So here it is, my post on my first design(s) to be published in a national magazine. I guess I'm supposed to be all professional and just lightly pass it off. Maybe post about what we had for breakfast or write about some deep and meaningful thought I had while stuffing dirty socks (not knit ones) in the washing machine this morning and then just sort of mention in "by the way" fashion that there's this design in this magazine and it happens to be mine.
But really, I'm totally thrilled with the whole deal and I feel a bit vindicated after all the crap I take for doing primarily kids designs. So if it seems like I'm bragging I apologize cause I'm really just trying to share a happy moment and I want to say thank you to those who dig the kid's stuff.
And not only did I get a call asking if I could come up with a really cute cape, of all things, but it even landed on the cover...
It was a really fun project to design and knit and believe it or not I've had a sketch of a hooded cape in my "someday" sketch binder for quite some time.
Little Red's cape is a bottom up knit that is designed to be easy to work. After the bottom seed stitch border is worked 2 front seed panels are established as well as 2 front cable panels. Once these elements are set in place they remain completely undisturbed for the entire project, clear up through the hood.
It's knit with O~Wool Classic which is one of my favorite wool yarns because its really soft and smooth and the color choices are fabulous. You won't find a truer red yarn anywhere. (I, however, still can't manage to photograph red colors properly so don't take my word for it... go get yourself a sample.)
The only tough part about this whole thing is that Tater was really disappointed that we wouldn't be keeping the cape so before I sent it off to Living Crafts I took her picture for her. (She's really gotten used to being a little model and can put on her "I'm a diva" hat rather quickly.)
And just to prove that I can, indeed, do something other than kid's stuff there's also a great Vest for Dad in the same issue...
Now I know there's a shortage of men's patterns and I know a lot of us drag our feet when it comes to knitting for the men in our lives but it doesn't get much more classic, or easier, than this.
Dad's Vest is knit in the round from the bottom up so it goes relatively quickly though the stockinette section. The texture across the chest begins after all the armhole shaping so you won't have to fiddle with decreasing and keeping a stitch pattern correct at the same time.
Green Mountain Spinnery's Cotton Comfort yarn is a pleasure to knit with and even the guys will be happy to wear it.
So there ya have it. I wonder what's next!
:-)
Love the cape! And congrats on landing the cover! I think it's great that you design so much for an under-served group--the older kids. My nine and eleven year olds are still willing to wear Mom's hand-knits, and I'm so glad I discovered your designs! My son selected his Lark yarn, and one of my first efforts was the Breeze for my daughter (I screwed up the neck, but turned it into a rollneck stockinette stitch neck and all was well). I look forward to seeing what's next!
Posted by: KitKate | July 30, 2008 at 01:37 PM
That cape is AWESOME -- I would have loved something like that as a girl!
I'm sorry to hear that you get flak for designing kids' knits. I just wish that my 7 year-old wasn't such a stinker about wearing hand-knits, otherwise I'd love to make some of your stuff for her! Luckily, my five-year son doesn't have any such objections. :)
Posted by: Katinka | May 19, 2008 at 01:59 AM
Just checking in and wanted to congratulate you on your designs getting published in a magazine!!! Yayyyy for you!!
I can only IMAGINE all the work that goes into designing and so it must be a huge deal for you and for your family.
If I can find the magazine I will definitely get it!
And your Tater looks great in the cape. Now, are you making her one? In Red? :)
Posted by: Lisa | May 16, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Congrats!
Posted by: Jennu | May 13, 2008 at 12:25 PM
LOVE the vest. I've never knit anything for my dad, but this vest just might be the perfect place to begin! Sorry, no hubby or boy friend.
Do you know when the mag will be available for purchase and likely places to purchase it?
Posted by: Amy | May 13, 2008 at 01:27 AM
As a mother of a seven year old, please ignore the people complaining about the kids patterns! I can never find enough of them, especially in the bigger girl sizes around 8, 10, 12!! Thanks for giving me some great ideas!!
Posted by: maryn | May 12, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I just discovered your designs through the magazine. They are great. While I don't have any littles at home I do occasionally knit for others and have already gotten a baby blanket pattern from you. But...the man's vest is great and it would be swell if you threw in an adult pattern from time to time.
Posted by: Lee | May 11, 2008 at 11:54 AM
I've been reading your blog for some time, and I really like your patterns. Congratulations on publishing some of them. How about a book of patterns? I'd love to have one :)
By the way, Tater looks waaaay better in the cape then the girl on the cover. She really is a great model :)
All the best and greetings from Poland,
Posted by: Marta | May 11, 2008 at 04:22 AM
It is beautiful. Congratulations on your design. I love it!
Posted by: Wendy | May 10, 2008 at 09:54 PM
The cape is wonderful, and I want to make the vest for ME!!!!
Congratulations! We're all excited with you!
Posted by: kt | May 10, 2008 at 12:58 AM
Hm, so how cool would it be to make a cape like that for myself? I'm not that much bigger than a normal sized kid ;-)
Congrats! And I had never heard of this mag, it looks interesting. Like an everywoman's version of Barfy Marfy's Living mag.
Posted by: bezzie | May 09, 2008 at 09:42 PM
Congrats on getting the cover!! You deserve it, that cloak is BEAUTIFUL! Will they not send it back to you now that the issue it out? She totally deserves to have that red riding hood to play in! :)
Posted by: Kate | May 09, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Wow! Congratulations...both designs look awesome! Your daughter is just gorgeous, too. She looks so much more at home in the cape than the cover model. Can't wait to see what you come up with next...
Posted by: Nancy | May 09, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Congratulations!!! Looks great!
Posted by: Tammy | May 09, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Congrats! I've been anxiously awaiting my issue in the mail, even more so now!
Posted by: Amanda | May 09, 2008 at 12:55 PM
I'm totally envisioning my little one being Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween...and forever in our dress up bin. This is too fun.
You totally deserve to be excited...Congratulations!!!
And...I'd only complain if you only designed kid stuff (as in the goat variety). I don't have any of those to knit for. ;0)
Posted by: KM | May 09, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Congratulations! Both patterns are great. I'd love to see you put out a book someday, especially of your older kids designs. You are a seriously talented lady! Also, I like your pictures of Tater better than than the cover photo. ;^)
Posted by: Dani | May 09, 2008 at 11:24 AM
WHAT? People give you crap for designing kids' stuff? Who? The nerve of some folks!!! Honestly, if you have a strength in that, why not go for it? Did they give Debbie Bliss crap for all those years when that was all she did? (And she didn't do it as well as you.)
Anyway, congratulations. No one deserves it more than you. These are both great looking designs. You are on your way!
Posted by: elizabeth m | May 09, 2008 at 11:24 AM
ps and it looks better on Tater...!
Posted by: clarabelle | May 09, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Well done, you! What fantastic patterns (and of course, I'm already eyeing up Little Red Riding Hood for my g-daughters!). Hmm, wonder if I can get this mag in the UK...
Posted by: clarabelle | May 09, 2008 at 11:06 AM