The perfect storm of handmade, knitting, and free patterns...

Many of you already know the tremendous advantages of buying, creating and using handmade items, but have you taken a look at Handmade.org lately?  They have updates, handmade info and resources just waiting for you. If your desire to buy and make handmade is waning, than visit your local or online handmade artists and crafters. Support handmade events not only with your purse, but your hi-5's, knucklebumps, and whoohoos (or substitute your favorite geeky, handmade lovefest enthusiasm here)  to bring smiles and giggles to those hardworking vendors. Your fingers will be tapping and your heart pounding a little faster for the handmade life.  You'll find resources, kindred handmade spirits and exciting news from the handmade blue planet called Earth.

Monday is a great day to renew your dedication to the movement sweeping the world...renew your handmade pledge and get that crafty tingle from head to toe.

Here are a few goodies I've managed to find over the last few months...

There was a wee bit of knitting going on during my travels last week.  I find knitting while waiting, riding the train or in the car very relaxing and keeps me from being a total knitting slacker when I feel myself distracted by life.  You may recognize my Travel Go Lightly Purse, it's a free pattern from my website, knit1fortheroad.  The yarn is The May Pole Dance Hand Spun Yarn  from In The Eyes of March, on Etsy.  Do visit the shop for more goodies.  The Sari cloth is a scrap fat quarter from Fabricana ,also on Etsy.

Here's another handmade item I bought from one of my CreatingTheHive friends, Michelle, of MossyCreekSoaps , another Etsian. I had my eye on this for awhile.  It has a yummy aroma, nice texture, and makes a perfect addition for a kitchen and home.  It's named appropriately, Mocha & Coffee Soap.  You can also knit the festive knit1fortheroad free pattern,Luscious Lime Placemats, a fresh Spring/Summer sprucer upper for any table.  Lime not your color? No worries.  It's knit with Caron Simply Soft and you can choose from an array of fun colors.

I hope you'll be encouraged to think more about buying, creating, and using handmade items.  Here's to gentle reminders, really cool projects, and a better tomorrow.

Margaret (Merry Meet Market Tote from Knit Knitavian Style  (on Etsy) at Fort Mifflin)

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”

- Rachel Carson

Visit thinkexist.com

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Enjoy crafty good times ahead on CreatingTheHive...here's your invitation!