How to get what you want in 2017 + The End...

What do you want to read in 2017?

As 2016 closes to make way for 2017, I am thinking about what's to come in the new year. Are you making plans for 2017? Are your goals grand and robust, or simple and manageable?

I am setting goals as well, particularly for this space, The Weekly Yarn, and I need your help to make it as good as it can be, so you  can get what you need most.

Please take a few seconds to complete this quick survey.

The information collected here will help me to provide just the information you want. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to hit reply to this email. Thank you.

---

The End...

So, this will be the last pattern sale for KnitDesigns by Tian for the foreseeable future.

One of the things I am planning for 2017 is to do away with all sales and discount codes to patterns in my Ravelry shop. I know you love these and love offering them to you. But I think you will understand this decision as you read on.

I am blessed. I've achieved so much over the last few years that I want to give back. So, instead of giving discounts on patterns I will instead be giving a portion of profits made on pattern sales to a charity each month WITH YOUR HELP. I think this is a great way WE can make a difference in someone's life, regardless of how small it might seem. I am still working out the details and will have more information next week.

This will be the last pattern sale/discount for the next year. So, if there is a pattern or three that you have been wanting, now is the time to get it on sale.

From December 20-26th, Buy 2 patterns Get the 3rd Free (must place 3 patterns in your cart) using coupon code B2G1FREE. You can use this code as many times as you would like and share with your stitching friends and family. Stock up and be ready to cast-on for selfish knitting and crocheting after the holidays. Click here to get started.

Until next time... Stitch on

Tian
A rising tide lifts all boats

---

P.S. Don't forget to complete the survey. Help me craft the 2017 content for The Weekly Yarn that matters the most to you.

P.P.S. The B2G1FREE Sale is going on until Dec 26th. Stock up NOW

Happy Holidays... Tian

Subscribe to

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

I am interested in Crochet and Knit...

• Patterns
• Designing
• Both

Email Format

• html
• text

Knitting is about practice not perfection

In yoga, some moves come easier than others. But like my yoga instructor stress every lesson, it doesn't matter because it is a practice, not perfection. I apply this mindset to knitting.


Knitting is about practice, not perfection.

With the Halasana Cowl, these stitches might seem easy, which is fine. When it's easy, you focus on your form, and techniques, and your breathing. If it's hard, that is also okay, because it too is practice where you play, explore, and learn about yourself.






Halasana is an advanced yoga pose that is simple to practice and that strengthens and rejuvenates.
Like the yoga pose, the Halasana Cowl will take you on a journey. Concentrate on the beginning Cables and Lace Section, then relax into the Stockinette Section, like Shavasana.




So, if you have a skein or 2 of a variegated or color shifting yarn that you have no idea what to make, give the Halasana Cowl a practice.


A Special Gift
As a huge THANK YOU to my The Weekly Yarn readers, subscribers will get a coupon code to get 50% OFF the Halasana Cowl good for 48-hrs December 14th 2:00pm - December 16th 2:00pm (EST), so make sure to check your email for that special gift. Not a subscriber, click here to join.




PATTERN NOTES
The cowl is worked flat beginning in Garter Stitch that transitions to a Cable and Lace Section, then a Stockinette Section, and finally ending in Garter Stitch. Once the piece is completed, the ends are seamed to join.

Skill Level: Advance Beginner/Intermediate
Finished Measurements: About 6½” wide and 33 (44)” circumference (lightly blocked)

MATERIALS
Yarn: Stitch Studio by Nicole Mystic Waves (70% Acrylic, 30% Wool; 197 yards/100 grams): SS3004-06 Myrtle – 1 (2) skeins OR Malabrigo Worsted (100 Merino Wool; 210 yards/100 grams): 628 Malambo – 1 (2) skeins.
Needles: US size 8 (5.0 mm): straight or 24” circular  or size to obtain gauge
Extras: Yarn needle, stitch markers, cable needle, (optional) smooth contrasting yarn and crochet hook for provisional cast-on
Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4” (10cm) in Stockinette Stitch (blocked)



So, check out the Halasana Cowl in my Ravelry Shop. What yarn/colors would you knit your Halasana Cowl out of? Please leave a comment below and let me know.

Until next time... Stitch On!
Tian

"A rising tide lifts all boats"

Want a 20% OFF COUPON to my Ravelry Shop 

and subscriber-exclusives?  

Subscribe to

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

I am interested in Crochet and Knit...

• Patterns
• Designing
• Both

Email Format

• html
• text

This blog post contains affiliated links which means that any purchase you make using the links will result in a small commission to me at no extra cost to you. So, thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog The Weekly Yarn (a weekly newsletter for knitters, crocheters, designers)

Gift ideas for knitters and crocheters

What to gift the knitters (and crocheters) in your life?

If you are like me, you have a few knitters and crocheters on your holiday list. And they might be a little difficult to shop for. Either they are super picky or they just have everything already. So, what do you get them this holiday season?

This season, give the knitter and crocheter in your lift that has everything a gift they will want, will appreciate, and most importantly, use. So, here we go with a list of 7 can’t-miss-gifts for the knitters and crocheters in your life this holiday season.

1. Classes



2. Notions, hooks, needles, project bags, etc.



3. Yarn Bowls



4. Magazine subscriptions


A subscription to I Like Knitting or I Like Crochet includes six issues annually, with each issue delivering 30 projects and 7 tutorials, for a total of 190 projects and 42 tutorials during the year. For the greatest value and convenience, combine website access to I Like Knitting or I Like Crochet with a tablet magazine subscription. Or get a single issue for only $6.99 via app store.


5. Coloring books




6. Yarn of the month subscription



7. Gift card to LYS
Support your local yarn store whenever possible.

So, I am curious. What will you be gifting to the knitters and crocheters in your life this holiday season? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Until next time... Stitch On!
Tian

"A rising tide lifts all boats"

P.S. Next week I will be releasing 2 new patterns. One design is for a simple fingerless mitt pattern that you can whip up while watching your favorite Christmas movie. It’s the perfect pattern to make for your kid’s teachers to wear during recess or your mail person. The other pattern is for a cowl/scarf design. This one will take a bit more time, but again, will work up quickly and a nice piece to gift. These patterns will go live on Thursday, December 15th. For 24-hrs only, The Weekly Yarn readers will receive a coupon code to get 50% OFF, so make sure your are on the list. Click here to join.

P.P.S Keeping in line with the gift-giving season, the following week (the week of Dec 18, 2016) I will be having a sale on every pattern in my Ravelry store. The sale will be, Gift one pattern to a friend and you will get the same pattern sent to you for free. Again, The Weekly Yarn subscribers will be notified when the sale goes live, so make sure you are subscribed. If you are not sure, click here to join.

Want a 20% OFF COUPON to my Ravelry Shop 

and subscriber-exclusives?  

Subscribe to

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

I am interested in Crochet and Knit...

• Patterns
• Designing
• Both

Email Format

• html
• text

This blog post contains affiliated links which means that any purchase you make using the links will result in a small commission to me at no extra cost to you. So, thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog The Weekly Yarn (a weekly newsletter for knitters, crocheters, designers)

Magazine Review: I Like Knitting Magazine, December 2016

Santa came early! The December issue of I Like Knitting Magazine is now available for download or viewing. When the weather outside turns frightful, stay cozy with comfy scarves, sweaters, and hats that will keep you toastier than a mug of hot cocoa! Start creating holiday cheer when you receive this bi-monthly magazine on your iPad or Desktop.

     · 25+ merry& bright winter projects

     · Festive ideas for handmade holiday gifts

     · Expert articles & tips to banish cabin fever

     · Exclusive patterns for your winter wardrobe

It's the most wonderful time of the year with 25+ new Merry + Bright patterns! The chill air is no match for the knit pieces in the December issue of I Like Knitting. From quick knits for quick gifts like the Snow What Fun Cowl to the ultra-cozy Arctic Cardigan, these patterns will keep you busy all season long.

What I love about this magazine is that every issue has tutorials and tips. I enjoy the teaching elements that are provided so that you are not just getting patterns, which are totally fun, but there is some new techniques to learn.

In this issue is a fun pillow pattern with a photo tutorial along with a vest and hat KAL for the little ones in your life.

 

What I love also is that the issue is broken up into sections that makes it super easy to navigate and find just what you want to knit when you want.


In the section One Big Cozy Family:

Adirondack Mountain Socks

Aren't You Plaid it's Christmas Set

Isn't just the cutest! How adorable would your holiday family photos look with the littles dressed alike in the set

Winter Garden Gate Throw

Cute Couple Sweaters

With this sweater, you don't have to steal his. You can make one for your guy and one for yourself as well.

In the section Merry + Bright:

Frozen Roses Socks

These socks are easier than they seem to make and looks so cozy. The lacey pattern add a bit of detail with bobbles that are fun to make.

Olive Clutch

Feather Gray Boot Toppers

These boot toppers are super cute and super fast to make.

 Blue Spruce Mug Cozy

Coffee Break Hat

Patches Make Perfect Ornaments

Snow What Fun Cowl

Norwegian Snowflake Stocking

In the section Winter Whites:

This section is so beautiful and so well curated. Each piece is has a special element that just takes the design up a notch, from the lace detail on the Chai Latte Pullover to the zipper detail on the Cozy Vintage Dress.

Arctic Cardigan

Iceberg Cardigan

Let it Snow Shawl

Snowdrop Shawl

Chai Latte Pullover

White Hot Chocolate Coat

Eggnog Stole

Cozy Vintage Dress

In the section Northern Lights:

Auroral Scarf

Aurora Boreale Infinity Scarf

Dancing Lights Shawl & Scarf

In the section Into The Woods:
If you want cute, this section has it in spades. There is something for the little ones in your life from a fun top with hearts on it's paws or a fun hat to keep the chill out. These piece are small and fast to make. You can whip one, or two in no time.

Woodland Fox

Woodland Bunny

Gray Wolf Cardigan

Frozen Cables Hat

Chickadee Sweater

Bluebird Sweater

Silver Meadow Beanie

So, I am curious. What is your favorite design from this issue? Is it one of the sweaters or one of those super adorable kid's project? Leave a comment below and let me know.


All photos used are from I Like Knitting Magazine.

This blog post contains affiliated links which means that any purchase you make using the links will result in a small commission to me at no extra cost to you. So, thank you for supporting the businesses that support this blog The Weekly Yarn (a weekly newsletter for knitters, crocheters, designers)

Until next time... Stitch On!
Tian

"A rising tide lifts all boats"

Want a 20% OFF COUPON to my Ravelry Shop 

and subscriber-exclusives?  

Subscribe to

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name

I am interested in Crochet and Knit...

• Patterns
• Designing
• Both

Email Format

• html
• text