What does the fox say? Meet Simone!

Meet Simone!  A very talented indie designer who has fun with colour!  

Want to knit one of Simone's designs? Leave a comment (with your email, which will only be visible to me), like her Facebook Page, join her Ravelry Group, and like Little Lamby Knits Facebook page for extra chances to win!  Please come back and leave a comment which groups you liked or joined!  Giveaway runs from Friday December 6th to 12th, 2013....

• What is your favorite type of item to design?

I have been knitting since I am about 5 years old and growing up, I made a  lot of cold weather sweaters, think Lopi, cables and thick chunky stranded designs, which can come in quite handy in Switzerland. Most of that era stayed with their respective owners back over there, since when I moved to Pa, I thought it would be quite warm here (look at the latitude, my gosh, south like Lisabon!) but that's s different story...  I later learned to appreciate 'the finer yarns in life' and these days I thoroughly enjoy creating unique lace patterns for shawls like my 'Ipomoea' . But honestly, I can't really say I have a favorite, I just love playing with color and texture and so I think I rotate through things I like to make, sort of seasonally!  Ipomoea is stunning!  

Ipomoea  Pattern

• What is your go-to yarn that you gravitate towards the most? 

Oh I don't know if I can answer that one, tough call, there are so many really nice yarns out there. I really like natural wool, especially merino wool, and silk, who doesn't like silk?  I love all of Dream in Color's and Cephalopod's colors, and anything by Malabrigo is going to be gorgeous, I am working on a couple of wintery items in Malabrigo 'Twist' at the moment... But I tend to work with a lot of different yarns by Cascade as well.  I love these yarns too!  So luxurious :)

• What is your most popular pattern? 

Right now my 'Hedgerow Jam', a convertible cowl and the cute and cuddly 'Fox Crossing Mittens' are getting a lot of love, but for the summer months, the lace shawls, especially Ipomoea are a big draw for anyone trying to avoid sweaty fingers!  Beautiful designs.  My favourite is Fox Crossing Mittens! (must make these!)

Hedgerow Jam

Fox Crossing Mittens

• Any fun projects in the works? 

Well, a couple. I am working on a really neat cardigan in Dream in Color's Perfectly Posh, and I am working on a outdoor themed e-book...  I look forward to seeing your new cardigan design and the outdoor eBook!

Want to knit one of Simone's designs? Leave a comment (with your email, which will only be visible to me), like her Facebook Page, join her Ravelry Group, and like Little Lamby Knits Facebook page for extra chances to win!  Please come back and leave a comment which groups you liked or joined!  Giveaway runs from Friday December 6th to 12th, 2013....

Want to find Simone and see all of her stunning work?  Visit her at the following places:

Designer Name: OwlCat Designs
Ravelry Name: simone77
Facebook Page or Group: https://www.facebook.com/owlcatknits                                            Ravelry group: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/owlcat-designs-studio

BAM! POW!! Meet Annie Watts....

With the advent of the awesome Gift-A-Long on Ravelry, I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet some really fun designers!

Introducing Annie Watts.  You might already know her from some of her famous patterns, such as Fightin' Words (brilliant and my favorite of her designs!) or see her Cryptozoology Set that was featured on Knit Picks.

 Let's learn some more about her:

• What is your favorite type of item to design? 
  I love colorwork accessories the best.  I've put out four mitt and three mitten patterns this year, The Mitts of Sisyphus and Medusa Mittens being my favorites.  I really like to design things that will be a little unexpected!  I like her surprises too!

• What is your go-to yarn that you gravitate towards the most?
  This year I've really been trying to branch out and try new yarns but I often come back to Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift.  It's such a great workhorse of a yarn and makes great mittens!  Definttely a yarn that I have wanted to try for a long itme!

• What is your most popular pattern? (you can name a couple)

Hands down it would have to be Fightin' Words.  It is most popular now than when I released it over a year and a half ago and it just keeps snowballing with new fans.  I love seeing what all the knitters do with this one!  

• Any fun projects in the works?
  I always have tons!  There are two patterns slated to be released in December and an ebook in February.  It's going to be a fun winter! I can't wait to see what she has in store!!

Where does Annie hang out? Find out below:

Designer Name: Annie Watts
Ravelry Name: Wattsolak
Blog or Website: Wattsolak.com
Facebook Page or Group: www.facebook.com/WattsolakDesigns 

Sweet Hilda Returns!

Sweet Hilda

...a super sweet poncho for little girls in sizes 6 months up to 12-14 years!

Remember when this was originally released through Three Irish Girls back in November 2010? I can't believe it has been 3 years since then!  

I really love this little poncho and my girls have worn theirs for 3 years. Willow is still able to get another season out of hers.  I love garments that "grow" with the child and last through a few seasons.  

I am very happy to say that Sweet Hilda is now available through my blog and my Ravelry shop! It has been re-edited, clarified and has a new format and schematic.

 From November 17-21, 2013, receive $2 off at checkout!
This pattern is also included in the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long here.

Sweet Hilda Pattern PDF $6  

WIP's (works in progress)….

WIP's!  Everyone's got 'em!  I try to keep mine to a minimum, but sometimes, it is hard not to get carried away with all the ideas that plow through my head as well as the beautiful yarns out there!

I have a few new toques in progress, to add to my Hoot Toque & Twiga Toque.  I really try to create all my patterns seamlessly and with interesting techniques.  Larger yarn and needles mean you are quickly gratified :)  

Lox has finally outgrown his Hoot Toque after 3 years of constant wear!  He has a fierce love for penguins, so a Waddles Toque was in order, or as he calls it, "Waddles Hoot Toque".  This pattern should be available in December.  Here is a little preview:

It is hard to see, but there are earflaps and a deeper back to the toque, a la Hoot & Twiga Toques.  There are also I-cord ties with bright orange pom poms!

My next toque will also be a Hamster Toque; no photos yet!

I have a very simple cap & matching cardigan pattern in the works, Baby Abernathy Cardigan & Cap.  Both are in testing and will be available in December, as well.  Both are seamless, simple, easy to knit up and have a vintage feel.  Here is Scarlett's Cap:

Sizes Preemie to 6 years!

Much more to come!!

Don't forget about the Gift-A-Long:  25% off all Little Lamby Knits Indie Patterns from November 1-15, 2013, as well, as many other patterns from other designers!! Enter the code giftalong  at checkout!