LET'S TALK SHOES-Knit/Crochet in style & comfort

Panda Bear MaryJanes


Current mood: fabulous
Category: Fashion, Style, Shopping

These whimsical Panda Bear MaryJanes from Emandsprout (yet, another fabulous Etsy artist to visit pronto!) are the creation of Lindsay and the shop is named for her two adorable cats, Em and Sprout because, as we all know, if we have pets - they are always part of our creative process.

This shop is loaded with fun and creativity. There is variety in size and design and she offers a little something for everyone. Hair goods, Plushies, and other adorable accessories.

When you visit Lindsay's Shop page and profile you will feel her enthusiasm for her creations, shop and customers.
I rec'd my package from her today and it included a free goodie! We like that don't we shoppers!!! . Clickclick, Clickclick, Clickclick! Ah, I hear the happy sounds of a needle salute out there in cyberspace.

Here are the Strawberry Princess MaryJanes that I fell in LUV with.
I hope you'll swing by her shop - hrt it - and purchase yourself a goodie today.
Stay tuned to the next blog for your Knit/Crochet fix.
Marg

margknittinaround on Etsy!ON SALE NOW- FREE SHIPPING!

GET READY FOR MONDAY MONSTER MADNESS!

GET YOUR CROCHET HOOK READY...

Lion Brand has some new free monster crochet patterns available on their site for all you monster lovers! Here's a couple of my favs.
Monster Dolls
Halloween Monsters came out earlier but they are some of my FAVS so I'm including the link in case you missed them.

Knitters can join in too! The patterns are easy and straightforward - if you can do an edging in crochet you can handle these cuties!

Marg

Margknittinaround is having a monster sale on Etsy

All patterns are only $2 buck-a-roos!!!

Grab a signed copy of Knit 1 for the Road for a mere $15 and FREE SHIPPING!(limited qty)

Too much house cleaning is dangerous for your knitting blog!

It's Always Something Department...

Just a note to let you know that I inadvertantly cleaned out the Picasa web album while doing a little house cleaning - not realizing it was removing the pics already in the blogs - that's why you can't see pictures in some of the recent blogs. Sorry for the inconvenience. The links, however, are in working order.

Marg

KNITTING IS LIKE SUSHI...

In the beginning, you're not sure, you might even say out right it's not your thing, but eventually you try it, and you get hooked because you had the right person to show you what it was all about and help you pick out the right things. You will need help picking patterns that are the right skill level so that you don't become frustrated. Many communities and yarn/craft stores offer classes with reasonable pricing.

Knitting shops online have free online videos to help you and there are also links on my F.A.Q. page of knit1fortheroad. Look for good descriptions and a skill level rating of Easy in your patterns when you are just starting. The patterns that tell you what you will need to know before you start are very helpful.

If you've been knitting for awhile, keep learning and studying what's new -Learn a new stitch or finishing technique to enhance your knitting and crochet skills.
Try spinning, or dying your own yarn - or both! You may discover skills you didn't know you had.

Many of your favorite shops are going through their inventory and gearing up for the Fall/Winter season right now. This is great, if you're a yarnie because you can take advantage of discounts, discontinued but fabulous yarn that is marked down to ridiculously low prices. I'm talkin' the good stuff that you drool over but can't afford full price! This is your time splurge a little. Add your fav online stores - LIKE ETSY SHOPS- to your email so you can keep up with the latest sales and new products.

Celebrate being a yarnie!
Try new things and be Pleasantly Surprised!
Marg

marknittinaround on Etsy
SUPER SWEET & SIZZLIN' HOT SUMMER SALE on ALL patterns and Knit 1 for the Road with FREE SHIPPING.

SUPER SIZZLIN' SUMMER PATTERNS

Need fun, fast, portable patterns for your summer outings?


Looking for the latest Knit 1 for the Road summer patterns?

Wishing for an amazing sale on a signed copy of Knit 1 for the Road (free shipping) to take along with you?

JOIN margknittinaround POOLSIDE on Etsy!

Click your needles together for
The Ventura Tote Bag pattern
Now available!!!
TADA!

Need the 411? The Scoop? Just the facts?
If you need knitting/crochet links and info, GO TO my FAQ page on the official book site

knit1fortheroad.

Stay tuned for some wickedly knitty items in tomorrows' blog to get your summer knit on!

Marg
Knit-Share-Go!

MATH VS KNITTING

IN THIS CORNER WE HAVE MATH WEIGHING IN AT 2 TONS ON OUR BRAINS...

Math holding you back on those knitting projects? Math Challenged? Not a Math Wiz?

Knit Picks has the reasonably priced Knitting Math Wizard by Knitting Software available to help you. It will be a useful addition to your knitting library. It's - uhh -uhh - total brain freeze, i can't think of an appropriate math term to describe it so let me just say it's wicked knitty! They also have Print-A-Grid which will print your grid to gauge if that's your thing...also reasonably priced. All Good because we always need more money for yarn ;)
Swing by and check it out!

Now relax! and enjoy this universal equation.

Knitting - Math Worries = Knitting Nirvana
(ahhhhh!)


Marg

Super Sizzlin' Hot Summer Sale on my Etsy shop margknittinaround...free shipping included!

YOU'LL BE IN STITCHES!

Current mood: adventurous Category: Travel and Places

The Knitting Universe site is the place to go to learn more about Stitches East, Stitches West, and Stitches Midwest. I missed the Stitches West because of my big move across country but I will be attending the Stitches East Event in Baltimore this year in November.

Visit the site for the scoop on dates, classes, events, etc. They are all huge events that you really don't want to miss out on if you love your stitches! Save your cookies and budget this trip into your busy lives. Take a little stitchin' time for yourself, take a class, visit the vendors, check out the special events, make lots of new friends and wear your sneakers 'cause you'll be an estatic knitter walkin'. Check out your local Ravelry groups, yarn stores, and community groups that go together to these events and share your travel expense...or perhaps start your own group of knitty travelers!

The site is being updated for Stitches East as the info comes in so you'll definitely want to keep it in your favs.

Happy Stitching!

Marg

Do You

Twitter? Follow along with knit1fortheroad for the scoop!

CATCH MY AWESOME

ETSY SHOP SALE!
margknittinaround

SWEET SALE & MORE! Soft, Close Knit Fleece is here!

WHAT'S NEW DEPARTMENT

Rec'd an email UPDATE for Polar Knit Fleece Yarn yesterday. Polar Knit offers a great description - and some pattern ideas for you as well as retailers to help you find Polar Knit Fleece. It's the first authentic fleece yarn for the knitting/crochet industry. Sooo, if you're looking for a fleece that has tight knit construction check out Polar Knit and be snuggly warm and dry this winter.

My Etsy shop margknittinaround is having a SWEET sale this week - so be sure and check out the quick, fun patterns - with more arriving soon...

Signed copy of Knit 1 for the Road on sale for $15 and FREE shipping for a limited time and limited qty.

The Ventura Tote Bag Pattern is on it's way!!! This is going to be your "GO TO" bag of the season.

I'm also thrilled to announce that the Knit 1 for the Road book kit is coming in July -you aren't going to want to miss it so stay tuned...go to my shop for the scoop!

AND a special shout out to those of you who have come by the shop - THANKS SO MUCH for the hrts and adding the shop to your favs ;) I'm feelin' the LUV.

Still some cool summer goodies on Cafe Press for you also. Gear up for your summer fun with Knit 1 for the Road tote bags, apparel, and a whole lot more!

Knit-Share-Go!
Marg (big smile for you) it's Monday!

Knots-of-Love Update @ More!

HOORAY!!! I just received my update email from Christine Shivley from Knots-of-Love. They have received 3,500 Chemo Caps so far this year. AMAZING! Also, The Laurel Hill Corporation has chosen Knots-of-Love as their charity of choice and for every hook or knitting needle set that is purchased from Laurel Hill they will donate $1.00 to knots-of-love so be sure and put add them to your FAVS and purchase your next needles from them! :) and keep those caps comin'!
When you place your order, type Knots-of-Love in the 'Company' box upon check out so they will give Knots-of-Love credit.

UPDATE for Knitters and Crocheters...
I am currently working on a FAQ page for you on the official book site Knit1fortheRoad.com. It's a work in progress, but I have added some general info on what to look for in your pattern and some handy info links and a video link to get you rollin'. More info coming :) Thanks Eve P. for suggesting the FAQ page, yay Eve! You can also email me at knit1fortheroad@gmail.com if you have questions regarding the patterns in Knit 1 for the Road or would like to request a signed copy of the book for $17.99 and free shipping.

Check out the Etsy shop margknittinaround for more fun, portable patterns from Knit 1 for the Road and a chance to purchase a signed copy of the book!
Breeze by Cafe Press, the place for Knit 1 for the Road cool apparel, totes, and more!

That's all for now ya'll! Stay tuned for a new blog on an incredible Etsy shop hmmm, who could it be? Well, it sells one of a kind, vintage, eco-friendly goodies and that's all I'm sayin' for now! Find out Who's In Da House?! - check out this blog for the 411!

Knit-Share-Go!

Marg
ps... thanks for all the nice emails and input - you guys are awesome!

SUMMER KNIT/CROCHET FUNTASTIC!

MARG'S PICKS CATEGORY: TIME FOR SOME KNITTY-CRO-ENVIRO THINGS TO CHECK OUT THIS SUMMER!

Envirosax

Sixth&Spring for knitting and crochet books, magazines, (including back issues)patterns and more! Like this colorful bookColor Sense by Susan Levin.

Color Sense is a great way to try out your color combos before getting started with your next craft project. Great for knitting and crochet also.

AND FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE...

Catch Knit and Crochet Today on PBS. I just love the idea of combining the two in one show. There's plenty of demos, a sampler afghan segment to follow along with every week which will help you improve your skills and learn new techniques, interviews with heavy hittters in the industry who can give you the scoop on what's new in the knit/crochet world...and to top it off, Brett Bara, Editor in Chief of Crochet Today is taking over as host of the show. Sooooo check your local listings and tune in!
Feel the LUV by finding time to knit, crochet and craft along with your kids and community groups.

Knit-Share-Go!
Marg

SUMMER FUN WITH KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD

Need some cool poolside patterns? Going on a trip and need a quick, easy, portable project? No worries - Check out the new summer series of Knit 1 for the Road. There are new patterns being posted on my Etsy shop (margknittingaround) You can also find and autographed copy of Knit 1 for the Road (also fun and portable).

Looking for some cool tees, caps, steins,mugs or a roomy travel tote? Or perhaps a present for the knitter in your life? Check out my store Knit 1 for the Road on Cafe Press- something for everyone, great prices, new items! Sign up for my monthly newsletter and be the first to find out about new items, sales, promotional giveaways and more!

You can also find Knit 1 for the Road on ONLINE AT Amazon and Target. Barnes & Noble.

KNIT/CROCHET 911 - help is on the way!

It'a late, your working away on your knitting or crochet project while the house is quiet and you have no one to ask...if you're in a pinch, try these links for a help.

CROCHET

KNITTING

Need more help? Sure thing! Check here for videos!

KNITTING HELP

BE SURE AND ADD THE LINKS TO YOUR FAVS.

Check out today's blog on Wedding Sachets/Lion Brand :) Marg

WEDDING JITTERS, KNITTERS?

Griddle Wedding Sachet Favor from Lion Brand(free pattern download)

It's June, the height of the wedding season...
Rec'd my newsletter from Lion Brand today and it offers 4 Easy Crochet Wedding Favor Sachets perfect for the June bride. Knitters, if you can crochet an edging, you can make these quickly and easily. It's also a great small project to hone your crochet skills. So say I DO and dive into these fun patterns! Improve your crochet skills and you'll be ready to try all those patterns that combine knitting AND crochet ;)

Knit/Crochet-Share-Go!
Marg

HERE'S THE SCOOP ON WHERE TO FIND KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD BOOK AND ITEMS!
Now on

Amazon, Target, Etsy! You can also email me at knit1fortheroad@gmail.com if you have questions about any of the patterns in the book or would like details on buying an autographed copy directly from me.
Do you Twitter? Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter.

Visit Cafe Press for all your Knit 1 for the Road apparel & more! Look Fabulous while you're knitting! Something for everyone-great pricing-fabulous color choices and sizing-NEW items.Sign up for my monthly newsletter! Be the first to get the scoop on sales, promotions, new items and more!

Visit my Etsy shop for poolside patterns from the Knit 1 for the Road series and for an autographed copy of Knit 1 for the Road. More new sizzling hot patterns coming in JULY.

Visit the official Knit 1 for the Road website for all the news!

NEED SOME KNITTING HELP?

New to knitting?

Need a refresher?


I came across this today while surfing the net and thought it might be helpful to you.
Check out Knitting Help for helpful videos

or refer to your handy Knit 1 for the Road! ;)




Back to your regularly scheduled knitting.




Marg

KEEPING YOUR KNITTY ON THIS SUMMER WITH KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD!

Many of us take a little break from knitting or crocheting...especially you busy Moms out there. During the summer, we tend to spend more time with the family and take vacations. Not to worry! You can listen to some fun and inspiring knit/crochet and crafting podcasts on your computer or ipod when you have the kids settled into an activity or if you are traveling (but please no earphones while driving!). They're great because they can be paused or replayed so you don't miss anything once peace returns. I listen to Knit Picks, Lion Brand, CRL (first series) and the Crafty Chica. There are many - your favorite yarn supplier online probably offers a podcast - check their sites for the podcast buttons. You can go online to a store like iTunes and click on the category (like knitting or hobbies) OR type in a specific name and download the free podcasts to your media player or ipod. Keep your ipod in a Knit 1 for the Road tote, ;) charged and ready to roll.

Another great way to stay knitty is to share your fabulous know how with others. Get a little one, tween or teen started on crochet or knitting. Check with local community centers, local yarn/craft stores or churches for a class for Mommy & Me or work on a project as a family. There are some great beginner kits and websites that have tips and ideas for teaching the ones you love. Keep it simple and fun! Include the kids in the creative process of choosing yarn colors (with your guidance of course). Use up that stash and make colorful scarves or coasters...the kids know what's cool and will have their own ideas! Keep it small ... Big needles are fun and colorful but can be hard for smaller children or beginners to use so keep the size to an US 8 or 10...bamboo keeps the yarn from slipping around and you can add their favorite pencil eraser to the top! Perhaps, with a little supervision, they could also bake them in colorful clay. ;) You may have a budding designer in your family!

GO POOLSIDE with your knitting. Check out portable, easy patterns in Knit 1 for the Road, perhaps? Check out my Etsy shop margknittinaround the book and additional patterns that are created with 100% cotton. I am working away on some more so stay tuned for new additions all summer! You can also go to my store on Cafe Press for fabulous apparel, totes, bags & more from Knit 1 for the Road!

Knit-Share-Go and enjoy your family time.

Marg

Now on Amazon, Etsy and Target!
Do You Twitter? Follow Knit 1 for the Road with daily updates.
or Go To the official book site for the scoop Knit1fortheRoad

KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD IS NOW ON CAFE PRESS!
Remember, I promised you in the intro of my book that you would look FABULOUS while working on your Knit 1 for the Road patterns!

SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER AND BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT NEW ITEMS, SALES AND SPECIAL PROMOTIONS!

THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERY ONE AND EVERY BUDGET - EVEN PETS! ENJOY REASONABLE PRICING, MANY APPAREL CHOICES AND SIZES AS WELL AS FUN ITEMS FOR YOUR KNITTING PROJECTS!

HERE'S A SNEAK PEEK LIST OF SOME OF THE ITEMS AVAILABLE!

SHOP CATEGORIES
APPAREL, OUTERWEAR, BABY, HOUSEWARE, HATS & BAGS, STICKERS, BUTTONS, MAGNETS, PETS, POSTERS, PRINTS & MORE!

Happy Shopping!
Marg

I Laughed, I cried, I was scared, I knitted, I found Yarn Nirvana!

goodie bag galore

classes, workshops, market

close up of goodie bag

stash-a-roo!

The Knitters Connection event, sponsored by Knitters Mercantile, took place in Columbus OH. There were classses galore, vendors and GOODIE Bags for members.

My husband, Dave was kind enough to drive while I knitted - we manuevered through roadwork, bad mapquest & google directions, and a lot of stopping for directions, but finally arrived at our destination. (Why does that always happen?!) I knew I was in the right place when I saw a woman walking away from the convention center with a bag full of yarn and an awesome goodie bag. EUREKA! The convention center was HUGE and when I walked in, I saw bunches of people in black tees (mostly guys with lots' of piercings) milling around & a reservation booth draped in black and I'm thinking UHH-I'm not sure - PANIC- there was a Knitter's Connection sign so I knew I was close so I asked the security guard WHAT UP? Turns out I was on the wrong end (of course) - I almost got sucked into the Northeast Haunted Convention - lots of dry ice & scarey stuff. Looked interesting, but I was on a yarn mission.

Made it to the Knitter's Convention Area/Booth - oh, what nice people! This event was unlike any other I have attended. I went early before the classes let out and visited the vendor's first - no madhouse, no pushing & shoving here, ladies and gents. The vendors didn't overlap as far as what they had to offer. After visiting with a few of them, I realized how they are specially picked for the event. They were spaced nicely and even though there were plenty of shoppers, you didn't feel the place was wall to wall people. It was the calmest, most relaxing event I've ever been to. Met lots of new folks, chatted with knitters outside the market and had a tasty lunch afterwards at the Market area downtown. Great cafes, restaurants, etc. I had never been to Columbus before so it was a nice excursion for me and I really enjoyed their city.

Next year, I hope to take a class or two! The folks at Ravelry were there ;)
As for Dave, he munched on samples at the Market - while I shopped & visited. Good time had by all! Please check out the sites and make your plans to go next year!

TIP FOR YOU...

(I had a shopping list this time - a great tip for these events- must budget, must budget!)

Chao, Cheerio, Later Gator,Tally Ho, Knit-Share-Go! Marg

CHECK OUT THE NEW KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD SUMMER POOL SIDE PATTERNS ON MY ETSY SHOP! Stop to shop or stop to heart me - I always like to see your smiling face - share the LUV!

Also, I found Knit 1 for the Road online at Target! Who knew? The book has a life of its own!