Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Skip to a kit!

Knitwhits Baby Owl Kit

Are you searching for that special spring knit or crochet kit? Skip by these links and see what you think.


KnitWhits Baby Birds Knit Kits Your choice of the Gray Owlet or the Yellow Chick Kit.  Cute and cudley.


KnitWhits Sakura Kokeshi Doll Kit.  Need I say more?

Lion Brand has a variety of knit kits for all seasons. Make a wishlist or stock up and plan your holiday gifts, birthdays, and new baby items.  They also have a variety of crochet kits.  Visit their free knit and crochet pattern sections.

The Knitting-Warehouse has great prices on their knit and crochet kits.  Check out their sale items, while you're there.

Put some art in your heart with DreamWeavers knit and crochet kits

I always think of the Spring season as a good time to reevaluate, restock and finish those projects left behind by the holiday rush, winter blahs, and busy schedules.  It's the perfect chance to donate any unused yarn and crafting items.   It helps me make room in my head, heart and home to move forward.

Get skippy, lighten your load and open your heart today.  I can't wait to see where we go from here!

Have a wonderful day.

Margaret (feeling like I should do a little twirl as well)

You might also enjoy:
Knit 1 for the Road: Line up for the spring parade!
Spring Scene, Summer Stash!

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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Blooming Books!

Taken at the U.S. National Arboretum this weekend in Washington, D.C.

Ok, I'm trying this again.  Looks like my computer is back!

Fresh air, singing birds, and showers are in the forecast.  It's definitely Spring.  I'd like to share some of my favorite books and magazines for the season that will motivate, keep you healthy, and help you with your Spring knitting project options.

First off, is Alecia Silverstones, the kind diet.  Diet is used as a noun folks!  ("a way of living, or thinking, a day's journey" as Alecia explains)  It's delightfully written, has yummy recipes, great eco-friendly tips, and you will want to add more good foods to your meals immediately.  She has a website, TheKindLife packed with help and information. One of the things I like most is that it's a fresh approach to the age old problem of encorporating the good foods and avoiding the bad stuff.  There's no judgement - it's kind, afterall.  Alecia has been on the journey for awhile and knows the ups and downs.  It's a new season, new food options, energy for knitting, it's all good.  You might also enjoy this months article in Natural Solutions where Alecia joyfully shares her enthusiasm for the earth, animals, and the journey to becoming healthy and vibrant.  Hooray!  You won't be able to read fast enough.

Now on to some scrumptious patterns...

KnitSimple Spring/Summer 2010 offers colorful tops, articles, and giveaways. 
VogueKnitting Spring/Summer 2010 always offers us dreamy projects.  Check out the VK360!
Verena Knitting Magazine offers us a European view toward knitting.

I love the JellyYarn project books by Kathleen and Nick Greco, for the season. The Knitter's Guide to Combining Yarns is one of my cherished reference books by Kathleen Greco.  Stop by JellyYarns.com for free patterns and yummy jelly yarn.

So glad to be back online on my knitty computer, and I hope you
grab some enthusiasm today and spread it around.

Margaret (surrounding myself with the colors of spring)













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Monday, March 29, 2010

Ms Bloggie Blues

I'm having some computer problems today, and will be back in blogging mode asap.  Thanks for stopping by, please check back tomorrow for some knitting goodness.

Thanks for your patience. :)
Margaret




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Saturday, March 27, 2010

Knit Work in Philadelphia Park

Short blog - great article.  Knitty, colorful and great for the city.  Thanks to Vogue Knitting for posting this on Facebook and to Chelsea Conaboy for writing the article.  Check out the comments while you're there.


Philadelphia's anti-graffiti knit workBy Chelsea Conaboy
Inquirer Staff Writer

I hope you knit a bit today, visit your local park and soak in the sunshine.

Marg (love it when I see a knitting in the park!)




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Friday, March 26, 2010

Line up for the spring knitting parade!

Line up for the Easter (Spring) Parade and celebrate the new season.  Here are a few hi-lights from this week's wanderings.

Kids Craft Weekly has easy Easter crafts for you and the family to make together.  Simple, fun, and easy crafting time is the perfect gift for your family this year.

The Daily Knitter has the scoop on recycled yarn available on ebay that you might find interesting.

New spring/summer yarns are now at KnitPicks! Check it and get your color fix.

Try this Classic Elite Solstice Dias de Betty (free pattern) from Webs.  It's just the thing for spring.  It's made with Classic Elite which is 70% Organic Cotton/30% Wool, a nice blend for those slightly cool spring days.  It's a great transition piece for your wardrobe. 

Happy Spring!

Margaret (definitely fell down the rabbit hole this week, but slowly recovering)

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The Easter EggThe Easter Egg

The Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the EarthThe Spring Equinox: Celebrating the Greening of the Earth

Baby Gund Lamb "Winky White"Baby Gund Lamb "Winky White"

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Sock Monkey Sightings!

Holy Destination Truth and Monster Quest!  I saw a GIANT sock monkey!


Hi everyone.  So glad to be back.  You may have noticed I've been away for a couple of days.  We've all had spring colds and are just now starting to get back to normal.  While I was laying around feeling pretty pitiful, I kept seeing all the Sorento ads on tv with a sock monkey in them, and I began to wonder what's the largest sock monkey made on record (pre-televeision ads) so here's the link for you from World Record Academy with the scoop.  You might also like to visit SockMonkey.com for the original version of the sock monkey.

More for you tomorrow.  I'll be back to my knitty self then.

Marg (so loving the part where the Mom tat is sewn on the sock monkey)

You might also enjoy


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Monday, March 22, 2010

Madbird Interview Day!

Knitting Needle Organizers

DPN/Crochet Organizer



Project Tote and Project Bag

Grab your coffe or tea mug and snuggle in on the knitting couch for today's interview with Alecia Miller of Madbird on Etsy.com.  I first heard of Alecia's products in the Jan/Feb issue of Crochet Today! magazine and I was immediately taken in by her style and colorful knitting accessories.  You will be too!


Q. Welcome Alecia! When I was reading your profile, it seemed that art, design, crafting and love for the earth have been major influences in your life. Who are some of the people who have influenced you the most?

A. Nature in itself is very inspiring to me. I work so much better, and with more energy, if I can spend some of my day outside in the sun. Of course, living in New England, part of the year it's freezing, so that's not always possible!



In college, I had a painting teacher who encouraged us to take breaks from our art and spend time outside in nature. I never forgot that advice, and I'm grateful to her for that! Of course, my children inspire me. We have four boys, and it's amazing to hear them say "My mama is an artist. She makes things and people buy them." They think I'm cool, and that in itself, is pretty inspiring to continue! In terms of support, I couldn't ask for a better family. Honestly, I'm so fortunate to have them, and they're always helping me in so many ways.



Q. I think it’s so wonderful that you share your love of art and the earth with your children. Are there any activities that you share with them that mother’s reading this might find helpful in their own family lives?

A. I share everything with them. Two of my boys are in school during the day, but our third is often working side by side with me in the afternoon. I sew, and he works on his art projects. Our boys are always asking me about my work. They're very interested and amazed that someone will actually pay for something I make with my hands! I love that I'm showing them that - yes, you can make a living being creative. They are all little artists - and we encourage and foster their creativity - because we're both artists too.


Q. That's wonderful!  I noticed that your Etsy shop, Madbird, has fantasticl feedback, as well as very colorful and functional items. How do you balance customer service along with time creating your wonderful bags, organizers, binders, and wallets?



A. Customer service is probably the most important aspect of running my business. Without satisfied customers, I could not be nearly as successful as I am. The first thing I do every morning, is check emails and convos. I answer them as soon as I get them, so hopefully my customers feel as though I'm always around to help. A large portion of my business is custom work, and I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people to create something special just for them. Customer service isn't a chore for me, I enjoy the interaction! It's that special one-on-one service that's missing from large corporations.

Q. Alecia, do you find that learning as much as you can about each craft that you try has helped you grow as a designer? You have an excellent foundation and it shows in your work and craftsmanship.


A. I'm a relentless researcher. Thankfully, I have the internet, otherwise we'd be buried in books! If I need to learn something, I spend hours researching and collecting information. I take books out at the library, read online forums and watch how-to videos. That's how I taught myself to knit. If I want to learn how to make something, I'm fairly confident I can. I do think it's very important - since I create tools for the knit and crochet community - to be able to knit and crochet myself. Having that experience has helped me incorporate features into the design of my organizers and project bags that I feel are essential.

Q. Recently, your products were mentioned in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Crochet Today! Magazine. How exciting! What did it feel like to see your product in that issue?



A. It was awesome! I was very excited to hear that my organizers were selected, and very grateful to the editor! I was very proud to show my family, and of course, have a very precious copy in my possession. I hope it is not the last time my products appear in a publication!

I'm sure this is only the beginnng of features and success for you and Madbird.  Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to share with us your inspiring story, Alecia. 

Visit Alecia's group, madbird, on Ravlery.com
Blog: http://4madbirds.blogspot.com/
Follow Madbird on twitter: http://twitter.com/4madbird
Become a fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/4madbird
Madbird on Etsy.com
Featured in Crochet Today! Jan/Feb-10 issue


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Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring Scene, Summer Stash!



New for spring at Berrocco with new booklets, friday free pattern and yummy yarn. Check out their New this Season tutorial.

Free spring/summers patterns at Caron will get you reved up and ready to knit through the summer.  I especially like the Rosario Vest.

Free Crochet Beach Wrap pattern from Coats & Clark made with AUNT LYDIA’S® “Classic Crochet” thread

Book Doin's in this weekend...

2010 Virginia Festival of The Book
Saturday, March 20, 2010
9:00am - 4:00pm
Omni Hotel
235 W Main St
Charlottesville, VA

Love books?  This weekend is a great opportunity to line up your summer reading stash and discover new authors. The Internet Book Database folks have a table at the Virginia Festival of The Book Fair on Saturday, March 20, 2010. They will have a vast array of books, cd's and a giveaway event during the day.  Please stop by and support their efforts to organize and support authors and their books.  There's  a chace to pick up a free copy of my knitting pattern book, Knit 1 for the Road.  Visit their site, Internet Book Database to  find out some of the books that will be there Internet Book  Database   

The Festival is attended by more than 20000 book lovers and  will be going on from March 17-21. Visit http://www.vabook.org/ for more information about the festival.

Celebrate, knit, and support your local artists.

Marg (wrapping myself up in sunshine today)

Knit 1 for the RoadKnit 1 for the Road




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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Grandest Day of the Year...

Today, think about sharing a story with a child. Try laughing and spending time with a friend in need or telling someone you love them.  Read a wonderful story by an Irish author or sing an Irish song.  Honor your ancestors and celebrate your life. You don't have to be Irish to celebrate the day, everyone can celebrate the spirit of the day. Here's a little prayer (author unknown) that my Dad used to say to me when I was sad or scared. 

May God give you...


For every storm, a rainbow,


For every tear, a smile,


For every care, a promise,


And a blessing in each trial.


For every problem life sends,


A faithful friend to share,


For every sigh, a sweet song,


And an answer for each prayer.


Happy St Patrick's Day to everyone!

Marg (definitely wearing green today and wishing my loved ones in Savannah a joyful and safe celebration)

SavannahSavannah


Great Irish Short Stories (Dover Thrift Editions)Great Irish Short Stories (Dover Thrift Editions)


Famous Irish WritersFamous Irish Writers


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Disclosure

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org
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