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.

A Winter Scarf by Ennadoolf

Soft and Cozy Scarf in Shades of blue

This scarf is a favourite of mine and I hope some day I will find the time to make more just like it. I used a stitch pattern that my mom handed down to me. It makes a lovely thick scarf that will stretch to cover if/when needed. It is approximately 54 inches (135 cm) long and perfect for those chilly days and/or nights. It has been knit from a denim blue-toned yarn to create a soft and cozy scarf you'll want to wear often.

The scarf was hand knit by Anne of Ennadoolf. As mentioned above, the pattern was passed down to Anne from her mother Joan. Below Anne takes the time to answer additional questions about the scarf.

Q. What was your inspiration?

A. The yarn was just perfect for this particular knitting stitch/pattern and it can be worn by men, women or children.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?

A. I'm not sure! I was watching tv at the same time so didn't keep track.

Q. Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?

A. No, just my mom's stitch/pattern

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?

A. I thought this yarn was suitable for all ages, men and women

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?

A. Yes, my husband likes it, so I hope to find time to make more. It's finding the time that is the difficult thing. If only there were more hours in a day.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?

A. Yes, it was quite enjoyable. I love this stitch/pattern and should use it more often!

Q. Anything else you want to tell us about it?

A. I just wish you could feel it; the yarn is so soft. Oh, and its machine washable and dryable.