ElleGanT

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Etsy Knitters "Winter Warmers" Team Challenge is this fantastic baby hat by Ellen of Dream Knits by Ellen. A very worthy winner and best-seller (kindly modelled by customer Allison's son Garrett).

Ellen is an expert knitter with a lifetime of experience that is reflected in her beautiful knits and I hope you enjoy getting to know her.

My name is Ellen.
I was born in Ukraine and moved to United States 17 years ago.
I have a daughter, two sons and two precious grandchildren.

I discovered knitting when I was six years old. If I could, I would knit 24/7. I knit everything, starting with a sweater with complicated patterns and ending with infant baby shoes.

I come up with the ideas as I knit. I only know what I am about to make, a hat or a pair of mittens and the ideas for the details just come pouring in. I record new pattern when the item is almost ready. It's a labor of love.

I always wanted to have my own serene and cozy knitting cafe. Then I discovered ETSY. My whole family put lots of effort to make my ETSY store the way you see it now.

I am very thankful to my customers, who kindly share pictures of their children wearing my creations. Here is my customer Angie's daughter Luna modelling my "Moose" hat. My customers are also a source of the ideas. I use mostly good quality cashmere and wool occasionally for my products.

My personal favorites are the "Owl" hat and the "Valentine's Day Glove". My "Valentine's Day Glove" was featured in "BUST" magazine FEBRUARY/MARCH issue 2010.

My bestseller is the "Mouse" hat that won me ETSY KNITTERS TEAM Challenge.

I wanted to say very special "Thank you" to Allison, Meghan and Angie for providing pictures of their children.

I love being a part of ETSY and member of ETSYKNITTERS TEAM. I met so many wonderful people here.

My major reward as an artisan is to know that my customers love and enjoy to wear my creations.

Holiday Calendar

December 28th

4 days till the New Year
9 days till 3 Kings Day

Did you recieve any yarn for Christmas? Here is a great little project to try out some of that yarn and dress your wee one up in style at the same time!



Free Baby Bootie Pattern
Designed by Lynne


Lynne is the owner of the Etsy store 7 Yaks Design. The store stocks a wide selection of fiber supplies, such as knitting needles, crochet hooks, gauges, roving, and felting accessories.



This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Day 3 of the Holiday Calendar

December 3rd

19 days till Hanukkah
22 days till Christmas
28 days till the New Year
34 days till 3 Kings Day

Even wee ones need their own Santa hat!



This Sparkly Santa Baby Hat can be purchased within Etsy's Most Favorite Aunt store.

The hat was hand knit by Pam, owner of Most Favorite Aunt. Below Pam shared with me her inspiration to knit this adorable, little hat.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. I wanted a tasteful twist on the classic Santa hat. I also hate making pom poms.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. about 30 minutes

Q. Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?
A. Not at all. I knit a lot of baby hats, and this is my favorite stitch pattern.

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. The burgundy looked much richer than traditional red, and the sparkly fur made a great plush brim.

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. There are five of these available in my shop, and I'm out of Wool-Ease, so I think that's good for now.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. Absolutely! Turning on carols, and sitting by the fire with a project in your lap, is great way to get in the Christmas spirit.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

English Rose Nursing Clip by LilBritKnits

English Rose Nifty Nursing Clip

Pictured is a knitted adjustable nursing clip. It measures 18 feet in length and is decorated with red and yellow knitted roses.

The nursing clip was designed and hand knitted by Nicky, owner of Lil Brit Knits. Below Nicky takes the time to answer additional questions about the design of the clip.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. A friend of mine is pregnant with baby no.3, and we were talking about nursing and how she wanted a nursing cover, when I suggested a nursing clip instead. She loved the idea, as you can also use it for other things, like keeping baby toys tethered, and blankets to strollers. I picked the colour roses that she loves - yellow and red, and I also decided that it should be adjustable. I gave my first edition nursing clip to my friend, and she adores it. She liked the fact that it is feminine, not too baby-ish, as it's a mummy's tool, rather than just for baby.


Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. It took me about 2.5 hours to make it and stitch it together.


Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. The colours were inspired by my friend, who loves yellow roses.

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. Yes, I do plan to make more - and use different colours and flowers.


Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. Yes, I loved making it.