A Happy Sleepy™ is an abstract animal with minimalist eyes that when turned upside down appear sealed with sleep. The curving body evokes a gently dynamic creature. “Whether happily proactive or sleepily withdrawn, they are avatars of our freedom to choose.”*

INSPIRATION:
The first Happy Sleepy™ was sewn in 2001 in woven fabric by Magda Wojtyra (b. 1973, Poland) based on a topsy-turvy cartoon drawn by her life and art partner, Marc Ngui (b.1972, Guyana). Educated as architects, the award winning artists have made art individually and together in the namesake Happy Sleepy™ collaboration since 2000, creating paintings, sculpture, animation, textile art, graphic novels, and installations that have been shown in galleries and museums internationally. The artwork is noted for its cheerfulness, world building, and secular devotional aspects. After decades of living all over the world, the couple now resides in Windsor, Canada. Their current projects are focused on community building and rematriation. Read more at happysleepy.com

When I first discovered the original Happy Sleepy™ design while browsing through Bluesky, I immediately fell in love with its whimsy and joyfulness. What began as an initial conversation led to the creation of a hand knit prototype version of Magda’s design. Over the last several months, we have developed a meaningful creative partnership that has deepened into a close friendship. Test knitters have joined the conversation and brought their own sense of personality and love to the project.

This collaboration represents work that truly goes beyond borders, reminding us of the connections that unite us through craft and creativity. I am excited to share this pattern with you today.

Happy Sleepy is a trademark of the Happy Sleepy company based in Windsor, Ontario. Used with permission.

TECHNIQUES:
Techniques used in this design are stockinette stitch involving both knitting and purling as well as the double stitch technique of forming short row shapes. Provisional cast-on stitches are used and grafting.

CONSTRUCTION:
This design begins with a similar construction to a pair of toe-up socks. This can be done either singly or two at a time. The body is done in the round using double stitch for sections of short row. The design is then finished with another set of sock-style units that are grafted upon completion. There are two gussets that are made using provisional cast-on stitches.

DIAGRAMS: This pattern comes with written instruction along with a detailed chart and color planning sheet that includes a beautiful graphic illustration by the artists, Magda Wojtyra and Marc Ngui.

SIZE:
Width: 20cm/8”
Height: 38cm/15”

YARN + YARDAGE:
Junction Fiber Mill: Roots DK
172m/188yds (1 skein)

OPTIONAL FILL:
Harrisville Fleece: 100% Virgin Wool
170g/6oz.

A Note from the Artists:
Making fine craft, such as knitting, is a physical meditation that can restore our spirits because creating puts us on the making, versus just consuming, side of culture. Happy Sleepies™ are enlightened beings because when they zoom around in excited high energy or dream in restful slumber they never forget their freedom of choice. We humans do need reminders that even when so much seems out of our control from the outside, we can choose our own way from the inside. We are delighted as creators that this pattern will enable more people to create for themselves this tangible symbol of free will. Through art let us together create a future we all want to live in, where cheerful people make brave decisions and consciousness change is the key to personal fulfillment and social harmony.