Happy 7th AnniversaryKnots of Love!

I can't believe it's been 7 years since I first found Knots of Love online (Hand crochet & knitted caps for chemo patients and others facing life-threatening illnesses) and had the pleasure to get to know Christine Fabiani, the dynamic and dedicated founder of knotsoflove.org! Today, I invite you to visit the website and take in all the love and giving of the Knots of Love community.

Congratulations to Christine,the Knots of Love team, volunteers, and the wonderful people who knit and crochet from the heart for the Knots of Love cause.

It's truly a happy day! 
Be the love.
Margaret

Cooking Cowls!

Happy almost 2013!  I'm getting an early start on 2013 charity knitting and cooking to celebrate.

The cowls are for Annie's Gifts for Chemo and the cooking is for the cold blustery new years day coming our way.  I cast 40 sts on US size 9 needles with Lion Brand Yarn Wool Ease (worsted weight) in a simple garter stitch in three different colors and then joined after about 18". If you decided to switch to another stitch pattern in the center, for instance, make sure you have the proper amount of stitches to incorporate it.  What could be more inviting than a comfy warm and wonderful cowl and quick stash buster for the new year? Add a button, experiment with color and allow your imagination and creativity to guide you.

 

 

The beans and mix for the soup is from Frontier Soups (sausage and bean soup)  It's a tasty start to the new year, and you just add a few extra ingredients with spicey sausage (or go vegetarian).  It will be a great meal for a cold wintery day.

Celebrate, reflect and start the year with gusto...toss out the old and disfunctional and bring in the new possibilities.

Happy 2013 everyone!
Margaret



 

You are what you knit...

Charity Buzz...
Today, I checked in on Ravelry, and rec'd a note from SeasidePurl, the moderator of Hearts of Love and discovered a new project that they will be working on called Knit1, Bless2, a Debbie Macomber charity project.  Stop by Hearts of Love while you're on Ravelry and join in the activities.  SeasidePurl, aka Teresita Valadez was chosen to be  interviewed as one of the Ravelry Charity groups in Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.

Free...

Property of knit1fortheroad.com™

©Margaret Nock, 2011.

All rights reserved.

There are free and perfect for warm weather projects from knit1fortheroad.com free pattern section just waiting for you to try. As with any pattern or website, please note all copyright and trademark restrictions...luv, luv.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions regarding a pattern. 
 
Knit Knitavian Style Travels...
 

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

Molly, fully recoverd from surgery and prancing around ValleyForge over the holiday weekend. Hat and fingerless gloves are featured in Knit Knitavian Style.

During the holiday weekend, Dave and I took a few side trips.  I did want you to see that I actually wear what I make. Fresh from the You Are What you Knit Department...is a pic from Valley Forge where I'm wearing the Savannah Chunky Slouch Hat and the Delicate Desire Fingerless Glove (both from Knit Knitavian Style).  There are also plenty of Spring/Summer knit patterns, interviews, resources, fun articles and inspiration to keep you knitting all year round.
 
More to come! 
I'm working on some fun new projects in the coming months...more knitty travels and a serious time management overhaul- lol. Hey, it's on my to do list, I have to at least give it a try. 
 
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend, a few bunny sightings and your favorite jellybean flavors.
 
You are what you knit! 
Margaret (still knitty after all these years)


Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
-Wayne Dyer
Quote from www.brainyquote.com

Get creative! Stay inspired!  Snag your Creating The Hive invitation here.

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

Click, click hear us knit...

My quick knit project last weekend...

 

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  All rights reserved.

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  All rights reserved.

Hat and Scarf made for The House of New Hope.  Pattern is from Knit Knitavian Style:Savannah Chunky Slouch Hat and Scarf. 

©Margaret Nock, 2010.  Knit Knitavian Style. All rights reserved.

 I substituted Lion Brand, Woolease Thick & Quick for the charity project.  It also knits up quickly.

Remember to always check your gauge when substituting yarn.

Read Randi's blog post The House of New Hope on Creating The Hive.
Background fabric for these pics is from CottonColors on Etsy.

Create from the heart today, and consider the infinite possibilities of a knitful life.

Click, click, hear us knit.

Marg (same goes for crochet and on and on...)

Project 8 Mail Day!

Crocheted Pima Cotton for Craft Hope Project 8

Gulfcoast Oil Spill

Today I'm sending my Craft Hope Project 8 items in the mail.  I was lucky enough to have just enough of this soft absorbable cotton on hand to crochet these washcloths.   Please visit Craft Hope for crafty charity projects and join in this wonderful community of crafters.  Craft Hope has a group on Facebook and you can receive updates on projects there or follow them on Twitter.

If you're interested in helping with this project, there is still time.  The deadline is the end of August. Please visit Craft Hope for details.

I hope you'll make time to get closer to nature this week and experience the peace and joy that it can bring to your life.

Marg

Threatened Wetlands (Protecting Our Planet)

Knitting Miracles

Caps made with LionBrand Cotton Ease

This weekend, we traveled around the area and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Along the way, I managed to crochet a few chemo caps.  It has been a difficult week for us.  A very good friend and mentor has become very ill and is struggling every day with his health.  The last time I spoke with him, he sounded very weak and fearful.  I'm unable to really help him, but I can think good thoughts or say a little prayer when I knit or crochet each stitch against sickness, fear, and depression. 

I know many of you will use your knitting and crochet to help others when you can.  Your loving stitches and thoughts become a beacon of light to someone in need.  I like to think that we can make a huge difference by doing the little things for someone.  If there is great distance between us, I believe there is still a chance for small miracles with our thoughts, prayers and meditations.

This blog is dedicated to John and his family.  Please find a little time to knit or crochet in their memory this week.  If you have anyone you would like us to do the same for, please leave a comment and it will be done.

Give it a try for your loved ones, and I know you'll see big miracles in surprising places.

Marg (thankful for life, friends, and love)

Angel Meditation: 64 Illustrated Cards Containing Affirmations & Meditations

Reach for the stars!

The Star Stitch Scarf Pattern is from VickieHowell

The Project is project 6 :: foster care teens

UPDATE!

Project 6 is packaged and ready to mail in the morning. Yay!  One of the things that I love about charity projects is the opportunity to, not only give, but receive the chance to learn a new stitch and be inspired by a challenge.  You  make new friends and learn about the world around you from different points of view.  Good stuff all around.

Whenever you donate, it's a great idea to furnish care instructions with your item(s).  Try making your own handmade care tags or visit your local yarn store and Etsy for beautiful tags.  Whenever possible, personalize your care tag with a message of encouragement.

Keep knitting and crocheting, join in charity projects whenever you can and remember to reach for the stars!

Marg (reaching on my tippy toes!)

You might also enjoy reading:

Where there's craft, there's hope

Where there's craft, there's hope

This week I started a star stitch scarf for Craft Hope project 6 :: foster care teens.  The design was graciously donated by Vickie Howell.

Please take a little time today to visit Craft Hope and learn about the founder, Jade Sims. Read about incredible crafters joining together to spread hope and help to those in need.  Be sure and take a look at Craft Hope for Haiti on Etsy, which is run by Sarah Jackson.

Find out how you can get involved in the projects and make a difference in the world.  Swing by the about page to learn more about the people involved with Craft Hope.

Simple, fun, and inspirational.  Craft is good! 

Marg (feeling the glow of kindness all around me today)

Category Five Crafting!

Sweater Back Knitter Kitty Lover Shoes from KnittyDirtyGirl on Etsy

Today's project central here and the challenge is upon us! Holiday projects, new patterns for my shop, margknittinaround, a new KAL with knittydirtygirl group on Ravelry and it's full blown knitting and crochet frenzy. Toss in a few charity projects and you've got a category 5 hurricane of swirling knit and crochet projects. Ok, enough of the drama...deep breath! Are you still with me? Fantastic!

Here are some crafty items just perfect for the Thanksgiving season and absolutely no turkeys were hurt in the making.

LionBrand knit, crochet and crafty goodness.

Crafts, history and more on about.com for you and the kids.

AllFreeCrafts has a variety of seasonal crafts for you.

CraftBits has an adorable PolymerClay PumpkinBead project which makes a great stitchmarker.

Thanksgiving Place Cards project from CraftStylish will come in handy for the family/friends gathering.

That's it for now-happy crafting! Breathe deep and enjoy the season.

Marg (clicking the heels of my new Sweater Back Knitter Kitty Lover Shoes three times and making a wish! )

Knitting Therapy Experiment Update

Knitting Therapy Experiment Display

The knitting therapy box is back home and the scarf is complete. I was amazed how nice and even it came out, considering there were a few people contributing to it. Scarves from the Heart will be the lucky recepient of the scarf. The experiment was successful and my chiropractor has asked for another skein of yarn. Good things take a little time, and I feel that it was worth it to raise awareness of knitting, cancer, and the healing properties of knitting while you wait for your chiropractic appointment. All good. Small steps, big changes.

If you missed the previous posts on this experiment, or are interested in knitting therapy posts, check them out here!

OMG Monday!

If you knit or crochet, they will come!

LOOK TO THE SUNNY SIDE OF KNITTING

KEEP YOUR KNITTING CLOSE

KNITTING THERAPY IN PLACE

KNIT, PURL, TAP

HappyHalloweenWeekend! Have a chilling celebration.

Marg (maybe a crochet experiment next time?)

Need needles?

Check out KnitPicks for the new acrylic Zephyr interchangeable needles with case (great for travel) and you can also purchase an Options Needle Tip Stand for at home really cool storage! Strong and durable yet lightweight - I think I'm in love. I also like the idea of having a stand for them - you've got options, baby. Check it! Put it on the holiday gift and wishlists. While you're visiting the shop, check out the Holiday Gift Section and the Free Pattern section. This has been your roving knitting reporter, Marg on the lookout for the knitty and knitworthy.

It's time to Zephyr-ize!



Marg (woefully behind in my knitting this week-hope you're not)

Celebrate Autumn!

It's all about the derby girls this weekend...

It's time for the roundup of the week. Two movies caught my attention. The first was WhipIt, inspired by the book Derby Girl by Shauna Cross. I have to admit I've been intrigued by women in the roller derby since the 70's when Raquel Welch first appeared in Kansas City Bomber. It was something I would have never been encouraged to try as a young lady, hence the fascination. We now know from the reality show a few years ago, Rollergirls and a segment on the special, KnittyGrittyKnitsters that derby girls also knit cool accessories unique to their sport, wear lipstick, and like most of us, make sacrifices to participate in an empowering activity, the sport of roller derby that is sweeping the nation and receiving it's well earned due. Of course, the cool names and outfits are also a bonus.

Next is Michael Moore's movie, Capitalism: A Love Story, maybe not so knitty, but interesting none the less. I will still be searching for knitwear on people in the movie anyway.

This weekend I'll be whipping up a cool pattern, Little Arrowhead Lace Scarf from Knit Outta The Box. You will remember the fab interview with the creator Laurie Gonyea right here on this blog-a-roo! If not - check it here!

Keep your eye on all things knitting and knitworthy!

Marg (wondering was I "Mad Marg" in the roller derby in a parallel universe? hmmm)

Parts and Pieces of a Knitful Life

In between working on new items for margknittinaround (my Etsy shop), recovering from surgery, and keeping up with charity items to make, I've been working on a few projects for myself. It feels like I'm knitting and crocheting in bits and pieces, parts and pieces, but somehow it all gets pulled togehter. I am constantly amazed by this occurence!

First the charity items and updates!








Two large blankets for the Blanketed with Love Campaign going out tomorrow.


This just in! Hearts of Love on Ravelry.com is gearing up for SEPTEMBER HEARTS OF LOVE member support and recognition of the national events that place this month focusing on several cancers ( see HOPE & SUPPORT RESOURCES, The YOUNG and so brave, and our MEMBER NEWS OF THE DAY topics). If you're on Ravelry - come on over and check it out.

Knitters for Obama also a Ravelry group, continues with their projects for teens and wonderful community projects. So please join in the great work that is being done there if you have time.









Knit Outta the Box

Laurie Gonyea is hard at work and has created a new Knit Outta the Box item. I rec'd mine last week and started a cute hat. The kit has everything you need to knit one project at home or on the run so do go by her site and discover what she's been up to.








Slim Silhouette Coat (Free pattern from LionBrand)

Over the holiday, I began this Slim Silhouette Coat (easy) with Lion Boucle'. So far, I'm loving the pattern and yarn.

Stay tuned to more items for margknittinaround, interviews for this blog, and a few surprises along the way.

Marg (living in the light and dodging the shadows)

Ever see a tweet jump over a hurdle?

Well, I'm in recovery mode - everything went well and I have missed blogging and knitting most of all.

I did try to talk the nurses into letting me take my knitting in with me the day of surgery which would been a great help to my nerves before the sedation process began. I'm not used to waiting or medical procedures so I guess that makes me a cranky, yet wonderfully knitty patient. They apparently weren't familiar with my wildly successful Knitting Therapy Experiment at my chiropractors office. Send white light to the people who make the rules about pre and post op surgery...knitting is good, knitting is relaxing, more knitting, less drugs....anyway, I will be blogging this week but will be going in for another check on Thursday so I don't know what to expect. Too much info, I'm sure, but I wanted to let you all know I've missed you and thank you for the emails, tweets, and shout outs. I know they will lead me to a quick recovery.

While I was checking my tweets, I rec'd one from LaurieGonyea of KnitOuttatheBox. She has two lines now so do go check them out...and if you missed her interview on this blog, Knit Outta The Box Interview Day.

That's it for now - more interviews and knit/crochet news and goodies coming your way soon. Thanks for your patience...

Marg (counting kind tweets and emails jumping over hurdles in my head before falling asleep)

Decorate with knitting on your mind...

Wine bottle container from $1 bin at Michaels holds your longer needles in one spot.





















A bare corner with a vintage cigar chest gets spruced up with super large needles in a vase fron the dollar store.




Stickers from events and from craft vendors make your laptop unique and fun.

Stack your yarn for charity knitting in a basket (a gift) and tie a decorative bow on top.

Charity Project Basket (from Goodwill) keeps your projects clean and together. Basket full? Time to spread the joy!

New place, means new decorating opps. I thought I would share some of the ways I decorate with knitting on my mind. Placing knitted items and accessories around our home keeps me motivated to create no matter how tired or preoccupied with life I am. These items help me stay focused and remind me to embrace the good in life. Talk about a natural mood enhancer!

You don't need a new place to spread the knitting goodies around. Look for new places in your current living space that you may have overlooked. A small corner or nook looks bare, or maybe cluttered - give it some flare with a festive basket of yarn. The more color the better. You can see that I have reused, and spent very little on these decorative items. Look around for creative ways to reuse items, decorate them and give them a new life...your home will thank you and you'll be officially dreaming, living, and sharing the knitful life.

Marg (enjoying a knitty evening)

The Power of Yarn

During our recent move, I found a box of yarn that I had been using to make afghans that I forgot about - not surprising, right? We managed to locate a local church that accepted items for women (some with children) who lost their homes and we stopped by with a few items. The organizers were thrilled when they saw the yarn. Their enthusiasm came as a surprise at first. Previous donations at other places never created this kind of joy. They reminded me that it wasn't just yarn - it was a chance to create a present for the holidays, a much needed sweater for a child, an afghan for the winter, or to create something wonderful to sell and that the donation of yarn had reached the perfect home. Hooray! Just a little reminder for us all to share our new found yarn and a season of mindful kniting and crochet.

Marg (grateful, gleeful, and groovin' to the power of yarn)

A Vote of Gratitude...

Christine Shively, the dynamic founder of Knots-of-Love.org has been nominated for Major League Baseball and People Magazine's “All Stars Among Us”. She needs our vote! Please click on the link to read about Christine and her incredible efforts to inspire knitters and crocheters to gather together in KOL community to bring joy to cancer patients across the country. Cast your vote for one of the most hardworking women in charity.

VOTE HERE! and Click on the "A" for Los Angeles Angels

Visit the website, and learn how you can get involved!

Vote On!

Marg