WINTER HAS ARRIVED!!!!

Callum

No need for words, this picture says it all!

Moose Cardigan Is on the mat, drying as we speak!!!!!

Yes, it is no sew, top down, knit all in one piece

Back View

This cardigan was a special project for Callum, his mom and especially his dad, he is a moose hunter.

MommaBearKnits and she designs for Babies and More.

Long Time Since the Last Post

Yes, after the Artisans' Show I was a little overwhelmed and did not know what next to do so I just knit, knit, knit, and relaxed.  Now I have Callum's Moose Cardigan almost finished, I think what is keeping me from the last step, is all those tails to work in.  I have finished two more Huggy Bear Sets and then I knit three pairs of Baby Mittens.  They will be for Callum, hope they fit.  I don't use patterns for mitts and socks, so I just take my chances.  I like them, and perhaps I will do a pattern of just Baby Hats/Socks/Mittens, you never know where MommaBear will do next.  For now just the mittens are ready for the camera. 

I think the thumbless mitts will work best for babies

Yes, the next step is the Moose Cardigan, it will be ready for Callum by Christmas, it probably will be too big for him until the spring, but he is a big boy so you never know. 

MommaBearKnits on into the Winter.

Artisans' Christmas Tour

Last weekend was the event.  Looking forward to 2012.  I will do it again, after all, I will be knitting and designing during the next 12 months.  It was a little quieter, but the experience is still awesome.  Love the compliments and the sales.  After all, I would need a storage building for all the stock otherwise, I cannot stop knitting and designing so this works for me:

I guess pictures are worth 1,000 words.

MommaBear is back on track, knitting and designing!!!

Countdown to Oro Medonte Christmas Artisan's Tour

I am working on the final few projects for the show.  Three Cardigans and Two Hats on the drying Rack.  Three Cardigans and Two Hats on the table just have to end the threads, sew on buttons, and wash.  Then I will start something else. 

Doesn't Look Like a lot when in boxes, but it is.

I like babies and toddlers to be dressed in all colours of the rainbow.  That is my goal.  The show runs from  9:00 am - 7: pm  Friday November 18 and 9:00 am - 4 pm on Saturday November 19.  I am truly looking forward to the show, I will have lots and lots of Cardigans, Hats, Baby/Toddler Socks and even Egg Cozies, Dish Cloths and Pot Holders.   I will also feature my patterns for sale as a show special.  "Baby Compass" "Bernardo" "Billy & Bobby"  "Junior Compass" "Hoodie Bear" & "Huggy Bear" will be on display for sale.

MommaBearKnits on and on into the future and she Designs for Babies too.

Still Knitting for Babies:

Yes I am!!!!

Latest Project on the needles:  Huggy Bear in Hot Pink, not Baby Pink.  Stock for the show:

And, I am still working on the Moosey Cardigan for Callum.  It takes concentration, so I am slowly getting past the Logos, then it will fly. 

It will look better when washed and blocked.

Artisans' Tour Coming Up Soon.

If interested click on it to enlarge the details.

IT'S COMING, SOON!!!!

The 18th Annual Christmas Artisans' Tour, in Oro Medonte is coming up fast --- November 18 & 19.  I have to get my stock ready.  I knit right up to the night before and even during the show.  I just finished another Huggy Bear Cardigan, one of many in my stock, and am working on the matching hat.  I still have a lot of buttons to sew on and then I will haul out my projects growing since last year's show and get them ready to go.  A lot of work but I love it.

The colour doesn't show well in the Photo, but it is a nice Cherry Tweed, size 3 Months.
Cabin Fever Cotton Tweed DK

Matching hat almost finished.

Well, the KAL started as planned.  Then I got distracted by a back problem that affected my Daughter Dawn in Ottawa.  I started the KAL and then drove to Ottawa (5 1/2 hr drive from home) and spent a few days with her as she was in a lot of pain.  I arrived back Monday, finished up my KAL project.  There are others in my group still working on Bernardo and we are back on line with the comments and progress pictures.



Size 1 year - Bernardo and Hat
Cabin Fever Cotton Tweed



Callum in the Fall Coloured Leaves

Today I received a picture of Callum enjoying the fall coloured leaves, wearing Bernardo cardigan and hat.

He is soooooooo cute, Luv him:

Words Cannot match the pictures, he is handsome

In this case the pictures really are worth a 1,000,000 words.

KAL on Ravelry

On Tuesday October 11 I will begin a Bernardo KAL on Ravelry.  Members of my Ravelry Group ``Knitting for Babies`` are participating.  If you are interested in participating as well, I will post the progress here and will be available for help.   I have my yarn and needles ready to go.  Count down to October 11 has begun.

Denim Blue, my fav.

MommaBearKnits and she KAL's too.

Callum's Cardigan Progress Report

I guess a picture is worth a thousand words.  How many words are three pictures worth. 

Yoke is complete, Front View

Back view of yoke

This is my plan, Callum's Moose Cardigan

It will be in a one year old size, Callum is a big baby so hopefully it will fit him with the sleeve cuffs rolled up by late November and in the spring.  

I am ready to start the body pattern now.  This is not really my style of knitting, but once in a while I go off in another direction.  I guess I said that before-------  MommaBearKnits and she watches out for Moose as well as Bears when she is walking the Ruster Cruster after all there was a Moose spotted, tranquilized and relocated just this past week in the City of Orillia, I live outside of the city soooooooo it could happen.  This design is in honour of my handsome model and his dad Marty.

-- MBK

Progress, this will never be a pattern

No this will never be one of my patterns, fairly easy to knit, very difficult to write, not sure if the pattern would be easy to read:

Step 1.  There will be evergreen trees in the yoke.

I am using Eucalan Easy Bobs.  I purchased them many years ago, never used them until now.  They work well but this is not my usual style.  The yoke pattern will be a circle of evergreen trees.  Not totally sure what the body will be yet, keep in touch.   MommaBearKnits.

New Project

As always I am knitting and designing.  I have the Toddler, Hoodie ready to go, just need to get some good photos and it will be posted on Patternfish.

I decided to publish a Basic Newborn - 3 Yrs Cardigan.  I have worked out short rows to make the neckline a better shape while still knitting top down and no sew.  It is a plain basic cardigan.  I expect that some experienced knitters will add their own border pattern or even a logo.

Basic Cardigan, lots of options to be creative, still need buttons

I have started a Cardigan that will be a gift to my Prize Model Callum.  It will be a one of a kind and will be in honour of our Canadian Great Outdoors.  I will post the progress as it develops, I am still planning it as I go. 

So far I have the yarn, basic pattern & stitch numbers, logos on spreadsheets, etc.  I even have the buttons selected, Green Trees.

It will be Oatmeal, Walnut & Emerald

Who knows, as I progress there may be more colours, I have lots to choose from in my stash.

Keep on Knitting!

I recently started a group on Ravelry called Knitting for Babies, it is growing and I have had the oportunity to meet knitters who knit for babies from all over the world.  We recently completed a KAL on my pattern "Billy & Bobby".  Another sample finished.  The feedback was awesome and the ideas and questions will help me with my next project.

Cabin Fever Cotton Tweed DK yarn

Tonight is the first meeting of the year for the local Knitter's Guild, Severn/Muskoka Knitting Guild.  We meet from September through June and take the summer off.  I don't take any time off from knitting as you know, MommaBearKnits on into the future.

Next the group will tackle "Bernardo".  Perhaps I will post the progress here as well.  I am going to suggest that we do a KAL of another member's pattern.  Keep in touch, MommaBearKnits

Circular Stash

                                

Today, I decided to sort through my Needles, oh my Gawd!!!!

And, this is not all of them as I have quite a few UFO's in knitting bags around the house, if I finished them the stack of needles would be even bigger.  I have my Mom's needles from way back, my needles from the last, I guess, almost 60 years of knitting, and recently I was gifted the needle stash from my Sister-in-Law's mom, Florence,  who is moving into a long term care facility.  Of course my mom didn't even know that there would be circular needles.  Florence did, she had some in her stash.  I willingly accepted them, and will care for them, they will have a safe haven.  I doubt that my Baby Bear (Daughter) will have any need for them, she doesn't even have a needle and thread to sew on a button, let alone knitting needles.  She is a Computer Whiz.  She lovingly calls me a Knitting Kook.

All Sorted as for size, and labelled


Oh, I cannot even remember what the long needles with only one pointed end are called. I have not used them in decades but they are still precious in my memory even if I cannot identify them by name.  Well, I guess this is a Senior's Moment.  No matter, I will keep them and MommaBearKnits on into the future.  And she designs too.

Bernardo - Ready to Go on Patternfish.

Yes, I have finally gotten Bernardo finished.  Deb and I met today and she helped tremendously with the final check.  Hope I fixed everthing.   

My name is Butterscotch and I approve Bernardo
 I am MommaBear's Office Manager and her Newborn Size Model
I love the green grass!


I still have to convert the pattern to a PDF and I think I will gather together pictures for Patternfish, read it once more, and let my Bernardo go. 

MommaBearKnits and she Designs

QUESTION FOR MY VISITORS

Lately I have been having difficulty posting Comments on other blogs.  I cannot get them to work when I choose my Google Account, it won't work at all and when I choose Anonymous it sometimes works but not always.  I don't like the Anonymous choice anyway because I am not Anonymous I am a Knitter and I blog and display my projects.  I appreciate comments and lately I hardly get any.  I am setting up a poll.  Please take the time to vote.  It will ask questiong re: Posting Comments in the Poll.  Please Participate.

When I visited Callum and his Mom, she told me that she visited my blog and tried to comment on her son Callum's pictures.  It didn't work for her, she does not have a google account but why couldn't she post as Anonymous?  I sometime just give up because I get frustrated.

I cannot resist posting Callum in the Bernardo. 
MommaBearKnits

 

Photo Op Day Again:

Today I went to visit Callum and his Mom, Christie.  We both photographed like crazy.  Callum is growing quickly and he is an excellent model:  Bernardo, here we come.

Callum is so cute, I just have to post more pictures



Larger Size, fits Callum the Bug too.

I thought the Larger Red Outfit would be too big, not so, it will fit for a while but he is a big baby.  He is almost 4 months and he looks good in a 6-9 month very generous pattern.

I really cannot say more that the pictures as they are worth a thousand words each. 

MommaBearKnits and she will get Bernardo up on Patternfish by Wednesday as she promised.

Bernicy & Bernie , next pattern in the works

Yes, Bernardo is finished.  I have a meeting set up with Callum tomorrow for pictures.  Then I just have to ck the written work a few more times.  It will be posted no later than Wednesday next week.  I have to give myself a schedule or else I will be distracted. 

Atticus - wearing the size 6 - 9 Months.

Atticus will be displayed on Patternfish as one of the pictures, but the model for this pattern is Callum aka The Bug.  After all, the cardigan is inspired by his grandpa Bernard aka Bernardo.  I will certainly have Atticus for other patterns in the works.

Next I am working on Bernicy & Bernie:

I have the basic cardigan drying on the towel.  I have all the numbers done on spreadsheets and the basic version is 3/4 written. 

Now, I have a question for any of my visitors.  I have a lot of ideas for Bernicy but wonder what the knitters out there would rather see:

1. A multicoloured striped cardigan and hat.  That would work as a stash buster.  I think the more colours chosen the better.
2. A lacy border and cuff cardigan for a baby girl and the basic for a boy. 
3. A lacy body and perhaps only yoke buttons, and the body loose and fluttery.
4. A Middle of the body and sleeves Knit/Purl Textured pattern.
5. Another Cable pattern with a more feminine look, or today does it matter if it is feminine for girls?
6.  What would you like to see?  I would appreciate a suggestion.
7. How about a collar?
If you would express your choice, I will welcome it and certainly try to meet your wishes.  I am already starting to come up with some ideas, but can sure use your ideas, if not for this one then the next one.  Now that I have the numbers done for a short row shaped neckline, there will be a few patterns based on the neckline.

MommaBear is still knitting and designing.

Something New for Me!

I have been thinking about starting a group on Ravelry and Deb and I have been discussing the idea.  So, today, I came home from Cabin Fever, with more yarn, more ideas, and a thought that I would try it.  Deb was away on a Holiday and I missed her so much, It is so nice to have a mentor like Deb.  She really encourages me.

So, I came home and I started a new group, it is named "Knitting for Babies".  I am happy that the group already has 11 members.  when I started this post there was 7 members, by the time I finished it there was 11.  Less than 2 minutes after I posted it I had a member from Russia.  I encourged members from all over the world as long as they were knitters for babies.  I need to design a better picture for the group but that can be done in the next day or two.  Guess what, I tested my link and now there are 12 members.

Awesome, Hope it works.  I welcome members, ideas, pictures, thoughts, KALs, other members can promote their designs, I can promote my designs, discussions re: Just What New Mom's are looking for.  We can discuss yarn weights, colours, sizes, problems, help with patterns, etc.  And above all, I want to see lots of projects.  Thanks Deb.   MommaBearKnits.

A Scary Special Interesting Day

Yesterday morning, Rusty and I were doing our usual morning stretch of the legs.  We went into the subdivision behind our house.  It used to be a bush but now is a growing subdivision with lots of construction going on.  We were just strolling along, Rusty was sniffing every blade of grass, he is a hounddog you know.  All of a sudden, from out of the ditch came a BEAR, it looked at me, and continued across the road to the bush on the other side.  It was a little distance down the road from us, thank goodness.  Rusty, the hound was so busy stiffing that he missed it completely - Thank goodness for that too.  I got out of the area really fast and will not go back to that spot.  I described it to Jerry (PoppaBear) and his thoughts were that it was probably a young bear and was likely kicked out by it's mom not to long ago. 

As you probably guessed, no pictures of that experience.  I did think when I got home, that I should have offered to knit the young bear a hat or something, after all, MommaBearKnits and she should donate to a local Teen Cubby Bear.  He/She may be a relative after all.

It was scary, but I must admit it was an unforgetable experience.

Another Photo Opp Day!!!

Today I had a great visit with my sister-in-law a.k.a Gramma; her Daughter a.k.a Mommy, and Sadira and Atticus the two children.  Sadira is three years old and Atticus is 8 months.  We dressed and undressed them until they couldn't take it anymore and complained to us that they didn't want another picture taken.  I was able to get lots of pictures of my designs on the children, that is so much better than hangers. 

This is Sadira wearing my Toddler Hoodie.  It looks cute on her but she is a little big for the size 2.


Sadira



Atticus wearing a Billy and Bobby Sample

Atticus posed a lot for me and I love the look.

Sadira, Butterscotch and Atticus

Atticus wearing my new Pattern, Bernardo, soon to be released

That is enough for now, I have lots of pictures, I am getting my Toddler hoodie, called "Callum" ready as we speak, it will be up on Patternfish next and then within a few days, "Bernardo" too.  Next will be "Bernicy".

Mommabear knits and designs a lot.  Have a good knitting day!

THE ORO MEDONTE CHRISTMAS ART AND CRAFT TOUR

Yes, the Christmas Art and Craft Tour planning is on the table already.  I can hardly wait.  This year I will be at the Oro Medonte Fairgrounds Hall.  The organizers have set up a Facebook group account for the show.  It will offer the opportunity for vendors to display info and pictures and will also keep the public up to date on the event.  I just joined into the facebook account and look forward to posting pictures.  It is called Oro Medonte Christmas Art & Craft Tour and is available for all to view and the vendors to post pictures about their product. 

I am working on Bernardo.  The sizes have been upgraded to 6 sizes: Preemie/Newborn, 3, 6-9 months, 1, 2, & 3 years.  I have made quite a few changes but now I have finalized the design, I just have to finish writing it, read it, knit it, check, check, check it over and over again.  I do try so hard to avoid typos and errors ---  that is a more difficult task than the design itself.

I have finished 5 cardigans, and am working on two more.  When I knit them, little ideas pop up and I make adjustments to the pattern.  All the cardigans are just fine for a baby to wear, but I like to work out little glitches and ideas before the final version is photographed for the pattern.   At first I had a K2, P2 ribbed neckband bottom border and sleeve cuffs. but then I decided that the K2, P2 rib requires a multiple of 4 +2 stitches on the neckband and bottom border and a multiple of 4 stitches on the sleeve cuff.  That created a little difficulty when working 6 sizes and also fitting in an arm Panel Cable Pattern.  So, then I went with garterstitch.  That worked better and allowed fewer stitch differences in each size, but then I realized that the bands had to be worked on a smaller needle in order to draw in the edges.  Now I have it all together and am working on a final sample (Red one in the picture).  They all looked good on Callum and he seemed to be comfortable, so I am confident that it will be finished and posted for sale very soon.  I do have to work out a matching hat and perhaps socks, not sure about the socks, but the hat for sure.

I really like the sleeve panel and also I have worked out a way to raise the back of the neck and lower the front band of the neck.  That is my one concern about top down, I like a lower neck band in the front.  Bernardo has it, hope you like it. 

MommaBearKnits and Designs all day and most of the night. 

Yes it does need a hat, next on my agenda!

Callum, you little bug, I love you!

This is a version of my current project - it will be called Bernardo

Bernardo is a new top down with the written pattern about 3/4 finished.  I have worked out a neckline that drops in the front to accommodate the neckline comfort and it also provided a larger number of stitches at the beginning of the sleeves - that makes a sleeve panel easier.  It will be online soon and Callum will be my model. 

Bernardo from another angle

I goofed with this picture, his hat is on sideways, I will be more careful when the pattern is complete.  I had a great visit with Christie and Callum yesterday and look forward to the next one.

Until next post, MommaBearKnits and she designs.

OH BOY!! Has it been a long time since my last post!!!!!

But, I have still been knitting and designing.  Callum has been my inspiration.  Also, my computer has been acting up and I considered going shopping for a new one.  My last attempt to solve the problem was a total clean-up with a can of Compressed Gas Duster, ----- Yeah! It is working great again.  Well, at least for now.

Today, I met with Callum and his mom.  We had a great visit and we both took Pictures, over and over again.  When I came home, I had a total of 99 pictures to download.  My next finished pattern is called "Billy & Bobby, in honour of my sons.  Callum was the model, and I am the knitter and designer.

It will be posted on Patternfish by tomorrow morning.  Next I have a toddler version of Hoodie Bear in size 2-12 yrs.  All I need is to get another model and then it will go as well.  I am trying to get children to model them instead of just taking pictures of cardigans on a hanger.  Hope to find one soon.

And I have another cardigan and hat pattern 3/4 done.  It will be called "Bernardo" in honour of my brother and Callum's Grampa.  MommaBearKeeps on Knitting and Designing.

Yes, I know, I still have the adult Compass on the go too, Yes I will finish it.

And That is All That I Am!

I am a designer, yes I am.  I am a wife, yes I am.  I am a senior, yes I am.  I finally realized that what I want to do is design for babies, toddlers, and children.  Seeing the new moms out there with their babies is inspiring.  They don't dress them like we used to.  I remember when my kids were born they wore nightgowns, cute little sleepers, and beautiful hand knit sweaters, hats and booties.  They were Baby Pink, Baby Blue and because we didn't have the opportunity to know if it would be a girl or boy until the arrival we always had some in white and maybe a pale green just in case.  Now, you see them coming home from the hospital, less than 24 hrs old dressed in blue jeans, T-shirts and plaid jackets.  There is no baby blue or baby pink anymore. 

That is my inspiration - my designs will be in every colour of the rainbow and styled like a tiny teen.

------- Cont'd

I Am What I Am

For many many years I have been a knitter, sewer, quilter, crocheter and in the last few years I have designed.  Also, I have been a Sister, Wife, Mom, Baby Sitter, Grandmom, Aunt, Great Aunt, Care Giver, Daughter, Daughter-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, Secretary, Salesperson, Executive Assistant, Retired, Best Friend, etc.  And now my time has come to be what I am.  Well, I have yet to experience being a Great Grandmom, that could happen soon as my grandchildren are 20, 18 & 16.  My Grandaughter, Sarah, has become engaged to a wonderful young man ------ Great Grandmom - It could happen!!!!  Hopefully she will enjoy the many knitted gifts I have in mind.
  

---------Continued --------

Knitting still!!!

A gathering in the back yard

Yes, I am still knitting and designing for babies and more.  Today we went outside and posed for a picture.  Right now I am finished two patterns.  That is the writting, not all the knitting.

I am working on a Hoodie Bear version in worsted weight yarn for size 2 - 12.  This one is called Callum. They are a lot alike but the numbers are very different.  I have one hoodie and one collared version finished and a hoodie and collared version on the needles.  Just need to wash, block, knit and then photograph.  It will be on Patternfish very soon.

I am also working on a multidirectional yoke with a stockinette body  and a hat for a preemie to an 18 month old.  It will have two border options, I am calling this one Billy and Bobby.   This one is worked in DK. 

Billy and Bobby

It is written as well and will go on Patternfish likely the same time as Callum.  I am still struggling with the Lady Compass.  At least now it has a name.  A lot of knitting but it will be there soon too.

Until the next time MommaBearKnits even though she is sweating in the heat. 

"Callum"

Callum (formerly the "Bug") came for a visit Sunday night.  I could not get over just how smart he is, just looking around and even holding my fingers with his tiny little hands. He goes everywhere with Mom and Dad.  They are awesome parents and he is totally blessed to be their son.  He was dressed in jean style pants and a T-shirt - sure was different in my day.  I knit for him before he was born, but boy has he ever gotten me hooked now.  I cannot wait for the fall, Hats, Sweaters, Socks and even Mittens will come off my needles.  The fact that a tiny baby can wear a cotton T-shirt just like a teen gives me lots of inspiration.

He is only 18 days old, Wow!!!!



Look at those clothes, boy am I ever going to design for this one.
Pictured here with dad.

 As always, MommaBearKnits