TKGA and Yarnmarket announce winners of the Knitting Design Contest
Last winter, TKGA and Yarnmarket collaborated on the launch of a Knitting and Design Contest that included five categories, three prizes in each one, plus the grand prize of a $1000 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate for one talented knitter. The contest ended in March, and winners were announced on May 15 at the TKGA Knit & Crochet Show in Portland, OR.
Entries were received from throughout the United States, with some knitters sending in several designs in a variety of categories. The panel of judges who selected the winners were Penny Sitler, Executive Director of TKGA; Alex Nikifortchuk and Jan Gratz of Yarnmarket, and Sandy Blue of Westminster Fibers.
After carefully examining the dozens upon dozens of entries, the judges determined their winners based on creativity of the pattern, complexity of the knitting, and quality of the finishing.
“We were astounded by the level of talent of our entrants,” Alex Nikifortchuk told us. “It was very difficult to winnow them down to only three winners per category.”
Penny Sitler expressed her delight with the wide range of patterns received. “It is so energizing to see the level of talent of our members! The designs were of high quality and should be very enticing patterns for knitters to try.”
Jan Gratz, of Yarnmarket, is now studying the patterns to ensure they are complete and correct before uploading them onto Yarnmarket’s site. Jan told us, “We intend to make these patterns available for free to our shoppers as quickly as we can. Many will be made available in time for the autumn knitting season.”
She says the Grand Prize winning pattern, “Stefan’s Dinosaur Cardigan” should be very popular as a gift during the holiday season.
Both TKGA and Yarnmarket were delighted with the enthusiasm knitters showed for the contest and are hopeful that it may be offered again in late 2009.
Grand Prize - $1000 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
 
Design Name: Stefan's Dinosaur Cardigan
Description: Children's cardigan with a terrific variety of creative stitches and a dinosaur pattern that wraps around the back and sleeves.
Designer: Pat McDermott
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic
Women's Fashion Forward First Prize -- $300 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Nexo Cardigan
Description: Women's cardigan with intricate geometric design. Nicely tailored with panels that give fashionable flare to sleeves and waistline.
Designer: Ann Kelly
Yarn: Ella Rae Classic
Women's Fashion Forward Second Prize -- $200 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Cool Curves Summer Shell
Description: Women's shell in summery colors with a wavy pattern and accenting beads. A very new approach to the traditional shell.
Designer: Diane Dugal
Yarn: Ella Rae Silkience
Women's Fashion Forward Third Prize -- $100 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Cardigan with Lace Border
Description: Gorgeous cardigan (or vest, if made without sleeves) with feminine lace border and flower pin accent closure.
Designer: Dana Matuskey
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden
Women's Classic First Prize -- $300 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
 
Design Name: Diamond Delight Cardigan and Camisole
Description: Great for evenings out, this wonderful women's lace cardigan has a matching camisole that can be worn alone.
Designer: Betty Fryer
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto
Women's Classic Second Prize -- $200 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: My Heart to Yours Pullover
Description: A comfortable, classic women's pullover with matching bag. Pretty heart design is created in contrasting yarn.
Designer: Tina Sherfield
Yarn: Berroco Comfort yarn
Women's Classic Third Prize -- $100 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Northern Lights Pullover Sweater
Description: Warm and cozy for winter, this high neck sweater has inset panels of contrasting yarn in front and on sleeves.
Designer: Britt Raubenheimer
Yarn: Misti Alpaca Handpaint Chunky and Chunky Baby Alpaca
Accessories First Prize -- $300 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
 Design Name: Ladybugs for Lisa Shoulder Shawl
Description: An intricate lace pattern featuring ladybugs and hearts. It drapes beautifully from the shoulders.
Designer: Ann Smith
Yarn: Dragonfly Dragon Sock
Accessories Second Prize -- $200 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Wicklow Hat
Description: Cables give this unisex hat interest and appeal. Perfect for gifts!
Designer: Nancy DaPonte
Yarn: Vermont Organic Fiber Co. O-Wool Classic
Accessories Third Prize -- $100 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Wings and Cable Scarf
Description: This scarf has a pretty pattern and texture to make it a fabulous fashionable accessory for the upcoming autumn season.
Designer: Gale Ulvang
Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8
Babies' First Prize -- $300 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Two in One-der Reversible Baby Cardigan
Description: Perfect for girls or boys, the cabled cardigan can be worn both ways.
Designer: Kathleen M. Eldredge
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly DK
Babies' Second Prize -- $200 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Spring Time Lace Bobble Jacket with Bobble Buttons
Description: Something new and different for girls, this infant's jacket has big bobble accents.
Designer: Jacqueline Mehring
Yarn: GGH Goa yarn
Babies' Third Prize -- $100 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Baby's Flower Hat
Description: Fun and flowery, the pretty bonnet has flower petals along the brim and leaves at the end of the neck ties.
Designer: Diane Walins
Yarn: Berroco Comfort yarn
Children's First Prize -- $300 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Embroidered Bolero Sweater
Description: Flower embroidery adds a special touch to this girl's bolero jacket.
Designer: Heidi Roe
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic
Children's Second Prize -- $200 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Cable-Yoke Little Girls Dress
Description: Gorgeously soft and feminine little girls dress. A wonderful family heirloom.
Designer: Pat Rosenzweig
Yarn: Karabella SuperCashmere Fine
Children's Third Prize -- $100 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate
Design Name: Girls' A-Line Peasant Dress
Description: Striped summer dress with cord trim on neckline and sleeves. Perfect for special springtime events.
Designer: Kelly Klem
Yarn: Tahki New Tweed
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