Sunday, April 8, 2012

Spring Maple Shawl Kit Givwaway

We have our winner of the Spring Maple Shawl Kit!
Thank you to everyone who entered!



Our winner is Michelle of Rainmomma blog.


Michelle please email me at sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com to claim your Sandrasingh.com Lace & Spring Maple Shawl pattern.


Its been very busy here at Sandrasingh.com, creativity is flowing and it is inspiring. I've just released two new Sandrasingh.com Exclusive Patterns, both knit in my Sandrasingh.com Lace, Linda Choo's Spring Maple shawl and most recently (and a Sandrasingh.com first) HeartStrings' beaded Gentle Breezes stole. And things are not slowing down for a moment, I have two more lace designs and a vest pattern in the works as I type this blog post!



But this post is to celebrate Linda Choo's work, the
Spring Maple shawl! One of my BBFs from Ravelry introduced me to Choo and her work a few years ago. And another of my very good customers knit Choo's Sandra Stole pattern in a skein of my Lace, (a very special pattern Choo designed Sandra's Stole in honor of her late sister), I've been very impressed with Choo's work for quite some time and I was excited when she agreed to design an exclusive lace project for my clients! Choo herself is hosting a KAL for Spring Maple in her Ravelry group, "Fans of Linda CC" and everyone is welcome!


This giveaway is for Choo's Spring Maple PDF pattern and a skein of Sandrasingh.com Lace in the colorway shown, Burgundy.



Meet Linda Choo: Choo has always had an interest in crafts from when she was very young. She learned to sew and to knit from her mother at the age of 5. Crochet was taught by her grandmother a few years later. She grew up making all of her clothes and knitting her sweaters, hats and mitts mostly out of necessity and frugality. It soon became a hobby, tackling the most intricate cabled sweaters. She crocheted her dress for her high school graduation. Instead of pursuing a career as a concert pianist, she studied engineering. After a career of 34 years as a professional engineer in the nuclear industry in Canada, she and her husband (also an engineer) took an early retirement. They raised 2 children who are now both engineers themselves.

Throughout her career, crafts were her main hobby and were a source of stress relief and creativity after a hectic day at the office. These included other crafts like quilting, cross stitch, hardanger and tailoring, along with the sewing, knitting and crocheting. After retirement, her daughter, also an avid knitter and budding designer, gave Linda her first laceweight yarn, first addi circular needles, and a copy of Victorian Lace Today. That was the start of a lace obsession that quickly grew into designing, as well as spinning and carding. Even with retirement, she says there are not enough hours in the day to do everything.

Linda lives in a small country property in southern Ontario with her husband and Australian shepherd pup and enjoys her crafts and gardening.

And Linda graciously took time away from her busy scheduling to do this interview for us, I'm told she has a very special project in the works for her daughter involving spinning the yarn, writing the pattern and knitting it. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as much as I have.

1. Every knitwear artist has an interesting story about how they began designing. Please tell us about yourself and what got you interested in knitting and designing knitwear.
I have been knitting since the age of 5. Designing was something that happened over time. I started by altering patterns to make them my own. I would seldom knit a pattern as written. Once I started lace knitting I was fascinated with the stitches and how they worked together. While working on a KAL on ravelry, I was discussing with the designer how her design was constructed. She encouraged me to make it my own by substituting my own lace stitch. Then she encouraged me to write up my own designs and publish them. I started with beginner patterns and offered them for free ravelry downloads. They were patterns that I would have liked to start with instead of jumping in the middle of Victorian Lace Today.

2. What is your design philosophy?

I like the process of knitting. I will never knit something that felt awkward or unnecessarily complex. My designs tend to look more difficult than they are. I think it was Einstein who said that “everything should be as simple as possible but not simpler”. That sums up my philosophy. I like designs that are pleasing to the eye and comfortable to knit.

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

Inspiration can come from many sources. It can be from a shape, a colour, a texture, a feeling, or even a person. In many cases, they are inspired by a favourite plant or flower in our garden. In some cases, it is for a particular person, embodying the essence of their personality and preferences. I designed a stole especially for my late sister. I used colour, shape, and details that I knew she liked. She loved it and even got to wear it a few times before she passed. My current project is to design a wedding stole for my daughter.


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

I design because I love the process. I will continue as long as I have ideas. Currently I have a notebook full of them. Sometimes it takes a year or more for the idea to evolve into a completed design. Since I have learned to spin, I often design specifically for either handspun or that single special skein of luxury yarn. Recently I have begun experimenting with shawl shapes. I expect to continue in that.

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

It has definitely helped. I am not sure if I would be designing today if it weren’t for ravelry and all the online friends I have made. It was another designer, who I met on ravelry, whose influence was crucial in encouraging me to complete my designs and to write them up for distribution. I am sure I would always be creating and doing my own designs, but not formally writing them up. Also, charting software is crucial. Without a computer, it would be tedious to create the multiple charts needed for lace design. I started with open office and proceeded from there. I have used computers since high school in the 60’s and throughout my career. Using them for my hobby seems natural.



Linda thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about yourself, we've enjoyed getting to know you.


The triangular shaped Spring Maple shawl by lace designer Linda Choo is a Sandrasingh.com Exclusive Pattern knit in one skein of my Sandrasingh.com Lace. Inspired by the leaves that grow on a Japanese Maple tree in her garden Choo shares her inspiration for this design..."After a long winter, we look forward to spring when the first bulbs are blooming, the flowering shrubs are in full bloom, and the Japanese maples start to bud.

The spring colors of the maples are as varied and vibrant as the autumn foliage. From the verdant green of the viridis to the cream of the ukegumo and spring ghost and the brilliant yellow/green of the aureum, there is a wide range to chose from. Its difficult to pick a favorite, but the shimmering coral of the Geisha, the translucent peach of the bonfire, and the rich spring red of the purple ghost are just a few of my favorites."

The winner will be announced on April 21st. The Spring Maple pattern will be emailed to the winner as a PDF.


Enter this Giveaway: The more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win. Make sure to leave a comment(s) under this blog post telling what you did to enter. And please make sure to leave your contact information.
1.
Tell us why you should win this giveaway.
2. Blog about this giveaway on your blog & link it, leave a comment under this blogpost with a 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 a Ravelry group that allows you to announce blog giveaways.

5. Friend me a Facebook: Sandra Singh and write a comment on my Wall about this giveaway.

6. Announce & link this giveaway on your Facebook Wall.

7. "Like" my Facebook Page, Sandrasingh.com

8. Follow me on Twitter: Sandrasinghcom

9. Announce this giveaway with a link on your Twitter page.

10. Follow this blog.

11. Sign up for my Newsletter on my
Home Page.

111 comments:

Lynnette from Ravelry said...

I should win this shawl kit because I really need something to shake away the last of the winter blah's, and this would just about do the trick! Thanks for hosting this.

Suburban prep said...

The shawl is beautiful.
I had been knitting shawls for the local church for the prayer ministry.
My mother recently was in the hospital for emergency aortic aneurysm and this would be a beautiful shawl to knit for her as she recovers.

Suburban prep said...

I am a follower of your blog.

Suburban prep said...

I receive your newsletter.

Suburban prep said...

I am a follower of your ravelry group for some time now.

Anonymous said...

I would love to knit this beautiful shawl.

Anonymous said...

I should win this shawl kit because 1) I LOVE Linda's designs, 2) I LOVE to knit shawls, 3) Haven't tried your yarns yet and it would be a great way to start!
-ttegnirps from Ravelry

wildthing1058 said...

I love this shawl it is so beautiful would love to make it for my b/f mother

wildthing1058 said...

I have posted this on my blog
http://wildthing1058.blogspot.com/2012/04/win-this-lovely-shawl-kit-it-is-so.html

wildthing1058 said...

I am a friend on facebook

wildthing1058 said...

I liked you on face book

wildthing1058 said...

I follow you on twitter

wildthing1058 said...

I follow your blog

wildthing1058 said...

I get your newsletter

wildthing1058 said...

announced on facebook

wildthing1058 said...

tweeted

https://twitter.com/#!/wildthing1058

Unknown said...

This shawl is gorgeous and I deserve to win it, knit it and wear it, because I need a shawl for my son's wedding!
SareBearKnits on ravelry

Unknown said...

I already get your newsletter!
SareBearKnits on ravelry

Mimi F said...

I have 4 maple trees in my yard and would love to have a matching shawl!

ritainalaska said...

i should win this lovely shawl ... shawls are my thing to do now, am making them for family and friends, and need another pattern. this would be a sweet shawl for my friend who does have a gorgeous maple in her yard down the street.
rgoshorn@ak.net

ritainalaska said...

i follow your blog :)

ritainalaska said...

i'm getting your newsletter.

Tish Sentell said...

i should win this shawl because I cant wait to cast on to my second shawl project.

sparky136 said...

I should win this contest because that shawl is calling my name.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I follow your blog.

czsknits said...

Beautiful pattern and yarn!

afh163 said...

I should win this shawl kit because my mom has been hinting at wanting a hand knit shawl and she deserves a beautiful one like this!!

leslie said...

I don't really think that I SHOULD win this shawl, but I would love to win it because it's gorgeous and it would make me feel gorgeous when I'm wearing it--which is saying a lot for a woman "of a certain age" :)

leslie said...

I signed up for your newsletter.

Knit-Chat said...

I should win this kit because it is beautiful. And it would make a lovely gift for someone special.

I'm Loves2Dance on Ravelry.

Anonymous said...

One of my 12 things for 2012 was to knit a lace shawl and this is the most tempting I have seen - and to add your gorgeous yarn would make it perfect!
I am janefrogged on Ravelry
I have signed up to receive your blog.

Emma (GirlAnachronismE) said...

I would love to win this shawl because I just knitted my first shawl and I have the bug
GirlAnachronismE on ravelry

Emma (GirlAnachronismE) said...

I follow your blog

Emma (GirlAnachronismE) said...

I get your newsletter

Emma (GirlAnachronismE) said...

I follow you on twitter

Emma (GirlAnachronismE) said...

Tweeted about it (@GrlAnachronismE)

Emma (GirlAnachronismE) said...

I liked your Facebook page

Anonymous said...

Ooh, this is lovely! I'm starting to realise I have a budding shawl addiction, and would love to win this giveaway to fuel that addiction and see how much I love working with laceweight! Would also really like to try one of your yarns, and burgundy is a favourite colour of mine :)

I have just 'liked' your page on facebook, and subscribed to your profile on facebook. I'm already in your group on ravelry (I'm Shull on ravelry).

Email is kiwimichelle_@hotmail.com

Xx Michelle

Connie said...

What a lovely shawl and what a great way to try out both Linda's patterns and your yarn, Sandra. I get your newsletter and am in your Ravelry group.

Jolene. Jobodesigns on ravelry said...

I love this pattern! Linda's designs are very nice, and I would really be honored to win and try it out!

I also liked your post and page on Facebook :)

Babette's Ffest said...

Sweet pea stole by Linda was my fist lace project. I woul;d love to win this design! I joined your Rav group (carol-alyce), followed you on twitter (I'm @babettesffest) and retweeted your tweet.

Roberta said...

What a beautiful shawl ! I would so enjoy knitting this and giving it to a woman at the local women's shelter. I love seeing the smile on their faces :)

Dena said...

I receive your newsletter

Dena said...

I facebook friended a long time ago.

Dena said...

I should win this shall kit because it will remind me of the japanese maples my husband loves so much

Tracey said...

This is going to sound weird, but I should win this shawl kit because I'm a female engineer living in Southern Ontario who learned to knit at 4 (not 5) from my Mom and I love knitting shawls. I'm beginning to think I should try designing them, LOL!

Sue Lowe said...

What a beautiful shawl. It might seem odd to say in the spring but it looks like it would be a gorgeous autumn shawl and if I won, I might just have time to finish it by then.

wildthing1058 said...

I am in your rav group

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I receive your newletters.

Nanny Jean said...

I am into knitting lace and I love the patterns in your blog and I am knitting 0ne of them now. I have made 3 shawls in Victorian lace.

Judy B said...

This is another beautiful design from Linda Choo.
She is a dear friend, even though we've only met on ravelry. Thanks for sponsoring this giveaway. I know the design will exceed expectation and I'd love to try your yarn to knit it.

Dutchgirl63 said...

If I won this I would actually play it forward to my gf who's beloved dog Maple passed away last year.

frogpeak@hotmail.com

Lynnette from Ravelry said...

I mentioned this giveaway in a blog post

Debbie said...

I should win this beautiful kit because I need something pretty for myself after an extremely bad winter. Debbie H gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I receive your newsletter. Debbie H gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I am a follower of your blog.

Debbie said...

I'm a member of your Ravelry group.

Debbie said...

I liked you on Facebook.

Debbie said...

I'm your friend on Facebook.

Debbie said...

I follow you on Twitter.

Anonymous said...

Would love to win this.. not that I have any luck.. beautiful shawl...

lauriekivi on Ravelry.

Laurel said...

I think I should win because I would make this shawl & then give it to one of my children's teachers as a thank you gift. Their 2 main teachers are fantastic as are my daughter's 4 special ed teachers. They ALL deserve something beautiful. (Tho, maybe Mr. Clarke might do better with a scarf instead of a shawl...)

Laurel said...

I receive your emails :)

Laurel said...

I am following your blog :o)

Laurel said...

I posted about the giveaway in the Quit Your Whining group on Ravelry.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

Iam a member of your Ravelry group.

catsmum said...

I should win it because ... hey ... it's a shawl I haven't made yet. I've already joined the group on rav and FB friended you AND joined your FB group.

mamayaga said...

I should win because I'm Canadian and we have a maple leaf on the flag.

Audrey said...

I would love to win as I am exploring the possibilites of knitted lace as well as the beauty and drape of lace-weight yarn! I love reading Sandra's Ravelry group and her blog!

charquilter said...

I would love to make this shawl my next project!

Shirley said...

I would love to win this shawl--I actually have been thinking about ordering everything to make it--your yarn is gorgeous--everything I have ordered from you is outstanding, plus you have great customer service--I receive your newsletters--Thanks for hosting this.

angelthreads said...

I love this shawl. I am new to lace knitting and would love to give this a try. I have been intimated by lace and having the pattern and yarn would give me the nudge I need.

Maddy Poe said...

The shawl is lovely and looks like just the kind of challenge I need to improve my lacy skills!

Krista said...

this shawl makes my heart sing! the budding maples in the spring are the promise of the glorious beauty to come - I love how the shawl reflects that promise!

curls said...

I have been knitting since I was 6 years old.

I am petite and would can see myself in this yummy shawl.

Lucy Portland said...

I am just beginning to knit shawls. I would love to win this kit to build my shawl making skills.
Lucy

Rose said...

I should win this because it is beautiful and I need to get another new project on my needles. What could be better than a gorgeous shawl.

Nancy C. said...

I have a wonderful friend who taught me what Christmas is all about and this would be the best thank you I could think of-a gift of this beautiful shawl.

Anonymous said...

I have many maple trees in my yard and this shawl caught my eye immediatley. I would love to be a winner just once, PLEASE and thanks for the chance to win.

Janice

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I should win this pattern because I love knitting shawls. I am knitting my first lace shawl, now.
This is a beautiful pattern that I would love to try.

Rachelle said...

I should win it because I love shawls and with it coming into winter over here I'm going to need another shawl very soon.

Peg (mayounger on Ravelry) said...

I would love to win! I can't say why I should win....I don't have better reasons than everyone else that receives your newsletter, or follows you on FB, etc.

I have several of Linda's patterns; and I hope to knit all of them at some point. She is an inspiration to all lace knitters.

Peg
mayounger on Ravelry

Sherrey Meyer said...

Lovely pattern! Exquisite in design . . . I can feel it on my shoulders already. Why should I win this giveaway? I truly can't say that I know why other than I'd love to feel your lace running through my fingers as I knit this pattern.

Joined your ravelry group; liked your FB page; added a link announcing giveaway to my FB page; friended you on FB; followed you on Twitter; announced giveaway on Twitter; I follow your blog; and I signed up for the newsletter! WHEW!

Joan said...

I would just love to make it for myself

Debbie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Debbie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Debbie said...

I am a follower of your blog. gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I've liked you on Facebook. gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I follow you on Twitter. gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I'm in your Ravelry group. gussek on Ravelry

Debbie said...

I receive your newsletter!

Debbie said...

Winning this yarn would make my birthday on 19Apr so much better! :) That's why I should win! Thanks for the nice giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I love lace shawls and really like Spring Maple.
Betty

Susie B said...

I follow your blog and receive your newsletter. I could use a new shawl and I love this one.

Anonymous said...

That is such a beautiful shawl. I would be honored to knit this for my aunt, who's health isn't so great.

Anonymous said...

I'm already a member of your Ravelry group and introduced myself a while back.

Anonymous said...

Commented on your facebook page

Anonymous said...

I follow you on twitter (@cmouse01)

buttons and beeswax said...

Hello! I just wanted to comment on such an interesting interview. I've not been designing long so it's nice to read stories about other designers. The shawl is gorgeous - I wish I had time to knit something like this, but I'd never get any designing done! So I'm not entering, however I am adding you to my blog feed reader :)

Michelle said...

Why should I win? I love to knit lace and I would love to knit this pattern.

Michelle said...

#5- I commented on your wall. :)

Michelle said...

#6 I shared it on Facebook

Michelle said...

#7 I "like" you on Facebook

Michelle said...

#8 I follow you on twitter

Michelle said...

#9 I retweeted the giveaway.
TweetID: RainMomma

Michelle said...

#10 I continue to follow your blog

Michelle said...

#11 I get your newsletter

Alexis said...

422This shawl kit will be an adventure!

dizchik said...

1. I should win this giveaway because I need a break from knitting baby blankets!
3. done!
5. subscribed but won't allow to write on wall :(
6. done! http://www.facebook.com/#!/dizchik
7. done!
8. done! @dizchik
9. done! via RT
10. done! via Bloglovin
11. done! email: dizzy4311312@hotmail.com

Nancy said...

Hi Sandra,
I'm too old or too lazy to figure out how to use all the ways to enter, but I friended you on facebook, follow your blog and joined your ravelry group. However, I'm not too old or lazy to knit. I have a friend who says knitting lace will drive you to drink, but I disagree. I've used lace patterns in scarves and sweaters. I would love the oppotunity to knit a shawl. However, I have too much yarn and I'm too poor to be able to allow the purchase of more yarn, so I'll have to wait or win in order to knit a shawl. I would only want to use fine yarn to knit one, none of the thick yarn shawls that my friends used to wear in the '70s for me! I could write more, but I have to get back to my knitting! Nancy McCann
You can contact me at x_ice_@hotmail.com

phlame said...

A beautiful shawl. Would be wonderful to knit!