The poof is in the pouch...

This crocheted pouch is made with Simply Soft Shadows, Mardi Gray from Caron and created for Annie's Gifts For Chemo. 

Sometimes we hit a bump in the road, suffer a loss, or experience an event in life we have no explanation for.  That is exactly the time we need to open our hearts the most, share with others and contine to create a better world for ourselves and others who are just waiting for our help.  I hope you will continue to open your heart beyond your wildest dreams this year.

Margaret (a heart in progress)

 

What's cool, colorful and soft?

Simply Cotton Sport Yarn available at KnitPicks.com

Well, you have to think cotton of course!  This time of year, many of us start thinking more about cotton fibers for our new projects.  The new colors for Spring will propel us into the season of warm breezes, sunny days, and gentle raindrops.

Here are some of my standby cottons and cotton blends for Spring and Summer 2012...

Shine Sport and Shine Worsted are so colorful and fun to work with.  You have to love that 60% Pima cotton blended with Modal.

Simply Cotton Organic Sport or Simply Cotton Organic Worsted are also wonderful because they ae 100% cotton and still easy to knit or crochet with.  You might also enjoy the colorful Simply Cotton Sport selection.  

Lion Brand's Cotton Ease is a sure pick for softness and durablity. It's wearable, yet great for home decor projects.   It also comes in beautiful colors that will mix and match well.  It's definitely a "go to" yarn.

I hope this lineup of cotton yarn gives you a few ideas for upcoming projects and many hours of knitting and crochet happiness.

Margaret (also liking cotton candy, but that's another story...)

Begin your Spring  Knitting with a signed copy of Knit Knitavian Style.  Visit MargKnittinAround on Etsy.  Year round knitting fun, inspiration and interviews ahead! 
Also available on Amazon and AuthorHouse Bookstore.


 ©Margaret Nock, Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.
Author House Publishing, 2012. Intellectual property of Margaret Nock, knit1fortheroad.com™
Unauthorized reproduction in whole or in part, or distribution is not allowed. All rights reserved.

 

How's your knitting game?

What happens when you get 2-6 knitters together for a game of Last Knitter Standing?  Check out the game details, yarn games and more section and join the avid fans on Facebook and Ravelry for all the buzz.  Liven up your next knitting group gathering by playing and creating a fun game environment.  Challenge your knowledge of knitting and encourage everyone to join in the fun.  The game also makes an awesome fundraiser event (love that) and a great knitting gift.  Give it a try!

Over the weekend, I watched the Harry Potter marathon for a couple of hours and heard this quote by Albus Dumbledore.  Do you remember it?  I perked up in my theater seat when I first heard it. 

"No, I was merely reading the Muggle magazines," said Dumbledore. "I do love knitting patterns." For more quotes from The Harry Potter movies, visit MuggleNet.com


Happy Fat Tuesday!
Margaret (playing games to keep the brain healthy and the laughs coming)

Great advice for sock knitters....

There are so many wonderful tips out there to help knitters these days.  It's getting easier for us all to improve our skills, learn design tricks of the trade and help us create beautifully finished projects.  Here's a sock knitting tutorial that I found today that I think is great advice and help for sock knitters.  Give it a try...

Sock Knitting: Sewn Bind-Off Tutorial by Kathleen Cubley

Knit as if no one is watching this weekend, even if you're in public.  Wheeee!

Margaret

Add a little crochet to your day...

Are you dreaming of warm sunny days with gentle breezes and cleansing rain showers?  Me too!  When my copy of CrochetToday arrived, I was overjoyed by the March/April 2012 issue.  I really love the line up of patterns which include a gorgeous Celtic Knot Scarf by Jennifer Ryan, Adorable Kokeshi Amigurumi doll by Brenda K.B. Anderson, a beautiful Dahlia Throw by Mary Miller, Wild Garden Pillow by Linda Cyr and several cute patterns for the little ones in your life. This issue will keep you crocheting into Spring and beyond with a variety of projects.  Visit the website to see more of this issue. Need it quick, no worries, you can purchase a digital copy online.  Copies should now be available at your local yarn or craft store.

I'll be back soon with Spring knitting inspiration.

Skip through Monday madness with a smile and a new crochet project.

Margaret

 

Soaring on Lace and Cupid’s Wings

Soaring on Lace and Cupid's Wings is a delightfully decorative and comfortable cowl to wear all year round and my free knit pattern gift for you for this month of heartfelt knitting.  The cowl is knit with Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Red (or color of your choice) and the buttons are optional and decorative - so no need for buttonholes.  You can also substitute a brooch or shawl pin. Visit knit1fortheroad.com for more of my free patterns.

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012 The pattern and photographs in this document are the property of knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution of the pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.


Happy (almost)Valentine's Day!
Margaret

Mary Jane Slippers WIP

This week, I decided to try and crochet a pair of Mary Jane Slippers on Ravelry (or on Goodknits) for Annie's Gifts for Chemo.
I was delighted to see Lisa  Gutierrez's crochet pattern.  I decided to modify the strap slightly and used a solid color.  Lisa gives you the foundation to crochet Mary Jane Slippers and encourages you to add your own touch, adjust the size, etc.  Thank you Lisa!  Do stop by and see all of her lovely Mary Jane Slippers on Ravelry.  

This one needs a button and slipper #2 is coming soon. Try something new this week and surprise yourself. 

Hope you're whipping up something wonderful to share.


Margaret (firing up my crochet hook for slipper #2)