DW5 | Issue 14 by Design Wars Challenge

13 November 1

2013

This is probably the most exciting time in our Design Wars challenge, for our designers and our community! This week we publicly reveal all 10 of our designs for this challenge (p5-24), open a poll for our community to vote for and categorize these designs (p4), and we’ll be taking entries for our HUGE Red Heart Yarns prize pack GIVEAWAY (p28)! I’m working to include more special interest pieces in Design Wars, so this week Danyel Pink has put together a list of the ‘Top 6 Design Wars Patterns to Make and Gift this Christmas’! Find the article on page 25, complete with a coupon to purchase each suggested pattern! Crochet Alongs are a fun and social way for us hookers to unite! I usually call for submissions from fans that have used our DW yarn pick, or past DW patterns, but when I called for projects made with Red Heart Soft I had such an abundance of submissions that I decided to base our next crochet along with that yarn, instead of a particular pattern! You can read the details on this exciting new venture on page 29!

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For this challenge, I was inspired by combining primary colors with neutrals. I used red blue and yellow with charcoal and light grey heather for an awesome stripy yoke. The pattern is called Inline Pullover. The sample I made is for boys but it is a unisex pattern that would look awesome in girly colors too! The pattern will be available in sizes newborn to childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s size 10, plenty of sizes for all the cool kids in your life. This is so very easy to make! The stitch used is a very simple variation of hdc and comes out looking like alternating rows of knit and purl for a fabulous faux knit look.

For Design Wars 5 I created a "Reading Corner Mobile & Pillows Set". My idea was to create something colorful that would inspire kids to read. I also wanted to make something that would work in a room for a long period of time, not only for a nursery. I think the fans will love it because it is different, it is fun and it has a meaning. As far as colors go, I used as many as possible; I love colorful, but the design can be made in the colors of your choice to match whatever room you desire. I hope you love it as a much as I do!

For my design I opted to go gender neutral. Canvas shoes are all the rage these days, so my crochet version is modeled closely after this popular style. Now for the practical features. Intentionally thick stitching around the perimeter guards against protruding toes. This is also a no-sew project. And for the fiscally savvy, the pattern includes directions for boots! An optional color work cuff adds an extra dose of character to the shoes. This color work portion takes full advantage of the array of colors available in the Red Heart Soft line. When selecting yarn for this project I chose seasonal colors; muted for autumn and bright for winter. So start picking out your yarn now; the pattern will be released shortly, and will come in sizes baby to adult!

I love to design shawls and cowls. This wrap has the best of those two items in one! It looks like a beautiful triangle shawl which can be draped to your liking, but has two keyholes to close the shawl like a cowl so it won’t slip off. The combination of an oversized hook and a delicate knitlook stitch make this cowl light, drapy and very comfortable to wear. Once I started making examples I couldn’t stop and used a lot of different and preferably contrasting colors, the pattern comes with a lot of color inspiration varying from 2 contrasting colors to stripes or even a colourful patchwork design. The basic pattern provides three sizes: baby, child and adult! It is an easy pattern, suitable for advanced beginners and experienced crocheters too! I think this pattern represents anything I try to stand for as a designer; it’s beautiful, practical, different, customizable, wearable and I think you’ll love it!

This pattern is bound to be a favorite for many. All it takes is one skein of Red Heart Soft and a couple of hours to whip up these super easy mittens or slouch. It is one of those patterns that you can pick up in the middle and get right to it - no counting of rows necessary. A super easy beginner pattern that gives a wonderful and useful result. One of my design goals is to only make patterns that I myself really want to make and use for myself or my loved ones - good "basics" in any wardrobe. I love this set and can't wait to make them in many variations. This stitch is so easy but it might be tough for even crochet enthusiasts to see what stitch it is! It is in fact the wrong side of a common stitch the sc in blo - which also makes these reversible. Both the mittens and slouch are made in the round with no sewing, joining or stitch counts. Just simple measurements and decreases. Simple and fabulous mittens and slouch!

What is this pattern? It's a hat! It's for your head and I think it's pretty awesome and unique. I should show you the stack of swatches that I worked up trying to get this stitch pattern to work right, there's a stack, that's for sure. I wanted the pattern to look difficult but be easy for me to write up and easy for the crocheter to understand. I'm excited about this pattern because it totally rocks and my husband likes it (my biggest critic and supporter). It's got loads of texture and people might wonder if it's knitted.

I am blanket obsessed lately. But, hey, tis the season for snuggling, right?! What could be better than getting cozy under a warm blanket that reminds you of the charming flowers of warmer weather?! So let me introduce the Mariposa Throw. I named it this because of the single stemmed 3-petaled Mariposa Lily that grows on rocky slopes of the mountains of the West. Add a rainbow of colors and it cheers any space, but you could easily work it in shades that match your decor and suit your style. The rectangles might look challenging, but they are actually quite simple to construct, and the abundance of texture makes the flowers pop up like they have bloomed. The chevron-like arrangement of the motifs is pretty nifty, too! Color, texture, options, unique. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy.

Crochet this adorable princess quilt for your little princess! Perfect for afternoon naps, or works perfectly as a take-a-long play mat. Your little one will love snuggling under it or sitting on top of it. Sample quilt was made using Red Heart Soft aran weight yarn and crochet hook size I (5.5 mm).You'll also need a yarn needle for some assembly. Princess dress features a ruffled flounce and puffed sleeves. Pattern includes instructions to make everything shown in the photo, including: sunshine, cloud, flowers, stems, leaves. The quilt is finished with a simple shell edging.

As soon as I saw the color variety in the Red Heart Soft, I just knew I needed to design something that took full use of the wonderful rainbow available. This yarn is so soft and chunky that it just seemed so perfect for snuggly, warm slipper socks. Designed with pretty much everyone in mind, they come in 5 different sizes, ranging from child to adult, so the whole family can have a pair. The colors can easily be adjusted to meet the recipientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taste, especially with the wide variety of color choices available in this yarn. Inspired by my family, who are always in need of something to keep their toes warm, these quick to crochet accessories are worked toe up with an inbuilt heel and finished with the apache stitch on the cuff.

I've wanted to design a hooded cowl for a while now. I've always loved the elegance of cowls and being a person that dislikes the cold weather, the hood adds a delightful warming touch. The Serene Reflections Hooded Cowl represents the serenity of a calm river, a slight ripple reflecting the beauty around it. This cowl has a Crystalized twist on the rising popularity of the hooded cowls, an infinity cowl that can also be made with less length if no hood is preferred. The Serene Reflections Hooded Cowl has off set shells make this pattern flow throughout and drift around the face. This stitch combination is perfect for 3 colors, enhancing multiple wardrobe options for anyone over the age of one. Use subtle colors or bright colors, or even a rainbow of colors for an ocean of possibilities.

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Hello Design Wars Friends! Can you believe there are just 7 weeks left until Christmas? Have you started your holiday shopping? I've been working on some handmade gifts for my friends and family, because I truly believe that handmade gifts are more personal, come straight from the heart, and can be cherished for a lifetime. Not to mention that gifts made from yarn are so soft, colourful, and fun to make! So, I'm here to help you tackle YOUR shopping list with a little Design Wars inspiration! I have compiled a list of six awesome past Design Wars patterns that I believe will make fantastic gifts! Even the patterns themselves would make great gifts, too! Now you have 6 great new gift ideas in your arsenal. Good luck with your shopping lists & I wish all of you a very happy, HANDMADE Holiday season! Happy Crocheting! Love, Danyel :)

Danyel Pink (Above) has been part of Design Wars since it was founded, and was a challenger in in rounds 1-4. You may know her best as CrazySocks Designs, but Danyel is also an active member of my Pro Panel and is one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;voicesâ&#x20AC;? on our Design Wars fan page; always helpful, fun and interactive!

Glamour Gloves by Frayed Knot

Fingerless gloves are a great, personal gift. The texture of Jonna's Glamour Gloves is fabulous, and they're better than any gloves you can buy in a store. The pattern is "one size fits most", and can be made in any color! They'd be great for any girl or woman on your shopping list. I recommend Red Heart Shimmer (the yarn selection from DW1) because it has a subtle sparkle, which will make your friends say, "Wow!" Stop by Frayed Knot's shop between November 12th - 15th, and use coupon DWGIFT to get a copy!

Mountain Scarf by Design by Katie Hanken

You have to know SOMEONE that could use a scarf, right? Katie's Mountain Scarf is comfortable and casual, and can be wrapped around your loved ones' shoulders like a big, cozy shawl. You can get creative with the contrasting stripes and fringe to add a fun pop of color. I recommend Red Heart With Wool (the yarn selection from DW2) because it's thick and warm, which is what a good winter scarf SHOULD be! Stop by Design by Katie Hanken's shop between November 12th - 15th with coupon DWGIFT to get a copy!

Lola Slippers by Mamachee Slippers are essential for relaxing at home

in the cool winter months. Tara's Lola Slippers are a quick and enjoyable project. The pattern includes youth and adult sizes, and would make a great gift for any girl or woman on your gift-giving list. They're cute and cozy, and can be made with Red Heart Shimmer (the yarn selection from DW1), so they will keep your recipient's feet looking fabulous, too! Stop by Mamachee's shopbetween November 12th - 15th with coupon DWGIFT to get a copy!

Favorite Car Seat Blanket by Baca Creations

Need a quick and functional gift for a new baby or toddler in your family? Salena's Favorite Car Seat Blanket is made with double strands of baby weight yarn, so it's thick and cozy for little ones. It's an excellent gift for a new mom because she can strap it into the car seat or stroller, and the kids can't throw it on the floor or ground. The pattern includes 3 different sizes, and a matching hat! I recommend Anne Geddes Baby yarn (the yarn selection from DW4) because it's very soft and lightweight, and the colors are beautiful! Stop by Baca Creations' shop between November 12th - 15th, with coupon DWGIFT to get a copy!

Pretty Little Apron by CrazySocks Designs

Do the kiddos in your family love to help in the kitchen? My Pretty Little Apron pattern includes toddler and child sizes, and can be made in a wide variety of colors. It would be a delightful gift for the little ones on your shopping list this year! I recommend Red Heart's Creme de la Creme yarn (the yarn selection from DW3) for this project because it's a great kitchen cotton that's a joy to work with, and comes in an amazing array of color options. Stop by CrazySocks Designs' shop between November 12th - 15th, with coupon DWGIFT to snag a copy!

Simply Mad Throw by Mad Mad me

Everyone needs an afghan to curl up on the couch with. Charissa's Simply Mad Throw is a comfortable and colorful blanket made with 11 colors, so it's a great stash buster! Her pattern is detailed & a great project for these cool autumn evenings. The gradients and color changes will seriously impress anyone on your shopping list. I recommend double strands of the Anne Geddes Baby yarn (selection from DW4) because it's perfect for this cozy, colorful throw! Stop by Mad Mad me's shop between November 12th - 15th, with coupon DWGIFT to get a copy!

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