Knit Knitavain Style Giveaway Day!

Today's giveaway is officially closed.  Winners to be announced.  Thanks for participating - more giveaways are coming soon.  Remember to check for your free Oct pattern tomorrow (Fri-Oct 1)


If you're in the U.S.,  you're just in time for another giveaway to celebrate Knit Knitavian Style! (We're also celebrating the fact that my books are made in the US today) Also, known as the "knitty accessories I love"  giveaway.  Both books are in color.  Knit Knitavian Style is jammed packed with 20+ patterns, interviews, resources and more!  Speaking of interviews... the first giveaway item is a knittydirtygirl.com item from our fav hipster Rachel-Marie.  Her delightful interview is included in Knit Knitavian Style and gives us a glimpse into her hipster world of yarn, family, and creativity. (Note:  I'm saying this in my best Oprah Giveaway voice)

1 hank of Spun Dyed Wool, yardage 89, Raspberry - this yarn is super yummy!

The second giveaway item is the knit kit, the handy dandy accessory for your knitting tools.  It contains a stitch counter, crochet hook, tape measure, stitch markers, point protectors, thread cutter, collapsible scissors all in this adorable compact.  Luv - Luv!

You can never have too many stitch markers or knitting accessories.

The third giveaway item is a set of  six adorable sheep stitchmarkers to adorn your kntting needles and projects...or adorn an omega necklace - your choice.

If you're in the U.S., please send an email to knit1fortheroad@gmail.com and put I Wanna Win! in the subject line. We're also celebrating made in the US day. Please no comments on this post if you're trying to win.  I have several blogs and the only fair way is to send me an email.  The first 3 people to respond will win a prize. Yay!  The first person will win Rachel-Marie's lovely yarn, the second person will win the knit kit and the third will win the stitch markers.

Please remember to take advantage of the 15% online Soak Discount from the friendly people at Soakwash.com for reading my blog.  Use code K1FR when you check out.  This offer is good until Oct 15th!Read the my bloggie post here.  They are awesome!!! (insert more Oprah voice here)

Winners will be announced.  Stay tuned to this blog for more giveaway fun.  Tomorrow is Oct 1 and a new free knit pattern is in your future...

Signed copies of Knit Knitavian Style are available on knit1fortheroad (my web site) and my shop, margknittinaround on Etsy.

You can see the preview video here or here.

Visit the AuthorHouse Bookstore for a full description, preview and purchase. (note: if you prefer a signed copy, you will need to purchase it from my web site or shop listed above)

Marg (wishing you color, texture, inspiration and a little time today for knitting)

Knit Filled Fall Season

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  All rights reserved.

The backgrounds in today's pictures are pillow cases from Cotton Colors on Etsy.  The pumpkin candle is from Rabbithollowprims on Etsy.  See the interview here.

Celebrate, Knit, and Share! Scarf pattern is a slightly modified version of  The Man Scarf from Knit 1 for the Road and knit with Vegas from SWTC in Viva Las #421 and I lightly felted it after knitting.  Wrist warmers are knit with Halloween from Herrschners in green and orange.  The pillow is knit with LionBrand Thick & Quick in Butterscotch and Northland Chunky Delight in Creamy Caramel.

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  All rights reserved.

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  All rights reserved.

Some items going out to Jackie Peraza of Mothers & More Greater Raleigh/Durham, Chapter 331

When I send out items for charity, I try to always included a description of what the item is or can be used for, care instructions and bag them for shipping and storage.  In some cases, especially with gifts, I add a strand of yarn from the project for quick repairs.  Thanks to  Jackie Peraza and Sandy Holladay on CreatingTheHive.com for sharing the info about this opportunity to contribute.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a Knit Knitavian Style Giveaway and remember to grab your special Knit1fortheroad online 15% discount at Soakwash.com.  Just use code K1FR.  Discount is good until Oct 15, 2010.  Friday is Oct 1st and there's a new free pattern in store for you.  See the Soak post here.

Cheers!

Marg (ready for some coffee)

 Authorhouse/Bookstore

Signed copies available on my shop, MargKnittinARound on Etsy.com

Upcoming Book Signing Event:  Crafty Bastards! Arts and Crafts Fair, DC, Oct 2, 2010, 10-5 Booth #89, Knit Outta The Box.

Oh how I love that good crafting vibe...Event update!

It's almost time for Crafty Bastards! Arts & Crafts Fair in D.C.  This Saturday, Oct. 2 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm - there'll be clear skies, nice temps and a slight hint of Autumn in the air.  Oh how I love that good crafting vibe...the air is filled with the excitement and anticipation of crafty goodness all around.  Scrumptious!  Anyway, before I drift away on a cloud, I wanted to update you.  I'll be signing books, hanging out with Laurie of Knit Outta The Box and helping her at Booth #89 in the center of all the action.  Dogs are allowed so Molly, who is also featured in Knit Knitavian Style, will be there to put her paw stamp of approval on the festivites, wave her paws, wag her tail, and give out kisses.  Molly is a pro at any festival and knows how to work it. 

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  All rights reserved.

Molly's Blanket of Hope (the story) and this Cotton Bobble Throw is featured in Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.

Please join us if you're in the area.  It's free, fun and crafty galore!  Check out the vendor gallery!  I'll have a super good price on my books, free stickers, and some yummy soft peppermints - you know the ones that melt in your mouth with sugary delight.  You can also vote for your fav vendor at the event.  Grab the map here.  Visit the blog!

Hope to see you there! Do share the info with your friends.

Marg (giggling every time I see the name CraftyBastards!)

Full Color and Made in the U.S.

 AuthorHouse Bookstore

Buy a Signed copy available on MargKnittingARound on Etsy.com (free pattern with purchase) 

Tuesday take a look day...

"Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit either."
— Elizabeth Zimmermann

It's Tuesday take a look day! Get anotional with some knitting notions to make your mouth water, your knitty heart race, and your fingers tingle at Lantern Moon.  They've added to their posse' of adorable stitchmarkers and tape measures.

You might also consider this Sweater in Progress Knitting Key Ring by Cedar Creek Quilt Designs which is now available at KnitPicks.  You might also enjoy their Butter Hand Cream to keep your hands in tip top condition - yum!

Fall is a great time to try something new.  Why not try an Indigo Dye Kit and dye your own fabric or yarn.  What I like best about this kit is that it is reasonably priced and the dye works on both plant and animal fibers.  The kit comes with indigo dye, reducing agent, 1 pair of gloves and an instruction booklet.  Choose from an array of yarn here.  There is also a New to Dyeing Set if you prefer, which includes the yarn and three Jacquard dyes in primary colors.

Maybe you might enjoy NeedleFelting and other felting projects?  It's hard to pick a felting book as a favorite, there are so many to choose from, but I do have four that I've enjoyed and they are:


Quick And Clever Felting by Ellen Kharade
I Heart Felt: 33 Eye-Popping Projects for the Inspired Knitter

AlterKnits Felt: Imaginative Projects for Knitting & Felting

Fabulous Felted Scarves: 20 Wearable Works of Art

Marg (waiting for rain to fall, coffee to brew, and another knitting adventure)

Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.

Knit 1 for the Road

Signed copies are available on MargKnittinARound on Etsy.com

Interview with Bettina of Glass Dragon Bears

Bebe

I met Bettina of GlassDragonBears on Creating The Hive Arts & Crafts Community.  Bears have always been one of my favorite toys since childhood and I was so touched by Bettina's creations that I just had to interview her.  Please welcome Bettina of Glass Dragon Bears in your finest knitty and crafty fashion.


Q. Bettina, when did your love of bears begin?

A. We lived in post-War London when I was a child and toys were few and far between. My bear was always there and very well-loved.

Harry

Q. What tips can you give the person who is a little hesitant of needle felting?

A. Start with something simple such as a ball… have a good 6” foam block and keep your fingers out of the way! Once you’ve mastered the basic felting process, you’ll feel less hesitant.


Q. Super advice! Bettina, your bears have so much personality. I know your skill has much to do with that, but I have to wonder if you look at them sometimes and see their little personalities developing as they’re created. How much is technique and how much unfolds through the creative process?


A. Back in the early ‘90’s a bear artist by the name of Steve Schutt sent 100 copies of a bear head pattern to other bear artists and asked them to make it and send him pictures. He received pictures of 100 different bears. Each maker does things differently and views the process through his/her own experiences… and those differences result in a unique creation. BUT there is that moment, when stuffing the head, that decisions are made which determine what the final bear will look like.

JohnPeter

Q. Please tell us how you came up with the name Glass Dragon Bears, Bettina.


A. I worked in stained glass for years. I enjoyed doing it but arthritis in my hands made cutting glass more and more difficult. I had made bears for my daughter (another bear lover) and so switched over to making craft bears. Then I discovered mohair and have been creating artist bears ever since. I’ve kept track and I am now at 5845!

Santa Ornament

Q. Where to you find such adorable props for your bears and do you have a favorite Glass Dragon Bear holiday?


A. I love “hunting “for accessories or making them! My husband loves trains and antique radios and you’d be surprised what I find for my bears at the shows he goes to! As for making them, I knit hats and scarves, make peanuts out of polymer resin, needle felt fruit, sew pincushions for my bears to hold… and so on.


This year's favorite holiday was the Teddy Bear Reunion in the Heartland. This is a bear convention held in and supported by the whole little town of Clarion, Iowa. It happens once every 5 years. We went to demos and classes, heard talks by bear authors, held a huge auction and held a two-day salesroom. The town’s groups such as the Kiwanis supplied almost all the meals for all of the convention goers for 4 days! There was even a parade! Profits support the town’s museum! By the way attendees came from as far away as Australia, the UK, Germany and New Zealand and all over the US. 


What a wonderful event.  Thank you, Bettina for sharing your love of creating bears and sharing your creative journey as an artist. 


You can learn more about Bettina and The Glass Dragon Bears on the following links:


Blog
ArtFire
Creating The Hive

Interview Day! One by one the flamingos are stealing my sanity: ...

Karel is one of the crafty women on CreatingTheHive.com, the wildly popular arts and crafts community. Her blog, One by One the Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity: My life in pink. reflects her talent as a crafter, Mom, animal lover and approach to life.   Karel is active in raising awareness for breast cancer and creates beautiful Breast Cancer Support Cards.  Please settle in for inspiration, the color pink, and a splash of Flamingos! 

Q. Karel, I have to know how did you come up with your blog name, One by One the Flamingos are Stealing My Sanity, My Life in Pink?

A. It started may years ago, when a friend had some of those pink, plastic flamingos in her back yard. She was from Florida, and brought them with her, partly for the memories of home and partly for the tacky factor! When I moved from Illinois to New York, she gave me a set to remember her by. I put them in the back yard, and they made me smile and think of her every time I saw them. Eventually, someone else gave me another flamingo...more of an art one, made of wood and perfect for putting in a potted plant. After that, it seemed that every occcasion was one when someone would give me a flamingo. My collection grew to over 50. Now, to answer your question: My daughter hates them. Not a mean-spirited hate, just a *Mom, I can't believe you have these* kind of hate...and she rolls her eyes every time a new one comes into the house. When I made a bright flamingo quilt for my studio futon, she said, "I think you've gone crazy. And all these flamingos are making me as nuts as you!" So, for a Christmas stocking stuffer, I bought her a bumper sticker that said, "One By One The Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity". When I was designing my blog, and looking for a name, I was just going to use *My Life In Pink*, but she was tweaking it for me and added the rest. To her chagrin, I loved it, and kept it....proof she says, that the Flamingos really have stolen my sanity.


Q. That's a great story that many parents can identify with, Karel.  Can you please share with us your Breast Cancer Aware Card information?

A. For the past three years, I have tried to do my part in supporting those who have or have battled, Breast Cancer. I had two close friends die from this disease, and two of my cousins are survivors. I'm not good at fund-raising, and am disabled, so I can't participate in walks or other types of active support. I found a wonderful stamp, by Verses, that tells what cancer CANNOT do...and decided to make cards of support with it. I get the word out any way I can, and accept names pretty much any time, with the understanding that the cards are mailed in October. I change the design a bit each year, but each is sturdy enough to carry around in a purse, and is send in the name of the person who requested it. I also have provided the directions every year, so people can make their own to send. I don't charge for this...it's just my little way of giving those strong women a boost. I should actually say *strong people*, as I've sent two blue cards to male breast cancer survivors. To date, I've sent over 70 cards....and I hope to send a lot more this year! People who want to request a card for someone can email me at ksjennings@gmail.com with the words Breast Cancer Support Card in the subject line. Pictures and this info are on my blog.

Q. I really admire your approach to life, Karel, and the fact that you have 8,000 songs downloaded on your iTune. Do you find that your crafts, children, dog and tunes help with the healing process of illness, and troubles of life in general?


A. I couldn't survive without music. I literally play it 24 hours a day (well, when the television isn't on!). I can't go to sleep without music playing, and, although I can't carry a tune in a basket, I know the words to most of my songs. Music can soothe the soul, bring back memories, make you happy, sad, angry, thrilled....what else can have so much impact for so little? I craft to music....and I craft to keep myself sane (maybe it's protection from the flamingos?). I am a disabled teacher...I spent 30 years teaching Special Education on all levels to all kinds of students. When an auto accident in 2007 made it necessary for me to give it up, I needed something to fill my days. I have always had an artistic bent, and have sewn and done needle crafts all my life...well, since 7th grade, anyway. Home Ec was a real eye opener for me, as my mama can't do anything crafty. Anyway, I discovered card making, and scrapbooking...and discovered sharing my craft items with Charities like Operation Write Home...and then swapping with other crafters. It gives my day some purpose, and a reason to make myself get up and get dressed every day. My pets are my company...and I sing to them, talk to them and ask their opinions on what I'm doing. If I didn't have these three (plus my wonderfully supportive family!) I'd probably be depressed and not much good to anyone. I have my whiney moments, but, on the whole, I do pretty well with music, pets and crafting. Now, if my kiddos would just get around to some grandchildren, my life would be complete!


Q. One of my favorite cards on your site is the intricate Autumn Window Layout which was made for the monthly challenge. Can you tell us about the cards you like to make?
A. Isn't that card beautiful? I didn't make it, it's part of the Monthly Challenge I do on the blog. I have made very elaborate cards, though, and some really elaborate layouts....and they take me hours. I can easily put in three or four hours pulling papers, trims, embellishments, matching inks....not to mention the initial sketch of the item. I have never made anything exactly as the sketch depicted...and I can tweak for more hours! I'd say it can take at least three hours, and as many more as you want to spend, to make something like this.


Q. What types of needle work do you enjoy?


A. I can knit, although I'm pretty rusty, and I crochet regularly. I used to do very elaborate counted crossstitch, but my fingers don't hold up for that too well any more. I've been known to do embroidery, crewel work, quilting, and I used to make all my clothing....I'll pretty much try any new craft at least twice....right now, I'm pondering altered canvases, hoping I can make Christmas gifts for my mama and brother.


Q. Karel, I have really enjoyed reading about you, your crafts and your life. Is there anything you would like to share with us that hasn’t been covered in the interview?


I'd just like to share that the biggest thing that gets me through is my Faith. I know God is there, and in control, no matter what. I'm still working on the whole *letting go, letting God* thing, and I imagine I'll struggle with this all my life. I know He is continually speaking to me...and it's not His fault I sometimes have trouble shutting me up to listen to Him. I have tried to live my life based on three pieces of advice three different, but equally wise, women gave me at different points in my life. In High School, I was upset over some comments a *popular* girl had made about me in my hearing. When I told a lovely woman (who happened to be my English and Latin Teacher, and later a PEO Sister), she behaved very unprofessionally and said, "Consider the source. She may be popular now, but she doesn't have your depth of character or your compassion. Before you let someone hurt you, always consider the source, and then make what allowances you can." Later on, I was telling another very wise woman that I was having a real problem liking someone I needed to spend several hours a day with. She said, "You don't have to like everyone. This would be a dull world if we all liked each other...but, the flip side is that not everyone will like you. Accept this and then be as polite as you can be, because they may be having the same thought about you!" Finally, another woman, my wonderful and gracious Mother-In-Law, was listening to me as I fretted about something my son either was or wasn't doing. She had raised 9 wonderful children, was never seemed ruffled by them and never interferred in their lives (unless asked to). I asked her how she did it and she said, "I raised them to have Faith in God and to be independent, responsible adults. They have done, and will do, things I don't agree with...but I know they have a solid foundation and, like the church, were built on rock, not sand. This, too, will pass, and he will be better, and stronger, and wiser, for making his own mistakes. My tongue was bloody much of the time, but knowing I raise exceptional men and women makes it worth it."
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share!

We've enjoyed hearing your story and are inspired by your life.  Thank you, Karel.

You can visit Karel on the following links:
http://karelj.blogspot.com/
Facebook
CreatingTheHive

Knitting on Two Circular Needles

A surprisingly simple way to knit socks is by using two circular needles. It sounds hard, looks intimidating, but I found two videos from Cat Bordhi who makes it interesting, fun, and breaks down the technique for you.  You'll be knitting like a pro in no time.

Part One:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RybPvCNfrT8&feature=related

Part Two:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSv6bdj7pvg&feature=related

I also found a handy HowTo here: http://weebleknits.net/twocirculars.html from weebleknits.net.

Try a new technique, knitting group or fiber this week for optimum knitting enjoyment.

Marg (looking forward to this weeks knitting adventures)

Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin. on Amazon.

Signed copy available on MargKnittinARound on Etsy.com

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  All rights reserved.

A great gift for you or a knitter in your life.

Creating The Hive Friday Lineup: Knitty, crafty and eco-friendly

Annapolis GHOSTS: History, Mystery, Legends and Lore  (My latest read )

It's time for my first official Creating The Hive knitty, yarnie, eco-friendly, and cool tee bloggie lineup here on my blog and believe me, there are plenty more blogs to view that will inspire you.  Take a look, join in the community and let your arts & crafts shine.  By the way, your projects been bugging me to tell you that it's the coolest place for them to hang out and meet other arts & crafts.  Give the arts & crafts what they want!  Let them out of the house.  They love photo ops, rave reviews, friendly comments, tweets, FB mentions and the creme de la creme - the sign they've been featured, a little bee next to your blog post entry about them.

http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/15154/heel-turned


http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/15948/fiber-arts-friday-anniversary-give-away

http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/15931/flower-power-tee


http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/15914/senegal-recycled-art-video

http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/1366/citron-lace-knitted-shawl

While you're there, you can also check out yesterday's blog update.  I was a littel tired and didn't post in all the usual places.

Enjoy. Create. Share.

Marg (took a haunted tour in Annapolis last night-way spooky!)