KnitDesigns by Tian: March 2017

Friday, March 31, 2017

End of March knit and crochet quickie

Knit Picks, KnitDesigns by Tian, Covell Tee

If you follow me on Facebook (and if you are not, why aren't you? You can keep up with what I'm up to throughout the week with quick tips and fibery stuff between weekly emails. Like the KnitDesigns Facebook page so you never miss out) you might have seen that I received my contributor copies for Flourish by Knit Picks. Eek! I am so excited. If you recall, last week I wrote about my new published pattern Covell Tee.

I don't know why, but I STILL get super excited when I see my name in print, even after all these years. I know, I'm a dork, but I can't help it. I am super proud of this one!

Covell Tee

images by Knit Picks

So, I wanted to share with you something I am planning. Next week I will be writing a review of the collection (which, big surprise... I love it) and giving away a print copy of the collection. Interested? Stay tuned for that.

That's it for now. Join me on Facebook.

P.S. Over the last few weeks I've been getting questions from newbie aspiring designers about how to go from design idea to pattern for items more complicated than accessories. So, to help, I am thinking about running a FREE 5-day designer challenge that will take you through the process. Are you interested? Sign up here to get details when available.

Until next time... Stitch on!

Tian

Hey bottom scroller! Don't miss...

* Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway for a print copy of Flourish by Knit Picks, featuring my newest design in Knit Pick's newest collection. The print book is still on sale for only $11.99. So, if you are interested in the collection, GET IT.

Covell Tee

image by Knit Picks

** The charity {The Weekly Yarn} is supporting for the month of March is Afri(K)que, a non-profit empowering women and girls. A portion from total profits from my Ravelry pattern sales will be donated at the end of the month.

*** Are you an aspiring knit and crochet designer needing more help figuring our where to start? I have been asked and am looking into doing a FREE 5-day design challenge for knit and crochet. If you are interested, get on the list to get more information. Don't want to wait for the challenge, get Unlock your Inner Designer: How to start designing (course + workbook) is available for immediate download on Etsy. Get your printable PDF copy here.

Are you an aspiring knit and crochet designer needing more help figuring our where to start?

Click here to get your printable PDF copy of Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing (course + workbook)

Need more 1:1 help than the course + workbook, email me to talk. I'll help you get it!

I am dedicated to giving you the tools and confidence to knit and crochet what you want on your terms.

Join

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Flourish and Covell Tee

Knit Picks new collection, Flourish, is now live and I have a design, Covell Tee in the collection.

I've been keeping this one a secret for quite a while and I am so thrilled to be able to share it with you.

If you are like me, weekends are important. It's the time when I get to just relax with my boys. After a week of wearing uncomfortable clothes, this tee is perfect for having fun. This tee was inspired active Saturdays going to games and lazy Sundays on the couch watching movies. It's so comfortable, you'll want one in every color.

This soft and wearable tee provides a comfortable fit with a scoop neck and generous dolman-style sleeves, while the gathered sleeves and garter-lace decorative hem keep you sleek and stylish.

The Covell Tee is worked flat in two pieces from the bottom up. Stitches are cast on to shape the sleeves, which are worked vertically across the arm. After seaming, sleeve stitches are picked up and knit in the round for a ribbed cuff to complete the three quarter sleeves.

The digital collection is available for $14.99. Want just the Covell Tee (digital copy), get it for just $4.99. Great price, right?! It gets better. If you are like me and prefer print copies, GOOD NEWS. Knit Picks is having a fantastic sale right now on the printed book (the whole collection of Flourish, printed) for ONLY $11.99. This is an awesome deal, so don't miss out. Click here to get more detail.

About Covell Tee:

Covell Tee

image by Knit Picks

Finished Measurements: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)" finished bust measurement; garment is meant to be worn with 2" of positive ease

Yarn: Knit Picks CotLin (70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen; 123 yards/50g): Moroccan Red 23996, 6 (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) balls

Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) straight or circular needles, or size to obtain gauge

US 6 (4mm) DPNs or two 24" circular needles for two circulars technique, or one 32" or longer circular needle for Magic Loop technique, or one size smaller than needle used to obtain gauge

Notions: Yarn Needle, Stitch Markers, Scrap Yarn or Stitch Holder

Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st on larger needles, blocked

Covell Tee

image by Knit Picks

Until next time... Stitch On!
Tian

A rising tide lifts all boats

Hey bottom scroller! Don't miss...

* My newest design in Knit Pick's newest collection, Flourish. Get the print book on sale for only $11.99. Get your copy here.

Covell Tee

image by Knit Picks

** The charity {The Weekly Yarn} is supporting for the month of March is Afri(K)que, a non-profit empowering women and girls. A portion from total profits from my Ravelry pattern sales will be donated at the end of the month.

*** Are you an aspiring knit and crochet designer needing more help figuring our where to start? Unlock your Inner Designer: How to start designing (course + workbook) is available for immediate download on Etsy. Get your printable PDF copy here.

Need more 1:1 help than the course + workbook, email me to talk. I'll help you get it!

I am dedicated to giving you the tools and confidence to knit and crochet what you want on your terms.

Join

* indicates required

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Am I really giving up knitting and crocheting?

The truth is, I haven't wanted to knit or crochet anything for a while now. Nothing has felt right. I wasn't inspired by all the new projects on Ravelry. What is wrong with me? Have you ever felt this way? Like you've lost your knitting mojo?

I was in a slump. A knitting and crocheting dry spell so bad I didn't even buy yarn. Crazy, right?! Ok, let's be honest. I don't need more yarn. I have enough yarn to run a sizeable yarn shop. Anyway, not having that drive to stitch was disconcerting.

Sure, I've stopping knitting and crocheting for spells of time in the past and always came back. But this? It felt different. This, I was afraid, felt like it would be permanent. To be honest, it was a bit scary because I started to think about what to do with my stash and books and fibers and notions and bags, and....

Covell Tee

image by Knit Picks

Like most major life changing decisions, I sat on the decision for a while.

I refused to make any decisions.

I wasn't 100% sure of anything.

I did a lot of reading and I ignored my stash, willing myself to not feel guilty. I had projects I had to finish like this afghan and designs for upcoming publications (some of which I had local knitters and crocheters help me make the sample). I did them without my usual enthusiasm. I stepped away from it all, letting things happen as they will.

After MONTHS of having no stitching desire, I think it's back. I want to knit again (insert dramatic voice). The siren call of my stash is beckoning me to touch and play and make again. It's not at the levels it once was, but everyday the desire grows.

I want to sketch new ideas. I want to try new stitches. I want to make things again.

Have you lost your stitching mojo in the past? What did you do to overcome it and get back to knitting and crocheting?

Leave a comment below and let me know

P.S. I've added two bundles to my Ravelry store: Knit Shawl Collection and Crochet Shawl Collection.

Each collection includes 6 of my top selling and favorite shawl patterns, easily bundled for you at a 50% OFF discount. No coupon code needed.

Knit shawl bundle, Tian Connaughton. KnitDesigns by Tian

Click here for the Knit Shawl Collection and here for the Crochet Shawl Collection. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment or email me. Cheers!

Until next time... Stitch On!
Tian

A rising tide lifts all boats

Hey bottom scroller! Don't miss...

* My struggle with loosing my knitting and crocheting mojo PLUS my newest design, Covell Tee, featured in Knit Picks' Flourish Collection.

** A knit shawl bundle that includes 6 of my most popular shawls for a 50% OFF discount.

*** The charity {The Weekly Yarn} is supporting for the month of March is Afri(K)que, a non-profit empowering women and girls. A portion from total profits from my Ravelry pattern sales will be donated at the end of the month.

**** Are you an aspiring knit and crochet designer needing more help figuring our where to start? Unlock your Inner Designer: How to start designing (course + workbook) is available for immediate download on Etsy. Get your printable PDF copy here.

Need more 1:1 help than the course + workbook, email me to talk. I'll help you get it!

I am dedicated to giving you the tools and confidence to knit and crochet what you want on your terms.

Join

Friday, March 31, 2017

End of March knit and crochet quickie

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Flourish and Covell Tee

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

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Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Am I really giving up knitting and crocheting?

Am I really giving up knitting and crocheting?

{The Weekly Yarn} from KnitDesigns by Tian

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