As I'm sure some of you are aware, my hobby is knitting. A bit unusual, you may think? Not to me, as I have always knitted. Not scarves, socks and jumpers, but dolls and animal toys.

From HUFFPOST.

The Real History Of Men Who Knit

True or false: The multi-million dollar knitting industry is the domain of grandmas and craft circles with names like Stitch ‘n’ Bitch. Right? Boy, are you wrong. Macho men — not women — dominate the history of the craft. Today, U.S. and U.K. news stories pop up about men who knit while in maximum-security prison. Men who knit while riding public transportation to work. Elementary schools that teach knitting to all students — male and female.
But the birds-eye view reveals that men ruled knitting for centuries, got side-tracked, and now are finding their way back to the knitting needles.

Here is a selection of what I make;







Den

Bronwyn and I have always had dogs (we collected our first two from the Isle of Wight at the end of our honeymoon) and our last three were a Schnauzer (Teddy - which we inherited from Bronwyn's Mum), a Westie called Ben, and finally a Westie called Cassie, who we got from Westie Rescue. Cassie was the last to go, and we came to the conclusion that as we got older we really couldn't have another dog. I use a stick, and Bronwyn suffers from arthritis, so 'walkies' were becoming difficult to cope with. I mentioned all this to Den when he and I were on the phone .. and then a few days later a parcel arrived for us .. from Den in Australia. On opening the parcel there was a letter which said:



.. and the parcel contained these gorgeous little knitted dogs.



I have them both sitting on the shelf above my computer looking down at what I am doing.

Thanks Den. That was such a kind thought!

Hugh

Here's another knitting project of mine. A Knitted Flat Bear, which I designed. I knit these flat bears for cancer kids. Anyone who would like the pattern, it is FREE and you can download if from the PDF file underneath the video.



My Flat Bear Pattern - Complete

If the PDF file below does not show, 'refresh' the page. Or click the BOX LINK underneath to Download to your computer. The Pattern can be printed out by hovering the mouse near the top of the document when in full screen (click the pop-out arrow in the top right hand corner first) .. a Print option will appear.




LINK to click on to Download the file. Once downloaded click the back-arrow at the top to return to this page.
https://app.box.com/s/dqfqj22wytaupia1osp7hmmoiz3v4bs2

Den

Den,

Reading about your knitted bears I couldn't resist this. A day out in the countryside with your bears ...

Click the below to listen, and afterwards click the back arrow at the top to get back to this page.

Teddy Bears Picnic

MARGARETD

Hi Hugh

Sorry to hear you have lost your dog, bet that was hard and probably still is,

Brian007

Hi Den. A good selection of toys. Keeps the children happy.. A nice touch sending pets to Hugh.

Hi Margaret. Enjoyed teddy bears picnic. Very appropriate. Are they self isolating. John

Hi Hugh. The loss of pets are always sad occasions. I can understand not getting replacements. I bet you were both thrilled at the arrival of your new ones.No more going out in the rain and picking up dog poooooo. All the best to you all. John

I've been knitting again. A brother for Susie.



Den