The Atkinsons

My Latest Knits.




Letters

It's been a bit since I posted any of my knit projects. I have finished multiple things recently that I have been so in love with and I just can't help but share. I got inspired to do this cute little sign for Olive's room when I was trying to find something that was simple and cute for the knitting class I taught. I decided afterwards that these may actually be too complicated haha but I loved the result! This little banner now hangs over Olive's little bed.

Flying Geese Blanket

My sister's sister-in-law (you got that?) asked me if I sold any of my blankets. I get asked that a lot about all my projects, which is a huge compliment, but the answer is pretty much always no because unless it is a small simple project it takes me a lot more time than it's worth, but I have always loved the idea of artist trades! I wish I could do artist trades all the time, I love the idea of exchanging talents whether it's computer programming in exchange for fixing a sink or (in this case) a knit blanket for a painting. I think the world should always work this way. Why not? We all have something to offer. Anyways, I told her that I would knit her a blanket for one of her paintings. She is an amazing artist. I have not given her the blanket yet (hopefully this week) but I will post a picture of the painting when I do. I am excited! 

I got this pattern on PurlBee. It's the flying geese blanket. I feel like I say this a lot but it really is one of my very favorite things I have ever made for multiple reasons. I love the pattern, I love the colors, and the stitching in it is flawless. I also love that you can fold this blanket any way or just drop it on the floor and it still looks beautiful. I wouldn't change a thing! I left off the border because I liked it better without it, but I think it may look better on some blankets depending on the colors and stitching. I wanted to keep a rawer look and I didn't want to bulk out the edges too much. 

Toadstool Baby Rattle

My coworker made this little rattle and when she showed it to me I knew I had to make it too! I love that it's a similar concept to the baby balls I've made in the past, but it's cuter and a little more practical since the baby can hold it a little better. I also like that this gift can stand on it's own and that I don't have to make several to feel like I'm giving a complete gift. It just might be my new go-to baby gift knit. I always do the pattern the first time and then see if I want to adjust anything. The first one I did was the green one, which I really liked, but I decided I would like it if the lip of the mushroom went a little lower so I added on a few more rows for the purple mushroom. I also made an effort to keep those stitches really tight on the gills because the decrease and the stitch change can result in some big gaps if you are not careful. This pattern can also be found on purlbee. Can you say addict?

Zebra and Panda Hand Puppets.

Guys, are these the cutest hand puppets ever?? I love them. I finally decided to knit something for myself (you have to do that every once in a while to stay sane.) I made these little puppets for Elijah for his first birthday, and as with all of Elijah's gifts Olive stole them immediately and started to play with them, but that's what I love about puppets. They have such a huge age gap to entertain, Elijah loves to watch them and Olive loves to play with them. Also, as with all things that use the imagination, puppets are so timeless. You can pick them up and take them wherever your mind wants them to go. Those are always the toys that I love to sit down and play with my children, because it can often be just as entertaining for me as it is for them. I feel like that has been a big focus of mine lately, trying to get toys such as blocks or little marbles mazes, or legos- things that cross age gaps and encourage the imagination. My hope is that I can pack away these toys when my kids are grown and bring them back out for a new generation that despite undoubtedly having new and exciting technology will still be intrigued by the idea of creating new ideas and stories with only their own thoughts and their own hands. 

I used a pattern from the book Itty Bitty Toys by Susan B. Anderson of which I have made many little knit animals including a giraffe, hippo, and snake. I made very little changes, I decided not to use a french knot for the eyes on the panda, but did on the zebra. I also doubled the size it called for on the panda ears by making two and sewing them together instead of folding one in half. I didn't think it was quite big enough. And, per usual, I always forgot how much time it takes to sew on all the pieces, and how much I loathe it, but I am always happy when I'm done that I took the time to do it over and over again until I get it just right. 

I'm taking a little breather from knitting- but I've got several projects on the list. Next up, advent calendar. Stay tuned!