Parked on my blog’s virtual dashboard (that’s what WordPress calls it) I have a folder for Drafts of future or possible posts. And as I’ve finally got back, post-travels, to some needlework, I see that I could integrate some of What I Was Doing Then with What I’m Doing Now. As I’ve been doing over the last few weeks — it seems to take me longer to settle back into a comfortable and comforting schedule after a trip than it once did. Although that nostalgia for my younger energies is likely very selective. . . (Nostalgia is always a dangerous beast).
I’ve been posting some of these projects on Instagram, but honestly, the blog is where I really feel a community, and it feels a better place for stitching connections.
The connection between this little bear, for example — who got me back to my knitting needles a couple of weeks ago (after the first non-knitting travel in at least a decade).
First step, once off the needles, is a good bath to let those stitches bloom . . .
all over this little bear (made from Cinthia Vallet’s Tsutsu Bear pattern, of leftover yarn pulled from my stash), a bear knit for a Small Person who has not yet arrived but will be here soon.
Once dried from their bath, Bear gets stuffed and the last seam grafted together. . . and it’s time for a Portrait Session.
This bear’s eyes had to be embroidered, of course, because no “Safety Eyes” are safe enough for an infant with a mouth,
so, yes, a bear whose eyes are a bit wonky, a bit “Sadly, the Cross-Eyed Bear” . . .
I’m going to argue (vehemently, if necessary) that slightly wonky eyes only add to the cuteness factor . . . agreed?
but I was speaking of Stitching Connections, wasn’t I?
between a little bear, knit in June for a baby to be born in August
and a little turtle, knit last March for a Grandkid born a surprising number of Marches ago (surprising, that is, that they could have passed by so quickly. . .
Safety eyes, on this one. Sevens are generally okay with leaving the eyes on a turtle’s head, where they belong. . .
That’s it for now. In case you missed them, here are links to earlier stories about other Bears and Turtles and Mice I’ve knit. For now, I’ve switched to bigger needles and thicker yarn (for a sweater I’m making myself) . . . and to a much smaller single needle — one that’s been pulling thread through worn cloth to mend a hole or two. I’ll show you soon. . .
That is an adorable little bear! I have never seen a more attractive one. The small yet-to arrive one is lucky!
Author
Little Bear is preening at your words — thank you!
Those slightly wonky eyes certainly add to the cuteness! The bear and turtle have so much character and personality!
Looking forward to seeing your jumper and visible mending!
Author
Thanks, Genevieve
Nothing wrong with wonky eyes , I had the same problem . After three ops over the years , I’m still not certain they are perfect . Not sure it makes me cute though 🤔. Gorgeous little creatures & I’m sure they will be adored .
‘ Nostalgia is always a dangerous beast ‘ – very true
Author
One of my sisters had a very lazy eye — no surgery but poor little girl (as I remember her at 3-ish, from my lofty status as 6 years older) had to wear a patch under here thick glasses. I didn’t plan my bear’s eyes to turn out as they did, but I rather like the “imperfection”
Only the other day I stopped to give my lovely old teddy a hug and a kiss. He is ancient now and sits in splendour in the room where I sew but he has come everywhere with me, through all my moves and has had to be repaired because he is very fragile. He has a wonderful wonkiness too and wouldn’t be him without it.
Author
How lucky to still have him — one of my friends has hers, and her husband has his, so that she has this very lovable battered couple side by side. “Wonderful wonkiness,” for the win!
That bear is adorable. I always wonder how they seem to emerge from their baths and stuffing with such personality. Maybe we all need to take a lesson from wonky bears and love our own wonkiness more. Maybe you should write a book, Frances… What My Knitting Has Taught me About Life. Illustrated with watercolour sketches of bears and turtles and sweaters. I like it!
Author
Ha! you’re ambitious for me! Thank you. xo
Well, he is a charmer! You are correct, the slightly wonky eyes do add a certain amount of charm. Looking forward to seeing what your next projects are!
I’m about ready to embark on knitting again – it’s amazing how much a wonky pinky can interfere with hand movement. But pinky physio has increased my range of motion, so I feel ready to pick up the needles once more.
Author
I can imagine that wonky pinky giving you knitting grief — I use mine (on my right hand, at least) to maintain tension. (now I’m curious about “pinky physio” and what it entails)
Wonderful,dear Frances! It is so sweet! And an idea to knitt animals for your grandchilden-splendid!
Agree with Sue! What a title! Dottoressa
Author
This one is actually for a great-niece or great-nephew. . .
You’re so clever. I love the bear with the soulful eyes. I marvel at how much character can be achieved with needles and yarn, at least in the hands of a talented practitioner. Your grandchild will happily cuddle, chew and love it. I can knit but I’m hopeless at shaping garments so I’m knitting squares destined to form blankets for local charity Wrap with Love, x
Author
Thanks, Maria!
It will be a great-niece or great-nephew doing the cuddling, chewing, and loving.
Those squares will be very welcome and put to good use!
What a wonderful bear and the eyes are adorable! Your yet-to-arrive grandchild will love that little guy.
The turtle is equally charming. They both have such personality. A handmade gift is so special.
I’m looking forward to seeing your sweater project.
I’m currently working on a scarf for a Christmas gift. I do a few rows here and there. I purchased yarn and a pattern to make a cardigan, but I’m not sure when I will get started on that effort. I’m not a skilled knitter and it looks like a bit of a challenge. I’m going to finish some other things that I started first.
Author
Thanks Dottie — It’s actually for a great-niece or nephew. . .
Good for you working on Christmas gifts already. Will this be the first cardigan you’ve knit?
I made a baby cardigan a couple of years ago. I got a lot of help from coworkers who knit and they were wonderful to show me the complicated parts.
Author
Cool! It’s so satisfying to finish a wearable garment, isn’t it?!
So cute. So lovely too for the child to know it was knitted specially for them.
I’ve also been admiring the French designer Sophie Digard’s work. A beautiful range of crochet and knitted things, understandably expensive when you realise how much work is in them.
Your post on mending will be of particular interest. My attempt at invisible mending of favourite knits that moths have been feasting on was woeful. I bought a book on visible mending from Collingwood-Norris to see if I can salvage them.
Author
Yes! I love Sophie Digard’s “jewelry,” carried by my favourite local boutique (so far, I’ve just admired in the shop, but very tempted)
I’m not patient enough for invisible mending — that book looks so great, very inspiring!
What delightful little creatures! It has been such a long time since there were small children in the family. it makes we wish for those days My two grands are now older adolescents, who tower over me. Becoming such interesting people, but sometimes I miss the sweetness if those early years.
Author
I know what you mean — ours range from 4 to almost 14 now, so there’s still some early-year sweetness, and I love seeing the oldest move into adolescence with such wisdom and smarts and compassion and humour. But it’s been a Whoosh!
Those tsutsu bears are so cute, aren’t they? I made two last year for two little boys, both dressed in woolen pants and sweater (the bears, not the boys). Now one of them got a (pink!) little summer dress, taken from the “Sadie Souris” design. It was received with enthusiasm and fits perfectly. My little contribution to gender deconstruction.
Author
Brava! So many ways for knitters to needle the patriarchy 😉
Adorable bear…I am knitting accessories for two grand daughter’s American Girl dolls.
Author
Oh, they’ll love those!
So lovely! That turtle is my favorite ever.
Author
I have a soft spot for the turtles as well . . .