3 things I love for Autumn

The Easy Knit Blanket Sweater (Knit Kit) is now on sale at 20% off through November 3 at Lionbrand.  There's also a crochet version for my crochet friends.

There's also a crochet version for my crochet friends. Neco Knitting Needles are great for cable knitting, sock knitting, hats, loops and sleeves. 

Do give these fun new needles a look!

3 Beautiful KnitPumpkin Patterns

Check out these adorable knit pumpkin designs at needleworkarts on Etsy.

Happy Autumn Everyone!Margaret

New! Outlander Knit and Crochet Kits and more...

There are some new knitting and crochet goodies for Autumn 2015.  Here we go!

This super adorable Inside Out Ribbed Hat FREE PATTERN!

Designed by Margery Winter is made with Zaps!

This super adorable Inside Out Ribbed Hat FREE PATTERN!

Designed by Margery Winter is made with Zaps!

Zaps is a super-bulky yarn, at Lion Brand Yarns which combines a 2 ply strand of a solid color, with a strand of a contrasting, color changing yarn. Zaps produces a lightweight fabric with surprising pops of color.

Watch the video for The Scoop on Outlander Knit and Crochet Kits from Lion Brand Yarn Co,

One of 14 kits!  My favorite has to be this Knit Return to
Inverness Cowl made withWool-Ease^® Thick & Quick^®




Don't you love the look of Autumn Knitting?

Margaret (ready to knit, sip pumpkin spice lattes and walk in the crisp air of Autumn)

Baby and Hobbit

Time for two adorable kits from Knit Picks latest catalog...

Pookies Toys Kit - Hobbit 

and 

 Pookies Toys Kit Baby

Find more fun things by visiting the latest Knit Picks Catalog (you'll find an image for the Pookies Toys Kit -Baby there)

Autumn Wowza Scarf Free Patter knit1fortheroad.com.  
©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2013The patterns and photographs 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 patterns, or knit item is not allowed. All rights reserved.

For Mother's Day:
Many of you have enjoyed the Autumn Wowza Scarf (free knit pattern on knit1fortheroad.com)  Consider trying a light weight soft cotton yarn of similar weight mentioned in the pattern to make for Mother's Day (May 12, 2013).  

Enjoy!
Margaret

Spring Things!

Are you feeling spring in the air yet?

Lately, after five years of blogging and over 12 yrs of steady knitting and crocheting everywhere, every day, I decided to take a few weeks away to regroup, take care of family and our new puppy Madison.  Molly picked her out and is adjusting well to having her as a sis and cohort in all activities that are rowdy.

Here are a few knitty things that are really inspiring me to bring out the spring colors, yarns, and patterns to celebrate the new season. I hope they inspire you, too!


On to the Spring things!

Knit Simple has some scrumptious patterns for Spring 2013.  Consider and explore the possibilities in this issue.  They've included product updates, 30 quick'n easy patterns.  Enjoy several knit bags, tops with ruffles, lace wraps, scarves, knitting tips and more.

Peace Fleece Chicken Egg Covers Knitting Kit 

AND

 

Yay, a felt project from KnitWhits Easter Eggs and Basket Felted Knitting Kits .

Both kits can be found at Noble Knits.

 

 

Denise2Go! from Denise Interchangeable.   This beautiful and portable case is available with knitting needles and now a crochet version and just the case.  I've already started using my Denise2Go knitting needles and have found them to be super easy to use when I travel around town and beyond.  The case is especially well made, the needles fit securely to the cables and make for smooth knitting that is easy on the hands. 

 

Product info:

The stylish case, hand-sewn from designer cottons, contains: 6 pairs of knitting needles, US#5-#10 (3.75 – 6mm)

• 1 G6 (4mm) crochet hook
• 3 cords, 14, 16 and 19" (36, 41 and 48cm)
• 2 end buttons and 1 extender
• Needles, hook and cords are all colored to coordinate with the rosy case.
• Now also available in a crochet version, and empty.

Enjoy the beauty of your day and your knitting projects wherever you roam.

Margaret (embracing sunshine, birds singing and cool breezes today)

 

This is Madison, the newest addition to our family.  She is 8 weeks old, loves exploring, chewing, jumping, and following Molly all around.  She is also an early riser, but sleeps through the night.  Today she learned to sit and come on command...and is so liking the treat method. hahaha 

 

 

 

 

Knit Elephants on the way...

This morning, I finally got a chance to look at the latest edition of Vogue Knitting International Winter2012/2013 and I saw a delightful article on knitting sensation CeeCee Creech. 

View the video for CeeCee's incredible story and join her on Facebook at Elephants Remember Joplin for the latest news and how you can make a difference.

Elephants For Joplin on YouTube


Fiesta Yarns partenered with CeeCee for this incredible knitting adventure. Visit them for more info and the Elephants Remember Joplin pattern and kits.

I hope this story inspires you as much as it did me. 

Margaret (thinking about the wisdom of the young and the majestic and wise elephants today.)

MargKnittinARound's Full Moon Medley...

 Ready to Wear Moonstone Hand Knit Slouch Beanie at margknittinaround

Things are popping over at margknittinaround, my Etsy shop.  There are new ready to wear items available and more coming soon.  Plus, signed copies of Knit Knitavian Style have arrived just in time for fall knitting and holiday gifting.  Free gift wrapping is available.

Some good news for the shop (for those who missed it) is that margknittinaround is now syndicated from Etsy to Google Shopping. Items in the store will will be shown on the shopping page.  Woot!

I just love this time of year.  So full of possibilities, cider, and the color orange.

Margaret (soaking in the full moon beauty)

Follow along on Twitter @knit1fortheroad or on Facebook as Margaret Nock.



Some Full Moon Reading to put you in the mood for suspense, chill bumps, and things that go bump when you least expect it...

Ghost Files: The Collected Cases from Ghost Hunting and Seeking Spirits

Ghost Hunt: Chilling Tales of the Unknown

Meet Rachel of Yarnigans

Rachel of Yarnigans is one of the knitty people I met this past weekend in Snow Hill, Md Festival.  Her booth was a delight to visit and her kits and adorable knit toys are a must have.  You're probably going to want more than one.  In fact, I see a collection in your future.  Rachel has a successful Etsy shop called Yarnigans, and is a new member of Creating The Hive, the super popular arts and crafts online community. Sit back, settle in, sip some tea or pumpkin spice latte and let your inner child be deliciously delighted.

Q. Rachel, when I look at your work, it makes me feel happy. When did you first get interested in creating such delightful toys?

 

A. I've been making toys for as long as I can remember. When I was young I would sew little stuffed animals out of fleece or make dolls from clothespins, fabric scraps, and ribbon. I love to knit and crochet but I never seem to be able to finish large projects-- I get distracted way too easily. I found a pattern for a crocheted doll in the fall of 2005 and my love of little toys and yarn crafts just sort of clicked together. I started writing up my own patterns for crocheted toys soon afterward and then started knitting toys some time in 2008.

Q. What was the first project that you learned to knit and who has been the biggest influence on your creative life?


A. My roommate Lauren taught me to knit my sophomore year in college and my first project was a really simple, white, boat-neck sweater. Looking back, I'm not sure that I even used a pattern. I had absolutely no concept of what gauge was for at least my first two years as a knitter. The first toy I ever knitted was from a pattern for a ball written by Marcie Nishioka. I made two of them and turned them into a pair of peas in a pod. I learned how to do shaping from that and started writing my own toy patterns immediately afterward.



As far as the person who has had the most influence on me creatively, I would have to say that it is a toss up between my mother, Justine, and my husband, Mark. My mom really influenced me creatively as a kid because we always had a house full of crafting supplies and she was always willing to help with whatever I needed. We did Christmas crafts every year and she taught me to sew and crochet. Without her encouragement I know I wouldn't have grown up to be the creative person that I am. My husband Mark is a huge influence on me now because he really keeps me thinking of fresh ideas and gives me his honest opinion of every single thing I make. He always has a new idea for a toy pattern or a color combination that not only keeps my work new and different, but keeps me interested enough that I never feel like giving up on creating things.

Q. What types of yarn do you find work well for your patterns?

A. In the past couple of years I have started almost exclusively using 100% wool for my projects. There's just something about a knitted project made out of wool that gives it this richness and depth and warmth. I really feel like it brings life into my toys. My go-to yarn is Cascade 220. I have a ton of it and I feel like I can use it for anything. It comes in every color you could possibly imagine. Lately I've been experimenting with different weights of yarn. I almost always use worsted weight wool and size 3 needles for my patterns, but a couple of weeks ago I made up a teddy bear and a hedgehog in super bulky yarn with size 10 needles. They turned out amazing! The great thing about knitting toys is that they don't have to end up a specific size so your knitting gauge absolutely does not matter at all.

Q. Rachel, your love for your knitting patterns and kits really shows in your Etsy shop and in person. What helps you keep your inspiration and passion for what you do?

A. I have always felt really passionate about everything that I make, but the past few months I have been working incredibly long hours on Yarnigans-related stuff, so keeping my inspiration has definitely been an issue. It always really helps to keep me driven when I get nice feedback from people about my work. A few weeks ago I got a message from a nurse at a children's hospital in New Zealand who said she had been making my toys for the patients and that everyone loved them. That sort of thing really keeps me going at the end of a long day. I also just really like the idea of spreading the love of handmade toys around the world-- it's so cool to think that kids all over the place are playing with toys that were made just for them by people who love them. That's the sort of toy they keep forever and pass on to their own kids. My kits and patterns are helping to spread that to people and I really love it.


Q. Do you have any new items or plans for your Etsy shop in the coming months that you’d like to share with us?


A. Absolutely! I'm preparing for the Holiday 2010 season to be the biggest yet for the Yarnigans shop. In addition to the usual stuff, I'm going to start carrying really adorable four-packs of my mini dolls, which haven't really debuted online but have been going to arts festivals with me and out to the shops that carry Yarnigans. They've been a huge hit so I'm really excited to start listing the four-packs of them. I'm also going to be doing some classic-style large bears out of a great chunky wool. They're going to be great gifts for little kids-- they look like something that just came out of Santa's workshop. I have a three-year-old son and he has already claimed two of the prototypes, so I have a feeling they're going to go over well with kids. I have a few patterns in the works as well, but I'm not sure yet when those will make it to the shop.

That sounds exciting.  We all look forward to seeing more of your adorable toys.  Thank you Rachel, for allowing us a look into your creative life.
You can find Rachel and her adorable toys on the following links:
http://yarnigans.etsy.com
http://yarnigans.tumblr.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yarniganrachel/
http://twitter.com/yarnigans
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Salisbury-MD/Yarnigans/122671491822
http://creatingthehive.com/yarnigans

Giggles and glee in the knitting workspace.

A few of  my new hand knit and crochet items added to margknittinaround on Etsy.com

It's  been pretty hectic around here the past few weeks.  New hand knit and crochet items for my Etsy shop, margknittinaround, are listed and more are on the way.  Free shipping in the U.S. on certain hand knit and crochet items is being offered along with sale prices on many patterns.  Kits and signed copies of Knit 1 for the Road are available just in time for your Autumn knitting and for gift giving! Please feel free to convo me on Etsy if you have any questions on any of the items available.  I encourage you to click on the I heart this shop or item buttons on the right hand side if you see something you like.  You can also share your fav item with your friends by clicking on the share button, also on the righthand side of the page. Easy and much appreciated!  It gives me an idea of what items you really dig as well as cause me to break out in giggles and dance around my workspace with glee.

News on Knit Knitavian Style! The final edit is going in tomorrow and I'll be updating you on fantastic giveaways, guest bloggers who are included in the book, and juicey previews.  You'll be able to have the book in your hot little knitting hands soon, learn about the land of Knitavia, take the Joyful Knitter Oath and become a full fledged Knitavian. Yippee!  Stay tuned...

I'm still interviewing Etsy shop owners and Creating The Hive crafters with online shops in a mission to share as much crafty wonderment as possible.  If you're interested in a super easy interview on this blog than contact me on either Etsy, Creating The Hive or email me directly at knit1fortheroad@gmail.com.  Your story will inspire all of us.

Saturday was Dave's birthday and I took him on a mid-day river cruise and out to lunch. Here are a couple of pics Dave took on his birthday cruise on the Severn River which left from Annapolis.  Dave opted out on the blog as he felt the windy conditons led to a bad hair day.

Here I am waiting dockside to cruise in my Knitavian Shruggle, a bonus pattern in Knit Knitavian Style.

Always knitting while I wait!  Hope you are too.

Severn River in Annapolis, MD

This has been your Sunday update.

Marg (hoping you find a little peace today and a chance to knit, crochet or craft your way into Monday)

Sock City -icey with a chance of cocoa...

KAL with RavelryGroup KnittyDirtyGirl on Ravelry  OrganicBobYarnPile project bag from the RavelryMini-Mart.  The yarn is from KnittyDirtyGirl on Etsy.  Rachel-Marie is on vacation so do check the box yes, if you would like to be notified when she returns.

Are you an East Coaster? If so, you probably experienced a lot of snow and chilly weather this weekend and today is the first official day of winter.  When you're done shoveling, playing with the kids, and drying off with a cup of cocoa, it's time to get down to some serious needlework of choice.

This weekend, I finally got a chance to start my socks for the KAL (Knit-Along) with Rachel-Marie (knittydirtygirl) Ravelry group. I went old school starting at the top and not the toe with this one and improvised so there is no real printed pattern.

There's nothing like making items for other people, but sometimes you long to join in community and KAL's are a great way to do that.  Push yourself to try new patterns and explore new shapes to make.  You will be surprised how quickly you will improve your skills.  Ask questions, post comments, and see what every one else is doing as you knit along.  You may even discover a new yarn choice.  Check Ravelry groups, forums, and online at your favorite yarn stores.  If your lucky enough to have a group near you, and/or a local yarn store - join in!  I've also seen groups form at some of the major craft stores, so don't rule them out. 

Break out of your snow coma - it's sunny in SockCity, KnitCity, and KALTown.

Marg (I confess to eating a cookie and now I have a serious sugar rush)

 

You might enjoy these sock knitting books and kits:

Crafty Christmas and Holiday Roundup!

Here's my denim project bag decked out with the Craft Corps Stencil Kit from Vickie Howell.com. Craft Cure Coming Up!

Are you crafty or have a crafty friend in need of a holiday present? Here's a round up of some handy items that will make even the most discerning crafter do the happy dance with glee. Whatever you're celebrating, there's always a need for a crafty project. Put your coffee, hot chocolate or herbal tea cup down and strap yourself into your knitting chair or to your crafting table...here we go!

1. Craft Corps Stencil Kit and Craft Corps the book coming soon! You can preorder the book at Vickie's OpenSky shop. brought to us by Vickie Howell. View other projects made with this kit...Messenger Bag and T-shirt. The kit is easy to use and both items are so reasonably priced that you won't be able to resist! Your crafty friends will thank you.

2. Next Up, Halcyon’s Drop Spindle Kit has everything you need to help you with your first fiber spinning project. A wonderful gift for the adventurous knitter who yearns for the yarnie experience of spinning.

3. Kid's Craft Kits galore on WeekendKits. There are kits for kids with carrying cases or totes, great kid colors and projects that are geared toward kid safe crafting.

4. Snowman PinPunchKit from JoanneFabrics. This makes an adorable ornament or pin. Make an adorable Owl baby bib from Jenny Hart for the new baby in your life.

5. Knit and Crochet Kits from the fabulous folks at LionBrandYarn. These kits are beginner friendly and fun.

Well, there's your crafty roundup for the week. Enjoy!

Marg (dizzy from all the crafty choices!)

Linking Around Knitty Town

Pumpkin Patch

Here are some links that you might find interesting.

Gifts for yourself or your knitty friends...

Hugo Hat Kit from KnitPicks

Noro Pattern Books from Royal Yarns

101 Stitches to Knit Card Deck

AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher

Freebies!

Fall 2009 free patterns from Knitty.com

Crochet patterns for Fall 2009 from LionBrandYarn

Craft patterns for Fall 2009 from LionBrandYarn

That's the round up for this week. Enjoy!

Marg (surrounded by the colors of Fall)

KNITTED AMIGURUMI FAMILY

Tammy the Cat, one of four knit patterns in the Gurumi Family Kit from KnitPicks...

Knit Picks has a Gurumi Family Kit that you can knit! Hooray! This is great news for those of you who have been wanting to make those adorable Amigurumi (stuffed toys) that are all the rage, but can't crochet. Your kit will come with FOUR patterns - Tammy the Cat (sooo adorable for the cat lover), Sammy, Amy (cute kiddos) and Hammy, the dog (Max & Molly's fav). There's also one 50 gr ball each of Shine Sport Blush, Sky, Fedora, Caution, White, Willow, Black and Serrano and all for $19.99 - which is an amazing price. You provide the fiber fill, US size 2 needles (also available at KnitPicks) and your amazing knitting talent. Soon you'll have a fun filled project ready to give as a gift or a treat for the knitty kid in you.

Knit-Share-Go grab your needles!

Marg (always looking for the outwardly knitty and the inwardly joyful)