Gotta Make You Smile

You know when you are so focussed on something - and then looking back you find something that makes you crack up?

I was taking photos of Penny in this dress - an Eden's Eve designed by Georgie Hallam (and able to be knit by myself and any of the Coco Kids team for orders).

I used self striping magicline which is 100% cotton, and I was taking a few snaps on a day that the sun was finally shining in my conservatory. In fact it was still freezing outside, but it was nice enough to actually strip off Penny's woollen singlet and woollen layers and take a quick pic.

Anyway, I think the fit and colour of it is just lovely, but as I was going through the photos, I found this one:

I had to laugh - Tim was playing in the conservatory at the same time, but I hadn't realised he was even in the frame for this pic. It perfectly sums up my rascally little rogue.

Teacher's Pet

Wahoo! My Teacher's Pet pattern has been released!

Teacher’s Pet is a simple and seamless (top-down) pattern for a gorgeous yet practical wee dress.

The Teacher’s Pet pattern contains a number of options:

• 3 different skirt options - a full skirt, a box pleat and a petal style pleat
• the option of a hood
• belt and belt loops
• eyelet holes for a ribbon or i-cord
• a variety of hem options
• garter or moss stitch edges  
• instructions for knitting a contrast edge

Sizings range from a 17” chest (3-6 months) up to a 23” chest (4 years) with instructions for a 25” chest (size 6) and 27” chest (size 8) to follow

The patterns can be knit in either DK (8ply) or worsted weight (10ply) as long as a 20 sts gauge is used.

The pattern also includes a printer friendly version at the end - so it’s possible to download the full pdf with all the info and pretty pictures, but if you prefer to save paper and ink simply print the last few pages of the pdf.

If you wish to purchase it, click this link here or you can vist Ravelry here and see all the other lovely finished projects that have been loaded.

I am available to knit a Teacher's Pet in any of her variations for you, email me for more information or if you have any questions regarding the pattern.

    

A bit quiet around here

In blog land that is - not in my day to day life. There have been a number of things going on in the last fortnight which has meant there's been less time for blogging :)

1) There's the Knit-A-Long going on over on Rav for my series of patterns. Not long to go now if you were wanting to be in to win ;)

2) My beloved decided to download a game...great - except he's used up all our broadband for the next fortnight :{ It sure does waste a lot of time waiting for things to download, so I'm having to spend less time on the 'puter as I'm just getting frustrated with the amount of time everything takes

3) My brother became a Dad, and it's not as simple as it sounds.

4) Coco Kids has been accepted for a stall for the next Craft 2.0 on October the 30th - exciting!

5) Something pretty cool I was notified about today - I knit 2 of these jerseys last year in cream yarn (in 10 days too!) and they were dyed for this music video here for Luke Buda (again though, painful to watch with dial-up speed)

6) I've got testing for a new pattern underway - this one's a girly one called Teacher's Pet. This has almost had 2 waves, the first lot are almost finished but after a bit more tweaking I've roped a few more talented knitters in to give the next version a whirl. While I was hoping that it would be ready for release early in August, I'd rather put up a pattern that I'm 100% happy with so I'm going to just do a bit more checking first :)

Here are a few pics of it knit though - it has a variety of options within the pattern sized 3-6 months up to a size 8 (at the moment), 3 different skirts including 2 pleated versions and one full skirt, a hood option, and the instructions for adding a belt/belt loops or eyelet holes for a ribbon. I think that's about it?!

Full skirt version with picot style hem, hood and belt

Petal pleat version with hood, belt and contrast edging

Ali's gorgeous test knit (and model!), with the hood, petal pleat with ruffle and belt.

And I've got a lot more updating to do and some more lovely knitting to show off, but it will have to wait till after the 14th when our broadband speed returns

The Little Rascals Patterns

Yesterday I released The Little Rascals! The Little Rascals e-book is a collection of 3 unisex, easy to knit, seamless (topdown) and versatile patterns. They’re great for wearing out and about and for mucking around in the backyard.

Within New Zealand, Coco Kids hold the exclusive rights to knit any of these for sale. Feel free to contact myself, Ali or Kate if you'd like to order one.

The Little Rascals are all v-necked garments (which makes popping on a bib easy if necessary)

Little Hoodlum (jersey), Hotshot (vestee), Young Einstein (jacket/cardigan)

There are a variety of options included in the pattern:
- knitting a hood or collar
- moss/seed or garter stitch edge
- how to knit a contrast band around the edge
- wide sleeves or tapered

Sizings range from newborn up to 10 years (15-28 inch chest)

The patterns can be knit in either 8ply/DK or 10ply/worsted weight

The pattern also includes a printer friendly version at the end - so it’s possible to download the full pdf with all the info and pretty pictures, but if you prefer to save paper and ink simply print the last few pages of the pdf.

You can purchase the pattern by clicking the buy now button on my 'Patterns' page here, or via Ravelry here

The price is $7USD and purchases are made via paypal. You'll be sent a pdf of the pattern.

You can contact me if you have any other questions about the pattern or purchasing it. I am able to email it to purchasers with NZ bank accounts who'd prefer to pay via internet banking.

Coco Kids are also available for custom orders for any of The Little Rascals - feel free to contact any of the Coco Kids team to enquire about getting one knit for you.

Lifetime Cottage Licenses are available for a one-off small fee (however they're not yet available in NZ) - please email me for more information if you are interested in knitting these to sell.

eden

I am licensed to knit Eden's Adam and Eden's Eve, by designer tiKKi (Georgie Hallam). I was lucky enough to be a tester for this wonderful pattern for Georgie and am very happy to be able to knit these for sale.

This is a fabulous top - it looks great on both boys and girls, and can be worn in summer knit in cotton as a singlet top on it's own. Knitted in wool, in the winter wear it as a bottom layer against the skin or over the top of a long sleeved top as a vest. You'll get plenty of wear all year round from a garment like this!

The Eden's Adam is pictured here as I am yet to knit the Eden's Eve, but if you are interested in seeing what the dress version looks like you can see that on tiKKi's blog here

The size ranges from newborn up to size 10

There are a number of options and ideas in the pattern to personalise it and make your garment different and special from others. Both my children's have garter stitch stripes at the top - but you may prefer to have it knit in a solid colour, or a variegated with a solid colour at the top. Have a look at more pictured on Coco Kids for just some ideas of how it can be made.

To enquire about or order an Eden's Adam or Eden's Eve email me. The other Coco Kids knitters, Ali and Kate, are also able to knit one for you.

I (along with Kate) am also currently licensed to knit Milo Vests, also designed by Georgie Hallam

Remember this?

Just a quick wee post - but recently I posted a buttonless picture of a Roaring Meg I've knitted - like this...

There's nothing like a photo where it's been completed and modelled though - here it is now

Boy this is a gorgeous wee design - I do have to admit I do quite like this modified version of it

Here it is from the back

Now, it might look a bit short on Penny...well that's because it's not for her ;) It's for a beautiful wee 18 month old - Penny just happens to have the right sized chest for modelling.

And if you're interested in your own Roaring Meg - flick me an email (just be aware that I'm completely booked up for orders in June at the moment and July is filling up quickly)

Kids Handwarmers

Introducing another pattern that I love, and that I'd love to knit for you!

A friend of mine, Samantha Goodin has just developed a cute little handwarmers pattern that I was lucky enough to test - and I loved it so much (and more to the point, Penny loves her pair of handwarmers so much too) that I'm now able to knit these puppies for sale

You'll have to excuse the variety of colours Penny is wearing, she loves to dress herself

These practical little handwarmers are great for kids - they can still use all their fingers and thumb to play and manipulate things while keeping their hands toasty warm. They're also great for thumb and finger suckers, it means that they can still access their thumb/fingers while sitting in the stroller while you're out for a walk or in their carseat.

Penny's steering the 'pirate ship' here

These fit from approximately 1-5 years.

Contact me via email if you'd like to order - they are $12 a pair (or $16 including courier).

For any knitters out there, Sam's running a competition on her blog at the moment to celebrate the launch of her pattern - check out the link above for more information.

Milo Vests

I am licensed to hand knit Milo Vests under a tikki cottage license.

Owl Cable and XOXO Cable

 

Owl Cable (with beaded eyes) and Large Cable

A simple seamless vest knit in the round from the top down. A deviation from the classic vest; boxy, funky and relaxed.

Sizing range: 15 - 25 inch chest (newborn to size 6)

The pattern is written for 5 different cables. For more information, see tikki's blog entries here and here.

Please contact me for more information

Leafy Shrugs

I knit this pattern earlier this year in a Budding Designers KAL on Rav and knew I wanted to have the Cottage License for it. I was going to put it off until the weather started warming up again, but recently someone enquired about me knitting it for their daughter's Christening - hey presto! I now have the CL for StitchyMama/Katherine Oxlade Knacks' Leafy Shrug which means I can knit this to sell.

  

 (These stunning pics are taken by a fab Wgtn photographer friend of mine - Rachael Brown)

This is a beautiful lacey shrug, great for summer BBQs as the weather cools in the evenings as well as spring & autumn days when another warmer layer is necessary. It makes a special one of a kind gift, perfect for birthdays and Christenings.

It can be knit in a range of sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18 months, 2T, 4T, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14

Providing the chest measurement for the child would ensure the right fit for the shrug

Please contact me if you would like to order or make an enquiry

(Click on image to see it close-up)

Helena Jackets

This is a lovely simple lace jacket, designed by Alison Green Will. I've knit this with both a more girly picot edge and a simpler garter stitch one as a matinee jacket for a baby boy.

Knit in Denim Blue Bendigo Luxury

It can be knit with either buttons or ties and comes in six sizes - 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 2 years and 4 years

Knit in Stone Bendigo Luxury

Finished Measurements
Chest: 19.25[20, 21.5, 22.25, 24.5, 26] inches

I've knit 2 of these so far, both in Bendigo Luxury which happens to be a fabulously soft machine washable yarn that comes in a range of lovely colours.

Made with a matching Doodie Hat

Please contact me if you'd like more information or to order

Poppy Hat

This delightful flapper-style hat is the perfect accessory to the Roaring Meg cardigan.

As it's design is similar to the Aviatrix Hat, it can be worn by both girls and boys (knit in a beanie style minus the flap and buttons)

Designed by New Zealand designer - Justine Turner (otherwise known as Just Jussi) and available for me to knit for you with her permission.

Available in sizes newborn to approximately 12 years

Please contact me if you'd like more information or to order one knit especially for you - they're available in a range of colours and yarns.

Roaring Meg

This is the perfect cardigan for spring, autumn and winter. Cute and cosy with short sleeves so your little girl can play without long sleeves hindering her movement. Designed by New Zealand designer - Justine Turner (otherwise known as Just Jussi) and available for me to knit for you with her permission.

Available in sizes newborn, 6mths, 12mths, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 years

Please contact me if you'd like more information or to order one knit especially for you - they're available in a range of colours and yarns.

The perfect accessory to match is the Poppy hat, which I can also knit for you

Julia's Custom Knitting Schedule and Status

This list will show my availabilty each month for custom knitting orders.

November 2010
Medium boy coloured soaker - knitted.

December 2010
Custom knitting slot closed

January 2011
1 small custom knitting slot possibly available

February 2011
No custom knitting available - baby boy due in Feb!

March 2011
No custom knitting available.

Once Upon A Time...

There was once a knitter, who worked very hard but just didn't have enough hours in the day to knit all the orders she was getting - in particular the twin lsets that had been ordered by her good friend Putri which she promised to have completed in just over a week.

She worked as late as her eyes would stay open, and as long as she could before her husband protested, but she had to sleep - so she left her needles and yarn out, all ready to start with again the next day (when the children were sleeping). The next lunchtime when the children were tucked up asleep in their beds she sat herself down to her work; when, to her great wonder, there in her knitting bag was a shrug all ready made. The knitter knew not what to say or think at such an odd thing happening.

That evening, after working until her knitpicks poked holes in her fingers she again left out her work - this time an Aviatrix hat and went to bed early, that she might get up and begin early the next day; but she was saved all the trouble, for when she got up in the morning the work was done already.

This continued for the week until the knitter decided to see exactly what was happening. The knitter and her husband decided that they would stay up and see who it was that was coming and completing the knitting. The husband liked the thought; so they left the light on and hid themselves behind the couch, and watched what would happen.

As soon as it was midnight, there came in a little dwarf; and it sat upon the couch, took up all the work that was out, and began to knit it, stitching and purling away at such a rate, that the couple watched on in wonder, and could not take their eyes off him. And on he went, till the job was quite done, and the knit lay ready for blocking upon the knitting bag. Just as he was about to leave, the knitter slowly came out of her spot (for she was starting to get pins and needles and her husband was busting to use the toilet) and thanked him. 'It's been no trouble' the dwarf replied 'I've been a bit tired of making shoes in the evening'. 'How can I repay you?' the knitter asked. 'Truly, I've enjoyed it. But as the sets are completed now it's time I moved on to the next place that needs me' and with a little skip and a hop he flung open the fireplace door and vanished. Never to be seen again

And the results of the week equalled a twin set of layettes - 2 Confection Shrugs, 2 Aviatrix Hats and 2 sets of Mary Jane booties (with the permission of the designer ;) more info to follow), ready to be delivered to their orderer once blocked so they could be sent on to their new owner in Singapore (born today!)