Zuki — a Cherished Moment

“Thank You” by Paloma Baillie, 2011
H graphite pencil on printer stock, 8 1/2" X 11"

Sometimes art is a bolder reflection of life, than life itself. Often we cherish things that are simply intangible to others — snow globes, hand-me-down sweaters, a lock of hair, an envelope with baby teeth, old photos, letters and postcards. In Buddhist philosophy an attachment to a permanent self in a world of change causes suffering. But these possessions aren’t really what we keep. They are only souvenirs of an experience that enriched one’s life.

Much like this drawing of Zuki from possibly my youngest fan,  a bean filled possession has gone far beyond what any one person can hold in their hands. Of all the flattering things, this drawing is high on my list. “Thank You” Paloma B.!

The Two-color Zuki — Hand-knit for the Handheld

The Zuki Cell Phone Caddy is SoftWear made for the handheld generation. Here’s the final version of Zuki made with two colors of Misti Alpaca worsted weight yarn — soldier blue and dove gray. The eyes and ears are crocheted as one piece and sewn onto each side. The body is knit in two types of durable stitches — woven stitch for the uppers and sock stitch for the belly. Although it’s filled with dried Azuki beans you could use plastic beads. The pattern is written for the iPhone and Blackberry. Soon you can make your own Zuki.

Blue Zuki iPhone Caddy

OK Paloma, if you’re reading my blog it’s no surprise, I finally got around to finishing your Zuki iPhone caddy in your favorite shade of blue. It goes in the mail tomorrow bound for L.A . — Happy Belated Birthday and don’t text while walking!

I was very flattered — of all the things that a very hip tween wanted for her birthday, my friend Dawn’s daughter requested my Zuki cell phone caddy. Everything is just late, and as of late I’ve been busy developing Zuki’s big brother, the Wombat® iPad Tech Pillow. This Zuki is a vast improvement over the first one. It’s now 200% cuter. In other news, Tom and I have are close to getting the Wombat® into production and out to market. Cheers to TomTone Industries!

This bean bag caddy uses a combination of crochet and knitting techniques. The upper portion is knit in Woven Stitch. The eyes, ears, base and trim are crocheted. Check out Blue Zuki with Justin’s iPhone, shot at Prospect Perk Café. That’s Justin’s dog Rector in Zuki’s mouth.. or hands, or is it a pouch...