A new one... Sadie

So, here's Sadie; my newest design. The pattern is a rather simple knit hat with an interestingly constructed brim, cable details, and bobbles topped with a box pleat. This is not a hard pattern, but the results will be well worth it. Make it either as a beanie or a slouchy.

The yarn! When I saw this yarn in Webs, I had to have it. I was drawn to the color. Of course I didn't have a pattern in mind, but I knew I had to have two skeins of this luscious Valley Yarn Stockbridge (50/50 Alpaca/Wool) in the Kiwi colorway.

$4.50

Back to School. Is it Fall already?

It's that time of year again. The weather is changing, the smell of diesel fuel from millions of school buses starting up in the morning is in the air, and the leaves and turning that beautiful golden color we love. Yep, it's FALL in New England. It seems like it went from 90 degrees to 60 in 12-hours and that's where it's been for a few weeks now.

It seems as if every year, summer vacation is getting shorter and shorter. I remember starting school in September. This year our town started school on Aug. 26th. It felt too quick. My baby - he's 6 and doesn't mind me still calling him that - started first grade this year (biting nails nervously). I think I was more nervous for him that he was. It's like this every year. I worry if he'll make friends, if he'll do well, AND like ever year, I worry for nothing! He is a very popular kid. Always been. We live in a small town and EVERYONE knows him. We go to the library and all the kids and their parents know him by name and of course we know none of these people. Sometimes I wonder if we have the right kid because he is a complete opposite to my husband and I - but then we just have to look at the nose :) So, is there some rule out there? Do we now need to know all these people and THEIR kids? When I go to the grocery store, I am that person with my ipod plugged in and a determined stride - get in, get what I need, and get out.

Oh well, this parenting thing is a work in progress. I think I almost got it all figured out... almost!

TWO PATTERNS AVAILABLE: Knit Picks Independent Designer Program

This past Thursday, 2 of my patterns went live on Knit Picks' site as part of the Independent Designer Program. The team at Knit Picks is wonderful to work with. Knit Picks offers a great opportunity to Indie Designers; advance on the design and professional photography. If you are an independent designer looking to get published with maximum exposure, I highly recommend it. So, if you are a fan of Knit Picks already, head over and support the designers there. Prices are at wholesale prices... only $1.99. And if you're not familiar with Knit Picks, now is a great time to get acquainted.

Galway Slouchy Crochet Beret Pattern $1.99

Available at Knit Picks and Ravelry

This simple lacy beret is perfect for beginner and intermediate crocheters; worked from the brim to the crown. The pattern is a great transition piece from season to season and is available in one size for adult woman.

Haiden Earflap Beanie Hat Pattern $1.99

Available at Knit Picks and Ravelry

This simple and cozy hat is very versatile and super easy to make. The hat is worked from the earflaps to the crown, with stitches picked up for the brim and earflap ties. The pattern is sized for Toddlers to Large Adults.

Note: this hat is meant to be made snug; the sizing below will stretch 2-4 inches

The Good and Sad of it

Quick RE-CAP of the last 2 months...

January started out really rough for our family. On Jan 1 we experienced a very sudden death. Why do we wait until tragedy hit to fully appreciate what the people in our lives mean to us? If I can convey nothing else, please take time to love each other. Now I'll get off my soap box.

Later in January, I submitted 3 designs to be a part of the KnitPicks Independent Designer Program. All 3 hat designs have been accepted, of which 2 have been completed and sent to KnitPicks. I expect to see the final product up on KnitPicks soon. The final design is still being worked up. In February I joined forces with Jess of Storied Yarns for her Percy Jackson K/CAL Round One (March 2010) yarn club. I am contributing a crochet pattern: The Wexford - Crochet Lacy Cowl. Here is a little teaser of the upcoming cowl. The cowl is a simple lace crochet pattern, similarly used in my latest for sale pattern on etsy: GALWAY SLOUCHY BERET. Please check it out.

Review of Storied Yarn: I absolutely love her dye job on her sock yarn. The colors are rich and transition well. I did not experience any nasty pooling. The yarn is soft and super easy to work with, and held up wonderful to multiple frogging. I haven't experienced any pilling while working with the yarn and frogging. The yarn fell just as great on the last stitch as it did at the beginning. I have a skein of her laceweight in her new “Daughter of Athena” colorway. I can't wait to use it. I think I will make a shawlette. I will post pictures and a review of the yarn once I've had a chance to work it up. Please check out Storied Yarn for her March KAL/CAL.

Finally, in early March I will be posting my tally raised from the sale of patterns to support the efforts in Haiti. My goal is $100. Hopefully I will be able to report as much or more to Doctors Without Borders. A very big Thank You to all who have purchased my patterns to help in the Haiti relief.

Thank you....:)

Is it just me or did 2009 just flew by. So many wonderful things have happened. I just want to thank everyone who have supported me in my patterns and bath/body products. To those who have purchased my patterns, please stay tuned for new designs for 2010.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Artfire & The Manic Purl Podcast

So, I was curious how successful Artfire.com is... compared to other marketplace for handmade goods such as Etsy.com. I signed up a while ago, but yet to list anything. So I was thinking maybe the time is now?!

Today I received an email from Artfire. Per the email"There are no limits: no insertion fees, final valuation fees, commissions or hidden fees. Unlimited listing and selling is completely free for all members of ArtFire." But how can they do that. How can they manage to maintain the sight without the fees? I'm assuming sponsors such as Lionbrand and Jo-Ann, play a big role.

Anyway, the free listing is enticing in getting some of my new ideas out to the public. So even if my items doesn't sell, I'm not loosing out on anything, right?. I guess I'll give it a try and see where things lead. Wish me luck.

I've listed an item. Check out my Artfire store at http://www.artfire.com/users/KNitDesigns.

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PODCAST REVIEW:

Today I listened to the Manic Purl's podcast... I am a big fan of the show. This was Chrissy's 2nd annual Christmas show. Her Christmas show last year was AMAZING and so I was excited when this show uploaded. The program was fun, exciting, well thought out and relevant. Besides the music that just sucks you into the holiday mood, she gives great gift ideas for both knitters and spinners. Last year around this time, I wasn't even thinking about spinning, but this year, I am all over the ideas suggested in that category.

On her list, Chrissy has spinning wheel as a gift idea. How cool would that be.... finding a spinning wheel under (or maybe next to) the christmas tree. That would be nice.

Chrissy asks her listeners to post in the comment what fibery item(s) they would most want for the holidays. What do I want for christmas you might ask??? Well, I want the next best thing. I want a gift certificate (large bills only please) to Webs to use at their end of year sale. I figure since I'm going to Webs anyway to shop at the sale the day after christmas, my family might as well make it easy and give me cash to do with as I please. Well, we'll see who's paying attention this Christmas. For all you knitters, crocheters, and spinners, I hope you get what you want for Chistmas. You might want to check out my hand salve to help with your tired hands after you're done this holiday season.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS :)

Thank You (stART on the Street)

Thank you to stART on the Street (http://www.startonthestreet.org/start-station) for putting on a fantastic show today. It was a total success !!! I met so many wonderful people.

Also, a BIG Thank You to all the customers for supporting all the local artists. Without you, we would not be able to do this thing that we love.

If we met at the show, you came by my booth and you are interested in any of my work, please feel free to email me. Over the next few days, I will be working to get my items listed here for sale (to ship in time for Christmas if ordered by Dec 18th).

I hope all the other vendors enjoyed the show as much as I did and that the customers were pleased. I can't wait for the next show.

Cheers,
~Tian

Another Instant Download Pattern

This pattern was inspired by my LOVE of sock yarn. Sock knitting is not really my thing, but I wanted to take advance of the beautiful range of colors of sock yarn. Socks can be wild and crazy colors... why shouldn't your gloves???


Hand-Sockie Fingerless Gloves $4.50

Newest Patterns - Instant downloads (don't wait for pdf email, get NOW!!!)

I love this pattern. It started out as a custom pattern request on Etsy. But by the time I was done, I was in love. The hat in the photo is for my son. The pattern is such a quick and fun knit, it can be done in a couple evenings. I am definately making one for the whole family this holiday season.

If you do purchase this pattern, I would love to see finished objects.

I am working on a few other items. Hopefully I can get one done and posted in the next couple weeks.

Thanks,

(ravelry - KNitDesigns)

Knitted Earflap Beanie with Brim $4.50

The Financial Future of FIBER

The US economy is now in the toilet. Everyone is worried. Are you worried? Are you worried about where your next yarn is purchase is coming? How are crocheters and knitters going to finance their next yarny need? Will there need to be a government bailout of your LYS? Doubtful, but here are some tips to help you thru the recession (oh... I forgot. We are not in a recession. But it sure feels like it!). Anyway, back to what's truly important:

Tips for funding the Yarny Goodness Habit:
1. SWAP. If you're Jones-ing for some soft, luscious cashmere, but your husband won't let you refinance the house, trying trading some of your equally delicious (but less desirable to you) yarny goodness.

2. Dig Deep Into The Stash. Yeah, I said it. Use what you got! At some point you must have loved, or at least liked, some of that yarn way down in the dark abyss of your stash. Sure most of it hasn't seen the light of day for over a year, but just sniff it and pet it, and you'll remember. Check out Ravelry to see who else liked the yarn enough to make something with it and get inspired again.

3.Reduce your heating bill and knit/crochet more. Try convincing your family that dropping the thermostat 15 degrees is worth a pair of luscious socks, hats, mittens and scarves they'll have to wear indoors when the temperature drops below freezing.

4. Convince your financial institution that the loan is for a good cause and that they can hold the rest of your stash as collateral. If that doesn't work (which I can't see not working...that idea is fool proof!) try convincing the Benefits Manager at work that your need your 401K due to Yarn financial hardship.

So even though the entire world is up in arms over the economic crisis be glad you have yarn insurance (YOUR STASH) because you planned ahead. So feel free to gloat at your husband at your foresight to plan for the future unlike our government and financial institutions.