Oct 08 2008
Emily’s Crazy Dishcloth Challenge
Beginning on October 20th, I am challenging myself to see how many days in a row I can add a new dishcloth design to my website, Designs by Emily. I’ve been in a bit of a knitting and designing slump lately and I figured this might be a good way to try and get out of it. Besides, if I announce something, then I can’t ignore it.
Here are the “rules” as I’ve come up with them. I may continue to modify them up until the 20th based upon feedback, or as I think of new things. We’ll just see what happens.
1. I will add a new pattern each day to the website. The pattern maybe available for free or for purchase. It counts as two different days if I add one pattern just before midnight and one just after midnight. You all will have to cut me a little slack on the definition of “day”. It’s not like this is super official or anything. But I will hold up my end of the bargain as far as awarding the free patterns.
2. I will make every effort to have knitted the dishcloth myself. Although I won’t rule out using test knitters as I get further into the challenge. Every single pattern will be completely finished though. That means typed, knitted, photographed, and in a final form ready for purchase.
3. How to win patterns: I will update my progress on this blog. If you want to be a cheerleader, once per week just comment something nice and encouraging on this blog. Each week, everyone who has commented at least once will get their names thrown into a hat and the winner will receive all seven of that week’s patterns for free. Commenting more often increases your chances. But no more than one comment per day please or I will ban you. Because I will be super busy knitting and designing, I will not be able to swap out the patterns for other ones that you would like better. As we say around my house, “You get what you get, and you don’t get upset.”
4. How to win more patterns: I will save all the little slips of papers with all the names and dump them into some other larger container. At the end, I will have a larger drawing and draw out 5 names. Those people will win free patterns of their choice from my site, equal to twice the number of weeks that I manage to keep this challenge going. So, if I can keep this going 4 weeks, they will be able to pick any 8 patterns for free from my website. I hope that makes sense.
5. Cheerleading Prize: At the end of it all, I will have a special pattern for free for all my cheerleaders. This pattern will go up for sale on my website, but I will give it to all my my cheerleaders for free. In order to comment on my blog, you need to register the first time, and that way I will get your email. I will save everyone’s email address and at the end I will send you a link to download a pattern. I don’t know what the pattern will be yet, and again, there will be no choice of pattern.
6. During the challenge, the only page I will be updating on the Designs by Emily site is the New page. It will take too much time to organize the patterns and continually update all the pages and the complete list. So please don’t email me saying that the new pattern such-and-such really should go on the so-and-so page. It will eventually get there.
7. If you wish to be notified whenever I post an update to this blog and follow my progress on this challenge, you can sign up here: http://blog.designs-by-emily.com/post_notification_header/ . You should get a little email each time I make a new post.
8. The challenge will be over when I post saying “I give up.”
Ok, that’s it for now. You can comment about the challenge on this page or send me an email. I may make changes to the rules depending upon how confusing I’ve been.
**EDIT** Oct. 19th: I’m shutting off comments on this page to get ready for the Challenge. Beginning on Monday, Oct. 20th to submit a “cheer” you’ll need to do it on a current post. Thanks everyone!! **
20 Responses to “Emily’s Crazy Dishcloth Challenge”
Helen Ensor on 08 Oct 2008 at 12:13 pm #
I know you can do it I am a fan and a cheerleader of your I have miss you and I am praying
for and your son GOD BLESS YOU Helen Ensor
Suzy on 08 Oct 2008 at 2:21 pm #
Glad to hear ur son is progressing!! And I’m VERY excited about ur challenge…welcome back Emily!!! Sooooooooooooooozy
Sally Atherley on 08 Oct 2008 at 3:00 pm #
It is quite a challenge that you have taken on, but I will be cheering you on.
Sally
pat on 08 Oct 2008 at 4:12 pm #
Hi, you can do it> Look at all the patterns you have now.
we are all behind you too.
thanks for the great patterns.
Sue on 09 Oct 2008 at 10:53 am #
I’m cheering for you Rachel. Love your patterns–just ordered one yesterday! Looking forward to your new patterns. I’ll be checking in daily!! Sue
Lynne on 09 Oct 2008 at 10:57 am #
Wow, what a challenge. I’m here cheering you on. Welcome back. Lynne
Helen Ensor on 09 Oct 2008 at 1:17 pm #
come on you are up that challenge. You can do it Hey. You go girl. Helen
Emily on 09 Oct 2008 at 1:38 pm #
Helen, you are so funny! I haven’t even started the challenge yet and you are cheering me on to the starting line! I can tell you are going to be a great cheerleader for me! I am knitting like crazy right now though to get all my Free patterns test knitted for the next couple of months so that way I won’t have to worry about them before I start the challenge.
~Emily
mary ann on 09 Oct 2008 at 2:35 pm #
Hi Emily, glad you are back to designing, etc. they say where there is a will there is a way.
So go for it - nothing ventured, nothing gained.
You have many customers and loyal fans that will keep cheering you on.
mary ann
mary ann on 12 Oct 2008 at 7:54 pm #
Emily you are moving right along - looking forward to doing the first kal. Thanks, Mary Ann
mary ann on 12 Oct 2008 at 7:55 pm #
Emily you are moving right along - looking forward to doing the first kal.
How is you son doing, you both are in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks, Mary Ann
mary ann on 14 Oct 2008 at 2:35 pm #
Looks like I may have been banned - my message went before I finished it and it went twice. Oh well - that won’t stop me from knitting along and hope that you keep up the good work - tomorrow will be the tell tale of what our mystery is. It is always relaxing to sit back and knit something in anticipation of what am I doing.
Have a good one, Mary Ann
Ruth on 16 Oct 2008 at 10:03 am #
You are doing GREAT!!!! Keep it going. You can do it!!!
Have fun! Ruth
PATRICIA V on 17 Oct 2008 at 9:23 am #
you go girl
have a grand day
patricia
Marlene McDonald on 17 Oct 2008 at 2:53 pm #
Sounds like an idea I should use(not to design but to finish Christmas gifts). Good for you Emily your designs are awesome, hugs, Marlene
Cala L on 17 Oct 2008 at 3:27 pm #
I am so excited I won’t sleep tonight. This will be only my second following as I am new to this. Even my husband is excited for me to do these. Don’t get sick. (giggles) Cala
Emily on 17 Oct 2008 at 3:37 pm #
Marlene, and anyone else….feel free to knit along with me every single day! I’ve been so excited about this challenge ever since I came up with the idea. I just know that even if I can’t keep it up for more than a few weeks, at least I will get a whole bunch of new patterns added to the site. And that is my goal!
Leslie Pinney on 17 Oct 2008 at 10:15 pm #
I’ve missed you this summer and I’m glad things are going better for you. I’m glad your little one is doing better. This sounds like such a fun idea. I love your patterns and I can not wait for more. GO GIRL
Helen Ensor on 18 Oct 2008 at 2:13 pm #
Ok get ready get set let go oh I meant for Monday Helen in PA
Ruth on 18 Oct 2008 at 6:05 pm #
Kepp going there is the light at the end of the tunnel just ahead! Just 2 days Ruth