Some Cables With Your Lace

The new shawl is now available for purchase and I must say it is gorgeous.  You can wear it as your standard triangular shawl, or wear it like a scarf.  Both look great!  The pattern is only $5.00.  I really enjoyed designing this one, and I am sure you will enjoy making one for yourself or a friend.  This would also make a great prayer shawl, so cast on and enjoy!

Testing!

So lately my goals have been to eat healthier and become a successful designer. Things are going well with the first via more salads less soda. The second however is lagging a bit. I have not had any sales in a while. I would like that to change. So I am going to offer some promos coming soon. First though, I would like to take a tally of who reads my blog and has looked at my patterns. I would like you dear reader to leave a comment by midnight pacific time Friday the 13th saying which design is your favorite. You don't have to have knit it. You just need to look at the pictures. Please state why it is your favorite. I will randomly choose one person to win a free pattern of their choice from my current patterns. I can't wait to hear from you. Good luck!

2012: Working Towards Success

So, as my friends and family all know, I am anti-resolution.  No one keeps them.  What is the point in making them?  Instead, I am working on my lifestyle.  Currently, I sit around way too much.  Granted I am knitting on projects for work, classes, or pattern design, but I end up out of breath walking around the mall or downtown.  I need to make it a point to walk more.  Running is out of the question since I have bad knees and shin splints.  So this is me attempting to be healthier.  Eat better and walk more.

Then there is working on my career and obviously income.  I work part time at a yarn shop.  While it is the most exciting job I have ever had, income-wise, I need to do more.  I am working on pattern designs a lot lately.  I would really like to get my name out there and get those patterns moving.  I have several on Ravelry up for sale or free to download, and more are always on the way.  I am deciding what the best way to market myself is, and that is where I am not sure how to continue.  I would love to get one of my patterns into something like Interweave Knits or Vogue Knitting.  So here is my hope, that by the end of the year I  have a steady income off of my patterns.

Better Late Than Never

Okay so the never before seen hairpin lace project was completed just in time to be on the tree on Christmas Eve, and it may not be so festive to post it now, but at least you'll get to see it.  I made garland for my tree out of the ribbon yarn on the hairpin lace tool.  It has the same construction as hairpin lace, but not the same appearance.

 

And I am finally done with the scarf pattern as well.  It turned out beautifully and I recommend it to everyone!  If you know the basics of knitting, you can knit this scarf.  Check it out! Hopefully I'll have more to post soon.  The holidays have been crazy, but don't worry, I am already working on a new pattern.  This one will be a mohair shawl.  That is the only hint for now.  Have a Happy New Year!

A Busy Week

Well, last time we spoke I promised two things, a new pattern and something never before seen done with hairpin lace.  Well the pattern is done, minus identifying the yarn I used, but the hairpin lace project, not so much.  Here's why.  I worked every day this week, and when I wasn't at work, I was working on the sample for the crochet scarf class I'm teaching next month.  If you live in the Elk Grove, CA area, come to Knitique and sign up for the class.  It is a beautiful scarf, even if it isn't quite done yet.  However, the mitts pattern is done, and you can find it for sale on Ravelry here!  I appreciate the support from anyone who buys the pattern.  I'm thinking of doing an ebook collection of all my mitts once I get them all done.  I have two more mitt patterns to work up.  Also in progress is a new knitted scarf pattern.  It is more complex than my previous patterns, but its worth it!

With Pom Poms on Top

Yes, I put pom poms on my boots.  No, it doesn't look tacky!  I used bright red on black boots so they look very festive, but there are so many colors of this yarn, you could easily style them to wear all winter long!  These are my latest pattern, and I really hope you enjoy them.  They are quick and easy to make a pair of, and they only take one ball of each yarn.  They are very affordable.  Make some for you, or make some for the kids.  These are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Also coming soon are a new mitts pattern, as well as something you never thought you could make with hairpin lace.  Both of these patterns should be out by the end of next week, so just hang tight and customize your boots while you wait!  Thanks for reading.

New Patterns

Now that I have gotten settled and found employment here in Sacramento, I have had more time to develop patterns, and to begin spending time on the computer again.  I am excited to tell you that I have new patterns available for download on Ravelry.  I have just listed a couple pairs of mitts, and some fabulous boot toppers.  You absolutely must check them out!  All my patterns are reasonably priced.  I am thinking of publishing an ebook soon if all goes well.  Please support me by favoriting my patterns and downloading them for your use and enjoyment.  I love getting feedback as well!

All of my patterns can be viewed here!
http://www.ravelry.com/designers/anna-simonsen