Happy Camper!

Hi happy knitters!

Every summer I try to take a new course and try to challenge my creativity, have loads of fun, and enjoy experimenting with new tools.  This summer I took  Jessica Swift's Pattern Camp. It was all new for me, but Jessica made it fun and easy to feel free to experiment and practice. If you love patterns and want to learn more about how to create them in a supportive environment, this is the course for you. Jessica offers videos, pdf's, and so much more to keep you inspired.  You will learn the tools to create pattern art, create materials to promote your business or sell in your Etsy shop.  Jessica is an inspiring artist and business woman and one of my favorite designers.  She offers extra goodies with the course to keep your creativity and enthusiasm going.  Go to Jessica Swift E-course for more details.

Hope you're trying new things this summer and as excited about Fall 2015 knitting as I am.

Margaret

Knit Poolside Hairbands

It's a new week with more opportunities to keep your summer knitting portable and easy with this new pattern at MargKnittinAround on Etsy.

Poolside Hairbands

(3 knit patterns) The quick and easy knit hairbands are a super stylish and easy solution to portable knitting and turning bad hair days into good ones. These hairbands are perfect for long or short hair and knit with Cotton-Ease® Yarn, your hairband will be soft, yet durable and easy to wash. Knit with US size 8 (5.0) straight needles.

These patterns can also be easily adapted for cooler weather with wool or acrylic yarn of similar weight. Autumn days are just around the corner.

RECEIVE A FREE WITH PURCHASE KNIT PATTERN:

You will also receive a free with purchase digital download as my free gift and appreciation for visiting my shop.

Knit and wear with glee.

Margaret

Simple and Free ...

There's nothing better than finding free patterns with easy directions and beautiful projects. Are you with me?  Check these goodies out for your summer knit and crochet adventures.

Abby (Berroco)
Lobby Look Tank (Knitonthenet)
Catch-A-Wave Top (Creative Knitting)
4th Of July Potholders (LionBrand)
Flag Pin  (VogueKnitting)
Baby Janes (RedHeart)
Love My iPad Case (RedHeart)
Key Ring Pouch (RedHeart)

Remember to keep projects simple for travel.  Try new stitches when you can and discover a true knit or crochet summer journey that's uniquely your own.

Happy travels!
Margaret (thinking of Dora the explorer, before the makeover)

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”Marcel Proust
thinkexist.com

Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.

How do you do Baggu?

Baggu Duck Bags at KnitPicks.com

I was going to blog about Spring knitting today, but I came across an email alert that really made my heart beat a little fast so I'm going for the knitting accessory/great bag blog instead. 

Spring brings new color and project bags.  Knit Picks has two affordable bags in 8 fun colors.  Introducing the Baggu Duck and the Baggu Standard Bags, just for you! 

Baggu Standard

They can also be a great tote for all those beach, pool, vacation and marketing moments coming your way this summer. 

Yarn stasher, possibly?  Mother's Day present? (May 8th)

Ahh, the endless possibilities of a "go to" bag and a balmy day.

I'm going back to my needles now that I've fulfilled my duty as a knitting tote bag enabler.

Margaret (dream, think, and knit in color)

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques

The Knitter's Guide to Combining Yarns: 300 Foolproof Pairings

Your invitation to create, share and inspire on CreatingTheHive. 

KNITTY TEENS AND TWEENS...

It's almost summer and time for teens and tweens to dive into summer fun, new projects, and family outings. A great way to share your love of knitting or crochet with your child is to join in a knitting/crochet group in your area and share the joy of knitty community. If you're looking for a group, here are two sites to help you learn about what is available in your area. LionBrandYarn offers a group finder as well as Knitmap. I've noticed flyers in the local knitting and craft stores, community centers and libraries with summer lessons and groups for HIP teens and tweens as well as younger children. Many are free or only cost for supplies.

There are also many hip teen/tween books available regarding knitting and crochet with wonderful patterns teens really want to make.

Your teen/tween will thank you - eventually...probably when they are grown and have children of their own, but good things are worth waiting for.

Knit/Crochet - Share - Go!
Behind every busy tween/teen is a happy parent.

Marg (finally thankful for all the lessons, educational trips and mandatory outings of my childhood)

PANORAMA OF CLORAMA FOR SPRING & FALL 2008

If you're like me - you are probably looking toward fall for the latest on color for your projects...but you're also knitting in the NOW and want to use colors that are currently on the scene. Soooooooo , here we go - two links that will help you with color dilemmas for spring/summer, and fall 2008. Enjoy the panorama of colorama! Marg
SPRING 2008

AND

FALL 2008

SUMMER KNITTING FUN!

Summer is the time for fun, light weight yarn and patterns. Consider using 100% eco-friendly yarn for your projects. It's not just in pastel colors anymore, folks, there's a whole array of color in the cotton yarn spectrum.
I like using Peaches & Creme, any of the KnitPicks cotton yarns, as well as the Southwest Trading Company cotton yarns. You can also visit your local yarn shop and discover the joys of cotton in person!
Cotton is a wonderful fiber if you are knitting or crocheting chemo caps as well as purses, scarves and backpacks.
You will also need to be portable. Consider Knit 1 for the Road your portable knitting guide this summer! (heehee- I just had to put that self-promo in there) The patterns are adaptable to cotton yarn, fun, fast and then there's those amazing Marg tips and Awesome resources sections. ;)
I'm keeping it a bit short - work looms ahead!
Isn't it always that way after a hoopin' hollerin' holiday?
Knit-Share-Go!
Marg :)

Knit 1 for the Road your portable guide to knitting this summer!