Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Unicorn News and VK Live News!

Edited to add the Ravelry projects pages for the Opal Bunny and Hat:
Click here for the Opal Sock Yarn Bunny!
Click here for the Opal Sock Yarn Bunny Hat!

Hi Knitters,
Phew! What a week or two it has been and it continues right on with TC's birthday tomorrow. There are many celebrations to be had around here lately. It's all good fun but also very time consuming so that explains my temporary absence on here. It's good to be back.

Remember the sneak peek I gave for a project I have been working on with Unicorn Books? Well, here it is! I have created the top-down seamless Opal Sock Yarn Bunny exclusively for Unicorn Books, the distributors of Opal Sock yarn, one of my favorites.

In case you didn't catch that, this toy is worked from the top-down and is completely seamless. When you take that last knit stitch on that last toe, you are done! I also made this version with safety eyes but the eyes could also be embroidered. All that's left after the knitting is done, is to take three simple straight stitches with embroidery floss to make the nose, and of course, you can always add a pom-pom tail on the back.


The bunny is incredibly sweet to hold and sits at about 6 1/2 inches tall. There is something about that Vincent Van Gogh sock yarn that is vintage-looking, sort of worn and comfy, all in the best way possible. I can't get enough. I jumped at the chance to design something with the Opal sock yarn when I was asked several months ago.


Here is the back view. How incredibly sweet is this scene? He looks like he is waiting and watching for something right out that window.

I think this bunny should be the main character in a story......


Now here is the exciting news. This pattern (and my photography!) made the cover of the Unicorn Books Fall 2012 catalog. I am so happy about this fact. In case you are wondering that is my mother's original Winnie the Pooh book with a print date of 1928. It is a treasure of mine. This old, tattered book fit perfectly with this sweet old-fashioned bunny. I couldn't resist.

Here is how you get the pattern....


This information is in the catalog and you can see the phone number right on the bottom of page 11 if you need to call (800 289 9276). Those are TC's hands in the photos, she's a patient model for me and I appreciate that.

If you are attending TNNA at the end of this week, please stop by the Unicorn Books booth #109 to check out the original sample. For yarn shop buyers, if you order 1 bag of Opal's Vincent Van Gogh sock yarn you get 5 free patterns for the top-down seamless Opal Sock Yarn Bunny!

The pattern is also available for wholesale order through Unicorn Books for yarn shops! Yarn shops can order the pattern and if you are a yarn shop customer please request the pattern through your shop if you are interested. This is the only way to get the pattern at this time.

I think Unicorn is also running a special on my Itty-Bitty Book series, too. Be sure to check that out as well.


I also made a matching Opal Sock Yarn Bunny Hat with the leftover sock yarn after the bunny was complete. With one ball of Opal sock yarn you have the yarn to knit the perfect gift set.

The construction of the hat is different than the bunny hat in Itty-Bitty Hats and it whips up very quickly. Again, this hat is just like the bunny in that it is completely seamless.


Aren't they great together? That is a surefire hit for any baby shower around! You will be the most popular knitter in town if you show up with this gift for a baby or child or the toy for an adult or teen for that matter.

I don't see the matching hat in the catalog and I am not sure if they are releasing the hat pattern at TNNA or not but the pattern and hat are with Unicorn so ask about it if you stop by the booth or get in touch with them otherwise. The patterns should both be available for purchase.

I am proud of these little knits and I had fun designing them. It has brought me a lot of joy so I hope you enjoy them, too. Unicorn has already asked me to do more designs for them for their Opal yarns in the future so I'll keep you posted on any upcoming patterns.

Click here for the link to Unicorn Books!

Now for more gigantic news keep reading......


Vogue Knitting Live class registration is now up! The VK Live event this fall is being held in Chicago from Oct. 26-28th. I am so excited to be offering two new classes on Sunday, Oct. 28th. I am only going to be there on Sunday due to family obligations on the other days.

I am teaching a brand new and exclusive VK Live design for the String-Along-Frogs! These are small toys that can be whipped up in a jiffy on worsted weight yarn. The frogs are completely seamless and so much fun to knit. You can make them as separate toys or with the ability to hook together. It's up to you.

I am also making String-Along-Monkeys and Bunnies for the in-class pattern that is provided. I will preview those versions right here in a short while. You will get the pattern as part of the class and for now that is the only place to find the pattern. It is an exclusive design for Vogue Knitting Live in Chicago!

The String-Along-Frogs are knit in the wonderful Quince & Co. Lark in several of their green colorways.

The second class I am teaching is for a baby top-down seamless cardigan (photos coming soon!). This is another exclusive design for VK Live in Chicago.  I am offering the pattern and technique information/demonstrations in the class for a worsted weight, seamless, top-down baby cardigan. There will also be an option for a matching hat and/or a hoodie version of the cardigan. I am really, really excited to be teaching this brand new class topic for me. All information for the materials are on the VK Live website.

I truly love to teach and I am so thrilled to be included in this elite group of knitting instructors. It is such an honor. You have to go look at the line up, it is incredible.

Please join me, or any of the instructors, if at all possible in Chicago. Come on Midwesterners, let's come out in droves for this fun event! The better the attendance is, the better the chances that we will get to have another VK Live in our part of the country and that is a huge big deal! Plus, it is simply a cool, fun, educational, inspirational event which benefits everyone.

Click here to register for classes!

Hope to see you in Chicago in October 2012!

Take care, Knitters.
best, susie


30 comments:

Unknown said...

how exciting! The bunny is adorable! My twins, who do not like dolls, have a large zoo worth of animals that join them in daily adventures. I hope I'm able to find the bunny pattern soon!
I will look into your VKLive classes. I offered to help Sun Valley Fibers in their booth, so may extend my time and see about your classes!
Happy birthday to TC, too!

barb :0) said...

Oh he is the Sweetest ....ever:0) And LOVE the matching hat pattern !!!!! I will have to have both :0)
Congratulations on the cover also !!!! He looks darling on your Mom's Treasured book !!!!!
I looked at the class line-up for Vogue .... astounding !!!!! :0)

Stefanie said...

I love how the bunny is seamless and in fun sock yarn! Congrats Susan. The hat is too cute also!
The string of frogs is adorable; very fun. I wish I could to Chicago but the hubbie had a hard time w/me away at VK LA so have a blast teaching and meeting your fans!

Anonymous said...

So cute, what gorgeous yarn. Love the earthy tones. And I want that hat! (Though I fear noone will ever admit to knowing me ever, ever again!) ;)

Renee said...

Soo Cute! What an adorable face. Love the yarn that you used very much. How clever of you to avoid any seams.

Brandi Schoch said...

I saw the striped yarn and immediatly though what great socks it would make. lol I am too practicle sometimes.

Unknown said...

Susan, you design the best toys!

Dorothy said...

That bunny is darling. The back view is heart-melting. And your mother's book is just the frosting on the cake. The other patterns are great too, but that bunny makes me want to keep one for myself!

Dorothy said...

That bunny is darling. The back view is heart-melting. And your mother's book is just the frosting on the cake. The other patterns are great too, but that bunny makes me want to keep one for myself!

Sarah in Houston said...

I would so love to come to TNNA and Vogue Live. I loved taking your Craftsy class with your seamless toys and these look great, too. I can't wait to get to make them all. Have a great time.

Suzanne said...

I'm super intrigued about your seamless construction especially on those frogs. One thing that holds me back on toys is all the fiddly finishing so these are right up my alley.

Anonymous said...

Love the sweet bunny! Especially on the vintage book. Susan what color of Opal Van Gogh did you use for the yarn?
Thanks!

Susan B. Anderson said...

It's color number 5437 in the Vincent Van Gogh Opal sock yarn.

Renee Anne said...

Love it all over! I'm sad that I'm leaving Madison because it means that I'm going to have to miss fun things like VKL and Sheep & Wool and Stitches Midwest and guild and...

I'm just going to have to come home once in awhile.

bitten78 said...

that's it!!! I am going to have to find a way to move out of New England and head west to where the knitters are!! my little boy is a monkey freak, and I hope the linked monkey's & frog's pattern get released before the start of school in the fall, what a perfect little guy to hang off his backpack for those first few days of kindergarten! Love all the new stuff coming along, congrats on everything! you belong on that elite list of teachers, keeping fingers crossed you will make it out my way someday!

Kathy said...

OMG, that is adorable! I love everything here! I love the hanging string of cuteness as well!

I think I am getting totally addicted to your stuff!

Congrats on the magazine cover!
You deserve it!

Needle, Thimble and Thread said...

Completely smitten! He is adorable! I just scored a skein of this yarn lasts week after you gave the teaser photo. I may be a complete boob and am missing the link, but is the pattern for the bunny available now or only for wholesalers?

Thanks for the heads up on the VKLive event. I signed up to go and my bank account took a wicked hit but I'd have probably spent it on yarn anyway!

Daisy said...

The bunny is adorable! I've been wanting to make a knit toy but haven't felt ready. Now might just be the time! You are right the yarn looks vintage which is so cool.

Kristin Nicholas said...

Hi Susan - This is surely great news. Have a great trip to TNNA. I won't be there - but my new yarn will be. Stop by and say hi to Susan and Betsy and Heather at the CEY booth. Maybe they will give you some samples.

XO
Kristin

Anonymous said...

Susan, that bunny would look just right sitting on my bed beside my Bunny who sleeps there. ;) I love the yarn colours too. This is a very sweet pattern! Now to figure out how to get it..... samm

Anonymous said...

I know it is hard to get the sock bunny pattern now. Do you know how to purchase. Not sure if stores here will carry although I know the VanGough is running off the shelves.

Flowermouse Design ❀ Lone said...

How wonderful - the bunny is lovely!! And I so adore those frogs - I really really hope the pattern will be available for purchase on Ravelry after the big show???

Anonymous said...

I have to admit that your blog today made me sad. I live in Australia and as such the classes and the bunny pattern are unattainable at this point in time :(.

I love the bunny though, that's totally gorgeous. Good work :D

Kristen said...

The frogs are absolutely adorable!

Luna Grey Fiber Arts said...

I recently started knitting toys and am hooked! My kids adore them and it's so fun to see them take shape. I willl certainly be adding this adorable bunny to my queue.

Anonymous said...

I love your animals and the string of frogs are too cute! I have been making mini monkeys and snapping them together in long strings and hanging them in the window of my office. but I love how yours go together so much. I will have to get a pattern and add this to the toys that I make to donate.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TC!!!

Deb said...

i think it is time for the Canadians to hop over to Chicago:) Would love that bunny as a craftsy class some time in the future. You make everything so easy to understand with your visual explanations. Thanks for encouraging the knitters to tackle the fun things!

Kathy said...

Hi Susan,
I love the bunny and the hat. My 9 year old daughter has fallen in love with it, unfortunately as I am writing this from Dublin Ireland, I can't make your classes, but I look forward to the pattern becoming available from your blog. I will purchase the yarn in anticipation. The Velveteen rabbit is a favourite book in our house also. Thanks Kathy

Anonymous said...

I just signed up for the frog class at VKL and am sooo excited! Toys are my favorite type of project & yours are among the very best out there. Now for the hard decision- frog or monkey, which to make first?

christine said...

I'm hoping your bunny pattern will be available here in Glasgow,Scotland at some point ?It's just beautiful... Will keep a hopeful watch on Ravelry :-)