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

Five ways to craft with your heart...

Crochet Heart Pillow - free crochet pattern from LionBrand Rated Easy

Knit Valentine Banner from Lion Brand Rated Easy

Valentine's Day Crafts at Craftbits

Valentine's Day: Crochet Hearts in a Shadowbox at CraftStylish

Sweet on You Hat Free Knit Pattern from PolarKnit

Hope you find a little inspiration to make something for yourself, craft with the ones you love, or create a handmade gift from the heart for a friend.

Love your craft!

Margaret

Step onto Inspiration Lane today...

"Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle".
Marianne Williamson, Author
Brainyquote.com

Let the miracles unfold on this day of love, lovers, friends and family. Happy Valentine's Day.
A Return to Love


Marianne Williamson on Love


Margaret (opening my heart to new possibilities today)


Visit CreatingTheHive and experience the miracle of community, crafting, and inspiration.  Step onto inspiration lane here.

Valentine's Day Simplicity Every Day...free patterns

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

Assorted pot holders from my kitchen.

“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”Albert Einstein

Knit, woven and crocheted hot pads or potholders can really brighten your winter kitchen and elevate your mood daily.  They can be simple or intricate, stuffed with batting or backed with another pad in another color.  No matter the size, shape, or finishing techniques, you will grow to love them for their simplicity, functionality, and subtle charm.  Some days you'll be drawn to bright and funky colorways, and others, you'll reach for the blues and greens that calm you after a hectic day. 

I've included some of the potholders I've made over the years and still use every day in my kitchen above.  A few of them are projects I've rec'd from other crafters as Craft It Forward items.  They are the ones I cherish the most.  The simple act of creating something wonderful and sending it out into the world to inspire another is one of the things I love most about knitting, crochet and other crafts.

Many times I use my project gauge swatches made with worsted acrylic or cotton for potholders.  A simple knit or crochet trim makes a nice finish.  Please don't dismiss these lovely accessories.  If you're new to knitting or crochet, they are wonderful projects to help you practice tension and gauge, try new stitches with no worries, and learn how to join different colors of yarn to your project.  They're a wonderful portable project to take along anywhere you have to wait, ride, or need a creative break.

Below are some of my favorite free knit or crochet patterns for potholders from LionBrand.com.

Everyday...

Free Knitting Pattern: Pot Holder / Hot Pad

Free Crochet Pattern: Lily Dish Mats

For Valentine's Day:

Free Knitting Pattern: Heart Potholder or

Free Knitting Pattern: Lacy-Edge Heart Potholder

Free Crochet Pattern: Heart Potholder

A Handmade Life: In Search of Simplicity
Need more inspiration?  Visit Creating The Hive and join in the community.

Margaret (seeking simplicity in everyday life)