Friday, December 31, 2010

Looking forward to 2011.

I am glad to see the last day of 2010. Although it hasn't been a bad year, things turned very badly this last week of 2010 for my family. I should have known. For the last few years, we have not been able to escape the holidays unscathed. I am determined to not let it get me down. Instead, I am going to relish the fact that tomorrow is a brand new year with a brand new start. I have many things to look forward to.

I am sure it has been obvious that I have been bitten by the designing bug. Ever since I published my first pattern, the ideas have not stopped coming. It has been interesting for me to see my myself grow into this new creative endeavor. I will tell you that I had a lot of self doubt in the beginning. I am a former jewelry designer and I don't have any background in knitwear design. What I do bring with me is my attention to detail, creativity and my love of knitting.

It has been gratifying to see the positive responses of my designs. It gives me great joy to see projects knit from my patterns being added to the Ravelry pattern pages. A lot of people have messaged me or emailed me about my patterns and I am touched that people are taking the time out of their day to offer some positive encouragement. In early December, Ariane (the blog author) and along with a bunch of my blog readers, messaged me that my shawl, Kouyou, was featured on What's Hot on Ravelry? in the Neck and Shoulder Wear category. It was exciting to be amongst so many talented designers.

While I was away during the Christmas Holiday, Knitscene's Hot List of 10 Designers to Watch in 2011 came out. I am on that list. You all should have seen my face when I read it. I was flabbergasted. Since Interweave has let the cat out of the bag first, I can now announce that I will be having a pattern published in one of their upcoming issues in 2011. That ball of green yarn is what I am knitting the sample with. And that is all that I am going to say about it for now. I have lots and lots of work ahead of me, but I am going to enjoy every minute of it. See you all in 2011!
Happy New Year!

20 comments:

LittleCanoe said...

Wow, Angela, I'm so excited for you! I had no idea. I cannot wait to see your pattern in the magazine, I'll definitely have to pick up a copy for myself. Congratulations on all the accomplishments, I look forward to watching you bloom as a knitwear designer. You're already so talented. Happy New Year!

LaBean said...

That is fantastic hearing what is going on with your design work! Congratulations!! Every day I'm seeing more and more of my fellow knitters out there getting published. It is an honor to be able to say, "I Know Her!"

Here's hoping 2011 is a GREAT year for you, knit-wise and personally! :)

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

I have a great big smile on my face reading all your exciting news. Congratulations and best of wishes on all your creative endeavors! It's good to find what you're good at and enjoy doing, isn't it? Happy New Year to you and yours. Love the pic of Melody!

Debbie T said...

How exciting, Angela!!! You do create some beautiful designs, that's for sure! I can't hardly wait to see what that green ball of yarn grows into, and for the magazine to come out. I'll definitely be watching for it.
Happy New Year!!!!

AtPlayWithFiber said...

Congrats!! Great news on being on that top 10 list.

Anna said...

Hey congratulations! I'm so happy to hear that you are getting recognition for your designs. Can't wait to see what you do in 2011!

CelticCastOn said...

Should I call you Miss Top Ten from now on? ;)
Congrats! I hope this year is a wonderful year for you. Can't wait to see your new designs!!

Sue said...

Congratulations on your new endeavour which seems very promising. I look forward to seeing your Interweave Knits design too. Happy New Year to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Really sorry to hear about the family. This time of year can be really rough on families. But congratulations A! I'm so excited and happy for you! I gave my mom the LaReine shawl while I was home. It was an early birthday present (her birthday's on Sunday) and she absolutely LOVED IT! She herself is a knitter and was fascinated by the ripple pattern and construction of the shawl. She was doubly impressed when I told her I knew the pattern designer. She said you must be very talented and you are. I can't wait to see what you dream up in 2011! Happy New Years!

Knitterella said...

Cheers to you! I'm happy to hear such wonderful news for your design adventures. You go girl!

I hope you and your family are doing well. I hope 2011 holds many wonderful things for you all!

Nettie said...

You deserve your success! I can remember us talking about this kind of stuff when we first met. Actually, it was BEFORE we even met, lol! Happy New Year!! And see you soon.

craftivore said...

Wow, wow, wow, that is awesome! Congratulations! Sorry about your family troubles. I hope that the new year brings you all health and happiness.

kim said...

That is awesome! Congratulations! I hope 2011 is kind to you and your family.

Hannah said...

Hope you had a wonderful holiday season, and are looking forward to an even better new year! Happy 2011, Angela!

Vicki Knitorious said...

That is wonderful. All the best to you and yours in 2011!!

hetty said...

Great news about being on that list! I will certainly watch out for you now. Best wishes to you and yours for 2011! Melody looks so grown up in your New Year's photo! But she is still adorable!

Jennie said...

Congratulations! Happy New Year, hope you have a great 2011 :)

joyce said...

How exciting!
Happy New Year to you and your family!

Miss Julep said...

Congratulations on the recognition, which you richly deserve, by the way!
Hope your family issues are smoothing out and I look forward to seeing your new designs. Happy 2011!

Kathy said...

Congratulations, I've loved your designs so far. i think jewelry designing has leant a structure to your knits that are sometimes lacking in shawls. I hope that the difficulties of the last of 2010 have passed and you're enjoying a happy new year.