose is crocheted to look like a jack-o-lantern, with a little face embroidered on (You can see it in the bottom picture).  I did some creative stitching to give his nose an upward turn.  And extra long ears.  He is best presented holding the DVD.

Awww, thanks, ya'll.