Day 10

Welcome to Day 10 of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway on the Ravelry Group, Tabetha Hedrick Knitwear Design!

Today’s prize is a digital PDF of the magazine, Skein Theory!


It is a sister publication to The Sock Report and a stunning collection of work. I have a design in the premier issue, Anderson…



The photography, the designers, the articles are FANtastic! You’ll love it! Thanks so much to those gals over at The Sock Report and Skein Theory. Go tell them thanks on Facebook!

To enter, head over to the Ravelry Group and tell me about your favorite holiday cookie recipe! you can even share the recipe, if you’d like. :) If you don’t bake, where do you get your sugar cravings satisfied?
Remember, one post per person, must be a member of the group, and get your post in before midnight tonight MST.

The most awesome idea.

I just have to share this amazing bit of news that my friend, Barbara, is knee-deep in - she is starting this awesome new venture: a YARN TRUCK!!!!!

That's right, a yarn store in a truck that travels around their locality, as well as to fiber shows,  much like a foodie truck. Can it get any better than that?! Oh yes, it can! They will be teaching, bringing awareness to the fiber arts (and fiber "raising"), as well as supporting and encouraging independent designers and yarn companies.

Now, they've already purchased "Little Debbie" and she is headed off to begin her restoration, but a project of this magnitude needs it's community to raise it up and get it going. Barbara and Maridee are two people that I deeply believe in, so come help them out with their Kickstarter Fundraising Campaign. They have AMAZING "thank you" gifts to dole out, so it is totally worth it -  like a signed "Winnie The Pooh" DVD, exclusive art by the Disney animator Bruce Smith, Yarnover bags and mugs, or even handknit gift items for YOU! Like I said, awesome.

They are at 25% of their goal, so hop on over to their IndieGoGo Campaign website and help build up a small business. You'll get that awesome squishy feeling in your heart, I promise. :)

DAY SEVEN!!

Today’s giveaway, over on my Ravelry Group, is a from Kollage, a fantastic company that is the inventor of the Square Needle and producer of some wonderfully yummy, unique yarns such as their Recycled Blue Jeans yarn (called Rivating). I can’t say enough good things about their needles: American-made, super sharp tips, smooth and easy joins on their cables….
Kollage has given us TWO sets of Size US 7 Needles (perfect for Day 7!): one circular set and one double-pointed needle set!

Leave a comment on the group forum telling me your favorite worsted weight project to knit. I bet you’ll love working it in the square needles from Kollage! Remember, you must be a member of the group, one post per person, and get your comment in before 11:59pm MST. And remember to express your thanks to them through Facebook! :)

Day 6...

Of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway is a goooood one!

A FREE Digital PDF copy of The Sock Report Magazine!! This mag is one of the coolest ones I’ve seen with SO many stunning pieces all worked in fingering weight yarn. There are over 16 beautiful designs that you will absolutely want to knit. You will LOVE it!!



Go shower them with love, thanks, and adoration over at their group, on Facebook, or their blog. :)
Remember, you need to be a member of the Ravelry group, post only once, and get your post in before 11:59pm MST.
To enter, leave a comment on the Ravelry Group (Tabetha Hedrick, Knitwear Design) sharing what your favorite gift to knit is!

On Day Five of the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway....

It is Winner's Choice over on the Ravelry Group...

Choice 1 – Elinor Dashwood digital pattern PDF


OR Choice 2 – Elderberry Cardigan digital pattern PDF

I love these two pieces and hope you do, too!

Get on over there! 

On to Day 4...

Tons of fun over at the Ravelry group! Have you joined us yet?

Wheee! Day 4!

Today’s prize comes from the AMAZING Sarah Wilson, also known as TheSexyKnitter. She has sweetly donated stitch markers that were lovingly crafted by her very hands.



Sarah is probably one of the most adorable gals you could meet, with stunning designs that are both provocative, beautiful, and engaging. She literally made the room gasp at a fashion show last year with her backless dress, Principesa Dress.



In addition to designing, she also crafts and sews! Sarah creates stitch markers, knitter’s tool tins, and you’ll ADORE her awesome project bags! Please go shower her with fan-love over on Facebook or Twitter. And skip on over to her Etsy store to stock up on knitting-related Christmas gifts!
So, to enter today’s giveaway, leave a comment on the Ravelry group telling me what makes YOU feel sexy.

Over at the group...

I've announced the winner of  Day 1 and have posted the thread for Day 2! So, head on over to Tabetha Hedrick Knitwear Design Ravelry Group to participate!! (Remember, you HAVE to be a member of the group to qualify).

Today’s prize is courtesy of Lisa Swain with Jamberry Nails! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Jamberry products - they make knitting extra joyful and fancy, but without the annoyance of wet nail polish, chipping, waiting for things to dry…. Lisa has provided us with special edition Snowmen shields!

The whole sheet does 2-3 sets of fingernails and/or toenails! Here’s what mine looked like a few weeks ago with my Herringbone shields.

They are super easy to apply (just clean your hands, heat the shield with a blowdryer, and press!). Mine typically last 1.5-2 weeks from day of application.

Lisa is an amazing woman who stands by her product. If you have ANY questions about your Jamberry prize, she will walk you through it, provide you links to video tutorials, etc. Feel free to “like” her Facebook page and give her some love….

In the package (which will be mailed to the winner within 7 days), you’ll receive the Snowman shields, practice shields, nail file, cuticle tool, catalog, and Lisa’s business information.
So, how do you win?! Easy peasy! Leave a comment on my Ravelry Group telling me what your favorite Christmas MOVIE is! :)

It's time to start....

The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!!

You have to be a member of Ravelry (and a member of my group) to participate, but trust me when I tell you it is totally worth it. Not only are the giveaways bloody brilliant, but Ravelry is the ideal online hangout for ALL us fiber enthusiasts.

I am so grateful to the sponsors of this 12 day extravaganza:

Kollage Yarns

 

Lisa Swain, Jamberry Nails

 

Skein Theory Magazine & Sock Report Magazine

The Sexy Knitter (aka Sarah Wilson)

Annie's Publishing

 Here are the rules:

• Must be a member of the group to post. 
• Every day, there will be a new prize posted. You have until 11:59pm (Mountain Time), that same day, to leave a comment. 
• Only one comment per person (unless otherwise stated for that day). 

Today's giveaway is for a digital copy of the September Cowl pattern! 

So, head over to the Ravelry Group right now! :)

Working Decrease Sections in your Knitting Pattern

"What does it mean that I decrease every Xth row? Is that a right side or a wrong side?"

I've been getting this question a lot lately, so I thought a little explanation would be well suited to discuss on the ol' blog today.

There are several different ways that decrease sections in a knitting pattern are worded:
1. Repeat dec row every Xth row X more times. For example, "Dec Row (RS): K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat Dec row every 10th row 2 more times."
2. Repeat dec row every X rows X more times. For example, "Dec Row (RS): K1, ssk, work to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Repeat Dec row every 10 rows 2 more times.
3. Dec every X rows (without indicating the original decrease row). Example, "Dec 1 st at each end of needle every 10 rows 3 times."


The trick to help you remember is that decreases are worked in SETS and the Dec Row + [The Number of Rows Indicated - 1] = a SET of decreases. So, continuing with our examples above, Dec Row + [10-1=9] = 10 rows total for a set.

In each of the examples above, 3 decrease rows are worked and there are 9 rows worked even between them. Here's how it looks all written out based on the examples above:

3 decreases have been worked over the correct number of rows (the number of rows is important for the length of the section based on row gauge). 10 rows for each set.

Now, here's the great part - because we know that the decreases are worked in sets (and we know how many rows are in each set), there aren't any hard and fast rules on WHERE in the set you have to place your decrease row. If you prefer it to be the last row of the set worked, then go for it. If you want it in the middle of the set, put it there. There aren't any detrimental effects to the taper or slope in this particular situation.

PS - This is the exact same way increase sets are worked, too. 

Simsbury Debut

The Winter issue of Twist Collective made it's appearance this week and I am honored to be a part of such a beautiful collection with my piece, SIMSBURY -

© Jane Heller (you are AWESOME!!)

 Each design in the issue begs to be knit and is easily styled for the Winter wardrobe. I am particularly drawn to Fiona Ellis' Granville and Glenna C's Burrard, with their stunning use of cables and comfort. Faina Goberstein's Astra, Julia Trice's Esme, and Amy Miller's Dressage are enchanting, too! The models and photography (thanks, you guys!) are stunning throughout every page. You will not be disappointed one bit!


Simsbury came about because I wanted a sweater that would be perfect for layering, something simple yet with beautiful details that draw the eye. It had to be perfect for curling up in front of the winter fire (sipping cocoa, immersed in a page-turning book) or for showing off with cute jeans at the ice skating rink with the beau. I'm pretty sure I achieved that in this piece.

© Jane Heller (seriously awesome photography)

The design features a plunging v-neck that showcases itself really well, but would highlight layered pieces beneath. The main body and sleeves are worked in Stockinette stitch, for a faster workup, but it is the hem, cuffs, and pockets that are the real heroes - delicate, yet firm, the twisted stitch and eyelets draw the eye in.

When I swatched for Simsbury, I quickly discovered that the yarn needed a good twist to uphold the integrity of the twisted stitches, yet stand well on its own in Stockinette stitch. In addition, a subtle vintage coloring (where the color softly fades in and out) would really make the lace pop. 

© Jane Heller - super mad photog skills.

When Glory Days yarn arrived in the mail from Briar Rose Fibers, I was awed by the HUGE skeins of luxury that filled the box. 500 yards skeins of fluffy yarn nearly made me want to swim naked in it (i did not, but a girl can dream!)... The results were amazing; beautiful texture, comfort, wearability, but most important, a fun project for any level of knitter.

I truly love this Simsbury and I hope you do, too - now hop over and check the whole issue out.

PS. Thanks to Twist Collective and Jane Heller for the use of the photographs. Remember not "borrow" the images from my blog, as they are copyrighted. 

Win a Hayden Shawlette Kit!

The Hayden Shawlette, for Kollage Yarns, is one of my favorite designs - the rich cables, amazing texture of the yarn, and surprising simplicity make it a fantastic project! 

Right now, Kollage Yarns and Knitting Universe are teaming up to offer the entire kit (that's the pattern AND the yarn valued at $57) to one lucky winner and a friend! For a chance to enter, you must 'Like' both Knitting Universe Facebook Page and Kollage Yarns Facebook Page. If you already like these to fabulous companies, then you are already entered to win! WOOT! 

The deadline is November 20th, when they will randomly draw a name from the followers of Kollage Yarns and if that winner ALSO likes Knitting Universe, they've get to pick a friend to gift a duplicate kit to. Good luck and happy knitting!

A Little Something...

Free Gift Tag

The holidays are quickly approaching and it is easy to get lost in the shuffle of shopping, financial pressure, and entertaining.

I want my beautiful friends, family, and fans to take some time in the handmade joy of Christmas. Pick something you've always wanted to knit, focus love and peace into every stitch, and then gift the piece to someone.

To help you do that, I've designed these simple gift tags for you to use - you can download them for FREE right now. It is just a little something, but I wanted to give to you, so that it is easier for you to give to another.

All you have to do is click HERE for the google doc PDF, print on cardstock, cut them out, punch a hole for the ribbon, and fill it out to your special someone.

Feel free to leave a comment letting me know what you think about it. :)

A day late, but....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

My girls decided to both dress as Merida, the Brave princess, and they were sooooo stinking cute with their crazy red-haired wigs. I thought I would share a few of the pictures today. :)

Did you go trick or treating with kids? Steal their candy last night? Or were you handing out fun things to the costumed munchkins at your door?

Continuing the Conversation

In an effort to be more at your beck and call, I've put together a Ravelry Group (Tabetha Hedrick, Knitwear Design)! There, you can ask questions to your heart's content, participate in fun conversations, join in on a KAL (keep a look out - I'll be hosting one after the holidays), AND giving you plenty of chances to win free stuff (and who doesn't want THAT?!).

For example, I have a scrumptious skein of Mountain Colors Bearfoot Yarn that is eager for a new home. But, she made me promise not to give her away until the group reached 100 members. I'm also going to throw a free copy of one of my individual patterns, winner's choice! So, head on over, join the group, and comment on the 100 member thread to be entered to win!

Anderson

Janel Laidman and the rest of the crew outdid themselves with their premier online magazine, The Sock Report. I mean truly, I haven't seen such a stunning collection in one place in a long time! And then, I heard about the magazine's sister issue, Skein Theory, and was invited to submit a design for it's debut, which happened this week! Again, I am blown away by the beautiful photography, stunning pieces from outstanding designers, and a comprehensive, well-thought-out layout. There's even a FANTASTIC zipper tutorial in the first issue. So, what are you still sitting here for? Go check it... oh, wait, first I want to tell you about my own design in the magazine!

Presenting ANDERSON .......

©Rustling Leaf Press

 The yarn, graciously provided by Sweet Georgia Yarns, was divine. Smooth, tight twist. No splitting. And a fabulous warmth that makes the finished piece so comfortable.

The design came about after seeing some lovely angled pieces on the runway. I wanted something that was loose and comfortable, but interesting in the workup. I had wished for a deeper apex underneath the buttons, but in order to make the sizing accessible to as many sizes as possible while maintaining the same esthetic across the board, I had to sacrifice a bit of the depth. I love the final result, though, and hope you do, too!! 

Anderson offers 7 different sizes and is worked in a worsted weight yarn for quick knit (while also making it perfect for the Fall season). Feel free to hop on over to Skein Theory Magazine to purchase your copy today for $6.50. Or, while you are at it, buy the whole pattern collection for only $16. Or better yet, for only $24, you can get the entire digital collection AND the print booklet version when it comes out!

©Rustling Leaf Press

©Rustling Leaf Press

Somehow, though, I bet you want to win your own copy of the digital collection PDF, don't you? How'd I EVER guess?!
So, easy peasy - leave a comment, click "DO IT" and then "I COMMENTED" on the Rafflecopter widget thingy below (which ensures I have your email address), and I'll pick a winner on Monday morning via random.org. a Rafflecopter giveaway