Planet Auntie

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Barbara (aka Browneyedbabs) publishes adorable toy patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Barbara: Seeing all of the other designers’ designs – I always discover new-to-me designers and exciting patterns for my queue.

Have you participated before this year?
Yes, I’ve been in the GAL since it began in 2013.

Awesome! Are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
I love joining in with the GAL and normally knit things for myself. This year I’m making a cowl (Adama by Hilary Smith Callis) for myself and I’m going to complete a cardigan I started during last year’s GAL (it won’t be eligible for the competition but I really want it finished!). I’m also planning to knit some baby things since I’m expecting another baby.

Good for you! I’ve found several things I want just for me too lol. Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
Kids seem to love my Kitty puppet  and Kangaroo and Joey  puppets; they like the interaction and potential for story telling.
For adults, I’ve also had really positive reactions to the Chameleon which is quite unusual.

Thank you so much Barbara!

Photos © Browneyedbabs

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Kirsten McTeer publishes awesome accessory patterns including socks, mitts, cowls and more. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Kirsten: I love the atmosphere in the KAL/CAL threads. It’s like a big yarn party for six weeks! It’s also a great way to “meet” other independent designers and see their work.

Have you participated before this year?
Yes, this is my third GAL as both knitter and designer. I wasn’t too sure what it was all about the first time but I enjoyed it so I came back again last year and really had a fantastic time. I’m hoping this year will be the GAL’s best year yet!

Are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
I am! I’m planning on knitting Badlands Hat by Kathryn Folkerth, Fathom Five Shipwreck Cowl by Raven Knits Design, Fiddleback hat and cowl by Heather Storta, and On Cloud 9 by Jo Torr.

 Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
No Your Other Left and Fossilised Ferns mitts seem to be popular mitts.

For people who like hats, Snow Over Leiden is a colourwork beret or Focalise is a ribbed beanie sized from baby right up to large adult.

Alternatively, for the scarf and shawl knitters, Yarnshine shawlette is a quick knit for a last-minute gift, and Armona would make a beautiful gift for a knitter to make for herself!

Thank you so much Kirsten!

Photos © Kirsten McTeer

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Clare Lakewood publishes lovely home and accessory patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Clare: I love finding new-to-me designers! There’s some incredible patterns out there by some incredibly talented people, and the GAL makes it easy to explore some of the best people have to offer.

Have you participated before this year?
I did! I participated last year, and enjoyed it so much that it was an easy decision to jump in again this year.

Awesome that you’re back! Are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
Unfortunately, some other things on my plate mean I’m probably not going to be working on a GAL pattern during the GAL. I’m still planning to use the sale to pick up a few favored patterns, though! I think Charby’s Tights are super-cute for all the babies my friends seem to be having!
Nancy Whitman’s Mind Over Miter is clever and graphic and I’d love to make one for me.
And I happen to love twisted-stitch socks, so Hunter Hammersen’s Enchase are right up my alley.

Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
Like lots of people, I’m super-busy. For me, if I’m being honest, round this time of year it has to be a quick knit. The Zippertooth mitts are great because because they work up so quickly, and you can really play around with color to suit the recipient. Pika is a great choice for babies, for the same reason!

And for those that don’t have a cold-weather Xmas (this Australian is acutely aware of that), Pomelo is a great choice. It is a slightly bigger project, but super-great for taking to the beach.

Thank you so much Clare!

Photos © Clare Lakewood

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

Andrea Rangel publishes fabulous garment and accessory patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Andrea: I love the idea of indie designers coming together to create this great sale and event for knitters. I’ve always appreciated the supportive environment among designers and this is just another great example of that.

Have you participated before this year?
No, this is my first year! I’m excited to try it out.

Welcome!!!! Are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
I’m hoping to make Tread by Shannon Cook for my sister, and maybe one for me too! If I get ambitious I may even make her a Cayucos shawl. I love the texture and that gorgeous edging, but I’m nervous about having enough time. I’d also love to work up a Little Dude cardigan for my niece, but again, we’ll see if time allows. (Too many good things to knit!)

Aww, thanks re: Cayucos! Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
Bulky lace shawls like Sentiment and Squam Confidential can be great choices because they’re so dramatic, but also pretty quick to knit. If you’re a fast knitter and you love someone very much, The Knitter’s Dude (and the little version) are amazing gifts. My mom loves the Dinar slippers I knit for her a few years ago too.

Thank you so much Andrea!

Photos © Kathy Cadigan or Andrea Rangel

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!

One of the things I love most about the Indie GAL (Gift-A-Long) is the chance to discover and/or promote other designers’ work. Over the course of the GAL I’ll be publishing gift-knitting related interviews with designers whose work I admire.

 
Nim Teasdale publishes gorgeous shawl patterns. Check out her Ravelry page here.

Steph: What’s your favorite part of the GAL?
Nim: It’s hard to choose a single favourite part as I love many aspects of it. The general excitement and energy is so much fun, and I love the opportunity to make new friends and hang out with old friends too. It’s always very inspiring to see all the beautiful things people make too.

Have you participated before this year?
This is my third GAL. It’s wonderful to see how much it grows each year.

Are you participating as a knitter? if yes, what are you planning on knitting? if no, what would you, had you the time?
I am! The last two years I’ve only been able to cheer from the sidelines, but this year I am determined to make something! I’d love to make a serious jumper like Ink or Wink , but I’m going to try to be sensible and not overreach myself, so I’m making some of Gannet’s Paper Snowflakes, and a Dreamy Owl for my new little nephew. I’ve been eyeing off Browneyedbabs’s toys for a long time, and now I have the perfect excuse.

 Which of your patterns do you think make the best gifts?
I think the patterns from the Knitting by the Seat of Your Pants collections (here and here) all make pretty good gifts. They’re all adaptable as to yarn weights, so if you’ve in a hurry, you can knit up something striking very quickly. They’re also simple and fun, which suits this time of year very well.

Those do look great! Thank you so much Nim!

Photos © Nim Teasdale

Don’t forget to check out the Indie Design Gift-A-Long group on Ravelry to join in the fun!