Friday 15 November 2013

In Print at Last!


Hi Everyone

Just a very quick, and belated, catch up. I have been working hard, behind the scenes, on new and old patterns and my plan is to renew, and rebrand, this blog shortly with the aim that I will blog weekly (snort!) and seriously follow my dream to turn my hobby into a business. 

I didn't mean to be absent for quite this long, and I must thank all of you who have sent me concerned messages of support.  I'm afraid that my beloved Dad died recently; it happened very suddenly and came completely out of the blue.  Because of this my rebranding plans have been set back a bit longer, but in this sad time I do have some exciting news to share - I have finally had a pattern published in a magazine!

I was asked ages ago to design an 'experienced make' granny square inspired by a flamingo.  Yes..  you read correctly...  a FLAMINGO!  The pattern was to accompany the free gift given away on the cover.  I must admit to not overflowing with flamingo inspired ideas at first, but after studying masses of flamingo images you would be amazed (and possibly appalled!) at the ideas that popped into my head.  The inspiration that shone through for me came from the way the flamingos curl their heads around their bodies to sleep and I knew the square needed to be based around a spiral, along with a round of shells to suggest some plumage.  I'm very pleased with it, and while it works as a square, I particularly like to not work the final row and instead of a granny square you have a fun flamingo inspired coaster - as in the picture above.



If you would like the pattern it is in issue 8 of Crafty Magazine (the current issue) and it comes along with the gorgeous cotton pink and grey yarn my sample was made from and a crochet hook.  Along with my pattern another 2 designers have also designed flamingo inspired squares, one is a beginner square and the other is an intermediate make.  Also the magazine is full of lots of other lovely makes and inspiration!

Another light in my life recently has been an addition to my family...


Sophie came home with me after a recent visit to an animal rescue shelter and she has been acquainting herself with most of my stash ever since!  I'll introduce her properly another time.

In the meantime, happy crafting!

Karen
xx

39 comments:

  1. Hi Karen - it's good to see you again. My condolences on the loss of your father.

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  2. so happy to hear from you!!!! Congratulations for your pattern and for your kitty!!!
    Sorry for the lost of your father.
    xxxxxxx Ale

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  3. So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Always a bit more difficult when it is sudden rather than after a long illness where it is to be expected. Looks like good things are happening to you at the moment to bring a smile to your face and joy to your days. Congrats on the pattern being published and gifted as part of the magazine. How wonderful! Kitty is precious and definitely will add happiness to your life. Best wishes, Tammy

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  4. I'm so sorry for your loss--and what a horrible time of year for it (not that any time of year is much better). I'm glad you have your magazine success to make you happy. Congratulations! :) And that kitten is adorable. What a sweet face.

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  5. Sorry to hear about your loss. Your pattern is very cute and your newest addition is adorable :) dont they all enjoy playing with yarny things :)

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  6. Miss this blog,sorry for the loss of your Dad.

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  7. Miss this blog,sorry for the loss of your Dad.

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  8. So sorry to hear about your loss... may your memories give you peace in time... congratulations on the pattern being published :)

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  9. Sorry for the loss of your Dad. I hope the good memories of him will give you some support.

    Weird after my first sentence, but congratulations. Your pattern published: a real succes!
    Nice to hear about your idea for your nice pattern.
    Wonderful start for your new carrier.

    Love, Margaret

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  10. Karen,
    So sorry to hear about your Dad. Life is always bittersweet, isn't it! Loss on one hand and a dream come true and gorgeous Sophie on the other! I was so excited to see a post from you, You have been missed! But I see you have been busy, busy, busy! Will look forward to hearing from you again, whenever you have time. Do you know if that magazine is available in the US? Love the swirl, it does remind me of their necks. Darlene

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  11. How exciting to have designed this pattern that is part of the magazine giveaway. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad passing away, Life is not easy is it?
    hugs to you,
    Meredith

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  12. Hello again Karen, I'm very happy to see you back blogging - I've missed you! I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad, such a very sad loss. It's very encouraging for you, especially at this time, to have your pattern published and in such a lovely way too - big congrats to you, you deserve to be recognised for the beautiful and clever work you do! A big welcome to Sophie, she is so beautiful and will be so lovely to have around - but watch out for that stash! I'll be looking forward to seeing more of your lovely posts when you're ready and wish you the very best with your business plans. Hugs, Joy x

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  13. Sorry about your Dad {hugs}
    love the coaster
    beautiful cat!

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  14. Hi Mrs Karen...nice to see back .....so sorry about your father.....God is always with us.In reference of you business....good luck.....you always working hard on your patterns and projects....gorgeous too.Best wishes and Happy Sunday !

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  15. Congratulations! I have a copy of that magazine but hadn't recognised your name.

    I'm so sorry to hear about your dad x

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  16. I am sorry to hear about your father. I lost my mother several years ago so I understand the pain ... I am glad to see you back however, and love your flamingo swirl (congratulations on publication!!) and the gorgeous pussycat.

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  17. So sorry to hear about your loss :(
    But I'm really really glad to see you back in action. I love reading your blog and specially your gorgeous pictures.
    Congratulations on your published pattern and all the best for your business plans!! :-)
    Lots of love,
    Ranjitha

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  18. I just started following your blog today, and had wanted to first off tell you I am so sorry for your loss of your father. That's very hard.
    Seems a bad time to say that I love your designs, and gorgeous colors used in your crochet, but I really do. My wishes for better times for you. Your crochet is very much deserving of publication! Congrats on that!

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  19. Great to see you back again. so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad, I know it must be very hard x

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  20. Aww, what a cutie pie. More pics please ;-)
    Esther.

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  21. Glad to see you back and blogging! What a beautiful kitty. Absolutely love that face.

    So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. /hug

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  22. Love your swirly style! Pinned:) Merry Christmas

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  23. Hi Karen I followed you quite a while ago and then lost you for some reason, found you again today thank goodness. I have my own blog which I started earlier this year and I hope you don't mind but I would like to put you down as one of my favourite blogs. Have a lovely Christmas
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    crochetknittingsewing.blogspot.com

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  24. Hello Karen....I've found you again....smashing!!!!

    Very sorry indeed to hear of your loss!

    Gorgeous colours and gorgeous swirl ......quite fetching! Congratulations too on your success and appearing in print. I'll look forward to browsing through your shop when you set it up.

    keep well

    Amanda :-)

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  25. I'm so happy to find your blog--I just adore "squares" ! Congratulations on being published, XOXO

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  26. sehr schön!
    Liebe Grüße,*Manja*

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