INDY DESIGNER SATURDAY: MAG knits/Cute & Crafty Crochet

Some of you who have been crocheting for a while are probably aware of Cute & Crafty Crochet.  She came up with the pattern for a hat that looks like a Roman soldier helmet?  It was a sensation on the internet!  As unfortunate as it is Martina Gardener can no longer crochet.  Her body rebels rather violently so she's taken up knitting and applied her skills as a designer to creating some of the cutest clothes on the internet.  So today I have the pleasure of introducing you to two designers in one :) 

I found Cute & Crafty Crochet while searching for a swaddling baby cocoon to give as a gift to a friend.   It took a while to find one that wasn't A. impossible and B. unisex.  I finally found the Celine Swaddle Set on Craftsy!  Super CUTE.  You can find it here. Unisex and completely customizable to suit any taste.  Other great designs include the Cute & Crafty Alvie the Alien hat.  Its so cute and a little retro. I'm a little vintage myself so retro appeals to me.  Ha ha!  If you are a Raveler, (which if you aren't you really should sign up... its FREE and its a fibery wonderland)  you will find more of Martina Gardner's crocheted designs.  I really like the Selina Sundress found here.  Its JUST precious!  I love the little drop waist look of this pattern.  Its FREE and it comes in sizes up to 2T isn't that great?! If you aren't a Raveler check out this same adorable pattern here.  Can't complain about that price for the pattern.   Most things that Martina Gardner designs are fairly Unisex but this, "You're in the Army Now" beanie seems distinctly male and really creative!  I really enjoyed "surfing" Cute & Crafty Crochet.  I think you will too! 

Now we turn our attention to MAG Knits.  Martina Gardner turned to knitting after crocheting began to cause her physical pain.  Most people who crochet or knit know that the actions of knitting/crocheting are very different physical movements.  I myself wear wrist braces from time to time or end up with "tennis elbow" from overdoing the crocheting.  I can very much understand why Martina Gardner left the crocheting behind.   When she set her mind to learning to knit and design knits she really gave it her all.  WOW her designs are so adorable. 

You can find MAG Knits on Facebook here.  That's how I happened to find her work. As I was looking on Ravelry for something a little different by way of bonnets for babies I found this GORGEOUS leaf bonnet! Oh my goodness its simply stunning!  I really enjoy lace knitting it's just one of the aspects of knitting that I do not get to do very often but creating a lace keepsake is just a priceless opportunity.  So when I found this set I was over the moon!  Really it's so delicate perfect for a special occasion like a baby baptism or christening.   For those who like beading added to their knitting there is the all occasion onesie.  I prefer using the duplicate stitch but Martina Gardner offers a tutorial to help those of us who are a bit more timid over the rough parts.  Check out the pattern here.