Sliding into 2017 with more love .......

Plain and simple....Here's hoping for a better year in 2017...more love, less contention.💖💙💚💛💜💖💙💚💛💜💖💙💚💛💜💖💙💚💛💜💖💙💚💛💜💖💙💚💛

All patterns will be 25% off from December 25, 2016 until January 5, 2017 end of day.  No coupon code required.

On knitting Either/Or Mitts from leethalknits

I am having a wonderful time constructing my Either/Or Mitts.  I say constructing, because they are a modular knit that starts at the thumb and expand across the hand.  They are fully customizable by striping sequence, fingerless or full mitten,  and length of wrist section.  They may also be made in nearly any yarn weight. That being said, I will move on to my yarn selection.

I had some Noro Silk Garden #1 (the first colorway ever dyed) of this popular yarn that I have been saving for just the right project.  I had another ball of an unknown color way that I was given a while back (somewhat contrasting, but not crazy different). The #1 isn't a good picture of the skein, but you can see the change from brown, to beige, to a lavender and then black, with gray beyond that.  The other skein so far is blacks, browns, with a blue gray in the future (beyond that I'm not sure. It'll be a surprise.)

So far I have one mitt done, and I'll post more when I have the other one done.

Mitt under construction

First Mitt Done..more to follow

 

An interview with designer Lee Meredith of leethalknits

When I was deciding on my various projects for the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long KALs, I came across a pattern for modular mitts constructed from the thumb across.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the pattern for Either/Or included instructions for multiple yarn weights, as well as multiple styles from short, fingerless mitts to full mittens. I liked them so much, that I asked Lee Meredith (aka leethal on Ravelry) to do a little profile for this blog.

She has a variety of patterns and constructions that are quite compelling.  I am enjoying the pattern and will post about it separately.  Without further ado, my profile with Lee Meredith:

Lee Meredith aka leethal

Tell us a little about yourself and where you are from.

·        
      I grew up in Southern California, and moved to Portland, Oregon in 2007, the same year I wrote my first knitting pattern! I have a degree in art (emphasis on photography) and I’ve been self-employed doing mainly knit design and also lots of other assorted craft-related things since 2008. I’m currently back in school to learn graphic design.

How and when did you begin designing?

·        When I learned to knit (in college, around 2002) I started improvising right from the start. What I liked about knitting was thinking up something I wanted to make and figuring out how to make it, or experimenting and seeing what would happen. I was already knitting for a few years before I even tried a pattern, or learned how patterns worked. So, basically I was always designing, but once I starting learning how patterns worked, and once ravelry launched so I started seeing a lot more patterns, that’s when I took the step into writing down what I was doing in a way other people could follow. The first pattern I ever wrote was published in Knitty in Fall 2007, and I’ve been obsessively writing patterns ever since!

You have such interesting construction on some of your patterns. Where do you find your inspiration?

·        
      Ideas usually come out of other knitting projects – knitting one thing gets me brainstorming about a new idea. Or seeds of ideas will just pop into my head, and then I’ll sketch and swatch until they develop into something. I don’t go seeking out inspiration; I have no dearth of design ideas.

Do you have a favorite item that you enjoy designing?

·        
      Hats are what I always come back to and could design over and over and never get bored. I do like jumping around to other items, but if I had to choose just one item to design forever, it would be hats.

What advice would you give to a budding designer?

·        
     Umm, it depends what said budding designer is aiming for. I’m currently back in school for a career change, so if they were asking me about how to be (financially) successful, I’d have no answer ;) I also wouldn’t advise doing it only for the love with no goal of making money, because it’s hard work that deserves compensation. So I’d pretty much avoid giving advice to anyone. Sorry that answer was so honest, hah!

Do you have a website, blog or newsletter that you would like to share?

·         My knitting pattern website is leethalknits.com; I’m leethal on ravelry; I’m most active on twitter @leethal and I’m leethalknits on instagram and leethal.leemeredith on facebook.

Full Mittens from Either/Or

Short Fingerless Mitts from Either/Or

Long Fingerless Mitts from Either/Or

Newest Promotion for December -Adopt a Critter

In addition to the 20% off all patterns, I have added a new secondary promotion with a deeper discount.  In honor of shelter animals everywhere, I have added a discount of 35% on all my softie patterns until midnight 12/22/2016, using the coupon code ADOPT.  

George T Dawg is giving tours at the shop, but  he will follow you home, if given the opportunity.  Don't look at the eyes! He'll get you with those mournful looks every time. So stop by Paula King's Ravelry store (aka KraziKnitz by Paula).

Make a cuddly friend for yourself or someone you love.  Soft and cuddly creatures can be a great comfort to all of us, young or old.  You can tell all your secrets to a special friend and never worry they will be shared with anyone else.  George is like that, he makes a great confidant who would take all of your secrets and lock them in his heart forever.

December promotions

I currently have two promotions running.

First, a general sale of 20% discount on all patterns with no coupon code needed until midnight 12/24/16.

Secondly, I will have a rotating promotion on different patterns until the end of the month. My current additional savings is on all patterns with the word SLOUCH in the title.  These patterns have a 35% discount until midnight 12/18/16.  The coupon code is SLOUCH.

My shop is KraziKnitz by Paula aka Paula King's Ravelry Store.  Check the blog regularly or my group on Ravelry which by coincidence is called KraziKnitz by Paula.

New promotions will pop up every few days at least through the end of the year.  Happy Knitting!

Merengue Knot Bag & Skein Shop Independent Designer Program

I am proud to announce the release of Merengue Knot Bag, in conjunction with the Skein Shop Independent Designer Program.  I was fortunate enough to become acquainted with Alexandra Parks (aka Sasha) of Skein Shop and Dashing Mouse Designs, while buying some yarn for another design that I am currently in development.
She expressed an interest in my designs after looking at my designer page.  She asked if I would be interested in participating in their Independent Designer Program.  After receiving the details, I told her that I would love to collaborate on a design. This pattern is the result of that collaboration, with Skein Shop providing yarn support, tech editing and a lot of promotion.  I provided the inspiration, design and prototypes.  Sasha is a designer herself, but prefers to spend her time dyeing her line of yarns. You can find more information about the Independent Designer Program on the Skein Shop blog.
The Merengue Knot Bag inspiration came from the extravagantly ruffled costumes of some Latin dances. I love the sculptural qualities of felted ruffles.  I wanted to pair those ruffles with a simple knot bag.  The pattern has a nice photo-tutorial to help with construction of the ruffles.
So, without further ado, please take a look at the pictures below and start thinking of what colors you want to use for your own Merengue.
I am also offering an introductory promotional discount of 25% until 12/15/2016 midnight.  Take advantage of this and make yourself a tropical delight to chase away the winter cold (at least for a little while).  My shop is Paula King's Ravelry shop...KraziKnitz by Paula,

Latest Gift-A-Long 2016 projects on my needles currently...

I am currently finishing up my first shawl ever as part of the Shawl/Stole KAL. I chose Wraptastic from Stitchnerd Designs.  I have had more fun than I expected, so I will give it a thumbs up👍, as it was well written, had a lot of good tips and pictures showing how to read the wrap & turns. I chose a darkish denim blue Cascade 220 for my yarn and knitted it on US 9 needles.

I have also chosen to make Baguette Socks by Kirsten Hipsky (Two of Sticks Designs).  I am using 220 Cascade Superwash Sport in a dark green on US 2 (since I knit big).  It is slow going because of my carpal tunnel doesn't like little needles.  However, it is an excellent portable project for going to appointments and I hope to finish it before the end of the KAL for Giftalong 2016 Feet. 

And the winner is...

Well, I only had one person who left a comment about which UkeeKnits pattern that they would like to try.  She is by default the winner.  Judith, thanks for leaving a comment and becoming the winner of a free pattern from UkeeKnits.  I will be in touch with the information you need to redeem your win of the pattern prize that Faye so graciously donated.

Thanks again, Faye for agreeing to be profiled and providing a prize for a lucky winner. She loves your 2 Hour Smocked Toque.

Knotions, December 2016..has one of my patterns....ChaCha going live....WOOT!!!!

I just want to let everyone who reads this to go check out the new issue of Knotions.  You can find the patterns that will be in the issue going live December 3, at Knotions, December 2016.  There are 16 patterns and one of them is my ChaCha Backpack in two sizes.  There are additional pictures of the backpack appearing in the issue.  Those pictures and probably more will also be on my pattern page shortly, so that you can see both sizes and all the cute details.  My friend Teri's daugher Carla & niece Nicole modeled for me, since I have no young ladies in my immediate family who could fulfill that need.  The ladies were a blessing and were real troopers.

I am so excited about this, because it was my first ever submission to a magazine and it was selected.  I worked really hard on it and had no idea the amount of work that goes into a magazine submission.  Jody (the editor of Knotions) has been phenomenally helpful and patient with this newbie to the publishing world.  I will probably submit more ideas time goes on, but for right now I'm going to concentrate on some of the patterns that have taken a back seat to this project.  Keep your eyes peeled here for another new design soon..

I am partnering with someone to bring another design to life.  It should be a really fun knit.  That's all I'll say for now, because I'm still in the middle of the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long KAL. I am having a blast, and I will post more projects and hopefully more designer profiles before it's over.

Knit on!

Close up of ruffles on child size

Butterfly buttons add a touch of whimsy

Carla is modeling the child size

Nicole is modeling the teen/adult size

My friend's daughter Carla & niece Nicole  made lovely models

Cute flip flop buttons make this fun!

Close up of ruffles

An interview with Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits

During the first few days of the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long 2016, I was privileged to have contact with Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits on Ravelry.  She is the designer of the first two projects that I completed toward my attempt to "tame the opadoo".  The (2 Hour) Artist's Loop and the 2 Hour Smocked Toque which can be found on her Ravelry designer page..

She agreed to be a short interview for this blog and graciously donated a prize. I am asking readers the question; "What UkeeKnits design would you like to make?" and ask you to leave your answer in the comment section by December 5, 2016. If you are a Ravelry member, you can leave your Ravelry name and if not, leave an email address where  you can be contacted.  A name will be selected at random from all those leaving an answer and that person will receive the gift of a free pattern from UkeeKnits.

And now without further ado, my interview with Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits:

KraziKnitz: Please tell us about yourself and where you are from:

• Faye:  I live in a seaside resort community on the western edge of Vancouver Island (British Columbia, Canada) with my family and our chocolate lab.  The area is a temperate rain forest; the rainy season lends itself well to knitting and other indoor hobbies. But not so much to waiting for wet-blocking to dry!

KraziKnitz:  How and when did you begin designing?

• Faye: I've been designing as long as I can remember.  I started sewing doll clothes at age 4 and attended fashion design school after high school. About 6 years ago, I was in-between jobs and with a lot of time on my hands. I was playing with knit designs and decided to post patterns for my creations on Ravelry.

 KraziKnitz: Where do you find your inspiration?

• Faye: This can and does vary.  I tend to be a process knitter, so I like to learn something new and try out variations of the techniques.

KraziKnitz: You have a nice variety of patterns.  Do you have a favorite item to design?

• Faye:  Thank you!  I do like accessories.  Cowls have been a lot of fun.  I like variety.

KraziKnitz: What advice would you pass on to anyone contemplating becoming a designer?

• Faye: Make a business plan; think about your goals and your brand image from the start.  I didn't do this, but I really wish I had.

KraziKnitz: Do you have a  website, blog or newsletter that you would like to mention?

• Faye: You can follow me on  Instagram and/or Twitter: @UkeeKnits

Check out Faye's designs and don't forget to leave a response to the question; "What UkeeKnits design would you like to make?" by 6:00 pm EST on Monday 12/05/16.  A name will be drawn at random from all of the responses.  Again, if you are a Ravelry member leave your Ravelry name, so that you may be contacted by pm.  If you are not a Ravelry member, leave an email, so that you may be contacted as well.

Thanks for reading my humble little blog. I will try to have occasional giveaways, so keep your eyes peeled and check back often.  You never know what you might find.  Keep knitting, crocheting or whatever craft you love.  The sale part of the Gift-A-Long ends at 11:59 pm EST tonight, so get it on it while you can.  The party atmosphere goes until the end of December, so party on and join the crowd at the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long 2016 group on Ravelry. 

See you there!

Coming soon...An interview with Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits...(with a prize) :)

In a day or so, I will be posting an interview with with Faye Kennington of UkeeKnits.  She is the designer of the first two projects that I completed for the Indie Designer Gift-A-Long 2016.  I am not only participating as a designer for the first time, but participating as a knitter.  Well, I am also considering some crochet projects as well.  More about that later....We also have a prize donated by Ms. Kennington for someone who reads and will comment when the time is right.  So stay tuned for that interview and what we will use as criteria for winning that prize.
If you would like to check out her designs,  you can find her designer page at http://www.ravelry.com/designers/faye-kennington.

Knotions, December 2016..

I am about to have my first pattern published in an  online webzine called Knotions.  I am so excited and I can't wait.  It will be released December 3, 2016. You can find more information at Knotions, December 2016.

Now that I got all the ecstatic stuff done. (jumps up & down in an undignified manner)! Here's some additional information about the pattern. I mentioned the upcoming previously in a post, but I could not give specifics until I knew which issue it would be included in.  So much has happened since I retired and could give my design career more attention.

I am also humbled and appreciative and would like to thank Jody, editor at Knotions for taking a chance on me.  I am such a newbie to this part of designing.  I peppered her constantly with questions! She was so patient, kind and always answered so that even this babe to the business of publishing could understand. 

When you just have to have ruffles! Lots of girls love ruffles and can never have enough ruffles. If you want to indulge your inner "rufflista" or pamper that little girlie girl in your life, this backpack is for you. Cool buttons can help you express your sense of style to make this a one of a kind work of art. One two, chachacha!

The ruffles on these bags become quite sculptural once felted. The pack comes in two sizes, child and teen/adult.  The straps have two button holes, which if paired with multiple buttons makes it adjustable.  Adjustability allows for multiple wearers or one wearer that is growing. 

I am also including the picture that will be used in Knotions.  There will be more later once the pattern is actually published, but this is the one I can release for now. Without further ado, may I introduce you to ChaCha.  

Also a big thanks to my friend Teri, for allowing me to photograph her daughter Carla, and in other pictures her niece Nicole.  They were excellent models and most appreciated, especially since I have no young ladies of appropriate age in my family living close enough to impose upon for photo shoots.

My friend Teri's 6 yr. old Carla was a great model.*

First finished objects from Gift-A-Long 2016....

I have finished two quick knit patterns by Faye Kennington (known as UkeeKnits on Ravelry. Both items were knit with bulky yarn that I have had for a while.

 I also had some beautiful buttons, that went perfectly with the yarn for the cowl, so it was meant to be.  The universe put the pattern, the yarn and the buttons together at just the right time.  I knit it for myself, because I rarely make anything for me.  It will be pulled out for the few cold days we get in my part of Florida and it will keep my neck toasty.  The pattern is called (2 Hour) Artist's Loop, which had I not been interrupted I would have completed in the allotted time.

 The  color way is Quetzalcoatl from Kathleen Spins.  I picked it up on one of my birthday yarn jaunts down in Port St. Lucie.  There was a small yarn shop called Yarn It!, but I don't know if it is still open.  The buttons came from another shop in Cocoa Beach, which is no longer open. It's sad when a little quality shop that has cool stuff closes. 😞

This is my first gift-a-long, both as a designer and participant. I am selecting patterns from a variety of designers at differing levels of complexity.  I started with two of UkeeKnits' patterns, because I liked the way they could be knit up quickly for a little instant gratification. Instant gratification seemed good way to start this party of like-minded crafty folk.

yarn, pattern & buttons

close up of buttons

Completed project

Too hot to wear for long.  Please ignore double chin & wrinkles for 

aesthetic reasons.

The second project is the 2 Hour Smocked Toque, by the same designer.  The yarn has the colors of sunrise on the beach, which conjures warm feelings anyway.  The pattern has some interesting details, that make the knitting a little more fun.  You have to pay attention when knitting the pattern rounds.  The pattern is well written and knits up quickly.  Another beautiful item that I will only wear occasionally, but will make a statement of bright color and interesting texture whenever and wherever it is worn.

Beginning of the process

 Keep your eyes peeled to this blog for an interview with Faye Kennington, (Ukeeknits on Ravelry.  She has also graciously donated

Left face

Right face

a coupon code for a pattern from her collection.  Details on the pattern prize, will be forthcoming on the same day as the interview. Don't worry we'll let you know how!

Taming the wild Opadoo.....

Opadoo long story short: Adorable kid pronounced octopus as opadoo, comparison made between eight arms and eight categories in GAL, so completing one project per category = taming the opadoo. The majority of this post came straight from the group page where you can sign up for the "Taming the Opadoo", including the links.  It sounds like fun, I'm not sure I'm up to it, but I have already started my first item for the gift a long.  Don't forget all the fabulous designers (over 300) who have made a giant sale to help you along your way to taming the Opadoo.  Who knows maybe once I have a few items under my belt, I may even declare my attempt on taming that wild critter.

After posting this contest last year some quick minded GAL participants made the connection between an “Opadoo”, which has 8 arms, and the GAL challenge, which has 8 KAL/CALs, and so, “Taming the Opadoo” was born! To enter the GAL2016 Taming the Opadoo Challenge you must complete a project in each of the 8 GAL2016 KAL/CALs with paid (not free) patterns from at least 5 different Participating Designers, before the end of the GAL, and document it in an entry thread which will be posted later in the Gift-A-Long. You need to document your entry by posting the following in that thread:
1 - 1 photo that shows all 8 finished projects in it. This can be a photo collage (we have a tutorial in the group pages for that) or one photo that shows all the projects.
2 - A list of the 8 projects, each project listing containing the following:

• Which KAL/CAL it was made in. Your project must be on the participants list of that KAL/CAL and marked as DONE.
• A link to your project page
• A link to the pattern it was made from including the pattern name and designer’s name

3 - This year we encourage you to add some writing about what the Opadoo meant to you, or what you learned from it. This is not a requirement, but we hope you will all reflect a little and share your thoughts with us.
Remember, free patterns are not eligible to win prizes in the GAL, therefore all Opadoo-related projects must be made from paid (not free) patterns.
Also, please remember that there must be one completed project in each of the KAL/CALs:
Hats & Other Head Things
Hand & Arm Things
Foot & Leg Things
Kids & Baby Things (except toys)
Sweaters & Other Garments
Shawls & Stoles
Cowls, Scarves, & Other Neck Things
Toys, Home, & Other Miscellaneous Things
This is a judged contest. After the entry thread is locked at the end of the event on December 31, at midnight, the GAL2016 mods and Admins will vote for their choice of the entry that best captures the spirit of the GAL and the spirit of the Opadoo to them. We look at pattern choices, presentation, what you write about it, and everything else about your entry. There is no benefit to finishing quickly, so take your time and give it your best shot!
All complete entries earn the right to proudly display the I Tamed the Opadoo badge of their choice on their “About Me” page.
One lucky Opadoo tamer extraordinaire will receive 335 pattern codes, one from each of this year’s Participating Designers! These codes are transferable so you can share with friends, keep them all yourself, share in RAKs, or whatever you want!
Please tag all 8 of your projects giftalong2016opadoo in addition to the KAL/CAL tags.

Gift A Long is less than 24 hours away....

I am super excited to be taking part in my very first Indie Design Gift A Long, which starts November 22, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. and kicks off with a sale on some of my patterns and those of 334 other designers.  The designers participating have selected anywhere from 5 - 20 of their patterns to be on sale at 25% off until November 30 at 11:59 p.m., but its not just about a sale.

It is also a big party that runs through the end of the year.  There are games, prizes and lots of schmoozing and socializing that goes on 24/7.  The group opened up just a few days ago, and there are already well over 5000 comments in the thread assigned to pre-GAL chatter.  They have now opened up all of the category threads, where members can discuss what they plan to knit and share yarn choices.  It's a mad house over there, but is it a blast.  If I had known how much fun it was I would have joined in before.

There are threads where folks are planning meet-ups for geographic areas over the time span of the Gift A Long.  I haven't seen one for Florida yet, but I might talk to my local LYS to see if we can get something going in my area.  I can't be the only participant in my county.  Speaking of that, there is also a map where you can see what designers and participants have checked in to show their location.  I'm going to be on both maps, because I'm also going to take part in the KAL/CAL happening along with all the games and other events.  This is going to be putting up some of my choices for the various categories up on this blog.

I am also hope to feature a few short designer profiles and maybe even some prizes of my own for people leaving comments, but I'll have to work out the details before I can do that. Keep your eyes peeled for further information.

This is the collage that I came up with for my designer profile in the GAL designer thread, if you see it you can take the link to my designer page, where you will see my bundle of patterns.  Any of those patterns will be 25% off from 11/22/16 at 8:00 pm until 11/30/16 at 11:59 pm. I'm on page 8 in the designer thread post #198.   After that the GAL will continue as a KAL/CAL with games, prizes and lots of other happenings.  All paid patterns of the participating designers are eligible for prizes, but check the FAQ's for details.  Hope to see to at
                  GAL 2016.  Follow me to 
The Indie Design  Gift-A-Long 2016.  Woot! Parteee!😀💖

Indie Designers Gift-A-Long 2016 Stats & Update.....

What is Gift-A-Long? It’s a multi-designer promotion to help you kick your holiday gift-making into high gear!
The Indie Design Gift-A-Long is a 6 week long KAL/CAL of holiday gifts made from patterns designed by a rather extensive list of independent designers. From November 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm US EST to December 31, 2016 at midnight US EST there will be fun games, contests, and 8 KAL/CALs that will help you get your holiday knitting done with companionship and fun! From November 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm US EST to November 30th at 11:59pm US EST tons of indie designers will be discounting between 5 - 20 of their patterns 25% for this event. Use coupon code: giftalong2016. You can read all about the details in this post: click here or on the FAQ page in our group pages.
Once you’ve got your Gift-A-Long patterns, we encourage you to join a relevant KAL/CAL! (For instance, if it is a cowl, please join the cowl KAL/CAL.) To join, simply write a post in the KAL/CAL thread you want to join, including the pattern name you will be knitting and a link to your project page. KAL/CAL participants are eligible for lots of lovely prizes but you’ve got to post to win!
KAL/CALs will run from November 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm US EST to December 31, 2016 at midnight US EST, plenty of time to knock out all your holiday knitting and crocheting. We have tons of prizes and great conversation, plus a lot of other fun, so pull up a chair and join us!
On your mark…get set…. GIFT!!
Other things:

• Please use #giftalong2016 to tag your social media-ing!
  
• Please only share Giftalong projects in the “shared projects”
   
  There are eight different categories for projects:
  Please use these additional tags for any KAL/CAL that you make something in:
  giftalong2016head
  giftalong2016hand
  giftalong2016feet
  giftalong2016kids
  giftalong2016garments
  giftalong2016shawls
  giftalong2016neck
  giftalong2016other
  Click on the above words to see searches on those tags so you can all enjoy everyone’s creativity!
  Please note that the GAL tags should only be used on projects that are started between 8pm US EST on Tuesday November 22th & 11:59pm US EST on Saturday December 31. Projects made before this are not eligible for the GAL. Thanks!
  
   
  
  
  

Join the Ravelry 2016 Indie Designer Gift A Long

Join a large group of Indie Designers (including yours truly) for the 2016 Gift A Long, which is a combination of a week long special sale offering a 25% discount on a selection of patterns from over 300 designers. 
Games, giftie chatter, lots of socializing and prizes are just a few of the attractions of the event known as the Indie Designers Gift A Long. And oh, did I say prizes...lots and lots of prizes, both physical and electronic prizes. So keep an eye out here and around Ravelry for more info in the next couple of weeks. Share the love and knit on!
Don't forget to join the Indie Designers Gift A Long group on Ravelry, so you can be ready when the fun starts.  You can see the patterns that I will be offering with the discount in a special bundle by going to  Paula King's designer page .

Reinstated with an update

I was going to delete this blog completely.  I have such a small readership that I thought, "Just get rid of it!", but I was encouraged by others to continue with it.  Things may get busier around here starting in December when I have my first magazine submission being published.  I still can't say which magazine, but I can say which issue. I was given permission to tell my LYS, so that they can include it in the November newsletter.  I also might run a KAL, and might put in a few prizes, too.  More on that later.
I am also working with another entity through their independent designer program.  Once the pattern is ready to be published, we will promote in together.  They will even have an interview with little old me for their blog. More info will be forthcoming.
I also have another pattern in the works,  but  have changed some of the particulars on its structure and use.  More on that later too.
This is the first place that I have mentioned these three projects under construction in the same place, but I will include this entire post in my Ravelry group as well.

A little bit longer.....

It's going to be a little longer than I thought for one of the patterns that I'm working on, because I put in a proposal to a magazine for a pattern and it was accepted.  I am currently working on the actual pattern submission, so other projects are on the back burner for now.  I can't say what magazine yet, because I have to submit the pattern for approval.  As soon as I am able to release the information about the submission, I will give it here first. 
I am super excited and cautiously optimistic.  I have received positive feedback so far...so keep me in your prayers.  Thanks for being understanding.

Shhh...I have another pattern in development...

I have another pattern in development, so it won't be long before I'll have some news to post here.  There are also more ideas rolling around, so I'll have more to post about in the coming months.
Keep your eyes peeled here for previews in the coming weeks......

Bigger Boxes - another free pattern

Another freebie in my Ravelry shop, KraziKnitz by Paula.  It's called Bigger Boxes and it is a companion piece to Felted Box/Container.  A good stash buster and user of project leftovers. Make a set of nesting boxes for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

Finally, a new free pattern- Bigger Bowls

Sorry that it's been a while since I put up any new free patterns, but I didn't publish many in the last year. Now that I have a bit more time, I am hoping to post them a little more often.  Without further ado, if you would like to download Bigger Bowls from my Ravelry store at KraziKnitz by Paula.  Here is a picture so you know what you'll be getting.  Did I mention that it's free?

Introducing George T Dawg.....one sweet pup!

The latest member of my menagerie has made his debut at the Knit & Stitch boutique in Cocoa Village, Florida and on Ravelry at my pattern shop http://www.ravelry.com/stores/kraziknitz-by-paula.

George is a well mannered dog, who will steal your heart, but not your slippers.  He loves to be cuddled and loved.  You can make him for yourself or someone that you love. I have included a few pictures from our photo shoot.  There are more pictures on his Ravelry pattern page, if you would like to see more.  Please welcome George into your heart and home.  If you do, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Pattern update

The photo shoot is done, the pattern is written, but now it needs to be proofread.  George T. Dawg will make his first appearance here in a day or so.  I will also have a free pattern or two to post as well.  Pictures and patterns coming soon. Stay tuned here & in my group on Ravelry which is KraziKnitz by Paula.  Interested group members will be given a single use coupon code toward the purchase of George, as a way of showing my appreciation for their support.

Just an update....new patterns & Rosie's travel...

I currently have several patterns in development and will be releasing them soon.  Some will be free patterns..so keep your eyes here or in my Ravelry group for news of when they will be published.  I may decide to offer group members a special discount to any new patterns that I will be adding to my store, but I'll let members know at a later date.

Rosie has left Florida to go live in her new home in the Midwest.  She will now live in a place that has more seasons, than Florida Winter (about 3 months when temperatures are below 80) and Florida Summer (about 9  months when temperatures are above 80).  She was excited about going, and starting a new adventure.  I'll post here if I hear from her.

Have a lovely and safe July 4th.

Retirement Sale #3 and Rosie's been adopted.

I'm having another sale in my Ravelry store from 6/21/2016-6/30/2016.  If you buy 2 patterns , get 1 free.  No coupon code needed.  All patterns are eligible. 

Now on to other news, a nice lady on Ravelry applied to adopt my little retired shop owl, Rosie.  Rosie is excited about this new phase of her life.  She has started packing and will be leaving soon for her new home.  Good luck Rosie.

It's almost time.....

This evening we will open up a thread in my Ravelry group,  KraziKnitz by Paula for applications to be Rosie's new hosts.  Applicants should put in 25 words or less, why they would be the perfect host for this retired shop owl.

Keep your eyes peeled for a new thread in the group listed above, this evening around 9:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time) for those in the US, but the thread will stay open for 18 -24 hours, depending upon the number of applications presented.

Rosie is not getting any younger, and this is going to be more reading than she would normally undertake.  It may take her a couple of days to get through the responses depending on how many people write to her, but we will read each and every one.  She is looking forward to this new chapter of her life.

Here's how to apply.......

Tomorrow evening we will open up a thread in my Ravelry group,  KraziKnitz by Paula for applications to adopt Rosie.  Applicants should put in 25 words or less, why they would be the perfect host for this retired shop owl.  Perhaps you live in a lovely cottage by a wood, have a mountain view that she would enjoy or know a debonair owl-about-town who would enjoy the company of a lovely lady owl.  Whatever enticement or qualifications you present, do so with as much style as you can manage in 25 words or less.

Keep your eyes peeled for a new thread in the group listed above, tomorrow 06/19/2016 between 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time) for those in the US, but the thread will stay open for 18 -24 hours, depending upon the number of applications presented.

Rosie is not getting any younger, and this is going to be more reading than she would normally undertake.  It may take her a couple of days to get through the responses depending on how many people would like to make her acquaintance.  She is looking forward to choosing her new home and hosts.

Introducing Rosie

This is Rosie, one of the shop models for my pattern Owlizabeth.  She was always one of the quieter ones and a bit shy.  She has tired of the hustle and bustle of shop life, and desires to retire somewhere a bit less busy.  Her hobbies are simple.  She likes to read, watch television, and relax when she's not on duty.  She's had enough of life by the beach and would like to try something new.

I offered her assistance by offering to field adoption requests, since my typing skills are a bit better than hers.  She has given me permission to post a thread in my Ravelry group, but for a limited time.
I will open a thread so that prospective adopters can tell her "why they would be the perfect host for her retirement years" in 20 words or less.  She and I, along with some of her other friends will narrow down the field, before she makes her final decision. 

As stated before, the receiving adopter will need to live in the US, due to postage expenses being so high on international shipping.  However, if a likely person from outside the US is chosen, we will gift them a pattern.  In this way, they may create a lovely owl of their own.  She knows it's not the same, but like most retirees she is on a fixed income and travel expenses are not in her budget.  She wanted me to apologize for the inconvenience, but she is sure any owl created in her likeness would be just as lovely and sweet as she is.

So without further ado, may I introduce Rosie.  Keep watching here and on my Ravelry group, as we will be posting the date shortly for the thread with beginning and ending times.  My Ravelry group name is easy to remember KraziKnitz by Paula.  We'll see you soon.