Optional Opportunities Abound...

Your knit and crochet patterns for Spring don't have to limit you or your wardrobe options.  Remember to consider the weight and color of your yarn, embellishments like buttons, or any trim that you might add whenever you start a new project.  Look at what is already in your closet and the items that you will be using in the coming months for inspiration.  Think of ways you can incorporate your projects into Autumn and possibly Winter, depending on your climate. 

I recently finished a project called Sea Breeze Top (crochet pattern available as a free download from LionBrand) that I had put on hold for a few months. It gave me time to think about possibilities for this top beyond the beach and hot summer days.  The Sea Breeze top is made with durable, yet comfortable, Cotton Ease in Violet (color 191).  I considered adding a lightweight shrug or longsleeved wrap  to change it up a bit and allow for some flexibility on when and where this top could be worn.  It would also look cute over a lightweight longsleeved tee or turtleneck for cooler days.

Hopefully, today's blog will spark an idea or two and help you stay creative, consider all of your options and enjoy each and every project you make.

Margaret (anticipating a rain shower and the fresh air it will bring)

©MargaretNock, All rights reserved.

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Springtime Scarf (Crocheted)

Springtime Scarf in Sheep(ish) yarn in Hot Pink(ish) done!
Pattern by VickieHowell for Stitch Rock Crochet Along
https://www.facebook.com/Stitch.Rock.Crochet

Have a creative Tuesday!
Margaret

a little jelly bean inspiration...

Jelly bean inspired chemo caps...
Margaret Nock, All rights reserved.

Over the holiday weekend, I had a chance to crochet these chemo caps with Caron's Simply Soft (caps 1 & 3) and Lion Brand's Cotton Ease (center) .  My inspiration?  Gourmet jelly bean colors, of course.  I hope you're feeling inspired to pick up your hooks and needles this week, even if it's just for a few minutes.  It will definitely lift your spirits...

Margaret (floating on jelly bean cloud #5 for a bit longer)

CAL and KAL update:

There's a new crochet along with Vickie Howell. 

You might also enjoy Hopping along the knitalong trail...

Colorful inspiration...

Beautiful colors, scents and sensations surrounded us during our weekend travels and filled us with hope and inspiration.

Celebrate the beauty of the holiday. 

Have a peaceful Easter, Passover and Spring holiday.

Margaret

Spring-a-ling Extravaganza!

I've been missing in blogging action with work and computer issues lately. Everything is back on track and it's all about Spring and the marvelous celebration that come with the season. 

It's definitely time to rock the boardwalk with Namaste’s latest bag to have, the Boardwalk Bag.  It comes in yummy colors to choose from and made with PVC free faux leather.  This bag is comfortable, roomy and perfect for all of your on the go goodies and projects. There are actually several new offerings from this company of varying price ranges.  Keep them on your wishlist this year. Namaste also contributes 10% of their sale of light pink Namaste products to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Do find a little time to check these bags out and more at Namaste Inc.

Gather round vintage lovers and admirers of all things cleverly recycled for SewNewThings on Etsy.com.  I've loved this wonderful shop filled with color and whimsy for quite some time and was thrilled to see the write up for it in the VogueKnitting Spring 2012 issue.  Lynda Slade adds her talent for finding vintage craft supplies, recycling and her love of color to everything she touches.  My favs for Spring 2012 are the bake-lite knitting needle bracelets (of course!) the vintage knitting needles, and pouch bags.  There is much more to delight in.  Visit soon!

Okay Midwesterners,  mark your calendars early this year for the Midwest Fibers and Folk Art Fair which is happening June 22-24, 2012 at the Expo Center at the County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois.  Visit FiberAndFolk.com for the scoop.

Your next stop to Spring is Pantone, my seriously all time favorite place to keep up with the colors of each season and you can too!  Visit Pantone for the full array of 2012 Spring color and fun.

Spring never felt so good…

Margaret (working on a new spring video for you, with a little help from my computer)

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:  when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.  ~Charles Dickens

for more quotes, visit quotegarden.com.

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