I'm happy to announce the release of a new pattern, Francine. Worked in Kollage Yarns Happiness, it's a dance in beading fun. The knitting itself is pretty simple; a stockinette cowl bordered in i-cord, and the following of the chart is also pretty easy. Even if you've never worked with beads before, this is a project I'm confident you can handle. 

Ready to cast on? I'm offering a 50% discount on this pattern through 5/31/15. Use code BEAD to save $2.00!

$4.00 (.pdf pattern download)

It's time to announce the call for submissions to the 75 Squares fundraiser! This event benefits Project Open Hand; a nonprofit whose mission is to provide "meals with love" to seniors and the critically ill. 

In one of their larger programs, a single, healthy, well-balanced, "square" meal costs Project Open Hand about $2.00. 

75 Squares is a fundraising sale of handmade scarves, cowls, wraps, and shawls that is planned to launch Saturday, September 26, 2015.

As a donating artist, the "feel good" comes from contributing a piece (and the time it took to make), and watching that item be the reward for another person who makes a contribution to Project Open Hand. Then, the knowing that as the piece is loved and worn, that the wearer carries the story of how through this fundraiser they were able to help provide nutritious "meals with love" to so many.

Please consider donating a scarf, cowl, shawl, or wrap that you've made to the event. Each piece will be listed for sale online for $150.00, and all the proceeds will go to feed the clients of Project Open Hand. Each item sold in this fundraiser will feature a 75 Squares label, reminding the wearer that 75 wonderfully nutritious meals were served to those in need as a direct result of their purchase. 

Note your interest by filling out the sign-up form HERE, and send in your work as soon as possible. All items must be received no later than Friday, July 31, 2015.

Questions? Email me HERE.

If you haven't seen my manic Facebook posts lately, you don't know that I've been bit by the sewing bug. Just like I'm obsessed with knitting, recently I have found myself dreaming about bag construction. After many late nights of practicing, I made a bag that I'm very proud of!

Isn't it lovely? I am SO happy. Oh and it has a few details I'm especially happy about. First, I am excited at how well the fabric lined up at the top:

... and inside? Yes! I installed a cute little zippered pocket. It even has a Kyle William label! This bag measures about 8" tall, 12" wide, and 5" deep. 

I love this one but I'm ready to give it away as a prize. Here's how to win: 
Go here: https://sf.aidswalk.net/kylewilliam
Make a $25.00 donation (yes, only $25.00!) That'll give you 5 entries. (Note: That's the minimum amount that can be donated through the system.)

Do this before Friday night at 11:59pm PST, May 15, 2015.

I will draw the winner on Saturday, May 16, 2015. I'll cover shipping costs (anywhere in the world).

Enter as many times as you want. Any donation in multiples of $25.00 during this time enters you into the drawing. (A $50.00 donation enters you into the drawing 10 times) 

The money I raise will go directly to Alliance Health Project to support the wonderful work we do to help those in need.

Have fun! (and thank you in advance for your generosity)

Kyle

PS. Yes, I put just a tiny touch of purple on the bag to tempt my purple loving friends!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Charles Clark II - the winner of the bag drawing! Thank you to everyone who contributed!!