Thursday, August 23, 2018

Berry Colada Top crochet pattern

Berry Colada Top (crochet) is here...



Hello fiber friends,

I shared this on Instagram and thought you would like it too so I am sharing with you here in case you missed it. If you are not following me on IG or Facebook, head over as I share random goings on between emails.

Now, here's the original IG post. Let me know what you think

 

REJECTION

Sometimes you need a hug when you get that design rejection email. Then you just keep it moving.

*Full disclaimer: I’m still a bit sweaty after my morning walk but I wanted to share this with you because I don’t think enough people share their failures (not that this is a failure at all because it will work out in the end), but just the highlights and successes.
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After dozens of published designs, I still get those rejections...many of them. Of course, they still sting especially that collection or magazine where the mood board looks so good and you put in 110% on. But the reality is, it’s not personal, and I can bounce back quicker now after getting a NO and not self-analyze my worth and purpose for living for days (more like weeks 😳)

I think in my earlier designing days I took it a lot harder than I do now. I’m no longer beating myself up for failing.
#mindsetshift
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But with time I’ve realized it’s not a failure. It’s not a failure, just a fork in the very windy road.

IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU AS A DESIGNER. 

It was just not the right fit for that collection.
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So why am I sharing this? Well, there are lots of you looking to get your first or 5th pattern published and getting those rejections and I wanted to let you know it’s okay.

If you are dealing with a rejection, take a step back and look at it objectively.
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Yes, wallow in the sadness and unfairness of it all for a bit but then get up and submit to that next publication. Think about what you can change. Can you tighten up that proposal, adjust the stitch pattern, create a more appealing description? Maybe it’s good just the way it is for the next publication. Just keep going because the world needs what you have to offer.

You only fail when you quit


NEW PATTERN ALERT

My Berry Colada Top, first published in I Like Crochet magazine, August 2017 issue, is now available for individual purchase. 
To celebrate the re-release of the pattern, I am offering you an exclusive 50% OFF coupon code. The code is good until 5PM eastern time, Sunday, August 26th.  
To get the coupon code, join The Weekly Yarn, my email list. 

photo @ I Like Crochet magazine

Turn this simple tunic into a unique work of art with the added hexagon motifs at the neckline and side slits at hem.
  

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Measurements: Finished Bust Size 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)” to fit bust 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)”
2” positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 36”

MATERIALS:
Yarn: Knit Picks Curio #10 Crochet Thread (100% Cotton; 721 yards [659 meters]/
100 grams): 26270 Victorian, 2 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5) balls
Hook: US size E/4 (3.5 mm)
Extras: Yarn needle, removable stitch marker
Gauge: 20 sts and 12 rows = 4” [10 cm] in Dc after wet blocking


      

 
Photo credit: I Like Crochet Magazine


Thank you for your continued support!

Until next time... Stitch on!
Tian


Thursday, August 16, 2018

Back to school knitting and crocheting

Hello fiber friends, With school starting up for the new year, you may be getting the itch to start some new projects. For me, back to school time is filled with the feelings of newness and endless possibilities. With my son starting his high school freshman year – where did the time go, we are definitely not mature enough for this new phase of parenthood! – I am thinking of the difference in his needs this school year and how my time will change.  



Sure, some things will remain the same. There will still be hours and hours of knitting time as I wait in the pick-up line after school and even more hours of stitching as I sit on the sidelines of a practice or a home game. But some things will change. He’s becoming more independent hanging out with friends and needing me less (ugh, typing that was like a massive punch in the gut).

I think there will be more time for myself (to worry about who he’s with and what he’s doing), right?!

I have a feeling I will keeping my knitting and crocheting really close this school year as we transition into high school. If you have been here, please tell me this will be alright, because right now it feels like heading into a dark forest where I have no idea what monsters I’ll encounter. So, what’s going on with your knitting and crocheting this new school season? Do the change in season and the start of school change what you knit and crochet?  

Leave a comment below to support us, parents, as we're little ones head off.



Coming Soon
Tomorrow, my ZigZag Scarf and Stole, first published in Love of Knitting magazine, Spring 2016 issue, will be available as a self-published pattern in my Ravelry store, tomorrow, Friday, August 17th at 12PM EST. 




I am so thrilled to make this pattern available to you that I am offering a 50% OFF coupon code exclusively just for subscribers to my weekly email newsletter, The Weekly Yarn.

Want to receive this exclusive coupon code? 

Sign up for The Weekly Yarn here before Friday morning, August 17th!




<This coupon code will be for a limited time only, so be sure to sign up prior to Friday morning>


Thank you for your continued support!

Until next time... Stitch on!
Tian

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Announcing a new chapter...

Announcing a new chapter...

I am so thrilled to share that I have a new gig as the Design Coordinator for Yarn Crush subscription box.

What does a Design Coordinator do anyways? 

For the past few years, I've been the technical editor for Yarn Crush for the knit and crochet patterns for each subscription box. Now, in addition to tech editing, I am taking on the role of Design Coordinator. In this role, I will help with developing annual knit and crochet design calendar. I will be responsible for reaching out to designers to acquire new and exciting patterns. I will be working closely with designers throughout the process from idea development to publication for future subscription boxes.
 
 What does this mean for you? 

Not much will be changing. I’m still designing - I can never give that up. And tech editing for I Like Crochet magazine, I Like Knitting magazine, Knit Picks, Interweave Crochet, and for books.

Whew... that's a lot. Kinda, but I am having a lot of fun.

Actually, there will be one tiny change...

I will be reaching out to you for designs. If you are a US/Canada designer with a proven track record, knit and crochet (sorry, no international designers at this time - I'm working on it) I want to hear from you.

If you are an aspiring designer, I'd love to help you reach your goal as a designer. I have 2 resources you can check out to help you get started:

1) Unlock Your Inner Designer: How to start designing

(print via Amazon) (PDF via Etsy)




2) Pattern Writing 101: Write - and publish - your first (and your next) knit and crochet pattern with confidence, everytime! 
(eCourse)


We're starting to book designers for 2019, so if you are interested in designing for Yarn Crush, reach out with your Ravelry username.

Thank you for your continued support!

Until next time... Stitch on!
Tian