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

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”William Arthur Ward

Find more quotes on gratitude at thinkexist.com

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

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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.

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)

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

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
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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.

Simply quick and free handcrafted holiday projects

I love these quick knit Slipper Socks - free pattern at LionBrand.com

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

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Savings in the stars...

The Lantern Moon Star Stitch Markers.  New at WEBS.com.

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.

Butter Hand Cream made by Amazing Grace Farms for KnitPicks.com is scrumptious!

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)

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)

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')

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©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.

Looking for Winter Wonders?

Cover Project is Chalet Tunic and Hat

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

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.
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©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.