MinKnit's Blog

Buy 1, Get 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:44:00 +0000

From now until June 30, 2012, I am offering a buy 1 get 1 free pattern sale.
If you purchase the ZigZag Stole, Bri Bag, or Linda Butterfly Socks from the Knit Picks website for $1.99, I will send you a coupon code for any MinKnit Designs single pattern on my website for FREE.

Simply:
* Go to the KnitPicks.com website
* Purchase either the ZigZag Stole, Bri Bag, or Linda Butterfly Socks patterns for $1.99
* ***Forward a copy of the confirmation email that you receive from Knit Picks to minknit@me.com***

Receive:
* A coupon code for a free single pattern from the MinKnit Designs collection.
* The coupon code for the free pattern will be sent to the email address that the Knit Picks email confirmation is forwarded from.
* Each pattern purchase will qualify the buyer for a separate free code. (e.g. purchase 3 of the listed patterns, receive 3 coupon codes)

*Special Offer Guidelines:*
1. Qualifying pattern must be purchased from the Knit Picks website.
2. Only the patterns listed above will be valid for the free coupon code.

Starburst Pi Shawl

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:19:00 +0000

This is my first time knitting and designing a pi shawl, and I must say, it was so much fun! I've decided to share my pattern here. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Starburst Pi

Size: 30" diameter
Gauge: 6 stitches/8 rows in 1" stockinette

Needle: Size US 6(4 mm)
Yarn: 460-500 yds. fingering weight

All abbreviations can be found here: Abbreviations and Symbols

Beginning:
Cast-on 9 stitches
Join for knitting in the round

Section 1:
Row 1: knit
Row 2: *yo, k1 *repeat for entire round (18 stitches)
Row 3: knit
Row 4: *yo, k2tog *repeat
Row 5: knit

Section 2:
Row 6: *yo, k1 *repeat (36 stitches)
Row 7-8: knit
Row 9:: *yo, k2tog *repeat
Rows 10-12: knit

Section 3:
Row 13: *yo, k1 *repeat (72 stitches)
Rows 14-16: knit
Row 17: *yo, k2tog *repeat
Rows 18-20: knit
Row 21: *yo, k2tog *repeat
Rows 22-25: knit

Section 4:
Row 26: *yo, k1 *repeat (144 stitches)
Rows 27-30: knit
Row 31: *k2, yo, ssk, k5 *repeat
Row 32: knit
Row 33: *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k4 *repeat
Row 34: knit
Row 35: *k2, yo, ssk, k5 *repeat
Rows 36-40: knit
Row 41: *k4, k2, yo, ssk, k1 *repeat
Row 42: knit
Row 43: *k4, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk *repeat
Row 44: knit
Row 45: *k4, k2, yo, ssk, k1 *repeat
Rows 46-50: knit

Section 5:
Row 51: *yo, k1 *repeat (288 stitches)
Rows 52-57: knit
Row 58: *k2, yo, ssk, k5 *repeat
Row 59: knit
Row 60: *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k4 *repeat
Row 61: knit
Row 62: *k2, yo, ssk, k5 *repeat
Rows 63-67: knit
Row 68: *k4, k2, yo, ssk, k1 *repeat
Row 69: knit
Row 70: *k4, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk *repeat
Row 71: knit
Row 72: *k4, k2, yo, ssk, k1 *repeat
Row 73-78: knit
Row 79: *k2, yo, ssk, k5 *repeat
Row 80: knit
Row 81: *k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k4 *repeat
Row 82: knit
Row 83: *k2, yo, ssk, k5, *repeat
Rows 84-88: knit
Row 89: *k4, k2, yo, ssk, k1 *repeat
Row 90: knit
Row 91: *k4, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk *repeat
Row 92: knit
Row 93: *k4, k2, yo, ssk, k1 *repeat
Rows 94-99: knit

Edging:
Row 100: *yo, k1 *repeat (576 stitches)
Row 101: knit
Row 102: *k2tog, yo *repeat
Row 103: knit
Row 104: *k2tog, yo *repeat
Row 105: knit
Row 106: *k2tog, yo *repeat
Row 107: knit
Row 108: *k2tog, yo *repeat
Row 109: knit
Row 110: *k2tog, yo *repeat
Row 111: knit
Row 112: *k2tog, yo *repeat
Row 113: knit

Finishing:
Row 114: purl
Row 115: Bind-off
Weave in Ends.

Happy Knitting,

Are You A Savvy Girl Listener?

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:29:00 +0000

Have you found the great world of knitting podcasts yet? There are a ton of them available on iTunes. Over the next few posts, I will share some of my favorites with you and please... if you have some faves, let us know in the comments!

The first that I would like to share with you is the Savvy Girls Podcast. Their tag line: "Sisters Melanie and Deborah take a playful and thoughtful look at knitting and travel."
This is one of my favorite podcasts.

Melanie and Deborah are often on the road in exotic locations and record their adventures as they are happening. They SO make me want to travel! They are funny and very entertaining. The knitting content isn't always on the forefront, but it is usually mentioned in every episode. At school, I will often put in headphones (when I am not working with the kids) to listen to their latest recording and I have gotten a few weird looks as I am laughing from listening while the other people in the room can't tell that I have in an earbud.

Way before I was a listener to any of the podcasts, SavvyGirlDeborah (as she is known on ravelry) test knit my second ever design, and even mentioned it in the podcast. Now that I do listen, I have kind of "fangirl" moments like, "hey I know her!" even though I totally don't. But I do totally wish I could go on a trip with these sisters. They sound like they have a lot of fun and they don't do the normal "touristy" stuff but really experience each place they visit as the locals would.

Please take a moment and give them a listen, it will really be worth your time.

Happy Listening,

A Week "Off Work"...

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 13:13:00 +0000

Since I work for the local school, I've had the whole Thanksgiving week off work - a little vacation. Actually it's been 9 whole days! It's been a nice time to focus on the business side of my knitting which is why "off work" is in quotes in my title.

In the past week, I've been able to write a new pattern, knit two samples, re-design my website, update quite a few patterns, put together a pattern binder to show to prospective wholesale buyers, and take my first order for print patterns in my local yarn store.

I'm almost sad to go back to "real" work tomorrow except that I do miss the kids. It's been nice to be able to spend quality time on my knitting.

If you read my blog in a reader, please hop on over to my website and check it out. I'm very happy with the way it turned out.

Please also add the MinKnit News feed to your reader. I will use this blog for more personal knitting things like what I'm working on, patterns that I've seen that I like, and reviews about supplies that I'm using. All of my new release pattern announcements and knit-a-longs and other MinKnit Designs related information will be shared on the MinKnit News feed.

PS... Stay tuned to the MinKnit News feed or MinKnit.com homepage for my next pattern release - a quick knit for a last minute gift! Released tomorrow...

My First Magazine Pattern!

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Wed, 04 May 2011 22:05:00 +0000

The latest issue of Knit Magazine (formerly Yarn Forward) includes my newest pattern. It is the June issue, 37. I'm so excited! It's my first "professionally published in a print magazine" pattern.

Introducing the Lattice Scarf...

A digital copy of the magazine can be purchased here:

The printed version of the magazine can be purchased at your local Barnes and Noble bookstores.

Happy Knitting,

New YouTube Channel

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:47:00 +0000

I've been thinking for a while about recording mini videos with knitting tips, techniques, and stitches. But that is all that it had been... just a thought. My latest KAL pattern gave me the kick that I needed to go ahead and do it.

The MistleToes pattern requires a special, uncommon, cute stitch that takes a few instruction read throughs to get the hang of, so I took it as the perfect opportunity to start a MinKnit Designs YouTube channel.

If you have any knitting related suggestions for new videos, I'd love to hear them. Just please leave me a comment.

Happy Knitting,

Spring Break Sale!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:46:00 +0000

With spring break happening this week, (at least in my neck of the woods), I figured that there might be some extra knitting time coming up, so...

I would like to offer a special sale on my individual patterns (collections are not included).

The offer is: buy 2 patterns, get 1 free. Simply place all three patterns in your shopping cart and enter the coupon code SPRINGBREAK. The least expensive pattern price will then be deducted from your total.

Happy Knitting,

A Matching Tam

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 02:50:00 +0000

In the last blog post, I mentioned our group's first successful KAL of the Gracious Mittens. March brings our newest KAL - a matching beret style hat.

If you're a member of ravelry, we'd love to have you join us in this KAL.

Happy Knitting,

Lots of Knitting

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 01:27:00 +0000

I've had lots of knitting going on around here lately and I've been forgetting to update it here. :) I'm sorry about that.

First, my ravelry group is going nice and strong with well over 600 members already. We've completed our first successful Knit-a-Long of a new pattern that I will show you in just a bit, and we are already on our second KAL. If you're a member of ravelry, we'd love to have you join us too.

Our first KAL pattern was a set of fingerless mittens. I'm super happy with the way these turned out. Introducing my Gracious Mittens...

My baby hats have also been added to the Knit Picks website, which I'm super excited about! They can now be found here as well as on ravelry.

Finally, we are on our 2nd KAL in the ravelry group - my first triangular shawl design! Please meet Ahava... which means "love" in Hebrew. (It is February after all).

And just for being a faithful reader and sticking with this post all the way to the end... Until February 28, please enjoy 20% off your entire "ravelry download" pattern purchases by entering the coupon code "blog" in the shopping cart.

Happy Knitting,

Two New Baby Hats

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 20:28:00 +0000

Thank you again to baby Makayla! Such a cutie. :)

Puppy Prints

Bubbles

Happy Knitting,

Miami Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:52:00 +0000

Patterned after the historic Colony Point Hotel on Miami Beach, you can see the details of the art deco 1930’s style architecture right on your hands – from the horizontal dividers, to the center column, and right down to the windows And to be truly Miami – knit these mittens in the bright, beautiful, fun pinks, greens, blues or yellows of the art deco era.

Happy Knitting,

Chosen

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:52:00 +0000

Presenting my first baby design...

The raised purl hearts and x’s and o’s cabling of this hat is a perfect way to show off the love for a newborn baby. The name speaks of the decision to bring that beautiful baby into your life, whether by birth or by adoption – your little one was chosen.

The beautiful baby girl in the picture is my friends', Peter and Julie, baby Makayla. Isn't she a doll?

Happy Knitting,

What a month...

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 04:14:00 +0000

Last blog post I told you about my new job at Joanns. Well, guess what... that didn't last very long. I liked working there and Joanns is a great company, but it just didn't fit in with my family schedule and I found that I could pick up extra hours at school. So that was that. :)

On the puppy front... drum roll please...

She is almost completely walking again now!

Her vet has been AMAZING. Misty does 3 days of physical therapy each week which includes exercises, walking on a doggie water treadmill, cold packs, and electric stim with acupuncture. I can't believe it has been less than two weeks since she "went down" and she is already almost walking 100% of the time again.

I took this video a few days ago, and she has improved even more since then.

And knitting...

I finished my magazine sample knit and got that off in the mail, but it's still hush, hush. As soon as I can, I will post it here. I really am happy with the way it turned out.

I also just finished 3 baby hats and am now working on a baby sleep sack. I've been so busy with baby items that I keep having dreams that I have another little baby at home! Those patterns will be out shortly.

Today's new release is a kitchen set ~ 2 hanging dishtowels and 3 dishcloths. I designed these for my mom as a housewarming/birthday gift. The best part of the pattern... it's FREE! Enjoy!

Happy Knitting,

Still Here

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:54:00 +0000

I haven't abandoned you, I promise. You've been on my mind alot and I've been meaning to write, but life is a bit crazy right now.

I've started working at JoAnns which I really love, but I almost have to close my eyes while I'm working to keep from spending up my paycheck before I get out of the store. :)

On the knitting front, my knitting time has been decreased a bit because of my new job, but I have been furiously knitting away on two projects that I, unfortunately, can't share yet because they are for publication. As soon as I am allowed, I will post pictures.

I also have some baby projects in the works. I will be designing, knitting, and posting those in about a week, so please keep your eye out for those.

On a more serious note, our mini-doxie, Misty, "went down", as they say, on Tuesday. Without warning or prior health concerns, she ruptured a disk in her back and became paralyzed in her hind legs and lost all feeling of what they call "deep pain sensation". (Basically, they practically tried to break one of her little toes off and she didn't react or feel anything at all.) We opted out of surgery - first because there was only about a 30% - 50% chance of recovery and second because it was $5000 that we just don't have.

We took her straight to a vet who is a physical therapist. Let me just say, we may have found the absolute best, kindest hearted, caring vet in the whole world. Misty spent the first 24 hours of care receiving some massive amounts of steroids to minimize the swelling and immediately started exercises to help her regain nerve feeling and muscle movement in her hind quarters. By the time we picked her up the first day, she was able to feel the deep pain again and stand for a few seconds without help - which is nothing short of a miracle, because when we took her in, she couldn't even sit without falling over.

She gets to go to "doggie daycare" everyday now while we are at work. They will continue to give her meds and work with her to regain what she has lost.

Here is what she looked like this morning while we were waiting to go to rehab...

Now, if I could just learn to pick her up the right way so as not to cause a fountain of pee...

Happy Knitting,

A Post-Holidays Knit-A-Long

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 14:21:00 +0000

As mentioned in my ravelry group, I will be hosting a knit-a-long in January. This will be a perfect opportunity to take a little time and knit something for yourself after all the knitting that you did for holiday gifts. :)

Here's where you get to voice your opinion...

We are voting for two different things.

First, I'd like to know if you would like the kal to be a mystery style where there will be no posted photos or descriptions of the completed project and one clue is released each week until the project is finished or would you like it to be "regular" style where pictures and descriptions are released and the pattern is received all at once.

The second thing we are voting on is the type of project that you would like to knit. The choices are: triangular shawl, stole, socks, hat, fingerless mittens, or a bag.

Voting will close on November 30 and I will post what supplies will be needed soon after. Please leave your votes in the comments.

Happy Knitting,

Oh and PS... the pattern will be free to group members but will be released as paid for non-group members, so if you'd like the "discount", make sure that you join our ravelry group!

New Ravelry Group

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:04:00 +0000

For those of you who are members of ravelry, I have just started a group for my designs. You can join by clicking here: MinKnit Designs Ravelry Group

I am having a vote right now for a knit-a-long (KAL) that we will be having in January. I'd love for you to cast your vote about the method and type of KAL.

I will also be using this group to conduct test knitting for my patterns before they are released. So if you'd like to be the first to get my newest designs, this would be the place.

If you have any other suggestions about things that you'd like to see in the group, please let me know. I'm always looking for ideas.

See you there!

Happy Knitting,

How to Deal with Stress

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:04:00 +0000

When the world around both of you is caving in and the pressures of life are weighing heavy and the changes are coming fast, knit with extra thick yarn and super-strong stitches and don't forget your Lifeline.

"But here is how things are for those who belong to the Lord. The woman is not independent of the man. And the man in not independent of the woman. The woman came from the man, and the man is born from the woman. But everything comes from God."
~ 1 Corinthians 11:11-12

"A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
~ Ephesians 4:12

Happy Marriage,

Revealed!

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 00:56:00 +0000

It's a new bag!

Introducing the Bowknot Bag...

The Bowknot Bag is a cross-body sling purse that is perfect for keeping all of a girl’s necessities right at her fingertips.

The cute design wraps around both the front and the back of the bag and is simply made using knit, purl, and slipped stitches. It is easy enough for an advanced beginner, yet interesting enough to keep even an experienced knitter engaged.

The bag is knit in the round in one piece leaving only the strap to be grafted on which means – no seaming!

The ravelry pattern page can be found here, or purchased by clicking the link below.

Happy Knitting,

A Cravat

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:36:00 +0000

I have been knitting my little fingers off lately, but a lot of my newest designs have to be a secret.... ssshhhhh..... It's just one of the conditions of submitting to the various publications. They will usually only accept submissions that have not been viewed anywhere on the internet. I currently have 6 of these designs sitting around.

But...

I do have 2 new designs that I am self-publishing, so I will be releasing those right here over the next couple of days.

I am also working on my first cardigan. I've shied away from making an actual wearable sweater because I can't imagine putting all of that time and work into something and then not having it fit, but it's time.

Today's release is available at Knit Picks

Cravat: a scarf of silk or fine wool, worn round the neck, esp by men
- Dictionary.com

This is my Crosshatch Cravat

The crosshatch stitch used on this neckwear makes a nice thick fabric that is perfect for cooler weather. Knit in cravat or scarf length it’s sure to keep the wearer warm all winter.

I used Knit Picks Capra yarn and I love it! It is a dk weight, 85% merino wool (my favorite wool)/15% cashmere blend. It is soft, comfy, and warm. If my sweater knitting proves successful, I am definitely going to have to knit myself one out of this yarn eventually.

Happy Knitting,

Coming Soon...

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:07:00 +0000

hmmm.... I wonder what it could be?

Happy Knitting,

Introducing...

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:19:00 +0000

the Ladders of Success Cap

You can find it here on the Knit Picks website along with the great yarn that I used.

And don't forget about the Ravelry page!

Happy Knitting,

Coming Soon...

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 01:28:00 +0000

I have quite a few new patterns in the works, but they are all out to be submitted to publications (both in print and online) ~ which means I have to be hush, hush about them, but I can show you this one.

This Ladders of Success Hat was inspired by my nephew. It will be released soon on the Knit Picks website.

Happy Knitting,

On The Web...

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:41:00 +0000

While this website is my main home on the internet, there are also a few other places that you can find me...

How about ravlery? Have you heard of this site yet? If you are a knitter, crocheter, or spinner you have to check it out. It is an entire online community of crafters from around the world ~ seriously, there are members on ravelry from every continent (even Antarctica!) You can find my designer page here, and I would love to add you as a friend also.

Many of my patterns are available through the Knit Picks website. I am very excited to be a part of their Independent Designer Program. I love their knitting needles and their yarn ~ great products at great prices! My pattern page is here.

I'm on the Twitter too ~ as MinKnit, of course. There are some knitting tweets, but also lots of tweets about all the funny things my students say.

And finally introducing my brand new Facebook Fan Page. I hope you "like" it! :)

I have a few designs in the works as well. They will be coming out within the next week, so stay tuned!

Happy Knitting,

I'm Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:06:00 +0000

Welcome to the re-launch of my little corner of the web!

This will be the place where you will be able to find all of the new and exciting news about me, my life, and MinKnit Designs.

All of the previous posts and information are still here too... just look to the links on the right hand side.

Please feel free to take a look around. You will be able to find links to my patterns, my Ravelry page, my Twitter account, and coming soon... my Facebook fan page. Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Knitting,

My First Design

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:51:00 +0000

10 days on the needles and all night on the computer getting it written up and I think it is ready.

I designed, knitted, and wrote my very own pattern. I am now on the final step... finding some test knitters. If you're interested, please just leave me a comment with your email and I will be in touch with you.