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
April 26, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Awesome! Thanks for a thoughtful give away, here's to hoping.
April 26, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Love it! Have a copy of my own already, as I pre-ordered it!! So please pass me up if I get picked!
April 26, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Thanks again for a wonderful give away. I hope I win this time!!!
April 26, 2010 at 10:59 AM
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!
April 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM
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?
April 26, 2010 at 11:10 AM
Cute hats!! What an awesome give away!
April 26, 2010 at 11:15 AM
I just love giveaways! And that hat is super cute! I love knitting hats!
April 26, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Such a thoughtful giveaway! And a fun project too.
April 26, 2010 at 11:59 AM
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.
April 26, 2010 at 11:59 AM
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*
April 26, 2010 at 12:07 PM
I love all of Kate's designs! Her Mod Circle hat was my introduction to fair isle knitting, and it was easy!
April 26, 2010 at 12:16 PM
Love your patterns!
-Jessica
April 26, 2010 at 12:18 PM
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.
April 26, 2010 at 12:22 PM
WHat a great giveaway!
April 26, 2010 at 12:22 PM
I'm always looking for new baby hat patterns! These are super cute!
April 26, 2010 at 12:23 PM
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 :)
April 26, 2010 at 12:29 PM
I love so many of her patterns! It would be great to see the newest ones in detail! Thanks for another great giveaway chance. :)
April 26, 2010 at 12:33 PM
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!
April 26, 2010 at 12:36 PM
I am so exited. I have been looking for baby hats for two upcoming showers this summer!!
April 26, 2010 at 12:42 PM
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...
April 26, 2010 at 1:03 PM
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?
April 26, 2010 at 1:06 PM
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!)
April 26, 2010 at 1:35 PM
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
April 26, 2010 at 1:46 PM
Love the new booklet!! I always love cute patterns for boys, and you never fail to deliver!!
April 26, 2010 at 1:52 PM
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
April 26, 2010 at 1:57 PM
I love that cute dino hat for little boys. So cute!
April 26, 2010 at 2:07 PM
Those hats are so adorable!! This would be perfect for all the baby showers I've got coming up.
April 26, 2010 at 2:09 PM
That booklet looks wonderful. I think your designs for children's hats are fun and classic.
April 26, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Good luck with the booklet!
madametj AT gmail DOT com
April 26, 2010 at 2:32 PM
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.
April 26, 2010 at 2:47 PM
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!
April 26, 2010 at 2:51 PM
Kate, Love the new booklet. Hope I win!
Sheri from Ky
Momasly@yahoo.com
April 26, 2010 at 3:07 PM
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!
April 26, 2010 at 3:19 PM
I love to make hats! They're so easy to bring with me when I travel. I hope I win this time!
April 26, 2010 at 3:30 PM
The hats are very cute! They look like they would be fun to make.
April 26, 2010 at 3:35 PM
I love her hat patterns! They are so cute and there seems to be something just right for every little one!
April 26, 2010 at 4:26 PM
I love her hats!! Especially as a mom of a 2 year old, I am especially drawn to them.
April 26, 2010 at 4:43 PM
Instant candy for knitters...knitting for tiny ones.
What a great book to win for this.
April 26, 2010 at 4:51 PM
Ooh, I love that sunny textured cap, and my kids would love the dinosaur one!
Jess
April 26, 2010 at 4:56 PM
Adorable hats! Would love to try some of them! What a great giveaway also!
April 26, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Too cute! I absolutely love cute little hats!
April 26, 2010 at 5:36 PM
I have suddenly been only wanting to knit baby things so this is perfect.
April 26, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Thanks for answering the questions Kate. I love learning new things.
Pick me please :)
April 26, 2010 at 6:21 PM
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!
April 26, 2010 at 7:38 PM
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.
April 26, 2010 at 7:48 PM
Thank you for the giveaway. My 2 little boys would look great in matching dinosaur hats.
April 26, 2010 at 7:55 PM
Such cute hats. I would love to make them for my 15 month old.
midwifemom@clearwire.net
April 26, 2010 at 8:37 PM
Awesome collection! Great give away.
April 26, 2010 at 8:45 PM
Thanks for the giveaway. If I win this, I am going to freak out. I love Kate's patterns. Keeping my fingers crossed.
April 26, 2010 at 10:01 PM
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
April 26, 2010 at 11:24 PM
I love to knit hats...they're the perfect portable project! The cabled earflap hat looks warm and stylish!
April 27, 2010 at 12:19 AM
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...
April 27, 2010 at 3:32 AM
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.
April 27, 2010 at 4:08 AM
Soooo cute!! I just love these little hats.
April 27, 2010 at 4:18 AM
Popped over to Ravelry to look at the patterns - so cute!! What a great collection.
April 27, 2010 at 4:25 AM
Your patterns are absolutely adorable! I checked them out at Ravelry already.
Barb T.
April 27, 2010 at 4:59 AM
That looks like a lovely booklet! Thanks for the chance to win!!
April 27, 2010 at 5:10 AM
Another great giveaway.
April 27, 2010 at 5:42 AM
What could be cuter than kids' hats? Nothing.
April 27, 2010 at 6:10 AM
I just really enjoy Kate and would look to get my hands on the booklet!
April 27, 2010 at 6:34 AM
Okay, I already love all the patterns! whoot!
jamsideup at gmail dot com
April 27, 2010 at 6:34 AM
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.
April 27, 2010 at 6:35 AM
What great fun!
April 27, 2010 at 6:37 AM
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
April 27, 2010 at 6:44 AM
What a great giveaway.
Becky
April 27, 2010 at 7:42 AM
How super cute these are! I have at least three that I would love to see on my baby.
April 27, 2010 at 7:45 AM
I love the idea of a booklet. It's easy to bring places instead of a heavy hardcover book!
April 27, 2010 at 8:01 AM
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.
April 27, 2010 at 8:25 AM
Love the new booklet! So cute....Amanda
April 27, 2010 at 8:30 AM
How terrific! I love Tot Toppers - such cute hats for little heads. :) I would love to have this booklet!
April 27, 2010 at 8:48 AM
Thanks for a wonderful giveaway. I make hats for charities. I am working on a child's chemo hat now for a charity.
April 27, 2010 at 9:02 AM
I really enjoyed reading this interview. Thanks for keeping things interesting.
April 27, 2010 at 9:35 AM
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
April 27, 2010 at 9:57 AM
With 2 little ones at home I LOVE knitting baby and kid hats. Looks like a great book!
April 27, 2010 at 11:21 AM
I have not seen this yet but have seen your designs, always wonderful! Would be so fun to play!
April 27, 2010 at 12:24 PM
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
April 27, 2010 at 1:30 PM
I love knitting hats and I've been drooling over these patterns for a while now.
jenvaneyck@msn.com
April 27, 2010 at 5:01 PM
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!
April 27, 2010 at 5:49 PM
Your hats are so cute and I love knitting hats. Hope I win. patsycoats@bellsouth.net
April 27, 2010 at 6:13 PM
I must have that cabled tweedy topper! It's stinkin cute!
April 27, 2010 at 6:29 PM
I have three baby gifts to knit...need this!
April 27, 2010 at 6:43 PM
Love the Tottoppers and looking forward to seeing Kate's work at SAFF this year.
April 27, 2010 at 6:44 PM
I would love to knit these patterns! Pick Me!!
April 27, 2010 at 7:25 PM
Looks like a great booklet! I love all of the hats, and would love to try making the ruffled striped hat.
April 28, 2010 at 5:38 AM
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)!!
April 28, 2010 at 6:47 AM
Very cute hats! My favorites are Sunny Textured Cap and Chunky Striped Stocking hat.
StaceyKnitsIt ravelry
April 28, 2010 at 7:56 AM
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
April 28, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Hats are a favorite of mine to knit...gifts for all!
April 28, 2010 at 9:57 AM
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.
April 28, 2010 at 10:01 AM
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.
April 28, 2010 at 10:33 AM
The dinosaur hat is a "must" make hat! Thanks for your generous giveaways!
April 28, 2010 at 4:41 PM
What a delightful booklet! Great idea... and great contest!
April 28, 2010 at 6:14 PM
I love baby hats,,,especially the safari congrats on your book
Laura K
April 29, 2010 at 8:23 AM
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...
April 29, 2010 at 8:38 AM
Wow, I just love the photographs in this post ... they are simply lovely. Thanks!
April 29, 2010 at 2:13 PM
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
April 29, 2010 at 3:38 PM
First, I must say that I think you are a very pretty woman. Second, What makes you write your patterns? What inspires you?
April 29, 2010 at 3:41 PM
April 29, 2010 at 6:43 PM
Super cute hats in this booklet!! Love the Bumblebee trail cap! Thanks for offering it!
jendada on Ravelry
April 29, 2010 at 7:10 PM
What a great give away! Love the book and would love to try that yarn!!!Oh and 13 is my lucky # fingers crossed!!!
April 30, 2010 at 5:31 AM
These look really adorable. I am a grandmother who loves to knit for my grandchild. Glad to know about this site.
April 30, 2010 at 12:10 PM
hats . . . one of my favorite things to knit! please include my name in the drawing - thanks.
May 1, 2010 at 3:12 AM
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!!
May 1, 2010 at 10:09 AM
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!
May 1, 2010 at 11:06 AM
Awesome giveway!!
I will be making some of those cute hats in the near future, for my nieces!!
May 1, 2010 at 4:27 PM
what beautiful finished objects! Hope I can win some of that great yarn!
May 1, 2010 at 5:04 PM
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
May 1, 2010 at 9:00 PM
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!
May 2, 2010 at 8:46 PM
Love the hats!My daughter would love any of them in pink!
May 3, 2010 at 8:41 AM
POSTING FOR THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Thank you everyone for posting! -Ve