Knitch Magazine

For the past two years, The Knitting Guild Association and Yarnmarket have co-sponsored a knitting design contest. TKGA members worldwide are invited to submit their original knitting patterns for the chance to win a grand prize of a $1000 Yarnmarket Gift Certificate.

For those of you who may not be familiar with this organization, The Knitting Guild Association is a non-profit group that is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary. Founded by Carol Wigginton as "The Knitting Guild of America" it has grown to now serve 10,000 members globally, providing information and education to help promote the craft of knitting. Its quarterly publication, Cast On, is replete with patterns, design tips and helpful knitting instructions that enable knitters to improve their skills and knowledge.

Additionally, TKGA offers the Master Knitter Certificate knitters earn after completing a three-level evaluation program. To date, close to 200 knitters have earned the TKGA Master Knitter designation and thousands of others are enrolled in the program and working toward that goal.

Although some knitters may think of TKGA as a group of very experienced, skilled craftspeople, it is intended for knitters of every level -- from the very beginner to the Master Knitter who wants to share her skills with others. It provides the ideal network for those who want to learn more, enjoy the camaraderie of others who share their interests, and attend truly outstanding workshops and seminars held at TKGA events throughout the year.

In 2009, TKGA and Yarnmarket teamed up for the first time to offer a design contest exclusively for TKGA members. The contest was so successful, and drew such creative designs, that they decided to hold the contest again in 2010.

This year, dozens of entries were received in the categories of Women's Fashion, Children's Fashion and Accessories. Debby Johnston at TKGA's offices in Zanesville, Ohio worked tirelessly to track all the entries, ensuring that those who were moving onto the finalist round provided the organization with the original hand-knit item and the actual pattern they had developed. With her extraordinary organizational skills and attention to detail, she ensured that every finalist's submission was ready to go onto the final round that would be judged by Iris Schreier of Artyarns, Penny Sitler of TKGA, and Jan Gratz of Yarnmarket. These discerning judges -- who are themselves experienced knitters -- evaluated contestants based on design appeal, use of stitches, color and selection of materials, originality of design and design details.

The winners were chosen at the TNNA event in Columbus, Ohio, in June and then announced and displayed at TKGA's 2010 Conference in Manchester, NH in July. Some of these patterns will be offered free in KnitchMagazine, and all of them are now available on Yarnmarket.

2010 Grand Prize

($1,000 Gift Certificate from Yarnmarket.com)

Classic Aran Meets Double Knit Tunic Sweater by Kathleen M. Eldredge, Aurora, CO (photo left).

Every panel has a different design which creates a truly unique sweater that is completely reversible. It's crafted in "Baby Cashmerino" from Debbie Bliss so it can be made with any combination of 50 colors. For girls and boys, 4-9 years, this pattern is available free from Yarnmarket, co-sponsor of the competition. Kathleen also placed in the 2009 TKGA Design Contest so we can expect more great patterns from her in the future.

Accessories

First Place ($300 Gift Certificate)

Knit Me A Yarn Tote was designed by Georgia Vincent of Pittsfield, NH to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of TKGA (photo right). This roomy bag has handy side pockets and fashionable straps. You can adjust the pattern to create a monogram or any message you'd like. Georgia created this bag in Berroco Comfort yarn.

Accessories

Second Place ($200 Gift Certificate)

Soho – Felted Bags with Attitude by Sandra F. VanBurkleo, Grosse Pointe Park, MI (photo left) has an ingenious chevron shape and can be created in whatever combination of colors suits your autumn wardrobe. You'll want to knit more than one of these pretty purses...to keep for yourself or to give as Holiday gifts. This design is created in Malabrigo Merino Worsted yarn which comes in glorious colors and felts beautifully.

Accessories

Third Place ($100 Gift Certificate)

Lacy Scarf by Inna Voltchkova, Buffalo Grove, IL (photo right) is an heirloom quality project that you'd want to pass down to the next generation. This lace design is pretty in pictures, but breath-taking when you actually see it. The Lux Lace yarn is by Buffalo Gold.

Children’s Fashion

First Place ($300 Gift Certificate to Yarnmarket.com)

Girl Toddler’s Easy Breezy Summer Cardi by Mareva Lynde of Scottsdale, AZ (photo left) has a pink ribbon bow tie at the bottom and a frilly neckline to flatter any baby girl. The rest of the construction is simple stockinette. Mareva designed this piece using Lyra yarn from Lang, an Italian-made yarn that comes in a pretty palette of pastels and brights.

Children's Fashion

Second Place ($200 Gift Certificate)

Girl’s Summer Top by Liilia Van Maanen of Pagosa Springs, CO (photo right) is light and pretty for warm days on the beach, or layered for four season use. The stripes are a nice fashion feature that can be altered to suit your color preferences. This tank was created with Tahki's fabulous Cotton Classic yarn that is known for its durability and sheen.

Women’s Fashion Classic

First Place ($300 Gift Certificate)

Silver Mountain Pullover by Britt Raubenheimer of Sandpoint, ID (photo left) has an interesting construction on the front that is accentuated with a contrasting yarn. The yarn is soft, sumptuous Cashmerino Aran by Debbie Bliss. This is Britt's second time to receive an award in the TKGA Knitting Design Contest, so we can't wait to see what original creation she submits to us next year!

Women's Fashion Classic

Second Place ($200 Gift Certificate)

Bemidji Pullover is Sandra F. VanBurkleo's second award in this year's competition. It's a snuggly warm pullover with thick cables that are so stylish this season. The longer length makes it suitable for any shape. Pair it with jeans for weekend activities or with dress pants for the office. A great unisex pattern, the Bemidji Pullover is created in Trendsetter Dune and Tonalita yarns which are available in shades to suit men or women.

Women's Fashion Classic

Third Place ($100 Gift Certificate)

This Sparkling Holiday Wrap by Frannie Collins, New Providence, NJ (photo left) is so warm and luxurious that you won't want to leave home without it this. The glittering Lazer FX yarn by Berroco gives this wrap a festive look that would be perfect for holiday parties and evenings on the town. Dune yarn from Trendsetter gives this feast for the senses an absolutely gorgeous drape.

If you would like to enter next year's contest,watch the TKGA web site for details to come soon.  To join The Knitting Guild Association to improve your skills, visit the TKGA web site for full details. Individual membership costs only $30 per year in the United States ($37 in Canada and Mexico; $45 elsewhere throughout the world). This includes a subscription to Cast On magazine.