Hipster Holiday Ornaments Go Vegas!

Three Hipster Holiday Ornaments made with Vegas Yarn.

Vegas Color Swingers, Pink Champagne, Flying Elvis and Black Jack.I added whipped stitched a felt back to this ornament and a small amount of poly-fill.

A pendant was added to this ornament. The Vegas colors used: FlyingElvis for the trim and Pink Champagne for the crochet circle.

I secured beads to the center with super glue after lightly felting with warm water. The yarn colors used...GhostBar for the crochet circle and trim and Flying Elvis for the star.

Here they are on the tree!

I was lucky enough to see Seussical a couple of weeks ago at The Academy Theatre which is one of the oldest community theatres in the US and is located in Hagerstown, MD . Subconsciously I was inspired by the color and fantasy of this musical, which by the way, adults can also enjoy. My thoughts went from bizarre color combos from the musical to retro 60's attitudes, hippie, yippie and all the rest to hipster holiday. Now that you see how this all came together, I hope you'll enjoy this quick crochet project made with Vegas yarn and a few simple ideas to embellish. I chose Vegas because I like the way it feels, it's varied in texture, has some sparkle and there are enough fun colors to chose from. It also felts quite easily in warm water in your sink or baking dish.

Felt using warm water, enough to cover ornament and swish around gently in a dish until you have the desired look. Remove excess water with a towel and let dry overnight. Embellish and hang on your tree, use it as a package ornament, or a holiday gift.

I used the basics...making a crochet circle, slip stitch, single and double crochet and a size H crochet hook.

My basic stitch is double crochet, but you can also use single crochet if you prefer. I added a trim, a five pointed star, beads, and a pendant that I had. Feel free to use a favorite crochet trim or any embellishments you like. You can also try making them different sizes.

The trim I used for the red (BlackJack) and the blue (GhostBar) crochet circle goes like this...

Once you've completed your last round of the circle, slip stitch into the first double crochet (or sc if you choose) and chain 5, single crochet in third chain from your hook. Chain 2, skip one stitch and join with a slip stitch to next stitch. Continue around in this manner for the whole circle and slip stitch into first chain.

Make a small 5 pointed star:

Chain 4, slip stitch into first chain to form a circle and crochet a round of trim 5 times (you will not be skipping any stitches, however) Arrange the points and attach securely to your crochet circle with yarn or glue.

There are many ways to make a star. I chose this way because it was a more relaxed style and went with my trim. Use the method you feel comfortable with or choose another shape if you like.

For the pink (Pink Champagne crochet circle) I added an additonal trim around by chaining 5 and slip stitch around the point of the first trim.

I'm including some helpful links for your crochet questions. This is a free form, happy go lucky project to get you thinking and creating so have fun with it. Consider using non-traditional holiday colors, recycled embellishments and whatever you have handy. Use fabric stiffner if you like - I liked the softer look and didn't use it.

Dr. Seuss Quote...
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.
Dr. Seuss

Resources for you...I found these links that are excellent for this project.

How to make a double crochet
The basics of making a crochet circle any size you need.

How to make a crochet circle.

This is your free form crochet project for December. If the project isn't my usual structured pattern it's because this is your chance for experimentation. Use recycled and/or reuse items in the home and take a chance on trying new embellishments. Enjoy, play and wonder, what would little Cindy Lou Who do?

Marg (dreaming in color)

You might also like to check out November's free pattern Autumn Wowza Scarf.

Visit knit1fortheroad.com for knit and crochet resources and more!

Do you have a wrapping strategy?

A wrapping project from Eco-Wrapping Treasure Hunt!

Ok, the presents are going to be ready - how 'bout that wrapping? Here are some wonderful Etsy shops that will have just the thing you need to make fun, eco-friendly wrapping, cards, and tags. You'll also be helping handmade artists at the same time. But hurry, the time is getting near!

Smock letterpress.

snowy652's

The Craft Pantry featured in Childstyle, US Weekly & Hallmark Mags

FarAwayDesigns's

Feeling crafty enough to try making some of your own unique wrapping? Here are some ideas.

How-To: Recycled Wrapping Paper Bows on Craftzine

Eco Gift Wrapping. Holistic Secrets with Rachel Avalon a great little video with some ideas for keeping your wrapping eco-friendly, economical and organized for all your wrapping needs.

Create Your Own Designer Papers - All Over Stamped Designs at About.com

You might also enjoy ECO-WRAPPING TREASURE HUNT!

I hope you're officially inspired now

That's a wrap!

Marg (re-thinking my wrapping strategy)

Crafty Fast Track

The sun is out - time to get those projects organized. Use your project bags, plastic containers and any other method that helps you keep this season's projects in their place. I've been finding it frustrating as I bounce back and forth on just a few seasonal projects and using bags and containers helps me keep everything in perspective. It's too easy to fall apart at the last minute during this stressful time...no creative meltdowns allowed. Being crafty is a blessing and a curse...everyone expects something wonderful and handmade from you. We love sharing our talents and are lucky to be able to create wonderful items made with not only skill, but love. If the meltdown has already occured, no worries, scrape yourself off the floor and get back to it - you know you love it. I did a little of that myself yesterday. Can you imagine what it's like at the North Pole around now? Exactly, suck it up crafties, there's work to be done.

Stay organized and you can stay on the crafty fast track and race around the knitty treadmill this year. Woohoo! Was that flash of yarn and glitter you?

Stay tuned for some Etsy favs and another pattern round up for last minute gifts this week right here on this blog.

Marg (wishing I had a few elves on staff - do yorkies count?)

Hat Attack!

There's been a weekend hat attack! Check out my modified LionBrand hat made with Lion Brand® Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick®. I'm wearing it without rolling up the edge, a wider tie and a modified and looser pompom.

The original pattern is great too and it's rated easy. I think you'll find the yarn fun and quick. Make one for yourself and a friend.

It's also a wonderful hat for a charity project.

Here are some more patterns you might like...

LionBrand Earflap Hats

Knitty.com

Iceland Earflap Hat

and my next project Lyra's Cap

Hats are back...join in the fun.

Marg

The Crafty Wonder of MixTape

Cover Image gemma jones

This just in! Forget the turkey, dressing and holiday rush for now - it's time to get inspired with all the crafty wonder of MixTape.

Issue 11 of MixTape is now available and it's a larger and more colorful issue than ever before - just in time for your holiday crafting.

While your there, check out the HANDMADE NATION DVD, a Documentary By Faythe Levine

I have to go grab my issue and get inspired...and maybe a piece of pumpkin pie on the way through the kitchen.


Happy happy crafting...

Marg (so over the turkey for Thanksgiving thing!)

Crochet for a rainy day....

Cold rainy days call for hot drinks and a fun project. Here are a couple of slouch hats I crocheted this morning for Christmas gifts. This is a quick and easy pattern to make and I even started a nice warm scarf to go with the blue one based on the basic pattern. These also make wonderful hats for charity (always check the orgs guidelines for yarn and pattern requirements first)

I found this pattern at PatternsByDot. (Be sure to read Dot's terms of use) The yarns I used were Jiffy from LionBrandYarn and (1 and a half skeins) Taupe Mist. The blue one is made with 1 skein Bernat Softee Chunky, color #39116. Both have good drape and were made with size J Hook. You can also use worsted weight (as called for in the pattern) if your prefer. Many of your LYS's carry these yarns or equivalent yarns to make the pattern.

Put an extra pot of tea or coffee on and enjoy your knitting or crochet.

Marg (wrestling with new slouch hat obsession)

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.

Roxy Looks Rockin'

Slouch Hat Project for the weekend is complete!

Modeled by Roxy.

See Are You a Slouch for more details on the pattern.

Hope your weekend was crafty.

Marg (just in from the KrisKringle Craft Show)

Delicate Desire Pattern - New!

There's a New Moon in your future. Yes, the time is getting close, my friends in Twilight. I was inspired to create this romantic pattern for the shop. Here's the link to Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves Pattern Inspired by Bella Swan.

Let the desire begin...

Marg

Are you a slouch?

This week I rec'd an email from my husband's daughter, Michelle requesting a slouch hat for a special Christmas gift. I was in a panic! Where could I find the perfect slouch hat pattern for her. I did an online search and came up with this lovely pattern by Sarah Sutherland. It's young, soft and perfect for winter.

The pattern is rated easy and includes using short rows, but there are very clear directions for you in case this is something you've never tried.

I substituted a nice yarn from WEBS called Artful Yarns Legend, color #1528. It's 83% wool and 17% nylon. Originally, I started the hat with a boucle that I had on hand, but it seemed to bulky for this project. The yarn used in Sarah's pattern is Emu Florentine, but I was unable to find a US distributor. I modified the stitch a bit because of the colorway and am making the body of the hat in straight stitch.

I also rec'd House Plant Hand Dyed Sock Yarn from Rachel-Marie of KnittyDirtyGirl.com today for my KAL on the KnittyDirtyGirl Ravelry group that I'm thrilled about. Socks haven't been on the menu for awhile, so I'm a little rusty, but am glad for the challenge. The pattern I'm using is Lifestyle Toe Up Socks from Charisa Martin Cairn.

So today is all about new challenges....

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, She became a butterfly" - Proverb

Be a butterfly :)

Marg (enjoying the process of transformation)

Marg's gone Maya!

The obsession with project bags continues today with the Maya Floral Bag from Lantern Moon. Colorful, well designed and perfect for portable projects - the measurements are 7"h x 5.5"w x 5.5"d. I think we have a winner! These bags make a knitty gift for yourself or a friend during the holidays. Maybe even fill the bag with their fav yarn - an even more perfect gift!

The only thing I can say is, you're going to have a tough time deciding on a color - they are all beautiful. I'm leaning toward the purple and gold myself.

If any of you have one of these bags, please let us know what you think of them. Save the spam, please - it won't be posted as it is considered a canned pre-cooked meat made by Hormel Foods around here.

Margaret (Help, I just fell into the project bag vortex!)

Monster's Need Love Too!

Crochet Square Monster #70743AD from LionBrandYarn.com, free pattern download.

This is a Modified Version

It's Monday, the sun is out and time for a new project. Here's a quick and easy crochet project for you this week from the friendly folks at LionBrandYarn.com. This monsterific toy is made with LB fun fur yarn in turquoise and bright blue, plus LB Wool-Ease, chocolate brown and LB Microspun in buttercup.

The one pictured above is a modified version that I finished this morning for a toy project on the Ravelry.com group KFO (Knitters for Obama). If you're on Ravelry, and you should be, stop by the group and see all the wonderful projects that are being made. You don't have to be a dem to join in the fun. It's really a fun group of people with wonderful moderators and projects to help others in need and warm your heart.

Warning...Buy extra yarn - you're going to want one for yourself....

Margknittinaround, my Etsy shop, has new sale items this week and a brand new pattern coming this week in celebration of The Twilight Saga:NewMoon that you aren't going to want to miss. Stay tuned for more info on this blog.

Cheerio!

Margaret (on a monster mission today)

Organized Knitting State of Mind

As long as I can remember, I've managed to have a "sacred" and organized crafting area, even as a kid. Art and craft classes in school always required us to clean our space after the session was over and this habit stuck with me through the years. It doesn't matter how small the area, table, or closet...we need our special crafting space and we need to organize it. After this last move, I had a little trouble organizing and basically ignored my office space for about 2 months and felt guilty about it most of the time.

This past week, I decided to dedicate the week getting things together and here's the result. I still have some work to do, but it's definitely a good start. I noticed that this simple, yet daunting, task was holding me back and now that I've addressed the space issue, I am more excited and motivated than ever.

I hope you won't wait as long as I did!

Happy organizing this week.

Marg (enjoying my organized knitting state of mind)

Wear those stitch markers and knit a tree?

My latest Etsy goodies are these adorable stitch markers from ScaryMerry on Etsy.

Today's a hodge podge day of working on reorganizing the office and having wandering thoughts, usually knitting related, in a continuous loop in my brain.

While I was organizing, I came across this wonderful article from a few years agon on BBC about some knitters in Devon who banded together and created a wonderful 25 ft knitted Christmas tree. Read all about it...you will be amazed, inspired, and it will definitely end up in your continuous loop of thoughts today.

Did you know tomorrow is ...
Friday is wear your stitch markers day here at knit1fortheroad...on your knitting bag, sweater, purse, whatev. Join me tomorrow :) and let everyone know your passion, spread the word, and enjoy the solidarity.

Stitch On and remember to wear your stitch markers proudly!

Marg (wondering how many more rainy days are ahead)

CHUNKY TIME!

Today, it's back to basics. Bulky and soft yarn, large needles, and a simple garter stitch equals a quick knit and an afternoon of relaxation. There's nothing like it to put you back in knitting nirvana. Every once and awhile we need that break from complicated, eyestraining, yet gorgeous and worthwhile, patterns and revel in just texture, and color, two things that bring joy to our knitting hearts...or am I the only one gasping with glee in the yarn store? I didn't think so.

This simple two stranded bulky garter (knit every stitch) scarf is just perfect for a rainy afternoon. Great for beginners and pros alike. Here's what I'm using...you may certainly substitute bulky yarns with similar weight and ply. Visit Yarndex,The Yarn Directory for addditional yarn information and Knit TV for a handy tutorial on garter stitch if you need help.



Here's a closeup of the edge. It should stay pretty uniform throughout. This is a good excercise for a new knitter because it helps you to perfect your knitting tension skills.

1 hank

Bear Creek Bulky from Kraemer Yarns

99% wool, 1%nylon
7 ox, 200 grams, approximately 130 yards

CarrotCake #Y1819


and 1 skein

Patons Shetland Chunky

75% Acrylic, 25% Wool

3 1/2 oz/100 grams, 148 yards

Leaf Green #03526


Gauge not necessary for this project.

US Needles 17

Cast on on 6 stitches (6-8 stitches keeps this scarf from being too stiff or bulky)

Knit every row.

Bind off at desired length. Weave in your yarn ends.

Block if necessary. If you have smooth tension throughout, you probably won't have to.

Enjoy your knitting therapy.

Marg (working on this scarf while floating on a big ole' yarn cloud)

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! )

Scarfit!

Weekend travels always bring something knitty and wonderful. Above are remnants of antique shawl pins that remind of us of our knitting, tatting and crocheting ancestors.

'Tis the season for knit and crochet scarves. Check here for free patterns:

Your first stop for the wowza scarf factor is right here on Knit1fortheroad...

Knit1fortheroad AutumnWowza Scarf





LionBrand Patterns

Striped Scarf


Fallen Leaves Scarf


Knit & Crochet Pattern Constellation Scarf


Crochet Ruffle Scarf





Vogue Knitting


Cabled Twirl Wrap


Angora Bamboo Big Cowl

That's your line up of free patterns to get you off to a creative week! Get those hooks and needles fired up.

Marg (always on the lookout for knitty items)

Webs had me at adorable!

I was purusing the WebsYarn site and fell in love with the Wool Pets Needle Felting Kits. There's quite the variety over there and an adorable wool animal is just waiting to be created with your crafty hands. Price ranges from $16-$20 and the kit includes everything you need which makes it a great gift for you and/or a felty friend.

While you're there, check out the holiday gift guide - you'll love the Creative Cookies on the cover. There's even a free cookie pattern to knit or crochet -O calories!

What a great way to start off the holiday season!

Stay feltie folks!

Marg (now wishing I had a cookie)

Knit, Prance and Enjoy Your Free Pattern

Discovering joy in your life can be extremely difficult with all the stress we have in our daily lives. Today, for me, however,was not one of those days. After work, I decided to take the dogs out for a walk in the brisk air. They tromped through large dry leaves on the ground, rubbed their noses in who knows what, and basically had the time of their lives. I was laughing and feeling the joy they were emitting from their little bodies. They reminded me of the powerful lesson to find joy in life. You may have to look around, but it's there for you. Take just one minute to "prance like a yorkie" and I guarantee you'll giggle from this dog eyed perspective of the world.

To celebrate autumn, I have a special free pattern for you to celebrate this season of gratitude. Many of you have emailed asking for a scarf pattern to go along with the WowzaWristWarmers from Knit 1 for the Road pattern book. Here it is...my autumn gift to you, the Autumn Wowza Scarf. It's warm, soft and perfect for chilly weather.

Autumn Wowza Scarf

This is a companion piece for the Wowza Wrist Warmers from Knit 1 for the Road pattern book.

Materials:

1 ball Lion Brand Yarn, Wool Ease, worsted weight, 123 Seaspray, 80% acrylic, 20% wool, 3 ozs, 85 gms, 197 yrds, 180 meters

Size 8.0 (5.0mm) US Needles

Stitch Markers, Measuring Tape, Tapestry Needle, Scissors

Suggested Manufacturer's Gauge is 4” x 4”, 18 sts and 24 rows

Note: The original wrist warmer pattern was made with Filatura Di Crosa, 127 print 43, 50 gms, 92 yds, 100% wool on the same size needle. If you’re using this yarn you will need 2 balls.

Cast on 33 stitches

Ribbing

Row 1 K2, P2 across row and knit the last stitch
Row 2 Same as row 1.

Continue these 2 rows for 2”

Next

Row 3 K1, P1, Knit across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.
Row 4 K1, P1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.


Next Row starts the four rows of your pattern

Pattern Rows

Row 1 K1, P1, Knit across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Row 2 K1,P 1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Row 3 K1, P1, K5, P3, K5, last two stitches K1, P1.

Row 4 K1, P1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Repeat these 4 pattern rows for 34” or desired length.

Next,

K1, P1, Knit across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Next Row

K1, P1, Purl across row to last 2 sts, K1, P1.

Repeat Ribbing for 2”

Bind off in pattern. Weave in all ends.Total length was 38”.

Block if necessary.

Blocking method that I used:

I sprayed the scarf with tepid water, placed on the ironing board and used an ironing cloth or a cloth you have on hand (very important) over the scarf and lightly ironed over the scarf with a low heat. After ironing, I placed it flat on a towel to dry completely where it would be undisturbed.

You can also use a rust proof pin and lay flat on a blocking mat, board or towel and dry overnight if you don't feel comfortable using and iron.

Lay flat when ironing or blocking

Margaret Nock, Copyright knit1fortheroad.com, 2009
This pattern is meant for non-commercial use only. All rights reserved.

Knit, prance like a yorkie and enjoy the rest of the week.
Marg (giggling at the idea of us all prancing at one time!)