Over a Cup. Challenge
| January 9, 2013 | Filled under Over a Cup |
We are just back from evening yoga class and was amazed how full classes in January are. Today were about 30-35 people in room instead of 15-20 usually. Resolutions, resolutions… 😉
I must admit that last year we visited yoga less than usual too and missed it. It’s definitely should be fixed. Not to mention that we recently got hooked on another fitness activity too.
Would you like to join us? Just let’s do it!!
You made it!
| January 7, 2013 | Filled under You made this |
Couple days ago Mary from Australia shared the pictures of her such amazing Dryad scarf (see first two pictures in 3rd row below). I just love the colors combo and how Mary did short sides edging! Thank you fro sharing, Mary!
And … oh my, I’ve just realized that did not updated You made it! page since pretty long time. But now it fixed! What a treasure!! If you’ve made something from my patterns or just got inspired by some of my designs, please feel free to share the pictures and I’d honored to show off Your wonderful creations!! Thank you so much!!
The Winner!!
| January 2, 2013 | Filled under Giveaway |
HAPPY NEW 2013!! I wish You the brightest joy and happiness a New Year may bring!!
Also, I would like to Thanks everyone for your kind of words and such sweet comments! I’m truly happy that you enjoy everything and so much appreciate all your support and love! THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You are the Best!!
And our Winner is…
Tinachicky, comment #2!! My Congratulations, Tina!! I’ll contact you shortly.
On the other news… First pattern of 2013 is coming in a 1-2 weeks – something for Spring ;o) I’ll keep you updated!
Imagical Seasons. Big 60, Giveaway + MORE!
| December 21, 2012 | Filled under Giveaway, Holidays, My Book, Writing a book |
It’s been absolutely wonderful, exciting, pretty educational and productive year for me!
But first of all, I would love to Thank You you all my dear friends for your love, continued interest and support. I must admit that stayed certainly overwhelmed, I absolutely enjoined every minute and lots of Amazing moments! I am truly humbled by every comment you leave me or email you send to me. I look forward to continue our friendship in the coming year. Very Welcome to new fans to come!
Looking back, I still can’t believe that just 9-10 months ago I was not able to draw crochet charts in such lovely now Adobe Illustrator, knew nothing about writing a book, how to work with long documents in Adobe InDesign. Now I’ve learned all of that and even created a totally new style of my patterns, which I jokingly call “Wordless” or “understandable without words”. As I said before, I always loved stitch diagrams – the international language of crochet and knitting not only because they are more clear and easier to read compared to written instructions, but also because the patterns really do not need to be translated to any other language. And I am so glad and proud that now you can make any design even if just with chart – not looking at written instructions (but which sure also included). Now testing of each pattern includes a sample, made by following just diagrams and schematics – my favorite part 😉 So if you are visual person and prefer charts, these new patterns are for you and I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do! If you you are prefer a written instructions, they are for you too ;o) Many Thanks to Edie Eckman for editing my patterns and her Edie Eckman’s How to Say It class! They never were in such terrific shape as now, yay!
AND… the biggest news is that my first book Imagical SeasonsTM: Crochet Couture for Kids 2-12 years is 60% done so far!! Well, not 75% as I hoped, but for very first book – 60% sounds not bad at all. The Imagical seasons book consist of designs for every season. I’ve just finished Winter season and so ready for Spring! :0)
SO, what I’ve done so far:
Spring season: Kristal collection (5 designs) – completed
Fall season: Dryad collection (4 designs) – 85% completed (practically done but under restructuring)
Winter season: 2 collections (8 designs, including accessories) – completed
What I still need to do:
Spring season: 2 secret designs
Summer season: 2 cover Ocean Friends tops + one secret collection (3 designs)
Fall season: 1 secret design
+ photos (my biggest fear and challenge), crochet stitches page, special stitches drawings, glossary, etc… ughh lol
Want a sneak peek of Winter season and book preview? Below is a “rich” one:
… and some sneak peeks of winter accessories (sorry for the very draft pictures – book photos are scheduled 😉
And just in time for holidays and to celebrate this milestone in the book’s development…
First, get 60% off on all my pattern until January 1st, 2013! Use code BIG60 at checkout. The coupon is applicable to myShop and Etsy stores. Offer valid now through January 1th, 2013 midnight PST.
If you may have any questions or issues with applying coupons – please just let me know.
On top of our BIG 60% sale, let’s have a GIVEAWAY! One lucky one from anywhere in the world will win a Visa Gift Card of $60 value (for US residents only!) or $60 via PayPal (WORLDWIDE)
TO ENTER THE CONTEST
Just comment to this post here (on mylittlecitygirl.com) even to say “Hi!” The only requirement is to enter this contest by January 1st, 2013 midnight PST. The winner will be randomly picked up and notified next day, January 2nd, 2013. Good luck!
![2012_thumb[17]](/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/2012_thumb171.jpg "2012_thumb[17]")
May this year of 2013 be
a year of health & happiness
a year of wealth & wisdom
a year of peace & prosperity
And also, a year of love, laughter and joy!
Sincerely Yours.
Alla Koval Designs
Bless All the Dear Children
| December 17, 2012 | Filled under Etsy, Kids |
“Dedicated to the children of Newtown, and to the proposition that a child’s childhood and innocence should be inviolate”, says curator of this so sensitive… and so sad Etsy treasury.
My heart go out every time I think of this tragedy… Thank you Louise for this such touching and beautiful tribute.
Alla Koval Designs
My Favorite Urban Style
| December 4, 2012 | Filled under Featured |
Just spotted latest Etsy’s treasures and can’t resist to share some, especially My favorite urban ‘style’ by Margaret. Thank you so much for including the Urban Couture Jacket pattern, my all time favorite!
The Elf Princess was featured in such a joyful When all the world is young… by Margaret collection! Thanks a lot, dear Margaret!
“Crochet should NOT be the underdog in the world of needlework! Crochet is beautiful. Here’s a treasury to support some of my favorite fellow crochet designers!”, says hookedvintagecrochet – a curator of such beautiful Up with Crochet!: Gorgeous Crochet Scarf Patterns collection. I am honored to be a part of such a beautiful collection of scarves! Thanks for adding my latest Gardenia Scarf pattern.
Such cute collection and “at least it’s all calorie-free!” as says Pam ;o) Many thanks Pam Nuss for adding the Grape Scarf pattern to fun Garden Delights… the non-edible variety treasury.
Double Fun in the Sun hat pattern was featured in two such cool looking collections: Hot heads…pretty girls by Margaret and Crocheted Poppy by Luba Davies. Thank you so much ladies!!
Oh, and I can’t believe I almost missed such lovely Colors of the fall treasury, created by my dear and beyond talented friend Adushka. Thank you so much Sweets for including the Whimsical Forest mini collection!! My absolute favorite fall collection of 2010, and mainly because of such lovely collaboration with my amazing friends and such passionate souls: French designer Francoise Lama-Solet and gorgeous Alex Koloskov and Genia Larionova, and sure their lovely twins!!
In the other news… I’ve almost finished winter collection for my book (yay!!) and will blog about a book progress, what happened with Dryad collection, etc. as soon as possible!
Have a lovely and productive day!
Alla Koval Designs
Over a Cup. Shooting Manual
| November 28, 2012 | Filled under Over a Cup, Writing a book |
… Looks as my another dream will come true shortly ;o)
As you probably know, one of my dream is to be a boss of my own camera, but I never had enough time/motivation or probably just did not know where to start. Usually I set my camera on Aperture priority mode and shoot. It works not bad, but I know that photos taken by my Nikon D500 (especially with lens as AF_S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX) can be much better and with min editing in Ps.
I am one of those people who learn better by reading books/googling and going out and shooting rather than taking classes – probably because I never have enough time patience to take classes and end up reading or on the computer at midnight. Most photography books I saw so far are technically overwhelming, or as dry and dull as the camera manuals themselves…
Thanks to Rita of CoffeShop blog, I’ve ordered Beyond Snapshots: How to Take That Fancy DSLR Camera Off "Auto" and Photograph Your Life like a Pro and love it so far. Beyond Snapshots is actually a great intro/refresher for shooting manual and you will find some great inspiration in the photos in the book. Perfect book even for beginners (as me!).
P.S.: If you have friends, who want to study photography or their own camera at least – keep in mind, that book is always great a gift idea! I’ve just ordered some ;o)
Have a nice and lovely day!
Alla Koval Designs
Cyber Monday. Mark Your Calendar
| November 24, 2012 | Filled under Giveaway |
I’ve received several emails that my RSS subscribers got Black Friday deal notification too late. To be honest, I was “surprised” about such delay and looks as only mailing list subscribers got it timely. Here is definitely something wrong, but we can easily fix it ;o)
So, I’ve decided to offer you same 85% off discount of your entire purchase on Cyber Monday. And I hope here is plenty of time for RSS service to deliver the message timely.
Don’t miss it! The coupon will run Monday November, 26th at 0:01 am PST and is applicable to my Shop and Etsy stores. The offer expires November 26th, 2012 at 11:59 pm PST.
P.S.: If you will have any questions or issues with applying coupons – please just let me know.
Have a Wonderful weekend and looking forward to see you on Monday!
Alla
Alla Koval Designs
It’s a time…
| November 22, 2012 | Filled under Giveaway |
Warmest Thanksgiving wishes to all!
| November 22, 2012 | Filled under Holidays |
When I count my blessings, I count you twice! You are Awesome!! Happy Thanksgiving and a sincere thanks from bottom of my heart to each and every one of you who has graced my life with beauty, love, endless support, inspiration, knowledge and sincere friendship. It wouldn’t be the same without You. May your Thanksgiving Day be filled to overflowing with love, peace, joy and good health!
My warmest Thanksgiving wishes to all!
P.S.: Not sure I’ll be that much around here today and I guess you are too ;o) But looking forward to see you tomorrow – for some unbelievable Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, which are waiting for you. Stay tuned…
With lots of love,
Alla
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