HAPPY HALLOWEEN HIPSTERS!

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

REMEMBER TO BE CRAFTY, KNITTY AND WISE.

Marg and the Sparkle Fairy

Halloween Savings on margknittinaround.

Last chance for the Knit 1 for the Road pairing with Knitting for Dummies on Amazon.

WHO PUT THE COOL IN CRAFT?

MIXTAPE!! That's who, with their latest issue (No.6) out now. This issue is bigger and craftier with lots of gift giving ideas, projects, how to go green, knitting, dyeing yarn and a whole lot more. This mag is the perfect edition to your crafty library. And, if you'll take a gander at page 7 you will see my article ;) Crafting on the Roller Coaster of Life. All shameless self promotion aside, this is an awesome issue my crafty ones.

A shout out to my fellow authors, check out the new tutorial of design options available on BookSurge. You can also go to the homepage and click on the Design (black) box for all the options. I'm proud to say that Knit 1 for the Road was chosen as one of the featured design covers for the tutorial. If you are interested in getting in touch with BookSurge, I have an awesome contact there who will fix you up! You can send me an email at knit1fortheroad@gmail.com and I will forward the info to you.

Hope you're finding a little time to knit or crochet.

Marg (feet planted firmly, reaching for the sky)

IDEA SIDE EMPTY?

IN NEED OF A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR A HOLIDAY PROJECT AND NEED TO KEEP YOUR CHECKBOOK IN BALANCE, AND WHO DOESN'T? THERE ARE LOADS OF FREE PATTERNS THAT ARE FUN AND USER FRIENDLY OUT THERE TO HELP YOU.

HERE ARE THREE SITES THAT I ENJOY PERUSING WHEN MY INSPIRATION SIDE IS EMPTY.

LION BRAND

KNIT PICKS

CRYSTAL PALACE

I hope these sites inspire you to Knit-Share-Go!

Molly and Marg looking forward to trick or treat!

SHOUT OUT TO MY AUTHOR FRIENDS

Knit 1 for the Road Cover is featured on BookSurge Total Design Page YAY!

Enter here to check out the cover and listen to short description of design options available, if you're interested. http://www.booksurge2.com/TDFSite/index.html

If you have questions, let me know. I have an awesome contact person there. ;)

HALLOWEEN SALEORAMA

IT'S TUESDAY, TIME FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS.
GREAT GIFT GIVING OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND...
'Tis the season for great prices on The Whole Kit and Kaboodle kit on sale for $15 now on my Etsy shop, margknittinaround. Knit 1 for the Road is on sale for $12!!! Patterns are also marked down. Aaaamazing. You can also take advantage of the October pairing of Knit 1 for the Road with Knitting for Dummies on Amazon.

You can still Knit Along for Scarves from the Heart! First person to send in a pic for the reader gallery on knit1fortheroad.com will receive a pair of The Cure knitting needles either size 8 or 10, your choice. You can send your pics of your project to knit1fortheroad@gmail.com. This project is a wonderful stash buster ;)

MAX'S PET PEEVE DEPT - NO TREATS FOR HALLOWEEN

This is Max and he has just lost 5 lbs since his last vet visit and is now the perfect healthy Yorkie weight. Many have asked him how he did it...Max says his mummy switched to Beneful (weight management), more excercise and no treats. He is still a little devil though, as you can see in his Halloween pic and he finds that being lighter makes for a really quick getaway.

Come by tomorrow for knitting and crochet projects for the holidays.

KNIT-SHARE-GO!

Marg (knitting, crocheting and hoping it doesn't snow tonight)

BagABoo!

Adorable bags await! Just one click away at WalkerBags.com you will find colorful knitting, project and zippy bags that will make you excited to get up in the morning and knit.

October is Amazon savings for Knit 1 for the Road. Check out this month's pairing with the insanely popular Knitting for Dummies! Take advantage of this limited offer - buy for yourself or gift it!

AND NOW Here's a little pic from the pumpkin patch to make you smile. Knit-Share-Go Orange! Marg and Molly

Art, Anarchy, and A Naughty Knitty Puppet

Yesterday, I attended an amazing event in Pittsburgh called the Black Sheep Puppet Festival at The Brew House. The Brew House has artist spaces and a theater and an association of mostly volunteers devoted to art and artists of every medium.

There were activities for children in the day and an evening lecture on the history of puppets and their significance in the long tradition of storytelling throughout the world. These shows could be very political, bawdy, and entertaining and a great way for our ancestors to preserve freedom of speech...afterall, the puppet said it!

There were puppets of every kind imaginable, with demos of how they operate. The evening performances ranged from the bizarre and surreal to the adorable and a dash of political satire added in very smartly . I was impressed at the way each group created their puppet characters using all types of mediums from matchsticks to elaborate paper mache'. They even had a 5 min contest at intermission where two of the puppetiers had to come up with a puppet with whatever items where in the box they were given. I was awestruck by the creativity, materials, and expression. My favorite puppet of the evening included elaborate hand knitting in the costume which gave it a rich texture.


If you ever have a chance to attend a puppet festival - dooo go - and remember to look for the knitty puppet!
Marg (letting her imagination soar)
HURRY if you want to snag Knit 1 for the Road on Amazon. Check out the pairing with the wildly popular Knitting for Dummies for super savings. This is only for a limited time.

I SPY A QUICKIE KNITTY

Here's my quickie project!

Looking for a quick knit or crochet project? A small item that can make a gynormous difference in a baby's life. Well, here it is... Warm Up America and the Save the Children are teaming up to help you make that difference with their Knit One, Save One campaign (click on the link for pdf download and info)to save millions of babies.

You will find patterns for easy and adorable caps to make, instructions on where to send them and when they are needed. Sooooo easy, you could take an hour to whip up just one small cap while you're watching tv, watching your child play sports, or during a work break. Your cap will need to be mailed by Dec. 31, 2008.

Last year I missed out on the program, I think I was caught up in the fog of life and missed the deadline, so I swore to be sure and contribute next time. It's such a fun little project and I'll hope you'll jump in and contribute your time, creativity and a little bit of yarn for this worthy cause.

Marg (chillin' the mocha)

MYSTERY, LOOPINESS AND GRIP

Attention my crochet and knitting friends who think getting a bit loopy is just what they need in their lives. Check out the fun, informative Getting Loopy weekly podcast with Mary Beth Temple. Her show is on Monday at 9:00pm EasternTime and if you can't make it - no worries - the shows are archived for your listening pleasure. Her past guests have included Carol Ventura, Doris Chan, and Julie Armstrong Holetz. I hope you'll stop by to listen and learn. These shows are also great for knitters who are already crocheting or hope to add it to their skills.

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

CHILLING READ FOR KNITTERS/CROCHETERS

Today, I would like to share with you some info on a compelling, chilling book, Silent Scream by the very talented Yvonne Mason.

The story takes the reader on a dark journey, while giving a voice to the helpless victims. Imagine solving crimes before the advancement of DNA - imagine not knowing what has happened to a loved one-imagine the dedication of those people who work on these cases which sometimes run very cold, very quickly. If you're looking for a good read - can't put it down book - do check this one out. Silent Scream is the rare combination of fact, descriptive scenes that put you right in the middle of the story and compassion for the victims and their families who are sadly left behind to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

Silent Scream is about the victims of deputy sheriff/serial killer during the 70's, named Gerard Schaefer. I will say no more - just read it! You can find this book on Lulu.com as a download or hard copy.

You can visit Yvonne on MySpace.com for the full scoop on her interviews, books, The Odd Mind Magazine and more!

Back to knitting and crochet tomorrow ;)

Marg

HARVEST SPICE IS HERE

Happy Harvest Time!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the latest addition to the Fall Flair section of my Etsy shop, margknittinaround.

This scarf was inspired by the autumn leaves, cinnamon, and apple cider. Wearing it will make you feel warm, cozy and hopeful during the festive harvest.

Rowan Big Wool was used, but you can use another bulky yarn of your choice, and US size 15 (10.0 mm)Knitting Needles. Gauge recommendation is included in pattern.

The skill level for this scarf is experienced beginner to intermediate/advanced. The pattern has clear instructions and plenty of color pics to guide you.

What you will need to know-
c/o Cast On
Cast Off in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls)
(k) Knit
(p) Purl
Be able to knit into a purl stitch

You will find other great fall patterns, kits, and Knit 1 for the Road on margknittinaround. Great knitteratti gifts for yourself and the knitter in your life. REMEMBER, with your purchase you receive The Ventura Tote pattern as a FREE gift.

Tis' the season for beautiful hand knitted gifts.

Knit - Share - Go!
Marg
I NEED YOUR VOTE, PLEASE!!! Knit 1 for the Road for the CoverAward Competition on The Author's Lounge. Scroll down to voter box on the lefthand side.

INSIGHTFUL, INTERESTING AND INSPIRING

Insightful, Interesting and Inspiring - Knit 1 for the Road interview on CafeCrochet...

Hope you all had a good weekend. Just a short blog tonight to let you know the Knit 1 for the Road interview on CafeCrochet is available for your viewing pleasure. Sit back with some hot chocolate, tea or java and envision yourself relaxing/knitting/crocheting at CafeCrochet with Christine and Marg.

Enjoy!

VEGAS SHOW AND TELL TIME

Time for some show and tell from my knitting cave. That's right, I'm coming out of my cubbyhole today. The yorkies are rubbing their eyes with disbelief and making plans for a day devoted entirely to their wishes.

Last night, during the dilemma on what to watch - Ghost Hunters, Project Runway, or the Debate finale, I worked on this pink scarf in a basic ribbed pattern with Vegas which, if you are not familiar with, is one of the fabulous yarns included in The Vickie Howell Collection. Vegas is one of my favorite yarns and I've included a pattern, The Woman Scarf, the compliment for the Man Scarf, in my portable knitting book Knit 1 for the Road, using Vegas.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I thought this shade of pink which is called Pink Champagne would be great. The texture really adds a lot to this basic pattern and was knitted on US size 10 knitting needles.

Vegas is 29% SOYSILK®Brand Fiber/67% Wool/4% Metallic Thread. It's soft and durable and fun to use on many projects.

Well, Max and Molly are patiently waiting for their walk and bark so I will see you next time my knitty friends.

Knit-Share-Go!

Marg

VISIT KNIT1FORTHEROAD.COM FOR KNIT/CROCHET RESOURCES, FUN LINKS, READER GALLERY AND KNITTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE!

ATTACH AND ADD ATTITUDE!

MANY OF YOU HAVE ASKED ABOUT AN EASY WAY TO ADD YARN TO YOUR PROJECT WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED USING ONE BALL AND NEED TO CONTINUE WITH ANOTHER.

WHEN YOU NOTICE YOU ARE GETTING LOW ON YARN - THAT'S THE TIME TO ESTIMATE THE AMOUNT YOU NEED TO CONTINUE TO THE END OF THE ROW. YOU CAN DO THIS BY CHECKING THE LENGTH LEFT AND MAKE SURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST 3 TIMES THE WIDTH OF YOUR KNITTING.

TRIM THE YARN (LEAVE ABOUT A 6" TAIL THAT YOU CAN EASILY WEAVE INTO YOUR KNITTING). TAKE YOUR NEW YARN AND LINE IT UP EVENLY WITH THE TWO TAILS. HOLDING BOTH STRANDS OF YARN, KNOT THEM TOGETHER LOOSELY AND TIE AN OVERHAND KNOT. AT THIS POINT, YOU CAN SLIDE THE KNOT SO THAT IT HANGS AT THE EDGE OF YOUR KNITTING.

THIS TECHNIQUE CAN ALSO BE USED WHEN YOU ARE ADDING STRIPES WITH DIFFERENT COLORS - VERY COOL. ;)

I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU WITH THOSE HOLIDAY PROJECTS YOU HAVE LINED UP. PUT THOSE NEEDLES TOGETHER AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO ADD DIFFERENT COLORED YARNS OR TEXTURES TOGETHER for KAPOW effect.

YOU'RE FEARLESS!

MARG

VISIT margknittinaround on Etsy for Knit 1 for the Road patterns, kits, and more!

CAFE CROCHET APPRECIATION DAY!

Today, I'd like to share with you this adorable appreciation card from Christine of Cafe Crochet on Blogger. The card was made by Christine on SendOutCards and shows the contents of The Whole Kit and Kaboodle kit which she received from my Etsy shop, margknittinaround.

I thought this was the cutest idea and it really made my day when I recieved this creative goodie in the mail. Enthusiasm is contagious!

DO Visit Christine's blog and enjoy a very relaxed atmosphere filled with info, fun, interviews and more! Christine is a busy mom and an excellent business woman who has a managed to find time to devote to the activities she loves. Yay - what an inspiration for us all.

Christine has been a great friend and fellow tweat on Twitter , the awesome networking site and blogger. A simple click in cyberspace can result in great friends, sharing and community so if you've been on the fence - come on down and join us!

Here's to more knit/crochet/community in your future! Now get goin' and make a new friend. ;)

Marg (getting her knitting together for yet another debate night, nothing like being prepared ;))

KNIT/CROCHET CHILLS

Lion Brand offers wonderful ways to de-stress, chill out and get down to your knitting and crochet projects during one of the busiest seasons of the year. You will want to visit their site and enjoy 45 free projects for the holiday season and check out their nerve soothing yarn images that you can download for free to your computer. Listen to the YARN CRAFT podcast for HALLOWEEN, filled with fun, spooky ideas for you and the family.

You definitely want to make time to knit and crochet to relieve your stress and maintain a healthy state of mind. ;)

Knit or Crochet Along with me for Scarves from the Heart! Check out their website for yarn suggestions, patterns and the address to send them to. Send a pic to knit1fortheroad@gmail.com and I'll be sure to post your picture in the gallery on knit1fortheroad.com and here on the blog ;) It's an awesome stashbuster project.

KNIT SHARE GO!

MARG (FEELIN' SPOOKIFIED BUT RELAXED listening to the YarnCraft podcast)

VISIT MARGKNITTINAROUND ON ETSY FOR FALL FASHION FLAIR, GREAT PRICES, KITS, PATTERNS AND MORE!

TIME FOR STITCHES

STITCHES EAST THAT IS...

COMING TO THE BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER IN BALTIMORE MD NOVEMBER 6-9 2008.

VISIT

THE KNITTING UNIVERSE TO PURCHASE YOUR MARKET TICKETS, REGISTER FOR CLASSES, AND GET THE FULL SCOOP ON EVENTS.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

KNIT-SHARE-GO! Marg

Follow along on Twitter or kwippy for updates!

THINK PINK!

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH AND MY GOOD FRIEND CHRISTINE SHIVELY FROM KNOTS-OF-LOVE.ORG SENT OVER A LINK TO MARY MAXIM FOR THE THINK PINK BOOK FILLED WITH WONDERFUL PATTERNS TO CROCHET FOR THE CURE. THERE ARE OTHER BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ITEMS ON THE SITE, AS WELL. A PORTION OF THE MONEY GOES TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.
TAKE A LOOK AND THEN KNIT/CRO-SHARE-GO! vrrrrrrrrrrrrrrm Look at you!!!!
Marg
Visit margknittinaround on Etsy for Fall Flair Fashion and more!

'TIS TOY TIME

Need to make a few toys for those tots? Here's a site you're going to want to visit. Ariadne Knits has kits, patterns, and a free pattern for charity toy making. WooHoo! The kits and patterns are by the fabulous Jennie Eveleigh Lamond.

A GREAT WAT TO HAVE KNITTY INFO AND RESOURCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! Visit Amazon and take advantage of the pairing for Knit 1 for the Road with the wildly popular Kniting for Dummies.Knitting for Dummies and Knit 1 for the Road together and receive your discount!!! Awesome present for the knitty in your life and yourself! Limited time so Do take advantage of this offer.;)

TIME FOR GIVING...Hope you found some time to knit or crochet for the cure last night during the debate. Our knit/crochet along is goin' strong and it's a great time to contribute a handmade chemo cap or scarf to those in need. Please visit Scarves from the Heart and Knots-of-Love.org, two wonderful organizations helping cancer patients. Please send me a pic of your project and I will post it on the blog and at knit1fortheroad.com, in the gallery. The first person to send a pic of your beautiful project to knit1fortheroad@gmail.com will receive a pair of The Cure knitting needles. (See yesterday's (Oct 7) blog for details)

Knit-Share-Go!

Marg

AMAZING TWOFER OFFER ON AMAZON!

A LITTLE BARGAIN FOR YOUR PLEASURE. LOOK FOR KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD PAIRED WITH THE WILDLY POPULAR KNITTING FOR DUMMIES AND GET ADDITIONAL 5% OF AMAZON'S EVERYDAY LOW PRICE. BUY TOGETHER FOR ONLY $32.04. AMAZINGLY KNITTY GOODNESS JUST A CLICK AWAY. BUY FOR YOURSELF OR A GIFT OR BOTH! THE PAIRING IS ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME.

KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD/KNITTING FOR DUMMIES PAIRING.

This has been Marg searching far and wide for astounding bargains for the knit at heart.

CLICK, CLICK, CURE

They're baaack! Tonight's the big town meeting - grab your sticks and hooks together for a little political knitting and crochet.

Tonight would be a great time to knit or crochet for the cure! Check your stash and please consider making a scarf or chemo cap for either of the Knit/Crochet Along Organizations for the past two months. They are both amazing orgs and I will be happy to post pics of your project for either or both. ;) Do send your lovely pics to knit1fortheroad@gmail.com. In fact, the first person to send pics will receive a pair of ChiaoGoo Bamboo size 8 or 10 FIND A CURE knitting needles from Bargain Yarns.

Get going on a chemo cap(s) for Knots-of-Love.org or a scarf(s) for Scarves from the Heart Tonight!!! Visit these sites for the 411 on yarn, patterns and inspiration...NO WOOL PLEASE ;)

Here's the scoop on the needles from the site:

A percentage of the proceeds of the sale of these needles will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) a non-profit organization assisting women at all stages of diagnosis, young women, women with advanced breast cancer, women at high risk of developing the disease and African American and Latina women. LBBC also offers programs for caregivers and healthcare professionals to help them better meet the needs of women affected by breast cancer.

THINK PINK and

Knit-Share-Go! Marg

PICK UP STIX

Looking for some fun stix for your sock knitting? 'Tis the season and Lantern Moon has your Sox Stix in stock in several colors and lengths...Just in time for the holidays! Yes, folks, it's getting close. Also, makes a great gift for a friend or family member. These awesome needles come in a Colorful bag making them an ideal stocking stuffer ;)
You're going to want to add these gems to your wishlist and shopping list!

This is Marg, dreaming of 75% off on all knitty items for the season.

HODGE PODGE OF THE BOO VARIETY

FIRST OFF - SOME HALLOWEEN KNIT AND CROCHET PATTERNS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT LION BRAND. YOU CAN'T HELP BUT RESISTS THESE FUN AND EASY PATTERNS AND I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THIS COLLECTION- SKULLS, CANDYCORN, GHOSTIES, WITCHES AND MORE! THE BEST PART IS THEY'RE FREE :) THERE'S STILL TIME TO MAKE A FEW OF THESE ADORABLE PROJECTS BEFORE IT'S TIME TO GO boo!

Knitting bags caught my eye also. I think you're going to love these. There's the Namaste Binder in Peacock now available at DreamWeaver,

AND

Knit Picks offers these cute and roomy totes perfect for knitting and crochet projects.

Remember to find a little time for the knit/crochet along for Scarves from the Heart. October is breast cancer awareness month. Send your pics in and I'll post them ;)... knit1fortheroad@gmail.com.

New patterns - great prices at margknittinaround on Etsy!

Would you like to hear my interview on the awarding winning blogtalk radioThe Odd Mind with the fabulous Angellesa? Click here... Knit1fortheRoad.

That's all for now!

Marg - destressing with a little knit-share-go attitude!

MEASURE, MAKE AND CELEBRATE!

Do you need a little help measuring for your next sweater project? Here's a video from Daily Knitting TV that will take the mystery out of measuring. :) Marg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rl4jcGKd4E

THE ODD MIND INTERVIEW LINK IS HERE!

Here's the link for fun interview with Angellesa on BlogTalk Radio today. We chatted about Knit 1 for the Road, knitting, crochet, tips for authors, knitters and a surprise guest caller. Enjoy! Marg ;)


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AngelLesa/va/2008/10/02/author-margaret-nock-of-knit-1-for-the-road