I can't believe how much money we have raised for Hurricane Sandy relief in just one week. In this very short time, we have raised almost $800 with sales from my Caring Cowl knitting pattern! Though my fundraiser continues, I am donating this amount to the Red Cross now to help those in immediate need.

This fundraiser has far exceeded my expectations, and all due to my awesome fans here at KnitDarling.com. I never could have reached so many people without your help. Nice work guys; I really appreciate you!

There are many people still in need, so my fundraiser (as well as my giveaway) will continue until the end of the year. Check back for updates!

From now until the end of the year, I will donate all proceeds from my pattern, The Caring Cowl, to the Red Cross to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. In addition, if you help me spread the word, I will send you a free pattern of your choosing (any from my Rav Store). *details at the end.

[caption id="attachment1713" align="alignnone" width="580" caption="The Caring Cowl is a super quick fun knit that is perfect for gifting. The pattern is easy enough for beginners, but still manages to be entertaining, not to mention ultra hip!"]<a href="http://www.knitdarling.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Newcowlmedium2-KD.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1713 " title="Newcowlmedium2-KD" src="https://knitdarling.s3.amazonaws.com/attachments/367/blog/Newcowl_medium2-KD.jpg" />[/caption]

As you all know, I live in Brooklyn and work in Manhattan. The last week has been surreal. Last Sunday (one week ago) we were gathering supplies, and hoping for the best. The weathermen stopped using the cute nickname "Frankenstorm" and starting calling Hurricane Sandy the "storm of the century". I actually saw an Oklahoma "storm-chaser" on TV who traveled to NYC for what he thought would be a storm on the scale of Hurricane Katrina. People living in "Flood Zone A" areas were being asked to evacuate (just a few blocks away from our apartment). This was terrifying.

Honestly, my experience being in the hurricane was not that bad. Our lights flickered quite a bit, but I still managed to get a lot of knitting done. We lost television reception and internet, so we played board games and made up a new cocktail recipe. We stayed up late, and slept-in the next morning.

We faired pretty well in this neighborhood of Brooklyn, but it would be 3 more days before we made contact with my parents who live in lower Manhattan. I probably called them 100 times. I was sick with worry. Finally on Wednesday, they showed up on our doorstep, haggard and with all their luggage in tow. They had been in the dark for days, both literally and figuratively. We showed them all the devastating pictures coming in from Breezy Point and Atlantic City, and our hearts were broken, but at least we were together. They stayed with us until today, when their power was restored at their apartment.

Thanks to everyone for your kind words of support. Everything turned out okay for us, so it is now time to turn our compassion outward towards the folks who have really been affected.

** Please help me spread the word about my fundraiser! If you tweet, post on Facebook, or include a link to Caring Cowl or this post on your blog, I would love to send you a free pattern from my Ravelry Store. All you have to do is comment below with your pattern choice and include a link to your mention. Thanks again!

Interweave Knits just came out with a new ebook, and my Chivalry Mitts are on the cover! The ebook is a collection of 5 color-work patterns that would all make great gifts. It also includes an interesting article about color theory, where Beverly Roberts explains the concept of color blending, a technique that uses two different colors of yarn held together for interesting visual effects.

check out my paintings), and now work as a printed textile designer, so I think a lot about color. I haven't tried the technique of blending two colors of yarn, but I'm eying my stash right now getting ideas!

In fact, my Chivalry Mitts design was inspired by the colors of yarn I had in my stash. One time, I went a little nuts and ordered like 10 different colors of Knit Picks Palette yarn. I was trying to choose yarn for my Broccus Gloves design, and just kept hitting the "add to cart" button. When the order came, I lined up all the balls on my coffee table to see what two colors would work best. I remember how bright and cheerful that Caribbean Blue looked next the Raspberry Heather. Though it wasn't right for the design I was working on, I just knew I had to do something with that combo.

I was delighted to see that Interweave Knits chose my design for the cover of this ebook! This design was one of my first to be published. I submitted it in response to a call for entries for Knitscene Magazine. I remember being so nervous that my package wouldn't make it to Colorado by the due date. The design is customizable and includes an alphabet for you to fill-in what ever initials or symbols you want on the thumb gussets. I was afraid that the magazine wouldn't go for that kind of thing, but it was worth a try! I was over the moon when I found out it had been accepted to Interweave Knits Gifts Magazine!

The ebook is available for purchase on the Interweave Store. The Chivalry Mitts pattern is still also available for purchase individually here.

Aside from all my knitting shenanigans, I've been busy pouring my heart and soul into my own little start-up called CharitySub.org. We've grown steadily since our January launch, and are now giving away almost $2K every month, which feels awesome!

For those that don't know, the whole idea is that if everyone in our group gives just $5 each, collectively we can make a big impact for a charity that could really use a little extra help. We start over every month with a new cause, and 3 great organizations.

It's all possible through the power of "collective giving", so the more members we get, the bigger our impact can be. This month, I'm making a big push to grow our membership base, and I'd like you all to sign up!

Check out this fun stop-motion video I made with my animator buddy, Jake Armstrong:

If you're not sure that you can afford $60 a year, I understand, but before you decide let me sell you on it a little more:

1. It's a little tiny, totally hassle-free and easy thing that makes you feel really good every month.
2. You can pick which charity gets 100% of your donation, or if you're too busy, we will divide it up among the three.
3. You'll get to learn about 12 important causes, and 36 awesome organizations every year, (and we won't give out your email address to anyone)

PLUS, If you sign-up and comment on this post with your member number, I'll send you a free pattern of your choice from my Ravelry Store!

So go ahead and sign-up! It's so easy to make a big difference. AND I would love you forever.

My very talented and adorable seamstress friend, Chris Bobin, just got back from a trip to England. While she was there she visited the Imperial War Museum and picked up these interesting post card versions of old wartime prints asking women to lend a hand.

Chris gave me the one on the left, and she kept the one on the right (appropriately).  Don't you just love the little button feet and the thimble hat on that guy? And that tangle of yarn is a sight I'm pretty familiar with.

They are both a really interesting look into England's dramatic WWII history. They are so lighthearted and whimsical. It's hard to imagine how terrifying those times must have really been.

Just a quick note today, because I have really big news. I just signed a book contract with Interweave Press! My book is scheduled for release in the fall of 2014, and will be a collection of about 20 all new garments and accessory designs. I'm so excited!

My husband snapped a pic of me signing the contract. There's nothing like legal forms and champagne!

Unfortunately for my blog, I am unable to talk much about the new designs until the book is released. I'm going to try to make up for it though, with a new series of blog posts that I'm calling "5 Things". With each post, I'll talk about 5 things you should know about a variety of knitting topics and techniques. Also, to keep things lively, I am inviting some guest bloggers to contribute some very special posts (I'm looking at you, Mom!)

My newest design, The Reine Cardigan, was just released in Brooklyn Tweed's third Wool People Collection! Yay!

The design has a classic silhouette and interesting details. I used Brooklyn Tweed's Loft, which is a fingering weight yarn, at a larger gauge to make the cardigan light and airy - perfect for summer.

The design features a reversible cable edging, slanted patch pockets, and garter stitch details. The main part of the cardigan is knitted in one flat piece from the bottom up, then the sleeves are worked circularly from the top down. There is one seam that runs across the back of the shoulder which adds structure, preventing the shoulders from sagging. (more details & pictures here)

My goal with this design was to make a really wearable cardigan. The challenge is that wearable can often mean ordinary. I used special details like a reversible cable edging, slanted patch pockets, and garter stitch stripes to bring this design to the next level.

I originally submitted this design along, with a couple of others, when I was invited to contribute to Wool People Volume 2. Brooklyn Tweed decided to use my Arrowhead Mittens for that collection, but asked me to hold the other two designs to potentially use in their upcoming WP3. It's hard to just sit on designs without commitment, but Reine was just so perfect for BT's new Loft yarn, that I was happy to wait. I ended up developing the third design submission for an upcoming book. I'll have more on that later!

It's always hard putting my samples in the mail, but this one was particularly difficult to let go of. Reine is such a delightful thing to wear. It goes with almost everything and it's sure to be in heavy wardrobe rotation, just as soon as I get my sample back. Here's a cool picture from BT's blog showing two ways to wear the cardigan (with positive or negative ease).

It was such an honor being asked to contribute a third time to BT's Wool People collection. Of the three, this is definitely my favorite. I'd love to hear what you all think too, so please leave a comment below!

I'm so excited because my latest pattern, God's Eye Mitts, was just released in the new special accessories issue of Knitscene Magazine. The design features a funky asymmetrical diamond color-work motif, a cute little button tab, and striped garter stitch edging.

I feel like I made these FOREVER ago. I sent them off to Knitscene way back in December. Now, in the heat of the summer, they seem a little funny. I know I'm really going to love these come fall, though. Last year, I wore my Canyon Mitts all through fall, my Juris Mitts on the coldest days of winter, and my Mrs. Myrtle Mitts through the spring. I still occasionally wear a pair of mitts in my freezing cold office!

The diamond pattern reminded me of the god's eyes I used to make when I was a kid. That craft project was probably my first introduction to yarn, so God's Eye seemed an appropriate title, especially knowing the mythology around the symbol.

For the Huichol peoples of western Mexico, the God's Eye is symbolic of the power of seeing and understanding that which is unknown and unknowable, The Mystery. -Wikipedia

I'd love to hear what you all think about this new design. Drop me a note in the comments section below!

Check out the God's Eye Mitts pattern page here on Knit Darling for more info.

I just was over at Knitting Babes checking out some old posts, and I stumbled upon this amazing song that I thought we all could enjoy!

HILLARIOUS

Sweaters aren't really what they used to be, I guess. It might be less to do with the sweater, and more to do with the undergarments. Thoughts?

My knitting blog and designer buddy, Allyson Dykhuizen, just published the inaugural issue of her highly anticipated and novel subscription ebook: Holla Knits. Allyson's design sense is right in line with my own so I jumped at the opportunity to review the collection. An $18 subscription will get you 4 issues, each with 6 patterns from various independent designers. Brilliant, and ambitious, I know!

This first ebook has a great quirky attitude featuring summery designs with contemporary silhouettes and funky graphic design. Holla Knit's 39 full color pages are filled with great photography, designer bios, and of course beautifully laid out patterns for the young hip knitter in us all. Check below for details about the awesome giveaway that I've arranged with Allyson.

1. Umbre Lovre: Design by Allyson Dykhuizen
When I first laid eyes on this off the shoulder design, I thought, now here's something I'd love to knit! It features so many of my favorite thing: STRIPES! The design also features a current silhouette that isn't featured much in magazines or books, and isn't overly fussy with unnecessary details. Despite the seemingly simple construction of this summery top, there's a lot to hold a knitters interest here. Also, using FOUR colors, you could really have some fun at the yarn shop! What colors would you choose?

2. Romp Around the Clock: Design by Lilith Ubbelohde
This is such an awesome and unusual piece. The strapless romper design has a lot of interest around the hips adding sweet feminine detailing to an area that some of us might otherwise be a little shy about. I would definitely rock one of these rompers in the spring time in Brooklyn! I love it with a blazer, but I'd also wear a long necklace or maybe a belt slung around the hips. How would you wear it?

3. Put a Belt On It: Design by Allyson Dykhuizen
This might be my favorite design in the collection. I've been dreaming of knitting a vest for like 2 years, but just haven't gotten it together to do so. This design has a lot going on: cable panels on the back add interest, and I'm always a sucker for multi-directional knitting. Allyson put together a great video where you can see the design in action on two different models.

(Check out the videos for each design on the Holla Knits individual pattern pages)

4. Finishing School: Design by Katie Canavan
Finishing School is a sleeveless top with tailored details and a retro feel. Reminiscent of the collar on a US Navy uniform, the striking lines on this top make this an eye catching project that is sure to turn heads. I love the curved hem and contrasting colored details. It has a really interesting construction, knitted from the front hem, up over the shoulders, and worked back down to the back hem. Wouldn't this be a super cute trendy summer shirt in mint green with navy details?

5. In a While Crocodile: Design by Allyson Dykhuizen
This is a great basic raglan style tee with some interesting crocheted details on the sleeves that add depth and texture to this otherwise simple garment. The design features knitted hems, waist shaping, and delicate purl stripes on the sleeves. This a great base pattern with so many possibilities for further embellishment. For instance, wouldn't it be adorable with a button tab at the collar, or in a tunic length, or in stripes? What would you add to this pattern to make it your own?

6. Holla Back Tank: Design by Emma Welford.
It's another clean simple garment from the front, but turn around and surprise, LACE! What a super functional piece for the summer months.  It's hard to believe that this is the first garment pattern from this new designer. I'm excited to see what Emma comes up with next!

Get a subscription (a steal at $18/year) or the individual patterns ($6 per) at the Holla Knits shop now.

Wait, there's GIVEAWAY too!
Tell me which is your favorite design from the Holla Knits collection in the comments section of this post, for your chance to win that pattern. But WAIT, there's MORE! If you tweet about your favorite pattern @alexiswinslow and @sweatshopoflove you'll be entered too. So don't be shy; I love to hear what you think!

CONTEST ENDS ON MONDAY, APRIL 30th