Things that I get asked a lot

I've recently had great difficulty keeping up with all the emails and get many each week about availability of patterns and special orders for my toys. So I've put together this page to try and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

If you do wish to contact me please feel free to - I will do my best to get back to you although it might not be quickly!!

"Can I order one of your toys?"

Because demand has exceeded the speed with which I make them I can no longer take on any orders. I also prefer to make each of my toys unique - it keeps it interesting and fun for me and I think it makes each one a little bit special. For now I'll be adding toys to my Etsy shop as and when each one is finished and will try and have a few occassional batch sales over on the blog.

"Can I buy the patterns for your toys and cakes?"

In short I'm not yet ready to publish them. I am always working on new ideas and patterns but at the moment most of it is in the form of scribbled notes or in my head and the patterns are constantly evolving. I've been very lucky to be offered the chance to write a book but I have not yet taken up the offer. Life with a severely autistic son is challenging and I don't feel that I can commit to producing new patterns to deadlines - I need things to be simple and flexible. Also knitting gives me far more relaxation and enjoyment than pattern writing and I love to just make the toys.

 

"Where can I buy your knitted things?"

At the moment I sell my knitted things through Etsy. I add them as and when they are finished and will aim at listing a few a week. Toys cost between £22 - £30 (not including postage) depending on the size, design and materials used and cakes are £8 each. I can ship them overseas and take payment via paypal for overseas currencies. I will also have occassional batch sales at my own little blog shop. Please email me if you'd like to be added to my advance email list to receive an email before new items are listed on the blog.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I started knitting toys when I was pregnant with my daughter (prior to that I'd always knitted jumpers, scarves and the like). The first toys that I made were from Debbie Bliss's 2 excellent books Teddy Bears and Toy Knits and I have no hesitation in recommending either of these books to anyone who wants to start knitting toys.

Knitting from existing patterns gave me a feel for different kinds of shaping and from there I went on to design my own toys. Sometimes I work things out on graph paper and sometimes I just start knitting and see how it works out - here are some of the prototypes I made when I was trying to get the monkey head right.

Comments

[Sara Potts]

Hi
Hope you have had a lovely summer. Su Lin still taking pride of place on the shelf.
Can you add me to the advance mailing list, see if I can get lucky for some christmas pressies.

Many thanks
Sara

[Laura Ely]

I would love to knit up or purchase some of your knitted toys. Please tell me how to do so from the USA.

many thanks and good luck with your autustic child. My daughter is a patient teacher and has an autistsic child that is mainstreamed into her classroom. I give you oodles of credit for your continually required patience!

[Marion Delaronde]

Hi,

I love your knitted toys. I think they are the best designed knitted toys, for my taste, that I've ever seen.

Could I be added to your advance list for purchasing one of the gang? No rush.

Have a good day!

[Trudi]

Your little knitted animals are about the cutest things I've seen in the realm of knitted toys and I think I am officially sad, because I searched your whole site for patterns (in hope against hope that they'd be there) and then read in your "Q's that you get asked a lot" that they are not available. *Sniff* I don't usually buy patterns sticking to free, but I'd just about sell my eye teeth for these patterns so, in your understandably busy life as a mom to 2, I really do hope you'll find some time to jot down the patterns for your cuties. What about selling the patterns as pdf files on Etsy or something like that? Just a thought. In the meantime, I guess I'll just drool over your adorable creations and wish I was as an accomplished knitter as you are.

[Marijke Bosman]

Hello,

they are so cute, the toy animals you make! I like rabbits in real life, but the ones you make are really adorable.

I read about the auction you have for Rosie through the add at the Simply Knitting magazine website. Wrote a comment to it, also with the question asked if it were possible to buy a pattern. You got me curious for your web site, just to find out a few seconds ago you don't sell any patterns. I'm sorry to have asked first, and finding out the answer later.

Could you please add me to your advance mailing list?

If you were to write a patternbook, that contains the pattern for the rabbit, I'll be one of the first to buy it.

Kind regards,

Marijke Bosman
The Netherlands

[Teresa Bassett]

Hi,

What a lovely site. I work at a Special Needs School and I know that the girls in my class would love your Ballerina Bear. If you decide to sell your Pattern for this bear please let me know.

Good luck to you and your family in the future.

[Heather]

Hi - I've just discovered your site - you are an inspiration, and its very generous of you to donate the Rose Bunny for such a good cause. I would like to be added to your mailing list as I'd love to be able to buy one of your bunnies or monkeys. I've just started to knit so to see whats possible is fab. Thank you for being an inspiration!

[Ruth]

Hi Julie,
I'm just blown away by the beauty of your blog and "little shop". I've been so moved to mention your blog at my blog (which has all of 3 readers, including my mother.) I would be honored to have permission to post a photo of one of your knitted pieces at my site. No matter what, please add me to your e-mail list. I would love the opportunity to try to place an order with you some day. I understand that the demand is great. Meanwhile, thanks for all you're doing creatively. What a gift.
Best wishes,
Ruth

[Emily Cole]

I have to say I love your work! I think you should write individual patterns and sell them via email download online! I would love to knit up some of these sweet babies for Christmas - but I understand you are VERY busy! I think it's really sweet what you're doing for Rose, and I hope she can get the help she needs to have her voice heard. Em

[Frankie]

As a knitter of little animals myself, I love your site and all the photographs of the little characters you make. Please add me to your e-mail list. Thankyou. X

[Jenni Martin]

I love your beautiful little creatures! I teach gardening and botany to mentally handicapped adults, and there is truly no greater gift than the friendship of someone with autism. Through the many little challenges, the joy of each day always shines through. Your rabbits are such a tangible expression of that :) I would be delighted to purchase one, please add me to your mailing list.

Jenni

[Lisa]

I think your site is charming. The creatures are so adorable. Please could you add me to your mailing list as I would love to buy a little "friend" for my daughter! Thank you very much, Lisa

[Nicky Fraser]

Hello, please could you add me to your advance mailing list. Many thanks xx

[Nicky Fraser]

Hello, please could you add me to your advance mailing list. Many thanks xx

[Cindy Keery]

Hello,

Your rabbits are absolutely adorable! If, at some point, you decide to sell the patterns I will definitely buy them (for my Mom!). In the meantime, I'd love to be added to your advance mailing list.

Thank you so much.

Cindy
creativecards@shaw.ca

[Roxanne]

Hello, please could you add me to your advance mailing list. I to have a 7 year old boy with autism. I don't know how you have time to knit, believe me I know your need for relaxation! I know Johnny would love to have a monkey. Thank You

[J]

Ack! I forgot about the bunnies for sale today...again! I just wanted to repeat what others have said already, that I would buy a pattern in a heartbeat, and pay a premium for it, too! Your work is so amazing. I'm also incredibly impressed that you find time to knit at all. I might try to knit some sort of ballerina bunny for my daughter, since she's kind of obsessed with Angelie (okay, maybe she's obsessed because I keep looking at it!), but I'm sure it will not end up looking anything like yours, sadly! Take care and knit on.

[Nicole]

Hello There

Can you please add me to your mailing list? I would love to get one of your little treasures.
Thanks.

[Ana Luttman-Johnson]

I put the cart before the horse! - sorry to now read that you don't make to order. Could you put me on your mailing list and IF you ever sell your patterns put me Top of the List - I promise to re-learn to knit again if only to be able to show that Old Dogs can learn new tricks! Yrs. ASL-J

[Ana Luttman-Johnson]

I put the cart before the horse! - sorry to now read that you don't make to order. Could you put me on your mailing list and IF you ever sell your patterns put me Top of the List - I promise to re-learn to knit again if only to be able to show that Old Dogs can learn new tricks! Yrs. ASL-J

[Pat Barrett]

I would also love to buy pattern for your lovely rabbit - also the delicious looking small cakes - If you ever decide to sell patterns via the internet (I live in UK) I would gladly pay a premium for them.

[Kristine Predmore]

My sister just told me about your site today. Your toys are awesome! Could you please add me to your advance mailing list, so I can get one for myself? Too cute!

Kristine

[Mandy Williams]

I would love to be able to knit toys like these, they are wonderful. Having to content myself by knitting the stockings from you free pattern. Please can you add me to your mailing list.
Many thanks.

[Anita Loon]

Hello,
First I would like to ask, that you include me in your advance mailings. I would love to purches one of your little creatures. I was so taken with your little wonders of joy. You are truly an artis. When and if you ever decide to put out any patterns, I will be waiting with open arms! I sent you an e-mail a couple of days ago. That was before I read some of your information. Things that get asked a lot. Sorry, I should have read more. Thank you for your time. Anita

[Kim Burmane]

Please add me to your advanced mailing list. I have now become obsessed with buying one of your creations. What a gift you have- to be able to create something that evokes so much joy in the lucky few who are able to purchase one.

[Dee]

I do hope you write that book of your patterns, or individual patterns. I'd like to be put on the notification list for the book or patterns, when they are available. You make such sweet patterns. It would be a real treasure to be able to knit them.

Thank you so much.

[Leslie Hamilton, Texas]

I have a great affection for bunnies - I look forward to Easter all year long so I can display my bunnies without shame! Yours are so precious, I have fallen in love with them! Although I knit, your skill is way past my level. I would love to purchase one when you are able to put more into production. Please add me to your notification list. Thank you so much.

[catherine jolliffe]

Please could you add me to your e-mail list for when items are going to be sold. Many thanks

Catherine

[Elaine]

Each of your creations is so individual and each has its own personality. What you do is a gift to everyone who sees them. Thank you for showing them to all of us!

[Roxie Wood]

i would love to be added to your advance mailing list. I own a Quilt Shop in California and our customers would LOVE your dolls.

[Helen]

Please could you add me to your advance mailing list for when your items are available for sale. As it would make a perfect gift for my friends new arrival.

cheers Helen

[Anne-Marie Jenkins]

Please would you add me to your advance mailing list.

Your patterns, knitting and toys are absolutely adorable.

I hope, one day soon, you'll have someone to help you put your designs together - you would make so many people happy!

[Robyn Johnson]

These bunnies are so sweet. Thank you for the free patterns. I wish so much that your bunnies were available as a pattern. I have a little girl who would dearly love one. Sigh. I would love to be on a mailing list.

[Lisa]

You have an amazing talent and gift. I really hope to see your work published soon!

[arlene eastwood]

Please put me on your mailing list. I am totally in love with your designs and would love to purchase and definitely make some of your patterns. I hope you publish the patterns or book very soon. The best of luck and success to you. Don't forget: put me on your mailing list!!!

[arlene eastwood]

Please put me on your mailing list. I love your designs and would love to purchase or make one of your patterns. I hope you publish your patterns or book very very soon. Best of luck in your continued success. Thanks again.

[Amanda Churchill]

Your bunnies are so beautiful! My second daughter was born on Christmas Eve and we have been searching desperately for the perfect bunny for our "snuggle bunny." I would LOVE to be on your mailing list for future auctions!

[Kim]

Hi. I love your work. Congratulations on being an original crafter. Can you please add me to your advance mailing list. Looking forward to seeing your next batch of projects. Kimbo

[Kim]

Hi. I love your work. Congratulations on being an original crafter. Can you please add me to your advance mailing list. Looking forward to seeing your next batch of projects. Kimbo

[Sharon]

Hi
Please add me to the advance mailing list. Many thanks. Sharon

[Caroline Stringer]

Hello,
I absolutely love your patterns and have been looking everywhere, the world over for patterns as cute and gorgeous as yours. Could you please add me to your mailing list and let me know when you get round to publishing a book. I will be one of the first in the queue to acquire it!
Thank you
Caroline

[Linda Mickelberry]

Your blog and toys are wonderful... please add me to your advanced list.

[Sylvia Jordan]

Please add me to you mailing list.

Thank you!

[Miriam Terrell]

I am so taken by your bunnies they are so sweet. I certainly hope that you will someday publish your patterns for sale as a book or in pdf format as individual patterns.I would love to try making one or two or... Until then please add me to your advance list.Thank you

[Sandra Favre-Byles]

Please add me to your advance e-mail list!
Thank you very much!
Sandra

[Kim Austin]

Please add me to your mailing list. Your bunnies are absolutely adorable!

[Kelly Hayes]

I have been a fan of your work for some time now. I peek in every now and again to see what new ideas you have cooked up. I just wanted to let you know how much I love your little knitted friends. They are so adorable. I finished my first knitted bear tonight, and though not nearly as cute as yours, I still love him like a proud Mama.
I am dying to get my hands on one of your patterns... so if you ever do sell the pattern or especially come out with a book (which would be HUGE) I want one!! Your site is lovely, and I would love to be added to your email list. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Cheers... Kelly

[Eileen]

your animals are so cute..I love them. I will send you an email in a minute..EILEEN

[Cathrine Slenes]

wow, this I just love, adorable.
If it is posible I love to get my hand on one of youre patterns, hope you can kontakt me if it is posible to bye....

cathrines-creative@blogspot.com

[April Pardoe]

Hi, I absolutely adore your knitted cakes and would love the opportunity to buy some of them.

Please add me to your list

Thanks

April

[Erma]

I hope you right a book with your patterns.

You have a definite sale here. I'm sure others will agree.

Erma
Dallas, Texas - USA

[Cathy Champion www.spittingnickelsblogspot.com]

Please add me to your future pattern buyers' list!

[Martine]

Hi,
I've just come across your blog:your toys are absolutely beautiful. I, like others, would love to be able to knit from a book of patterns, should it become available. Please add me to your email list and, as a very keen purchaser of your patterns!

[Roxanne Current]

I came upon your site and am enchanted by your toy animals and cupcakes. Please add me to your advance email list so that I may have the opportunity to purchase one of your adorable creations in the future. God bless!

[patty delia]

please add me to you email list of updates of toys. I would love to purchase one of your dollies for myself. I have a great appreciation for all things stuffed. They are adorable. Can't settle on a particular animal so I just made need to start a unique collection. Thanks

[elizabeth wilkinson]

Your site brought back memories of some of the pieces I knitted in times gone by. Some of the classics were an infamous pair of gold lame trousers that stretched inches beyond my feet the first time I wore them, a black, all-in-one catsuit that showed every bump and bubble, and a multi-coloured coat for my daughter to wear to university which stretched to her ankles. Coming across your site has inspired me to take up my knitting needles again, albeit with rather less flamboyant ideas. Please add me to your mailing list. Many thanks.

[chloe allen]

the latest batch of your gorgeous creations were just beautiful!! unfortunately we were a little too late!please keep us in mind for the next lot as the new addition has now arrived in our family!! freddie william was born on april fools day and he is utterley gorgeous many thanks michelle chloe and darcey allen

[alicia garcia]

I adore your toys! They have such a special touch to each of them. I admire your work and hope I can someday aquire one or two of them. Please add me to your list! I would love to see any other holiday creations.

[alicia garcia]

Posting again to correct my e-mail address. Mother's day is coming up!... How about a mommy & baby?

[j-girl]

I would just like to add my support to the comments above. I understand that you are busy and that you take pleasure in creating your animals, however I'm sure that you would bring a great deal of joy to many other knitters in sharing your patterns with the rest of the knitting community. We would not be drawing sales away from your existing business, but would instead be complimenting your endeavours by purchasing your patterns. It would be wonderful to be able to purchase your designs either individually or as part of a book, if you have already sold the rights to them to a publisher.
Please add me to the already numerous people who would love to be able to recreate your wonderful toys for themselves.

[michelle clo and darcey allen]

gorgeous as always!!! i loved your latest creations too late again never mind maybe next time!!! best wishes

[Maggie]

I love your toys! There's nothing out there like them. I've been looking at your dolls for awhile now...especially the pandas. Your toys are the reason why I started taking knitting classes. Although I will never be able to do what you do it's been fun learning. I'm finally expecting after a long journey and I would love to have one of your pandas for my baby. I know it'll be "the" doll the baby with have forever. Please add me to your advance email list. Thank you!

[Patty McDonald]

Please add me to your list for the purchase of your patterns when they are available...they are the best knit animals ever!!!

[Michael-Lyn]

Hi!
I love your little knitted toys. They are adorable. My son and I love to look through the pictures and make up little stories for each of the knitted animals. His favorite are the bunnies, of course! Please add me to the list to be notified when you update your shop.
Thanks so much!

[Ellie May]

Please add me to your list - I'm in need of two bunnies for my wedding anniversary at end of July! Here's hoping.
Ellie
x

[Pam Johnson]

I am absolutely in awe of your little friends. Here's hoping one day soon will find your little friend one of my little friends too.

With great anticipation and much appreciation of your artistic endeavors, I will be patient.

[Jose Shaw.]

I Love your little animals, and would love to own some, if you ever release the patterns , I would love to purchase some. I would bel obliged if you will add me to your list Thankyou

[Leslie Rudden]

I would love to be on your "wants to have a pattern list." Your toys are GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing your gift with others!