Saturday, April 9, 2011

Elegant Economy Designs- Introduction and Giveaway!

What a pleasure it is to once again introduce you to a new sponsor.  Maria contacted me a while ago to let me know that she was interested in sponsoring FPK in order to share the word about her new design line.


The time has come, Maria's designs are up on Ravelry, and I get the pleasure of introducing and sharing Elegant Economy Designs with you!


Maria's tale is a bit of a fairytale (well, to me at least!).  Although she has been a knitter most of her life, Maria has recently decided to try her hand at designing.  For her, it is the perfect combination of math, creativity, and art.  After designing some prototypes, Maria set out with a goal: build her design portfolio.

How would she start?  With four patterns and a due date of April 2011.

How would she accomplish this goal?  Maria decided to quit her day job to pursue her dream of knitwear design as a full-time endeavor.

Outcome? Unique and gorgeous handknits.  Just have a look at her 4 premier designs:



Crossover Cardi



Nouveaux



Farewell


Stunning!

Now for the exciting part:  Elegant Economy Designs will be giving away a download of the entire collection to one reader.  What must you do to enter?  Just leave a comment here with a message to Maria.  Say hi, give her a word of encouragement as she jumps into this new career, or let her know what design you like best- the sky's the limit!  Let's show our support to a newbie in the industry. 

After you leave a comment here, pop on over to Elegant Economy Designs website where you can read more about Maria's design process and get to know the face behind the knits.

The contest will be open until Thursday, April 14 2011 11:59 PM EST.  I will then choose a winner at random that will be announced on Friday.   Only one comment per person, please.


Where to Find Elegant Economy:
Posted by French Press Knits at 4:00 PM
Labels:

100 comments:

  1. Jaime PApril 9, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    Beautiful new designs. I love them all but my favorite is the wrap vest. Can't wait to see more!

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  2. Mary B.April 9, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Beautiful designs. Keep going!

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  3. JanetKApril 9, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    These are lovely pieces - congratulations!

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  4. HollyrollyApril 9, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    gorgeous designs, congrats on having the confidence to quit the day job, it paid off!

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  5. RachaelApril 9, 2011 at 4:46 PM

    I cannot believe these are the work of a novice designer! Silverlight made me gasp. So stunning!

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  6. Nosce Te IpsumApril 9, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Hi Maria, your designs are absolutely gorgeous! Silverlight is my favourite; what a beautiful design, and I love the addition of the flower :)

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  7. MeganApril 9, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    I love Silverlight....such a great start to what looks to be a stunning career as a designer. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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  8. ElsieApril 9, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    I love the crossover cardi and silverlight! Good for you! I can't wait to see more.

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  9. ErinApril 9, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Amazing stuff. Silverlight is going on my must knit list. Congrats!

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  10. knit one, knit twoApril 9, 2011 at 5:09 PM

    Congrats on your endeavor! I like frosty delicate farewell (I wear a lot of black and navy and it would look gorgeous).

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  11. TeriApril 9, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    I saw the Nouveaux pattern on Ravelry recently and immediately added it to my queue to make for my mom for Mother's Day! The rest of the patterns are just as goregous. Maria, congratulations on your success as a designer. Keep up the wonderful work!

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  12. KamigaeruApril 9, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Love that Farewell scarf!!! One can never have too much neckwear...

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  13. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 5:52 PM

    I love the Crossover Cardi, I just added it to my Raverly!
    Meghan V

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  14. MelissaApril 9, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    I love them all, but the Silverlight and Farewell are my favorites! Beautiful!

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  15. JulieApril 9, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Such elegant, modern, gorgeous designs!! I can't wait to see the whole collection, the knits so far are breathtaking!! Way to go Maria!

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  16. WildflowerWoolApril 9, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Great designs! My favourite is Silverlight. Also love Farewell.

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  17. CourtneyApril 9, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Silverlight is gorgeous! I love how you've styled it with a high waisted skirt -- that's so in fashion right now!

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  18. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    I love Silverlight. I think I'm going to have to knit it..............soon

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  19. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Congrats on your designs they're lovely!

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  20. mariApril 9, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    What beautiful designs! I love Silverlight with that skirt.

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  21. NikiApril 9, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    What a great idea for a giveaway! Best of luck to Maria. I am sure she will do very well with her lovely designs!

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  22. flossieKNITSApril 9, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    I am in love with how everything seems to ripple and flow - Silverlight is gorgeous!!

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  23. Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog:April 9, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Congratulations Maria! Your designs are beautiful and elegant and I have a feeling will be very well received by the knit community :)

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  24. Trisha RApril 9, 2011 at 7:16 PM

    Maria - how ridiculously brave that you gave up your day job to pursue your passion!! You're an inspiration to us that "work to live" instead of "live to work." Your designs are gorgeous and I'm drooling over that Farewell Scarf!

    Best to you!

    trisha.rothoff@yahoo.com

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  25. KassiaApril 9, 2011 at 7:26 PM

    Beautiful designs!! Congratulations! :)

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  26. UnknownApril 9, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Beautiful! The crossover cardi makes my fingers itch!

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  27. Ms. KimbaApril 9, 2011 at 7:42 PM

    Congrats! And good luck with your future in designing. It's not an easy job for sure and it might not always be glamorous but it sure is rewarding & fun :) xx

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  28. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Maria,
    Your designs are fantastic! It is hard to decide which one is more lovely. I find inspiration in you taking this leap. May it be as wonderful as I imagine it will be!

    Amie - jonesami@gmail.com

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  29. billicummingsApril 9, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Your designs look interesting and comfortable. I would enjoy winning the patterns. Good luck with your design career.

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  30. RieApril 9, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Awesome stuff Maria! I really adore the crossover cardi!

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  31. BethApril 9, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    How exciting to pursue your dream. Beautiful Designs!

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  32. Crazy Knitting FoolApril 9, 2011 at 9:20 PM

    Wow I admire your bravery. Good luck to you!

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  33. LaurieApril 9, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    Congrats! Your designs are beautiful. You have an eye for style and texture. May all your dreams come true!

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  34. UnknownApril 9, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Beautiful designs! Good luck..

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  35. EvanApril 9, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    Wow! Silverlight is absolutely gorgeous. I will definately be knitting up one of those, and wearing it often. They're just lovely.

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  36. Kelly B.April 9, 2011 at 10:38 PM

    What great designs! Congrats on the big move. I am very envious!

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  37. Julie P.April 9, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    Beautiful work! I especially love the crossover cardi!

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  38. elflynApril 9, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Hi Maria, congratulations on your first portfolio. Each design is lovely and would be a pleasure to knit any of them. Well done!

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  39. Kristi B.April 9, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Hello Maria and Congratulations on pursuing your passion! Your designs are all so beautiful! I love the neckline and hem detail of silverlight!! I'll be adding the Crossover Cordi to my to-do list as well. Can't wait to see other designs as you create them!

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  40. willfulminaApril 9, 2011 at 11:30 PM

    Hi Maria! What gorgeous work! That Silverlight tank is calling out to me. Ruffles are my weakness--and these are utterly delightful. All the best in your new venture.

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  41. K. DolanApril 10, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    Beautiful and elegant designs! I especially LOVE the cardi!

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  42. GreenCraftyGirl aka Jennifer D.April 10, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Beautiful! Beautiful! I love them all especially silverlight and the cardi!!! I wish I understood the basics of knitting design myself...alas for now I can only follow a beautiful pattern like yours...congratulations on your first patterns. Can't wait to see more. Way to go following your dreams!

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  43. UnknownApril 10, 2011 at 3:44 AM

    beautiful designs, especially silverlight!
    n(dot)kaplan(at)ucl(dot)ac(dot)uk

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  44. DebApril 10, 2011 at 4:17 AM

    Congratulations, Maria, on pursuing your dream! Your portfolio is really well done and your designs are beautiful.best of luck to you!

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  45. CloudberryApril 10, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    They are all beautiful, but I love the Crossover Cadri!
    Hope to see more great designs in the future :)

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  46. DebbieApril 10, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    Beautiful! I would love to win! Debbie in Alaska

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  47. Peppermint Mocha MamaApril 10, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    Maria, what an inspiration you are - the collection is stunning. Well done and my you find more success than you ever dreamed possible.

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  48. Pixiewear (ravelry name)April 10, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    Lovely designs! Congratulations on your new beginning!

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  49. YarnyogiApril 10, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Congratulations, Maria on a great beginning of a new career. I can't wait to get started on the Starlight tank....seems perfect for us well-endowed girls! And I owe my daughter a cardi with cables so the Crossover may be just the ticket for her. I've been dreaming of learning to design & your story is an inspiration.

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  50. DanielleApril 10, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Congratulations to you Maria for following your dream and having the passion to make a powerful statement through such lovely garments. It shows your love of design and beautiful detail. All the best for an endeavor that will bring you and others great pleasure throughout the years to come. I look forward to seeing what your mind can produce. Thank you for taking the chance on the rest of us.

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  51. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    So incredibly beautiful! It's hard to decide which one is my favorite, probably the Crossover Cardi but all are sublime. I am new to knitting and admire the expertise! It is beyond me at this time, but I applaud your hard work and dazzling creativity to make a collection like this happen!

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  52. Elspeth H.April 10, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    I love the wrap! Best of luck in your new business, it sounds like you're starting on a great foot. :)

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  53. meppybnApril 10, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    Kudos to you, Maria, and best wishes on this new adventure!! Love all your designs, that shaping for Starlight looks superb, the collar on Crossover is so unique - great to see new things amid the wealth of patterns out there :)

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  54. lizApril 10, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    All are so. lovely. I would be honored...

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  55. GingerApril 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Love the look of that Cardi, super cute!

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  56. RachelApril 10, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Those truly do not look like designs of a newer artist. You are so talented! Congratulations on your first line of knit wear! Can't wait to see what else you put out there! :D

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  57. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 12:46 PM

    Simply fabulous - I'm on my way to Ravelry to make you a fav

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  58. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 1:54 PM

    Those designs are absolutely gorgeous and innovative. You are so talented! I cannot wait to see what you come up with in the future. I'll be following you on Ravelry. :D

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  59. thewalshfamApril 10, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    Congrats to Maria! I'd love to knit the silverlight tank! It would be so cute for summer!

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  60. BeverlyApril 10, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    I love every one of these designs! Congratulations, Maria.

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  61. CourtneyApril 10, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    I love Silverlight, and have been drooling over it since I first saw the pattern on Ravelry. I really admire the way you have followed your dream, and I wish you much success!

    MermaidBird3 @ gmail . com

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  62. cksknitterApril 10, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    I think Maria is really brave to follow her dream. I would knit and wear all 4 of her designs.
    Knittoday(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  63. Clumsy KnitterApril 10, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    This is so fabulous because I noticed Maria's designs when they showed up on Ravelry and already planned on knitting Silverlight with stash yarn. Congrats on the beautiful designs!

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  64. pricelesspurlsApril 10, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    Hi Maria- congratulations on a wonderful collection! You are an inspiration to those of us trying to follow our dreams......

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  65. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    Maria, you are well on your way to success in your new venture. All of your designs are terrific, but I have to say that "Nouveaux" is quite unique. Here's to making your dreams come true. --Nikki E.

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  66. MaddyMaze StudioApril 11, 2011 at 5:15 AM

    Just beautiful designs!

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  67. MelissaApril 11, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Wow, you have serious talent as a designer Maria! I have been searching for a lightweight scarf patter to make for wearing this Spring, and your Farewell is amazing. That's the one I want/need to make!! :)

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  68. RheaApril 11, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    You're an inspiration. Absolutely beautiful!

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  69. LibbyApril 11, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    I love the designs! I already have Silverlight waiting in my Ravelry favs!

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  70. LynnApril 11, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    All beautiful..but, Silverlight is my favourite!

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  71. CeltChickApril 11, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    All 4 are lovely, but the Crossover Cardi is one I MUST HAVE! What a clever and elegant design! And I actually think I could wear it, too (always an important consideration fo us gals of a "certain" size/age). I will definitely be watching for more from Elegant Economy Designs.

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  72. SabrinaApril 11, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    Maria, I absolutely LOVE Silverlight and the Crossover Cardi!! Very impressive for a first time designer. It's very scary, but exciting to do what you are doing. Hope it all goes well for you :)

    bean1082@gmail.com

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  73. mhchongApril 11, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Hi Maria!! Beautiful designs... they're so elegant and feminine and I'd wear them all!

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  74. GynnaBApril 11, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    I love your designs Maria, heading over to Ravelry to spend more time browsing them!!! I especially like Silverlight, the shaping is perfect! I'm gonna queue it up for my summer knitting!

    Gynnab on ravelry

    gynnab at gmail dot com

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  75. kjramstackApril 11, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Way to follow your dream! I'm usually not into frills and ruffles but the Silverlight tank is beautiful!

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  76. m&mApril 11, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    wow, congrats! I can not imagine what it takes to design a piece of knitwear much less quit your day job to do it, not knowing what may come! I love your Silverlight tank, and keep up the good work!

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  77. KatherineApril 11, 2011 at 2:48 PM

    Silverlight is the pattern that I have been searching for for years! Something feminine and for warm weather that I would actually wear!

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  78. Elizabeth L.April 11, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    I absolutely adore the Crossover Cardi! I can't wait to see what you come up with in the future! Congratulations :)

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  79. AnonymousApril 11, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    Lovely! I love the shaping in all your designs, but especially in the crossover cardi!

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  80. Emily MargaretApril 11, 2011 at 3:55 PM

    All of your designs are great, but I especially love the Crossover Cardi!

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  81. emeselleApril 11, 2011 at 6:02 PM

    Beautiful Debut!

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  82. rumplestiltskin82April 11, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    I love these designs!

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  83. AnonymousApril 11, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Beautiful designs, particularly love the Silverlight and Farewell!

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  84. Beth GrayApril 11, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    Beautiful designs, particularly love the Silverlight and Farewell!

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  85. Bobbie in AKApril 11, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Hi Maria!
    I am loving Silverlight and Crossover Cardi. They're going to my faves. Wishing you much success on your design endeavors.

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  86. LindaApril 11, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    much luck, Maria. I love Silverlight!
    Linda

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  87. El JoApril 12, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Lovely! Best of luck to you!

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  88. Samantha NagtegaalApril 12, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Wow! The silverlight cardi is stunning. A beautiful handknit that you could wear for a special occasion or with jeans. Congratulations on your new job, really hope it goes well for you; your designs are really unique :)

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  89. EmmaApril 12, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    Your patterns are beautiful!

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  90. Very ShannonApril 12, 2011 at 7:36 PM

    Wow - they are gorgeous! I've seen a few around Ravelry and even included one in Comfy Sews VS Cozy Knits today. So pretty!!!!!!!!!

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  91. rachel danaeApril 12, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    I was just looking at your designs on Ravelry, and popped over to FPK and saw your stuff! I really like the feel of the pieces.

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  92. knitterlydesignsApril 12, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    Congrats on such lovely designs. You are off to a great start! Your style is very feminine and flowing.

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  93. CaseyApril 13, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    Maria - I LOVE the cardi and tank. I don't think I've ever seen a knitting pattern quite like either. I may have found my first adult sized wearable!

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  94. Jonathan BerkompasApril 13, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    What a beautiful collection! You've got talent girl! I LOVE your silverlight... oh those ruffles are divine!

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  95. UnknownApril 13, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    Ahh, silverlight is dreamy of course, but you are an INSPIRATION and truly talented. Using the gifts God gave you and pursuing them. My dream is to open a higher end fabric store once my kiddos are off to school. Here is to living your dream girlfriend!!

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  96. HeatherApril 13, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    Gorgeous designs! Silverlight is beautiful and looks very wearable! Congrats on a great collection!

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  97. SarahApril 13, 2011 at 1:45 PM

    Oh my heavens! Your designs are gorgeous! The silverlight makes me want to pick up my needles right now. I love the wraparound vest also! Way to go for following your dream! Best Wishes and Congratulations!
    shiggins on ravelry

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  98. IvoryApril 14, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Lovely designs! You are truly an inspiration.

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  99. ClareApril 14, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Love the farewell scarf, but everything is beautiful. Keep designing!!

    dsudancer on ravelry

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  100. DHBApril 21, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    These are stunning. I would love to make Silverlight for myself. I often knit for others and with summer just around the corner this would be perfect!

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