Cute Update: Lamb!

A few weeks ago I had volunteered with my sister to be on lamb watch at the local college's farm. Lamb watch was the night shift for keeping an eye on the pregnant ewes to see if any went into labor. The first night was rather quiet, everyone was rather relaxed so most of the time was spent snuggling with the lambs. On the second night one of the ewes had given birth to 3 little lambs only a few hours before we arrived. Sadly it appeared that the lambs weren't nursing so it was necessary to give a little help. One of the lambs however just couldn't figure out how to nurse. After trying for more then an hour it was determined that someone needed to watch the little guy for the night. Oh boy no one ever tells you how loud lambs could be. It was however amusing when we were taking the lamb away from the barn how all the other ewes began yelling at us, probably calling us baby thieves. For that night my sister and I took turns feeding him every 2 hours or so. He was a lazy nurser, but thankfully the next morning when we brought him back to the barn he magically knew how to nurse. For next month we're expected to rear some baby goats! Fingers crossed that they're be quiet efficient nursing babies.

Knitting Small Toys Tips from Tails&Snouts

Have you been knitting for awhile, but have been stuck in a rut of knitting the everyday scarves and hats? For awhile that's where I was. Knitting hat after hat until one day hats became so routine that I threw down my needles and proclaimed "no more hats for me!" So I've decided to compile some of my knitting toys tips.

I can't make the claim that I've been knitting toys forever, but I have been spending a large portion of my time learning new methods of knitting and discovering new items to create. First of all if you're first learning how to knit toys start off with flat knit patterns. This way you're simply knitting back and forth on two needles. Once you get good at flat knits you can begin to think about knitting in rounds, which can be more complicated for people due to the increase in needles as well as the fact that most knit toys are small. Since most knit items are smaller items they usually require smaller needles, I always use size 5 bamboo double pointed needles. Bamboo needles are best in my opinion due to their ability to grip the yarn being used and lower the change that a stitch may slip. When it comes to the yarn it may be a personal preference, but it's best to use worsted yarns with knit toys. personally I enjoy using Lion Brand's superwash cashmerino yarn as well as Paton's bamboo silk yarn. Both being smooth and soft, which is best for a knit toy. Also with knit toys, whether you're knitting in a round or knitting flat, you do not need to block it since the item will later be stuffed. Always when it comes to the point of the stuffing, don't over stuff. If the stitches start to pull away and you can see the stuffing through the yarn then you are most likely over stuffing or using the wrong sized needles or yarn for your cute little toy. If you want a toy to be larger or smaller without adjusting the pattern just increase/decrease the needle and yarn size. Bigger needles with thicker yarn will lead to larger tos, while smaller needles and thinner yarn will lead to smaller toys. after awhile you may be able to figure out how to switch a flat knit to a round knit, like I've done with knitting patterns before. In some cases to create a round knit all that must be done is the joining of the stitches into a round, which may not work in all cases or with all patterns. Just be aware that knitting small toys can get frustrating, you may even have to take it apart and knit it all over again. I've done that countless times. But I have never found more satisfaction in knitting then when I comply a little knit toy.

If you'd like any specific tips and advice feel free to post a comment :)

Cute Attack: the Wild Ones!

For those who have been following my blog I've added more pics from the "foster mums." Please enjoy!

***** If you ever find a wild or orphaned animal bring it to the appropriate location where it can be properly looked after. DO NOT try to raise a wild or orphaned animal without proper training! My sister and I have both received proper training to foster kittens and she has also received her wildlife rehabilitation license. It is ILLEGAL for anyone who is not licensed to have possession of a wild animal. Thank you*****

Now here's a taste of the wild life: Baby grey squirrels! Such sweet little guys!

Cute Attack of the Day!

Since about the beginning of summer my older sister and I have either been fostering kittens or, because of her work, baby wildlife (Sissy is a wildlife rehabilitator). So I thought that anyone who sees this may want to get a look into the lives of some "foster mums". Please enjoy!

***** If you ever find a wild or orphaned animal bring it to the appropriate location where it can be properly looked after. DO NOT try to raise a wild or orphaned animal without proper training! My sister and I have both received training to foster kittens and she has also received her wildlife rehabilitation license. It is ILLEGAL for anyone who is not licensed to have possession of a wild animal. Thank you*****

Let's start off with the first kitten we ever fostered: Gus! His poor little paw would not straighten out at the start but after a very short time he was good to go!