Zaggy Beanie Relaunch

I took a break from updating my patterns during the holiday season, but I'm back to it! This week it's all about the Zaggy, the what? The ZAGGY! (sorry for the nerd alert).

I picked the Zaggy as my next update simply because I had an order for it so I could easily change the format, check the gauge, add more detailed pattern instructions and tutorials. Plus, it's REALLY fun to make!

If you don't already have the pattern, you can get it in any of my shops. BUT if you check it out on Ravelry use the code HOOKYZAGGY for a special discount through noon on Tuesday (2/18).

Here's what's new:
- Detailed materials required, including yarn amounts
- Corrected gauge measurements
- Updated Photo tutorials
- Added area for you to write notes

 (PS - I made the purple hat, photographed it, and edited pics this morning all in under TWO hours! Whew!)

These hats were all made by my awesome testers! They make my patterns look good!

Where to buy:

• Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zaggy-beanie---kids or http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zaggy-beanie---adults
• Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlayinHookyDesigns
• Craftsy: http://www.craftsy.com/user/176644/pattern-store
• Website: http://www.playinhookydesigns.com/#!product/prd1/194516911/zaggy-beanie---crochet-pattern

* If you already have the pattern, you get the update for free! Past Ravelry & Craftsy buyers should receive an update automatically. Past Etsy & website buyers, please pm or email me your order number so I can send you your update.

PLAY HARD ... PLAY HOOKY

Release the Hounds(tooth)

If you've been following me on Facebook, you may know that I've started re-testing and updating my patterns. It'll be a long haul to finish them and even though going cross-eyed is definitely a possibility, I've had a lot of fun going back to them so far. Each pattern's facelift involves a full upgrade to my new pattern format and a detailed re-test by me and my testers. My Avalanche Beanie and Along Came a Spider Beanie were the first to get the upgrade.

Avalanche - Adults Along Came a Spider Avalanche - Kids

Until my Houndstooth Beanie I haven't needed to make any major updates, but that changed with one word... EARFLAPS! A friend put the idea in my mind and I knew instantly that I wanted to try it. I started on them that night and had them perfected by the next morning. They worked up so effortlessly that I can't believe it took me this long to try it. I hope you love them! They are available in the Toddlers, Kids and Adults sizes. Here are the other updates you can expect to see in the new pattern: * NEW options: Earflaps and Adults slouchy instructions * Detailed materials, including yarn amounts * Corrected gauge measurements * Added size for babies * Updated photo tutorials * Added space for you to write notes

Get a copy of the pattern: Ravelry Use the code HOOKYHOUNDSTOOTH in my Ravelry shop today (10/17) to get a special discount! Craftsy Etsy My Website Get your own custom beanie: My Website Etsy

If you've already bought a pattern, you get the update for free - with all the updated information! Past Ravelry & Craftsy buyers will receive an update automatically. Etsy & mywebsite don't have an option to update past buyers, so please pm or email me your order number so I can send you your update. Coming next: Big Waffle & Old School Beanie updates PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Offshore Dress, Cami, & Leggings

Design Wars 4 has come to a close and it was a great competition! It was fun competing with nine great designers, and they came out with some drool worthy patterns! I took a deep breath and stepped out of my comfort zone (hats of course!) to design my new Offshore Dress, Cami, and Leggings set. 

Thank you to everyone who supported DW4!

Did you see the full results?

You're looking at the 1st place Best Design to Wear winner!!!

When Anne Geddes Baby yarn was picked for this round of DW, I knew I was in for something different. The colors are gorgeous, but I'm not usually a DK-kind-of-girl. I had to get my fingers and hook used to it. Over a month of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into this design which ended up being the biggest pattern I've ever written with nine full pages of photo tutorials and 5 sizes ranging from 6 mo to 3T.

Want to get your own copy?

Ravelry: Dress and Cami, Leggings

Etsy: Dress and Cami, Leggings, The Full Set

Craftsy: Dress and Cami, Leggings

Website: Offshore Dress, Cami, and Leggings

I couldn't have done it without my amazing group of testers!I LOVE how each one added their own spin and creative twist. It made me realize just how adaptable this pattern really is. I deeply appreciate all their hard work, creativity, and of course their editing skill! Thank you!!

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY

Calling all testers

I HAVE NOW CLOSED THE APPLICATIONS - I will make my way through all the messages and let the finalists know on Monday!

Testing, testing...

For the most part, I edit my patterns myself. But sometimes, it's nice to have an outsider's point of view and their red pen. So, I'm starting an exclusive group of about 10 crocheters to test my patterns before they're released.

This is what I expect from my future testers. If you feel you can't fulfill these, please really consider whether or not you want to apply.

• Attention to detail including: typos, errors in the pattern, incorrect st counts, spelling mistakes.
• Be unafraid to point out my mistakes - I need to know so I can make the pattern better, and I need you to be vocal about it.
• Quality photos of finished items - I will share them (with credit given to you) on my Facebook page. And they should be linked to my pattern on Ravelry and/or Craftsy. They don't have to be professional, but they do need to be in focus, and displayed prominently.
• Punctuality - this is HUGE! I will always give plenty of notice and time to complete a test item. If you say you can do it, do it.
• Confidentiality - another enormous one. I will be giving you the pattern (and revised pattern) for free, before they are available to the public. To avoid copycat designs, you will not be allowed to post your pictures until I release the pattern. Also all comments and posts within the group will remain 100% confidential.

I will give more detailed information to my testers as they are chosen.

Are you still with me? I know that's a lot and that it sounds really serious, but I plan on having a lot of fun with my testers too. So I'm really looking forward to meeting my final group! It could be you!

PLAY HARD ~ PLAY HOOKY