BeLinda Creech's "Monster" Make-Along ...
Featuring Makers’ Mercantile exclusive Kinky Yarn
BeLinda Creech is hosting June’s Makers’ Mercantile KAL
Join educator and toy-maker BeLinda Creech for the June Makers' Mercantile Monster-Along! Using Kinky Yarn, she will provide ideas and encouragement as you craft your very own monsters. All it takes is 1/2 of a coil of Kinky Yarn, a little felt, some buttons, and your inner child! We can't wait to see everyone's creations!
Want the pattern for free? Purchase Kinky Yarn now through 6/30, and receive a download code for the pattern for free!
The Line Drawing Knit-Along starts Saturday June 1st, 2019. Get your supplies now!
Project
Toymaker BeLinda Creech handcrafts fiberarts “creechures” in her Kentucky studio. When showing her work at craft fairs and galleries, patrons comment “wow!” or “This is so amazing.. can I take a photo?” They love the imagination involved in crafting a toy but not many realize that the “making” of a toy is almost as magical as the giving it away.
In this Monster-Along, we're going to make a toy and talk about why it matters.
BeLinda took her little Sharpie monster to knitting class yesterday and her students loved him. They talked about how cute he was and how he fit in their hands just perfectly and how he felt so good to hold. Guess what? All that stuff really matters to her. She loves seeing smiles, and making people laugh, and having a moment of joy. The size of the monster and its simplified features are part of what help it to be an ideal first toy for you to make (either alone, or with your little one).
For her, the most ideal toys come from imagination, and aren’t tied to culture or television shows. These special creatures provide the chance to create an identity as well. What name might you choose? Does he like popcorn? Beets? Does he live in the air conditioner because he likes how the wind blows through his fluffy body?
The best part? It's not just kid stuff. While BeLinda teaches children both in schools and at an art studio, many of her favorite customers are grown-ups who look at something she made and it sparks interest in their inner child.
Let’s make a new friend. Maybe it's for you, or a kid...or a grown-up friend that needs a little joy. BeLinda will be on Ravelry all June long to cheer you on in your project so come join the conversation there and feel free to ask questions.
Schedule
Join BeLinda and your fellow Monster-Makers in the Makers' Mercantile Ravelry Group Page. This forum provides a space for you to share progress, stories, and ideas as you bring your monsters to life.
Materials
Materials | 1 coil of Kinky Yarn |
|---|---|
Finished Sizes | Approximately 9” from hand to hand, and 8” head to toe, 2” thick |
Needles | |
Gauge | 12 sts + 24 rows in 4” garter stitch |
Notions | Tapestry Needle, Stitch Marker, Two (2) buttons or safety eyes, scrap felt, embroidery thread, ¼ cup vinegar, Polyfill or other stuffing, scissors |
Skill Level | Intermediate |
Yarn
Kinky Yarn - This fun yarn comes pre-knit in a 12 stitch tube (not an i-cord) and is ready to dye. Keep it coiled and place it in dye for an unusual effect, or open the coil and dip it all the way in a dyebath. Depending on your process, the yarn might have light spots where the fibers are compacted in the knitting. It's easy to dye this yarn, AND it's easy to get professional results, no matter your level of experience.
Fiber Content | 100% Superwash Wool |
|---|---|
Yardage / Weight | 200 grams |
Gauge | 12-16 sts and 20-22 rows = 4" on US 10-13 (6-9.0 mm) needles |
Care Instructions | Hand Wash Cold, Dry Flat |