It Takes a Village of Etsians!

Packages wrapped with vintage, recycled and reusable paper, fabric and crafty pendants, buttons and other items that can be reused.

Presents are gettnig wrapped today to send in the mail. Everything was wrapped in vintage, recycled, upcycled, reused items from Etsy or crafty things that I had on hand. Most of the presents were purchased on Etsy or handmade from patterns in my own Etsy shop, margknittinaround making this one of the most handmade, eco-friendly holidays so far. I chose non-traditional colors rather than the usual green and red and incorparated the handmade theme with owls and butterflies for a more hipster.

Here's a list of Etsy artists who contributed to my wrapping party and wonderful holiday gifts for my two lovely stepdaughters.

Tinker & Crab

Margknittinaround

snowy652

smockpaper

thecraftpantry

fongstudio

Have a happy hipster, indie and earth friendly holiday!

Marg (living in the fast craft zone today)

Twilight Inspired Crafts

This weekend we went to see the latest Twilight Saga installment, New Moon. I enjoyed it and you'll find no complaints here, however, I am not a Twilight aficionado, like my step daughter, Michelle.

I found some fun sites filled with Twilight inspired crafts and I thought you might like to visit them too.

Craft Contest
Twilight Amigurumi by April Draven
Twilight Crochet Dolls from DeadCraft

Craftzine Alice Wrist Warmers

You can also do a search on Ravelry.com, Etsy and other crafts sites like CraftStylish for more patterns, ideas and crafts.

Happy crafting to the young and the young at heart!

Twilight Quote (2008)
Isabella Swan: "About three things I was absolutely positive: First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how dominant that part might be-that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him."

Although, not Twilight inspired, this wonderfully handcrafted journal arrived today which will become a family heirloom for us. I urge you to support the handmade artists in your town and online at Etsy this holiday season.

Suede Christmas Journal from Renate Ikinger of Kreativlink on Etsy.com

Marg (working on a project to share on tomorrows blog)

You might also like Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves inspired by the TwilightSaga character, Bella Swan.

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! )

No more knitting by the seat of your...

Hellooooo Holiday Knitters and Crocheters!

Holiday knitting is upon us, and you may need a little help with body measurements for your next project. YarnStandards.com can be a HUGE help so add them to your favs and visit often for reassurance. Check out the sidebar for additional subjects you need help with, including knit and crochet abbreviations, charts, symbols, and English and Spanish versions. Hooray! I love a one stop info site, don't you? Whew...no more wondering, now you will know for sure.

So please, no knitting by the seat of your pants, or skirts this year...smooth knitting projects ahead.

Now I'm giggling at the thought of knitting by the seat of your pants/skirts or perhaps skorts?...ok now I'm just rolling on the floor laughing -hope you are too-happy Wed/knit/crochet hump day)



Marg (excited about all the new items coming to margknittinaround)


Cup from Atelier Marla on Etsy! See her interview here!

New handmade items on my Etsy store margknittinaround! Big Sale on patterns, kits, and books! More items being added this week. Grab your mochas and visit awhile, snag a snuggly hand knit or crocheted item, and if you see something you like, please add it to your favs.

Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter

Bag -O- Luscious Fall Season

It's back to school and Fall is on the way. Hooray! Need a new knitting bag or some really stylish accessories? Here are a few places that have unique and stylish bags, etc at varying prices.

Scouts Swag! Namaste' Bags and more.

Della Q exotic and original knitting bags with flair.

Etsy.com every variety of handmade bags (and patterns) at great prices. Buy handmade.

DreamWeaver Dreamy selections!

Envirosax Strong and reusable. Lots of room for your projects. Go green.

Always check your local yarn stores and discount stores for great finds. Donate last year's bag to a needy knitter/crocheter and brighten their day.

UPDATE!
I will have more blogs for you soon. My surgery is this week so I'm busy preparing for it and will be back online as soon as possible. Margknittinaround (my Etsy store) will be closed Tues - Thursday.

Knit On!

Marg (too much to do today-I'd rather be knitting!)

Stay Safe -Stay Knitty- Soak up the Savings!

There's super savings on my Etsy shop, margknittinaround today (Friday, 22nd) through Monday (25th). Now's your chance to pick up Knit 1 for the Road patterns, signed copy of the book, and kits at incredible prices...you will also receive the Venutra Tote pattern absolutely free with purchase!

Stay safe - Stay knitty - and Soak up the savings during the Memorial Day Weekend...

Marg (working hard to bring you recession busting prices on Knit 1 for the Road items and feeling a bit like crazy Larry, the used car dealer with crazy prices!)

GET INSPIRED RIGHT NOW!

NEWS, BOOKS AND AN INTERVIEW OF NOTE TODAY JUST FOR YOU!


Vegetable Dyes: A Book of Recipes and Information Useful to the Dyer by Ethel M. Mairet Paperback and Kindle!
I love this book! The idea of using the vegetable dyes is wonderful and I think you will be inspired to branch out in a new direction with your knitting/dying know how. Experiment this spring and summer with these recipes and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how fabulously talented you are.


Knitter's Handy Book Of Patterns: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges
BY Ann Budd
I can't say enough about this book. It's a great help when you're try to make projects for specific styles or sizes. It really takes the worry out of making the correct size. I use Ann's -The Knitter's Handy Guide To Yarn Requirements also, and I can tell you it's a life saver.

ARTICLE By James Thomas Jr. Man to world: Knitting's not just for ladies anymore

NEWS on KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD - it's now available on Kindle for an awesome $4.79. You can also purchase it as a paperback on Amazon.com or enjoy super savings on margknittinaround (my Etsy shop ;) and snatch a signed copy + a free pattern with purchase. Yay!

Well, that's a wrap for today. I hope you're enjoying a little knitting or crocheting therapy today and sharing it with others. The world needs you!

Marg turning her face to the golden sun and blue sky today.

WINTERIZE YOUR NEEDLEART SKILLS

The National NeedleArts Association is coming soon to San Diego, CA! Brighten your winter mood with some fashion, supplies, and all that's new in the needlearts. You will want to check out the website for vendors and activities. If you're in the area, or like to travel, take advantage of this event...bring your Mom, your sister, grandmother, friends! The site gives you the full scoop - and Lily Chin is one of the teachers for a knitting class, ya'll....there are more amazing teachers and classes, as well. Every type of needlework is represented here. You can even register online and save a wait in long lines - we like! This is also another knitting resolution - attending events/taking classes ;) so check it off the list if you attend.

Knit-Share-Go on and dive into an event in 2009!

TNNA's West Coast Show
January 17 - 19, 2009San Diego Convention CenterSan Diego, California

Marg (having a rockin' sale on margknittinaround on Etsy)