giveaway #81
2.27.2012 at 10:03 PM
JoAnna, hawknitr13, & Melody
Congratulations! Please contact me at yarnonthehouse@gmail.com to collect your prizes.
The weekend before last I attended Madrona Fiber Arts for the first time. That's honestly sad, because I've been knitting for about five years now and I've lived in the Pacific Northwest this whole time. Somehow I had just never made it out for one reason or another, but this year I'd registered for a short afternoon class and I was meeting a blog friend and sponsor. That meant that I couldn't miss it!
I ended up having just the most wonderful day. There's something refreshing about walking into a swanky hotel and seeing knitters EVERYwhere. It's kind of surreal, if you know what I mean. So, back to the stuff you're really here for, our lovely sponsor this time...
I got to meet Brenda Castiel of Brenda Castiel Designs in person. It was a real treat. I wish I could meet all my sponsors like that! Brenda sent over a short bio, so you could meet her as well...
"I’ve been a knitter, on and off, since my teens. I’m self taught and so have gotten used to figuring things out on my own. Sometimes that’s a good thing, and sometimes not!
I first got the idea to start designing when KnitPicks started their Independent Design Program in spring of 2010. I thought to myself, “They’re just starting out, so maybe they won’t be too fussy about what they accept.” I’m not saying that’s true, but that’s what I thought. So I submitted a design, and it was accepted! I was off and running. I then started submitting to magazines like Interweave KNITS, Knit Simple, Creative Knitting, and YARN magazine in Australia – everywhere I could think of, really. I wasn’t ready to self-publish because I didn’t want to have to pay for professional photography and editing before I even knew if anyone would want to buy my patterns. Increasingly, more of my patterns got accepted, including one crazy period when I had 6 sweaters to knit in 8 weeks. That was bad!
Now that I have more of a portfolio built up, I would like to offer a giveaway of my patterns. Most of them are available, but a few are owned by a magazine and I don’t have the rights to them."
Brenda is offering up a fabulous giveaway of THREE patterns of winner's choice for a Grand Prize (unfortunately, there are some that are NOT available due to contractual agreements: Quixote Scarf, Sugarloaf Hat and Mittens, Vintage Paris Jacket, Picasso Cardigan, and Elise Dress), a gorgeous skein of Socks That Rock yarn in the Spring Fling colorway, along with a fabulous Deluxe Reversible Project Bag from MicheleStitches and some darling little stitch markers.
Plus, one runner up winner will receive one pattern of choice and a smaller drawstring project bag and stitch markers as well. It's all just a lot of knitting fun! See...
(I was actually recently looking for more knitting project bags and Michele's giveaway ones just happened to show up in my mailbox that same week. I couldn't resist and had to purchase one for myself. I got this really cute gnome bag!)
That's not all! Brenda is also offering a great discount to the YOTH followers for her pattern collection available on Ravelry: enter the discount code YOTH25 during checkout from now until March 25th, 2012, to receive 25% off.
I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:
1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 3/11/12. Check out Brenda's patterns and let us know what your favorite is.
In case you couldn't guess, my favorite is the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl. It's got all the components I love: it's lace, has a beautiful and unique construction and it's a shawl. Soooooo, so pretty!
I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.
Sincerely,
Ve
February 27, 2012 11:53 PM
My favorite is the Corinna Cowl + Mitts.
February 28, 2012 12:04 AM
Brenda, You are living the dream. Congrats!
My favorite of the patterns you have on Ravelry that are available to us is Terrigal Trio of Tops. I love the versatility the pattern creates.
Thanks for a chance to win.
February 28, 2012 12:24 AM
Botany Bay Cowl is my favourite
February 28, 2012 12:26 AM
I also like the Terrigal Trio of tops. What a fun prize!!
February 28, 2012 1:02 AM
I'm in New Zealand and with winter approaching I'm drawn to the 'Cosy Cover: Jelly Bean". There's nothing better than snuggling in bed with a hottie on a winter's night.
February 28, 2012 3:05 AM
I love the Celine Cardi.
February 28, 2012 3:36 AM
How cool that you got to go to Madrona. I hope you will blog about it as well.
I really like the Celine Cardi. Thanks for sharing Brenda's bio. Her name was familiar but it wasn't until I looked at all her projects that it was because I had heard people knitting up the Quixote scarf and loving it.
February 28, 2012 4:51 AM
My favorite would be between the Corinna cowl and the Lydia shawl. Actually, there are several patterns that are great!
February 28, 2012 4:57 AM
I like the Thornhill Mittens, very stylish.
February 28, 2012 5:00 AM
I think I like the Thornhill mittens and hat best but really like that Lydia shawl as well. Thank you for posting yet another great giveaway!
February 28, 2012 5:07 AM
Daisy Buchanan hat- It's adorable.
February 28, 2012 5:11 AM
It's so hard to pick but for me it would be the Thornhill mitts and then I'd need the matching hat and the jellybean hot water cozy for when I got home snug in bed.
February 28, 2012 5:13 AM
Lydia Crescent Lace shawl is so pretty. That would be my fav today - but they're all nice!
February 28, 2012 5:27 AM
The Crescent Lace Shawl is lovely!
February 28, 2012 5:41 AM
I love the vintage paris sweater
February 28, 2012 5:57 AM
The Lydia shawl is lovely. Thanks so much!
February 28, 2012 6:03 AM
I love that Elise dress and I know some little girls who will too!
February 28, 2012 6:06 AM
I love the Jelly Bean kids sweater. So cute! And it would look wonderful in a variety of palettes depending on the parents and the kid.
February 28, 2012 6:10 AM
I like Cosy Cover: Mount Royal
I am looking for a cozy cover pattern and this is so nice!
craftink on raverly
February 28, 2012 6:11 AM
There are so many neat patterns, but I also like the Lydia Lace Shawl the best. So pretty.
February 28, 2012 6:16 AM
Lovely patterns! My favorites are the Picasso cardigan and the Elise dress (my girls would both love one!!). :)
February 28, 2012 6:21 AM
I love the Lydia (others, too, but it is my favorite). What a lovely giveaway! My daughter's birthday is March 11th - she's turning five - should make it my lucky day as she is my shining star, right? ( : Thanks for the chance to win and introducing us to another great designer!
February 28, 2012 6:32 AM
Ooooh! My favorite is the Picasso Cardigan - love that sweater!
renewedmind on Ravelry
February 28, 2012 6:32 AM
Ooooh! My favorite is the Picasso Cardigan - love that sweater!
renewedmind on Ravelry
February 28, 2012 6:36 AM
The Daisy Buchanan hat and Lydia Crescent shawl are my two favorites!
February 28, 2012 6:39 AM
belmont cardi is my fave
February 28, 2012 6:40 AM
I love the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl!
February 28, 2012 6:41 AM
I do love sugarloaf, but there are definitely plenty of other lovelies to choose from!
February 28, 2012 6:43 AM
Botany Bay Cowl is gorgeous. Thank you so much for this offer!
Nancy
February 28, 2012 6:47 AM
The botany bay cowl is so cute! Thanks for the great give-away.
February 28, 2012 6:52 AM
The Lydia Crescent Shawl is my favourite.
Fiona
(Rav ID: pipnmilly)
February 28, 2012 6:59 AM
I'll have to flip a coin, as I really like the Botany Bay Cowl AND the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl.
February 28, 2012 7:01 AM
I agree. I love the Lydia shawl. What a great prize package too!
knitterlydesigns on Ravelry
February 28, 2012 7:01 AM
I totally love the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl too!
February 28, 2012 7:18 AM
I really like the Botany Bay Cowl!
February 28, 2012 7:20 AM
Daisy Buchanan Hat and Celine Cardi are my favorites
February 28, 2012 7:23 AM
I love the Botany Bay Cowl. thanks! Debbie H
February 28, 2012 7:31 AM
The Carole Landis Sweater is lovely. Thanks for the giveaway.
February 28, 2012 8:11 AM
I'm also going to have to go with the Lydia shawl. I've recently had a craving for lace, and it definitely fits the bill!
February 28, 2012 8:20 AM
My favorite is botany bay cowl
February 28, 2012 8:26 AM
I love the Botany Bay cowl, but the Vintage Paris Jacket is a close second!
February 28, 2012 8:50 AM
The Belmont Park Cardi is cute!
February 28, 2012 8:59 AM
I like the botany bay cowl but my kids would look really cute in the Belmont park cardi
February 28, 2012 9:08 AM
My favorite is the Thornhill mittens, but I also really like the Sugarloaf set.
February 28, 2012 9:10 AM
I love the Botany Bay Cowl.
February 28, 2012 9:17 AM
The Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl is lovely!
February 28, 2012 9:27 AM
I like the Daisy Buchanan Hat. It makes me want gold yarn.
February 28, 2012 10:17 AM
Bonety Bay, but the sweaters are really cute too
February 28, 2012 10:18 AM
While your fav is the shawl,
Brenda's ♥ Celine Cardi ♥ has stolen my heart.
Am pleasantly surprized it was worked up in a DK weight.
hugs
Gerry
February 28, 2012 10:19 AM
I'm fond of lace so my favourite is also the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl. I'm working on shawl accesories in every colour.
February 28, 2012 10:22 AM
I love the Thornhill Mittens, they look very squishy and warm!!
February 28, 2012 10:22 AM
love the lydia crescant shawl :)
February 28, 2012 10:58 AM
Thornhill Mittens and/or Botany Bay Cowl - I know I've seen both before and gone 'oooooooh'!
February 28, 2012 11:32 AM
I really like the Jelly Beans Kids Sweater!
February 28, 2012 11:41 AM
I love the Quixote Scarf. The diagonal cables are really striking and different!
February 28, 2012 12:19 PM
Ludia Crescent Lace Shawl is my favorite.
February 28, 2012 12:37 PM
The yarn looks yummy! I like the Corinna Mitts- seems like that's all I've been knitting lately!
February 28, 2012 12:51 PM
Ooohhh...I love the Corinna Cowl and Mitts - those slipped stitches look so neat with the stripes!
February 28, 2012 1:15 PM
How fun! I'm torn, as always - but as a mom of 4 girls, I think I'd go with the Elise dress. What a fun little twirl at the bottom! :-)
February 28, 2012 1:31 PM
I r3eally like the Botany Bay Cowl , it is just so pretty.
February 28, 2012 1:49 PM
OH! Botany bay cowl for sure!!!
February 28, 2012 1:53 PM
I really like the Botany Bay cardi. It would make a fun layering piece for my teenager!
February 28, 2012 2:21 PM
Love the Daisy Buchanan Hat; so glad it's included!
February 28, 2012 2:33 PM
I like the Botany Bay Cowl. Looks perfect for a single skein of beautiful yarn...
February 28, 2012 2:38 PM
I am with you, Ve on the Lydia crescent shawl! But I also love the Corinna Cowl and Mitts, the Botany Bay Cowl, the Crayon pocket sweater . . . .
February 28, 2012 3:24 PM
My favourite of Brenda's designs is also the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl! Thanks for the chance at this giveaway :)
February 28, 2012 3:38 PM
I'm loving the Celine cardi. And I'm not usually much of a shawl wearer, but I'm loving the Crescent Lace Shawl!
February 28, 2012 3:40 PM
What a great giveaway! My favorite pattern is the Quixote Scarf!
February 28, 2012 3:44 PM
Ohhh, I love those Thornhill mitts, simple yet classic, yet all of her patterns are wearable and chic. (except for the hot water bottle cover, I'd have a hard time wearing that!!)
February 28, 2012 4:00 PM
I liked the Belmont Park cardi. Looks so cute! Enjoyed Brenda's blog!
February 28, 2012 4:02 PM
The Daisy Buchanan Hat is so elegant.
February 28, 2012 4:09 PM
Oh, I saw a lot of things that I liked. The Vintage Paris Jacket was my pick.
Chelseyb5@aol.com
February 28, 2012 4:51 PM
I love Lydia's Crescent Shawl but I have to say, the Jelly Bean Cozy is too cute!
February 28, 2012 5:05 PM
I like the Eloise dress!
February 28, 2012 6:06 PM
I really like the Thornhill Mittens.
February 28, 2012 6:06 PM
I agree, my favorite is the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl. I'm also thrilled that you helped me discover a new Etsy seller with such fabulous bags!
February 28, 2012 6:19 PM
Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl is my favorite, but it wasn't easy to decide!
February 28, 2012 7:27 PM
I like the color combination on Roxbury Park Kid's Cardigan (and Corinna). And by the way, the gnome bag is sooo wonderful.
February 28, 2012 7:44 PM
I love Brenda's Sugarloaf AND the Botany Bay cowl. Amazing designs that I hope to use some of my handspun to create.
February 28, 2012 8:02 PM
That lace shawl is stunning! I also love the Elise dress.
February 28, 2012 8:15 PM
Love, Love the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl
nhsarab on Ravelry
February 28, 2012 8:34 PM
I love the corinna cowl!
February 28, 2012 8:53 PM
Great giveaway!!! I love mitts, and the Thornhill mittens are too cool!!
February 28, 2012 9:09 PM
Great giveaway. Thank you. It's hard to choose, but my favorite has to be the Lydia shawl. I just love the sock yarn in the giveaway too. I'm FelicityS on Ravelry.
February 28, 2012 9:25 PM
I love the Lydia Lace Crescent Shawl. Thanks for the giveaway and thanks for sharing your story. You are inspiring.
February 29, 2012 6:33 AM
I love, love, love the Cosy Cover: Mount Royal hot water bottle cover! I need to buy a hot water bottle to justify knitting the cover, but it'd be worth it!
February 29, 2012 7:04 AM
I like the Celine Cardi -- it's so frilly and feminine!
February 29, 2012 9:13 AM
I really like the Thornhill Mittens. I love the asymmetrical cable.
February 29, 2012 10:32 AM
I think my favorite is the Daisy Buchanan Hat. So cute!
February 29, 2012 10:56 AM
Well, I'm in love with the Sugar Loaf set, but since that one isn't available...I really like the Thornehill set as well.
February 29, 2012 11:09 AM
My favourite is also the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl - gorgeous!
February 29, 2012 12:07 PM
I'm going to have to agree with you and say the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl. Beautiful!
February 29, 2012 3:12 PM
I'm a big shawl fan too. I agree with your favorite!
February 29, 2012 3:41 PM
I'm going to have to go with the Lydia shawl.
February 29, 2012 4:09 PM
I love the Botany by Cowl. So pretty in purple
February 29, 2012 4:20 PM
Ooh such prettiness. AND I love it when there are discounts that we can all partake off. :) I have to say I like the Lydia crescent shawl best too, though the Corinna cowl is a close second.
February 29, 2012 4:44 PM
I love the Thornhill Mitts and the Cozy Cover: Jelly Bean :) SUPER cute!! :)
February 29, 2012 5:56 PM
I really like the Botany Bay Cowl and I also really like the Lydia Crescent Shawl. And Madrona is great!
February 29, 2012 6:02 PM
i like the celine cardi
February 29, 2012 6:50 PM
Love the Vintage Paris Jacket.
February 29, 2012 8:52 PM
The Lydia shawl is my favorite.
February 29, 2012 10:06 PM
My favorite is the cute little Elise Dress, as well as one that is not available (of course): the Vintage Paris Jacket.
March 1, 2012 3:39 AM
I love the Lydia shawl too!
(Mujercita on Rav)
March 1, 2012 5:22 AM
I love the Thornhill mittens
March 1, 2012 6:05 AM
Brenda has some great patterns!
My favorite are the Thornhill mittens!
raelynne01 on Rav
March 1, 2012 7:10 AM
I like the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl. I do also like the Paris Jacket
March 1, 2012 8:12 AM
I like the Corinna Cowl + Mitts pattern -- they're beautiful!
March 1, 2012 9:22 AM
I like Le Marais Slouchy Vest. I like the ruffle detail. Many vests tend to manliness; This one is very feminine.
March 1, 2012 10:36 AM
I met Brenda at Madrona, and she's very nice. I really like the Carole Landis Sweater. Classy and interesting looking.
Also, I LOVE Michele's bags and stitch markers, she is quite an artist and *such* high quality stuff. Two Thumbs Up!
March 1, 2012 12:08 PM
Just love that Daisy Buchanan Hat!
March 1, 2012 12:30 PM
Oh, I like the Thornhill Mittens! I love mittens.
March 1, 2012 12:41 PM
I like the Botany Bay Cardi. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
March 1, 2012 1:54 PM
I just love the Picasso Cardigan. This would look awesome on my oldest daughter.
March 1, 2012 4:38 PM
Love the Botany Bay Cowl. Inspiration to start designing!
March 1, 2012 8:15 PM
My fav is the Thornhill Mittens!
March 1, 2012 8:39 PM
I love the Daisy Buchanan Hat.
March 2, 2012 1:28 AM
I love the Corinna cowl + mitts that have a great retro vibe to them! :)
March 2, 2012 6:09 AM
The thornhill mitts are so adorable. I love the little girl's dress too.
March 2, 2012 9:01 AM
In love with the Botany Bay Cowl. Thanks for the chance to win great prizes!!
March 2, 2012 10:49 AM
The Jelly Bean Sweater is quite fun.
March 2, 2012 2:29 PM
Who can choose just one?! I love the Daisy Buchanan Hat, and I also love the Sugarloaf set.
March 2, 2012 3:36 PM
Oh, my favorite is the Le Marais vest!! I stayed in a hotel this past January called "Les Jardins du Marais" in the Marais district of Paris, so hopefully that's a good omen for me! :)
March 2, 2012 4:42 PM
The Thornhill Hat is definitely my favorite!
March 2, 2012 5:32 PM
I too love Lydia!
March 2, 2012 6:48 PM
There's a few that I like, but my favorite is the Celine Cardigan, it looks very simple yet very feminine.
March 2, 2012 10:42 PM
I like the Thornhill Hat.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
March 2, 2012 10:55 PM
March 2, 2012 10:56 PM
I like the thornill mittens and Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl
March 2, 2012 10:56 PM
March 3, 2012 6:07 AM
Love the Picasso cardigan, the ruffled front edging is a nice touch
March 3, 2012 6:20 AM
Love the Thornhill Mittens! :D
March 3, 2012 7:20 AM
Love the Lydia Shawl!
March 3, 2012 7:23 AM
March 3, 2012 12:16 PM
i like Elise Dress
anna_k67 at yahoo dot com
March 3, 2012 6:31 PM
My favorite is also the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl. Beautiful!
March 3, 2012 8:18 PM
The Roxbury Park Kids Cardigan is delightful.
March 3, 2012 9:36 PM
I love the jelly bean jumper. Such a cute idea!
winterwrens at gmail dot com
March 4, 2012 7:45 AM
Oh, I love the Jellybean Jumper! I have a one year old little girl who would look sooo cute in it, with her ringlet curls bouncing as she runs. It's great, too, because we live in the midwest, I can put a short or long sleeved shirt under it depending on the weather. Oh! And maybe a cute little cardigan over it, as evening comes and the temperature drops. Love it.
March 4, 2012 10:21 AM
I love the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl too!
March 4, 2012 11:30 AM
All of her designs are awesome but 2 of my favs are Jelly Bean Jumper, it is so adorable! and the Botany Bay cowl. What a talented designer!
March 4, 2012 1:46 PM
I love the Daisy Buchanan hat, and my 4 year old loves the Elise dress, and insisted I add it to my favourites!
March 4, 2012 4:59 PM
I think my favorite is the Botany Bay Cowl.
March 4, 2012 5:06 PM
I think my favorite pattern is the Botany Bay Cowl
March 4, 2012 6:40 PM
My favorite is the Jelly Bean Jumper.
March 4, 2012 7:11 PM
Wow! Beautiful bag and yarn.
I like the crecent shawl.
March 5, 2012 1:36 PM
Oh......pretty things :)
I think I've fallen in love with the Thornhill mittens and hat which, yes, are from Knit Now...but I think I have that one :) Maybe.
I should look.
March 6, 2012 6:08 AM
My favorite is the Celine Cardi. I can so see that on my youngest daughter!
greyowl (ravelry id)
March 6, 2012 10:40 AM
love the Elise Dress. I would love to make it for my daughters
March 6, 2012 12:45 PM
I really love the Carole Landis sweater and the botany bay cowl!
Gwenn
iluvmygrlz at yahoo dot com
March 6, 2012 1:48 PM
The Sugarloaf Hat and Mittens pattern looks very cute.
March 6, 2012 3:53 PM
I have to admit, I'm with you on the shawl. I think the water bottle cover is clever too but since I don't happen to own a water bottle....
March 6, 2012 7:43 PM
LOVE the Picasso Cardigan, Corinna Cowl & Mitts are a close second.
March 6, 2012 8:33 PM
I love the Elise Dress and the Trio of Tops. Thanks
March 7, 2012 12:55 PM
Thornhill mittens
March 7, 2012 6:16 PM
that yarn is to dye for !! i love all of her shawls...
March 8, 2012 7:07 AM
As always such a lovely giveaway! I think the Celine Cardi is my favourite, so delicate and feminine. Thank you!
Cheers,
Maike
FlauschiOhren on Ravelry
March 8, 2012 12:25 PM
The Jelly Bean Jumper would have to be added to my queue for my daughter! It's really precious!
March 8, 2012 3:47 PM
Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl is so pretty!
March 9, 2012 4:10 AM
Love the Corinna cowl and mitts...
March 9, 2012 5:14 AM
Love the Lydia Crescent Lace Shawl.
March 9, 2012 6:06 AM
'Sugar loaf' hat and mittens does it for me!
March 9, 2012 7:04 AM
This yarn is sweet! love th Botany bay cowl!
March 9, 2012 8:51 AM
Great patterns, my favourite is the Corinna Cowl + Mitts.
March 9, 2012 1:12 PM
My favorite of the pattern is the Thornhill Mittens
March 9, 2012 6:17 PM
I think the Celine Cardigan is so feminine and sweet, perfect for spring.
Thanks for the great give-away.
March 9, 2012 9:45 PM
I love the Le Marais Slouchy Vest pattern it looks like a versatile comfortable knit
March 10, 2012 1:32 AM
Another great giveaway! The Thornhill Mittens pattern certainly caught my eye. Thanks for a chance to win!
March 10, 2012 6:23 PM
Hard to choose just one in the favs, but I really like Garden Party Cardi
March 11, 2012 1:17 PM
I also think my favorite would be the Lydia Crescent Shawl! Gorgeous
March 12, 2012 1:06 PM
What a great giveaway! Really like the Botany Bay Cowl pattern.
rsrinstructor on Ravelry
March 12, 2012 4:26 PM
the quixote scarf, hands down!
March 13, 2012 4:58 PM
I love the Elise Dress. So cute!