Update: Thank you for all the great comments about your favorite NYC icons! The randomly-selected winner has been chosen!

I have some big-city knitting cuteness to share today! Lauren O’Farrell, my fellow designer of strange knitted things, has a new book of patterns out! And it’s set in my favorite city…

A follow-up to Lauren’s 2011 book Stitch London, the new Stitch New York features adorably kooky versions of icons from the Big Apple for you to knit. Like that precious Woody Allen!

And taxis!

I actually had an unexpected role in this book, when Lauren showed up at my Brooklyn apartment and asked me to model some unusual garments on my stoop…

Don’t worry—I have no ambitions of quitting my day job.

The adorable creature with me is Bandit, my sister-in-law Jenna’s dog who was a perfect model for a number of dog costumes (because New Yorkers dress up their dogs for all occasions).

How cute is he!?! It’s bittersweet to see this silly face, because Bandit sadly passed away on January 1st this year, about five months after these photos were taken. He is sorely missed! But it makes me happy that he could be immortalized in hilarious costumes.

Lauren’s publisher David & Charles was nice enough to send me a copy of Stitch New York to give away, so one of you will get a copy! (And I’m sure the rest of you will buy it!) Just leave a comment on this post telling us about your favorite NYC icon. Please leave only one comment per person, and I’ll randomly pick a winner on Friday!

And if you haven’t read it, check out the interview I did with Lauren a couple years back. She’s fascinating!

Oh no, what’s happened to tiny sumo wrestler?

Looks like he has a big new friend!

Let’s hope they can play nice together…

UPDATE: The vote has happened, and the results are in!

Are you voting tomorrow? If you’re in the US, be sure to get to the polls! And then visit us here in Mochimochi Land, because we’re having an election of our own…

It’s gnomes vs snowmen, of course! Which side has your support: the garden party or the frozen chosen? Today we’re outlining their respective platforms, because an informed electorate is essential for an effective democracy. Consider your options carefully, then come back tomorrow and vote for your favorite!

The gnomes of Mochimochi Land hold liberty as their most prized value. Their love of nature and community is a given, but they don’t hesitate to exploit their environment for economic development (and they won’t let an activist snowman or two spoil their plans).

They’re tough on violent crime, but will usually look the other way when it comes to possession of illegal substances (particularly mushrooms). And public nudity would be encouraged in a gnome administration, as long as you kept your hat and beard on.

The snowmen of Mochimochi Land embody the 21st-century progressive spirit. Their biggest concern is global warming: for them, it’s personal! They propose to protect the environment and give the economy a boost by promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation.

Community building is important to the snowmen, and they regularly gather to build new constituents when their numbers dwindle during the warm months. And while these guys may seem like softies, they’re actually rather strong on defense.

There is one thing that both gnomes and snowmen agree on: now is a good time to donate to the Red Cross to help with hurricane relief.

Now that you see where they stand on the issues, be sure to come back tomorrow for our official vote. The future of Mochimochi Land is in your hands!

Our tiny pandas are taking a break from watching storm coverage to try out their new Halloween costumes…

Who knew these guys were born in the 80s?!

And thanks to everyone who has asked about our situation in NYC. We’re lucky to be high and dry in Brooklyn, with power on. I bet the Red Cross could use some extra funds right now—you can donate $10 by texting REDCROSS to 90999.