Charming!

Are you noticing the slight change in daylight coming through your window? Maybe you've noticed it getting dark earlier?  Do you feel that keen anticipation of Autumn colors and clothing? Perhaps you have a slight case of cardi fever.  Well, here's a fun way you can get a jump start on cardi season with some of these adorable (made with leather like material) zipper charms from Red Heart. They are designed by Emma Creations.  Cute, trendy,and  handy - I love a fun zipper charm, don't you?  My favorites are the apple and the sheep.

Happy Monday or Monday Madness, whichever the case may be.

Margaret (enjoying a Monday mix of color)

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

If you need some inspiration to get you going this week, you might enjoy my post on CreatingTheHive,
3BeeutifulThings: The North American Lotus created for the group 3BeeutifulThings. I hope you enjoy the beauty of the rare North American Lotus.  If you would like to join in the fun, please click here for your invitation.

Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.

Kindle edition of Knit 1 for the Road
Knit 1 for the Road

Did you enjoy Cowboys and Aliens?  You might also enjoy more on this subject and the inspiration for the movie.
Close Encounters of the Old West
Cowboys and Aliens

Special Olympics, Scarves, and Smiles...

Special Olympic Rib Crochet Striped Scarf.  Yarn is RedHeartSuperSaver in colors Turqua and Blue.

I couldn't help myself, I really got hooked on this pattern.  It was easy, quick and colorful.  It's not to late to participate!  Check the website for guidelines, deadlines and ways to donate to this worthy cause.  You can even keep it local by choosing the state you'd like to send your scarf or donation, too.

Your spare moments + happy hooking & knitting = smiling and grateful faces.

I'm seeing a 2011 trend for you already. Woohoo!

Margaret (embracing the color blue today)

CreatingTheHive is the place to bee!  Did I mention, it's free, fun, and friendly?  Get your craft on here.

Knitting projects to keep your busy needles happy all year round - right here!  Makes a knitty Valentine's Day gift for yourself or the knitter in your life.

Knit bracelets, Special Olympics Scarves, and how to be a busy bee!

GoKnit Bracelet Kit from Patternworks

I know that I've been bringing you a lot of products and free patterns lately, so I hope you're not overwhelmed, but I do try to post things as I find them.  This handy bracelet kit gives you instructions on triple bangle and the twist versions in six different color choices.  It's a great way to dive into knitting jewelry or a fun item to add to your knitting wishlist.

The Scarf Project for the 2011 Special Olympics is still on.  This year you have the option to pick a state to send your scarf(s) to, which is pretty cool.  The deadlines vary, but there's still time to whip up a scarf or two and lot's of free knit or crochet scarf patterns.  Please visit the guidelines page for details.

Happy scarf knitting!

Margaret (i really luv RedHeart Supersaver in the Blue/Turqua scarf combo)

Are you on Creating The Hive yet?  Are you into knitting, crochet, needlearts, art, or crafts? What are you waiting for?  It's free, crafty and an active community. Do be a busy bee and join in the fun here.

Jewelry with a Hook: Crocheted Fiber Necklaces, Bracelets & More (Lark Jewelry Books)

 

Three Feathers of Charity, Hope and Faith

Over the weekend, I stumbled across three feathers laying together in front of me during a walk.  This got me wondering about the symbolic meaning of feathers.  As a child, my parents taught me to look for signs from the universe/divine that always seemed to appear when I needed guidance the most. 


One of the many things that three feathers represents was Charity, Hope and Faith in Christianity and this resonated for me on a deep level.  These are themes that I try to include in my daily life and in this blog.  There are other symbolic meanings that you can read about on http://www.whats-your-sign.com/symbol-meaning-of-feathers.html.  Explanations on feathers from several cultures is covered, as well as other information you might find interesting.


Today's blog is focused on finding more Charity in your life.  You're heart will be filled with more love each time you reach out to help others with your knit, crochet, and crafting skills. So let's get started. Here are some new opportunities just waiting to be taken.


Debbie Macomber's KNIT1, BLESS2 Mother's Day Initiative which will help three major charity projects, Newborns in Need, Project Linus and The Binky Patrol.Miles of Smiles Scarves for Special Olympics 2011 Special Olympics Washington State Winter Games in March 2011organized by Vanessa Hailey.  Fun patterns are included on her site.  Check it! 
 
Project Night Night at Red Heart helps thousands of homeless children by providing warm and cozy hand made knit or crochet blankets.
 
I will be giving you more charity updates and projects as we go along, help you stay motivated, and encourage you to continue to make room for new adventures with your needlework and crafting
 

Marg (clearing the cobwebs and gettting knitty wid'it)
 
 
 
 


 
Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Cookbook

The color of the day....

UPDATE...

    The Heart Scarves Project is now complete and ready to ship. Yay!  Lately, my projects have been red or reddish, or pink and red as you will see in the February free pattern, coming soon. Working with red made me feel energized and was a nice change from my usual palette of earth tones.  It reminded me of the use of color as a way to influence mood, etc.  I found an article for you to enjoy on the subject, and there are a lot of wonderful books dedicated to this subject.  Try a different color to work with and note how you feel while working with it.  You may be surprised at the result.

The Psychology of Color,
How Reds, Blues, Greens & Oranges Affect Your Mood & Emotions
May 5, 2008 Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

For more info on Red Heart
You might also enjoy reading How's your heart?
and Kiss me, I'm eco...
Visit Red Heart and WomenHeart to learn how you can get involved in this project.

Have a colorful week!
Marg (feeling the red vibes)














 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

How's your heart?

National HeartScarves Project from Red Heart and Women Heart

Today, I began this wonderful charity project from Red Heart Yarns and WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.  They have joined together to create the HeartScarves Project Knit Kit or Crochet Kit. 

Each kit has yarn, needles, free pattern, instructions on where to send your scarf as well as healthy heart tips, all in a handy clear plastic tote.

These kits have everything you need to get started, plus information on how and where to send your scarf to someone who is just waiting to feel the love from you. Your scarf/scarves will be sent to a member of WomenHeart Support Networks.  The women receiving scarves are undergoing cardiac procedures and would cherish a scarf from you.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show and share love?  I hope you'll join in and send comfort, support, and encouragement by knitting or crocheting a scarf.

X's and O's in advance.

Marg ( feeling the love)

You might also enjoy reading:
Kiss me, I'm eco...

KISS ME, I'M ECO...

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE IRISH TO GO GREEN....

Red Heart Eco-Cotton (75% recycled cotton)

Chemo caps for Adult Male

While I was at StitchesEast, I visited with the RedHeart Folks who were eager to answer all my questions and show me their new eco-friendly cotton

and blend that they now have. They also had really cool free patterns (always a treat!)

I made chemo caps with the cotton. It was easy to knit/crochet with and less bulky than other cottons. Do check the guidelines of the organization you are making caps for to make sure it will be accepted.

It's also a wonderful weight for other projects as well. Sturdy, durable, yet has flexibility, and soft. Great for kid projects, don't you think?

I purchased mine from Herrschners, but it's always good to shop around or visit your local yarn shop.

Knit-Crochet-Share-Go!

Marg (watching Max watching Molly to find out why he's barking at the FedX dude???-must be a Yorkie thing)