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
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on Twitter @ knit1fortheroad


©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.

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 

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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

You are not alone...knitting help is on the way.

Today, I'd like to begin the  week with techniques people frequently ask me about.  Many of you enjoy well made, simple and quick videos but don't want to sort through the sea of not so simple and quick videos out there.  Here are a some of my favorite videos to help simplify and get you going in the right direction.

Knitting Help - Getting Started with DPNs by very pink.  I love this simple yet informative video that really takes you through the steps that needlessly mystify and frustrate you when learning to use dpn's.

Double Knitting - Knit Faster by the fabulous Liat of KNITFreedom.com.  (Liat stopped by for an interview with me on knit1fortheroad, Liat Gat gives the scoop on Become a Knitting SUPERSTAR!). Do visit her website and subscribe to Liat's videos and newsletter updates while you're there.  Liat is such an excellent teacher and her love for knitting really shines through. There will be more on Liat this week here on knit1fortheroad, stay tuned.

Knitting in the Round - Magic Loop from KnitPicks.com

Marcy Smith interviews Seamless Crochet author, Kristin Omdahl

Here's something for your crochet state of mind... there's a wonderful book called Seamless Crochet by Kristin Omdahl that gives you a new approach to crochet and includes fabulous patterns you're going to want to dive into right away. I'm loving that hat pattern!  Enjoy her interview with Marcy Smith.

There's no need to get discouraged...help is on the way.  Keep knitting, stay inspired, and look for the yarn and projects that make your heart sing and your fingers tingle...


Enjoy Monday and the chance to begin again.
Margaret

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

Worsted 8

Looking for beautiful colors, easy care worsted yarn, and new projects to knit or crochet?  Try the new yarn from Herrschners, Worsted 8 Yarn.  I'm thinking warm afghans, charity knit/crochet items, and home decor projects, myself. You can also save 44% if you order from the website. Hooray! There are sooo many yummy colors to choose from, too. 

Margaret (remembering the first yarn I ever ordered from the Herrschner catalog many moons ago)

Every bit of itty bitty goodness...

As a child, I was always intrigued by tiny toys, dolls, and knick knacks.  In a world that encourages everyone to "go big" it's wonderful to see another book, by Anna Hrachovec, Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi: More Than 40 Itty-Bitty Minis to Knit, Wear, and Give.  You may know Anna from her blog.  The book has over 40 projects that are not only teeny tiny, but perfect for destashing and creating a little whimsey for your day or cheer up your friends.  The book is available  in paperback and as a Kindle download.

You might also enjoy Knitting Mochimochi: 20 Super-Cute Strange Designs for Knitted Amigurumi, also by Anna, and available in both paperback and as a Kindle download.

Both books would make excellent gifts for the giving season.


Have a happy teeny tiny Tuesday...
Margaret

Quick, free, and A-dorable!

Today's a quick Saturday blog, but I wanted to share the latest newsletter from LionBrand with some really adorable Autumn projects just waiting for you...oh, and did I mention the patterns are free.  Yeah, I did!
Happy knitting, crocheting and crafty good times!

Margaret (knitting project in one hand, coffee in the other - it's going to be a great day)

Crafty Charity Care

Annie's Gifts  for Chemo on Ravelry.com

This week, I finished a couple of more items (fingerless gloves and slippers) to go along with the Cancer Awareness Scarf for October.  I attached care instructions and a note to the recepient.(not shown)

Join in the group on Ravelry.com or contact Kathleen Greco at JellyYarns.com for more information about the items you can make for a patient in need of your creative care. Btw, Kathleen is the winner of the Fearless Leader Flamie Awards 2011. Congrats!

Be sure and visit the group flckr page! and check out her interview here on knit1fortheroad,

JELLY YARNS INTERVIEW DAY IS HERE! And Jelly Yarns, Part 2.

I hope you will continue to allow hand crafted items to lift the spirit.  Surround yourself with them, share them,and encourage others to do the same.

Looking forward to a busy weekend with knitting or crocheting in between the subtle lines of life.

Margaret (reading and knitting between the lines since .....)

Visit knit1fortheroad for more crafty ways to contribute to charity organizations.

Join me on CreatingTheHive, another great source for charity crafting.

Follow merrily along on Twitter @ knit1fortheroad

Visit my shop on Etsy, margknittinaround (Margaret Nock)

©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.

 

Tada Tuesday

While watching the Ghost Hunters Live Event last night, I was able to finish sock two!  You may have seen the previous recent bloggie on the sock knitting progress, if so, you will know I am sooo happy these socks are finally ready to wear.  I was waiting for a pattern to inspire me and the project sat on the sidelines for too long.  They're made with Rachel-Marie's aka KnittyDirtyGirl fabulous yarn.  Rachel-Marie has moved on to new adventures and enjoys being a Mom, but we all miss her yummy yarn creations and I know she's still being creative in her life. The pattern I used was by Knitamazoo.  You can find the pattern, Strike Up The Band, and other goodies, on Etsy at Knitamazoo Fiber Arts.  I enjoyed using this quick and easy sock pattern and definitely have sock knitting fever now because of it.  LOL!

On to the next one...(a total Ghost Hunters reference)only I'm clicking my needle tips together instead of the fist bump thingie.

Hope you're having a tada kind of day.

Margaret (enjoys knitting around life events, and long walks on the beach)

Follow along on Twitter, @knit1fortheroad

Visit knit1fortheroad.com for free patterns and resources.

Stop by MargKnittinARound on Etsy for great prices for my knit patterns, ready to wear items and signed copies of my books.

Find my books on Amazon, Kindle and AuthorHouseBookstore (on Sale!)

©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

for more inspiration, visit The Quote Garden.