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IN THIS ISSUE >>>

Page 2 | What’s NEW?

Page 3 | Time to VOTE

Page 4-23 | Final Reveals!

Page 24 | RHY SOFT!

Page 25-27| DW Patterns to

Gift (by Danyel Pink)

Page 28 | GIVEAWAYS

Page 29| CAL Challenge!

Page 30-32 | Affiliates

13 November

2013

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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!

facebook | blog | newsletter schedule | apply | sponsor

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http://www.designwarschallenge.com/20

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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 children’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.

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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!

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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!

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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 knit-

look 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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

I’m happy.

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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.

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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

recipient’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.

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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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READ MORE | SHOP!

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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 “voices” on our Design Wars fan

page; always helpful, fun and

interactive!

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 :)

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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!

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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!

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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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VIEW THE RESULTS!

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WHAT’S NEXT? ISSUE 15:

November 27 >>>

DW5 Design Winners

Announced!

RHY Prize Pack Winner

Announced!

DW6 Schedule!

FOLLOW OUR CROCHET ALONGS ON THE BLOG!

Enter to

win YARN

or this

$25 gift

card!

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