Sock knitting for Spring!

I've had this mad desire to clean and reorganize house, car, and office, and most of all yarn stash.  The sock yarn has called out to me and I'm into the sock knitting zone lately.  I feel that some of you might also have sock knitting fever so here are some great sock patterns, books, and yarn to dive into.  Sock knitting is also super portable for traveling, baseball games, and poolside - you get the idea. Yarns come in all weights and fibers, including cotton blends which are nice for this time of year. It's a good idea to follow the recommended yarns in your pattern and to most of all enjoy creating them. 

Free Knit Pattern:  Geek socks from Knitty.com

Book:

"The eighteen patterns, most for three sizes (S, M, L), in this book will take your sock knitting in a new direction, literally! Instead of the conventional toe-up or top-down methods, you can now simply knit out from the middle of the sole, up over the foot and on up the leg, with no breaks for the heel and no stitches to pick up. You will view your sock toes in a whole new way when you knit from the ground up!"

 
Luscious Yarn:  Sock Yarn at Noble Knits!

Lovely Self Striping Yarn Selections on Etsy!

Looking for a knitting pattern, community, and inspiration?   Join Ravelry, it's free!


Enjoy!

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)

Interview with Three Bags Full. Because One Bag is Never Enough!

Blue Owls Sweater Bag with Owl Bead

Today, I'm thrilled to share a delightful interview with Michele, the owner of the Three Bags Full. Becasue One Bag is Never Enough!  Do I hear a resounding squeal of yippee in cyberspace?  We all love bags and knitting accessories here. Michele has such love and enthusiasm for the creative life, I know you're going to share and enjoy her insight and passion.  Click your needles together for Three Bags Full...

Q. Michele, I love the name of your Etsy shop, Three Bags Full. How did you come up with such an interesting name?

A. Well, about four years ago I discovered felted bags. I’m the kind of person that sees something and thinks – “I could make that!” The next thing I know, I’m not only making it but selling it, or teaching it. Have you ever read the book “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”? It’s like that. I started felting bags by knitting them and then shrinking and felting them in my washing machine. I then sold them in galleries in the area where I live in Maine. I needed a name, and the nursery rhyme “Yessir, yessir, three bags full!” kept running in my head. Since the bags were made of wool, it seemed like a natural. Later, when I started making fabric bags and selling them on Etsy, the name still seemed to work. I added the tagline “Because One Bag is Never Enough” since I am such a ‘bag lady’. I have a very loyal customer base, and this philosophy applies to other people, too.

Q. What a wonderful beginning to your creative journey on Etsy, Michele. Visitors to your shop will notice immediately the vibrant colors and really appreciate that you’ve included such a range of designs, colors and uses for your bags. When did you first realize how important color would become in your life?

A. One of my passions is pastel painting, and I’ve always loved working with bright color. I don’t have as much time to paint these days, so I channel my creativity into sourcing beautiful fabrics. Yarn is another passion, of course. Some of my customers like to match their knitting project to their bag. Looking for fabric online is one of my favorite things to do.

Q. Your interests are so creative and varied. Many readers would be interested in how you find time to keep up with them all and still create new items and maintain your Etsy shop?

A. Haha, my family would tell you that I am crazy! I do have a lot of interests. I used to bake cakes professionally. and still do that every once in a while. I love to grow my own vegetables, and I do try to fit in some knitting every day to maintain sanity. Singing and painting are harder to fit in, but I do my best. I’m a single mom to a very active 13 year old (the namesake of my Mia bags), and she keeps me on my toes. I work full time during the day as the PR Director for WoodenBoat magazine, writing advertising copy and promoting our annual WoodenBoat Show. Sewing happens at night and on weekends (and sometimes early in the morning and on my lunch hour since my office is only 2 miles from my house). I guess the answer is that I don’t sleep very much and I drink more coffee than I used to. And now I have a couple of wonderful women helping me with some aspects of the sewing, so I can focus more on fabric selection and design and marketing. Still, I do make most of the bags.

Q. It’s inspiring for us to learn how you fit the different creative activities into your daily life…and coffee. What is the one aspect you enjoy most, and would like to share with us, about living a creative life.


A. I am so lucky to live in an area of the world which abounds in natural beauty, so there is inspiration all around me. Summer in Maine is the quintessential season, but the other seasons have their individual perks too. The sky, the ocean, the light on the tops of the spruce trees at sunset, the sound of birds, the smell of the ocean – it’s all quite intoxicating. I am also surrounded by an extremely creative community, where many of my neighbors are glass blowers, potters, weavers, painters, musicians. There are many people to learn from and be inspired by.

Q. I agree! Maine is a wonderful place, and kind to the sensibilities of artistic endeavors. Are there any tips, events, or dreams for a creative business that you would like to include…or perhaps a yummy recipe?

A. What has made my business grow is my involvement in the community of knitters around the world, through blogs and Ravelry. I’ve met many talented knitters online through my bags and through sharing knitting projects. It’s just grown from there. The knitting community is very well connected online and through fiber festivals, and I just love being a part of that. Perhaps, if I end up doing Three Bags Full full-time I would expand to more exhibiting. Right now I’m busy keeping my website stocked, and supplying a couple of online yarn stores with bags: The Loopy Ewe, Fibre Space and Dirty Water Dyeworks, plus a local gallery. I’m not really able to travel, but I hope that will change as I grow.

Thank you, Michele, for taking the time and having the courage to share your thoughts, your creative life, and enthusiasm for knitting, color and fabric with us today. Your message of paying attention to the creative spark in all areas of your busy life is a great inspiration and example for all of us.

Please visit Michele's Etsy shop and look for her creations in the stores mentioned in the interview.  You will also find Michele as dance2yarn and MicheleinMaine on Ravelry.com


All photographs in this document have been provided by and are the property of Three Bags Full. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution of photos and content of this interview are prohibited. All rights reserved.

Travel Go Lightly Purse - Free November Pattern

Travel Go Lightly Purse
Knit1fortheroad.com Free November Pattern. 
©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2010 The pattern and photographs in this document are the property of knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction in whole or in part, or distribution of the pattern, is not allowed. All rights reserved.

Here's a pic from this weekend.  I'm wearing the Travel Go Lightly Purse, and wearing Nicole's Neck Warmer from Knit Knitavian Style (also a special order in on my shop, margknittinaround) and Roxy's Slouch Hat, a knit pattern on margknittinaround. 

Enjoy your free pattern...
Go hand knit!
Marg

Visit knit1fortheroad.com for more free patterns, knitting help and resources, Knit1fortheroad Interview Series with CreatingTheHive, Etsy and Ravelry members, charities, knitting businesses and designers, fun links and knit/crochet charity links.

Tote, Soak and Protect Your Knitting

We all need to soak our fine fibers and Soakwash.com has all the goodies to help us protect our quilts, knitting, swimwear and lingerie.  You may have seen the Soakwash Collection on Ravelry.com.  This collection is so popular that Ravelry has a Soakworthy group you can join.

There are  three sizes available in delicious scented and unscented selections. Label of Love tags show the world you care enough to use Soakwash on your knitting projects and gifts. 

Meet Carrie & Phil, the latest product to help you tote, soak, and carry your precious fibers. They are non-toxic, pour easily and so handy and sturdy for the household and knitting that you're going to want to collect a few to brighten up your home.  Oh, and did I mention the fun colors?  These are not your husband, dad, uncle, brother or cousin man buckets, so let them know not to snatch them away to use in the garage.

Find these fine products by visiting the store locator  or order directly from their website.  They make wonderful gifts - fill them with knitting goodies, or perhaps create a eco-friendly household kit for a housewarming or for yourself.

Seek out colors today that lift your mood and knit with them.

Marg (hoping to see your needles smokin' hot this week)

Caps for Caleb

You are invited by Hearts of Love on Ravelry.com to join in a new featured project called Caps for Caleb.  Caleb is a 20 month old child who is currently receiving chemotherapy treatments twice a week for seven weeks. He will then have a bone marrow transplant at the University of Minnesota Hospital.   Please visit the Hearts of Love group if you are on Ravelry, and look for the Featured Project Discussion. The post by CleoHutton (Caleb's grandmother) is dated Tuesday, June 8 and there are updates on the project thread with more details for you. If you have questions, please contact the moderator of Hearts of Love, SeasidePurl or CleoHutton.
Visit Caringbridge.org for more information and updates on Caleb and his progress.

I hope you are able to move into your week with love  gratitude, knitting and laughter. 

Marg (getting organized!)

Madbird Interview Day!

Knitting Needle Organizers

DPN/Crochet Organizer

Project Tote and Project Bag

Grab your coffe or tea mug and snuggle in on the knitting couch for today's interview with Alecia Miller of Madbird on Etsy.com.  I first heard of Alecia's products in the Jan/Feb issue of Crochet Today! magazine and I was immediately taken in by her style and colorful knitting accessories.  You will be too!


Q. Welcome Alecia! When I was reading your profile, it seemed that art, design, crafting and love for the earth have been major influences in your life. Who are some of the people who have influenced you the most?

A. Nature in itself is very inspiring to me. I work so much better, and with more energy, if I can spend some of my day outside in the sun. Of course, living in New England, part of the year it's freezing, so that's not always possible!



In college, I had a painting teacher who encouraged us to take breaks from our art and spend time outside in nature. I never forgot that advice, and I'm grateful to her for that! Of course, my children inspire me. We have four boys, and it's amazing to hear them say "My mama is an artist. She makes things and people buy them." They think I'm cool, and that in itself, is pretty inspiring to continue! In terms of support, I couldn't ask for a better family. Honestly, I'm so fortunate to have them, and they're always helping me in so many ways.



Q. I think it’s so wonderful that you share your love of art and the earth with your children. Are there any activities that you share with them that mother’s reading this might find helpful in their own family lives?

A. I share everything with them. Two of my boys are in school during the day, but our third is often working side by side with me in the afternoon. I sew, and he works on his art projects. Our boys are always asking me about my work. They're very interested and amazed that someone will actually pay for something I make with my hands! I love that I'm showing them that - yes, you can make a living being creative. They are all little artists - and we encourage and foster their creativity - because we're both artists too.


Q. That's wonderful!  I noticed that your Etsy shop, Madbird, has fantasticl feedback, as well as very colorful and functional items. How do you balance customer service along with time creating your wonderful bags, organizers, binders, and wallets?



A. Customer service is probably the most important aspect of running my business. Without satisfied customers, I could not be nearly as successful as I am. The first thing I do every morning, is check emails and convos. I answer them as soon as I get them, so hopefully my customers feel as though I'm always around to help. A large portion of my business is custom work, and I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful people to create something special just for them. Customer service isn't a chore for me, I enjoy the interaction! It's that special one-on-one service that's missing from large corporations.

Q. Alecia, do you find that learning as much as you can about each craft that you try has helped you grow as a designer? You have an excellent foundation and it shows in your work and craftsmanship.


A. I'm a relentless researcher. Thankfully, I have the internet, otherwise we'd be buried in books! If I need to learn something, I spend hours researching and collecting information. I take books out at the library, read online forums and watch how-to videos. That's how I taught myself to knit. If I want to learn how to make something, I'm fairly confident I can. I do think it's very important - since I create tools for the knit and crochet community - to be able to knit and crochet myself. Having that experience has helped me incorporate features into the design of my organizers and project bags that I feel are essential.

Q. Recently, your products were mentioned in the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Crochet Today! Magazine. How exciting! What did it feel like to see your product in that issue?



A. It was awesome! I was very excited to hear that my organizers were selected, and very grateful to the editor! I was very proud to show my family, and of course, have a very precious copy in my possession. I hope it is not the last time my products appear in a publication!

I'm sure this is only the beginnng of features and success for you and Madbird.  Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to share with us your inspiring story, Alecia. 

Visit Alecia's group, madbird, on Ravlery.com
Blog: http://4madbirds.blogspot.com/
Follow Madbird on twitter: http://twitter.com/4madbird

Become a fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/4madbird

Madbird on Etsy.com

Featured in Crochet Today! Jan/Feb-10 issue

http://www.crochettoday.com/issues/janfeb-10

Be a Puffalump!

 Puffalump Baby Hat Pattern by Vickie Howell. 

Here's a knit and crochet pattern that's fun and easy for you to make for that special cutie in your life.  I made this last weekend during our winter blast.  You'll also like the yarn choice, Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller.  The hat is made with Bamboo Ewe and Alpaca Love.  You can purchase the pattern at VickieHowell.com and Ravelry.  The yarn can be bought online or in local yarn stores.  Visit the handy store locator to find the store near you.

That's it for now Puffalump lovers...

Marg (wondering why kids get all the good stuff)

Getting Loomy!

Knifty Knitter Loom-Along Project

PROVO CRAFT KniftyKnitter Loom

A rainy weekend is the perfect time to work on projects that you've really wantd to do, but haven't had the time. It's almost as good as a day at the spa and all the chocolate you can eat, isn't it? Maybe better!

Here are a few projects that I worked on and thought you might like a peek. Drum roll, please!

Knit alongs are always fun but a loom-along is a party! Check out Vickie Howells' KniftyKnitterLoomAlong Alice WristWarmers on Craft. Vickie gives you loom instructions and photos to help you. You'll want to vist the Flckr group, Knifty Knitter Loom-Along to see what the gang is dong. There's also a Twi-friendly banner to add to your site to let everyone know you're making these fabulous wristwarmers. Sooo fun!

Caterpillar Baby Sack Pattern from Vickie Howell, Issue #7 YarnFoward

I've had this pattern in mind ever since I first saw it in YarnFoward Issue#7 2008. A friend of mine is having a baby girl and I thought this Caterpillar Baby Sack would be perfect. I checked the YarnForward online shop and Issue #7 has sold out but you can still purchase the digital issue on Yudu.com. You can also find a project page on Ravelry.com under Vickie Howell in pattern search.

Chemo caps for Ravelry group Hearts of Love.

'Tis the season for community, charity projects and sharing. Here are a few chemo caps for one of Hearts of Love projects on Ravelry.com.

Well, the sun is out and another week is beginning.

Happy knitter, happy life!

Marg (ready for the next project!)

Visit my flckr project page, margknittinaround, for additonal pics for this project or if you're on Ravelry, stop by my margknittinaround project page.

You might also like to check out these posts:

DelicateDesire Fingerless Gloves

Hearts of Love Interview with Teresita Valadez

Twilight Inspired Crafts

This weekend we went to see the latest Twilight Saga installment, New Moon. I enjoyed it and you'll find no complaints here, however, I am not a Twilight aficionado, like my step daughter, Michelle.

I found some fun sites filled with Twilight inspired crafts and I thought you might like to visit them too.

Craft Contest
Twilight Amigurumi by April Draven
Twilight Crochet Dolls from DeadCraft

Craftzine Alice Wrist Warmers

You can also do a search on Ravelry.com, Etsy and other crafts sites like CraftStylish for more patterns, ideas and crafts.

Happy crafting to the young and the young at heart!

Twilight Quote (2008)
Isabella Swan: "About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."

Although, not Twilight inspired, this wonderfully handcrafted journal arrived today which will become a family heirloom for us. I urge you to support the handmade artists in your town and online at Etsy this holiday season.

Suede Christmas Journal from Renate Ikinger of Kreativlink on Etsy.com

Marg (working on a project to share on tomorrows blog)

You might also like Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves inspired by the TwilightSaga character, Bella Swan.

Are you a slouch?

This week I rec'd an email from my husband's daughter, Michelle requesting a slouch hat for a special Christmas gift. I was in a panic! Where could I find the perfect slouch hat pattern for her. I did an online search and came up with this lovely pattern by Sarah Sutherland. It's young, soft and perfect for winter.

The pattern is rated easy and includes using short rows, but there are very clear directions for you in case this is something you've never tried.

I substituted a nice yarn from WEBS called Artful Yarns Legend, color #1528. It's 83% wool and 17% nylon. Originally, I started the hat with a boucle that I had on hand, but it seemed to bulky for this project. The yarn used in Sarah's pattern is Emu Florentine, but I was unable to find a US distributor. I modified the stitch a bit because of the colorway and am making the body of the hat in straight stitch.

I also rec'd House Plant Hand Dyed Sock Yarn from Rachel-Marie of KnittyDirtyGirl.com today for my KAL on the KnittyDirtyGirl Ravelry group that I'm thrilled about. Socks haven't been on the menu for awhile, so I'm a little rusty, but am glad for the challenge. The pattern I'm using is Lifestyle Toe Up Socks from Charisa Martin Cairn.

So today is all about new challenges....

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, She became a butterfly" - Proverb

Be a butterfly :)

Marg (enjoying the process of transformation)

Monster's Need Love Too!

Crochet Square Monster #70743AD from LionBrandYarn.com, free pattern download.

This is a Modified Version

It's Monday, the sun is out and time for a new project. Here's a quick and easy crochet project for you this week from the friendly folks at LionBrandYarn.com. This monsterific toy is made with LB fun fur yarn in turquoise and bright blue, plus LB Wool-Ease, chocolate brown and LB Microspun in buttercup.

The one pictured above is a modified version that I finished this morning for a toy project on the Ravelry.com group KFO (Knitters for Obama). If you're on Ravelry, and you should be, stop by the group and see all the wonderful projects that are being made. You don't have to be a dem to join in the fun. It's really a fun group of people with wonderful moderators and projects to help others in need and warm your heart.

Warning...Buy extra yarn - you're going to want one for yourself....

Margknittinaround, my Etsy shop, has new sale items this week and a brand new pattern coming this week in celebration of The Twilight Saga:NewMoon that you aren't going to want to miss. Stay tuned for more info on this blog.

Cheerio!

Margaret (on a monster mission today)

My Needles are Smokin'!

It's Tuesday and time for a little charity...projects, that is. Here's what I'm sending out this week to various charities.

BB'sKnittedMittens made with Woolease, worsted weight. Made for RavelryGroup Knitters for MCCNY, a teen homless shelter in NY. The site I downloaded the pattern from is no longer available, but the designer, Bonnie Batten is on Ravelry.

Crochet caps for Knots-of-Love.org

Update: If you are a fan on The Young and the Restless, a knots-of-love cap will be worn by the character Lily, this week. Exact air date was not available so set your DVR's.

And as promised, I finished the knitted scarf from the Knitting Therapy Experiment and will be mailing it tomorrow to Scarves from the Heart.

Binding Off with my smokin' needles

That's a wrap! Hope your needles are smokin' too during this season of gratitude.


Knit-Share-Go discover you inner knitty self and let it shine through to the world.

Marg(I'm wearing shades in the blinding glow of you knitty self)