Monday, December 26, 2011

Our stitches can...


Caps made with Caron Simply Soft

These are some caps I made over the holiday weekend.   This is the time of year I really enjoy creating chemo caps and other items for people in need.  Our stitches can create small miracles for others and open our hearts to more life, love, and gratitude.  Cool!

Happy stitches, everyone!
Margaret

Find more quotes on gratitude at thinkexist.com


Visit knit1fortheroad.com for knitting resources, free patterns, insightful interviews and more!

Shop at MargKnittinARound on Etsy, for knitting patterns, signed copies of my books, and ready to wear items.

Find my books on Amazon, Kindle and the AuthorHouse/Bookstore.


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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Knits of Yore for the holidays and beyond...

Today I came across Knits of Yore by Susan Strawn and downloaded a standard copy for my knitting library.  I'm intrigued by the wonderful history of knitting that Susan so eloquently lays out for us.  You feel you've lived a piece of this knitting yore and will have new insight into your own knitting history that you create every day.  If you love history and how knitting has changed the lives of many for more than 200 years than this is the DVD for you.  Also, a cool gift for a knitter. It's available and on sale as a Standard download, DVD download and an HD download at the KnittingDailyShop. Grab the full scoop at Knitting Daily.

Joy to yore!
Margaret (I love it when history and knitting collide - so many pretty pretty stitches with pizazz.


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Friday, December 23, 2011

Spot the knits...

We recently saw the latest Sherlock Holmes movie, A Game of Shadows and I was captivated by the knit scarf worn by Watson.  If you get a chance to see the movie, keep your eyes open for knitted items here and there.  The books were a favorite of my Dad's and were some of the first stories ever read to me. I always enjoy seeing the stories on tv or in movies.

Here's a little article on the Winter Solstice from Earthyreport.com for 2011 that you might enjoy. 

Happy holidays to you and remember to spot a knitted item or two wherever you go.  It's good luck.

Margaret (feeling lucky and merry - hmmm)

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

The quick and the easy...crochet cowl


Do you need a quick easy crochet cowl pattern for yourself or a last minute stocking stuffer?  You may have read my recent blogpost,Simply quick and free handcrafted holiday projects where I mentioned some fun and quick crochet patterns from LionBrand.com. I made a couple of these easy Crochet Easy-Over Cowls from Lion Brand over the weekend that are just the handmade item to gift.  The one pictured is made with easy care Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, super bulky weight, in Barley.  The great thing about this yarn is that it's very soft, warm, wearable, and durable enough to machine wash and dry.

I hope, during this holiday season, you experience joy.  Your knitting and crochet are always there for you. Do remember to pick up your projects over the holidays if you start to feel stressed or blue.  Crafting and creative endeavors are kind of like that one wonderful devoted friend who puts you back on track when life gets too crazy.

One joy scatters a hundred griefs. – Chinese proverb

Looking for quotes on joy?  Visit Demanding Joy
 
Margaret (more joy and eggnog please!)
 
©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved

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Monday, December 19, 2011

Get ready to Raglanify Knitters!

Raglanify Knitting Sweater Pattern Generator by ShhStudios
Do you love knitting or would like to try knitting a raglan pullover  sweater?  Check out the Raglanify Pullover Knit Pattern by Clara Lee on Ravelry.  Visit the iTunesApp Store and download Raglanify Knitting Sweater Pattern Generator by ShhStudios. Raglanify is an iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch app  for only .99. This app will help you through the construction of a top-down raglan pullover sweater. There is also an Android version coming soon.  Hooray!



The Raglanify is a handy item that will generate a complete raglan sweater pattern for you or help you customize it with design elements that you choose to use.  Are you feeling your knitty fingers getting ready for a sweaterfest yet?


Follow all the raglan sweater adventures of Raglanify on Twitter , the Raglanify group on flckr , and the Raglanify! group on Ravelry.com, TapCrafty on YouTube, Raglanify on Facebook, and visit  Raglanify.com for info and updates.


You may also enjoy reading:  Got Gaugefly? and avoid being gauge needy in 2012.


I hope you're knitting something wonderful this week.


Margaret (so glad I followed Raglanify's tweets about this cool app!)


Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter
Visit my Etsy shop, MargKnittinARound for signed copies of my knitting books, knitting patterns and ready to wear items.
Find my books on Amazon, Kindle and AuthorHouse/Bookstore
Read and follow my blog, Knit 1 for the Road
Go to knit1fortheroad.com for knitting resources, interviews, free patterns and more.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Simply quick and free handcrafted holiday projects


Today, I discovered some free and quick knit and crochet patterns at LionBrand, along with a neat felting tutorial from Living Crafts, Tiny Treasures- Felt Painting Boards and Giveaway.




Enjoy these free treasures and I'll be back tomorrow. I'm in the middle of quick crafty wrapping for goodies that need to go in the mail.  Work, wrap and roll into the holidays with crafty flair!

Margaret (it's beginning to look a lot like winter)

©Margaret Nock, 2011.
All rights reserved.


It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.
~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994.

Visit quotegarden.com for more quotes.


Great prices on my signed books, ready to wear items and knit patterns at MargKnittinARound on Etsy!

Super sale price for Knit Knitavian Style at AuthorHouseBookstore.

Visit Amazon.com and Kindle.com for my books.

Free patterns, resources and more at knit1fortheroad.com

Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter

Visit my blog knit1fortheroad on Blogger.

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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Savings in the stars...


the Lantern Moon Star Stitch Markers, that is. The set is under $10 (budget friendly) and your knitting friend will thank you for such a colorful and functional addition to their knitting accessories.  Grab online at WEBS or visit your local yarn store.

Visit Holiday Knitting Central at KnitPicks if you need to create your holiday wishlist or shop for the knitters,spinners, new knitters in your life.  There's also a Stocking Stuffer tab for just that perfect knitting thing-a-ling....and to help you stay within your budget, click on Gifts By Price!  I really love the 4oz Butter Hand Cream for only $7.95 from Amazing Grace Farms to keep my hands smooth.

Shopping for a little treat for yourself and need a wallet friendly experience?  Try DBNY for great sales on store closeout items.

Keep it simple, knit with verve, and enjoy your holidays.


Margaret (actually feeling a bit jolly - hmmm, very interesting)


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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Don your handcrafted creations...


Last night, we had the opportunity to have a date night at the theater thanks to Goupon.com.  This was the perfect occassion to choose the Wrap It Up , a knit pattern available on my Etsy shop, MargKnittinARound

While I was at the event, several ladies came over to talk and admired the wrap. Before I knew it, I was receiving special orders (handknit by me) ...always a cool thing to get orders, right?

Remember to carry business cards - considered out dated by a few - they are still an excellent way to give out your contact information in a pinch.
Do you wear your hand crafted items often enough? Remember to wear them and let the world see your handcrafted creations, especially if it's your business. Doning your handmade items is easy and free advertising and fun to do.  If you won't wear them, who will?  If you don't talk about your handcrafted items, who will?  It's up to you.

Now go don your handcrafted doings...no excuses.
Happy Handcrafted Holidays!

Margaret (grabbing my needles and getting busy)


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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The hat saga continues...

The roomate's hat is now done....Yay!  To follow along with this continuing hat saga please read...

Looking for Winter Wonders? (most recent)


Boyfriend Seeking Hat (the request)

Hat Attack (the beginning)


This hat is a modified version of LionBrand's free knit pattern, Knit Ribbed Earflap Hat FREE PATTERN (3rd project down on the page) with Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick Yarn in #149Charcoal which I really love because it's machine washable, durable yet soft. It's 80% acrylic and 20% wool.  The pattern knit up quickly with a little over 6 ozs (which is one skein) because I made a thick artsy pompom (as I like to call it), rather than the traditional tight pompom and long ties.

There are other great hats to choose from so take a look.  These hats are warm, durable and a college fav-so I'm told. You will have to sign in or register (all free) to view the free patterns.

Remember to knit, crochet or craft today...it's good for your creative soul.
Margaret (my computer today - blagghh!  It needs caffeine or some Yerba Mate')




knit1fortheroad.com


knit1fortheroad on Blogger


Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter!


Amazon, Kindle and AuthorHouse/Bookstore



©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Looking for Winter Wonders?


Bernat has a new pattern book called Winter Wonders (Book # 530216) just waiting for you to dive into and discover delicious knitwear.  There are eight cozy go to items (including sets) rated Easy to Intermediate and made with Bernat Roving. The pattern book is available for $4.95 OR     Download Version (PDF) for only $3.95 - a total bargain.
   
Oh what fun in a one horse open sleigh - hey!  Grab your needles, roving and pattern book and feel the wonder of winter knitting.


Be sure and check out Bernat's Free Pattern Section for more winter knitting.
 Slowly, slowly goes the latest knitting project - another boyfriend hat for a family member - eek!  Anyone else knitting for the college or highschool kids' boyfriend or roomate?  I met a fellow knitter while in a waiting room last week and she was making a fabulous hat for her daughter's friend.  Her friend was always borrowing the hat and she got so tired of it, she asked her mother to make one for her...commiserating with fellow knitters is another part of the life of a knitter I've come to accept and enjoy.


Save yourselves! Accept and move on during the holidays.
Margaret (laugh, love and let live seems to be a motto thingie coming on)


Find my books and patterns and more in the following places!

MargKnittinARound on Etsy

knit1fortheroad.com
knit1fortheroad on Blogger
Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter!
Amazon, Kindle and AuthorHouse/Bookstore


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Monday, December 5, 2011

Yuletide Yummie


During the Thanksgiving Holiday, we had a chance to go to Winterthur for the Yuletide celebration.  This is a must see if you are in the area or can take a little trip with friends and family.  The celebrated Christmas trees and displays are a wonderful way to soak in beautiful trees, decorations, customs and take yourself to another time and place.  The guides are really super informed and patiently answer any questions you may have.  This year the tour is included with admission so there is no extra charge.  If you have a membership or a part of a recipricating museum or the Tyler Arboretum, you will be able to get in for free.  Pictures are allowed and they are very accomodating if you need assistance.  I would advise going early in the day so that you can relax and enjoy your Winterthur experience.  There's also a short video that gives you a really good idea of how Winterthur came about, the vision of Henry Francis DuPont and insight into the man himself.

You might enjoying reading the nice blog by Chris Strand at Winterthur and visit the Winterthur homepage for all the info and activities.  You will be asked which is your favorite tree at the end of the tour.  That was a tough pick, they are all so fabulous.

Here are some pictures I took while walking the grounds.  There are many gardens, including a fun magic garden for the kids and young at heart.  Meander a trail or two if you can.







In the spirit of decorating, celebration, and knitting fun, try these free patterns.

Free Holiday Patterns at LionBrand.  I especially love the ones for the Christmas tree.

Knit Picks Holiday Knitting Section also has a nice array of free patterns.  I especially like the Smitten (a Holiday Garland) free pattern by Emily Ivey.


Visit TikkunKnits, Patterns for Peace Builders and Hannukah at the Cottage at Bevs Country Cottage for a variety of Hanukkah patterns and ideas...some are free.

Here's one of my favorite holiday knitting books:

Handknit Holidays: Knitting Year-Round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice by Melanie Falick.

Happy holiday knitting and decorating...
Margaret (slowly getting into the holiday spirit)


Find all year knitting fun and inspiration with Knit Knitavian Style Allow your knitting adventures to begin on MargKnittinAround on Etsy, Amazon and AuthorHouse/Bookstore


Follow along on http://twitter.com/#!/knit1fortheroad
Find books, knit patterns and ready to wear items at MargKnittinARound on Etsy.
Discover knitting resources, free patterns, interviews and more on knit1fortheroad.com
Join my knitting life adventures on Blogger, knit1fortheroad.


©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.


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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Self striping watermelon sock yarn - with seeds!


This morning before work, I started a new project with hand dyed self striping watermelon sock yarn - with seeds from from knitpurlgurl on Etsy.com and a basic sock knitting pattern called Strike Up the Band Socks (knitting pattern) from Knitamazoo Fiber Arts, also on Etsy.com.

You might also enjoy more sockified reading: Tada Tuesday!

Hope your week is taking a turn toward the crafty side of life.
Happy holiday knitting...
Margaret (knitting past the rain and enjoying the magic of self striping yarn)

Visit MargKnittinARound on Etsy
Find free knit patterns, resources and intersting interviews on knit1fortheroad.com
Follow knit1fortheroad on Blogger and
on Twitter @ knit1fortheroad


©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.


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Monday, November 28, 2011

Chock full of fun and fancy stitches...

Over the holiday weekend, I stopped by a Joann Fabric and Craft Store in Annapolis and scooped up some beautiful fabric for Christmas trimming at a super duper price. 

 Since I saved a bundle on the fabric,I splurged on the new issue from Interweave, Crochet Accessories 2011.  I'm telling you - it's a keeper.  There are 14 one skein projects, info on the latest in the crochet world, including new products and goodies for the stitch crowd.  They've also included a full color guide to crochet basics for all those fabulous projects you're going to see in this issue.  Would you like to make a gift in just one evening?  They have just the thing, along with 59+ projects to inspire you. Some of my favorites are the magical crochet land called the Kingdom of Crochet, starting on pg 50, the Wavy Coral Scarf, and the Persimmon Cowl.
Visit the Interweave site to order your copy or check out your local yarn store for the issue.  

You might also enjoy reading Romantic Jane Austen Knits...

Both are a good buy and the perfect gift for that gift giving situation coming soon.

Stitch as if no one is watching.
Margaret

Follow along on Twitter @ knit1fortheroad

Visit knit1fortheroad.com for knitting resources, free patterns, interviews and more.

Stop by my Etsy shop, MargKnittinARound for knitting patterns, ready to wear items and my books, and all for a great price.

Visit Amazon and Kindle for my books.

Follow Knit1fortheroad on Blogger and Margknittinaround on Ravelry.com 


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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Foodie Graditude ...

A little story...

When I was small, I always wanted to help my older sister, Lea, with whatever she was cooking.  One of my favorite memories was of the cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving dinner that she made every year.  Lea always kept that recipe to herself and for many years I didn't know exactly how she made it.  She would laugh and say, I just use the recipe on the bag, but it was so delicious I was never really convinced. After Lea died, a few years ago, I decided to make the cranberry sauce for my own little family and discovered that the recipe was really on the bag of cranberries and the only added ingriedient (the only one she would share with me) was that she added orange juice sometimes to make it more tart and less sweet.  Lea must be having a good chuckle over that one in the great beyond, I know I did. It's nice to try and remember funny stories, fond memories and all the people that have touched our lives during this season of gratitude.  Side note:  Lea also taught me how to knit one summer, encouraged me to sew and craft, and a encouraged my love for sci-fi, historical novels and a good mystery series.

 Now, here's the foodie part ... I did a little prep today...


the cranberry sauce

and a pumpkin pie

I am grateful

Thanks for reading and I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving here in the US and a day of gratitude everywhere else.


Molly and Margaret in New Castle, DE last weekend.


©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.



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Friday, November 18, 2011

Are you ready for a crafty weekend?

The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is just the thing to help put you in a festive mood.

Where:  Gaithersburg, Maryland, Montgomery Co. Fairgrounds

When:  November 18, 19, 20, 2011
Grab a coupon!

Artists and Crafters Galore!  See the list here.
Check to see when it's coming to your area.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend with creative verve!

Margaret


Yesterday was so chilly and windy that I decided to sport a new knit hat (knit pattern coming soon to MargKnittinARound on Etsy) and the Autumn Harmony Versatile Cowl (available now as a free download) on Knit1fortheroad.com in the Free Pattern Section

Follow along on Twitter @knit1fortheroad and CreatingTheHive, the craftiest place to be.

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Thursday, November 17, 2011

Locks of Love and a new do...

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain and wind and thought what a perfect day to shake things up around here and get a new hairstyle!  I've been wanting to donate my hair to Locks of Love for awhile now, but just couldn't quite get the 10" minimum.  Today was going to be the day, so I whipped out my knitty tape measure and did a preliminary check - yep, my pony measured 10" pulled straight.  It's a go.

 Locks of Love is a wonderful organization that takes your donated hair to make wigs for financially disadvantaged children, age 21 and under, suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.  They also accept shorter links, so please take a moment to read their guidelines : Locks of Love Guidelines.  There are other ways to help. Visit the Other Ways to Help page on the website.


Pre haircut ponytail

The first order of business was to find an awesome hairdresser in town and I found just that.  Jackie of Jackie's Family Hair Salon was so helpful.  In the past, I've seen some amazing haircuts on the happy customers coming out of her salon while I grabbed a coffee in the nearby coffeshop, so I knew it was the right place to go.  Jackie has cut her patrons hair to be donated many times and knew just what to do.  She also totally got my short hair needs and gave me a terrific cut, for which I'm grateful.  Thank you Jackie for easing me into the transition and for helping me make my wish come true.


Here we are at Jackie's Family Hair Salon (located in the shopping center...101 Marlboro Ave, Suite 55,  Easton, MD) Jackie is the owner and a super stylist.


My ponytails drying and ready to get their wig on.


Top and Front view

 side view

Back home and ready for Sassytown - lol.  No more flat irons, bad hair days, and product overload.

I've enjoyed sharing this adventure with you today and hope you've found some inspiration to help you think of creative ways to help others in need.  We all have so much to give and receive in this season of gratitude.

Margaret


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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

American Censorship Day Nov. 16, 2011

If you blog, tweet or share on facebook, please take a moment to look at this bill and find out how you can participate in protecting freedom of speech ...

American Censorship Day






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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Romantic Jane Austen Knits...


I'm so intrigued by the new Jane Austen Knits Special Issue now availabe at Interweave. There are 35 patterns filled with the romantic feel of the Regency period, yet they've been modernized to fit into our daily wardrobe. They've also cleverly included insight into the period and Jane Austen's novels. It's nice to see history, romance and functional clothing combined in a fresh way. Some of the natural yarns chosen for the patterns include linen, wool, mohair, silk and bison.  This luxurious issue is available to order or download.

I hope you'll keep a little romance in your life and your knitting.

Margaret (history buff and romantic at heart)

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Monday, November 14, 2011

Beginner and Intermediate Brioche Knitting w/ Liat

Liat of KNITFreedom.com has new brioche knitting videos just published!

Liat’s latest installment of knitting video eBook awesomeness  is now available. Beginner and Intermediate Brioche Knitting, A step- by- step video knitting course!  is jammed packed with easy to follow videos and resources. So exciting!

Order your copy of Brioche Knitting for only $34.77 right now and you will receive a mobile version E-Book specifically designed for your smartphone, iPad, or Kindle as an added bonus.

Right away you will go to the Easy View Guide which gives you all the info you need to download your knitting course to your computer, iphone, ipad, or mobile device. A free pdf download is included, with a link to load the latest version of Adobe Reader as well. There’s also a handy navigation tool, Bookmarks Bar icon. I really love the viewing ease and quality of this incredible video ebook.
Liat's brioche knitting video course gives you everything you need to perfect your brioche knitting technique. Liat includes quality videos, detailed and easy step by step instructions throughout and resources to enhance your knitting journey. This course does not disappoint and you will be so glad you took the brioche knitting plunge with such an excellent teacher by your side. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t tried this technique before, once you follow Liat’s expert teaching, you’re going to be hooked.  You'll be able to review the brioche knitting goodness at your own pace and whenever you need to brush up on your brioche knitting technique,Liat's relaxed and encouraging manner will be there for you.


Liat offers knitting support on her website, KNITFreedom.com  , free patterns, a fun and informative blog as well as valuable newsletters that will educate and inspire.
I highly encourage and recommend that you learn brioche knitting from Liat.

Take a look at Liat's complete list of Knitting Video ebooks.


View her interview here on Knit1fortheroad, Liat Gat gives the scoop on Become a Knitting SUPERSTAR!


Thanks Liat, for always inspiring us to try new techniques and have fun with our knitting...
and thank you readers for stopping by for some knitting inspiration.
Margaret


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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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