Wednesday, June 29, 2011

My 1st toy pattern, Mao.

Prototype of Mao
I am proud to finally reveal my first toy pattern, Mao. If you haven't seen the Summer 2011 Issue of Petite Purls yet, you are in for a surprise. It's their 2nd anniversary and to celebrate, they published an all toy issue, plus launched their new website design. Co-editor, Brandy Fortune, did an amazing job with their re-design. She is the genius behind the design and coding of the website. For this special issue, she photographed all of the projects for the patterns. I love the photographs she took of the kitties in the tree for my pattern page.

Prototype of Mao
This is the prototype of Mao. Mao is the name for “cat” in Chinese. It is knit in the round, seamlessly from the top down, starting at the ears. It has a flat bottom and the tail is made with I-cord by picking up stitches from the back of the cat. When I did the final version, I refined it a bit with different increases. And for child safety reasons, I decided to embroider Mao's facial features with yarn and embroidery floss.

Rainbow of Maos
I am so excited that my first toy pattern was included in this issue along with all the amazing toy designers. You all know that I am big fan-girl of Susan B Anderson. Well, I got see her Fat Robin and meet Susan in real life this month, but more on that later. This amazing issue features toy patterns that are knitted, crocheted, and sewn. It's been so much fun seeing the projects pop up on Ravelry. Take a look at this stripey Mao and this variegated Mao.

Melody and the kitties.
Thank you to Stacey at Knit Picks and Knit Picks for providing the yarn for this pattern. Swish Worsted is a great machine washable wool yarn. The pattern takes less than one ball. In fact, I think you may be able to get 2 cats out of one ball.

Ravel it or cast on right away, pattern is here. It's such a quick project, you'll have a full litter of kitties before you know it.

15 comments:

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Angela, they are PERFECT! And I can see that Melody thinks so, too. I am so happy that your wonderful talent is being recognized more and more. Congratulations!

LaBean said...

This is awesome! Congratulations! Mao is so cute I have to make one. I didn't know mao meant cat in Chinese. I just assumed it was how toddlers immitate the sound of cats. :) It's even how my Cookie sounds! :) thank you so much for this!

LittleCanoe said...

so cuuuute! I adore stripey Mao! I want to make one! I need more babies in my life.
You're so talented, lady.

Sayschnicklefritz said...

Congratulations again. It's super cute!

Anonymous said...

Too, too cute. Fantastic work. And I think the size is just perfect!

Sue said...

They are just so adorable in all their bright colors, and your daughter makes them look even cuter!

Hannah said...

Adorable! Seems like a fantastic quick and easy knit. :)

Jennie said...

They are so cute, Well Done!!
Gongrats on being featured :D

hetty said...

These things are too cute! I think I have to make some.

Ivete said...

So cute! Congrats on the design!

Cindy said...

I love them too, and hope to make one soon! Congratulations on having a pattern published!!

Yarny Days said...

Congratulations again! Cute, cute, cute all the way.

caiming said...

purr-fect pattern! love this!

Karin said...

I LOVE Mao!!
I also just bought the new Knit Scene ...congratulations on getting the shawl published!! Hooray for you!

https://buddybirdies.blogspot.com/ said...

Lovely pattern, cannot wait for trying it!

http://buddybirdies.blogspot.fr/