Category: Giveaway
6 Weeks of Gifting and Giveaways | Week #4!
| December 7, 2015 | Filled under Giveaway, Marketing |
Can you believe 4th week is here already! Thank you so much everyone for sharing your favorite places to knit and crochet! It was interesting to know! I also love knit/crochet in a car while my husband driving especially during our long trips. Oh, and I am so glad you liked Loop of Jade Cowl! YAY!! ;o) Thank you so much!!
The Winner of Giveaway#3 is ….. Shelley Cooper (comment #23)! My congratulations Shelley! I’ll contact you shortly!
WEEK #4
This week I would love to offer you two crochet patterns in one, which is available to download for free from now until December 13th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
Hugs of Love Blanket
Give Baby the sweetest of sleep and the best of dreams with this lovely and unbelievably luxurious afghan. Delicate crochet shells come together to create billows of heavenly softness, just right for baby’s sensitive skin. Charming and snugly, this blanket will inspire hours of cuddles, wrapping your cutie in cozy comfort!
IMAGINE THIS: It’s a perfect gift for boys and girls alike—just trim it in blue, pink, or any color of your choice, and watch little eyes grow wide in delight before Baby snuggles into the clouds for a nap. Crochet it with crochet thread and turn this cuddly blanket into an eye-catching tablecloth.
Tutti Frutti
Welcome Spring’s arrival with this delightful blanket!
A colorful and happy fruit-ruffled blanket that can be worked up in any size you desire. Rows of ruffles were made in delicious peach, yellow and lime to create the featured blanket; it will look equally stunning in colors of your choice. The blanket is soft and comfortable yet sturdy enough for beach and outdoor use. It’s sure to be an all-time favor.
IMAGINE THIS: Crocheted from the center, this pattern is easily adjustable to make a fun pillow or even a tablecloth – you name it!
SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
39” (99 cm) square
YARN:
Hugs of Love Blanket: DK weight (#3 Light).
Shown: Omega Trigo (100% cotton; 295 yd [270 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 5 balls of #201 white.
For contrasting trims: Omega Perle (100% mercerized cotton; 178 yd [163 m]/1.76 oz [50 g]): 1 ball each of #520 light pink, #518 light yellow, #528 light green.
Tutti Frutti Blanket: DK weight (#3 Light).
Shown: Omega Fontana (100% mercerized cotton; 219 yd [200 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 3 skeins of #632 salmon, 3 skeins of #683 green apple, 2 skeins of #604 canary.
CROCHET HOOK
Size D/3 (3.25 mm); size C/2 (2.75 mm)
* This eBook involves crochet skills ONLY.
20 pages, 4 photos, 3 diagrams, 2 schematics, technical pages: Glossary, Terms, Conversion Charts, Yarn Care Symbol Chart, Yarn Substitution Chart.
And now, it’s a GIVEAWAY time!! One lucky one from anywhere in the world will win: 5 balls of Omega Trigo to crochet such sweet Hugs of Love Blanket or even Fluffy Clouds Blanket or Silverlace Blanket from Imagical Seasons, Summer book! All these 3 blanket crocheted with 5 balls of Omega Trigo – I just love yarn for delicate baby projects ;o)
…my new two babies—crochet pattern books Imagical Seasons: Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12:
- Spring, volume 01 (Hugs of Love and Tutti Frutti Blankets are a part of Spring Book, so you can get a book spirit by download the pattern ;o))
- Summer, volume 02.
A Winner will receive the books in both, paperback and PDF format!
“Imagical Seasons” is a series of 4 books and 38 whimsical designs that were inspired by nature and the changing seasons. Each volume, be that Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter, will show you how a little imagination can:
- Transform simple ruffle pattern into a nearly endless variety of pretty designs (in Spring book).
- Stitch anything from a blanket to a halter dress using the same square motif with varying yarn weights (in Summer book).
- Adapt and personalize lace-pattern-based designs to hook your own masterpieces (in Fall book).
- Create trendy and cozy garments and accessories for those cold winter days, or a delicate coat for holidays and special occasions—based on patterns that apply variations of a simple puff stitch (in Winter book).
“Imagical Seasons” comes with lots of stunning full-page full-color photographs, very detailed written instructions that are easy to follow, and unique stitch diagrams that speak the international language of crochet.
All projects in these books are designed to spark your own creativity and will help you create charming hand-made treasures that will grow with your Princess and excite your creative spirit and imagination.
And here is the best part—garments come in sizes 2 to 12 years, and there are even a couple of themes for grown-ups!
Have fun with the projects and make them your own, because every little girl is special and deserving of gifts made with love!
TO ENTER THE CONTEST
Each person is allowed to enter up to 3 times as follows:
- Mandatory entry. Please let us know if you have any favorite crochet or knit stitches? My favorites are hdc, puff stich and picot for borders. Mainly because they are “reversible” and look great on both sides. Or just leave any comment here, on the blog—and that’s all, no any obligations ;o).
- Optional Entry #2. Blog about this giveaway, linking to this post and leave another comment to this post with link to your blog post.
- Optional Entry #3. Share this post on any of your accounts: Google+, Facebook, Ravelry, twitter, yahoo… etc and leave another comment here.
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, November 30th and will end Sunday, December 6th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
- I’ll select the winners with random.org’s random number generator and I’ll notify the Winners by email on Monday, December 7th.
Good luck everyone and lets fun begin!
And even MORE, I have a DEAL for you – this week only!
Books are the perfect holiday gift and this week only, get 30% off at my books in both paperback and digital formats + Free Tax (US) and Free Shipping (US) in my Shop at ImagicalSeasons.com, Etsy, Ravelry and Amazon – no coupon needed! PLEASE NOTE: If happens that Winner and purchaser is one person, I’ll make a full refund for sure! ;o)
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To enjoy more holiday deals from Alla Koval Designs, please visit my Etsy, Ravelry, Amazon and ImagicalSeasons.com (just scroll down Main page to locate deal’s board)!!
6 Weeks of Gifting and Giveaways | Week #3 & New Crochet Pattern Release
| November 30, 2015 | Filled under Giveaway |
What an another beautiful week! I would like to thank so much everyone for participation and your kind of words. It’s just made my week to read all your wonderful and sweet comments. You are amazing!!
… And now is time to name a Winner!
The Winner of Giveaway#2 is ….. Leslie (comment #7)! My congratulations Leslie! I’ll contact you shortly!
WEEK #3
This week I would love to introduce my new pattern, which is available to download for free from now until December 6th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
Loop of Jade
Fear not the midwinter blues with this luxurious cowl made in a blend of wool and silk in the gorgeous shade of jade! While the breeze is rippling the surface on a frosty day, take the bite out of winter and thrive in its cozy, delicately layered warmth. Its beautifully flattering neckline adorned with two rows of elegant buttons adds glam and romance to your winter look, while reminding of symbolic and protective powers of jade – a gemstone that attracts love, soothes the mind and promotes self-sufficiency.
Explore the eminent versatility of this brilliant piece that offers over a half of dozen ways to loop around your neck!
To download: simple click at highlighted in green ……...loop_of_jade_cowl_v01ed.pdf file on the right ) —>>>
This pattern is also available for free download on Ravelry!
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
SIZES
Small (Medium, Large)
Sample shown is size Small.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
24 (26.25, 29)” (61 [67, 74] cm) wide x 6.5 (7, 7)” (16.5 [18, 18] cm) tall
YARN
DK weight (#3 Light)
Cascade Yarns Venezia Sport (70% merino wool, 30% silk; 307.5 yd [281 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 1 hank of #178 Deep Sea.
CROCHET HOOK
Size G/6 (4 mm)
NOTIONS
• 8 size 5/8″ (16 mm) ox silver buttons (shown: buttons by La Mode®, item #2403).
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Sewing needle and coordinating thread
* This pattern involves crochet skills only.
12 pages, 2 photos, 1 schematic, 2 diagrams, glossary, techniques: reverse single crochet stitch, conversion chart and yarn substitution chart.
And now, it’s a GIVEAWAY time!! One lucky one from anywhere in the world will win 2 hanks of such luxury Cascade Yarns Venezia Sport (70% merino wool, 30% silk; 307.5 yd [281 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]) in colors of Your choice – 1 hank needed to crochet to crochet Loop of Jade Cowl, but I would love to offer you one more hank so you can crochet a cowl for your loved one or just make a scarf …. and also, you will receive a size G/6 (4 mm) Ebony crochet hook by amazing Lantern Moon. OR why not a crochet hook in a size you would prefer – just please let me know a hook size you would like and I would be glad to order one for you!
TO ENTER THE CONTEST
Each person is allowed to enter up to 3 times as follows:
- Mandatory entry. If you don’t mind, please tell us what is your favorite place to knit/crochet (mine is in front of computer, watching movies or online classes with our adorable tiny Chihuahua Pixie on my lap). Or just leave any comment here, on the blog—and that’s all, no any obligations ;o).
- Optional Entry #2. Blog about this giveaway, linking to this post and leave another comment to this post with link to your blog post.
- Optional Entry #3. Share this post on any of your accounts: Google+, Facebook, Ravelry, twitter, yahoo… etc and leave another comment here.
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, November 30th and will end Sunday, December 6th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
- I’ll select the winners with random.org’s random number generator and I’ll notify the Winners by email on Monday, December 7th.
Good luck everyone and lets fun begin!
Oh, and may I ask you to spread the word with this 6 Weeks of Gifting and Giveaways event so your friends, family, craft souls and business partners may enjoy it too?! Please feel free to share the flayer and (or just) link to this post.
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To enjoy more holiday deals from Alla Koval Designs, please visit my Etsy, Ravelry, Amazon and ImagicalSeasons.com (just scroll down Main page to locate deal’s board)!!
6 Weeks of Gifting and Giveaways | Week #2
| November 23, 2015 | Filled under Giveaway |
First, I would like to thank so much everyone for participation and your kind words. It’s just made my week to read all your wonderful and sweet comments. I met so many amazingly talented artists and made new friends!
… And now is time to name a Winner!
so, the Winner of Giveaway#1 is ….. Heather Conn (comment #47)! My congratulations Heather! I’ll contact you shortly!
WEEK #2
Oh my, this post was written and scheduled around Thursday afternoon, and to be honest, it was a challenge to wait until today… But it’s a Monday already, yay! Just please do not tell me that you hate Mondays ;o)
This week I would love to offer you recently released and one of my new favorite Dream Catcher Blanket pattern.
Dream Catcher
On a wonderful and cool night or day, feel warmth and love when you wrap your special little boy in this stylish Dream Catcher Blanket! Give your boy a soft snuggly hug with this very first piece from the boy’s collection. As he falls into a gentle slumber, may his bad dreams get tangled in the blanket’s intricate basket-weave design, and his good dreams softly slip through. While promising a peaceful bedtime, this blanket’s versatility allows it to make a stylish, fashion-forward addition to your nursery or home décor.
Crochet with gorgeous merino wool yarn for cold days, or use any yarn weights for other seasons and occasions. Make an equally stunning blanket in colors of your choice! Because the blanket size is so easily adjusted, make it a baby blankie, a king-size comforter, bedspread or a stylish scarf for yourself by working first 23-33 rows of stitch pattern. Experiment with two different designs of border stitch patterns – as in the featured white blanket – and easily apply them to any custom-sized pieces without any adjustments and recalculating. Even more, work only first 6 rounds of white blanket’s border to get a third option of different looking and fun border!
Please click HERE for pattern details.
This pattern is available to download for free from now until November 29th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
And now, it’s a GIVEAWAY time!! The “theme” is craft treasures! I am a big fan of great and smart supplies for knitting and crocheting and so excited to offer you some too!
So, giveaway#2 is for:
1. Tulip “Classic 1″ Crochet Hook Set from Japan
I always loved stainless steel hooks by Tulip with golden hook point, but I can’t tell you how I was excited to discover Tulip Classic Crochet Hook Sets!
It doesn’t get any more portable than this! This cute 7-piece crochet hook set is perfect for one’s handbag, car, or yarn basket. Or your back pocket.
This is the most compact of the four crochet hook sets in the Classic series. This series is not well known in the USA, but is a long time favorite in Japan. Set contains:
- 4 Crochet Hooks in 5 sizes: 1 double ended steel crochet hook (1.80 mm at one end and 2.00 mm at the other), 3 aluminum crochet hooks (2.50 mm This size fills a gap between US sizes B/1 (2.25 mm) and C/2 (2.75 mm), E/4 (3.5 mm) and H/8 (5 mm))
- Yarn Needles in 2 sizes
- Ruler
- Soft vinyl case that opens like a small book, and snaps closed. Each crochet hook has its own slot. Measures 1.5″ x 5.75″ and is .25″ thick when closed.
2. Two Snail Tape Measures with Key Chain (because own one tape measure is never enough …and these two just looks so happy together ;o))
- One Blue and one Green
- Measuring Range: 0 – 40 inch (0 – 1m)
3. Imagical Seasons* Multipurpose Bag
I’ve just got these bags couple days ago and I absolutely love them! These are perfect for travel, work perfectly as cosmetic & makeup organizer, but main use I planned for them is using it for little craft projects: amenity pouch holds up to 5 ball of yarn, 3 sleeves are just perfect for crochet hooks, needles, scissors, etc. and inner zippered pocket is great place to hold stitch markers or tapestry needles. Also this bag can be used as organizer for hooks and circular needles, tiny yarn leftover or swatches… oh well, you name it! And, BTW – just in time for holidays, with every purchase of Imagical Seasons Crochet pattern books (please see details below) you will receive Imagical Seasons Multipurpose Bag as a gift!
- Size: 13 ” x 8.75 ” x 4 “
- Case includes:
TO ENTER THE CONTEST
Each person is allowed to enter up to 3 times as follows:
- Mandatory entry. Please tell us what is your favorite crochet hook/knitting needles size, or just leave any comment here, on this blog—no any obligations… ;o).
- Optional Entry #2. Blog about this giveaway, linking to this post and leave another comment to this post with link to your blog post.
- Optional Entry #3. Share this post on any of your accounts: Google+, Facebook, Ravelry, twitter, yahoo… etc and leave another comment here.
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, November 23th and will end Sunday, November 29th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
- I’ll select the winners with random.org’s random number generator and I’ll notify the Winners by email on Monday, November 30th.
* If you new to my blog and wonder what Imagical Seasons means and did not hear about my two new crochet patterns books Imagical Seasons: Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12 books just published couple months ago, please visit ImagicalSeasons.com to find all the info and details. If you scroll down Home page you will locate some amazing deals just in time for holidays!
And below is a little sneak peek what you will find inside of each book…
Imagical Seasons: Spring, Vol. 01; Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12:
Imagical Seasons: Summer, Vol. 02; Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12:
Oh, and may I ask you a favor? Would you please consider sharing Imagical Seasons book series in social media? It’s super easy. On ImagicalSeasons.com, on Home and You Made This! pages is a widget bar like this:
Just click on any of them to share in social media. Thank you! xoxo, Alla
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To enjoy more holiday deals, please visit my Etsy, Ravelry, Amazon and ImagicalSeasons.com stores!!
6 Weeks of Gifting and Giveaways | Week #1 & New Crochet Pattern
| November 16, 2015 | Filled under Giveaway, Patterns |
PLEASE NOTE: This Giveaway is expired!
As far as I remember myself, I always loved equally give and receive gifts… but with age I noticed that gifting brings me much more pleasure ;o)
So, let’s the fun begin! This year, I decided to skip all these Black Friday’s and Cyber Monday’s “madness”, but instead I offer you a 6 weeks of GIFTING & GIVEAWAYS! Each Monday I’ll offer one of my patterns for a free download for one week only + a weekly Giveaway for you (yarn, craft supplies, pattern books + much more)!
WEEK #1
Let’s start with my newest Crochet à la Brioche Scarf pattern, which is available to download for free from now until November 22th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
Every this-time-of-a-year since I released knitted Meringue Cowl pattern, I receive so many requests for a crochet version. Well, here are several techniques to emulate Brioche knitting, like single crochet worked in back loops for example. But my most favorite method is working in third loop of half double crochet.
So, I wrote a pattern explaining 3rd loop hdc stitch and “tested” it in two pretty simple and such fast to crochet scarf projects. Let me introduce…
Crochet à la Brioche
A Brioche (so called from its resemblance in shape to the well known French cake of that name) may be as easily worked in crochet as in knitting. With a little trick you can transform regular half double crochet stitches into knit-like stitches, that are also very elastic!
There are two options of style and yarn to choose from! These reversible soft ribs will hug your neck and keep it toasty warm all fall, winter and into spring. There will be few times you won’t find an excuse to wear your à la Brioche Scarf!
Treat yourself and your loved ones with the luxurious feel of these scarves this delightful winter! Opt for bamboo or cotton blends for fall and spring accessories.
A perfect gift idea too!
OPTION 1:
OPTION 2:
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Option 1: 5.5″ (14 cm) wide x 63″ (160 cm) long without tassels
Option 2: 4″ (10 cm) wide x 67″ (170 cm) long without pompoms
YARN
Worsted weight (#4 Medium).
Option 1 (shown p. 2): Cascade Yarns Venezia Worsted (70% merino wool, 30% silk; 219 yd [199 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 2 hanks of #101 white heaven.
Chunky weight (#5 Bulky).
Option 2 (shown p. 6): Cascade Yarns Pacific® Chunky (40% superwash merino wool, 60% acrylic; 120 yd [110 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 3 skeins of #43 ruby.
CROCHET HOOK
Option 1: Size J/10 (6 mm)
Option 2: Size M-N/13 (9 mm)
NOTIONS
• Option 1: 4″ (10 cm) long piece of cardboard
• Option 2: 3.5” (9 cm) pompom maker
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• 2 stitch markers
* This pattern involves crochet skills only.
12 pages, 2 photos, 1 diagram, glossary, tutorials: How to crochet into third loop of hdc, techniques: Making and tassels and pompoms , conversion charts and yarn substitution charts.
And now, it’s a GIVEAWAY time!! One lucky one from anywhere in the world will win 4 skeins of fabulous Cascade Yarns Pacific® Chunky (40% superwash merino wool, 60% acrylic; 120 yd [110 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]) in #01 Cream color and size – 3 skeins needed to crochet (+ 1 extra) to crochet à la Brioche Scarf …. and size M-N/13 (9 mm) Ebony crochet hook by lovely Lantern Moon.
TO ENTER THE CONTEST
Each person is allowed to enter up to 3 times as follows:
- Mandatory entry. You have to leave any comment here, on the blog—and that’s all, no any obligations ;o).
- Optional Entry #2. Blog about this giveaway, linking to this post and leave another comment to this post with link to your blog post.
- Optional Entry #3. Share this post on any of your accounts: Google+, Facebook, Ravelry, twitter, yahoo… etc and leave another comment here.
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, November 16th and will end Sunday, November 22th, 2015 at 11:59 pm PST.
- I’ll select the winners with random.org’s random number generator and I’ll notify the Winners by email on Monday, November 23th.
Good luck everyone and lets fun begin!
Oh, and may I ask you to spread the word with this 6 Weeks of Gifting and Giveaways event so your friends, family, craft souls and business partners may enjoy it too?! Please feel free to share the flayer and (or just) link to this post.
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To enjoy more holiday deals from Alla Koval Designs, please visit my Etsy, Ravelry, Amazon and ImagicalSeasons.com (just scroll down Main page to locate deal’s board) stores!!
Thank you so much and have a lovely week!
Sincerely yours,
Alla
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting | Winner!
| October 19, 2015 | Filled under Giveaway |
Thank you so much everyone who participated in the contest, your kind of words and such sweet comments!!
… and our winner of a copy of gorgeous The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting is Marie (comment #2)
MY CONGRATULATIONS, Marie! I’ll contact you shortly via e-mail for your mailing address.
If you missed my book review, please make sure to check this such great and very unique book:
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
By Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest
Interweave/F+W; $26.99
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting | Book Blog Tour, Review + Giveaway!
| October 9, 2015 | Filled under Blog Tour, Giveaway |
The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
By Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest
Interweave/F+W; $26.99
Welcome to my stop on the Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest blog tour for The Art of Slip Stitch Knitting. The blog tour kicked off September 16th and runs through November 21th. I’m thrilled to be a part of this tour and cannot tell you how I am excited for Faina and Simona!
This, very well and absolutely beautifully designed by Interweave book, has it all and covers all the basics of slip-stitch knitting, including stitch formation, reading charts, customizing stitch patterns, choosing yarns, designing with slip-stitch patterns, and more. In addition to 40 slip-stitch patterns, there are 16 lovely and easy-to-make projects not only beautifully done, but also amazingly eye opening and such inspirational.
Book starts with chapter All About Slip-Stitch Knitting—different ways of slipping stitches and what you do with the working yarn when you slip. And there’s information on horizontal, vertical, and diagonal slipping. Pretty much everything you could possibly need to know about slip-stitch knitting. And all following chapters cover different group of slip-stich patterns and begin with a dictionary of stitches followed by 4 patterns using this type of stitch. You can choose between written instructions or a chart to knit each stitch pattern.
Second chapter is Traditional Slip-Stitch Patterns contains simple color work and lovely patterns. My favorites are reengineering with color Svítání Pullover and Kromka Hoodie.
Third chapter (which totally blew me away!) features set of Woven slip stitches and again has a number of different stitch patterns and then some projects. I fell in love with the Gobelen bag, which I not only want to make for myself, but I was already asked by a friend to make one for her. Made by using diagonal woven weaves slip-stitch pattern, this bag (as well as Volna scarf and Spiral hat) are simply gorgeous!
In the 4th chapter, Fancy Slip-Stitch, my favorites project is Nero Pullover. The sweater is worked in a classic top-down raglan construction with a carefully placed slip-stitch cable panel at center front and a slipped checks pattern on sleeves. It’s nicely fitted and is worked in a sport weight yarn.
And last chapter is Reversible Slip-Stitch. I love Fialka boot toppers, which look like made in pretty complicated “Fair Isle” technique, but there are worked in a pretty simple slip-stitch pattern that plays with the placement of stitches, how floats are carried, and colors are changed. It’s super easy to customize for your favorite color, too.
In the end of the book you will find a lot of useful information, including abbreviations and an illustrated glossary of techniques.
You can take a look at all 16 patterns on Ravelry.
Did you paid attention to the names of projects in the book?! “For the projects in this book, we chose Czech and Russian (our native languages) names that describe our inspiration for the design, color, construction elements, or other aspects of the designs.”, – Faina and Simona explains. I love this idea!!
This is truly great and very unique book. Not only because this book have 16 fresh and pure eye-candy patterns but I never saw such fantastic and interesting stitch dictionary with endless possibilities of using slip-stitches in new fresh and modern way. Especially I was amazed with the section on reengineering the stitch patterns and how one simple change, whether it is adding of a third color or changing of the location of your floats, results in a dramatic, enchanting change.
“We are very excited to share with you our findings of what slip stitch can do: its beauty, its endless possibilities, and the great versatility it offers. We’re looking forward to seeing your variations of the slip-stitch patterns in your projects.” —Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest
And last, but not least… we have a GIVEAWAY for you! One lucky in the world will receive a copy of this gorgeous book. U.S.-based with a valid street address (vs. P.O. Box address) will receive a paperback copy. Otherwise all others are eligible for a PDF copy of the book.
TO ENTER
Simply leave a comment on this blog post and let us know which design from The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting you like the most!
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, October 9th and will end Sunday, October 18th 2015 at 11:59pm PST.
- The winner will be selected with random.org’s random number generator and notified by email on Monday, October 19th.
And below is full The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting Book Blog Tour Schedule:
9/16/15 Wendy Knits
9/28/15 Tanis Knits
9/29/15 Yarn Thing Podcast
9/30/15 HZoppetti Designs
9/30/15 Planet Purl
9/30/15 WEBS blog
10/6/15 SweetGeorgia Yarns, Inc.
10/7/15 Never Not Knitting Podcast
10/8/15 Yarn Yenta
10/9/15 My Little City Girl
10/15/15 Knit More Girls Podcast
10/15/15 Bay Area Knitter
11/15/15 Sheep to Shawl
11/21/15 Ready, Set, Knit! (WEBS Podcast)
Happy Friday and terrific weekend everyone!
Blog Tour Sneak Peek + More
| October 5, 2015 | Filled under Blog Tour, Giveaway |
I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’m going to be part of the blog tour for The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting: Techniques, Stitches, Projects
By Faina Goberstein and Simona Merchant-Dest!! I adore and follow Faina and Simona since I saw their work and met Faina in person, and they never stopped amaze me since than.
Slip stitch is one of the simplest and most versatile knitting techniques, but it’s often overlooked. The Art of Slip-Stitch Knitting is a modern and thorough take on a technique that delivers beautiful colorwork and gorgeous textures—with minimal effort. Inspire your knitting and wardrobe with over 16 knitting projects.
My stop on blog tour is on Friday, Octocber 9th. I will post a book review, and host a giveaway. See you then!
Below is Blog Tour schedule:
9/16/15 Wendy Knits
9/28/15 Tanis Knits
9/29/15 Yarn Thing Podcast
9/30/15 HZoppetti Designs
9/30/15 Planet Purl
9/30/15 WEBS blog
10/6/15 SweetGeorgia Yarns, Inc.
10/7/15 Never Not Knitting Podcast
10/8/15 Yarn Yenta
10/9/15 My Little City Girl
10/15/15 Knit More Girls Podcast
10/15/15 Bay Area Knitter
11/15/15 Sheep to Shawl
11/21/15 Ready, Set, Knit! (WEBS Podcast)
In The Other News
I just started to work on some pattern updates, and so far Hugs of Love & Tutti Frutti Blankets Pattern (yes, it’s one pattern for 2 blankets) and Fluffy Clouds Blanket are updated. Silverlace Blanket & Tropicale Cover Pattern and Petaline Dress & Poncho Pattern will be finished late today.
What is was updated? First, I want to say that NO pattern mistakes were spotted, yay! But patterns got final polished look (exactly in a style like the Imagical Seasons books). Plus, I added helpful technical pages: Glossary, Terms, Conversion charts, Yarn Care Symbols and Yarn Substitution Charts for your comfort and reference, and my pleasure – I just love how these pages turned out ;o)
PLEASE NOTE: Many Thanks to Ravelry, it was s easy to sent notifications about the patterns updates to everyone. But, unfortunately, I have no chance to send updated patterns to buyers, who purchased patterns in other places. If you bought any of these patterns, please email me at allakoval@gmail.com and I’ll gladly send you updated versions right away.
***UPDATE: Both, Silverlace Blanket & Tropicale Cover Pattern and Petaline Dress & Poncho Pattern got makeover, whoohoo ;o)
A lovely and happy Monday everyone!
Underground Crafter with Marie Segares | Next Stop on the Imagical Seasons Blog Tour
| August 20, 2015 | Filled under Blog Tour, Giveaway, Marketing |
What an exciting news! Imagical Seasons Books Blog Tour has couple more stops and giveaways scheduled! Many thanks to Libby Butler-Gluck, for doing such a great job with this my very first blog tour! I appreciate a joy of working with you, Libby!
I’m very proud and honored to have the designers on board who have agreed to take their time to post about the books and hosting giveaways! Once again, my sincere thanks and deepest appreciation to you, wonderful and beyond talented Amy Solovay, Faina Goberstein, Gwen Blakely Kinsler, Kathryn Vercillo, Kara Gunza, Simona Merchant-Dest, Sarah E. White, MaryJane Hall, Vendula Maderska and Jocelyn Sass for participation, awesome reviews and such valuable input in my book’s blog tour!! I very appreciate it!!
I am absolutely thrilled to let you know that today’s stop on the book blog tour is at Underground Crafter!
Marie is fabulous crochet and knitting blogger, designer, and teacher behind Underground Crafter. Marie’s patterns have been published by Crochetvolution, Crochet World, Entwine, Galler Yarns, I Like Crochet, I Like Knitting, Inside Crochet, KnitCircus, Kollabora, Love of Crochet, Love of Knitting, Pom Pom Quarterly, and the Quick & Simple Crochet booklet series. Self-published free patterns are available here, and you can find the rest of her patterns on Marie’s Ravelry designer page. She teaches crochet and knitting at several adult education venues in the New York City metro area and at regional fiber events. Marie’s blog features free crochet patterns, crochet and knitting book and product reviews, interviews with needle arts industry pros, giveaways, and more. In August, 2014, she launched the Creative Yarn Entrepreneur Show, a weekly podcast for indie business owners in the yarn industry.
Thank you for doing the interview with me on the book, Marie! Everyone has different types of questions to ask and I like that. I very appreciate you being part of the blog tour!!
To connect with Marie and have a chance to win a copy of Imagical Seasons: Spring, Vol. 01; Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12 and Imagical Seasons: Summer, Vol. 02; Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12 , in her giveaway, please go to Marie’s blog HERE. Thank you for stopping by and good luck!
New to my blog and did not hear about my new two crochet patterns books just published in July? Please visit ImagicalSeasons.com to find all the info and details. And below is a list of what you will find inside of each book
Imagical Seasons: Spring, Vol. 01; Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12:
Imagical Seasons: Summer, Vol. 02; Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12:
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Find Imagical Seasons books at:
Colorful Crochet Lace by MaryJane Hall | A Winner!!
| August 18, 2015 | Filled under Giveaway |
Hi my dears,
I am so excited to name a winner of a copy of gorgeous Colorful Crochet Lace by MaryJane Hall.
And the winner is… Aditi (comment #3)!! MY CONGRATULATIONS, Aditi! I’ll contact you shortly.
Thank you so much everyone who participated in the contest, your kind of words and such sweet comments!!
A wonderful and lovely day everyone!!
Colorful Crochet Lace by MaryJane Hall | Blog tour, Interview, Giveaway + More!
| August 10, 2015 | Filled under Blog Tour, Book Review, Giveaway |
I love Mondays! And it is a very special one because I am honoring MaryJane Hall on the release of her new Colorful Crochet Lace book! I cannot tell you how excited I am for MaryJane and how I am thrilled to be a part of this blog tour! I am posting an interview (see below) I did with MaryJane to feature her on this very special and emotional day for her, sharing my experience making the Juliette scarf, hosting giveaway and showing photos of the designs included in the book.
MaryJane Hall is a crochet designer and bestselling author of Positively Crochet! and Crochet That Fits, which was voted “Best Crochet Pattern Book of 2008” by Crochet Liberation Front. She is a mentor with the CGOA and speaks at various crochet gatherings and fashion shows. MaryJane has designed for popular magazines, including Interweave Crochet, Vogue Knitting Crochet, and Fifth Avenue Fashion Magazine and has appeared on the TV show Knit & Crochet Now.
Please let me introduce her new book:
Colorful Crochet Lace: 22 Chic Garments & Accessories
Interweave/F+W; $24.99
Format: Paperback
ISBN 13: 9781620336984
Number Of Pages: 160
Available at Amazon and Interweave stores.
This, very well and beautifully designed by Interweave book, includes 22 stunning and trendy lace garments and accessories presented in Ooh Là Là and chic Parisian theme. You will be pleasant to find fantastic designs for scarfs, tunics, tops, cardigans, shrugs, t-shirts and totes! The designs are worked in a variety of yarn weights and color range from elegant jewel tones to earthy neutrals. But sure these such versatile and trendy designs can be made in any colors by your choice!
With clear and detailed instructions and stitch diagrams, and gorgeous photography, Colorful Crochet Lace makes it easy and fun to create exquisite crochet fashions. Some projects are constructed using the Graduated Stitch Method, a technique MaryJane developed that allows for shaping and customized fit without increases or decreases, and many of the patterns include instructions for modifying designs and creating variations.
Below are some projects from the book, isn’t they are simple gorgeous!
Brigitte Wide Belt:
Dominique Dress Overlay:
To find all designs included in the book, please check this link.
And now, I would love you to meet MaryJane Hall, beyond talented crochet designer, dear friend and such amazing person:
Your designs are beautiful, entrancing and unique. What inspires you?
I have always been the kind of person who wants to go the extra mile and work “outside the box”, but at the same time I really do want to produce wearable patterns that will appeal to a variety of people. When I’m working on a sketch I’m thinking “Is this something I would wear” or better yet “Is this something my fashionista daughter would wear?” So I guess you could say I want to create patterns I think would be in demand and that’s what drives me!
When did you start crocheting and who taught you?
I taught myself to crochet from a book when I was 18 and I’m normally the kind of person who wants to be “shown” how to do things. This makes me know anyone who wants to learn to crochet can do it and they don’t need to be intimidated. I always say if they can learn how to hold the hook and yarn, they can make anything! And it’s really true.
How long have you been designing? What got you interested in crochet?
I’ve been crocheting 40+ years and got interested back in the early 70’s when crochet was all the rage. Then when crochet came back on the scene in 2004 after a 30 year silence, I started designing.
How did you become interested in actual designing in crochet?
Since there was a huge surge in crochet that year, of course I jumped on the bandwagon and started designing because I knew several people who wanted to learn to crochet the stylish ponchos that were in the stores. I couldn’t find updated patterns so I started designing ponchos to help the girls in my crochet class. The rest is history!
I love your style; where does your style come from?
I really like feminine styles – just anything girly, well kind of like your girly designs Alla! I think we are kindred spirits because I love everything you have ever designed! Love the lace, ruffles, fitted designs. And if I see a shape or style in a magazine or on the runway that I’m crazy about, I’m determined and motivated to see if I can come up with something in crochet. It’s a challenge for me and I love it!
What have you learned during your designing years? How did your style or techniques change?
I began designing small things such as hats, purses, slippers, belts, scarves and ponchos which we all pretty easy. I like quick projects and in fact would love to do a book on quick gifts someday. But when I started working on Positively Crochet with 50 patterns, I wanted to have more variety which is something I thought would sell. In other words, something for everyone, and that’s when I got into larger projects such as sweaters and skirts.
What have I learned? I’ve learned that sometimes the things you think will be the most simple to make, turn out to be the hardest and some I thought will be difficult to design, turned out to be much easier than I thought. I’m always pushing myself and there’s probably not anything I wouldn’t try to design. I’m pretty driven.
What tips and advice would you give to brand new crocheters?
1. I would tell them to be patient, don’t give up, and ask for help if you need to.
2. If you are working from a pattern that doesn’t make sense to you and you think there may be an error but can’t find any corrections on the web, then just do what looks right! If I had been given that advice way back when I started crocheting, I would have prevented a lot of stress over the years. I never even considered that patterns could have an error. I always thought it was just me!
3. Another bit of advice for beginners is when they want to make a pattern, I think it is best if they do not read ahead! You might wonder why I would say that. There was a girl who wrote me saying there were errors in a pattern, but she also had questions on other parts she just didn’t understand. There did end up being a couple of minor errors (corrected on my blog), but we spent days writing back and forth while I was trying to explain some things she didn’t understand. I later found out she had read ahead in the pattern and even though she’d asked me those questions, when she actually started crocheting the top, she did understand it on her own. Then I told her I would not recommend reading ahead because even I, a very experienced crocheter, get confused on a pattern if I start reading ahead. It makes much more sense when you start working it, step by step.
When you are not crocheting, where can we find you? What are some of your other passions and interests?
You’d find me in the kitchen a lot! I love to cook and come up with new dishes. In fact I have a collection of over 300 cookbooks and I have just as many food boards on Pinterest as I have boards on crochet. I like to entertain and host dinners for family and friends.
You could also find me browsing thrift stores, flea markets and antique shops. I find lots of treasures at thrift stores and Dayton is known for having some of the best in the country.
And people would be surprised to know that I am addicted to the History channel. I love to watch shows like “America Unearthed” and shows about “Lost “Civilizations”.
I also play the guitar and sang professionally for many years at fairs, festivals and other events, but stopped when I started designing. I do have a CD of some of the songs in my repertoire.
Is there anything you wished I asked you and I didn’t? Please feel free to add anything!
I was born in Texas and lived in Oklahoma, the Philippines, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and graduated from HS in Natchitoches, La, the town where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed. My husband, whom I met in college was from Ohio, so that’s how I ended up here.
I’ve been to 8 other countries and across the Pacific Ocean twice but havent had a chance to go to Paris and Italy (where my ancestors are from). My love of anything Parisian is why I wanted to do the book in that theme with sidewalk cafes and gardens.
Thank you so much MaryJane for such interesting interview! Wow, over 300 cookbooks?! I am totally impressed!
… Oh and you made me blushing with your answer on one of interview questions ;o) Thank you so much MaryJane! I wish I would have a half of your talent!
Juliette Scarf
I love so many projects from Colorful Crochet Lace book, and will definitely make more of them, and must to admit that I immediately fell in love with Juliette Scarf! Made with one of my favorite Silk Bamboo yarn by Patons, this pattern is very easy to follow and includes pretty detail stitch diagram (my favorite part!). To show you how versatile and differently this gorgeous design may looks, I made the scarf in royal blue color and “turned” it into a autumn theme. I am so glad with result and will keep it for myself for sure!
And last, but not least… we have a GIVEAWAY for you! One lucky in the world will receive a copy of this gorgeous book (US readers will get a paperback copy, and international readers – a digital copy in PDF format)
TO ENTER:
Simply leave a comment on this blog post and let us know which is your favorite design.
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, August 10th and will end Monday, August 17 2015 at 11:59pm PST.
- The winner will be selected with random.org’s random number generator and notified by email on Tuesday, August, 18th.
Here are the additional stops on this tour:
Colorful Crochet Lace Book Blog Tour Schedule
- Knit Crochet Craft – Vickie Howell (Mary Jane will be Vickie’s guest blogger that day, kicking off the tour 8/4)
- Outstanding Crochet – Natalia Kononova (review and promotional giveaway 8/5) +photos of her project
- Bonnie Bay – Bonnie Barker (review, interview, and promotional giveaway 8/6) She’s making a project
- Crochetville – Amy Shelton (she’ll show the Au Naturel Top she made, review, promotional giveaway 8/7) Amy made the Au Natural Cropped Top and will share her picturesj
- My Little City Girl – Alla Koval (she’ll show the Juliette Scarf she made , interview, and review 8/10). Alla made a project which she will share.
- Yarn Thing Podcast – Marly Bird (author interview podcast 8/13)
- Hook & Needle Designs – Lisa Gentry (8/14)
- GoCrochet – Ellen Gormley (review and author interview) (8/17)
- Turquoiz Blue – This is Crochet – Turquoiz Blue (8/18)
- Cute Crochet Chat – Jocelyn Sass (review and promotional giveaway 8/19)
- Hot Lava Crochet – Tammy Hildebrand (interview, review, and promotional giveaway 8/20)
- The Crochet Architect – Susan Lowman 8/21
- Crochet Renee – Renee Rogers 8/24
A wonderful and happy Monday everyone!!
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