…super secret…

I've just taken a super secret project off the needles, it’s into the bath and soon will be blocking.  Wanna see?

Well, that’s all I can show you.  Like I said, it’s a super secret project!  Did you really think I was going to show you the real deal?   Really?

As my friend Steph says, “All will be revealed in the fullness of time”  Patience…

...contest time...

Want to win a copy of my latest pattern, Spring Mix, and the yarn to make it?  Sure you do!  All you have to do to be entered to win is visit my designer page on Ravelry, pick which pattern you would love to make and post your choice in the comments on Lorajean’s blog.  She’ll pick two winners.  The first winner will get the kit to make Spring Mix, including the pattern.  The second will get a copy of any pattern they select from my pattern store!  

If you haven’t yet knit with Lorajean’s Single Fingering you need to!  Beautiful shine, lovely drape, gorgeous colors and it is perfect for lace!

Good luck!!

...learning and teaching...

I'm home, my bags are unpacked and my laundry is finally done.  TNNA was a blast.  I met some really great people, caught up with some old friends, saw some beautiful yarn, learned a ton and basically had the best time.

I took a class from Edie Eckman on Technical Editing and Writing for Knitting and Crochet.  It was a two day class and my brain is full.  There was so much information that it's going to take me a while to digest all of it but it's exactly the kind of information I've been looking for.  Edie is a great teacher and if you have interest she has a couple of classes on Craftsy.  

Speaking of classes I’m going to be teaching one!  Knitting with your iPad!  In the class I’ll show you how to use your iPad (or iPad mini) as a powerful knitting tool.  If you are interested I’ll be at All About Yarn on January 18th at 1:00 pm, For Yarn’s Sake on January 26th at 2:30, and I’ll be up at Madrona teaching there!  Maybe you got a new iPad for Christmas and aren’t sure what to do with it or maybe your a seasoned iPad user.  Whichever the case, I’ll show you some tips and tricks to use with your tablet to make the most of it!  I hope you’ll join me!

I wanted to leave you with a glimpse of what I saw everyday while at TNNA.  I can't wait to go back!

…Spring Mix…

Just a quick note to let you know that I've just released a new pattern. Spring Mix is the perfect spring accessory.  Light and airy, delicate and lacy, just the right amount of loveliness around your neck.

I used Knitted Wit’s beautiful Single Fingering and I love how it turned out.  The drape of this yarn is lovely and the stitch definition it has really showcases the lace beautifully.

Enjoy!

 

...uncharted territory...

I'm leaving tomorrow morning, bright and early, for something I have never done before.  It's something that I have had in the back of my mind for quite some time and several months ago I thought it's now or never, so I filled out my application, got my letters of introduction and it all fell into place.

I'm headed to TNNA's winter trade show in San Diego!  This is a national trade show for yarn companies, teachers, designers, etc.  I'm really excited to be going.

What's more exciting is that I will be releasing a new pattern while I'm there.  Lorajean of Knitted Wit is hosting me in her booth, along side my good friend Carrie.

I've got a new scarf design called Spring Mix that features Lorajean's beautiful single fingering.  The yarn is a dream to work with and shows lace patterns beautifully.  The pattern will be available in a kit that will be offered Friday night at SAMPLE IT !  But if you can't make it to TNNA to see this new pattern here is a sneak peak...

Carrie will have a new design there also and I can't wait to see it and her!

I'll be taking some classes while I'm there, too.  I'll fill you in more on that when I get home. 

I'm a little nervous about all of this.  I'm not sure what to expect or what I'll learn or who I'll meet, but  boy am I ready!  Onward!

...525,600 minutes...

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear

Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets

In midnights, in cups of coffee

In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife

In five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes

How do you measure, a year in the life?

-Seasons of Love (Rent-The Musical)

2013 is gone.  It's been a year of many things for me, some happy and some sad.  I'm not going to list them here but let's just say that I am glad to see 2013 go and really happy to see 2014 begin.  

I've always loved the beginning of a new year.  The promise, the possibilities, the future and most of all a clean slate to start over with.  I am really looking forward to what lies ahead for me and my family.  Here's to making the next 525,600 minutes the best that they can be.

How will you spend yours?