2016 CGOA Design Competition | My Award
| July 19, 2016 | Filled under CGOA |
To 2016 CGOA Design Competition this year I sent one of that 10 hats I introduced here, and my Pistachio Blossom Hat got Third Place in Accessories category, sponsored by WEBS. YAY!! I’ll take it! ;o) Thank You so much!!
I love this one, and this hat pretty easy to make even if it may look enough intricate. The hat features:
- elastic ring on the top (for ponytail option)
- brim crocheted with wire for perfect shape
- tons of peal beads, which were added to brim and top of hat after modeling, but you can see the final picture here as well as all WINNERS!
And couple words about the 10 hats progress. The pattern (EAP version) for Ladybug Cap, Snow in Summer Hat and Marguerite Pin was released two weeks ago. A pattern for next 2 hats will be released in the beginning of next week if not sooner. Next, I have a big surprise for you, so stay tuned ;o)
A lovely and wonderful Tuesday everyone!!
Ladybug Crochet Pattern (EAP) | Cap, Hat & Flower Pin Sizes Child (Youth, Adult)
| July 6, 2016 | Filled under EAP Pattern, Patterns |
I am so excited to letting you know that Ladybug Cap, Snow in Summer Hat and Marguerite Flower Pin pattern just released!
PLEASE NOTE: This pattern is released under EAP initiative (Early Access Program, see details here)
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
YARN
Ladybug Cap:
Sport weight (#2 Fine).
Shown: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima Fine (100% cotton; 136.5 yd [125 m]/1.75 oz [50 g]): 1 (1, 2) hank(s) of #3713 Wine (MC) and 1 hank each of #3754 True Black (CC1) and #3728 White (CC2).
Option 2: Patons Grace (100% cotton; 136 yd [124 m]/1.75 oz [50 g]): 1 (1, 2) skein(s) of #2705 Cardinal (MC) and 1 skein each of #2040 Night (CC1) and #2005 Show (CC2).
Snow in Summer Hat:
Sport weight (#2 Fine).
Shown: Omega Fantasia (100% cotton; 123 yd [113 m]/1.76 oz [50 g]): 1 (1, 2) ball(s) of #190 light turquoise (MC) and 1 hank each of #100 white (CC1) and #200 turquoise (CC2).
Marguerite Pin:
Thread weight (#0 Lace).
Shown:
DMC Cotton Perle 5 (100% cotton; 27 yd [25 m]/5 g): 1 skein of #648 white (MC).
DMC Six Strand Embroidery Floss (100% cotton; 8.7 yd [8 m]): 2 skeins of #704 green (CC1) and 1 skein of #743 yellow (CC2).
CROCHET HOOK
Size C/2 (2.75 mm); steel hook size 7 (1.65 mm)
NOTIONS
• 2 size 3/8″ (10 mm) eyes buttons (shown: Easy-Sew Eyes by Darice)
• 29 (32, 37)” (74 [81, 94] cm) 1.35 polyester wire brimlock or nylon hat wire
• 1 joiner for brimlock (optional).
• 12″ (31 cm) of 3/8″ (9 mm) wide orange satin ribbon.
• 1 size 2″ (50 mm) snap hair clip or 1″ (25 mm) back safety catch bar
• 1 size 3/8″ (9 mm) ladybug button (shown: handpainted ladybug buttons by JHB)
• Sewing needle and coordinating thread
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Hats: 17.5 (20, 22)” (45 [51, 56] cm) circumference.
Flower Pin: 4″ (10 cm) wide x 4” (10 cm) tall.
GAUGE
Hats: 20 dc x 10 rows = 4” (10 cm)
Flower Pin: Flower Motif = 3.25″ (8 cm) in diameter.
* This eBook involves crochet skills only.
28 pages, 5 photos, 10 crochet stitch diagrams, 2 schematics, 4 tutorials, technical pages: Glossary, Conversion charts charts, Yarn Substitution Chart.
COPYRIGHT: All graphics, template and photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Please be respectful of the designer’s rights to this pattern.
No portion of this work may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization from Alla Koval Designs.
Unauthorized distribution or duplication is a violation of applicable laws. You are more than welcome to sell items made from AllaKovalDesigns™ patterns. Credit to the designer is greatly appreciated (example: pattern is designed bywww.AllaKovalDesigns.com) but not required.
PLEASE NOTE: This eBook is released under EAP initiative (Early Access Program, see for details here)
This EAP version of Strawberry Delight pattern includes:
- 10 crochet diagrams (final version) and 4 tutorials
- photos (final version)
- written instructions – not tech edited yet.
Still need to do for official release :
- tech editing
- descriptions
This EAP pattern is available at my Patterns Shop, Etsy and Ravelry until official release; then patterns will be added to another pattern stores.
Regular price of eBook: $6.50
EAP version price: $5.53
Life Lately | June News & Updates
| June 28, 2016 | Filled under In The News, Life |
What a busy, exciting and full of surprises month for many reasons!!
Well, we love beginning of every June, because here are al least 4 reasons: our Anniversary, Igor’s parents and my dad Birthdays (my daddy turned 70 this year, oh my – I can’t believe it!!)
In the other news, can you imagine that Kristin graduated middle school?! And sure, MOST exciting news is that yesterday, Igor and Kristin started a-little-trip-around-world-in-23-days (Thailand-Ukraine-Israel) and this morning they landed in Thailand for 5 days! I had many trips with my dad during my childhood, and I bet this one will be unforgettable for our daughter as well as for Igor! I am so happy we did this happened! I did not join because, unfortunately, I am not in good “relationships” with summer and hot weather, but I am looking forward for Europe-trip in late spring or early fall someday ;o)
So, I have 22 more days, which are already scheduled and seems pretty busy. This morning I started another yoga challenge and already took 6:00 am class. I really feel so blessed to afford myself back to work after months of dealing with “golfer’s elbow tendinitis (and I am not a golfer ;)) Not fan at all, but giving my poor hand some rest and treatment, I feel so happy and excited back to work! Plus I got a garden-aka-new-hobby since I can’t just sit and do nothing, and to my surprise, I definitely hooked!
Oh, we also did modeling for my newest hats. Many thanks to Lana Maytak for photo-shoot and her friend for such lovely adorable models!! More photos of another designs coming soon ;o)
Below is another option of Ladybug hat… I really LOVE how playful this design is! Not to mention that testing pattern, I created a Marguerite hat (pretty close to that blue/white hat, but with some unusual details ;o)) The pattern for hats and Marguerite Pin is coming pretty soon!! I’ll keep you updated!
A wonderful and lovely Tuesday anyone!!
Strawberry Delight | Crochet Blanket/Throw & Strawberry Pin Pattern
| June 10, 2016 | Filled under 2016, Patterns |
Strawberry Delight
Have you ever longed for those deliciously warm summer days, when nothing seems sweeter than that fresh-picked strawberry that just brought a huge grin to your face? Now you can bring that feeling of sunshine, happy babies, family picnics, pretty flowers, and of course—strawberry-induced joy—to every day with the Strawberry Delight Blanket. Lovingly designed with eye-popping 3D flowers and “garnished” with a beautiful strawberry with leaves pin, this blanket would be perfect for a summer-born baby or just anyone who deserves more sunshine in their life!
IMAGINE THIS: Crochet just first 2-3 pattern repeats for a fun and unusual scarf. Crochet it with cotton thread to turn it into eye-catching and delicate choker necklace or skinny scarf. Opt for wool or mohair yarn to make a neckwarmer, or even a cowl suitable for colder weather.
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
YARN
Sport weight (#2 Fine).
Shown: Omega Sinfonia (100% cotton; 295 yd [270 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 5 skeins of #4 yellow (MC) and 2 skeins of #1 white (CC1).
Strawberry Pin: Thread weight (#0 Lace).
Shown: DMC Six Strand Embroidery Floss (100% cotton; 8.7 yd [8 m]): 1 skein of #470 lime green (CC2).
DMC Cotton Perle 5 (100% cotton; 27 yd [25 m]/5 g): 2 skeins of #321 red (CC3), 1 skein each of #743 yellow (CC4) and #B5200 white (CC5).
CROCHET HOOK
Size D/3 (3.25 mm); steel hook size 7 (1.65 mm)
NOTIONS
• 40″ (102 cm) of 5/8” (15 mm) wide green satin ribbon (shown: Offray, item #1017)
• 1 size 3/8” (10 mm) ladybug button (shown: handpainted ladybug buttons by JHB)
• 28 size 8/0 E black glass beads (shown: premium Japanese glass beads by TOHO)
• 1 size 2” (50 mm) snap hair clip or 1” (25 mm) back safety catch bar
• fiberfill
• 4 stitch markers
• Sewing needle and coordinating thread
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
36” (92 cm) wide x 40″ (102 cm) long
GAUGE
20 dc x 10 rows = 4” (10 cm) after blocking
Gauge is not critical for this design.
* This eBook involves crochet skills only.
22 pages, 4 photos, 10 crochet stitch diagrams, a tutorial, technical pages: Glossary, Conversion charts charts, Yarn Care Symbols, Yarn Substitution Chart.
COPYRIGHT: All graphics, template and photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Please be respectful of the designer’s rights to this pattern.
No portion of this work may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization from Alla Koval Designs.
Unauthorized distribution or duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
You are more than welcome to sell items made from AllaKovalDesigns™ patterns. Credit to the designer is greatly appreciated (example: pattern is designed by www.AllaKovalDesigns.com) but not required.
This pattern is available in my Patern Shop, Etsy, Raverly, Craftsy and LoveKnitting.
A lovely and wonderful weekend everyone!!
Imagical Garden | Sneak Peek
| May 20, 2016 | Filled under Uncategorized |
Is there any tips to learn how to post with enough constant frequency? So far I can just dream about it ;o) But I have excuse – I was totally hooked and worked on my newest Imagical Garden™ collection. MANY thanks to Novi for such lovely name suggestion!! So, 10 hats, backpack, flower pins – just to name what already finished. I am so excited about this collection, especially hats!! Not each hat designed in different style, but also features at least two options for totally changing-look. Plus some “secrets” and tips even advanced crocheter may find helpful and innovative: how to make a perfect brim in any shape and sizes, how to make one-size hat to fit several sizes, how to make visor “standing” without insert even if crochet with lace weight yarn and much-much more!!
Above is sneak peek of first 3 hats… Which pattern would you like me to write first? ;o)
The Winner!!
| May 18, 2016 | Filled under Giveaway |
First of all, I would like to thank you all so much for participation and your sweet comments. I am so glad you like this blanket! I think it’s my favorite so far ;o)
And our winner is…… Robyn Taylor (comment #7). My CONGRATULATIONS Robyn!! I’ll contact you shortly.
A lovely and wonderful Wednesday day everyone!!
Strawberry Delight Crochet Pattern (EAP) | Blanket/Throw & Strawberry Pin + GIVEAWAY
| May 10, 2016 | Filled under EAP Pattern, Giveaway, Patterns |
Strawberry Delight
Have you ever longed for those deliciously warm Summer days, when nothing seems sweeter than that fresh-picked strawberry that just brought a huge grin to your face? Now you can bring that feeling of sunshine, happy babies, family picnics, pretty flowers, and of course—strawberry-induced joy—to every day with the Strawberry Delight Blanket. Lovingly designed with eye-popping 3D flowers and “garnished” with a beautiful strawberry with leaves pin, this blanket would be perfect for a Summer-born baby or just anyone who deserves more sunshine in their life!
IMAGINE THIS: Crochet just first 2-3 pattern repeats for a fun and unusual Scarf. Crochet it with cotton thread to turn it into eye-catching and delicate choker necklace or skinny scarf. Opt for wol or mohair yarn to make a neckwarmer, or even a cowl suitable for colder weather.
PLEASE NOTE: This pattern is released under EAP initiative (Early Access Program, see details here)
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
YARN
Sport weight (#2 Fine).
Shown: Omega Sinfonia (100% cotton; 295 yd [270 m]/3.5 oz [100 g]): 5 skeins of #4 yellow (MC) and 2 skeins of #1 white (CC1).
Strawberry Pin: Thread weight (#0 Lace).
Shown: DMC Six Strand Embroidery Floss (100% cotton; 8.7 yd [8 m]): 1 skein of #470 lime green (CC2).
DMC Cotton Perle 5 (100% cotton; 27 yd [25 m]/5 g): 2 skeins of #321 red (CC3), 1 skein each of #743 yellow (CC4) and #B5200 white (CC5).
CROCHET HOOK
Size D/3 (3.25 mm); steel hook size 7 (1.65 mm)
NOTIONS
• 40″ (102 cm) of 5/8” (15 mm) wide green satin ribbon (shown: Offray, item #1017)
• 1 size 3/8” (10 mm) ladybug button (shown: handpainted ladybug buttons by JHB)
• 28 size 8/0 E black glass beads (shown: premium Japanese glass beads by TOHO)
• 1 size 2” (50 mm) snap hair clip or 1” (25 mm) back safety catch bar
• fiberfill
• 4 stitch markers
• Sewing needle and coordinating thread
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
36” (92 cm) wide x 40″ (102 cm) long
GAUGE
20 dc x 10 rows = 4” (10 cm) after blocking
Gauge is not critical for this design.
* This eBook involves crochet skills only.
22 pages, 4 photos, 10 crochet stitch diagrams, 2 tutorails, technical pages: Glossary, Conversion charts charts, Yarn Care Symbols, Yarn Substitution Chart.
COPYRIGHT: All graphics, template and photos are copyrighted. All rights reserved. Please be respectful of the designer’s rights to this pattern.
No portion of this work may be photocopied or reproduced by any means without written authorization from Alla Koval Designs.
Unauthorized distribution or duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
You are more than welcome to sell items made from AllaKovalDesigns™ patterns. Credit to the designer is greatly appreciated (example: pattern is designed bywww.AllaKovalDesigns.com) but not required.
PLEASE NOTE: This eBook is released under EAP initiative (Early Access Program, see for details here)
This EAP version of Strawberry Delight pattern includes:
- 10 crochet diagrams (final version) and 2 tutorials (one more tutorial to come)
- photos (final version)
- written instructions – not tech edited yet.
Still need to do for official release :
- tech editing
- add Front Post Triple Treble Stitch photo-tutorial
This EAP pattern is available at my Patterns Shop, Etsy and Ravelry until official release; then patterns will be added to another pattern stores. Note: Crocheted Strawberry Pin Pattern will be available as individual pattern.
Regular price of eBook: $7.50
EAP version price: $6.38
AND…… in addition to 15% off, I have a GIVEAWAY for You, Strawberry lovers! I am offering a kit, which includes yarn and everything you will need to make a Strawberry Pin + $25 Visa Gift Card!
TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
You can enter in 3 ways:
- Mandatory Entry: Purchase a Strawberry Delight pattern in any stores listed above and leave a comment on this post.
- Optional Entry # 2: Blog about this pattern and giveawy, linking to this post, and leave another comment to this post with a link to your blog post.
- Optional Entry # 3: Share this post on your accounts: at Google+, Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, Yahoo, etc., leave one more comment on this post (if possible, with your link, but here is no any obligations). You also can just share my original Google+ and Facebook posts. Share on more networks for more entries! (one additional entry per one network).
TERMS
- This giveaway starts today, May, 10th 2016 and will end on May 17th, 2016 at 11:59pm PST.
- I’ll select a winner with random.org’s random number generator. Winner will be notified by email on Wednesday, May 18th, 2016.
A lovely and delicious day everyone!!! ;o)
Happy Mom’s Day!!
| May 8, 2016 | Filled under Holidays |
Japanese Tulip Crochet Hooks Source
| May 2, 2016 | Filled under Featured |
I always was a big fan of Japanese Tulip crochet hooks and accessories, and I can’t tell you how I was excited to find an amazing source, here in US to buy Tulip Brand stuff. Let me introduce DesigningVashti.com, as an amazing source for crochet hooks, sets and accessories. Vashti’s store, Crochet Hooks & More, is loaded with the stuff you will love.
Searching for an elusive single Etimo cushion grip hook, like the US Size K/10.5 (6.5mm), or the smaller sizes to fill out your set, or steel hooks? You can find them here.
Looking for Mother’s Day last minute gift or thinking about a special gift for a crocheting friend, or more likely, a treat for yourself? Consider this incredible array of hook sets, classic and special edition. DesigningVashti.com offers free domestic shipping of crochet hooks, along with Vashti’s prompt and geeky attention to your needs.
My absolute favorite (so far ;o)) is Classic 4 Crochet Hook Set!
Oh, and now Crochet Hooks & More offers a new item from the Tulip Needle Company – Sweet three-color set of 15 stitch markers in its own clear-lidded tin. I am in love with!! Be sure to check back DesigningVashti.com often as they add more cool stuff for your consideration and more than possible purchase!
A wonderful and lovely Monday everyone!!
Yes, it’s official…
| April 26, 2016 | Filled under Life |
…. to my surprise, my gardening journey finally started on April, 21th!
Well, I was always in awe with my dearest friend Annya Uslontseva and just adore her whimsical garden but I just can’t imagined gardening by myself. Even if I designed and did all brick works (terraces) and planting on our front yard 12 years ago, and enjoy caring dozen indoor plants, gardening always sounded a lot responsibility and to-much-time-eater to me… But this year something magically changed (do you think is it age?! ;o)). Plus my partner in crime got “that” fever too and started gardening couple weeks ago… So, seems as we got another “collaboration idea” with Lana Maytak we are already hooked and excited about ;o) If you are not familiar with Lana, she’s beyond-talented-photographer behind my Imagical Season books and some other our projects.
I promise, I’ll not boring you with post about our gardening often but I would like to show you some pictures how it’s started and what is progress so far (read in 4 days ;o)
Before (lot’s of gravel and soil with tons of living roots from our 35-40 years old maple tree in the center of backyard):
Our first ”strawberry field”:
Some herbs (and baby lavender) on our deck:
… and sure, some flowers!! I am so happy with Lily of the valley!! They are my most favorite Spring flowers!! And BTW, they make a wonderful groundcover too. I will plant them somewhere in a shade when finish designing our backyard ;o)
P.S.: Looks like I am hooked … and working on Strawberry Delight Blanket pattern and Secret Meadow collection, I feel so extremely happy and enjoy every moment!!!
Happy Tuesday everyone!!
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