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Introducing The Eleanor Romper

July 18, 2013Leave a comment

After a long drought, I have finally released a new pattern, the Eleanor Romper! This was my first pattern through the Knit Picks Independent Designer Partnership program, and hopefully the first of many. I really enjoyed working with them, and their yarn.

The Eleanor Romper is a darling little one-piece outfit for babies. Worked with a seamless top-down raglan construction, the romper features a simple but elegant cable pattern running down the sleeves as well as the sides, all the way down to the ankles.

The design is suitable for boys or girls so it can be a gender-neutral baby gift or made more masculine or feminine with color and button choice. This is the kind of garment that will be cherished by parents and passed down through generations.

I would like to give a huge Thank You! to Ryan and Vanessa Barr for letting me photograph their adorable little girl!

Also, to Eleanor Dixon for another wonderful job with Technical Editing.

You can download the pattern, and even buy the yarn at the same time, at Knit Picks website.

Well, Poop

May 24, 20133 Comments

I have officially received my first rejection letter from a submission call. I had submitted two design ideas for the Knit Now Fall 2013 call but they didn’t make the cut unfortunately. I was disappointed, but surprised that I wasn’t more upset. I’m still feeling my way around this industry and trying to figure out where I fit in. I don’t think it’s the worst thing in the world to take these ideas in a different direction and go the independent publication route that I’ve taken thus far. It can be much more lucrative if the pattern catches on. I think it’s time to make a business plan and start getting myself organized! And, hey, I still have a couple of other ideas submitted to another publication to hear back from. Fingers are still crossed.

New Camera!

May 13, 2013Leave a comment

For better, and worse, I got a new camera. It’s better because my day-to-day pictures are going to be much better than the ones I used to take on my phone. It’s worse because I’m also going to try to do my own pattern photography now, which in no way will compare to that of my previous photographer. I’m going to take some classes and practice a lot, so hopefully it won’t be too long until it’s passable for “photography”.

The new camera is a Sony NEX 6, a Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens camera. I like it because it’s not as big and heavy as a DSLR, but it’s can still take great photos and I can change out the lens for others more suitable for the photography I need to do. I’m pretty excited, but also incredibly intimidated. Bear with me while I learn the ropes!

In the meantime, here is my first blog photo with the new camera.

Feeling Supported

May 8, 20135 Comments

I received my very first yarn support today!
I found out last week that my next pattern has been accepted by Knit Picks for their Independent Designer Partnership (IDP) Program. What that means is that they send me yarn, I write the pattern, knit and photograph the sample and send them the pattern and photos. They sell the pattern on their website and I get 100% of the proceeds. I get great exposure for my pattern and another venue for selling it, they get a good opportunity to sell more yarn. Great deal all around.
So in the mail today I received 5 balls of Knit Picks Stroll Sport, 4 in the whisker colourway, 1 in peapod. The yarn is lovely and soft, I can’t wait to get started knitting.
I have been on a bit of a knitting hiatus for the last few weeks. I have submitted some design ideas to a couple of magazines and am pondering a couple of others. After the flurry of activity to get the submissions together I’ve taken a bit of a breather in the hopes that there will be another, bigger flurry of activity if some of my ideas get accepted.
In the meantime, I’ve got a sample to knit with some pretty (and free) yarn!

I’ve Got a Group… Wanna Be a Groupie?

April 3, 2013Leave a comment

I finally took the plunge and started my own group on Ravelry, Cowtownknitters. I still only have 5 designs but I’ve really been kicking it into high gear lately and should have lots more coming out soon. I also thought it would be a good place for conducting my testing knitting and for promoting new designs.

I am aware that it will likely be a little lonely there for a little while, but hopefully it will pick up some steam and soon become a lively place to be. Please, come and join me!