Sunday, May 1, 2011

Fickleknitter Designs' Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who entered!
Our 3 Winners
Jenny aka renewedmind on Rav
Patsy aka missbabie on Rav
Karen aka hunnyb on Rav
Please contact me at Sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com
to claim your prize!

6 years ago May I launched Sandrasingh.com, as I reflect I'm simply amazed by how fast the time has went. "THANK YOU!" for being a customer. I'm so glad you found me along the way and thank you for everything you've taught me and shared with me, I couldn't have done it without you! To celebrate my anniversary each week in May I'll be featuring a different knitwear artist for a Blog Giveaway and prizes will include beautiful patterns and some yarns to knit them in!


First up is the brilliant Michelle Miller, aka the Fickleknitter, and I have a very important and timely announcement:

The Fickleknitter will be at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Fest this weekend May 7-8, if you're lucky enough to be attending stop by and see her, she'll be at the
Feeling Ewe Booth located at OUTSIDE LC20.

There will be 3 Winners for this giveaway!
#1 Fickleknitter Designs' Pattern Book Collection of 14 Patterns
#2 Sandrasingh.com Exclusive Sookie hat, fingerless mitts & neckwarmer PDF pattern & 3 skeins Sandrasingh.com 1 Ply Merino Worsted in Plum Sky

#3 Shawl PDF Patterns - Limestone, Fleurdelise and Honey Pot


Pattern Book Collection of 14 Patterns

Sookie

Sandrasingh.com 1 Ply Merino Worsted in Plum Sky

Fleurdelise

The advent of Ravelry introduced me to a whole new slew of knitwear artists, yes, I began Sandrasingh.com before Ravelry! And Michelle was one of the first I met, I'm wracking my brain trying to remember which of her patterns first got my attention, but I can't recall! But I do remember her Versacowl was a huge hit and we had a KAL for it in 2009, dedicating it to our beloved HBO series, True Blood. Here's an aside, Michelle likes to say it was me who introduced her to this wild vampire miniseries, but I was just doing my part of share my love of fangs. Another aside, I've had the pleasure of meeting Michelle OFF RAV, twice! We first bumped into one another last summer at the TNNA in Cleveland OH, than she visited me in NY that following Fall and we went to the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Fest, besides being a gifted designer, in person Michelle is very sweet and funny and she knows a lot about all things tech!

Versacowl

Michelle's design talents include a wide variety of garments and styles. She has lovely accessories such as the Lace Leaf and Slouchee hats and the very special Mama Janes slippers with matching Baby Janes.

Slouchee

Momma Janes

Baby Janes

She has taken the mantra "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" and turned it into a saying to live by or rather to knit by with her Eco Knitting Patterns the Go Green Collection. You'll love knitting and carrying her two market bags the Reusable Produce and Lemon & Strawberry. And she has improved our wasteful paper towel and disposable Swifter Mop habits with her reusable versions, both are available in the Go Green Collection.

Reusable Produce Bag

Lemon & Strawberry Produce Bags

Recently Michelle has turned her attention to designing lace and thank heavens she's invested her time and energies into this new endeavor, her work is splendid. She's done a series of scarves including everyone's favorites the Asymmetrical Triangle Shawl, Bird of Juno and the Easy Bamboo Lace. And she has a real knack for designing very pleasing triangular shaped shawls that show off their textures beautifully in your favorite lace or sock weight yarns whether in a solid, semi solid or variegated colorway.

Asymmetrical Triangle Shawl

Bird of Juno

Easy Bamboo Lace Scarf

Besides generously giving us these patterns for prizes Michelle was gracious enough to take some time out of her busy day and answer these interview questions.

Bio: I knit tin hats and write knitting patterns for knitters. Despite my best efforts, I recently graduated with a Masters degree in Applied Physics. Most of my time is spent keeping my four year old from swinging from the chandelier and my husband distracted from the constant influx of new yarn.

1. Please tell us about yourself and what got you interested in knitting and designing knitwear.
I started my business because I didn't have enough to do each day between the sleepless nights and constant nursing when I was staying at home with my daughter and while dragging my feet on finishing my Master's Degree. Writing patterns lets me stretch all those math and physics muscles I developed in college and graduate school and allowed me to work from home all in the name of procrastination.

Two things I didn't realize about working at my own business at home was that
  • I'd spend so much time in my pajamas with unwashed hair.
  • I'd let my child and husband turn feral for a time while writing.
Three more things I didn't realize about working at my own business at home was that
  • Over time you save a lot of money by wearing pajamas and washing your hair every other day.
  • You can spend that money on yarn.
  • Eventually your husband will get sick of dirty dishes and laundry and do them himself.
2. What is your design philosophy?
I specialize in one skein projects using luxury yarns and write simple patterns that only look complex. For me writing and knitting a shawl out of one skein of sock yarn is magical. You're completing a garment with a small quantity of yarn which also means the knitting doesn't take as long as a shawl that requires 1,200 yards. It's instant gratification in knitting and yarn.

3. Who or what inspires you the most in your design process?
Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen of course. Vibeke Lind's Knitting in the Nordic Tradition is my all time favorite knitting book. Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns is also chock full of wonderful information. I'm inspired by complex looking knit objects that are made up of simple repetitions.

4. What direction do you see yourself heading in as a designer?
I'm currently writing and knitting for my first book which will be out this some time Winter. I enjoy the art and technical aspects of writing and knitting so as long as I can continue both I'm content. I'm also passionate about meeting other knitters mainly through vending at knitting shows all over the country. Last year I was able to meet wo many very wonderful knitters at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival, Rhinebeck (where I stayed with Sandy and her wonderful husband), Stitches West, and a scattering of local shows. This year I was a guest artist at an industry party at Unwind in Burbank, vended at Stitches West, and will be vending at Sock Summit as well as exhibiting at TNNA this June. I love meeting new and old knitters and I love to talk about anything knitting related. So if you see me at one of these events please stop by and say hi!

5. How have the advances in technology and the internet helped you (or hindered) you as a knitwear designer?
I can tell you with certainty that I wouldn't have my business if it weren't for Ravelry. Ravelry made designing seem accessible and allowed me to develop my style in my time line. I embrace technology every day including social media. I'll be releasing my first book in print as well as eBook, stay tuned to my blog for details (http://www.fickleknitter.com)

Thanks Sandy for interviewing me!
xo
Michelle

Thank you Michelle for taking the time to talk to us and we look forward to seeing even more beautiful work from you.

Please take a moment to enjoy all of the Fickleknitter's designs. All of her patterns are sold as PDF downloads, and there are no shipping fees.

Lace Shawls & Scarves
Lace Leaf Hat (sized for adults and children)

Go Green

There will be 3 winners for this giveaway, no purchase necessary to enter, and the winners will be announced May 7, 2011.

Enter this Giveaway:
The more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win and make sure to leave a comment telling exactly what you did to enter. And please make sure to include your contact information.

1. Leave a comment about your favorite Fickleknitter pattern, under this blogpost.
2. Blog about this Giveaway on your blog and link it, leave a comment under this blogpost with the link back to your blogpost.
3. Join my Ravelry group Sandrasingh.com and introduce yourself in the "Welcome Tell us About Yourself..." thread.
4. Announce this Giveaway in your Ravelry group or in another Ravelry group that allows you to announce Blog Giveaways.
5. Friend me on Facebook: Sandra Singh and say you "Like" my post about this Giveaway.
6. Announce this Giveaway (with the link) on Facebook
7. Follow me on Twitter: Sandrasingh
8. Announce this Giveaway (with the link) on Twitter.
9. Sign up for my Newsletter on my Home Page.
10. Sign up to "Follow my Blog."

99 comments:

Suburban prep said...

I love so many but one of the ones I like is the Asymmetrical Triangle Shawl

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

I belong to your Ravelry group.
msgb245 at gmail dot com

Suburban prep said...

I follow your blog.
msgb245 at gmail dot com

Kitten With a Whiplash said...

My favorite is the reusable produce bag. My email is available thru my blogger profile.

glongley said...

I'm a friend on ravelry & get your new letter. Her one sken patterns are great! galesknits@gmail.com

Teresa said...

Fleurdelise has to be the most beautiful thing I've seen in a while.

Christine said...

ooowwwwww.....I love those Mama Janes!

Christine said...

I follow your blog!

Christine said...

i get your newsletter, too!

diane said...

what's cuter than tiny socks?nothing

Patsy said...

LOVE the Fleurdelise pattern!
(Missbabie on Rav!)

Ginny said...

I love the Momma Janes/Baby Janes and the Reuseable Produce Bag.

NanaMay on Ravelry

memphish said...

I recently knit the Two Rivers Shawl. It was my first shawl and now I'm hooked.

Rachelle said...

I love Limestone and the Momma Janes

sable at xtra.co.nz

1. Leave a comment about your favorite Fickleknitter pattern, under this blogpost.
3. Join my Ravelry group did this a few weeks back
5. Friend me on Facebook: Sandra Singh and say you "Like" my post about this Giveaway.
7. Follow me on Twitter: Sandrasingh
10. Sign up to "Follow my Blog."

PAMcGary said...

I love my Honey Pot shawl...but I am certain I will love my Two Rivers just as much (as soon as it is off the needles)

Carolknitssweaters said...

The Asymmetrical Triangle shawl is my favorite. And I love the colors that you used!

Debbie said...

I like the MOMMA JANE'S the best!

Debbie said...

I belong to your ravelry group!

Debbie said...

I follow your blog!

Debbie said...

I receive your newsletter.

Aleda said...

I really like the Mama Janes pattern, they're so cute!

Anonymous said...

This is like asking which is your favorite child. I guess my fav is the one I'm knitting now, the romulan cloak. But I'd love to have more of Michelle's patterns.
(I'm patternwhisperer on rav)

Anonymous said...

What a cute trio my daughter and granddaughters would make in the lace leaf hats. So sweet!

Jenny (renewedmind on ravelry) said...

I LOVE your Baby Janes!

Sue Lowe said...

All the shawls are so beautiful, and if I had to choose I would say that Jade Cashmere is the prettiest to me although I have to admit that the possibilty of becoming invisible wearing the Romulan shawl does intrigue me!

Kae said...

I like 'Fleurdelis'e the best. Next I like the 'Easy Bamboo Lace Scarf.' I really like the slippers, both adult and child.

Kae said...

I belong to your Rav group, winkm33.

Kae said...

I follow your blog km.k33 at gmail dot com.

itssewnice said...

I will definitely look for her at MD S and Wool! I love her "Momma Jane's"

barbara said...

awww - the baby James shoes are so cute - and Mama's matching slippers. I have babies on the brain - not my own (youngest grandbaby is SEVEN!!!) but all the new babies coming around me. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

Purplemoose on ravelry

Montymoo said...

I find Limestone to be just stunning. Thanks for introducing me to a new designer!
lschaible at comcast dot net

Montymoo said...

I follow your blog.

lschaible at comcast dot net

Jessica L'Heureux said...

Limestone is B E A utiful!

Jessica L'Heureux said...

I follow your blog.
jessica at myknits dot com

Jessica L'Heureux said...

I belong to your ravelry group
jessica at myknits dot com

Jessica L'Heureux said...

I subscribe to your newsletter
jessica at myknits dot com

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I like the Go Green Market Bag.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I am a member of your Ravelry group.

Montymoo said...

I "liked" your facebook post and left a comment.
lschaible at comcast dot net

Montymoo said...

I re-posted your FB post!
lschaible at comcast dot net

Montymoo said...

I get your newsletter!

lschaible at comcast dot net

lorraine said...

i love those mary janes..thanks for the giveaway!

Zabbers said...

Limestone is my favorite!

Unknown said...

i like slouchee. very nice

Meghan said...

I'm a follower on Twitter and I love all of the lace patterns. I've had my eye on Honey Pot for a while!

Barbara L. said...

I love all your shawls but I'm also a fan of your "sookie" hat. I have read all of the Sookie Stackhouse novels and can't wait for the new one to come out in paperback. I am signing up for your newsletter and to follow you on twitter. I found you on facebook.

Yuki said...

Honeypot is my favorite because of the border - I'd like to make one for my aunt :o)

llamaleader said...

I love her lace patterns. Fleurdelise and Honeypot might be my favorites. I belong to you r ravelry group, follow your blog and your are my friend on face book. llamaleader@embarqmail.com

amchart said...

Just checked out all the designs on Ravelry. I love the Hollywood & Vine tee, and the Baby Janes are just adorable. I am a member of your Ravelry group, I am signed up for your newsletter and I follow your blog. amchart on Ravelry

Kendra said...

I LOVE Fleurdelise! It has been in my favorites for some time.

ThirtyOneThirteen on Ravelry.

Kendra said...

Following your blog!

ThirtyOneThirteen on Ravelry.

Julia said...

Love the fickleknitter. I've made the Limestone shawl, and it's absolutely gorgeous. Would love to try the fleurdelise.

fallj884 at gmail dot com

Kendra said...

Subscribed to your newsletter, too. :)

ThirtyOneThirteen on Ravelry.

chipper said...

I LOVE the go green collection - what a fantastic idea to knit a swiffer cover! and the "paper" towels that go on a roll - genius!

velmalikevelvet said...

OMG, I absolutely ADORE the Tinfoil Hat pattern! I met Michelle at Sock Summit because of that hat ::waves::

Thanks for the great intro to her new patterns, Sandra!

Donika said...

I love the Two Rivers One Skein shawl - I purchased the pattern with a group of my students to help aid DWB, and I'm on the knitted edge and absolutely loving the pattern.

I have also friended you on Facebook, liked your post, joined your newsletter, joined your Ravelry group, and commented on my favorite Michelle pattern! :)

Roberta said...

Michelle has such great patterns! I have a few, but have only made one: the Silk Rhapsody Scarf, which I love.

Anonymous said...

I really think I would Have fun knitting up Sookie.

Peppermint Mocha Mama said...

Okie dokie... here we go on the ways I can enter... lol.

01. I love her "Fleurdelise" pattern.
05. I sent a friend a request and I liked this post.
06. I shared your post on my Facebook page.
07. I am following you on Twitter.
08. I have retweeted with the link.
09. I signed up for your newsletter.
10. I am following you here.

Karina said...

I knitted her Triangulum, in the test knit phase and can't wait to have time to cast on Limestpne shawl

blessedspeedy said...

WOW I love your designs!
I am new to you but was lucky enough to win one of your patterns on ravelry, so came over to your blog for a look and all I can say is WOW WOW WOW

Alicia said...

I love the Limestone shawl, I think it's absolutely beautiful.

Betsy said...

Limestone is my favorite, but I love those lemon and strawberry produce bags.

And what I like best is that the patterns have written instructions!

I'm in your Ravelry group and get your newsletter.

rav: bbknitting

fifili67 on ravelry said...

I knit some designs from Fickleknitter and there are well designed and very easy to follow.

Katha said...

happy anniversary!
i love all of the paterns! the go green collection is a very nice idea!
i follow you on your blog, on ravelry and i get your newsletter =) keep on going!

Anonymous said...

I am on Raverly and Facebook. katra1@aol.com

Turtle said...

happy anniversary! I have followed you for quite awhile now, but admit to being a bit of a lurker! :)

Turtle said...

love those mama janes!

Turtle said...

a member of your ravelry group

Judi A. said...

I can't help myself. I love those adorable Baby Janes. :-)

Zowmom on Ravelry

Judi A. said...

I am a member of your Ravelry group

Zowmom on Ravelry

Judi A. said...

I am a follower of your blog

Zowmom on Ravelry

Judi A. said...

I am signed up to receive your newsletter


Zowmom on Ravelry

Judi A. said...

I am a "friend" on facebook and "liked" your post about this giveaway

Unknown said...

Which one .... such decisions! After much thought the produce bags are perfect with the absolute right touch of whimsey! And those Mama Janes = love 'em!

InfinityQuilter/Knitter said...

I love Honey Pot!

InfinityQuilter/Knitter said...

I already subscribe to your newsletter.

InfinityQuilter/Knitter said...

I already subscribe to your blog.

Anonymous said...

Being more of a sock knitter, my favorite here is Momma Janes, although I love the shawls too.

Krista said...

Beautiful! I think I might make some of the Easy Bamboo Lace scarves for gifts!

I love your blog

krista33 at g mail dot com

Anonymous said...

I love the limestone pattern. I belong to your ravelry group, and I have liked your post on facebook.

mysticmoon said...

Limestone is a favorite!

Anonymous said...

I love honey pot it is beautiful. I signed up for your newsletter, I'm looking forward to it!
nbkat on ravelry

Judy Pelfrey said...

Today Honey Pot is my fave. Next week who knows?
There are too many favorites to count.
JudyP

Sanhita said...

I love Michelle's patterns! I have test-knitted two of them and those were immediately claimed by daughter and friend, even before I got an opportunity to think about whom should these go to!! :-)
Out of the patterns featured here "Bird of Juno" is my favourite. It has a regal elegance about it, which is quite understated. I love this pattern and it features prominently in my " to do" list! Got to CO soon!

ikkinlala said...

I love the Honey Pot shawl.

ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca

Lisa Logan said...

I love ypue shawls! leaving now to join your ravelry group.
Lisa Logan
onawingrehab@ Yahoo.com

Karen said...

My first pattern to use was the Limestone One Skein Shawl. I really was inspired by Michelle and her patterns/designing, and her knitting that I decided to start my own blog Lavender Prairie Knits (http://www.prairieknits.blogspot.com) and knit the Limestone Shawl. I am definitely going to be knitting more of Michelle's designs! My next project is going to be the Fleurdelise Shawl.
I am hunnyb on Ravlery.javascript:void(0)

Karen said...

Ok, I just couldn't resist! I blogged about this contest on my blog Lavender Prairie Knits http://prairieknits.blogspot.com

=) I like all of the designs!

mamayaga said...

Love your designs.

Natalie Servant said...

Hooray for Michelle!

Janna said...

one of my favorite Fickleknitter patterns is Fleurdelise but they are all so wonderful.

Debbie said...

I love the Go Green Collection. Everything is functional and useful! Debbie in Alaska

Debbie said...

I'm in your Ravelry group. Debbie in Alaska

Debbie said...

I'm your friend on Facebook! Debbie in Alaska

Debbie said...

I get your newsletter. Debbie in Alaska

Debbie said...

And I follow your blog. Can you tell I really want to win? Debbie in Alaska

nanalisette said...

Oh my...the patterns are absolutely wonderful. Love the Baby Slippers and the Momma Jane/Baby Jane slippers. Shawls are great designs too. Hard to decide what pattern to start on first.

Anonymous said...

I am amazed at the wonderful lace designs you create and offer. I love to knit lace but so far not at the point of being able to design it.