Cocoon
Happy Labor Day! To celebrate, I’m going to give away 10 free copies (and maybe a couple more if I find some particularly clever posts) of my new pattern, Cocoon. Read on for details.
The initial concept for Cocoon came about about 2 years ago, when my stepmom requested a stole in some dark blue colors. So, I set forth to design a stole for her and I hand-painted a cashmere/merino yarn in some dark blues. In the end, I loved the stole and the design, but I felt that the hand-painted colors really did not show off the details very well. I also wanted to alter the design a bit and really incorporate more transitions and patterns in the stole to truly embody the idea of a the life of an insect (such as a butterfly) from cocoon to full metamorphosis.
Above: The original Cocoon I created for my stepmom. As you can see, the variegated colors, albeit tonal, do not really do the lace patterns justice.
After percolating in my mind, nearly 2 years later, several several revisions, the official public version was unveiled at The National Needlearts Association trade show this past June in Columbus, OH. Cocoon was showcased at the Mountain Meadow Wool booth. Photos from the show below:
Cocoon is not a difficult lace project for beginners and it is still quite interesting for more experienced lace knitters. The cocoon pod pattern in the body created by dropping stitches, which is both exciting and fun, and the pattern in the body and the border is relatively easy to memorize. The ends of the stole is flanked by a pattern that I intentionally created to resemble wings of insects, while at the same time look like a floral motif.
As I mentioned at the top of the post, I will be giving away at least 10 Cocoon patterns (PDF file). Here are the many ways in which you can get a chance to get your free copy of Cocoon:
- Retweet my announcement on Twitter. (I’m @AnneKuoLukito on Twitter.)
- Post a comment below.
- Post about Cocoon or the giveaway on your blog (link this post so I can track your post).
- Post a comment on the Cocoon pattern page on Ravelry.
- Post a comment on my fan page on Facebook.
Each of the actions above will entitle you to an entry. Contest closes at 9pm PST on Tuesday, at which time, I will list everyone’s username(s) in a spreadsheet and then use a random number generator to select the winners. For example, if you retweeted and posted a comment, you will get 2 entries. Winners will be announced in via Twitter and in a blog post on Wednesday. Good Luck and Thanks for Playing!
EDITED TO ADD (9/7/10): Since it was freezing last night here in SoCal, and I’m feeling generous, I’m also going to throw in 2 free copies of one of my most popular patterns, Lillian (Ravelry listing for you Ravelers). You’ll be eligible to win Lillian if you post about either patterns on Twitter (make sure you mention @AnneKuoLukito so I get alerted and add your entry) or make a comment on the Crafty Diversions Facebook fan page.
Whitey Coyote was trying to snuggle up to Cocoon and the yarn when I was working on it. When I wouldn't let her rub on it, she decided to thwart my process by being cute and snuggling in my lap.
Absolutely stunning!
Thanks so much for having the giveaway!
What a great idea for a giveaway! I hope I win
I love this pattern. I’ve been thinking about which yarn I’d like to use ever since you first announced it.
Thanks! Luckily, there are many great yarns from which to use! The only think I’d caution is staying away from variegated and hand-painted yarns. A nice semi-solid should be okay and might be nice, but anything with more color variation might detract from the lace patterning and appear too busy…my first Cocoon is a prime example.
It’s a gorgeous pattern! I love the how the final looks in that soft color.
Coming from a person who’s tired of knitting dish cloths, this contest is a great idea, thank you!
So lovely! Would love to try
Sooo, I just bought some Madelinetosh from Unwind and I am thinking it’s itching to become my Cocoon. I had some Aruacania in mind but I think it maybe too varigated for the pattern. I wish you great sucsess with this pattern. It’s gorgeous!!
Oooh, how luscious!
Anne, I know how hard you’ve worked to make Cocoon the best pattern it can possibly be. You’re hard work has paid-off. Knitters are going to LOVE it.!
So pretty! What a great giveaway!
Did you notice that the yarn you chose for Cocoon actually matches the kitty? Maybe she thought it was kittyflage (like camouflage) and she was just trying to innocently blend in.
Beautiful shawl, please add me for the giveaway. Good luck to everyone else. =)
Sheri
unhallowedashes@comcast.net
[...] to win either. If you’d like a chance to win, you need to hurry! Check out her blog post here for details. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Lively Simply and Another Giveaway", url: [...]
Lively Simply and Another Giveaway » Reflections in the Pond said this on September 7, 2010 at 12:34 pm |
What a beautiful pattern. Such a lovely gift to have created for your stepmom.
LOVE your patterns!! Now off to R’T & thank @indigomouse for posting!
What a fabulous wrap! I agree, it looks much better in the solid since it shows off the design.
What a beautiful wrap!! I love it.
What a great pattern, hope I win!
Its gorgeous!
It is a beautiful stole. I like it better in the solid color, too. It shows off the pattern more than the varigated colors.
cocoon looks lovely and cosy! Thanks for the chance to win the pattern.. I am knottygal on Ravelry.
What a beautiful design! Sorry I missed the contest, but maybe next time. We were painting this weekend and I didn’t get a chance to get online much.