4.26.2010

giveaway #13

The three winners of the 3-in-1 Felted Baby Booties giveaway are:

Krystal who wrote, "The booties are so adorable! They seem like the perfect thing to knit up and then have ready when a baby gift giving occasion sneaks up on me... And I love the French Press slippers!"

Amy who posted, "They are ADORABLE! A classic! I hope I win!"

And, last but not least, Jodi who commented, "Super cute! Those are going to be great to give as baby shower gifts."

Congratulations to the three winners! You will be receiving a copy of the brand spankin' new pattern and a skein of Paton's Classic Wool in the color of your choice. Please send your mailing address and the color that you would like to receive to yarnonthehouse@gmail.com.

For those of you who did not win the 3-in-1 Felted Baby Booties giveaway, the pattern has been officially released today. Yay! Here is the link to the Ravelry page. Just like everyone has said, these are going to be a hit at the baby shower!

Now, onto this week's giveaway... Guess who's back!




Kate Oates has returned to host another great giveaway this week and answer some of the burning questions that you had for her last time. There were a lot of people that asked Kate questions about her design process, so Kate put together a wonderful blog post on her site that I think everyone needs to check out!! It goes in depth on the process and steps that Kate takes when putting together a pattern. Whew! It looks like it's a lot work to say the least. Kate also picked a handful of questions to answer from last time she was here and this is what she has to say:

Q: "Since you study political science, do you see yourself using your knitting talents for any community good or to change our world for the better?" asked by Napur

A: This question grabbed me because it sort of came up this past weekend while I was attending a political science conference! I don't see myself as anything particularly fancy, but I do believe in the power of human spirit, and the idea of "every little bit" helping. I was at lunch with one of my professors, and we were talking about my "knitting stuff" in general (and my personal struggle in determining where exactly my career path lies). I was really excited to share with her that during the February/March "Help for Haiti" effort, I had managed to raise several hundred dollars by donating a chunk of my pattern sales--that's more than I've ever been able to give during my grad school years! (Mostly because...let's face it, grad students are generally very broke and I am no exception). I've also been excited to donate some knit items to charity auctions, or when other knitter's share with me that they have had success with a donation based on one of my patterns. You know what else I think is special about knitting? I know when I'm working on a project, especially one that my children get to keep, I truly enjoy putting love into every stitch. Even though my boys are too young to consider or acknowledge that, loving a child is one of the most important contributions one can make in any community. So--when I'm writing a new pattern (especially one for children), I also like to think I'm helping someone (whether it be moms/grandmas/good friends or even strangers) love on a little one!

Q: "Beautiful pattern, Kate! Question for you, unrelated to knitting: what's the name of the dog in the photos on the Mary Swanson Vest Ravelry page? My first dog was a weimaraner named Sally!" asked by Liz

A: Ha! This dog is super cute and his name is Oliver. He is also an unbelievably good poser. He is my photographer's dog and on a whim, we brought him to the shoot with us. I have two dogs myself, a little Havanese named Lou-Belle and a big 90lb lab mix named Cooper. Neither are willing to stand/sit still for pictures :)

Q: "You've been challenged to a duel. Choose your weapon: DPNs or Magic Loop?" asked by Marlitharn

A: I had to answer this question because it totally cracked me up! Definitely DPNs. I have only tried Magic Loop once or twice. Also, I really enjoy the looks people give me in public when I am using DPNs. Its like I am a knitting goddess and they can't imagine how things are coming together. I would miss that too much were I to use Magic Loop.

Q: "Glad to hear that someone tries to complete one project at a time. Just curious what makes you sometimes start two or three?" asked by Jaime P

A: Most of the time, I start more than 1 if there are either multiple design projects with similar deadlines, or, if I need an easy project to carry with me. I don't generally do a lot of knitting for a new design unless I have decent concentration. But if I am sitting in the doctor's office, or watching my kids at the playground, I'll try to have something I can grab to work on that doesn't require me to be looking at it!

Q: "Kate -- do you drink your margaritas frozen or on the rocks?!?" asked by Lori

A: Frozen with salt! And I like to try many different flavors too.

Kate has also started a new thread in her Tottoppers Group on Ravelry for you to be able to ask her whatever your little heart desires. Hop on over there after you're done reading and entering this giveaway!

Kate has recently released her really cute Topped for a Year booklet. This booklet includes 12 super adorable hat patterns that you can knit up for all the little ones in your life - one for each month!




Kate has contributed TWO Topped for a Year professionally printed booklets for this giveaway. Each winner will also receive a skein of Berroco Comfort, which is enough yarn to make one (possibly even two) little Trail Caps (a fun Spring pattern featured in the booklet).




I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:

1) Have an address in the US to ship the yarn to. If you have a friend or relative that has a US mailing address who is willing to be your shipping sponsor, that will work as well. I will send it to them and they can then forward it on to you.

2) Post a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 5/2/2010. Leave a nice comment for Kate to read. Tell her what you think of the new booklet.

3) Please post only one comment to give everyone a fair chance.

Again, I'll randomly pick the winners on Sunday and post the results on Monday along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

Sincerely,

Ve

109 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awesome! Thanks for a thoughtful give away, here's to hoping.

mommieof4munchkins said...

Love it! Have a copy of my own already, as I pre-ordered it!! So please pass me up if I get picked!

Tracey said...

Thanks again for a wonderful give away. I hope I win this time!!!

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! I LOVE the dinosuar hat! I have 5 nieces with 2 more on the way... I would love to make them in pink, yellow, & purple! What a cute picture that would be!! ROAR!

JP said...

i love to knit hats :) and how convenient that baby has just outgrown her devil hat that there's a whole book to choose from :D

Kate-you might have already answered this, but have you had a pattern that started out as one thing but ended up completely different?

Janelle said...

Cute hats!! What an awesome give away!

Jen Price said...

I just love giveaways! And that hat is super cute! I love knitting hats!

Miss Marty said...

Such a thoughtful giveaway! And a fun project too.

Pavla said...

Love your hats Kate! I'm hoping to win your booklet, as we're getting quite a few little ones in the family, so it would be fun to make some for them. Thank you for the giveaway.

Marlitharn said...

Very cute! I have some co-workers who are spawning and a best friend who's a foster parent so there's never a shortage of little people to knit for. Thanks for the giveaway! *crosses fingers*

Jeni said...

I love all of Kate's designs! Her Mod Circle hat was my introduction to fair isle knitting, and it was easy!

Doula Mommy said...

Love your patterns!
-Jessica

Jenna said...

What a great give away. I love the design of the book and the patterns in it. It's clear that a lot of hard work went into both.

teresa said...

WHat a great giveaway!

Vanessa said...

I'm always looking for new baby hat patterns! These are super cute!

French Press Knits said...

So excited when I saw you came out with your own little book (a little jealous, too...we need to talk about this, TNNA?). Anyway- i'd love to see it in real life :)

Tricia said...

I love so many of her patterns! It would be great to see the newest ones in detail! Thanks for another great giveaway chance. :)

Gina said...

very nice give away! I love the hats for the little ones... seems most my nieces and nephews are having kids now. it could be a good thing for me to start knitting toppers for them!

Cary said...

I am so exited. I have been looking for baby hats for two upcoming showers this summer!!

Heather said...

I love the idea of year-round baby hats! I never really understood summer hats for babies until I worked at an amusement park. Babies in hats looked a lot cooler and less squinty than babies without!

And Ve, I have a question for YOU: Is that your lovely daughter as the model this week? She seems like a very poised young lady...

obee27 said...

This would be a great addition to my pattern collection for the grandbabies (even though they don't quite exist yet) It's never too early to start, right?

Tanzi said...

I would so love to have this booklet! I have 4 nieces and nephews, and all of a sudden I'm expecting 5 more in the next couple of months, and am running out of quick and fun baby presents to knit up. I love baby hats because they are so cute and functional and you can really dress up your baby (which is important as it becomes your primary accessory once it arrives!)

greenbean said...

i would love to win this booklet and yarn. my daughter is 15 months and in need of some fun spring/summer hats..

bam_2006@hotmail.com

Kim Mears said...

Love the new booklet!! I always love cute patterns for boys, and you never fail to deliver!!

kshotz said...

Thanks so much for posting the link to her blog r.e. the design process. I'm very much interested in this! Looks like a great book and yarn combo too!

Kim in IA

Jen said...

I love that cute dino hat for little boys. So cute!

Ginger said...

Those hats are so adorable!! This would be perfect for all the baby showers I've got coming up.

Unknown said...

That booklet looks wonderful. I think your designs for children's hats are fun and classic.

Tyler said...

Good luck with the booklet!

madametj AT gmail DOT com

Jodi said...

YAY! I'm thrilled to be a winner in the last contest. :-)

Kate's new pattern booklet is just too cute. I especially love the
Chunky Striped Stocking Prop Hat -- the photo of the baby modeling it just makes my heart melt.

PBnJ said...

The trail caps are just too cute for words! <3

And speaking of cute, just have to say that your model holding the giveaway prize is quite a cutie too!

Sheri said...

Kate, Love the new booklet. Hope I win!

Sheri from Ky
Momasly@yahoo.com

W.G. Woolens said...

These hats looks like a ton of fun to wear and to knit. I appreciated the answers to whacky questions, made my afternoon on a day I really needed it!

Kristy said...

I love to make hats! They're so easy to bring with me when I travel. I hope I win this time!

Cindy said...

The hats are very cute! They look like they would be fun to make.

Leah said...

I love her hat patterns! They are so cute and there seems to be something just right for every little one!

Whitney said...

I love her hats!! Especially as a mom of a 2 year old, I am especially drawn to them.

Christine said...

Instant candy for knitters...knitting for tiny ones.

What a great book to win for this.

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I love that sunny textured cap, and my kids would love the dinosaur one!

Jess

Dawn said...

Adorable hats! Would love to try some of them! What a great giveaway also!

Liz said...

Too cute! I absolutely love cute little hats!

Unknown said...

I have suddenly been only wanting to knit baby things so this is perfect.

Unknown said...

Thanks for answering the questions Kate. I love learning new things.

Pick me please :)

Unknown said...

I love reading interviews. She sounds like a really cool lady! I would love to try some new yarn. My yarn store won't be carrying it until the fall! :[ Hope I win!

Barbara said...

What a great idea - I am always on the lookout for new knitting patterns - especially ones for kiddies. I've got my fingers crossed that I win.

Unknown said...

Thank you for the giveaway. My 2 little boys would look great in matching dinosaur hats.

Mercy said...

Such cute hats. I would love to make them for my 15 month old.


midwifemom@clearwire.net

sherry said...

Awesome collection! Great give away.

Anjali (BloreKnitter on Ravelry) said...

Thanks for the giveaway. If I win this, I am going to freak out. I love Kate's patterns. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Unknown said...

What a fabulous giveaway! I absolutely love knitting hats. Especially for little ones. They are such a fun knit up, and go pretty quick. I am anxious to see Kate's booklet (patterns) and am looking forward to trying a couple. :o) Thanks Kate, and thanks, Ve!!

Sandie
zaftig2k at yahoo dot com
http://zaftigdelight.blogspot.com

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

I love to knit hats...they're the perfect portable project! The cabled earflap hat looks warm and stylish!

Phyllis said...

I've been curious about how people design knitting patterns, so thank you for the link to the blog post about that! It looks very interesting. I'm off to finish reading it...

Nupur said...

Thanks for answering my question, Kate! I agree- knitting spreads the love and makes our world just a bit kinder and gentler.

The Topped For a Year has such cute patterns- The Charlotte's Web hat is particularly unusual, would be great to pair it with the book as a special gift.

renewedmind said...

Soooo cute!! I just love these little hats.

Julie said...

Popped over to Ravelry to look at the patterns - so cute!! What a great collection.

Barb T. said...

Your patterns are absolutely adorable! I checked them out at Ravelry already.
Barb T.

Elizabeth said...

That looks like a lovely booklet! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Lydia said...

Another great giveaway.

jlr said...

What could be cuter than kids' hats? Nothing.

Mary said...

I just really enjoy Kate and would look to get my hands on the booklet!

Jamie said...

Okay, I already love all the patterns! whoot!

jamsideup at gmail dot com

Heather said...

I see there's a pic of a dinosaur hat. I need to have that pattern!! My nephew's favorite animal is Godzilla. He's two.

LizzieK8 said...

What great fun!

Unknown said...

I love Kate's patterns, and am working on a Dindy beret in an ice blue right now. I really like the fact she designs for children and adults!

kristinfitzgeraldATcomcastDOTnet

Becky said...

What a great giveaway.
Becky

Jepkey said...

How super cute these are! I have at least three that I would love to see on my baby.

KatieDid Crafts said...

I love the idea of a booklet. It's easy to bring places instead of a heavy hardcover book!

Susan G said...

Kate -
THanks agian for visitin us on Yarn on the House - love your toppers!
I have an 11 yo who just loves hats - I've knitted her 4 diffrent ones this year btw - sometimes I mkae the toddler ones larger and sometimes the adult ones smaller.
Have you ever thought of trying to design hats for older children/teens I find this is the hardest group to find great patterns for!

Luckily I have a beautiful goddaughter and cousins having babies that I can knit hats for all the time! So count me among your fans.

Anonymous said...

Love the new booklet! So cute....Amanda

Rae Lynne said...

How terrific! I love Tot Toppers - such cute hats for little heads. :) I would love to have this booklet!

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

Thanks for a wonderful giveaway. I make hats for charities. I am working on a child's chemo hat now for a charity.

kjramstack said...

I really enjoyed reading this interview. Thanks for keeping things interesting.

The Werling's said...

Oh wow! I LOVE hat patterns! I have been making hats for almost a year now...so addicted! =) I would love the opportunity to try these patterns!
PS: I love frozen margarita's with salt too!
Amanda Werling
amanda dot werling at gmail dot com

Laura said...

With 2 little ones at home I LOVE knitting baby and kid hats. Looks like a great book!

Turtle said...

I have not seen this yet but have seen your designs, always wonderful! Would be so fun to play!

Terra Zobrist said...

I love to knit hats. I am so excited for the chance to win. I also love Kate's generous nature. Way to use your knitting talent for charitable causes!
terrasue@cox.net

Jen said...

I love knitting hats and I've been drooling over these patterns for a while now.

jenvaneyck@msn.com

Cat said...

Oh, these hats are darling! I especially love the dino hat. I just found out that my cousin is pregnant and would love to knit that for the little one!

patsy said...

Your hats are so cute and I love knitting hats. Hope I win. patsycoats@bellsouth.net

Amy said...

I must have that cabled tweedy topper! It's stinkin cute!

Marilyn said...

I have three baby gifts to knit...need this!

Juliaknit said...

Love the Tottoppers and looking forward to seeing Kate's work at SAFF this year.

Jessica said...

I would love to knit these patterns! Pick Me!!

Liz P. said...

Looks like a great booklet! I love all of the hats, and would love to try making the ruffled striped hat.

katerina said...

Kate - I am so impressed with your professionalism of your books and work - keep up the great work and thanks for the terrific patterns!!

(also loved the answer to the DPN/Magic loop Q)!!

Anonymous said...

Very cute hats! My favorites are Sunny Textured Cap and Chunky Striped Stocking hat.

StaceyKnitsIt ravelry

Anonymous said...

Those hats are so very cute! My children's friends are having babies and I have two adorable nieces who ask for something soft made just for them, so these would be perfect all around! Thank you for your generous give away.

D

Wendy Weber said...

Hats are a favorite of mine to knit...gifts for all!

Natalie Servant said...

Wow - there's enough adorableness in there to keep me busy for a while & to make prepping for a baby shower that much more fun.

andrea said...

The booket looks wonderful and the hats are absolutely adorable. I am so happy that there are designers that make my knitting caps for charity so much fun to knit and donate. This giveaway would provide a couple more. Would love to be able to pass them on.

Jill Warren said...

The dinosaur hat is a "must" make hat! Thanks for your generous giveaways!

Taleah said...

What a delightful booklet! Great idea... and great contest!

Laura Kammarmeyer said...

I love baby hats,,,especially the safari congrats on your book
Laura K

Sereknitty said...

Fabulous! With a newborn grandson and his 2 year old brother, plus lots of friends having babies, I've got some serious hat making to do and Kate's patterns are the ultimate in cute! Thanks for the wonderful give away. Let's see ... first the dino hat, then the cabled ear flap hat, then...

Virginia said...

Wow, I just love the photographs in this post ... they are simply lovely. Thanks!

knitterlydesigns said...

What adorable patterns. I love hats, and especially on kids. They are such nice little projects because they go so fast.

Angie S. in Aurora, CO

Alexa S said...

First, I must say that I think you are a very pretty woman. Second, What makes you write your patterns? What inspires you?

obee27 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen said...

Super cute hats in this booklet!! Love the Bumblebee trail cap! Thanks for offering it!

jendada on Ravelry

Darlene said...

What a great give away! Love the book and would love to try that yarn!!!Oh and 13 is my lucky # fingers crossed!!!

Nancy said...

These look really adorable. I am a grandmother who loves to knit for my grandchild. Glad to know about this site.

amy said...

hats . . . one of my favorite things to knit! please include my name in the drawing - thanks.

Lissa said...

It seems that everyone is having babies (and that other babies are growing up so fast). Such a lovely pattern booklet would really help me keep up with those kids! Thanks again for such a great giveaway!!

Katrina said...

I love Kate's hats and follow her work on her Ravelry page. Thanks for the give-away!
I knit almost all my baby stuff in Berocco Comfort too!

Unknown said...

Awesome giveway!!

I will be making some of those cute hats in the near future, for my nieces!!

JaneD said...

what beautiful finished objects! Hope I can win some of that great yarn!

Melaniebknits said...

Thank you for the chance to win. I love knitting little hats and have several that I need to knit for upcoming babies in the family. Would love to knit some of these patterns.
Melanie

Connie, the daisyhead said...

Kate~ I'm in total agreement with you about the knitting goddess comments. DPNs in public have always gotten me many incredulous stares and comments. It cracks me up!

livin4fishin said...

Love the hats!My daughter would love any of them in pink!