Saturday, February 23, 2013

Win a Mindie Tallack Pattern & Kit

Thank you for entering...
Our 3 Lucky Winners!
 
First Prize: Duffers (revisited) pattern & 2 skeins of Cascade 220 Wool - Kathie aka itssewnice on Ravelry Second Prize: Greengage scarf pdf pattern - Marilyn aka Merry Third Prize: Little Duffers pattern & 1 skein of Cascade 220 Wool - Lori Houston aka
Indulgence on Ravelry


Please email me at sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com to claim your prize.
This knitwear artists' designs keep your feet toasty and warm!  From across the pond in Devon, England please welcome designer Mindie Tallack. 

There will be 3 lucky winners for our giveaway!  Mindie has generously donated her three patterns and I've thrown in some yummy yarn. 

First Prize: Duffers (revisited) pattern and I'm including 2 skeins of Cascade 220 Wool 
Second Prize: Greengage scarf pattern 
Third Prize: Little Duffers pattern and 1 skein of Cascade 220 Wool

Duffers (revisited)
The Duffers (revisited) felted slippers pattern is an expanded version of the original Duffers slippers pattern.  This unisex design is now in the following finished foot lengths: 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11" (CM: 23, 23.5, 24, 25.5, 26.5, 28).  Knit in Cascade 220 Wool and felted they look great in either a solid or 2 contrasting colors.  

Greengage
Greengage is a long scarf with small slip stitch cables and a garter stitch edge which curves in and out following the lines of the cables.  The pattern has both charted and line by line instructions so you can choose whichever you prefer.

Little Duffers
And Tallack's Litte Duffers is the toddler and child version of her Duffers (revisited) pattern and they are also knit in Cascade 220 Wool.  

Let's get to know Mindie a little better, she's been very kind and agreed to do this interview for us.

Meet Mindie: My name is Mindie and knitting is a huge part of my life. I’ve been knitting since I was a small, which is too many years now to admit without giving away my age!  I have a bit of a compulsion to create, so I also spin, weave, sew, garden and cook. Mostly this is a good thing, but it can also lead to shortages in our household because I quite often refuse to buy anything I could make, even if I don’t have time to make it!  Here is where I keep a record of what I’m up to in the garden, kitchen and in my studio.

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 knitted since I was very small ( a long time ago!) I started with just blankets for toys etc.as children quite often do and a few dolls clothes, but really got into it when I started to have the patience to knit myself sweaters; although to begin with I did end up with several where the sleeves were too short as I got bored and just thought 'that will do'! Both my Mother and Grandmother knitted beautifully so I had two good roll models.  My Grandmother also sewed and embroidered wonderfully and I do those crafts too, although not as well as she did; during the 1920's she made skirts for Harrods. One of my earliest memories is sitting on the floor of my grandmothers' dining room knitting while she instructed me from the table as she sewed and drank whisky!
I always played around with other people's patterns (still do) and quite often can't find what I want in a ready written pattern so put together my own as I go along.  I am very bad at writing things down as I knit though so have a bit of a collection of things that I designed and love but never got around to writing the patterns for ( or I can't remember how I got over a particular problem so can't write the pattern up!) 

2. What is your design philosophy?  I'm a very practical person and tend towards everyday practical things.  It is ok to knit something beautiful but, for me, if it isn't practical, I won't end up wearing it.  I also think that patterns should be right and I test knitted the Duffers patterns until I just couldn't bring myself to knit another one.  It infuriates me when I glance over a pattern and can immediately see something wrong.  I always think 'how did they have the cheek to print that when it's just not right'!

3. Who or what inspires you the most in your design process?  Originally the Duffers came about through a local knitting shop.  I was asked to come up with a slipper pattern for them to promote some yarn they had.  The brief was to make them fit well but also be easy to knit. It took a long time to work out but in the end I think I managed it.

  I do love tradition and what I call real wool so although my designs on the net don't show it, I knit with quite a bit of shetland and rare breed wools.  I think it's the history of knitting that inspires me most. All those women (and men) through the ages that kept their patterns in their heads and knitted to keep themselves warm.  They could have knitted just plain things but the art of knitting was also important to them as well as the practicality.

4. What direction do you see yourself heading in as a designer?   I would really like to get a few of my sweater patterns written up and have a few ideas for some pretty children's clothes but I need more time than I have at the moment so I am not sure how long it is going to be before I get these out.  I am also very fussy about the pattern being exactly right in design and fit, as I said before, so it does take me too long to get the pattern writing done. I am working on things though.

5. How have the advances in technology and the internet helped you (or hindered) you as a knitwear designer?  I love how the internet has brought knitters together, and of course you can't talk about knitting or crochet and the internet without mentioning Ravelry. Without Ravelry and the internet I wouldn't be selling my patterns at all. On the whole I think that the technology we have today is keeping craft alive, which can only be a good thing. It's a sort of marriage of the old and the new. 

The 3 winners will be announced on March 5th.  The patterns will be emailed to the winners as a PDFs.



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 which Mindie Tallack pattern is your favorite and why.
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.
12. Pin and link your favorite Mindie Tallack pattern on your Pinerest page.

99 comments:

Suburban prep said...

I like the Mindie Tallack Greengage.
It looks like a challenging pattern with some cables. It looks like it could be used for a shawl if you make it long enough.

Suburban prep said...

I have joined the Ravelry group

Suburban prep said...

I am a blog follower

Anonymous said...

Mindie Tallack is an interesting person, I love her patterns, especially the slippers and scarf. My father was born and grew up in Plymouth, Devonshire. I follow Sandra on her blog, I have bought from her before. I would love to win either the slippers or scarf pattern, they both look like they would be fun to knit.

itssewnice said...

Love the pattern Duffers.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the Duffers! They're a nice tailored sort of look.

I'm Scabbers on Ravelry and I'm a part of Sandra's group.

kristen said...

Hi I like the little duffers pattern best. Looks like a very fun slipper pattern make. I follow your blog, and I am in your ravelry group, and your facebook page! How fun!

kristen said...

I also pinned a pattern http://pinterest.com/pin/64246732156508720/

Rachelle said...

I like Little Duffers best, I already have the Duffers Revisited pattern and would love to make slippers for my boys.

mamayaga said...

Duffers are great. Hope i win.

Rose said...

I love the Little Duffers. Who could not love a pattern with a cute name like that.

Anonymous said...

I've wanted to make these forever! I'm already follow the Sandra Singh blog and will rush back to Rav to share a link.
Thank you!

Nanamamah on Rav

Debbie said...

I love the Duffers. My feet are always cold - these would be perfect!

Debbie said...

I'm in your Ravelry group.

Debbie said...

I follow your blog.

Debbie said...

I'm your friend on Facebook.

Savannagal said...

The Duffers (revisited) slippers are super cute. I love wool slippers and would definitely make them.

Savannagal said...

I do get your newsletter.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

I get your newsletter.

pok said...

I like Duffers (revisited) best. It looks very practical.
I did #1, 6-9, 12.

Unknown said...

The Duffers (revisited) are awesome!! They remind me on some level of the dutch wooden shoes (sans the pointed toe), look durable and I want to felt!!

Indulgence on Rav

Unknown said...

http://connectindulge.blogspot.com/2013/02/sandra-singh-gives-away-mindy-tallack.html

Blogged it!!

Indulgence on Rav

Unknown said...

I am a member of your Ravelry Group

Indulgence on Rav

Unknown said...

You're my friend on Facebook, and I commented on the giveaway post.

Indulgence on Ravelry

Unknown said...

Linked your giveaway to a post on my FB wall.

Indulgence on Rav

Unknown said...

Following this blog.

Indulgence on Rav

Unknown said...

Pinned it!

Indulgence on Rav

Unknown said...

Tweeted it!

Indulgence on Rav

Anonymous said...

I like the Duffers, they looks like something I would wear!
rosebob on ravelry

Anonymous said...

The Little Duffers are so cute, these would be great little gifts for friends with little ones.
apple380 on ravelry

Darcys Knotty Knitter said...

I love Duffers Revisited they would be great to wear around the house to keep my feet toasty warm:)((((Hugs)))))Darcy/knottyknitter40

KnittingViolets said...

The greengage scarf is gorgeous. I love the edging and the texture of the pattern.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

i am a member of your Raverly group.

sparky136 said...

I like the Greengage scarf. It is an interesting pattern.

sparky136 said...

I get your newsletter.

Marilyn a.k.a. Merry said...

I love making duffers and often whip up a pair as a thank you gift. It's a great pattern but I only have the original one so would love the one with more sizes.

Wendy wheeler said...

Love your duffers pattern would like to make for my kids.

Anonymous said...

My favorite Mindie Tallack pattern is Greengage. It is a beautifully unique scarf pattern that I would love to knit!
Lucia
I am knittylucia on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

Love the duffer patterns. And, I joined the Rav group.

k. said...

I like the Duffers. I think they'd keep my feet toasty.

roxyrana said...

Love the Duffers, large and small. They look like little woolly clogs, lovely but so practical too.
I like knitted items to be functional and if they are beautiful too them it's a win win for me !

Roxyrana on Ravelry

Drae said...

I like the Greengage scarf best. alcbrooks on Ravelry

Michelle said...

Duffers! I'm on your Rav group, fan of your FB page, and on your email list.

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

My favortie pattern is the Greengage Scarf.

Stephanie said...

I like the duffers. Seems like a great house slipper!

Charlotte said...

oooo ...love the little duffers they would look great on my boys

Ann said...

I love the Duffers... my boys feet would look super cute in them :)

Beth W. said...

Love the Duffers! Thanks.

Yhime407 on Ravelry

Kate said...

I have had the Duffers pattern on my wish list for some time!

nannyjean2 said...

I am interseted in your Greengage Scarf with the cables.

laurie said...

I love love the Mindie Tallack Duffers pattern, because it has so many sizes, and it is easy to make, and so quick.
thank you for this giveaway, I would love the chance to try cascade wool.
I joined your Rav group and I started following your blog. Off to visit your group
marlib7 on ravelry

AmyB said...

I love Duffers. So easy and comfy.

ya-wen said...

The Little Duffers are super cute. My first reaction when seeing the above pictures, was 'oh my god, pikachu shoes!' haha.

Dakotashivers said...

1624I love the duffers. I have seen them in so many different colorways, and with such an assortment of bling added. They are such a wonderful palate for self expression. I will have to try the mini ones soon!

Dakotashivers said...

Well I already commented here how much I enjoy seeing and making duffers. I joined your blog, and I pinned them. I also commented on my Ravelry group.

I am Dakotashivers on Ravelry.

Thanks, Linda

Anonymous said...

I love Greengage (including the color) - it would go partically with every I own

Anonymous said...

I belong to your Ravelry group (cnuland)

Anonymous said...

I like your Sandrasingh.com Facebook page

Anonymous said...

I follow you on twitter

Anonymous said...

I already follow your blog (GFC)

Anonymous said...

I'm signed up for your newsletter

Tish said...

I like those Duffers.... I need to learn to make some decent slippers for the family (tho I don't have little ones anymore....grand babies may arrive eventually in my lifetime)

I follow your blog, friends on Facebook, and in your Ravelry group. I love hearing what you are doing. ^_^

indigoeddy said...

I love the duffers! I follow your blog, on facebook, newsletter and rav. group.

Peg Younger said...

I would love the little duffers....maybe my grandson would wear them....he screams when we try to put shoes or boots on him! mayounger on Rav

Peg Younger said...

get your email mayounger on Rav

Peg Younger said...

'Like' you on Facebook. mayounger on Rav

Peg Younger said...

belong on Rav group mayounger on Rav

Peg Younger said...

I have ordered from you :) mayounger on rav

Peg Younger said...

love your give aways mayounger on Rav

Jennifer said...

I love Mindie's Duffers! I've been looking for some slippers!
jwallace on rav

Jennifer said...

I joined your group on ravelry
jwallace on rav

Jennifer said...

I receive your newsletter
jwallace on rav

Jennifer said...

I liked sandrasingh.com on facebook
jwallace on rav

Unknown said...

The duffers are great.shihtzulover on rav

Starry Knits said...

Mindie Tallack's Duffers are just the thing for someone like me who hates to wear shoes in the house but needs to have warm footsies. Duffers would definitely convert me from a barefoot babe into a woolly wow! Lol! And no, I'm not kidding. Have also signed up for your Ravelry group, SandraSingh, and pinned the Duffers on Pinterest (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFiR1RwLn2k/USjVY89h0XI/AAAAAAABJeE/9w5cEkx0vbY/s1600/dufferrevisited1.JPG). Have completed the rest with the exception of writing on my blog, which is on temporary vacay, and ferrying, something I'm just not into that much. So, so, so looking forward to receiving my Duffers pattern and shone lovely yarn! Till then...

Debbi J said...

I love the Duffers pattern...they look like they'd be a fun knit.

I've also pinned the pattern on my Pinterest board.

Debbi J said...

Oh, and I also subscribe to your emails!

Anonymous said...

In love with the little duffers for my grand girls.
Sueysue on Ravelry

Karen9877 said...

I've never tried to felt, so the slippers look tempting! Can you felt with the new-fangled front loading machines?

lainie said...

I've never wanted to make footies, but these duffers revisited really look nice and I really want to give them a try. They are something I could see myself wearing around the house (and not wearing out my socks!). Thanks for the giveaway!

stashmuffin said...

Duffers are my favorite! This contest has pushed me to add you as a friend on fb! I posted the giveaway on my wall as well!
Thanks!

Tracey said...

Wow, I love Little Duffers! I have two granddaughters, 4 years old and almost 2 and they'd love them.

Ellen S. said...

Those duffers look like they'd be warm and toasty for sure!

Fiberholics said...

Love the Duffers and little Duffers.
I have a few feet in the family they could warm up.

Anonymous said...

Love the Duffers and already get your newsletter. Hope I win!

Patricia said...

I receive your newsletter and follow your blog. Duffers or little Duffers would be great fun to make

Leah said...

My fave pattern is the Duffers. I've made lots of felted slippers, and I've had my eye on this one for a few years.

winterlover on Rav

Leah said...

I am a member of your Rav group.

winterlover on Rav

Leah said...

I follow you on Twitter.

winterlover on Rav

Leah said...

I receive your newsletter.

winterlover on Rav

Leah said...

I follow your blog.

winterlover on Rav

Leah said...

I pinned Duffers here:
http://pinterest.com/mypaths/great-knit-patterns/

winterlover on Rav

Penni said...

I am a member of your Rav group and your friend on FB! I also follow your blog! I love the Duffers revisited! I have lots of little tooties to keep warm! Mindie Tallack is great and I just love how she remembers learning from her grandmother!

phlame said...

The Duffers certainly look warm and toasty...the would be fun to knit.

vintagetailor said...

I love the Duffers! I have them on my favorites list on Ravelry, but never got around to ordering the pattern - maybe I'll win it!
Vintagetailor

vintagetailor said...

I love the Duffers! I have them on my favorites list on Ravelry, but never got around to ordering the pattern. Maybe I'll win it!

Anonymous said...

the duffers are a favorite with all who have received. i have lost count of the number of pairs i have made

sparky136 said...

I follow your blog

Unknown said...

I love this Duffers pattern so far from Mindy Tallack. I'm in love with slippers and have been on a quest for the perfect slipper for a long time.