Groovin' on Caron free patterns

Naturally Caron Country Yarn-Foliage

Free patterns people!  That's all we need to get us moving onto the next project.  Here we go....

Caron has three new patterns to brighten your kniting mood.

The Malabo Hat designed by Darlene Dale and made with Naturally Caron.com Country.  Want to see more free desings in Country?  No problem.

Next, we have the Me & My ShadowBaby Hoodie which is made with Simply Soft Shadows and designed by Marilyn Losee.  Need a different color for the Hoodie in Shadow?  You'll have a great selection to fit your project.

The Andante Throw is crocheted with Naturally Caron Spa and designed by Kim Guzman.  You're going to love this throw and so will your friends.  I see several of these in your future!  The perfect winter/spring project.

Need more free patterns from Caron check out there free pattern page and get busy!

Marg (looking forward to the next new project)

New Products & a Mardi Gras Mood

Mardi Gras Feather Couples Mask - Purple

There's a new interchangeable needle kit from Hiyahiya that are perfect for the voracious sock knitter.  The kit includes size 2-8 and four cable sizes of 16", 24", 32" and 40".  The needles are stainless still and knit very smoothly which is great for the knitty hand.

Love the Crochet Dude, Drew Embrosky?  Me too!  He has a new product line coming in June 2010 so mark your calendars and check his blog for updates...or better yet, subscribe to his Newsletter or follow along on Twitter.

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Marg (so in the Mardi Gras mood)

 
University Games Murder Mystery Party Game - Murder at Mardi Gras









Assorted Round Mardi Gras Beads 144

Cozy Lyndhurst Cowl

Lyndhurst Cowl with Amazing from Lion Brand Free Patterns

I finally had a chance to whip up this easy cowl made with two strands of Amazing in color, Arcadia and size 10.5 circular needles.  This is a quick and easy project and a good one to start if you're  new to circular knitting.  You may have seen this cowl in

Martha Stewart Living, January 2010.  I really like the feel of the yarn which is medium worsted and 53% Wool, 47% Acrylic.  Hope you'll try this instant gratification project.

Lyndhurst Cowl Free Pattern

Amazing Yarn

Happy Valentine's Day!

Marg (feeling sporty!)

Martha Stewart Living Magazine January 2010 on Amazon

Feeling the crafty community spirit...

This just in....

I just want to say thank you to Diana Beard for this unexpected and delightful write up on her blog at DianaCouture.com.  There are so many wonderful and creative people on Etsy , and it truly is a community.  Many thanks, Diana.

Peace out!

Marg (enjoying community and feeling humble)

Catch the Diana Couture Interview!

Need Last Mintute Valentine's Day Gift Project Ideas?

Are you having trouble finding a quick, easy and loving hand made Valentine's Day gift project?  Try some of these ideas and start feeling the love.

http://vickiehowell.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-love-to-create-love-lyric-photo-mat.html

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/59009/valentines-day-crochet-hearts-in-a-shadowbox

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/59425/love-on-a-limb-valentines-day-table-topper-runner-or-doll-quilt-tutorial

http://www.craftbits.com/ 

Let the lovefest begin!

Marg (seeing hearts)

Blowin' Blizards!!!

We're on blizzard #two - it's a bit more blowey with poor visibility with zero chance of snow plows on the roads - but we're warm and have power.  Yay!  Still, not the kind of blizzard I was thinking of - I'm more of a frosty blizzard drink kind of girl.

Times like these, call for dreamy patterns, knitting accessories and plenty of yarn in the house. 
Here are a few patterns I'm dreaming of from Bargain Yarns.

Gasteropoda Mitts

Wood Yarn Swift

Lily Tweed Tote

Great Bargain Prices on Yarn! 

"Moos" Yarn, "Tiago" Yarn, "Poems Sock" Yarn

Stay warm and knitty wherever you live.

Marg (definitely growing where I'm planted)

Eco-Baby Alert!

This is my modified Rainforest Wrapper from

AwareKnits by VickieHowell and AdrienneArmstrong

Last week I was able to finish knitting and prepping a few baby projects for a friend.  It's a girl!!!  The picture above is the cute Rainforest Wrapper that I modified with a leaf motif and velcro dots on the straps instead of buttons which I secured with a basic sewing stitch. I am currently making the original pattern which is in the book, and is basically the same except the pattern on the bodice is different.  There are so many fun and eco-friendly projects in Aware Knits that you'll just have to make them all.

Puffalump Hat on VickieHowell.com and Ravelry.com

I also included the Puffalump hat from Vickie Howell  

and Owl embroidered baby bib from Jenny Hart.

Owl Bib from Jenny Hart

Everything is wrapped and ready to go to the new eco-friendly baby.  Name to be determined.  I included care instructions, info of why the wrap is a great and safe way for new baby to sleep (info from the book), extra yarn and thread for any repairs for the new mommy. 

Have a productive week!

Marg (waiting for the next wave of snow)

You may also enjoy reading:

Monday Free Pattern Mania

I SPY A QUICKIE KNITTY

 

Diana Couture Interview Day!

Yarn Owl Project Bags

Serena Knitting Bag

Yarn Owl yarn holder and/or sock project bag

Today, I'm happy to say, is DianaCouture Interview Day!  Time to forget about snow, winter blahs and projects due.  It's happy time here at knit1fortheroad. Gather 'round the knit/crochet couch, grab a grande mocha and get ready for an inspiring interview.  I have to add that I have two of Diana's Owl project bags and it's crazy love for these adorable, well made and functional bags around here.


Q. Welcome Diana! I’m so glad that you’re taking time out of your busy day for this interview. We are all huge owl fans here, so please tell us about your fabulous Yarn Owl knitting project bags and what inspired you to make them?


A. Hi Marg, Thank you for your interest in my shop!
As a knitter myself, I noticed a lot of bags for knitting/crochet that didn’t seem practical. For example, with most yarn holders, the yarn cannot be removed until the project is complete or the yarn is cut. Several styles are made of hard plastic or stiff material which makes it difficult to throw a project in a bag and carry it along with you.


I wanted to make a yarn holder that didn’t hold my yarn hostage for the duration of a project or take up too much space. I developed the idea of the overlapping flaps. When the flaps are closed, I thought the top looked like an owl face and thus the name, Yarn Owls. As my yarn holders sit by me while I knit…and travel with me on a strap (like a pet)…it was easy to imagine them as having personalities. I like to think of my owls flying to their new owners via first-class mail and nesting in their yarn baskets. I always hope the new owner will love their Owl(s) as much as I do mine.


Those of us who knit on the go know the value of having a bag or a yarn keeper that is the right size for its purpose. The smallest Owl will keep a cake or small skein of yarn tangle free without taking up extra space in a bag. The medium sized Yarn Owl can hold larger skeins like the Patons Classic Wool, or is the perfect size for a small skein/ball and a sock or other small project in progress. The tall size is for longer skeins, but it also works as a project bag and provides great storage for small projects that are being worked up on longer needles.


Q. I like your thinking! One of the things I always notice with any Etsy shop, besides the wonderful items, is the shop feedback. Customer satisfaction is so key in any business. How have you accomplished this balance?


A. I love what I do! I love my customers! Making money, although extremely important for eating and buying fabric and yarn, is not the main reason I do what I do.


I treat my customers like I want to be treated when shopping on line. I guarantee workmanship and quality, strive to be accessible to my customers and always send an e-mail when an order ships. It is a pleasure to receive feedback or e-mails letting me know the Owls have reached their new homes and their new owners are excited to have them.


Q. Diana, your love of design and craftsmanship is so apparent to anyone who visits your shop. I noticed you have majored in fashion design. Is there a teacher or mentor from school or in your everyday life that really fuels your passion for design?


A. Thank you for the compliment! I am fortunate in that I teach part-time in the Fashion Design department at the University of North Texas (my alma mater), where I am surrounded by students and teachers who are passionate about design. Constantly thinking about design and craftsmanship and giving my students the tools to make their dream designs come to life is great fuel for creativity.


My former teachers (and now teaching mentors), Janie Stidham and Anny Chang, as well as Marian O’Rourke-Kaplan, set the bar high and encourage the pursuit of excellence and creativity in design. My children give me feedback, and my mother is very supportive. I have to mention my customers here also, as my desire is to develop highly functional and beautiful products that my customers will love as much as I do.


Q. It’s so inspiring to know that you teach others to develop their skills so that they can learn to create designs of their dreams. What was the turning point for you that led you to start your business? Do you have any quick tips for someone who wants to start an Etsy business?


A.  I initially started selling handbags and handbag/accessory patterns on Etsy (patterns are currently only available on my website). Eventually I realized that by designing knitting bags I could combine my love for knitting and design by creating unique and highly functional products for knitters and crocheters. Currently I offer 5 styles of bags and yarn holders. I use all my products and love them, or I wouldn’t sell them.


Between teaching, family and my business, I am very busy. Etsy allows me to sell on line with minimal expense and time spent on listing and managing my shop. My advice would be to (1) find advertising opportunities or endorsements outside of Etsy to bring traffic to your site and (2) list new items frequently. There are so many sellers on Etsy, it is easy to get lost in the crowd – it is up to you to make your shop visible.

Q. Congratulations on your Yarn Owls being featured in Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Crochet Today Magazine. Did you do a happy dance when you saw your products featured?


A. Absolutely! I don’t crochet because, I am embarrassed to say, I can’t seem to keep my tension even and all my projects end up wavy. However, I am very impressed with Crochet Today’s style and the projects offered. My Owls and I are thrilled to be loved by the magazine!


Thank you Diana for reminding us all of the importance of passion for what we do, developing our skills, helping others reach their goals and believing in ourselves.  This has been a very enlightening interview.   On behalf of the readers, I'd like to thank you for coming by today and sharing your thoughts and insights with us.


Marg


Visit Diana Couture on Etsy, her website DianaCouture.com, on  Ravelry as Idaclaire, and on Diana Couture Blog

Blizzard Free Pattern Roundup

Valentine Pouch pattern from Lion Brand

The sun's out, the snow is piled high and we're still here on the Eastern shore.  Today's the perfect day for a free pattern roundup.  Here are some cute and free patterns to knit and crochet from Lion Brand.  They're bound to put you in a good mood.

Valentine Pouch

Amigurumi Love Birds

Valentine Envelopes

Bouncy Bunny Sock Critter

Amigurumi Heartfelt Bear

Amigurumi Potted Plant

Marg (shoveling, knitting, and ready for the Super Bowl)

Bash the winter blast!

Roxy models the incredibly cute and cozy Lyra's Cap and Autumn Wowza Scarf

We're having a serious winter blast coming through this weekend and are gearing up for the snow with extra snacks and fun projects. 

A quick and easy project that you can finish in a short time is the Lyra's Cap.  I found the pattern on Sarah Sutherland's site, ParallaxKnitting a few months ago, but haven't had a chance to make it.  I finished it in a couple of hours last night and have already worn it out and about. 

You may remember the cap from The GoldenCompass and it caused quite a stir in the knitting communities.  Sarah's cap is made with 1 skein of Rowan Ribbon Twist in Rustic.  My cap was made with some unidentified bulky yarn in my stash and 1 strand of Patons Nuance in Mythic.  This hat makes an excellent companion piece for the Autumn Wowza Scarf, November's free pattern on knit1fotheroad.com.

 

Like hats? You might also enjoy reading

Crochet for a rainy day....

Roxy Looks Rockin'

Hat Attack!

Be a Puffalump!

Wherever you are, whichever team you're cheering for during the Super Bowl, I hope you find a little time for knitting or crochet this weekend.

Marg (chilly with a chance of icey)

 

 

Crafty Inspiration!

Cover Image is by Natalie Jeffcott
nataliejeffcott.com
arthurscircus.com



It's crafty time!  Issue #12 of Mix Tape is pre-selling now.  This color issue is another jumbo edition and I'm thrilled to tell you, my article, Crafting In The Animal Kingdom of Personality, is included in all the crafty, eco-friendly fun.  (Doin' a dance while typing, here)  Read this fun personality roundup and find out what your crafting personality is.

Every issue is jam packed, people.  You'll also find reviews, expert crafters sharing their tips, insights into the world of crafting, and how they balance it all.  Toss in beautiful illustrations and graphics and mix with easy and fun ways to make your life more eco-friendly.
 
You will find MixTape is full of heart. It's the perfect magazine to keep you inspired year round.  What are you waiting for?  Your copy awaits!

Mix it up a little today and let your crafty side out.

Marg (walking down Craft Ave with a smile)

Be a Puffalump!

 Puffalump Baby Hat Pattern by Vickie Howell. 

Here's a knit and crochet pattern that's fun and easy for you to make for that special cutie in your life.  I made this last weekend during our winter blast.  You'll also like the yarn choice, Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller.  The hat is made with Bamboo Ewe and Alpaca Love.  You can purchase the pattern at VickieHowell.com and Ravelry.  The yarn can be bought online or in local yarn stores.  Visit the handy store locator to find the store near you.

That's it for now Puffalump lovers...

Marg (wondering why kids get all the good stuff)

Free February Pattern- Pomp-a-doodle Pillow

This month's free project is whimsical and full of heart.  Here is the Pomop-a-doodle Pillow Pattern as promised!  This cozy pillow will help you express your love, hope and joy for  life.  Choose the fleece pictured, or material of your choice, and add the adorable Pomp-a-doodle trim.  I have included resource information for you.  The pillow cover can be hand sewn or machine sewn.  Your choice.

Pomp-A-Doodle Pillow Talk on Knit1fortheroad.com.  Visit often for resources, fun knitting links and free patterns.


Feel the love and share it!


Marg

Lovefest Monday Madness!

Purl String Gang Dolls at My Knitch

February is here!  It's a time for love, thinking about love, and wishing for spring.  Today, I'm busy finishing up February's free project for you, but in the meantime...check out a few knitting goodies with heart.

Heart Shape Knitting Needle Gauge at sevenyaks on Etsy.

Purl String Gang Doll from MyKnitch is a great way show your love for knitting and crochet.  Use it as a keychain, or attach to your purse or project bag.  Fun to collect and makes a nice gift for a knitting friend. I'm partial to the redhead, of course.

Free Patterns for Valentine's Day on Knitting on the Net.

Tune in tomorrow for your February free pattern.

Marg (seeing hearts and feeling love)