Monday, January 24, 2011

Yay!

I heard from Knit Picks today. I made it through the first round and they are sending me yarn support. I wonder what it will be. I have so many ideas in my head that I am daydreaming about what to do next as I knit the current one. I'm finishing up some research to complete a new version of this to submit to Interweave.

I will be taking off the ruffled cuff and adding a different kind of edge. Not sure yet but it will hopefully look nice enough for Interweave. I need anew twist or something. I will think about it when I go to bed & maybe dream about it in the morning.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Waiting..........

Nothing yet. Maybe next week. I am half way done with the second and better sample. It's lookin' much better with the 4's. Here is where I was last night before falling asleep on my kitchen table.
I actually got a bit farther when I moved to my room. I'm hoping to finish this today so I can wear it tomorrow at the park Inniswood is hosting the annual winter hike and I will be serving chili to hundreds out in the cold. Plus the next new challenge is just a week away. I'm hoping to send in a proposal and sample for Interweave's special mag on Jane Austen inspired designs. I may be slow in getting there but I have a design to tweak & send in!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Twisted Tambini

So the next design proposal has been sent in to Knit Picks. The Twisted Tambini. Lets see if they like this one. I have the next one in my mind but so far its gone through a few revisions as I'm working on the tambini. Yep, I got a bit goofy on the name but it just stuck. Heres some pics of the first one. I'm currently knitting up the second and true sample in lovely Hollyberry Swish worsted. Thanks to my lovely daughter Sarah for modeling.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Big Day

Yesterday was a huge day for me. My Switchback officially went online! Now whats next? I'm designing a hat that has a bit of a twist. It has proved to be quite a challenge but the worst part is I have another idea screaming at me in the wings. It has been so difficult not to chuck this all together and work on the new one!
Yesterday also marked some sorrow, I went to a memorial service for someone who was only 45. She was well loved by her friends and family. She had an unlimited amount of talent and experience in so many things. This made me feel mortal and a bit rushed to complete all my tasks here on earth. I have so many things I want to do let alone knit! Please God don't let me die before my job is done and my yarn stash is gone!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Learning Curve

I'm wondering when it was that I started enjoying the learning of a new skill or concept. Long ago, I would grow frustrated with the process, thus causing me to quit. Then somewhere along the line, I became patient with myself. Perhaps it was when I learned to be patient with others or maybe it was patience with my failure. No, not failure but learning by mistakes, what I now know as the learning curve. The more I relaxed with my own lack of perfection, the more I learned to be better at what I was attempting to accomplish.
Thus starts my learning curve in a knitwear designers budding career or what I hope will be my new career. Today I frogged a new hat design that was more than halfway finished, just because I made a simple mistake. I started to drop down 4 rounds with about 6 stitches and realized I may not make it perfect. Instead of the gnashing of teeth and cursing as I once may have done, I joyfully ripped out 3 days worth of stitching and wound up that kinky mess while dreaming of what I can do to make it better. What had happened to me? I remember so many decades ago when I would cry out and throw my Legos or squish up an art project when it didn't turn out the way I wanted. I remember my dad would come running and ask what happened. What ever he said I can't remember but it would soothe me in the process. Later, good ole' Bob Ross the painter with the big fro' would say "There are no mistakes, just happy accidents." I did take that to heart. Now I seem to learned the patience and will-power to move forward through my failures to make more happy accidents in my life. How much more peaceful and challenging my world has become. I have learned to enjoy the ride.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

A New Year, a new me!!!

Nope, I'm not planning on going on a new diet nor is the gym in my future, although some might argue I should be! This is the year Sincero Knits gets launched and thus starting my professional career in the knitting industry. I would first like to recognize the first six followers and friends who jumped right in here without a single post!! I just love my knitting sisters.
Yesterday I mailed off my samples to Knit Picks for my first published pattern, Switchback Cabled Hat and Gaiter. Here's a preview of it. Thanks to my two sons for always indulging me and being my models.

Yesterday, I woke up with another idea in my head so today, the first day of 2011, I will start swatching. Yep even I have learned one must swatch to prevent studip mistakes. So happy New Year everyone and a special  shout out to my little Angel, 10 years ago today you came to live with us and be part of our family.