Crafty environments, hope and history

Wool pot holders were common items in Civil War era kitchens.

Crochet on a settee

Pelicans at Point Lookout State Park

Fort Delaware, PeaPatch Island

one of the largest wading bird nesting areas on the East Coast

This weekend was full of history, nature, knitting and crochet.  I wanted to post some of the pics from our wanderings and share with you  project 8 that Craft Hope.  Please visit the site to see what is being done to support the oil spill cleanup effort.  I hope you will join in the effort, support wildlife rescue, and share your own pics and experiences with nature. We havn't felt the devastating effects of the oil spill here yet, but it is inevitable.  There is already so much polution that is being dumped into the oceans, bays, and rivers that it's a constant battle. I encourage you to raise awareness in your own crafty way.  Please comment if you would like to share what is going on in your area to protect and cleanup the environment.  Your input will inspire us!

Marg (so loving the kindness of the crafting community)

Pea Patch Island: Island, U.S. State, Delaware, Delaware River, Delaware Bay

It's a great time to be a knitter...

Here's the second Snookie  I made for the Father's Day KAL on Facebook with Vickie Howell.  This one's for my Kindle and made with Naturally Caron Country in Peacock.   It's not too late to join in and enjoy the fun.  Check out the Snookie photo wall.  What's on your needles? 

This just in!  Knit Picks has a new needle kit, called Try It Needle Set.  Each kit includes Harmony wood tips in size 6, Nickel plated tips in size 7, and Zephyr acrylic tips in size 8, two 24" cables, along with stitch patterns to swatch while you try out the needles.  It's a handy kit for the new knitter and knitter's that already enjoy using interchangeable needles.  The more the merrier!

It's a great time to be a knitter!

Marg (clicking needles for charity today)

You might also enjoy:

Snappy, Stylish, Snookie

Cool Finds!

Cool eco-friendly find:


Start off with FoxandClover.com where you'll find unique recycled, handpainted jewelry by Sabrina Baissas.  Sabrina uses reclaimed glass from old frames and windows.  Her crafting includes painting and firing her pieces so that her designs are fused to the glass.  You're going to love it!


Lovely Bags!
If you're a regular visitor to this blog, you're familiar with my fascination with bags for knitting projects or the market.  Stop by Beth's Market Bags on Etsy.com and enjoy the colorful array of choices and prices.


Happy Wed!
Marg (looking for beauty today in unusual places)


Knit a Hello Kitty Scarf Kit

How To Knitting Videos

Monday is a great day to start anew!  Do you have a stitch or knitting method you'd like to learn via video? Here of some of my favorite video demos from Knitwitch. I find her videos clear and easy to understand and I hope you will too.

Knitwitch now has her most popular videos on WonderHowTo.com.  She has an awesome one on how to measure gauge when knitting every new knitter should see. If you're struggling with gauge, this will clear up any confusion.  There is a manufacturer's suggested gauge and the actual gauge of the pattern that you're knitting.  Your gauge will vary depending on your yarn, needle size, stitches used,and tension. It's so important to work a gauge swatch before beginning your project and check your gauge as you're knitting.  There is a big misconception about gauge and it's importance. It can be a little confusing.

There are 37 videos collected on this site making it a good place to check when you're in doubt.

Knit anew!
Marg (boldly knitting into the week)
The Knitting How-To Book

The Complete Beginner's Guide to Knitting

American Knitter Learn to Knit 5 DVD Super Set

Snappy, Stylish, Snookie

My first Snookie!  This was made with Caron Country Merino Wool blend and US size 9 (5.5mm) needles.  Find the patterns and join in the fun on Facebook.  Go to Vickie Howell's Father's Day KAL

Didn't know Dad needed one of these?  Perhaps you might love one.   The Snookie holds your Nook or Kindle stylishly and there are instructions for adapting it to other techie devices.  There are two patterns to choose from or you can make both.  Need help? No problem.  There's a demo video and help and encouragement in the group.

Happy day!

Marg (starting to feel the summer heatwave)

 

Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)
Barnes and Noble NOOK ebook reader

Luscious Lime Placemats

Luscious Lime Placemats made with Caron Simply Soft Brites

It's June!  Can you belive it?  Here's your free pattern for the month.  Luscious Lime Placemats will spruce up any table.  Enjoy the warm sunshine, long days, and great food of summer.
Let the sun shine in!

Marg (loving the lime)
Visit the free pattern section Knit1fortheroad.com for more!




The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Soundtrack

Eclipse (The Twilight Saga)
Eclipse (Spanish Edition)

Small to 3X to knit or crochet, hooray!

Good people come in all knitting and crochet sizes.

Check out these free knit and crochet patterns :

Big Beautiful Patterns

all sized XXL and up from Caron International.

Need more?  Check out

Style for You, Style for all Sizes S-3X (Leisure Arts)

Have a safe and peaceful Memorial Day.

Marg (soaking in the history of this holiday)

Serious SlingSax Attack!

Another sax attack is on!  Crafters have an on going love for sacks, bags, and totes for their crafty needs.  Wait, maybe it's just me.  Anyway, arriving just in time for summer, here comes the colorful SlingSax from Envirosax to make our day.  They're a hands-free accessory perfect for everyone.  Check out the mini sax version, too. The Sling Sax is created by incorporating recycled plastic bottles and other plastic waste into fabric.  Isn't that some good news for the planet for a change? 

I hope you'll consider recycling, donating, reusing, and upcycling items in your home.  Lately, I've been switching to green recipes for home cleaners and have noticed less allerigic reactions. Yay!  Your pets and children will thank you, too.

Lately, there has been so much trash left on the ground in the park, on the street and dog poo left by summer visitors that I've been carrying extra bags for clean up when I'm out walking the dogs. 'Tis the season, and this year has already been a record breaker. There's no money for any cleanup crews in a lot of areas, so please be mindful and spread the word if you see anyone dumping their trash or not picking up after their dogs. Some people just didn't get the memo, but I know you did.  The holiday weekend will bring out the best and worst in people so I'm putting my eco-knitty mask on and considering a green cape with an emerald tiara to go with it, how 'bout you?  I'm picturing us all showing up that way at the park right now.  You look stunning recycling that glass bottle!

Happy planet, happy people - it's a no brainer.

Marg(wishing everyone saw the big picture like you)

Natural Alternatives for You and Your Home: 175 Recipes to Make Eco-Friendly Products

Knit, Laugh, Stash

We all need a good giggle these days.  Help keep track of your days, knitting events, and outings with Franklin Habit's 2011 Calendar:  Stash of Knitting Cartoons at the InterweaveStore.  It's a fun gift for you and any knitter in your life.  This knitting accessory has notable dates in the knitter's year, a festive holiday knitting countdown, birthdays of knitting luminaries, and knitting festivals.  Entertaining, functional and full of fun.  I think it's a keeper.

It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons
Looking for more knitting laughs?  Check out It Itches: A Stash of Knitting Cartoons at the InterweaveStore or on Amazon by the same author.  You'll be rolling around giggling in yarn with this clever book. 

Have a good belly laugh this week and enjoy the moment.

Marg (laughing at Molly and Max's Yorkie antics)

Interweave Press - French Girl Knits