Ask and receive...

So "a pattern a week" is still on, and I am having a blast, but now is your chance to get involved... Here's the deal: suggest a pattern, if I make it you get a copy for FREE! You can suggest it here, or on Twitter (@dawntoussaint).

Rules and stuff:
Since multiple people may suggest the same thing, the first suggestor will get the pattern. And since there will only be one winner per pattern, make sure to take a look through the blogs and tweets to make an original suggestion (giving you the best chance of winning a pattern!) I'll announce all suggestions and winners here and on Twitter, and I'll contact you for email address or ravelry username to gift pattern.

Deal ends on July 31, so get thinkin' ;D
Thanks, Dawn.

UPDATES:
first pattern winner: Panda entered by Seelenfein (7/2)! Tilly the panda pattern now available on etsy

second pattern winner: Lamb entered by Mary Heather (7/9)! "Not enough good lamb patterns out there!" Thanks so much for your awesome suggestion ;D

third pattern winner: Basset hound pup entered by Simone (7/16)! I may have to take a few liberties with this one but I'm up for the challenge... thanks again for all the great suggestions ;D

fourth pattern winner: Lion entered by oOoCarinaoOo from twitter (7/23)! A few people submitted a lion suggestion, but oOoCarinaoOo was the first ;D

fifth (and final) pattern winner: Turtle entered by Brandi(and daughters)(7/31)! I hope all your girls will enjoy their very own turtle ;D

Well, that brings us to the end of this adventure! And I don't know about you all, but I had a great time hearing all your thoughts and suggestions... Be sure to come back and check out all the patterns when they're complete, and as always feel free to join the conversation!
Thanks again all ;D

Ami wants a new pair of shoes...

So it's been on my mind for a while, if my ami's can have removable sweaters, dresses, shorts, etc. then why not shoes? Well now they can! It took a little longer than I had hoped, but I've finally worked out the best shoe pattern for my ready to wear line. The first try you see here is for a custom order you can check out on my custom order blog... a casual sneaker for a recent grad. After some trimming and finishing touches I think it'll be a perfect match for her swim shorts and college t-shirt. I used a denim, backed with fusible interfacing and medium whale cord for the soles. The tongue and inside sole is lined with blue cotton, and hides all seams! This little pattern is so versatile, look forward to lots of variations. Pattern should be available in my etsy shop as early as next week!

New pattern: Lacy knit sweater seperate!

Looking for a new item in you ami wardrobe? Look no further, cause this week's pattern is a lovely knit cardigan fitting all the pretty amis in my ready to wear collection! This cute little number features a surprisingly simple lace pattern and one button closure. The body is knit on straight needles... and while I recommend the arms are knit onto the body using DPNs, they could be knit on straights, seamed and attached. You won't believe how quickly this knits up (I timed about 2 hours) so great for a last minute project, or a small distraction from a bigger project! Give it a try and let me know what you think ;D

Swatch it

If you're like me, gorgeous hand spun yarn makes you drool and you know you have to have it! Never mind the fact that you have no idea what to do with it once you get it home...

Well I don't have the answer to that, but I can tell you what I do first: swatches. I like to do one knit and one crochet(all my favorite stitches, and needles), and not only will this tell me how the color way works up, what size needles to use(gauge), but it gives me an idea of the feel(softness) and the drape(stiffness).

Some great local yarn shops have examples hanging up so you can get that info before your purchase, but when you buy online you don't get that opportunity! How great would it be if some of those fantastic yarn spinners and dyers provided that info... even better, pics of swatches they created!

Any way, if you are looking for some great yarn online here are some shops I frequent:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpinningWheelStudio
http://www.etsy.com/shop/blondechicken
http://www.knitpicks.com

yarn pictured above: Lei from SpinningWheelStudio.

New week, new pattern

Douglas the raccoon is ready for spring! The latest in my spring dumpling collection, this adorable scavenger would make a great addition to your fiber family. BTW: anyone out there interested in submitting a pattern idea? follow me on twitter (@dawntoussaint), tweet your suggestion, and if I make it I'll send you a copy for free!

Looking forward to hearing from you! ;D