Free miniature knitting pattern - Dolls house family part 1

I designed this pattern for a dolls house family because I thought it would be fun!  OK not one for miniature collectors this one, but ideal to knit for a first dolls house for a toddler or small child.  The figures are in 1:12 scale, so all the usual 12th scale garments will fit.

Here is the pattern for the father doll, the others I will be listing on the blog soon.

DOLLS HOUSE FAMILY MINIATURE KNITTING PATTERN - FATHER DOLL

Copyright Helen Cox 2012

Materials required:  A pair of 2mm (size 14) knitting needles.  A small ball of 2ply flesh coloured or cream yarn and a small ball of 2ply white yarn or 20 crochet cotton for the       underclothes.  Two black beads for eyes and scraps of yarn for hair.  Polyester stuffing.

Measurements:  The doll is 5½ to 6 inches tall.  All the 1:12 scale garments in the bitstobuy range will fit the doll.

Abbreviations:  st = stitch;  sts = stitches;  k = knit;   p = purl;  ss =  stocking stitch (one row knit, one row purl);  inc = increase by working twice into next stitch;  dec = decrease by working next two sts together;  turn = turn knitting round and work back along sts just knitted;  k2tog = knit 2 sts together;  p2tog = purl 2 sts together;  [  ]  = repeat instructions in brackets.

FATHER BODY AND HEAD

Cast on 12 sts.

Ss 18 rows.

Next row:  k2, inc in next st, k6, inc in next st, k2 (14 sts)

Starting with a p row, ss 3 rows

Next row:  [k2tog] 7 times (7 sts)

Starting with a p row ss 3 rows.

Next row:  inc once in every st (14 sts)

Starting with a p row, ss 11 rows.

Next row:  [k2tog] 7 times (7 sts)

Next row:  inc purlwise once in every st (14 sts)

Ss 11 rows.

Next row:  [p2tog] 7 times (7 sts)

Ss 3 rows.

Next row:  inc purlwise once in every st (14 sts)

Ss 3 rows.

Next row:  p2, p2tog, p6, p2tog, p2 (12 sts)

Ss 18 rows.

Cast off.

To make up body and head:

Do not press.  With right sides together, fold in half and seam down each side.  Turn right side out and insert a small amount of stuffing.  Close bottom seam.

ARM (Make two )

 

Cast on 10 sts.

Ss 10 rows.

Next row:  k, decreasing one st at each end of row (8 sts).

Starting with a p row ss 9 rows.

Next row:  [k2tog] 4 times (4 sts)

Next row:  inc purlwise once in every st (8 sts)

Ss 4 rows.

Break yarn, leaving a long end, and gather through sts.  Fasten off.

To make up:

Do not press.  With wrong sides together, fold in half and seam on right side with small stitches, inserting a small amount of stuffing at the same time.  Leave top open.  Sew into place on body.

LEG (Make two)

Cast on 3 sts.

Next row:  Inc once in every st (6 sts)

Next row:  p

Next row:  [k2, inc in next st] twice (8 sts)

Starting with a p row ss 3 rows.

To turn heel:

Next row: k1, turn

Next row: p

Next row: k2, turn

Next row: p

Next row: k3, turn

Next row: p

Next row: k to end

Next row: p1, turn

Next row: k

Next row: p2, turn

Next row: k

Next row: p3, turn

Next row:  k

Starting with a p row ss 13 rows.

Next row:  k, increasing one st at each end of row (10 sts).

Starting with a p row ss 15 rows.

Cast off.

To make up:

Do not press.  With wrong sides together, fold in half and seam on right side with small stitches, inserting a small amount of stuffing at the same time.  Leave top open.  Sew into place on body.

Finishing:

Make hair as follows: sew long loops around side of head and trim to length.

Sew tiny black beads to face for eyes.

BOXER SHORTS

Cast on 14 sts. Work in k1, p1 rib for 2 rows.

Next row:  Working in k, inc 1 st at each end of row (16 sts)

Beginning with a p row, ss 11 rows.

Next row:  Cast off 4 sts, k to end (12 sts)

Next row:  Cast off 4 sts purlwise, p to end (8 sts)

Continue in ss, dec one st at each end of the next 2 rows (4 sts).

Ss 4 rows.

Continue in ss, inc one st at each end of the next 2 rows (8 sts).

Next row:  Cast on 4 sts, k to end (12 sts)

Next row:  Cast on 4 sts, p to end (16 sts)

Ss 11 rows.

Next row:  Working in p, dec 1 st at each end of row (14 sts)

Work in k1, p1 rib for 2 rows.  Cast off in rib.

To make up:

With right sides together fold in half and join along the side seams.  Turn right side out and press very gently with a cool iron.

The pattern is also available as a kit from the website www.bitstobuy.co.uk, giving all the yarn etc needed to complete the whole family.

Pukifee bjd knitted sweater for winter 12th scale

My daughter makes some lovely tiny garments for ball-jointed-dolls.  These are basically 1:12 scale, the same as 12th scale dolls house, but have a much larger head, which can make it a bit difficult to make removable clothing, but she seems to have got it sorted!

I love this yoked patterned sweater and leggings, shown on her Pukifee.  I believe that the pattern and possibly ready knitted garments will soon be making an appearance in her Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop/beepbeep?ref=em

Hand made PVC shopping bags

I have a favourite shopping bag which I bought in Liberty's many years ago - I especially like it because of the compact size and square shape with gusset.  Unfortunately the handles have gone through so when I was in London a few weeks back I looked round Liberty, but they don't seem to do the PVC ones any more.
So I bought one metre of PVC fabric from John Lewis and set to to make my own.
Firstly the PVC I bought is not quite as thick and strong as the original bag, but I didn't realise that until I got home, and it will be OK if I take care with them.
I measured the original bag, and with the help of a biro on the wrong side marked the fabric (why do they never cut straight and square when cutting from a roll so you have to square it up before you can start?).  I managed two bags plus some new handles for the old one.

My new shopping bags and iPod case (old bag at the back)

Then I hit the problem of sewing it with my machine - it is so sticky it will not move through.  A quick internet search found the answer - sandwich on each side between greaseproof paper which is pulled away after.  Job done!
It was a bit of a fiddle and I ended up with torn paper all over the floor but I got there in the end and I now have two new bags plus a repaired one.  There are some smaller pieces of PVC left and I made a little zipped bag to hold my iPod and headphones.  I will probably make some more similar bags with the rest when I get round to it and can think of a use for them!

www.bitstobuy.co.uk

More sweet miniature knitted items listed on ebay today

I have listed more ready knitted 12th scale items for the dolls house on ebay today, including my favourite blanket.  I just love knitting this one; I choose the colours as I go along so no two are the same.  It is knitted in very fine yarn, as one piece with no joins so it drapes beautifully.  See my listings at http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bitstobuy/m.html?item=130643437145&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562
Each one takes me 2-3 days to knit, but hey ho, it keeps me busy.

Knitted blanket in 1:12 scale for a dolls house double bed

I have also listed all my knitting books, now with free P&P.  Or all available, together with lots more patterns, for instant download from www.ravelry.com under my designers name bitstobuy http://www.ravelry.com/designers/helen-cox
Thank goodness for cold winter evenings in front of the telly with the knitting needles.
www.bitstobuy.co.uk

Snowy February

Introducing Sammy the snowman.  He looks very superior doesn't he?

Impossible jigsaw?

I usually have a jigsaw on the go, to fill those idle moments (idle moments, what idle moments???).
I do like a difficult one, that takes weeks to finish, and I think this is one of the most challenging ones I have done.

It is the 'Impossible' sunflowers design, and has taken me since Christmas to complete.  So now I shall leave it to be admired for a few days, then break it up and on to the next one!

Free miniature knitting pattern for tiny teddy cardigan

This pattern was published in the Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar 2012.  It is also available from the website www.bitstobuy.co.uk as a kit with soft cotton tweed yarn and buttons as shown.

Cardigan for tiny teddy                                                               © Helen Cox 2010

Suitable for a 4 ½ to 5 inch tall teddy

Materials

Yarn:  100m of lace weight (2 ply)

Needles:  US size 0 (2mm)

5 small buttons 

 

Gauge

Not significant at this scale; any variation in size is not noticeable.

 

Finished measurements

The outfit is shown on a teddy of about 4½ inches (12cm) tall when standing, with a chest size of about 4 inches (11cm).  As the garment is quite stretchy, the measurements are flexible and the cardigan will fit teddies smaller or larger than this. 

 

Abbreviations

st = stitch;  sts = stitches;  k = knit;   p = purl;  st st =  stocking stitch (one row k, one row p);  k2tog = knit 2 sts together;  p2tog = purl 2 sts together; sl1 = slip next st;  psso = pass slipped st over last st worked;  yo = bring yarn forward between needles then across right hand needle to make a stitch;  [ ] = repeat instructions in brackets; inc = work twice into the next st.

Directions

Work the five basic cardigan pieces first, then continue by working across all five pieces. 

 

Make the pieces in the following order:

Left front:

Cast on 18 sts.  Work in k1, p1 rib for 4 rows.

Ss 10 rows.   Break yarn and leave sts on needle.

 

First Sleeve:

Cast 24 sts onto the needle holding the left front.  Work in k1, p1 rib for 4 rows.

Ss 10 rows.   Break yarn and leave sts on needle.

Back:

Cast 36 sts onto the needle holding the left front and first sleeve.  Work in k1, p1 rib for 4 rows. 

Ss 10 rows.   Break yarn and leave sts on needle.

Second Sleeve:

As First Sleeve.

 

Right front:

Cast 18 sts onto the needle holding the left front, first sleeve, back and   second sleeve.  Work in k1, p1 rib for 4 rows.

Ss 10 rows.  Do not break yarn.

 

The five main pieces will now be on the same needle, with the right sides facing (120 sts).  Continue with yoke, working across all five pieces.

 

Yoke:

Row 1:  k16, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k20, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k32, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k20, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k16 (112 sts)

Row 2:  p

Row 3:  k15, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k18, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k30, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k18, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k15 (104 sts)

Row 4:  p

Row 5:  k14, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k16, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k28, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k16, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k14 (96 sts)

Row 6:  p

Row 7:  k13, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k14, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k26, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k14, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k13  (88 sts)

Row 8:  p

Row 9:  k12, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k12, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k24, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k12, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k12 (80 sts)

Row 10:  p

Row 11:  k11, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k10, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k22, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k10, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k11 (72 sts)

Row 12:  p

Row 13:  k10, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k8, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k20, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k8, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k10 (64 sts)

Row 14:  p9, p2tog, p2tog, p6, p2tog, p2tog, p18, p2tog, p2tog, p6, p2tog, p2tog, p9 (56 sts)

Row 15:  k8, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k16, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k4, sl1, k1, psso, k2tog, k8 (48 sts)

Work 2 rows in k1, p1 rib.   

Bind off loosely in rib.

 

To make up: 

Put right sides together and join the side and sleeve seams.  Run in the ends and turn right sides out.  Press gently with a cool iron, avoiding rib.

 

Make the front bands as follows:

With right side facing pick up and k25 sts evenly along one side of the front (this side will have the buttons, choose whether you want a man’s or lady’s side of fastening).  Work in k1, p1 rib for 3 rows.  Cast off loosely in rib.

With right side facing pick up and k25 sts evenly along the second side of the front.  To make the buttonholes continue as follows:

Row 1:  k1, [k1, p1] to last 2 sts, k2

Row 2:  p2, [yarn round needle, p2tog, k1, p1, k1, yo, k2tog, p1, k1, p1] twice, yarn round needle, p2tog, p1

Row 3:  k1, [k1, p1] to last 2 sts, k2

Bind off loosely in rib.  Sew the buttons to the button band to match the buttonholes.

See my website for all colours of 2ply yarn, also 2mm needles and lots more patterns and kits.

www.bitstobuy.co.uk

Is it worth listing low value craft items on Ebay? What do you think?



I have a tiny miniature knitting business selling yarn, patterns etc.  I love knitting, especially the tiny jumpers in 1:12 scale for the dolls house, as it is very satisfying producing something so tiny and neat.  It gives me something to do in the evening in front of the TV.   I sell my little sweaters on Ebay and they go quite well, and I have built up a loyal customer base.  I have tried selling on Folksy and Etsy but it doesn't seem to work for me, Ebay is the way to go.  Incidently, selling has been harder this year, and I think the prices they go for are lower than a year or so ago, but that is a different story.
I have been reading the Ebay discussion boards lately, and it seems that Ebay is pushing sellers towards offering free P&P.  OK I thought, that seems a reasonable idea for buyers and with the start of a new year perhaps I should give it a try, but I decided to sit down and do something I haven't really done before, which is completely cost out the item and profit.
First decision is whether to go for auction or buy-it-now.  Customers probably prefer the latter as they don't have to wait to buy. 
At buy-it-now my price is £4.99, as this seems to be what the market will bear.  So listing fees (for one item) are 40p + 30p US visibility (a lot of my customers are in the US), final value fee 49p, and Paypal commission 38p.  A (large size) stamp is 75p, and the envelope and plastic bag come to about 3p.  Materials are not a lot, say 10p (unless it is a cardigan, as buttons cost me 9p each, so that is an extra 45p, but leave that aside for the moment).  I print most of my postage at home and put items in the post box, but have not included printer ink, cost of sticky labels, shoe leather etc.  So my expenses are £2.72, and my profit is £2.27.  Each sweater takes me about one and a half to two hours to make, so you can work out the hourly rate yourself. 
If I list more than one buy-it-now item the same, the costs go down slightly (if they sell!) as the listing fee is the same, and there are other factors which are impossible to work out, such as Ebay giving higher listing priorities to buy-it-nows which are selling more than one item.  I don't get any free listings as I am registered as a business.
So what about listing as an auction?  I start at £2.99, and sometimes they only go for this amount, although anything higher is a bonus of course.  So at this price listing fees are 15p, final value fee 29p, and Paypal commission 30p.  Stamp is 75p, envelope and plastic bag 3p, materials 10p.  Total costs £1.62, profit £1.37.
I must be mad.
Postage rates will go up in April, so these profits will fall.
Can I really absorb postage costs, or do I carry on doing what everyone else does and try to pull back some fees?  At the moment I charge actual postage plus packing materials, plus 50p 'handling charge'.  But then I risk poor star ratings from customers who expect actual postage only, and too many poor star ratings and Ebay firstly put your listing at the bottom, then stop you selling.
If I increase the item cost I probably won't sell anything.
I really don't know what the answer is.
I carry on because I love doing the knitting, and I keep saying I am not in it for the money, it is just a hobby.  But I am well aware that some crafters do not like this attitude, and by devaluing my own work and undercutting prices I am devaluing everyone elses work too.
What do you think?

www.bitstobuy.co.uk

FREE GIFT dolls house 1:12 scale miniature knitted hat and scarf in Jan!

FREE GIFT

With all orders from the webpage in January I will be sending a free gift of a ready knitted hat and scarf set in 12th (1:12) scale, suitable for a small doll in the dolls house.

Design will vary.  Offer ends January 31st 2012.

www.bitstobuy.co.uk for your miniature knitting supplies - needles, patterns, kits, yarn and tiny haberdashery, also ready knitted garments.