Monday, November 23, 2009

Twilight Inspired Crafts

This weekend we went to see the latest Twilight Saga installment, New Moon. I enjoyed it and you'll find no complaints here, however, I am not a Twilight aficionado, like my step daughter, Michelle.

I found some fun sites filled with Twilight inspired crafts and I thought you might like to visit them too.

Craft Contest
Twilight Amigurumi by April Draven
Twilight Crochet Dolls from DeadCraft

Craftzine Alice Wrist Warmers

You can also do a search on Ravelry.com, Etsy and other crafts sites like CraftStylish for more patterns, ideas and crafts.

Happy crafting to the young and the young at heart!

Twilight Quote (2008)
Isabella Swan: "About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."

Although, not Twilight inspired, this wonderfully handcrafted journal arrived today which will become a family heirloom for us. I urge you to support the handmade artists in your town and online at Etsy this holiday season.

Suede Christmas Journal from Renate Ikinger of Kreativlink on Etsy.com

Marg (working on a project to share on tomorrows blog)

You might also like Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves inspired by the TwilightSaga character, Bella Swan.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Delicate Desire Pattern - New!

There's a New Moon in your future. Yes, the time is getting close, my friends in Twilight. I was inspired to create this romantic pattern for the shop. Here's the link to

Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves Pattern Inspired by Bella Swan.

Let the desire begin...

Marg

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Category Five Crafting!

 

Sweater Back Knitter Kitty Lover Shoes from KnittyDirtyGirl on Etsy

Today's project central here and the challenge is upon us! Holiday projects, new patterns for my shop, margknittinaround, a new KAL with knittydirtygirl group on Ravelry and it's full blown knitting and crochet frenzy. Toss in a few charity projects and you've got a category 5 hurricane of swirling knit and crochet projects. Ok, enough of the drama...deep breath! Are you still with me? Fantastic!

Here are some crafty items just perfect for the Thanksgiving season and absolutely no turkeys were hurt in the making.

LionBrand knit, crochet and crafty goodness.

Crafts, history and more on about.com for you and the kids.

AllFreeCrafts has a variety of seasonal crafts for you.

CraftBits has an adorable PolymerClay PumpkinBead project which makes a great stitchmarker.

Thanksgiving Place Cards project from CraftStylish will come in handy for the family/friends gathering.

That's it for now-happy crafting! Breathe deep and enjoy the season.

Marg (clicking the heels of my new Sweater Back Knitter Kitty Lover Shoes three times and making a wish! )

 Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Knit, Prance and Enjoy Your Free Pattern

 

Discovering joy in your life can be extremely difficult with all the stress we have in our daily lives. Today, for me, however,was not one of those days. After work, I decided to take the dogs out for a walk in the brisk air. They tromped through large dry leaves on the ground, rubbed their noses in who knows what, and basically had the time of their lives. I was laughing and feeling the joy they were emitting from their little bodies. They reminded me of the powerful lesson to find joy in life. You may have to look around, but it's there for you. Take just one minute to "prance like a yorkie" and I guarantee you'll giggle from this dog eyed perspective of the world.

To celebrate autumn, I have a special free pattern for you to celebrate this season of gratitude. Many of you have emailed asking for a scarf pattern to go along with the WowzaWristWarmers from Knit 1 for the Road pattern book. Here it is...my autumn gift to you, the Autumn Wowza Scarf. It's warm, soft and perfect for chilly weather.

 

Autumn Wowza Scarf

 

This is a companion piece for the Wowza Wrist Warmers from Knit 1 for the Road pattern book.

Materials:

1 ball Lion Brand Yarn, Wool Ease, worsted weight, 123 Seaspray, 80% acrylic, 20% wool, 3 ozs, 85 gms, 197 yrds, 180 meters

Size 8.0 (5.0mm) US Needles

Stitch Markers, Measuring Tape, Tapestry Needle, Scissors

Suggested Manufacturer’s Gauge is 4” x 4”, 18 sts and 24 rows

Note: The original wrist warmer pattern was made with Filatura Di Crosa, 127 print 43, 50 gms, 92 yds, 100% wool on the same size needle. If you’re using this yarn you will need 2 balls.

Cast on 33 stitches

Ribbing

Row 1 K2, P2 across row and knit the last stitch
Row 2 Same as row 1.

Continue these 2 rows for 2”

Next

Row 3 K1, P1, Knit across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.
Row 4 K1, P1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.


Next Row starts the four rows of your pattern

Pattern Rows

Row 1 K1, P1, Knit across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Row 2 K1,P 1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Row 3 K1, P1, K5, P3, K5, last two stitches K1, P1.

Row 4 K1, P1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Repeat these 4 pattern rows for 34” or desired length.

Next,

K1, P1, Knit across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Next Row

K1, P1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Repeat Ribbing for 2”

Bind off in pattern. Weave in all ends.Total length was 38”.

Block if necessary.

 

 

Blocking method that I used:

I sprayed the scarf with tepid water, placed on the ironing board and used an ironing cloth or a cloth you have on hand (very important) over the scarf and lightly ironed over the scarf with a low heat. After ironing, I placed it flat on a towel to dry completely where it would be undisturbed.

You can also use a rust proof pin and lay flat on a blocking mat, board or towel and dry overnight if you don't feel comfortable using and iron. 
 

Lay flat when ironing or blocking
 

 

Margaret Nock, Copyright knit1fortheroad.com, 2009
This pattern is meant for non-commercial use only. All rights reserved.

Knit, prance like a yorkie and enjoy the rest of the week.
Marg (giggling at the idea of us all prancing at one time!) 

 

There's super savings on my Etsy shop, margknittinaround today (Friday, 22nd) through Monday (25th). Now's your chance to pick up Knit 1 for the Road patterns, signed copy of the book, and kits at incredible prices.


With every purchase you will also receive the Venutra Tote pattern absolutely free!

KNIT - cross yarn behind needle

PURL - cross in front of needle

Cross yarn over avoids a hole in your knitting where you join two sections of color or add a new strand of yarn.

Twist yarn under and around previous color when you knit so that there will not be a hole in your knitting…to purl you would cross over.

TIP: Take some yarn off of each ball so that you can tie on and make your color blocks more easily. You can do a butterfly wrap or wrap it around a yarn bobbin. You can find them in the sewing section or needlepoint section of your local yarn store. The flat plastic ones are the kind that I like best. Wrights Boye is found on

NO HOLES, NO WAY!

I know you can do it!

Knit-Share-Go!

Marg (enjoying yet another shovel day with all the ice and snow)

Wristy Bizness

Marg (working on a holiday wrap with moda dea, tweedle dee - so fun!)

 

The Ravenna Satchel from Marta McCall at Tinkknit.com

Over the weekend, I was looking over my info from the StitchesEast event and I came across a info on patterns from Marta McCall and found a site to get your creative juices going on a Monday called Tink knit.com. I especially love the bag patterns (of course - you know this by now if you've ever checked out my blog) but there are plenty of really wonderful patterns and accessories for you to drool over - no worries. This site will definitely inspire you. More later on Stitches as I plow through my material...you're getting it as my brain processes it.

Stay tuned for more events coming this winter, more Stitches stuff, and a whole lot more!

Do you Twitter? Keep up with Knit 1 for the Road on Twitter.com.
Need some cool kits, patterns or Knit 1 for the Road for a really great price? Check out margknittinaround on Etsy and get your knit on!
Looking for fun knitting/crochet links, info and videos. Do check out knit1fortheroad.com for knitting roadside assistance.

KNIT-SHARE-GO!

Marg (watching Molly lick the snowflakes on her nose from my kitchen window)

Check out this affordable felted bracelet kit from PickupSticks I found on

Another goodie comes from

One more option is embellishing a bracelet with ribbon as seen here in the Judi & Co. bracelet kit from DreamWeaver (on sale now) which includes two bracelet forms, ribbon and pattern.

Keep those creative thoughts coming!

Marg (going through info from StitchesEast and working on a really cool pattern for margknittinaround on Etsy)

Need a little crochet mystery? Check out Hooked on Murder: A Crochet Mystery by Betty Hecktman. Each book in the six-book series also includes patterns and yummy recipes.

And because I seem to always have to do things in three's - here's the third crochet item for you...the Boomerang Crochet Hook- tada! These hooks are made with cherry-wood handles that are not only beautiful, but functional too. The handles' ergonomic shape really helps you grip and ease any pain or cramping...and we all know we tend to overdue during the handmade gift giving season. I know I'm guilty of the "just one more row/round" syndrome.

Finally, thanks to all of you who have emailed, visited and bought items on my Etsy shop, margknittinaround, voted for the book at TheAuthor's Lounge and checked out the recent interviews...thank you, thank you and big hugs to you all!

Hope you find a little time to Knit/Crochet Along with me for Scarves from the Heart....great stash buster project.

Marg Crochet's in Public