January 2016 CAL using the Crochet Stitch from Round 8 of the Battle of the Stitches

Welcome to our first Battle of the Stitches CAL!  We are excited to invite you to work on a project along with all of our Round 8 Battle of the Stitches challengers.  We will be using the stitch that is being worked right now by 12 fantastic challengers.
This is a great way to learn a new stitch and then have a fun variety of projects to work up using this stitch when you're finished.

This Crochet-A-Long will be held for 9 days Beginning January 15th.  We will post 1 row of instructions each day so it will be easy to keep up.

You get to choose your project!
~Table Runner
~Placemat
~Rug 
~Afghan.  

You choose the size that you want to work. 
What you will need:
YARN!!! The great part about this is that YOU get to choose any 4ww yarn you prefer for this project and desired hook.
I am using Deborah Norville Everyday yarn and a size K hook for my project.

This is a VERY textured stitch and will look great in a single color or many.  Color changes will look best every 4 rows.
So take a few days to go through your yarn stash, decide which project you're going to work and find the perfect colors to start!
We'll be back on the 15th with the first set of instructions and hope to see you here!
-Kate

CAL has begun and is available here:
 http://battleofthestitches.blogspot.com/p/cal-for-battle-round-8-sttich.html

The Stitch, Sneak Peeks & Games, Oh My!!!

Are you as excited as I am to see the designs this round???  While it's not quite time to see what our challengers have designed, it is time for a peek at what they are working on!

Our theme for Round 4 is "Love is in the Air".  Our challengers have been tasked with choosing a type of love to focus on (romantic, family, pet, sibling, child, friend, etc) and design something that portrays that love.  As with every round of Battle of the Stitches, they were also given a stitch to focus on.  This stitch needs to be their main stitch.  Other stitches can definitely be used, but, they cannot overshadow the main stitch.  What stitch goes better with the love theme than the love knot?  :)

The love knot, or Solomon's Knot, is lacy and flowy...and intimidating.  It can be, anyway.  And, if you've ever searched the stitch, it's rare to find it used for much more than a shawl/wrap.  The wraps are beautiful, but, the purpose of Battle of the Stitches is to push the stitch, and ourselves as designers, outside the box and show that these stitches are versatile, and that a group of designers can work along side each other and use the same stitch and theme and come up with designs as unique as they each are.  The eBook for Round 4 will be released on New Year's Day and will include at least 14 patterns (from our challengers and a couple bonus patterns from our Admins) all using the love knot stitch, and a photo tutorial to show you how to make the love knot as it has been used for this round.

So, how about a little sneak peek at what our challengers have been up to?  Below, you will find their peek photos numbered 1-12.  Let's have a little fun for some nice prizes, shall we?  We have two games to play and two prizes up for grabs.  First, we want to know WHAT you think each design is.  And, second, we want to know WHO you think designed it.

Two people will be randomly selected as our winners.  Each will win a copy of the Battle of the Stitches: Round 4 eBook when it is released on January 1, 2015 (Happy New Year to you!).  The first winner chosen by random.org will receive the yarn winder pictured below.  The second randomly chosen winner will receive a copy of The Crochet Answer Book pictured below.  Awesome prizes, right?  I'd love to have either of these, myself!

And, don't forget to check out the Battle of the Stitches website for your chance to win one of several pattern kits being given away throughout Round 4 and beyond!

Now, on with the games! To enter, comment on this blog post.  Number from 1 to 12.  Next to each number, tell us what you think the design is and who you think designed it.  You have until the end of the day on December 21 to make your guesses (one entry per person).  Winners will be selected on December 22, 2014

Our Challengers:

Melanie Padron -
 3 Boys & A Ball of Yarn

Donna Knox - Articles of a Domestic Goddess

Sonya Blackstone - Blackstone Designs

Stacey Williams - Busting Stitches

Christine Norris - Chris~Cross~Crafts

Kate Wagstaff - Crafting Friends Designs

Rebecca Goldsmith - Desert Diamond Crochet

Lisa Egan - Pink Snail Boutique

Samantha Bagley - Silverdragon Crafts & Critters

Sheri Weber - The Country Willow

Jaqualyn Walker - The Crafty Geekette

Michelle Ferguson - Two Brothers Blankets

Are you ready? ... I Can't Hear You...ARE YOU READY??? Let's Get Ready To RUMBLE!!!!!

We Heard you that time!  We know you're ready and we are too!  So, let's start introducing our returning challengers who will be competing in Round 4 of the Battle of the Stitches.
 
In corner #1, we're bringing back the lovely miss Lisa from Pink Snail Boutique.  Lisa is fairly new to designing, but trust me, she can hold her own! She was thrown into the fire in Round 3 and did a fantastic job designing her Braided Cable Poncho. Hook in hand and yarn at her side, we know she'll bring her all!

Hi, My name is Lisa, the crafter behind Pink Snail Boutique.

This is my second battle round and I am so excited. I was a challenger in Round 3 and had just released my first paid pattern the month before. Now with a couple more designs under my belt I am ready to go.

Braided Cable Poncho by Pink Snail Boutique

I have been crocheting at least weekly for the past three years. Prior to that I mainly made blankets for family members. I started my business offically on Dec 20, 2011. It started mainly with custom orders and I have added some non-crochet items to my lineup as living in the deserts of California does not require a big need for scarves, beanies or gloves.  (We love seeing her bright and fun chunky necklaces too)

You can keep track of Lisa and the many adventures from Pink Snail Boutique on various social sites:

FaceBook

www.pinksnailboutique.com

Ravelry

Blog

Pinterest

Google +

Twitter

Etsy

Instagram

And in corner #2, we're bringing back our Fan's choice winner from Round 3 sporting her beautiful Chilly Cables Coatigan,  You've got it!  Sonya Blackstone of Blackstone Designs has her yarn wound up and hooks are still hot. 

Hey there! If you followed last round you remember me; I’m Sonya, owner of Blackstone Designs and the round 3 fan’s choice winner! I’m so glad to be back and I’m super excited for another fun challenge! 

I have been designing crochet patterns for two years and I just love it. When I’m not crocheting, you will find me doing some other type of craft! Right now, I am learning to knit and I can’t wait to see where this takes me! Living in Central Maine there isn’t much else to do. Luckily, I have crafty kids too, so it doubles as family time! Win-win!

Thanks for taking time to read a bit about me. Follow me on your favorite social media to keep up on all the latest news and offers.

Ravelry

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Pinterest

Google +

Etsy

Instagram

 Welcome back ladies!  We've got an awesome line up once again and will continue announcing challengers and judges, so make sure you are getting your notifications on the various social sites or stay tuned here so you don't miss out.  Tons of games and prizes are on the line!

 

 

 

 

 

Last, but not least, Challenger #12

Join us in welcoming Stacey of +Busting Stitches to Round 3!

Stacey is an Army wife and stay-at-home mom.  She has been crocheting and knitting for about three years.  In addition, she spins and dyes yarn.  Her goal, when designing, is to avoid having to sew things together.  Stacey enjoys crafting and spending time with her busy family.  We are quite anxious to see what she delivers for us this round!

You can follow Stacey here:

Blog

Facebook

Pinterest

Google +

Twitter

Instagram

Challenger #11 is ready for Battle

Amber of Knotted Notions is ready for the Battle to begin!

Amber has always loved to crochet.  Her children are her inspiration.  About a year ago, she began designing her own patterns.  She loves designing original things that are fun to make.  Amber's biggest goal is to publish her own books and see them being sold in stores.  With each new pattern, she gets closer to that goal.  We are excited to see what fun and original design she comes up with for Round 3!

You can follow Amber here:

Facebook

Pinterest

Up next is Challenger #9

Join us in welcoming Sonya of +Blackstone Designs  to Round 3!

Sonya began crocheting about 15 years ago.  She opened her crochet business in 2012 (then Beautiful Ducklings).  In January of this year, Sonya discovered that her true crochet passion was in designing.  She changed her business name and focus and began publishing her designs.  She's very excited for what the rest of the year brings!  What do you think her bright idea for Round 3 might be???



You can follow Sonya here:

Ravelry

Blog

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Google +

Welcome Challenger #8 to Round 3

We are very excited to welcome Lisa of +Pink Snail Boutique to Battle of the Stitches for Round 3!

 
Lisa is a lifetime crafter.  She learned to crochet while working the night shift right after she finished high school 25 years ago.  She has a family full of models and takes full advantage of them!  Lisa is the administrative assistant of Too Yarn Cute eMagazine.  She started testing for various designers about three years ago, and has recently released her first design.  We are very excited to see what fun and awesome thing Lisa comes up with for us this round!

You can find Lisa here:

Website

Facebook

Google +

Ravelry

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Challenger #7 is also joining us for the first time

Becky of Grammy's Creations is making her Battle of the Stitches debut this round! 






Though Becky's grandmother taught her to crochet about 40 years ago when she was a young girl, she has just started publishing her own patterns in the last year.  She is not a fan of seams in her work, but has realized that they are sometimes necessary.  Becky loves classic country, classic rock and classical music.  And she loves celebrating the success of those around her.

You can follow Becky here:

Ravelry

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Challenger #5, returning from Round 2

We are very excited to have Amy of Knit Pick ~n~ Crochet joining us for another round of Battle of the Stitches!

In Round 2, Amy designed the Heather Travel Bag & Blanket set.  We cannot wait to see what she has planned for this round!

Amy is an Army wife and stay-at-home-mom to two little ones.  She was taught the basics of crochet by her mother-in-law when she was pregnant with her three-year-old daughter and instantly fell in love.  Since, she has expanded her skills with the help of YouTube videos and pattern books.  While she does dabble in knitting here and there, her true passion is crochet.  She began designing patterns two years ago when she could not find a skirt pattern that was exactly what she was looking for, and she has been "hooked" since.  Like all great designers, Amy strives to improve her technique with each design she creates.

You can find more Knit Pick ~n~ Crochet designs here:

Ravelry

Facebook

Pinterest

Google+

Also returning for Round 3, we have Challenger #4

Welcome Amanda of +MNE Crafts back for another round of Battle of the Stitches!

Though Amanda just started crochet pattern designing earlier this year, she has been crocheting more than half of her life.  Crochet is her passion!  Since the release of her first pattern, she has published at least one pattern a week as well as a couple of eBooks.  Amanda's main design focus has been children's items, though she has started to include adult items as well.  Her favorite stitches are front and back post stitches.  In addition to crocheting, Amanda enjoys photography, reading, writing, and spending time with her family.

We can't wait to see what Amanda brings us in Round 3!  In Round 2, Amanda designed the Bermuda Pearl Mermaid Tail photo prop.

You can find more MNE Crafts designs here:

Website/Blog

Ravelry

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Pinterest

Round 3 Challenger #3, returning from Round 2

With hook and yarn in hand, Misty of  Misty Makes is ready for the Round 3 starting bell to ring!

Announcing the Return of Challenger #2

Round 3 is bound to be even bigger and better with the challengers who are returning and those who are new. 

Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Challenger #10 Reveal

Our final Reveal for the Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Crochet Challenge.  I'm kind of sad to see this last one posted, but I'm excited to look forward to another round with a new stitch challenge. 

Our Challenger #10 is Kimberlie from ShopKimberlie.  Kimberlie is a fun designer who puts her own unique style into various designs.  I had not known Kimberlie until she was suggested as a challenger for this round.  I'm happy she accepted the challenge!

Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Challenger #9 Reveal

Challenger # 9 from the Battle of the Stitches Round 1...  Can you believe we're almost through the reveals?

This Challenger is another super lady who I have seen in various crochet groups on FaceBook but didn't really know until now.  Hope is the talent behind the business Awe Stitch and I would love if you could go tell her what you think of her design using the Rocky Road crochet stitch.

 

Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Challenger #7 Reveal

Design #7 out of 10....Are you as impressed as I am?  10 Battle of the Stitches Challengers using the Rocky Road stitch with the Mother's Day theme.  Have you thought about what you will make for your mom, grandma or even yourself?

Our Challenger #7 is Tera from Trifles N Treasures. She chose to use Red Heart Gumdrop yarn (another one to add to my list) and I think it worked great!
Isn't it fun to see how the different yarns show the same stitch? 

Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Challenger #6 Reveal

This design is one of the most Genius ideas I've seen!  You will have to wait for the pattern to find out why - but seriously - Love it!

Our Challenger #6 for the Battle of the Stitches is Katy from KT and the Squid.

I have seen her work, but didn't really know her until she was suggested as a challenger.  I'm so glad she accepted the challenge and I'm sure you will agree - she has a fabulous design.
She chose to use Cotton Ease Seaspray & Stone for her design and they are "Calming" and "Relaxing" to me.  Very pretty!

Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Challenger #5 Reveal

I think you will agree - this is a beautiful design.  They all are and I'm so glad that I was not a judge in this Battle of the Stitches!  This is definitely on my list to make (ok, so I think I am adding 10 new designs to my list of projects)  and I know right where it is going.  My Great Grandma had a beautiful Serving table that is now my parent's.  This is the ONE thing that I Really want passed down to me. 

Challenger #5 is Rachel from The Country Hooker Designs. Rachel is just starting out in designing and I was happy to have her join the fun.

She chose to use Cotton Yarn for her project and I think it looks amazing. 

Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Challenger #4 Reveal

Our 4th Challenger in the Battle of the Stitches chose to use Red Heart's Unforgettable yarn.  Oh how pretty this is! Another yarn to add to my ever growing list :)

Schere is the face behind Schere's Crafty Crochet and her design is so pretty.  I can see this easily being made in a small size for a doll and a child size so that some cute little girls can have "Mommy and Me" shawls. Wouldn't it be fun to make some for moms and daughters for photos?

Battle of the Stitches Round 1 Challenger #3 Reveal

I'm ready to reveal the next design - Are you ready to see it?

Challenger #3 in the Battle of the Stitches was Ann from Glamour4You.

Ann is a designer that I have watched for a while and she amazes me.  Very unique and creative.
She chose to use Deborah Norville Yarn for her design and it's beautiful! It's a brand that I have not tried yet and it's now on my list.

The Battle is ON
The Designers are set

Their Hooks came out swinging

Their yarn they did get

The focus - One Stitch

The Theme - Mother's Day

Hold on to your seats!

There's more on the way...