lil' gingerbread cookie pillow pattern

Lil' Gingerbread Cookie Pillow

As the year winds down, I'm still creating with a mad-rush to get those last minute holiday patterns published and out the door! I'm proud to introduce my newest pattern, Lil' Gingerbread Cookie Pillow. I absolutely love this guy! He's easy to knit and fun and simple to decorate. 

The pillow measures about 12-inch/31 cm tall from head to toe. A perfect size for that extra holiday throw pillow. With all the gingerbread-themed decorations out there in the stores, I just had to create my own version. I started it last year but never finished, but I gave them as holiday gifts (always a sign of my affections towards something I create)!

The gingerbread pillow begins at the neck, starting with a scrap yarn cast-on and knits downwards to the legs. The head stitches are then picked up and knit upwards to the top. Both the arms and legs are picked up and knit separately. The pillow is stuffed to plumpness using fiberfill stuffing. It's then ready for embellishing!

White or cream buttons are sewn down the front of the tummy. This is a great project for using grandma's heirloom buttons. Simple embroidery is used to create the icing squiggles on the arms and legs. The finishing touch is a strip of torn home-spun fabric tied around the neck into a bow.

When done, right out of your creative oven, the pillow is ready to serve to your family and friends!

This gingerbread cookie pillow will soon become a traditional holiday heirloom! I've already knit five of them, one for every room in my house!

Happy knitting!

samples for sale!

 

woolly lamb

I've created a second Etsy Shoppe called, My Woolly Somethings. I'm selling off my older samples to make room for the new ones! Honestly, I have so many samples and I need to pare down. So I have been starting to list my samples by seasons. Right now, I have a good selection of Spring items: bunnies, chicks, and soon to come nest with eggs.

If you are needing a little something extra for that Easter basket, come check me out. These samples are still in wonderful shape and need a new home. They need to be out on display not stuck in a box in my basement!

The prices are very reasonable, half off what I would usually sell custom orders for on my other Etsy store. I'm letting go of a few samples because certain yarns are discontinued, Thus they can't be duplicated, truly one-of-a-kind. My sample bins are overflowing and I need the room. Its time for me to share!

I'm running an additional sale (25% off) on certain items. Be sure to check back often. I have six bins to go through! The next bin is Autumn items: pumpkins (knit and felted), leaves, acorns, and gnomes. 

Thank you always for your interest in my patterns and now my samples!

Happy knitting!

my sweet-hearts!

 

woolly sweet-hearts

Happy Valentine's Day, one and all! Wishing you sweetness wherever you can find it, hopefully in knitting these sweet little felted hearts sometime in your near future. The PDF pattern is Woolly Sweet-Hearts. It gives two shapes and two sizes to knit. And fun to embellish and decorate with whimsical clay pins.

To help with embellishing I have done a tutorial on several ways to embellish them further like the crochet edge shown above. See HERE or HERE or HERE for tutorial within this blog.

The decorative pins are from Just Another Button Company and I sell several Valentine themed pins in my website or Etsy shop. One set (shown right) I had JABC create just for me, so you can only buy this set within my shops.I love my hearts and they are sitting out in a bowl on my coffee table as we speak. The array of colors and designs are such a bright spot these cold winter days. Be creative or not. They are a quick and easy knit and a delight to embellish.

Be sure to share your heart creations. I would love to see what you create!

Happy knitting!

JABC prairie bee clay button

virtually, you + me?

woodland baby owl needle felting kit

That's right! I'm creating my own online 'virtual' classes, coming to you soon. I been working on perfecting my virtual presentations, which to be honest, isn't as much fun as being in person. I am a people person overall, and enjoy my interactions with other knitters, like you, face-to-face. I miss all of you and miss seeing your smiling faces. So the next best thing is virtually seeing you in my own studio.

I am planning on teaching needle felting projects, my embellishing techniques, and classes of my old and new patterns. I am hoping to have question and answer sessions, as well, like fireside chats. I've always been intimidated by the being in front of a camera, but Zoom has eased that fear immensely. So, why not and why not now?

So, who's interested and in what should I start with? I would love your feedback and look forward to SEEING you real soon!

Happy knitting!

a bear's 21 second debut

Lil' Bear Hugs pattern

Etsy has a feature of uploading short 5-12 second videos that supposedly help sell your items. Well, needless to say, I am always playing catch-up on these ideas. Mainly intimidated by all the technology of it. But, I tried it! It's a work in progress, that's for sure. It actually runs 21 seconds long and you will never believe how much I cut from it. And no sound. That's a good thing (all the cussing, you know)!

I'm excited about this little bear and his adventures to come. Hope you enjoy his 21 second debut!

Happy knitting, friends!

NEW! hugs and now, kisses!

 

Lil' Bunny Kisses

This bunny is the perfect companion for your little felted bear -- hugs and kiss go together! I am excited to introduce to you my newest little bunny rabbit, Lil' Bunny Kisses. I'm creating My Woodland Pals™  series based on my memories of stories I use to write as a kid. The pals include the bear, the bunny rabbit, a red fox, a raccoon and either a squirrel or a badger. Not 100% sure about the fifth critter. Any suggestions? In my stories, I had an owl named Oliver. An owl is always fun to knit, but an owl with outfits? Not sure. Yes, all of them being about the same size and shape will have interchangeable outfits and accessories. 

My daughter, Hannah, grew up with Muffy® Bears and her endless outfits and accessories. Loved those little plastic Mary Janes! I liked them first and 'thought' she should have them. Should of just bought them for myself, eh? Hannah did play with them but not as much as I did. So these new critters are to satisfy some childhood ache.

My dear friend, Beth, has offered to help me design some knit outfits. Simple, but sweet outfits and accessories that will be knit-only items. The combination of the knit outfits on the felted bear or bunny will be wonderful. I so love the combination of textures!

Like the bear, the bunny is knit in one continuous piece. It measures felted about 7.5-inch/19-cm tall, not including the ears. I love the felted texture and how sturdy it is. It will hold up to lots of years of loving. In the bunny pattern, the little ribbon ear bow is made to come off. Each pattern comes with its signature accessory. 

Knit and felt a sweet bunny for that special child (that includes you) in your life.

Happy knitting!

PS - if you ever need any help or want me to do videos on anything to help with your success of felting the bear and bunny, don't hesitate to make suggestions. I appreciate the feedback.

free booklet shipping

Right now through my Etsy Shoppe, I am offering FREE shipping on my 'booklet' patterns. That's right, on my booklet patterns only. I sell PDF downloads too, but they are already free shipping (wink-wink). A great time to get caught up on those patterns you have been thinking about.

I also have a snowman pattern deal: Buy three patterns (Woolly Snowman, Woolly Snowman Hats, and Woolly Snowman Accessories) for $30.00 and get either the Woolly Snowbaby pattern or the Woolly Snowman Materials Kit (both an $8.00 value) for FREE. Your choice!

When out and about, customers will ask me, "Why don't you publish your newest patterns in booklet form anymore? I love those booklets!" Personally, I do too. Originally when I started designing I sold mainly to yarn stores across the country. Now every store is reducing their pattern inventory and going with the PDF patterns, which obviously take up less space in their store. In addition with today's society wanting everything NOW, the PDF format is that perfect solution. Thus, I still have inventory on my booklet patterns. Maybe someday we will slow down and revert back, who knows!

In defense of the PDF patterns though, per pattern you get more photos, in fact color photos especially. This format allows for that. Where as the booklet format you only had the cover photo, and there was a lot of pressure to make it a good one! 

For those of you who don't have access to a home printer, and are unable to download and print out your patterns, I have two suggestions for you: Contact either a knitting store in your area and they would gladly do it for you OR contact me. I would gladly mail out a printed copy of the PDF pattern for a small mailing charge.

Hope you take advantage of the special. Get 'em while they last!

Happy knitting!

NEW! lil' bear hugs pattern

lil' bear hugs PDF pattern

During these times of social distancing, Zoom meetings and a whole lot of virtual everything, what's most needed right about now is a good bear hug! Everyone we know could use a good bear hug.

And to help bring some sweetness to those we may be missing more than ever, I have created my new little comfort bear: Lil' Bear Hugs. It is my newest knit and felt pattern. In designing this bear, I turned to the process of felting because of the great texture of felted wool, and I wanted the little bear to be sturdy for continual hug ability over time. The felted bear measures about 7.5-inch/19-cm tall, not including the ears.

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn in two colors: the body color (76 yd/69.5-m) and the muzzle color (3 yd/2.74-m). The needle size is 10.5/6.5-mm double points. The bear's body is knit as one continuous piece. No sewing required! The pattern begins with knitting each leg separately then continuing up the body towards the head. The bear's muzzle, ears, arms and tail are each individually picked up and knit onto the body. Once felted, the face and paws are embellished using simple embroidery and needle felting. A hand-stitched ruffled-collar is created using a length of decorative ribbon.

bear with 5-mm glass eyes

The bear's paws consists of two parts: the yarn-paw lines and a craft-felt heart. The little heart is needle felted to the paw's underside. It is a perfect way to add a little extra loving to each bear hug! The bear eyes can be either glass or yarn. Because of the danger of swallowing, do not use glass eyes for bears of younger children. 

NOTE: For those interested in the glass eyes, they are 5-mm black glass eyes on wire pins and I sell them in sets in my Etsy store. 

Although, no one ever tires of a traditional brown-colored bear; its fun to play with a variety of yarn colors for each bear. Yarns with alpaca or mohair in them create fuzzy felted bears especially after being brushed with a nap riser brush.

My goal for early Autumn is to create a felted rabbit about the same size as the bear. Once published, I will begin designing clothes and accessories for both the rabbit and bear that will be interchangeable. 

For this pattern's recipe, I have included my most favorite blueberry muffin recipe. I have been playing with this recipe for some time and am happy with the final result. Hope you will too!

Once your little bear is finished, it is ready for gift giving! Box it up and mail him/her off to the next person on your list of special loved ones. What a surprise to receive a box of sweet bear hugs in the mail! Hugs to you!

Happy knitting!

a flock of sheep

woolly sheep

I just added four hand-knit sheep to my newest Etsy shoppe, My Woolly Somethings. It is a collection of fun and very textured woolly friends. All reasonably priced to sell, just in time for Spring!

The top left sheep was knit using Frog Tree brushed Suri (no longer available), so when brushed it is so soft and fuzzy to the touch. The top right photo, is the loopy stitch sheep. A nubby little guy that  would actually make a wonderful bath scrubber, but please don't do that! The third sheep, bottom left sheep, is so fuzzy and grey, another brushed Suri knit; a great addition to anyone's flock of knitted sheep (if you buy two or more, you get free shipping). And finally, the bottom right sheep has sewn to her front-side a collection of antique pearly buttons in various styles and sizes, a great gift for quilters and sewers. All the sheep are knit and ready to ship!

I am publishing an updated version of my Woolly Sheep pattern this week. It will include a new version to the legs, that is easier to knit.

The instructions for how-to-knit the Loopy Stitch sheep (top right photo) are found in my book, Whimsical Woollies.

Please remember, that if you ever have any questions on how I made something, don't hesitate to ask. I am always here to help.

Happy knitting!

a crochet-edge heart

woolly sweet-hearts pattern*

Happy Valentine's Day!

Here in Minnesota a little sweetness is most needed amidst all this snow and polar temps this February 2019. Hope your day is a sweet wherever you are!

In honor of Hearts Day, what better way to celebrate but with a third and final heart embellishing tutorial: how to create a crochet edge on a heart knit and felted from my Woolly Sweet-Hearts pattern.

Materials needed for this design are fingering weight yarn in matching or coordinating color to the heart, a size C crochet hook, and a chenille needle.

The heart in the above photo is a large traditional-style design. It was first knit with worsted weight yarn and then felted.

blanket stitched heart

The shell edge is done all around the center of the heart, dividing it in half (cream heart photo). Using the fingering weight yarn, (the same yarn you will crochet with), embroider the 'blanket stitch' all around the heart. If you do the stitch in a contrasting color like I did with this cream heart, it can be left like this (no crochet edge) as a fun design in and of itself. It creates like a cord look around the heart.

Once the blanket stitch is stitched, start at the top of the heart, left-side, and move counter-clockwise. Begin crocheting a simple shell edge as follows: *dc, dc, sc, dc, dc all in one blanket stitch, sl st into the following blanket stitch, then in the next blanket stitch begin again*; repeat * to * until the end.

Stay loose and not tight. If too tight the shell edge will curl up. If this happens once completed, wet with water the crochet edge. Tug the edge slightly to even it out and allow it to air dry like this.

So whether you add a crocheted shell edge to your heart or not, here are two new embellishing designs to play and practice with.

Don't hesitate to ask if you have further questions. I am here to help.

Happy knitting!

*NOTE: The pins in the top photo are from Just Another Button Company, Will you BEE mine, Valentine? just pins set.

a curly-cue heart

woolly sweet-hearts pattern

Today's heart tutorial is one I call my curly-cue heart, for obvious reasons. I love this design! It is so easy to do but it looks so complicated. It is sure to get rave reviews with your family and friends.

The pink heart is the large folk-style design from my Woolly Sweet-Hearts pattern. Again, like with yesterday's heart, I only embellished the top side.

Materials needed for this design: an all-purpose (38-gauge) felting needle, fingering or sport weight yarn in a coordinating color to the heart, FireLine bead thread, fine beading needle and tiny seed beads (size 11 used in photo).

To begin the curly-cues, I cut several 4-inch lengths of yarn (fingering weight in photo). Fingering weight creates finer lines, and sport weight, slightly thicker. I took one length and created a small curl near the bottom of the heart. Then I used the felting needle and began poking the strand down atop the heart. I poked it lightly to slightly adhere it to the heart, holding the curl in position. I like to first baste all the curls down just in case I need to move one later if needed. Take another length and butt it up next to the first curl and form a second curl. Baste it into position.

Continue in this manner until the heart is covered in curls. I like to alternate the curls having a left facing curl butt up against right facing and so forth.

Once all the curls are in position, then I begin going over each of the curls again and again to permanently adhere them to the heart. As you continue to poke the yarn it will flatten and first seem like its getting wider. The more you poke the thinner it becomes, looking more like its original old self.

At the end of most of the curls, I added a little ball of pink, giving the curl further dimension. To create this look, cut a 1-inch length of pink yarn and pull the plies apart. Smoosh them between your fingers, creating a little bit of yarn fluff. Roll this fluff into a tiny ball and needle felt it down onto the curl's end, poking it into a round dot and then flattening it.

The final touch is the beads. I used size 11 seed beads in a pale pink color. I used FireLine clear beading thread because of its transparency. You can bead a top any color heart and it won't show. I sewed the beads randomly around the heart adding further texture and sparkle. I cut a length of bead thread long enough to sew on all the beads with one thread. The hardest part about beading is threading that darn needle, so work efficiently and use only one thread. For more detailed instructions on how to bead atop wool review my book, Whimsical Woollies or my Woolly Eggs or Woolly Holiday Ornaments patterns.

There you have it! Another fun and one-of-a-kind heart for your bowl of sweet hearts.

Don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions. I appreciate the feedback.

Tune in tomorrow for my final tutorial, a crocheted-edge heart.

Happy knitting!

k1b? Help Me!

(k1b, k1) increase video

Having questions on how exactly you do a 'k1b' increase? Especially in regards to my newest pattern, Pillow-Toss Pumpkin? Well, so glad you asked!

I created a YouTube video to help with this confusion (I'm just learning the how-to's with the video stuff, so be patient with the end result). The 'k1b' increase is easier than it sounds. Knitting below creates a near-invisible increase, perfect when used with super bulky yarn such as this pumpkin pattern calls for.

After viewing the video if you still have questions, don't ever hesitate to contact me personally via email (mariemayhewdesigns@gmailcom). I will gladly walk you through the pattern. No question is too small. Remember, I am always here to help!

(k1b, k1) increase video

Happy knitting!

30% autumn sale!

happy autumn!

Starting today, I am offering a 30% off sale on selected printed booklet patterns only. Everything from felted pumpkins to eggs to snowmen are on sale. Its a great way to get that new pattern you have been thinking about for a while.

Here is the link to my Etsy Shoppe: https://www.etsy.com/shop/woollysomething?coupon=FALL30SALE

The coupon code is: FALL30SALE


Happy knitting!

hand-knit pumpkin pillows

hand-knit by me

I am having so much fun knitting pumpkins this season! This is a smaller version of my newest pattern, Pillow-Toss Pumpkin, just released. This smaller pumpkin, as shown in the photo above, measures about 6-inches wide by 5-inches tall, including the stem.

I am selling my hand-knit pumpkins in my Etsy Shoppe this autumn in your choice of 4 seasonal colors: pumpkin, spice, urban camo and oatmeal.

Want a pumpkin? Let me knit one or two for you!

Happy knitting!

NEW! pillow-toss pumpkin pattern

pillow-toss pumpkin

Another new 'knit-only' pattern is now available! That's right, no felting required! There is still plenty of time to knit a pumpkin pillow or two to welcome autumn into your home. The warm and cozy texture of this pumpkin captures the season of cooler temperatures and the changing of leaves.

The Pillow-Toss Pumpkin measures about 12-inch/30.48-cm wide by 6-inch/15.24-cm high, including the stem. The pattern uses #6 super bulky yarns for the pumpkin and stem and knit on size 11/8.0-mm needles, so it knits up quick and plenty big; the perfect size for a decorative throw pillow. The pumpkin is knit as one continuous piece, beginning at the bottom and working to the stem. No sewing of seams is required.

The pumpkin in the photo used Plymouth Yarn Company Encore Mega Colorspun #6 super bulky yarns, #1761 Red Bricks (pumpkin) and #7155 Browns (stem). Both the leaf and the corkscrew vines used Malabrigo worsted weight yarn, #113 Jaen.

The recipe for this pattern is a new favorite of mine, Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Spread. The taste of a caramel apple without all the mess!

Happy knitting!

happy halloween!

tartan-plaid pumpkin pattern

Wishing you a spooky all-Hallow's eve! Don't eat too much candy tonight . . . just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Never too late to knit another pumpkin or two. Maybe you missed the Halloween-pumpkin-knitting-round, but now you're just in time for Thanksgiving.

Happy knitting!

NOTE: The pattern is Tartan-Plaid Pumpkin, the pins are Just Pins Halloween BOO collection, and the ghost is hand-made using white oven-bake clay and a sharp-end toothpick. I drew the face on it using a black felt pen.

pumpkin patch

pumpkin patch pattern

Create your own pumpkin patch without getting your hands dirty! This fall knit a basket of pumpkins in bright autumn colors.

Introducing my newest pattern, Pumpkin Patch! I am calling it a 'just knit' pattern, the first in my new line of patterns. Knit patterns with no felting required! That's right, no felting.

I am planning on turning several of my existing 'knit & felt' patterns into 'just knit' patterns within the next year. Learning to knit so tight, to create a firmer fabric without felting is a trick for me, but I think I am getting the hang of it.

I really like this pattern for several reasons: one being the texture the simple knit stitch creates, and secondly, the opportunity to use a variety of yarns. No longer am I limited by all-wool yarns. Rather I can use cottons, even ribbon if I wanted too.

The pattern gives instructions to create three pumpkin sizes: small, medium and large. The pumpkin is knit in one continuous piece with no sewing of seams. It is stuffed with fiberfill. Once stuffed, six furrow lines, a lacy knit leaf and a curly beaded vine are attached. Pumpkin Patch is a quick and easy knit. This pattern is recommended for intermediate knitters because experience with double point needles is necessary. Pumpkin Patch is available in either booklet or PDF format. Enjoy!

Happy knitting!

what a 'hoot'!

Hoot

This little gal was a custom order requested from an Etsy customer of mine. She loves Jane Hissey's books about Hoot the adventuresome owl. The owl above still needs her blue-star apron to finish her off. It is being sewn by the customer for her as we speak.

I used my basic Woolly Owls pattern with a few changes. The yarn I used was Cascade 220 worsted cream (#8010) and Frog Tree sport alpaca cream (#000) knit together. After felting it created a thick fuzzy surface that was then rigorously brushed with my nap riser brush. I added ears and some fun button eyes.

I wanted to show you this little owl because I tried a new idea with these eyes. The 1-inch round brown buttons came from Hobby Lobby with 4 holes for sewing. My husband drilled a 5th hole through the center of each button. This hole would be used for inserting the glass eye into. Using a fine chenille needle and fishing line, I sewed each button onto the owl, sewing into the four holes one all the way around creating a square of thread, not crisscrossing over as you would traditionally do. This created a flatter surface for the glass eye to lie on afterwards.

The glass eyes are sold in a pair connected by a long wire. If you are looking for glass eyes for your little woollies, check out Glass Eyes Online, a great resource for eyes in all colors and sizes. I poked the wire through the center of the button (drilled hole) and into the owl's head. At that point I glued the wire's stem with E-6000 glue, adding a little on the back of each glass eye. Once the glue was completely dried, I squeezed the head of the owl, front to back, causing the wires to poke out from the back of the head. I then trimmed off the excess with a wire cutters.

I was so pleased with the end result that I wanted to share my little gal with you. She is now on her way, flying through the mail to her new home.

If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Happy knitting!

happy st. paddy's day!

Lucky the Leprechaun gnome

According to Irish folklore, a leprechaun is a male faerie and most of them are cobblers. They are known to be mischievous and love to bury their treasures. Don't wait for a rainbow to appear to make your very own leprechaun!

Lucky the Leprechaun is one of three adaptations to my original Woolly Gnome pattern. These adaptations are only available now in my book, Whimsical Woollies. The book has instructions for a woodland gnome and mushroom (complete with polka dots), Matilda the Witch, Jolly St. Nick gnome and yours' truly, Lucky the Leprechaun.

Remember that you can vary your gnomes size by switching out the yarn weights and needle size, creating very small to very large gnomes. Enjoy!

Wishing you hours of knitting with shades of green yarn and sipping a good strong beer! Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Happy knitting!

 

book review: 'cause I felt like it

the tools of the trade

"The wool fibers expanded and wrapped around each other, locking together and creating a tight fabric through which no winter wind could blow."

-- Kathleen Taylor, Knit One, Felt Too

I start out the first chapter of my book, Whimsical Woollies, with this quote. I love it! Felting is so magical and unpredictable yet so scientific and predictable as well. The first chapter is entitled: 'Cause I felt like it: The Basics of Felting. I write about the details of felting such as the materials needed (shown in the above photo), the how-to tips and tricks to felt perfectly each time, an explanation on the washing machines available for felting (the front loader, the top loader and the Wonder Washer), as well as how to hand felt those smaller and more intricate items. Each section is sprinkled with my favorite ideas, tools I use, what I like and don't like.

loose and sloppy knitting

Included in this chapter is a section on felting white versus cream yarns (why some work, some don't); what makes a successful felting yarn and how to knit with it; what to do if your project is not felting enough; how to prevent color bleeding; and how to make a project smaller and bigger. 

Do you have questions on how to felt, how it works, why it doesn't work sometimes? I am happy to answer them all in Whimsical Woollies. 

The next chapter for me to review is For the Love of Detail: Embellishing (coming soon).

Happy knitting!