Thursday, June 2, 2011

Ilga Leja Bermuda Kit Giveaway

Thank you for entering this giveaway, it was fun reading everyone comments, especially the ones explaining why they should be the winner! But I use a Random Number Generator to select the winner so I'm not swayed!

And the winner of the Ilga Leja Bermud Kit is Knitmish!

Please email me at Sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com with your shipping address.

Thank you!


To kick off June my first blog giveaway is bright and colorful and features the design work of the Canadian knitwear artist Ilga Leja in the yarn Kauni Effektgarn 8/2. Ilga's "Kauni Collection" celebrates Effektgarn's long, subtle, graduated color changes and she uses these characteristics to showcase each design in this collection.

This giveaway is for Ilga's Bermuda pattern and 2 balls of Effektgarn 8/2 in the EQ colorway.

Ilga Leja wearing her very own In The Piazza from her "City Collection."

Ilga is a brilliant knitwear artist who specializes in timeless knitwear designs. Each season she introduces a new pattern collection inspired by a specific theme which features garments and accessories with lace knitting, intriguing stitch patterns and unique construction all with the end wearer's comfort and style in mind. She's taken a moment from her busy schedule to share her thoughts with us, I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have over these past few years.

BermudaKauni Effektgarn 8/2 in EQ

Meet Ilga Leja: Knitting has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was about 5 years old, I learned to knit from a neighbour friend. My mother, seeing me struggle with thick yarns and needles far too thin and the English style of knitting, took pity on me, gave me better tools, and showed me the Continental style. I have worked with both styles of knitting ever since and use them interchangeably.

I have had a busy life, balancing career and family. Yet knitting has been the continuing thread through every phase. It has given me solace during troubled times, pleasure in quiet times and joy in happy times. It inspires and challenges me with new ideas for creativity at every turn.

One of my other passions has been photography. I have been taking pictures since I was a child with a Brownie camera. I see photo subjects everywhere I go and these often translate into knitting designs later. By beginning to publish my designs, I have been able to bring these two loves together.

As you can see from my designs, I love to work with pattern and colour. My designs reflect my current interests, whether it is handpainted yarns, working with lace, or experimenting with textures. Yet always I am looking to create timeless designs, ones that will give pleasure for many years to come.

Ilga has also taken the time to answer a few interview questions for us...

1. Please tell us about yourself and what got you interested in knitting and designing knitwear.

I have always loved to knit, from the very first time I took up the needles and learned. That was in childhood and I can still remember vividly my excitement in learning how to knit from the teenager next door. The fact that it was a teenager (and not a family relative) who taught me may have contributed to my excitement at the time.

2. What is your design philosophy?

I don’t think of having a “philosophy” as such. I do what I love. When I am swatching up a design idea and I don’t like it, or it isn’t pleasant to do, then I abandon it. I believe that if I am not enjoying knitting a piece, then I assume others wouldn’t enjoy it either. In the end, it is all about following the heart.

3. Who or what inspires you the most in your design process?

Although there is much that inspires me, it is the beauty of nature that captures me the most. It is what makes me stop and look in awe.

4. What direction do you see yourself heading in as a designer?

I have started experimenting with making tapestries, essentially knitting pictures. This uses all my skills and I get to play with lots and lots of colours and different yarns. It would be a move away from designing patterns—which is how I make my living now. But it is a direction that fascinates and challenges me.

5. How have the advances in technology and the internet helped you (or hindered) you as a knitwear designer?

The Internet has helped me enormously. In fact, I would not have been able to build my business without it. It continues to offer up more opportunities with social networking, different delivery methods, etc. So I just see the technology as enhancing our industry, giving us many different approaches in how we can share all things related to knitting.

Thank you Ilga for speaking with us.

Visit all of Ilga Leja's collections, her patterns are sold as PDFs with no shipping fees.

International Year of the Scarf Collection



Ancient Bark Moebius

Beach Collection
Sea Urchin

There will be one winner for this giveaway, prize includes the Bermuda pdf pattern and 2 skeins of Kauni Effektgarn 8/2 in EQ, no purchase necessary to enter and the winner will be announced on June 12.

Enter this Giveaway: The more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win and make sure to leave a comment telling what you did to enter. And please make sure to leave your contact information.
1. Tell us why you should win the Bermuda Kit.
2. Tell us which Ilga Leja pattern is your favorite and why.
3. Tell us which colorway of Kauni Effektgarn 8/2 is your favorite and why.
4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and link it, leave a comment under this blogpost with the link back to your blogpost.
5. Join my Ravelry group, Sandrasingh.com and introduce yourself in the "Welcome tell us about yourself..." thread.
6. Announce this giveaway in your Ravelry group, or in a Ravelry group that allows you to announce Blog giveaways.
7. Friend me a Facebook: Sandra Singh and leave a comment under my post about this Giveaway
8. Announce this giveaway, with a link on Facebook
9. Visit my Facebook Page: www.Sandrasingh.com and hit "Like"
10. Follow me on Twitter: Sandrasingh
11. Announce this giveaway with a link on Twitter
12. Friend or Fan me on Plurk: Sandrasinghcom
13. Announce this giveaway with a link on Plurk
14. Sign up for my Newsletter on my Home Page
15. Sign up to "Follow My Blog"
16. Tell your fellow knitters in your knitting circle about this giveaway.
17. No Purchase Necessary to Enter, but are you a Sandrasingh.com customer? Leave a comment about your experience and purchase.

87 comments:

RubyC said...

I love all of her designs. The "straw into gold" is my favorite, but I love othesr too, the "among the birches" and the "messenger bag". These two patterns show how Kauni Effektgarn yarn can be used and how diffused the colors are.

Ruby (Rav: mzcruse)

mamayaga said...

1.I've never owned/knitted Kauni
2.All are gorgeous but for me the BESTEST is Morocco
3.The colours are amazing

Tania(rav-mamayaga)

itssewnice said...

I have always loved Ilga's patterns since I first saw them. My current favorite is the Morocco but that could change any time I look at her designs. I like all of them.

Nanny Jean said...

I would like to try the Bermuda Kit Giveaway. I am looking to start something new. The colors are great.

lorraine said...

i love this designer..among the birches is one of the prettiest designs ive seen..thanks again for a super giveaway!

Sara said...

I have never seen any pattern by Iiga...and the pattern "Bermuda" is gorgeous! I would love to try my hand at knitting it...

Sara said...

I belong to your Rav group!

Sara said...

There is no way I could just pick one pattern that I love by Ilga - how about 3 -

Queen of the Waves
Earth Maiden
Antique Lace

All are gorgeous..

Diane Eskritt said...

Antique Lace is my favorite pattern. I love the feminine look of it.

Grandmatutu said...

Queen of the Waves is goregous!! But there are several others that I love too. I'd love to try the pattern and the colors in the yarn are amazing--I'd love to see how they fall in the piece. I haven't purchased an Ilga pattern yet, but I suspect I will very soon--beautiful work!! I'm already a Sandrasingh RAV member and a subscriber. Hope I win this kit!!

Mary (Rav: grandmatutu)

Unknown said...

These designs are amazing! I love them all, especially Among The Birches, Bermuda and Violetta. They are so unique and creative with wonderful use of colour.
I can definitely see myself in Among the Birches knit in colourway EA.
I'm a follower of your blog, your Ravelry group and a Facebook fan. My experience purchasing from you was great, good communication, quick delivery, couldn't have been better.

Michelle said...

1. I think I should win this awesome pattern and yarn since my wedding day is on the 18th! I think this would make a great wedding gift ;)
2. All of the patterns are really fun, but my favorite pattern is the Violetta. Wow such a beautiful summery top!!!
3. My favorite colorway is EQ (so happy that is the giveaway yarn)! It is such a happy bright color!
5. I posted in your Ravelry group :) (MKGDolphin27)
7. I tried to find you on FB but there are about 8 people with the same name :(, but (9) I did like your facebook page and post a nice comment :)
14. I signed up for your newsletter, so I really hope there are some great tips in there :)
16. I have told my knitting girlfriends, but I am hoping they don't sign up so I can get this great giveaway!

Did I mention I think this would be an amazing wedding gift ;)

Lindr said...

1) Usually, I take a vacation to a tropical location. This year, I went to Scotland instead - which was wonderful. However, a pattern named and inspired by Bermuda would help fill the warm weather hole I have. And I'd love to try out the effektgarn. I haven't had the courage yet to try a long color repeat - this would give me a push in that direction.
2)My favorite is actually the Moorland cardigan - love the comfy coziness of it.
3)I like the EH colorway - the colors are very soothing.
5) I'm a member of your Ravelry group
7) I'm your Facebook friend
14) I've signed up for your newsletter
15) I follow your blog

KnitQwik said...

The yarns are gorgeous! Would love this to be my first Ilga pattern!

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

My 2 favorite colorways of Kauni Effektgran 8/2 are Spectru (EQ) Primary brights and Ocean (EZ) teals, blues.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

My favorite Ilga Leja is "Queen of the Waves". The shawl looks so light and airy. A good summer shawl.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I am a member of your Ravelry group.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I would love to win the Bermuda Kit Giveaway because I love the colors of the yarn and the pattern.

mellowpuff said...

I love the simplicity of the Straw into Gold... it has such a beautiful drape.

mellowpuff said...

Already a blog follower.

mellowpuff said...

I am quite taken with rainbows at the moment, so I think that the EQ colourway would have to be my favourite. Such happy colours!

mellowpuff said...

I'd love to win the Bermuda kit, as it looks like it would be a good first shawl to knit.

ikkinlala said...

I should win the Bermuda Kit so I can try Kauni.

ikkinlala said...

My favourite Ilga Leja pattern is the Kauni Messenger bag, because it's a practical way to show off some pretty yarn.

ikkinlala said...

My favourite colourway of Kauni Effektgarn 8/2 is ED, I think. I love the brighter colours too, but the browns are easier to wear.

Michelle said...

I am loving the Marschillan pattern.
My favorite colorway is definitely the rainbow because it is so cheery. I also follow you on twitter and on facebook, follow your blog and get your newsletter.

Zabbers said...

I should win this kit because I've been meaning to buy the pattern and knit it for ages!

(Rav: zabbers)

Zabbers said...

My favorite design is the straw into gold pattern, though! I love the look of it that's almost like a woven fabric.

Zabbers said...

So many colors of Effektgarn to love, though...I'm going to say ET because it combines the black and white look with a bit of rich purple.

rootless flower said...

1. i've never knit with kauni
2. 'among the birches' is my fave pattern - looks so comfy and flowy
3. the colors are all gorgeous, but i'm a sucker for rainbow.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE Ilga Leja patterns!! Although I always have to save up a bit to buy them (I think they are a tiny bit pricey??), I have never been disappointed. There are always Leja patterns on my "Most Wanted" Wish List!

1. I NEED to win the kit because my new year's resolution was not to buy any yarn for one year (I've made it 5 months!), but I can STILL buy patterns! (So guess how many patterns I've bought since Jan 1? :-)) So if I win the giveaway, I get new yarn without having purchased any!
2. Oh....that's hard. Probably In The Courtyard because it looks good on a gal with broad shoulders -- or maybe Waves of Lace because it would look so good on my size 4 lovely, lovely neice!
3. EQ is my favorite! Can't believe my favorite is the one being given away! I was in Europe when Kauni first came on the scene, and EQ was the first colorway I saw - have loved it ever since.
5. Just joined your Rav group (where I am Tanager) and sort of introduced myself - despite evidence to the contrary (like this blog comment, maybe?), I was probably too brief!
7. I just friended you! (I'm SaraBett on facebook)- but can't seem to leave a comment under your post?? Probably because I'm a facebook newbie - and not everything makes sense to this old gal yet!
8. I announced and linked from my facebook homepage.
9. WHERE IS THE LIKE LINK?? I'm trying and trying to give you a thumbs up, but apparently I'm all thumbs in finding the link! Where is it hiding??
10. Done! Am following you on twitter (SaraMBett)
14. Oh....I've been a subscriber to your newsletter for quite a while. Always love it, and am always tempted by too many things! (Can't remember if I am SaraBett or RooTwo2 for the newsletter)
15. Done! Am following your blog! (I think I'm RooTwo2 on google)
16. I'm telling as many knitting friends as I can, even though it only reduces my chance to win!
17. YES! I am a Sandra Singh customer - have been for quite a while. Love the speedy service and you will hear from the real owner of the company herself if you have any questions.
18. Can I make up my own #18 so I can have another chance to win?? :-)

Happy Stitching, Everyone! And thanks to Sandra Singh for offering this awesome giveaway!

Sara (Rav: tanager)

Anonymous said...

Fixed my #7 and #9 above! Sara
Rav: Tanager

natasha said...

I love Ilga's patterns, especially the colorways of Morocco and open waters. I would love to knit both of them.

Knitmish on Ravelry said...

I'd like to win because I am almost half way through nursing school, and about to finish another semester. My summer break starts in a week, and I am in need of a great knitting project. What better to knit than a lovely wrap in rainbow colours?

Knitmish on Ravelry said...

I love the "Among the Birches" pattern. It looks very cozy, and there are so many possibilities to play with colour!

Knitmish on Ravelry said...

The EQ or "rainbow" colourway is definitely my favourite- it's just the perfect rainbow to me!

Knitmish on Ravelry said...

Last but no least, I am a subscriber to your newsletter!
Thank you for another great giveaway!

patsy said...

I love the colors in Earth Maiden. Sparky136 on Ralvery

Anonymous said...

my favorite pattern is the tidal streams shawl and my favorite color is definitely EQ - yay rainbows! thanks for the chance to win!

mma on rav.

ohdessa said...

Ooh! I've always wanted to knit with Kauni and the patterns are gorgeous!

ohdessa on ravelry

Noreen said...

I've never knitted one of Ilga's patterns, but I have admired them. My favorite is one that looks a bit different from most: Moorland. Why? It just looks so comfy. I also really like the one she is wearing in the opening photo. Noreen1009 on Rav.

Unknown said...

Absolutely stunning patterns and yarn. Have never used either and would love to venture into them.
The Bermuda Kit would be a perfect introduction and then I'd do Among the Birches.
Thank you for another fabulous give away!

Marie said...

I love Bermuda! I queued it on Ravelry long ago and have been looking for just the right yarn ever since. This pattern just perfectly catches the waves of the sea. Must make this one!

Miss Debbie said...

After studying the lines of Bermuda, I feel it would look lovely on me with the V neck line and the soft draping around the hips. It is just enough warmth for many seasons and events one being sitting in an airplaine

Weaverani said...

I just recently bought some lovely Estonian yarn while overseas, I had never seen it before in the United States. The shawls that other women had knit with it took wonderful advantage of the long color changes. This looks very similar and would be fun to try as a comparison.

I had trouble picking a favorite Ilga Leja pattern, because each of these three are beautiful for different reasons: Queen of the Waves would also work in the Estonian long color changes; Sea Urchin appeals to me as it looks unusual and whimsical; Antique Lace is pure elegance, I can see doing it in a cashmere or silk.

Miss Debbie said...

I love the EA yarn. Some of my favorite colors and soft in hue

nanalisette said...

the flowiness of the Bermuda caught my attention...the color of the Kauni Effektgarn yarns are amazing. What is not to love about them...

Indulgences Things From Strings said...

1. There is no good reason I should win, I just like to win!!
2. Sea Urchin is my favorite pattern of Ilga's.
3. EQ is my fave colorway because it reminds me of the colors of "life".
4. I'm in your group.
5. I announced your giveaway on FB.
6. I follow your blog
7. I signed up for the newsletter.
8. I posted on my business page
9. I left a comment on your FB page.

Sheila said...

What a lovely springtime project. The design relly showcases the amazing colors!

JustApril said...

I think I like Sea Urchin best, it's goregeous - and the Bermuda color-way is a happy happy looking yarn =)

And I'm posting the contest on my blog, too.

CharQuilter said...

The yarn looks wonderful and Bermuda is a pattern that really intrigues me. Love the flow of the yarn. I'm in your Ravelry group and keep up with your newsletter. Would love to win the drawing. I'm retired and on a fixed and limited income so can't buy everything new I'd like to try.

Patti said...

I love Ilga Leja patterns - I have "Antique Lace" which I need to knit up soon. I would love to win this kit, otherwise I will have to buy this pattern to use the Kauni Effektgarn yarn I have in my stash! Thank you for this opportunity.

stashmuffin said...

I "should" win the give-away, because i totally LOVE Kauni Effektgarn and would knit the kit! What a lovely, bright summer giveaway! Thank you!

stacey wypyski said...

I LOVE In The Court Yard. It is SOOO hot here in Atlanta and that looks like a cool knit to make and wear!

Jackie WP said...

love the yarn. perfect for my daughters b'day 8/2
Jackie

knitterlydesigns said...

What says summer better than bright and cheery colors. I would love to make this scarf to add to my wardrobe.

Kim Finley said...

Love your designs and love the contest - always adds a little spice to life!

Sharon A. said...

I love Ilga Lija's patterns. Bermuda is a very interesting short row design and will probably become a go-to favorite around the house as well as outside!

Robin said...

I would love to win. I have never knit with this yarn and would love to try it.

Robin said...

I follow your blog

Robin said...

I follow you on face book

Robin said...

I follow you on twitter

Robin said...

I twitted about your giveaway

Robin said...

I subscribe to your newsletter

Turtle said...

i was not familiar with her designs! Loving them though.

The flowing sweeping designs are wonderful.

Love the earth maiden!

I would love to win to knit her design and wear it! :)

Robin said...

I am a member of your Ravelry group

Robin said...

I like the open water and moorland patterns the best

Robin said...

My favorites are EG and EY. I love how bright the colors are.

Robin said...

I posted about your give away on my face book page

Donika said...

I'm a member of your Rav group and a friend of yours on Facebook!

nhoran said...

I am joining a KAL for the Bermuda Scarf at my LYS, so I would love to win this kit.

merino outlast blanket said...

Truly beautiful Collection of Shawls..I really like Your article! Keep it up!

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I am signed up for your newsletter.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I follow your blog.

Bianca said...

What fun... I became your 200th blog follower just a few seconds ago.

squiggi said...

I love the violetta pattern.
I'm also signed up to follow your blog.
my favorite kauni colorway is EQ

Brenda (Rav:thebeesds) said...

I would love to have a bermuda kit....because I love Kauni-----I like all the patterns, but I think the last one was the neatest (sea urchin?) I have only knit with the kauni EQ, put also have some bright pink that needs a contrasting skein to go with it......

RubyC said...

I thought I would tell you that I love this pattern. I love these yarns. Good luck to whomever wins. I have posted on FB back when you started this giveaway. Will do so again.

Heather said...

This is an awesome giveaway. I wasn't familiar with Kauni but wow, gorgeous!

BunnyKnut said...

I love "Among the Birches."
My favourite Kauni colourway is EQ.

Sisterrobinson from said...

All of her patterns are stunningly beautiful. Her patterns just speak 'nature' to me, especially the seascape ones. The yarn colors are all so very lovely. What a joy it would be to win.

Ginny said...

I love Ilga Leja's designs! It's difficult to pick a favorite, but I love Among the Birches, Open Waters and Violetta. My favorite color is EP as the color looks so warm and rich.

NanaMay on Ravelry

strawberry_kid said...

1. I should win the Bermuda kit because the cool, refreshing movement of blue water in the pattern would quench my thirst on a hot desert day.
2. My favorite pattern is Waves of Lace and Queen of WAves. Again, because it is summer in the desert and cool blue, watery patterns just seem "right."
3. Colorway EH of Kauni Effektgarn 8/2 is my favorite because it reminds me of the brown basalt mountains against the blue sky which surround my home.

purplume said...

I should win because this beautiful yarn would motivate me to knit or crochet as carefully as this gorgeous stuff deserves.
I love open waves and sea urchin. All these designs are stunning.
I liked your site on facebook.
I am following your blog and I joined your ravelry group. XD
My fingers are crossed - when I'm not knitting that is.

Connie said...

I should win the Bermuda Shawl pattern and the yarn because both are absolutely stunning and would make me a very happy knitter! What beautiful work!

greyowl (rav id)

Connie said...

My favorite pattern is Antique Lace. To me this is an ageless design that woukd look good on so many women.

greyowl (rav id)

Connie said...

My favorite color is EH because these are colors that look good on my daughters.

greyowl (rav id)