The folks at Mochimochi Land recently sent me a Tiny Ballerina Kit to review. The product is available for $12 and comes with the pattern and enough yarn to make three wee ballerinas. 
In theory, this is fun and adorable. In reality, I am all thumbs when working with DPNs and it was not much fun for me. The pattern is well written and easy to follow. As long as you’re familiar with the techniques used it isn’t difficult to execute. But, boy was it fiddly. 
I am not in the practice of making inch and a half high ballerinas. If you are the kind of person that loves itty bitty details and miniature things, this is the pattern for you. I am not this person. 
While the kit and pattern are more than adequate to make this project, I just couldn’t bring myself to make more than one ballerina. I fumbled through one ballerina over several lunch breaks at work, since the kit is practically pocket sized you could take it anywhere. Overall it took me about 2.5-3 hours to make one ballerina with all the details and even mostly just sticking all the loose ends in the middle to add to the stuffing. 
This will soon be in the hands of Zooey, who is sure to love and treasure this tiny dancer, but I just can’t bring myself to make another two of them.
Overall, I probably won’t make another ballerina or dive into the world of miniature knits further. I’ve learned that it’s just not my thing. It doesn’t mean it’s not your thing. If you love tiny details and tiny projects, give it a go!
ha! I learned the very same thing with a little bunny (http://bit.ly/1RKcAjY). Very cute, very nice pattern, however – one single bunny lady, no family members – and consequently she moved out. In short: I know what you’ve been through 🙂 The ballerina is lovely.
I find that when I work on tiny knitted patterns, it’s easier to use 3 double pointed needles instead of 4 or 5. I divide the stitches on 2 needles and knit with the third. It’s a lot less awkward and no fumbling.
I feel the same way about teeny knit objects. They are adorable, but so hard to work on it just isn’t worth it for me. It is a really cute patter. I’d consider making it with a heavier wt yarn and bigger needles for a 6″ ballerina. No tiny dancers for me 🙂
A 6″ ballerina would be delightful!
Aw she’s so cute! I have one of the books but like you, I’m not so good with the dpns so I’ve never tried the patterns. One day I’ll work up some patience to have a go!
Right with you on the “itty bitty”. Not for me. But sweet as pie none the less!
so adorable!! I love the honesty in this review, I think that people who love dpns and tiny knits will persevere, but it’s great to know that unless you love the tiny knits, it’s probably not your thing.
Can’t do DPN’s.. Tried and failed too many times.
As it happens I knit quite a lot of little things to use up odd bits and to be honest I can’t see why anyone would pay for a pattern (anyone who knits I mean.)
Also, they always look a mess in my honest opinion.
I have an angel I knitted for my Mum when she was in hospital, about 3 inches tall and I was never that happy with it.
Sorry to sound so negative….xxxxxxx
Smaller isn’t always faster. I’ve made lots of teeny Mochimochi things and some patterns are just fiddly by nature. I like the tip on using fewer needles. It also helps if you get the shorter ones that are only 3 or 4 inches long. I think they call them sock knitting needles?
wow, that is tiny. I love fiddly things, but found that in crochet and/or knitting i prefer some “normal” sized projects..
Btw: love your blog. I nominated you for the ” One Lovely Blog Award”, btw. http://craftsmodiale.com/2016/01/19/one-lovely-blog-award/