Bustin' a cool knitty move over here...

Well my crafty cohorts...moving day has arrived - well, almost, and we are moving in a frantic pace around here. The knit 1 for the road knit/crochet adventures will continue next week. In the meantime, if you need some creative inspiration, check out the interviews on the sidebar.

Tallyho!!! and away we go.

Marg (bustin' a knitty move over here)

Savvy knitting references on the brain?

Are you obsessed with knitting references in television and movies? This site will thrill you! AngelHairYarn has a comprehensive list for you. You can also add to the list if you have your savvy knitting references on the brain and want to share them.

Another cool site is VickieHowell's blog, Movie Monday series.

And of course, I will be racing to blog here as soon as I encounter a knitting or crochet reference...because, as you know, I acknowlege my obsessions, as it is the first step to recovery.

Embrace your knitworthy thoughts and obsessions.

Marg (wondering if waldo ever wore knitwear)

Camp Crafty PawPaw

You know what I love about any crafting activity? It's great for the brain, heart, and soul of anyone, at any age and experience level. Family pets can also contribute a little paw action to your projects as well. Don't you just love that?

Below I've listed some (mostly) free places to find projects that have come to my attention this week.

Lion Brand offers New Free Knit Patterns for Adults, just in time for your Fall project.

On Ravelry? You should be! Try their handy pattern tab for lots of yummy knitting and crochet and to gather ideas for your next project. Some are free downloads and others are reasonably priced and ultra dreamy. We do like to share a good thing and blab about it to everyone who will listen (or read). Enjoy the community and post your projects for others to see.

ILoveToCreate and Craft Stylish are always great places to look for eco-friendly projects, shops and family fun. Start with their galleries and browse a little.

Family projects are lookin' good! Arts and crafts, articles and info about raising crafty kids can be found on these sites:

FamilyFun, CraftTown, AllCrafts, KidsBro, KwikCrafts

Keep it crafty!

Margaret (working on some serious stash management today)

If you knit or crochet, they will come!

A bit of charity crochet today. Here are a couple of quick projects I made for Knitters for Obama on Ravelry.com. These are made with Lion Brand Thick and Quick . Very soft and warm yarn for fall and winter.

A blanket for Tails of Hope Foundation, Blanketed with Love Campaign. This is my stash project made with Lion Boucle Yarn.

Knitting Therapy Update!

The knitting therapy project is still on and I actually remembered to bring my camera with me this time. I started the scarf by knitting for 2" and now look! Many patients have commented on how relaxing it is. Hooray!

If you knit or crochet it - they will come...hope you're knitting and crocheting in your part of the yarnie world this week.

Marg (creating with gratitude today)

Fragiacomo is Glassy!

Sunflowers, lampwork earing pair

Tweet, copper and lampwork necklace

Summer Smiles, Lampwork Beads

Gather 'round crafties and craft lovers. It's time for an interview with yet another fantabulous Etsy artist! Today's interview is with Sue Fragiacomo of FragiacomoGlassArt on Etsy! Sue is also known as glassymom. Grab your morning java or herbal tea and get ready for a glassy good time.

Q. Welcome Sue! Please share with us how you made the leap from busy Mom to creator of beautiful glass items and Etsy business woman.

A. Working with hot glass is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a little girl. My grandfather would bring me to Florida on school vacations to Disney where I would watch the glass artists making their sculptures. I would stare in awe, same way I still get watching them! At 41, I was actually able to do it myself after searching on the internet and finding a site called Wet Canvas. I read on there about making glass beads with a torch and about buying a kit. My husband and I had not had a vacation alone together in 24 years married so we decided to go to Las Vegas, which just happened to be the same time as the big glass show there! After quite a while, my husband kept seeing me give away beads or stick them in jars, he convinced me to try and sell some. I started on JustBeads and then opened my Etsy shop, Fragiacomoglassart, which my husband also named since I was stumped on a name. Things took right off from there! I have done Alchemy and other custom orders and I try to keep my shop full at all times.

Q. Sue, I noticed right away that your glass creations are beautiful and functional. How do you balance or edit the two and who or what inspires you the most during your creative process?

A. I try to think of what others would use my beads and sculptures for and I try to make sure they are wearable even if they were to wind up in a display. Color is what most inspires me. I love color, bright colors all together! I have favorite combos and I love to see them together, like red with spring green or orange with turquoise. The moment I sit at my torch and look at all the colors lying there on my work space I get inspired, they look so beautiful. More color the better!!
Q. You’re such a busy woman. How do you find time to create, run a business, blog tweet and still enjoy your family life?

A. I’m a stay at home mom. I don’t have to go to another job. I have pretty much always been a stay at home mom and I love being home with the kids. We have 3 at home now ages 9months, 7 years and 16 years. We have 2 grown, 25 and 22 and our first grandbaby that just turned 6 weeks. My husband works a job that is 3-4 days a week, long hours and over the weekend, but it enables me to get a lot of time at the torch without having to rely on the 16 yo to watch the younger ones. My computer is in our family room so I can be with the kids, list a couple items, tweet a bit, update my facebook page and fan page, update my blog and I’m right here with them. When I do work on the torch I usually make a lot giving me listings for several days.

Q. We would all like to know what’s next for you and your beautiful glasswork. Do you have any hopes for your creative future or any other information you’d like to share with us?

A. I have been slowly trying to incorporate my glasswork into jewelry that I’ve metalsmithed myself. Just like learning the glass, its taking me time to learn the metal but its getting there. I’ve also been approached by a local gallery which is very exciting to me, an I hope to get some glass work in there soon. I’m so very thankful to be able to do something I absolutly love, something that gives me the creative freedom to do what I’m feeling the need to do.

Margaret, thank you SO much for noticing my work, for asking for an interview and for being so nice! I was excited to get the convo from you and I have enjoyed being interviewed by you!!

You're so welcome, Sue. I enjoy your work and know that you bring inspiration and joy to all those who visit your sites. Thank you for taking time out to share your thoughts with us.

Find Sue and her work at the following links...

Sue's new blog, come check it out!
http://www.glassymom.blogspot.com/

Justbeads Auctions!
http://www.justbeads.com/search/ql.cfm?s=glassymom

Etsy Store
http://www.fragiacomoglassart.etsy.com

Visit me at Artfire!!
http://www.glassymom.artfire.com

It takes a Knit/Crochet village

Imagine a village of knitting and crochet mentors! Many of us get our inspiration, valuable lessons and lifelong friendships from mentors, communities and family....why not expand the village? Would you like to become a mentor to others? NeedleArtsMentoring can help you get started, inspire you and guide you. They even offer structure for you with a free download of their guide.

We need more knitting/crochet and less worry/fear in our lives. Reaching out to children is a wonderful way to overcome your own anxiety over the economy, and life in general, share your skills and become a shining light in the vulnerable life of a child. Think it over and remember the crafty ones that came before us ... they're smiling at us because they're using their knitting/crochet mojo on us every day...guiding with gentle pushes in the right direction, and helping us find an unexpected 75% off yarn sale... And you thought those fabulous knit/crochet ideas where all yours.

Marg (thanking my lucky stars for the wild, crafty men, women and children in my life)

Color, Charity and Community!

MixTape Issue #10 is now availabe for preorder! Full color (recycled) and very crafty, this issue will go fast and when it's gone, baby, it's gone!

Grab it and go get your crafty, eco-friendly self inspired.

Cover art by Bola Cooper

Coming soon - an interview with the very creative Sue Fragiacomo of FragiacomoGlassArt on Etsy...right here on Knit1fortheroad!

Charity Knitting and Crochet Orgs

So many of you have asked which charity knitting and crochet groups I make items for. Today, I'm sharing my charity knit and crochet orgs that I am making items for over the summer ... here we go.

Love to make scarves? This is the charity for you! Scarves from the Heart brightens a cancer patients day with colorful, warm scarves. (also a group on Ravelry!)

Tails of Hope Foundation, “Blanketed With Love™” Campaign provides soft, comfy blankets for sick dogs.

Knots-of-Love.org donates your handmade chemo caps to adults in need.

On Ravelry? Check these groups ...they are active and offer community, pattern info, and support for people in need.

Hearts of Love - Various projects to support children and adults who are in need of comfort. (interview with the founder, Teresita Valadez) Enjoy the community of like minded, caring members and the wonderful patterns and projects that are being posted.

Stitches for Africa - Many varying handmade projects await your special touch for families struggling to survive.

Knitters for Obama- Ongoing projects to help keep you motivated with your charity knitting and crochet and a wonderful sense of community. You don't have to be an Obama voter to participate, just a can do attitude.

There are so many charities that need your help. These are a few of the ones that I feel comfortable with...you will discover you're own. Count your blessings and remember to reach out to others. Knitters and crocheters have the ability to change the world and bring comfort to others.

Marg (so many projects, so little time)

View my charity projects on CraftStylish and Flickr

Monday Magic Moves Your Way!

Who knew Dumbledore liked knitting patterns?

Sunday, we finally got to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This is not a review - you either love the stories .... or not. I happen to enjoy them, and when knitted items are involved and any reference to knitting patterns - I'm totally on board. My husband, Dave turned and looked at me with the biggest grin - he knew it was coming... I almost floated out of my seat with glee when Dumbledore said he liked knitting patterns. You will also see knitted sweaters, scarves, etc throughout the film. I hope you will go see and enjoy the knitty magic of this movie...and if you've already seen it - spread the news. Thank you J.K. Rowling for the knitting reference.

A little magic for you to think about as you go about your muggle Monday.

Marg (wishing HarryPotter books existed in my childhood, AND sippy cups!)

SPLASH ON...GO SMALL!

with color that is!

Sea Blue

Pickupsticksonline offers the Small Balls of wool. Go ahead and add that splash of color - with twenty-four colors to choose from you're going to be in yarnie heaven! Avoid buying an extra skein - save money - and have your yarn fix too.

Go small and enjoy the weekend.

Marg (splashing around in color this weekend)

Psst-4th Row, 3rd Seat, Be there!

Returning home last week brought back many memories. Last night, my mind wandered to the first time I began my fascination with crochet in highschool during after school chorous rehearsals. My friend, Susan, was an avid crocheter and created the most hip crochet bags I'd ever laid eyes on. The money she made supported her cigarette habit (ok - I admit, it was a rowdy girl's school and we would sneak out often for a smoke through the old convent and underneath the old kindergarten classroom) I've since stopped the smoking, and the juvenile sneaking, but the fascination for crochet stuck with me and after a few years, I decided to become a hooker as well as a knitter. I had just the opposite problem that many needle peeps have...adjusting to using one hook, and developing good tension. Many fellow crocheters have told me, over the years, that they have had the same experience with knitting - too many needles and wonky tension. Reading crochet patterns also baffled me at times. I'm so glad that I worked through the frustration because I have enjoyed many summers making crochet items for myself and others.

Okay, now that you've read my confession of an underlying crochet obsession, take a sec to look back into your own past and honor those who inspired you, taught you or heightened your awareness and raise your needle(s) in a full salute!

On to the Thursday FREE pattern roundup.

Summer knitting fun at Knitty.com

Interweave Knits offers the easy to knit Summertime Tunic (no arm shaping!)

PopGoesCrochet Doris Scarf - easy, quick and fun to make on the go. This pattern is like potato chips - you can't have just one!

Inner Child Crochet handy summer coasters.

LionBrandYarns Market Bag to knit or crochet.

Here's to more projects, good times, and no fear needles!

Marg (wondering whatever happened to the other rowdy girls)

Earrings from NaughtySecretaryClub.com

Trendy Trip into the Knit Zone!

It's only July, but Fall is coming soon, and knitters and crocheters are already thinking ahead to the next fashion trends, textures and colorways.

Some sites to get your mouth watering and your fingers tingling are listed below. You will find some downloads, knitworthy information on textures, colors as well as inspiration for what's ahead. Many of the trends translate well for knitwear so enjoy your trendy trip into the knitzone.

Access Fashion Knitting and Crochet

Glamour Fashion

2009/2010 Men's Sweaters

Million Looks Hats and fashion trends from around the world

Suite 101

Fashion Trendsetter

Enjoy your fashion fix for today and look forward to your knit/crochet future.

Marg

I'M OFF MY BLOG!

TybeeIsland, GA

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED...that I've been off my usual blog routine. Well, I have an excellent reason...we had a family wedding in Savannah (my hometown) with much celebration and Dave and I decided to take a few detours on the way back to PA since we really haven't had a vacation in many years. More about all of that later!

While I'm getting my act together, check out these adorable Eskimo Zipper Pulls and the Fall Berrocco Pattern Book line up. I especially love the Berroco Sundae #287 and Berroco Mica #286 .

I may have missed a few blogs, but I definitely had knitting on the brain and hope you did too.

Marg (back on the knitty track and ready for blogging)

Free, fun and fabulous pattern roundup

Free pattern downloads abound!
Are you feeling tired, listless, and a tad lumpy?
It's midweek and time for a project check-up.

Party on down to Jelly Yarns for colorful patterns and great summer fun!

Cool Patterns for Hot Summer Projects at Lion Brand Yarn.

Knitting the Net and Knit A Bit Patterns for your knitting pleasure.

High step it on over to Craftown.com for some mighty fine crochet patterns.

Need more?

CrochetPatternCentral -always a great place to visit.

FreePatternCentral is the place for needlework, crochet, sewing, quilting and just about anything you need to get your craft on.

That's the midweek pattern roundup - keep those crafty projects and ideas coming!

Marg (seeing inspiration in your future!)

TUESDAY TOTE ALERT!

In the knitting/crochet world, nothing is better than a really cool (or sick!) bag for all of your goodies. There's just something earthy and super functional about a market bag that appeals to my Virgo nature. Market Totes are a great way to keep it all together whether you're knitting/ crocheting or going to the market or beach.

KnitPicks has the Montavilla Market Tote Kit to knit. These gorgeous bags are made with eco-friendly 100%Organic Cotton. You can make two with the kit - one for you and one for your friend or family member that absolutely has to have one when they see yours. It's part of KnitPicks "Give One Away Campaign" filled with freebies, prizes and a great way to share your stories and ideas regarding knitting. Sounds like a plan! Click on the Inspiration tab to see how you can join in the fun. See what other knitters are saying about the knit along.

Want to be a KnitPicks fan? You can join them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Summer knitting days are here!

Marg (drinking herbal tea and looking forward to the next market day)

Follow along on Twitter!

Cup from Ateliermarla on Etsy.com

Dog Days of Summer Crochet

Cotton Blanket crocheted for Tails of Hope Foundation, “Blanketed With Love™” Campaign

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July celebration filled with all the good stuff of life...hot dogs, illegal fireworks (heehee, just kidding), the people you cherish and lively crafting projects. Today, I'd like to share with you some projects I've been working on.

During the holiday, I found some time to crochet this small blanket for the Blanketed with Love Campaign. Normally, I make a larger blanket, but I had enough of this yarn on hand to make this one for comforting a smaller dog. I used worsted weight cottton by Lily Sugar'nCream Stripes, Violet Stripes. I used 3 skeins and a double crochet stitch (with sc for the edging) and size H crochet hook. Fast and simple to make.















Chemo caps crocheted with KnitPicks Crayon Boucle which is a soft pima cotton perfect for chemo caps because it's so soft and comfortable.


Also finished the Doris Scarf from Pop Goes Crochet that I had been working on and am working on scarf number two. I chose yarn from my stash to make these two scarves. The one pictured is made with Yang (Joy#835) from SWTC and the second with SWTC Vickie Howell Collection, Craft, Candi #770. This is a quick and easy project - fun to make too.

made with Yang (Joy #835) from SWTC.





Here's wishing you lazy summer days filled with summer knitting and crochet with all the yarns you love on sale...and a few stashbuster projects sprinkled in along the way.



Marg (filled with visions of sunshine, sparkling water, and a cool breeze)

Ateliermarla Brings You Sunshine and Vibrant colors!

Leaf and Flower Coffee cup







Frutatta Coffee Cup







Blue Majolica Bowl









Grab your frozen mocha, herbal tea or bottled water and join us for another Summer Etsy Interview with the very creative ceramic artist, Marlene Gill or Marla as she is known on Etsy. Marla's shop Ateliermarla first caught my eye when I was searching for a Majolica style and colorful addition to my cup collection and I'm honored today to share this interview with you. Enjoy!

Q. Welcome Marla! The first thing that I notice when I visit your shop is vibrant color. Where do you get your inspiration for the color in your Majolica style pottery?

A. I guess it is from growing up in the Caribbean, surrounded by so much sunshine and vibrant colors. Vivid turquoise ocean, bright reds and oranges of the fruit and flowers - color is in my blood. When I started to paint, I had a hard time keeping my pallet subdued, so I just gave in and let my self go. The colors and style of my paintings were well suited to my majolica style of pottery, although it is a constant challenge to keep the reds and oranges from burning out in the kiln when I fire the porcelain and stoneware to cone 6. I mix the pigments with my clay slurry making a smooth slip which I paint directly onto the greenware prior to bisque firing. Then I cover with a clear shiny glaze and fire to cone six. So it is not the traditional majolica technique that I follow, but the finished style is similar as it is loose and expressive.


Q. I love that you decided to "let go" with your creative process. When did you first begin to become interested in making pottery?

A. About eight years ago I saw an advertisement for a pottery course given by Clay Crafters in Point Claire, West of Montreal. I always admired the skill of professional potters, but had no idea how difficult it was to master. I went through many disasters, and still do. For anyone who loves a challenge, I recommend pottery as a hobby. It took me months just to learn to center the clay!

Q. Yes, disasters seem to a part of any successful artist's exploration and it's inspiring to all of us that you accepted the challenge. How long does it usually take for you to create, say, a coffe cup with porcelain slips that you formulate yourself and are your items microwave safe?

A. . Generally, it takes me about 15 to 20 minutes to throw a cup. Trimming and attaching the handle might be another 10 to 15 minutes. Most of my designs are drawn free hand right on to the green ware. I have over 60 test tiles of colors that I have formulated from the pigments. I like to go through them, holding them and feeling the smoothness of the surface,then I place one next to the other until I have decided on the colors that I will be featuring on the particular piece. Then I start painting. This can take anywhere up to several hours. The final firing and glazing is done when I have enough pieces to fill my kiln. I am really trying not to be obsessive about the production aspect of the work...I do not wish to be constrained by the cost effectiveness of the time it takes to produce a piece - when I am happy with it, , it is finished. My glazes are food safe, and I favor stoneware and pottery over ceramic ware so that my work can be truly functional, and used without worrying about chips and breakage. They can be washed in the dishwasher, and put in the microwave. However, I have been lately persuaded to try a very good earthenware body so that I can explore a more vivid pallet of reds, and occasionally will work on very high fire china using china paints which I fire at a much lower temperature.

Q. Marla, you are such a talented artist, potter and business woman. I know we would all like to know your hopes and dreams for you shop and any new events or new items you have coming soon.

A. Thank you for your kind words, but you know, I still think of myself as a beginner. Since I am still working full time in the aviation industry, I "steal" my time in my studio. Right now I am having the greatest fun getting used to this new world of internet marketing and networking. It is wonderful, and I have met so many talented people from all over the world. However, I yearn for the day when I am fully retired and can devote all my time to developing my talent and my craft. My art is what really feeds my soul, and will always remain my first love. My goal is to keep learning, and to keep producing and to keep sharing. If my work can brighten a small corner of someone's home and they can share in my joy that I felt while producing it, then I consider that a very rewarding way to live.


Thanks so much for taking the time for this interview,Marla. We can all be inspired by your devotion to your craft and artitstic soul.




Visit the links below for more information on Ateliermarla and Marla's pottery.

Ateliermarla on Etsy.com
Become a fan of Atelier Marla on Facebook
Follow Marla! Atelier Marla on Twitter

Go Cute or Go Home!

Organic Bob Yarn Pile Bag on Ravelry.

It's Wednessday- time to GO cute or Go home day!

Here's a midweek roundup to (hopefully) put a smile on your face and cause you to drift off into a knitty state of mind. You don't have to email, I already know, I'm a knitting enabler, but when I find the cute, the luxurious, and the fun, I have to share. Therapy is probably in order.

There's a new baby owl, pattern that is, at fab Fibertrends!

The charming and sooo adorable Sheep and Needle Gauge from The Elegant Knitter at Goose Pond definitely popped up on my knitdar. I've seen this gauge in person at the KnittersConnection and it's definitely a keeper!

Got Organic Bob? Check out Ravlery's MiniMart for this Yarn Pile Bag...'cause who doesn't love Bob (and yarn)? Help support this wonderful community.

And now we come to The Handknit Heroes, the first graphic novel for knitters What could be better than teens with super knitting powers, their single mom and her yarn shop ! I got sucked into the knitting vortex immediately because of the graphics and knitting adventures. It’s written by Stephanie Bryant and illustrated by Marc Olivent and includes a knitting pattern with each issue. This is just CHOCOLATE for knitters!

Well, now I'm officially drifting off on my knitting cloud now, and I hope you are too.

Marg (enjoying the view from my poofy cloud)