First things first.... The names out of the hat for the pass it forward thing are....
Congratulations to Pat, Moomin Mamma and Pepper Pup, I shall get to work on your gifts. Thank you all so much for replying!! I will try to pop a little something something into everyone's Holiday Card too, as I hate to leave anyone disappointed.
The 'Jute Mill Song' link doesnt seem to be working, because the BBC only stream in the UK (How annoying!). I found an alternative verion here: http://penny-price-jute-mill-song-mp3-download.kohit.net/_/317899 . Its not quite as pure as the other, but is still very beautiful.
The lyrics are here: http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/song-midis/Jute_Mill_Song.htm . The story of Mary Brookbank is quite remarkable. Mary and a small group of female workers fought to increase the wages of factory workers in Dundee so they could get a living wage. She stood up to authority and got everyone to raise their voices together in protest. The youngest of their little gang sang the song in the BBC version, which made it really special. Try to hear it again here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/player/?item=44533384.
I have also been working on a new animal, my very first bear, called Stargazer.
I am very pleased with how he worked out. He is made with a brushed cotton yarn, and has a little bit of rice in to make him heavy to pick up. I will try to take some better pictures of him.
I also got an amazing book by Thomas Marent called Rainforest. It is an unbelieveably beautiful book, and makes you want to give up everything to live in the forest. It has one full page of the most stunningly shot frogs, which could all be variations of my Tree Frog Pattern.... feast your eyes on this frogspiration...
Awww... so cute! :)
I wanted to let you know that I mailed your card out yesterday for the card exchange so it will be winging its way to you soon! :)
Posted by: April | December 02, 2007 at 04:24 PM
I LOVE YOUR AMI CREATIONS!!!!! Your work is soooo inspirational to me!! And amazing!!!
Nathalie
Posted by: Nathalie | December 02, 2007 at 04:37 PM
That is SO CUTE!! I called hubby over to look at it, and he was amazed!! I just love all your toys, and fur-babies. Happy Holidays!!!
Posted by: Tricia | December 02, 2007 at 07:09 PM
Awww, Stargazer looks just like the baby polar bear from those Coke adverts! (I mean that in a good way - I am a big fan of the Coke bears.) What an adorable expression he has too :)
Posted by: planetjune | December 02, 2007 at 10:01 PM
awww thats so adorable!
and wow that is a lot a wvery colourful frogs :)
Posted by: grace | December 02, 2007 at 10:10 PM
I am so excited that I was pulled out of the hat!
I am loving the treefrogs. They're so unbelievably colourful, like someone took a paintbrush to them. Chameleons are fabulous too.
Posted by: MoominMama | December 02, 2007 at 10:44 PM
OOOOOO goodie goodie goodie! I got picked I feel soooo lucky! I never get picked for anything! I love the polar bear, and I agree with planet june, it does look like the coke bears! It could also double as a very cute paper weight.
Posted by: Pepper Pup | December 03, 2007 at 01:22 AM
Your critters are so wonderful. I would love to be able to make them to add to my menagerie of animals in my home. You are talented in this craft. Enjoy the day.
Posted by: monika | December 03, 2007 at 02:58 PM
He's sooooo beautiful. Just a lovely expression.
Posted by: Angela | December 05, 2007 at 06:15 AM
Wow, Brie, I forget to come to your blog for one week, one week! And look at all the excitement I've missed. Cars crashing, narrowly missing being burgled, and lovingly handmade gifts from you. So, sorry I missed out on your offer. Well, the winner are incredibly lucky as you are an incredible talent. I LOVE the polar bear. He reminds me of my absolute favorite stuffies as a kid Gund Snuffles (here's a link: http://www.beartoday.com/gund_snuffles_collection.asp)
I was given three large ones and three small ones. So, your polar bear reminded me of my most beloved toys as a kid. Thanks.
Posted by: Bri | December 05, 2007 at 07:59 AM
Your bear is simply gorgeous!! You never cease to amaze me with your little creations!
Posted by: Kiki | December 05, 2007 at 07:29 PM
Spent all day at the vet's with a sick animal. I got on their computer and downloaded your elephant patten. By the afternoon I had one finished and gave it to the vet (Heidi) with grateful thanks for saving Raggs. She fell in love with it, as did the whole staff. your work is well appreciated and loved. thanks for the pattern.
Posted by: monika | December 06, 2007 at 04:23 AM
Stargazer is amazing!
Posted by: Mama | December 06, 2007 at 07:22 AM
Oh how beautiful!! Will there be any chance of you selling a pattern for this beauty? I'm a huge polar bear nut!
I found this blog through craftser. I'll be adding you to my favs, great work!
Posted by: Cassandra Morris | December 07, 2007 at 01:43 PM
The bear's fur is wonderfully done!
Posted by: caitlan | December 09, 2007 at 09:32 AM
Your little creations amaze me and give me a little smile every time. Thanks.
Posted by: haylo1573 | December 10, 2007 at 10:41 AM
OMG, that bear is soooo cute! Will you ever be making the pattern available? I would be happy to pay for it (have you considered selling your patterns on etsy.com?)
Posted by: Randa | January 06, 2008 at 04:47 AM
How creative and engaging! Would you consider sharing/selling this pattern? I teach skiing to children in NH - my group is called "Polar Bears." I would love to make this crocheted creation for each of my students. How different and wonderful your patterns are.
Posted by: Tawny | January 16, 2008 at 02:56 AM
How creative and engaging! Would you consider sharing/selling this pattern? I teach skiing to children in NH - my group is called "Polar Bears." I would love to make this crocheted creation for each of my students. How different and wonderful your patterns are.
Posted by: Tawny | January 16, 2008 at 02:58 AM
HERMOSOS TUS TRABAJOS. FELICITACIONES!!!! SAM
Posted by: SAMANTHA | January 30, 2008 at 03:16 PM