At some point, I decided that Christmas 2011 was going to be a handmade Christmas. Then I decided not, then I decided yes. Dizzying isn’t it — the back and forth? Yesterday I blamed the rain for my renewed interest in knitting. Today it’s the fact that I need to de-stress and also because my hand is feeling better. 😀 At this point, I don’t even care why. I’m just glad I could knit 68 rows of stockinette stitching without agonizing pain.
Why specifically 68 rows of stockinette? Because 68 rows of stockinette 6 times gives me one of these:
click here for image source and pattern
I’ll get one of these delightfully cute braided balls which when completed is going to be a Christmas gift for my amazing canine friend Cinnamon aka The Cinnabunny. See the absolute adorableness?
How could I not give my snookums a handmade Christmas gift? She’s my friend’s shitshu and I love her just like she was my own. Who would have thought that puppy love would have influenced my first WIP in months (although I’ve tried to start others and failed miserably)?
As I put it together I’m going to add a bell like the one below to it so as she chases it, it’ll be loud and jingly. 😛
Yes, I am the aunty of canine and human sweetie-pies fully in support of loud noise making toys. 😛 (If I become a parent, y’all can get back at me then). 😀
Here’s my “Puppy Love” wip:
The First Strip
The Yarn for the Other Strips
It’s been a while since I participated in WIP Wednesdays at Tami’s, but as always I’m going to say, after you’re done messing around here, head over to her blog for other inspirational WIPs from the fabulous ladies participating in the series.
D'NALI 
I’ve always thought that those braided balls would make a good dog toy! I love Shih Tzus! That must explain why I have one, my mom has one, my aunt has one, etc…lol. Cinnamon is adorable! I keep thinking that I would like to make one of those, because they look so interesting, but I’m kind of wary of the assembling. Maybe if I see a few more I’ll decide to give it a try.
Thanks WrChili. When I move, I’m thinking of getting a ShihTzu too. I’ll let Cinnamon know she has admirers. She loves them!!!! 😀
According to the instructions, the assembly is the hardest part, but the pattern author made the instructions so easy. Don’t be wary. You can do it!!!!
Aww, she is so adorable! That looks like a great little gift 🙂
Thanks Cheryl. I’ll let my friend know her pup has fans. 😀
I love these so much. I just added the pattern to my queue. I’m pretty sure I know two cats who will love them too!
I think they would too. Post pics when you’re done!!!! :
Those balls are very cute.
I think so too. I hope mine turns out as cute as the originals. 😀
Darling braided balls! Thank you for including the Ravelry link. =) What a sweet little moppet you’re making them for…I love the bells, and I know they’ll be a huge hit.
Isn’t she adorable? 😀
Anytime re the Rav link. I hate when I go to blogs and find patterns I’m drooling over and the blog owner doesn’t put a link (Rav or not) to where I can find it. Plus after using Tumblr for so long, I’ve gotten into the habit of sourcing what’s not mine whenever I could.
I have queued those balls to make. but never thought of putting bells inside. My three babies would love that idea. Thanks. I am now planning on next year birthday presents for them. Yes they are dogs as well!
Yay for dogs!!!!!! These will be lovely birthday presents for them.
loving the balls, also the yarn on the next post, makes you want to dive in. Thanks for your kind comments Sue – Granny’s World
Thanks Sue. That yarn … I think I”m going to be touching it up some more. They all feel Grrrrrrrrrreat!!!! 😀
Love the balls they look great!
Thanks Sam!!!! The finished ones are the designer’s; As at last night I was done one strip for mine. I’ll post the F.O. when I’m done.
Those braided balls are perfect… I remember a blog friend of mine did them a while ago and I was very impressed! The pups in your life are very lucky 🙂
Thanks Ellie!!!! Trust me, they are super easy to make. If you need to gift a quick toy for a baby, this is perfect!!!!
Those braided balls are fantastic – I’m going to make one (or more) tonight. And I absolutely love the idea of a bell inside. I have just the jingle bells needed in my stash! Yippee! Thanks for the inspiration!
Post pics when you’re done.
Anytime re the inspiration!!!!!
I love those balls, but have yet to make one!
It’s really easy and super fast. Great for a pup or baby. Some have even done them bigger for toddlers and older children.
Wow! Love the braided balls, I’m sure your pup will love them. 🙂
It’s for my friend’s pup, but I know she’ll love it!!!!! Thanks for dropping by!!!!
OMG! The dogs toys are so awesome. And now I can make something for my parents dog Maggie. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Anytime!!! That’s what I love about the series (WIP Wednesday & FO Friday) .. so much inspiration from everyone.
Love those braided balls, what a great doggie gift 🙂 I like the colours you’re planning to use too.
Thanks Natalie!!! I’m really enjoying this project. Gotta go get the bells this weekend and it’ll be an F.O. soon. 😀