If you have the yarn, the project will come.

Lollipop Leg Woolies
Free pattern from VickieHowell.com













Handmade wrapping
Tag from FarAway Designs on Etsy

This week, I finally had a chance to make these leg warmers for a friend on Ravelry. I used 1 ball Vickie Howell Collection Rock, Tori and
Vegas, Casino and Viva Las from a previous project for the lollipop trees. The size I made was for 0-6 months. Size instructions for 6-12 months is included in the pattern as well as a note on how to make larger sizes.

Baby goes handmade in style, and I had another fun project to make - all good on Knitston Aveue in Easton.

Marg (celebrating all shades of orange)

Immerse Yourself in Color

Short blog today. While I'm away from my knitting zone, please check out KnitWhits. You'll be delighted by elfin booties, kits, and community.
Immerse yourself in color today and I'll be back to my bloggie self tomorrow.

Marg (I hrt Fall)

Jump over the Mango Moon ...

Searching for luxurious recycled yarn? Take a look at the MangoMoon website. The name itself, is fabulous and I know you'll find something wonderful to create your next project with as well as stick to your handmade/recycle mantra. All good! Visit their free patterns, notions and kit sections and of course retailer tab. You will also learn how they support the NGO Organization which helps women rescued from abusive situations. They definitely earn a full needle and hook salute.

Enjoy your knitting, crochet and crafting and help make a difference in someone's life.

Marg (Monday madness is here!)

As if everyone...

Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse

This weekend was filled with last events of the season. Festivals, boat rides, and hanging out at the beach. We chose to take a lighthouse tour by boat yesterday and visit Annapolis for a craft show today. As a crafter, this season is filled with hope and excitement for new projects, new friends and new experiences. I've been noticing lately, how many of you, my online friends and followers, have grown as knitters and crafters. It's very exciting to see the crafting communities grow and support each other. Whether it's finding your sea legs or discovering new crafting ideas, I hope you're making the most out of the Fall season. Be a sunflower, with your face lifted toward the sun. No matter your mood or situation, things are bound to improve.

As if, everyone, as if!

Marg (dreaming, creating, smiling)

Linking Around Knitty Town

Pumpkin Patch

Here are some links that you might find interesting.

Gifts for yourself or your knitty friends...

Hugo Hat Kit from KnitPicks

Noro Pattern Books from Royal Yarns

101 Stitches to Knit Card Deck

AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher

Freebies!

Fall 2009 free patterns from Knitty.com

Crochet patterns for Fall 2009 from LionBrandYarn

Craft patterns for Fall 2009 from LionBrandYarn

That's the round up for this week. Enjoy!

Marg (surrounded by the colors of Fall)

Healing Power of Knitting

Birthday Celebration at Martini's in Easton, MD and a red birthday cake for a red!

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful birthday wishes! You all made my day.

Today, I'd like to talk about your health -your knitting health, that is. Think of your knitting as an excercise for the heart, mind and soul and try to incorporate it into you life every week. This also goes for crochet and any other crafty or creative activity that brings you joy. It can be considered a meditation practice as well. You will develop, with time, a natural rhythm and tension that will allow you to make each stitch a silent meditation. Try knitting your charity projects with deliberate intent. Seek out different places to knit that make you feel relaxed and discover what effect this has on your projects. Try to tidy up your space, organize your stash so that you're able to locate the yarn and supplies you need, and set aside a time that is all about your knitting. This can be surprisingly difficult so don't beat yourself up over any changes you have to make...small steps will help you achieve your goals.

Consider consciously thinking of what you're sending out into the world with your efforts. I think you will be surprised at what this simple exercise will bring to your life and others. Try sharing your experiences in a way that you feel comfortable and be an inspiration to others.

Namaste' Ya'll and have a wonderful Wednesday.

Marg(enjoying the first day of Fall and working off some bd cake)

Weave your yarn stash away!

Hello all those who seek stash solutions...consider this option.

Loom in a Tube

Loom in a Tube books and kits will have you up and weaving your stash away into interesting projects for you and your home. Weave your yarn or yarn and beads and expand your talents. Either way, it's a win, win for you. The folks at Loom in a Tube help you with instructions for begginning weavers and include the materials to get you going. The loom can be put away mid-project in the tube for safe keeping no matter where you are. Portable and easily used in your lap or if you need to stand it up, there is a stand available. Storage is a breeze. As always, compare the price of this loom with others and choose the best for your needs. I have found many to be bulkier with less info and materials to provide.

Tight warps ahead! Ok, at least I didn't say warp speed ahead, although I was tempted.

Marg (totally obsessed with birthday cake today)

The perfect little black knitting accessory...

KnitKit in black

The perfect little black knitty tool has arrived at one of my favorite online stores, Scout'sSwag. Prepare to visit the not so distant past today, April 1, to be precise, and enjoy an update for the previous blog, The Knit Kit is a Keeper regarding the incredibly handy Knit Kit . It's now available in basic black. Stylish, compact and functional, this will be your new "go to" gadget for the knitting season.

Red Hermosa, Black Zuma and Black Laguna bags.

While you're visiting the store, visit the THREE NEW NAMASTE COLORS ARE HERE! section and snag yourself a red Hermosa bag, a black Zuma bag or a black Laguna bag.

Remember to bring the same "A" game attitude that you bring to family, friends, and career to your knitting, and you will be sure to have success.

Marg (just took a non-blurry shot of Max for you in his black bow)

Knitters Need Their Tool Bags...

The Knitter's Tool Bag Kit from KnitPicks

This just in from KnitPicks! The Knitter's Tool Bag Kit will have you whipping up this adorable and roomy bag in no time. You'll get a tutorial on the three different pocket options, welts and handy lining instructions. The design enables the bag to keep it's shape and stand on its own for all your knitting needs and I love the fact that the lining is included in the kit.

Each kit includes Wool of the Andes Bulky, a fat quater of coordinating quilt fabric for the lining and thick interfacing for stiffining. The cost for this kit is only $22.99! Choose from Green, Brown or Purple and you're on your way to kicking off you Fall knitting in style.

Enjoy your knitting this week and rock the pocket!

Marg (celebrating pocket power)

Buy a bag, save the world...

Three bag options to consider, today, that will help you help others and the environment.

The first option is Purse of Hope brought to you by Juxtaposie The mission is to help victims of human trafficking and forced prostitution. One feature of these bags, that I really like, is the Acholi Beads which are incorporated into each handle and embellished by Northern Ugandan refugees. The shop also offers a Purse of Hope mug if you aren't into bags and you can still show your support for the wonderful work that is being done. The goal of Kristen Hendricks, the founder of Purse of Hope, is to create awareness and show that "Ordinary people can and do change the world everyday".

Plug in with the Juice Bag from Reware. It's a solar bag for the busy business person, student, and basically anyone on the go! Knitters included. It's easy to use and created in the US. Hooray! Basically, the panel on the bag is solar and there's a handy built in car lighter adapter socket that is universal so you can use it with your phone, PDA, or MP3. Sunlight on the bag equals electricity while you go about your busy day.

Envirosax, one of my "go to" bag options, has a new line of bags for Fall called La Boheme that I know you're going to like. Still the durable, soft and fun bag that you love with a new look for the season that is a tribute to the Art Nouveau movement It's a wonderful market bag, knitting bag, and travel bag. I keep one or two in the car for bag emergencies.

That's the bag alert for today. Celebrate the power of a great bag, reuse, recycle and give others a helping hand. Voila, you are now a crafty, stylish and eco-friendly diva.

Now it's time to knit-share-go grab a bag!

Marg (probably setting a world record w/ how much I can get into an Envirosax bag)

FarAwayDesigns is Delightful!

Flight Bookmark

Just a Note Card

All Things Card

Today, I'm happy to welcome Anca of FarAwayDesigns on Etsy. Gather 'round with your coffe or tea and enjoy the interview, whimsical designs, excellent needlework and crafty cards.

Q. Welcome Anca, and thank you for taking time for this interview. When did you first become interested in working with paper and needlework?

A. Margaret, I want to Thank You for offering me this excellent opportunity to be interviewed by a well known crafter! I have been doing needlework ever since I can remember. I owe my interest to my late grandmother, who taught me how to cross-stitch, needlepoint and knit. One thing she loved but could not teach me was crochet and macramé – I just could never remember patterns.

Paper crafted cards are a much newer interest, more an addiction, really. It started with purchasing – by mistake – a book on card making, and I was hooked. I am still learning on how to create cards, though I am far from being as creative as many other card makers.

Q. You're a natural! There is so much variety in your cards, bookmarks and banners. Where to you find inspiration for your designs?

A. Most of the cross-stitch cards are patterns I have accumulated through the years. Sometimes, I get adventurous and change thread colors – just to see what results I get. Recently, I had a few custom orders, where my client needed me to create a card around a certain quote she provided. It was a bit of a challenge, being that it was a first for me. My client was quite pleased, so I knew I could try my hand at designing my own patterns.

With the paper crafted cards, my inspiration starts by looking at one of my books or magazines. However, I tend to veer off the directions and, when finished, the card I have made is nothing like the original point of inspiration.

Q. Yes, I think many of us have to make that leap from the original idea to create something wonderful. We would all like to know how you balance your busy shop with your everyday life. Do you have any tips for other Etsy shop owners or anyone thinking of starting a shop?

A. In October 2008, I decided to return to school and get a Bachelor’s degree in Web Design and Multimedia. One of the first things I had to learn during the first term was Time Management.

Then, 6 months later I discovered Etsy.com and opened my store. I still have trouble sometimes managing my time to get everything accomplished and organized, but I am getting better at it.

I cannot really say that I can offer tips or advice – I am a brand new shop owner myself. A few things that I have learned, though:

· Involve yourself in the Forum – you will find lots of experienced Etsyans ready and willing to help you succeed.

· As much as possible, participate in the workshops. I have learned quite a bit when I started going.

· Make sure you advertise your shop: business cards, flyers, links on your website and your blog, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, Project Wonderful. There are lots of free or inexpensive avenues to let people know what your shop is about and what you can offer them.

Q. Those are all wonderful suggestions, Anca, thank you, Do you have any upcoming events, new items, hopes for your business, or any other info that you would like to share with us?

A. I try to keep my shop’s appearance fresh and not repeat creating the same items. I am actively working on developing hand painted watercolor cards. I have seen numerous cards that are mainly printed reproductions of an original, and I want to offer my customers unique pieces that will make them happy! I tend to be a perfectionist in what I do, after all my customers deserve no less than the absolute best I can offer them.

Margaret, thank you so much for taking an interest in my work and my shop; it was very stimulating to be asked for an interview and it was a pleasure to chat with you!

You're so welcome - I look forward to seeing your new projects.

Here are the links to visit Anca and FarAwayDesigns


FarAway Designs on Etsy: http://FarAwayDesigns.etsy.com
FarAway Designs Cards Blog: http://faraway-designs.blogspot.com
FarAway Designs on Twitter: http://twitter.com/FarAwayDesigns

Prepare for Merriement, Art and Knitting...

Cool enough for hot chocolate is fine with me.

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Just in from traveling around the state and in my wanderings I learned of some artists who knit and incorporate their knitting knowhow into their work. Textile, animation, and performance artists are knitting up a storm. Enjoy the array of artists celebrated on UK HandKnitting and celebrate art, knitting, and some fabulous projects, including HorrorKnitting from Max Alexander - sooo cool and just in time for the Halloween season. Who knew wool had a dark side?

The article is a wonderful lineup of artists, so do explore the statements, projects and personalities. You're going to be inspired and ready to start your own project this week.

If you have a chance to visit the Renaissance Festival in Maryland, I think you will have a great time...it's one of the best ones I've ever been to and the setting is beautiful this time of year. They are lucky enough to have a permanent setting every year with wooden structures for vendors and the performers are all talented and unusual.

Knit Baby Knit.. or crochet as the case may be and start your week off with a stitch or two.

Marg (enjoying the cool breezes of Fall)

Cool Stuff Round About...

It's Thursday, and time for really cool knit crochet news, etc. Here goes!

This just in from the wonderful Terrye Kinch, Knitting Editor of CraftGossip - we love her! Thank you for the Waist Shaping Info.

Wave your hooks for JD Wolfe! Her CraftGossip Crochet Column got a big mention in the current issue of InsideCrochet

ILovetoCreate.com Fabric Panel Cubbie from the crafty VickieHowell.

Etsy finds ...

ArtsiBitsi

Handmade cards by FarAway Designs

PoetSummer

That's it for today - that round about made my head spin!

Marg (making the rounds in the crafty world and having fun-wee!)

No more knitting by the seat of your...

Hellooooo Holiday Knitters and Crocheters!

Holiday knitting is upon us, and you may need a little help with body measurements for your next project. YarnStandards.com can be a HUGE help so add them to your favs and visit often for reassurance. Check out the sidebar for additional subjects you need help with, including knit and crochet abbreviations, charts, symbols, and English and Spanish versions. Hooray! I love a one stop info site, don't you? Whew...no more wondering, now you will know for sure.

So please, no knitting by the seat of your pants, or skirts this year...smooth knitting projects ahead.

Now I'm giggling at the thought of knitting by the seat of your pants/skirts or perhaps skorts?...ok now I'm just rolling on the floor laughing -hope you are too-happy Wed/knit/crochet hump day)



Marg (excited about all the new items coming to margknittinaround)


Cup from Atelier Marla on Etsy! See her interview here!

New handmade items on my Etsy store margknittinaround! Big Sale on patterns, kits, and books! More items being added this week. Grab your mochas and visit awhile, snag a snuggly hand knit or crocheted item, and if you see something you like, please add it to your favs.

Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter

Parts and Pieces of a Knitful Life

In between working on new items for margknittinaround (my Etsy shop), recovering from surgery, and keeping up with charity items to make, I've been working on a few projects for myself. It feels like I'm knitting and crocheting in bits and pieces, parts and pieces, but somehow it all gets pulled togehter. I am constantly amazed by this occurence!

First the charity items and updates!








Two large blankets for the Blanketed with Love Campaign going out tomorrow.


This just in! Hearts of Love on Ravelry.com is gearing up for SEPTEMBER HEARTS OF LOVE member support and recognition of the national events that place this month focusing on several cancers ( see HOPE & SUPPORT RESOURCES, The YOUNG and so brave, and our MEMBER NEWS OF THE DAY topics). If you're on Ravelry - come on over and check it out.

Knitters for Obama also a Ravelry group, continues with their projects for teens and wonderful community projects. So please join in the great work that is being done there if you have time.









Knit Outta the Box

Laurie Gonyea is hard at work and has created a new Knit Outta the Box item. I rec'd mine last week and started a cute hat. The kit has everything you need to knit one project at home or on the run so do go by her site and discover what she's been up to.








Slim Silhouette Coat (Free pattern from LionBrand)

Over the holiday, I began this Slim Silhouette Coat (easy) with Lion Boucle'. So far, I'm loving the pattern and yarn.

Stay tuned to more items for margknittinaround, interviews for this blog, and a few surprises along the way.

Marg (living in the light and dodging the shadows)

HANDMADE BY MARG

This is a short holiday blog for you today to let you know that there is now a Handmade by Marg section on my Etsy shop margknittinaround. Patterns, kits and Knit 1 for the Road are still on SALE...and you will receive the Ventura Tote Pattern with every purchase. I hope you will stop by and visit, see the perfect item for you or a friend and add a heart or two to my page. Thank you for your emails requesting handmade items and suggestions. More items are on the way. Everything is created in a smokefree environment with good vibes.



Enjoy!



Marg (sending you all good vibes for the holiday)

Pattern Roundup Panic in the house of the wakeful knitstress!

Pumpkin from Dave's garden last fall.

Last night I was in a frenzy to match yarn ordered with the correct free pattern download. Somehow during the move, the yarn and patterns got separated. Yikes, imagine my panic when I couldn't exactly remember which was which! This sent me into a tailspin late last night on the computer searching my pattern file and the internet. Whew! Success at last - all is good in the world of the wakeful knitties, now. I came across some good patterns in my wild search that are not only free, but perfect projects for a holiday weekend or a brisk Fall day. I hope your nights are filled with peaceful knitting and crochet and days filled with the promise of new Fall projects...Marg (loving the Fall air and sun)


New free patterns for Fall...

Hats from LionBrand to Knit or Crochet

Fall River Scarf

Scarves and more scarves

Paint the Town Scarf from Vanna White and Glitzy Accent Scarf

Feel Good Beanie from Vickie Howell for a wonderful cause http://www.landsend.com/lp/feelgood/

Everyday Wrap designed by the fabulous Julie Weisenberger at CocoKnits.

Knit/Crochet Lifeline

Knitting Notebook

Pictures and drawings for inspiration














Swatches and pattern notes











Today, I'd like to share with you a very important part of my knitting adventure. It's my life line to creativity...my knitting notebooks! Although there are ways to do this online...I love Ravelry.com. I enjoy the tactile experience of thumbing through a non-cyberspace notebook. Call me old fashioned. The habit of journeling began in art school and continues today. I keep ideas, swatches, pattern notes and any pictures that inspire me. I found this very helpful when I began knitting to help me stay focused and look for new ideas and motivation. Your journal can be as simple or elaborate as you like. It's your notebook, customized just for you! It's also a nice way to document your knitting journey and growth. Give it a try if you don't have one already. Maybe, include your knitting/crochet group in the activity.

Save those swatches and be kind to yourself today.


Marg (livin' in Swatchland USA)