IN THIS ISSUE >>> Page 2 | What’s NEW? Page 3 | RHY SOFT! Page 4| RHY Prize Pack – Winner Announced! Page 5 | DW5 Designers – Poll Winners Announced! Page 6-25| DW5 Patterns Page 26-28 | Rohn Strong! Page 29| Mystery CAL! Page 30-32 | Affiliates 26 November 1
2013
Congratulations to our Challengers this round! They truly showed excellence and dedication in their work, and made voting quite difficult for our community! But, that’s exactly the kind of “problem” I don’t mind hearing about! I decided to leave pattern release dates up to each designer this round, but still would like to continue our tradition of a universal coupon code! So, our lovely challengers are offering store wide discounts with code DW5SALE! To take advantage of this offer, just click on the sale button for the designer of your choice (below) and apply the code at checkout! Each sale is different, so please contact individual shops if you have any questions about their particular store wide sale. In addition to reading our Red Heart Prize Pack and DW5 pattern winner announcements, please be sure to check out my interview with designer Rohn Strong (p 26), and get the details on our Mystery Crochet Along (p 29) featuring a new pattern by Unravel Me Designs! This issue concludes Design Wars 5, and I sincerely hope you enjoyed following our fun this round! My goal is always to showcase exceptional talent in a fun, engaging environment, and I hope that’s exactly what you found here! 2
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Designs this round were made with
Red Heart Soft! Click here to
read more and shop!
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Felted Button 7
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at A la Sascha 9
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Crystalized Designs 11
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Mamachee 13
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Vicki Brown 15
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Ball Hank n’ Skein 17
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Holland Designs 19
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Just Be Happy 21
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at design by katie hanken 23
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Click here & use code
DW5SALE to get a store wide discount at Injenuity 25
I found Rohn after seeing his Anthocyanin Gloves in the November 2012 issue of Inside Crochet magazine, and I’ve been a loyal admirer of his work ever since! Every single one of his knit and crochet designs (over 100 in all!) are eye-popping, jaw-dropping, mouth-watering, and totally original!
Sure he’s a male designer, but he has produced some of the most elegant and attractive garments for women that I have ever laid eyes on; I would gladly take his fashion advice anytime! And, as if his designs would not already sell themselves, Rohn pairs flawless models with artistic photography to showcase his work with impeccable results! If you’re finding Rohn Strong of Strong & Stone today for the first time, you’re welcome! I’m sure you will adore him and his work just as much as I have!
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Define success; what do you hope to accomplish? Success is simply the ability to do what you love and make the money you need to make to survive. Success is absolutely an individual measure. What I deem as success, you may deem as failure. However, as long as one is on a path and is working toward what they see as a goal, they are successful. At least, that's what I think.
What are the best words of wisdom you can provide to hopeful / new professional artists? The best advice I can give to a new business owner (specifically a knitwear/crochet designer) is to not see what you do as art. You are a business owner. You need to treat your designs less like precious commodities and more like products. Also, be professional and original. No one wants to be known for making 1000 different kinds of ribbon scarves just because they are cheap and easy to make. The same goes for making hats and other products 'inspired by' famous movie characters. Those were not your idea and just by making them you are coming across as unprofessional and honestly unoriginal. So work to really dig into your product and your designs. That will lead to success, always.
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What is your most recent accomplishment? My most recent accomplishment, and one that I am quite proud of is the recent cover of Inside Crochet (issue 47). Making the cover of a magazine is sometimes rough; there are SO MANY great designs out there, so when you get recognized for your design, it is quite the compliment.
What are you working on right now? Right now I am finishing up the designs for next year! I always have to stay ahead of the curve. I am also working on designs that will be coming out in 2015! Lots of pretty vintage things to come your way!
Which of your patterns / pieces do you feel best represent you? The pieces that best represent me as a person, are coming out soon! Im a big guy (6'5" and wear a size 3X shirt) I love my size and wouldn't change anything about it; however, I noticed that finding knitwear (and crochet) is very very difficult for anyone that is my size. So I want to focus on designing for people my size (as well as everyone else) in the upcoming year. stay tuned for that! (End interview, thank you for the chat Rohn!)
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DW6 Challengers WHAT’S NEXT? ISSUE 16: January 2014 >>>
Join us on 27 Nov! We have prizes!
Announced! New CAL Schedule! Interviews & Spotlights!
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