Need helpful advice on yarn and gauge substitutions?

Yarn and gauge substitution can sometimes be confusing, especially to new knitters.  There's some great information and help on yarn and gauge substitution these days.  I found two really informative and insightful articles to help you through your struggles with this issue.

Gauge and Yarn Substitution by Kathleen Cubley

and Thinking beyond the Pattern by Jenna Wilson

Remember to add them to your Favs so that you can refer back to them as often as you need to.

Here's to you knitting frustration free this week.  You're already looking absolutely light as a feather over there on your knitting cloud.

Margaret (enjoying some knitting zen today)

Spring Fling Wristlets Pattern from Knit Knitavian Style:
Allow your knitting adventures to begin.
by Margaret Nock
 Over 20 knit patterns, interviews, resources, and inspiration to keep you knitting all year round.

©Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin. Margaret Nock, 2011. Author House Publishing. All content is the property of the author and meant for non-commercial use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution or sale of the content, patterns, or knit items is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Knit Knitavian Style now on sale at margknittinaround on Etsy.

Experience Texture Tuesday

Look for textures and layers wherever you go.  Try to apply what you see with your eyes or your minds eye, feel and hear, and smell when you knit, crochet, or craft your next project.  Think about how something old can be renewed with your creative energy.  Add layers to your own creativity and discover something new about yourself.

 These pics where taken on a recent trip to the historic national treasure, Hancock's Resolution.

Margaret (layered with the present while trying to unravel the past)

©Margaret Nock. All rights reserved.

 

Yay! I finished...

Stitch.Rock.Knit-along with Vickie Howell, Triangle Wrap,
 April 2012


It's nice to start off the week with a finished project.  Hooray! 

For more info on this knit-along, visit Stitch.Rock.Knit-along on Facebook.

Hope you have a great idea, creative mood, and fun project to help you through the week.

Margaret (knitting more chemo caps and enjoying the cool weather)

Keep it handcrafted for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is fast approaching...Sunday, May 13,2012.  Think about keeping things simple, fun and handcrafted.

Here are a few places to find patterns,  a handcrafted item from a handmade shop, or just explore new ideas for gift giving.

Ravelry.com is always a great source for knit and crochet patterns for any occassion.  You can search various ways...by designer, pattern type, etc.

Etsy.com is the place to discover handcrafted or vintage items of all types.  It's user friendly and you will be able to search easily and even find a crafter locally.  Perhaps Mom has a fav color.   No problem!  You can even do a color search.  Ahhhh!

Craftbits.com is always a great source of inspiration and the patterns and projects are free.

Craftstylish.com is a favorite stop for me any day of the week.  Pick your favorite craft and enjoy a variety of creativity for months to come.

Spud & Choloe has an adorable and free knit pattern for Mother's Day, Cupcake Pincushion – Free Pattern! It's too cute!  You have to check it out.  It's mouthwateringly knitty.

the Purl bee has an array of Mother's Day Gift Ideas  to create or give just waiting for you, so do stop by. 

I hope you're happy, creative, and super sassy today,

Knit this Knitavian Shruggle from Knit Knitavian Style for Spring 2012.

Margaret
Faith, love, and a wee bit of craftiness makes a situation a little brighter.

©Margaret Nock.

Celebrate Earth with this adorable free pattern...

Take time to enjoy your creativity and nature each and every day.
Happy Earth Day 2012!
 ©Margaret Nock.
All rights reserved.

Happy Earth Day! 

I came across an adorable free knit pattern on Ravelry, today and wanted to share it with you...
Earth Day 2012

by Meagheen Ryan

Enjoy your beautiful day on the blue planet and remember to visit knit1fortheroad for more free knit patterns.

Margaret (astounded by all the signs of Spring)

K.I.P. day...



Knitplay takes the worry away...

Last weekend, I had a chance to get caught up with this cute Triangle shawl for the Rock.Stitch Knit-along.  The yarn is from Vickie Howell for Caron, Stitch.Rock.Love Sheep(ish) in Chartreuse(ish).

The shawl definitely is knitplay in progress.  It makes an easy, quick knitting project for the weekends and to take on the go. Check out Vickie's page on Facebook, Stitch.Rock. Knit-along and the Stitch.Rock.Love Group on Ravelry.com.  Visit Vickie's Blog for more information.

Hope you're having a "it's all good" kind of day.

Margaret,remembering to allow play without guilt.

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™

All rights reserved.

Get ready for The Complete Video Guide to Fair-Isle Knitting!

The Complete Video Guide to Fair-Isle Knitting will be available this Saturday, April 14, 2012.

I'm super excited to write about Liat Gat's latest video E-Book today, so grab your needles and get ready for the Complete Video Guide to Fair-Isle Knitting. I've had an opportunity to see and experience Liat's Fair-Isle Knitting class and found it to be impressively comprehensive with valuable explanations and demos of Fair Isle Knitting.  Liat's easy manner and crystal clear instructions take the frustration out of learning for knitters of all levels.  There are tips for making the learning process easier and information about the smart choices for yarn, needle size, and the types of projects that work well with the Fair Isle Knitting technique. 

The best feature for me, as a knitter, is that the camera is focused on the knitting from your (the student's) point of view, making the class super easy to follow.  You'll  learn to read your stitches and patterns right from the start while Liat demonstrates both Continental and American knitting methods.  You'll also be making the beautiful Fair Isle Felted Bag!  Are your needles clicking with anticpation yet?

There are several types of download options available, making it easy for the busy knitter to access the class on the go. It will also be there for you to review any time you need to refresh your memory. We all learn differently, and I appreciate the combination of easy to read text along with a well made video. The text can be a convenient  reference for the busy knitter. The availablity  and access of an easy download is also helpful for the occassional brain freeze that may occur when learning something new while knitting on the go. 

It's an exciting time to be knitting and I hope you'll dive into Liat's Complete Video Guide to Fair-Isle Knitting.  You won't be disappointed.

The Complete Video Guide to Fair-Isle Knitting will be available this Saturday, April 14, 2012.

Visit KNITfreedom.com for knitting help,free patterns, and more classes.

Margaret (great knitting times ahead!)

Springtime Scarf (Crocheted)

Springtime Scarf in Sheep(ish) yarn in Hot Pink(ish) done!
Pattern by VickieHowell for Stitch Rock Crochet Along
https://www.facebook.com/Stitch.Rock.Crochet

Have a creative Tuesday!
Margaret

a little jelly bean inspiration...

Jelly bean inspired chemo caps...
Margaret Nock, All rights reserved.

Over the holiday weekend, I had a chance to crochet these chemo caps with Caron's Simply Soft (caps 1 & 3) and Lion Brand's Cotton Ease (center) .  My inspiration?  Gourmet jelly bean colors, of course.  I hope you're feeling inspired to pick up your hooks and needles this week, even if it's just for a few minutes.  It will definitely lift your spirits...

Margaret (floating on jelly bean cloud #5 for a bit longer)

CAL and KAL update:

There's a new crochet along with Vickie Howell. 

You might also enjoy Hopping along the knitalong trail...

Colorful inspiration...

Beautiful colors, scents and sensations surrounded us during our weekend travels and filled us with hope and inspiration.

Celebrate the beauty of the holiday. 

Have a peaceful Easter, Passover and Spring holiday.

Margaret

World's largest knit...

bunny

A giant knitted rabbit in Italy can be seen from space by visitors to Google Earth

crocheted sculpture

The World's Largest Crochet Sculpture & Crochetdermy by Shauna Richardson.

It's okay to stand out in the crowd.  You're in good company.  Stay creative and enjoy the holiday weekend.

Margaret (so loving gourmet jelly bean colors)

Hopping along the knitalong trail...

Need some adorable crafty projects for the Easter hop-a-long?  No problem.  Check out these cute free patterns.

Visit Craftbits.com for an array of Spring and Easter craft projects. 

The Plushie - Miss Felti Rabbit and the  Knitted Long Legged Easter Bunny caught my eye. 

Spring 2012 Knit Simple.  Buy online or at your local yarn or craft store.

I had a chance to look at KnitSimple this weekend.  If you love quick and easy scarves for the season, you won't want to miss this issue!  You'll enjoy color, color, and more color.  There's also the latest pattern for the VickieHowell knit along for April, A Triangle Wrap which is the first in a series of KALs.  You can join in the fun on Facebook at Stitch Rock Knitalong and on Ravelry (Stitch Rock Love Group .  You'll get great tips, help, community and see all the pretty pretty wraps.

Monday on with your bunny attitude and keep your knitting needles on alert.

Margaret (riding on an uplifted mood filled with color today)
 

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012   All rights reserved.

3 Beeutiful Things: Signs of Spring

Blooming trees along a seldom traveled path...

Daffodils lifting their heads to sing...



A bunny hutch in your backyard...


Look for signs of Spring and renewal this week...you will be richer for the experience.

Margaret (always amazed by the blue planet)


Created for the group, 3 Beeutiful Things on Creating The Hive.
Join us!

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012  

Patterns, content and photographs in this document are the property of knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution of the content, pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.



A knitting brain, a free pattern, and a bucket list...



Time to get the needles out! They love sunlight and a chance to create something wonderful for you- Margaret Nock

 
This morning I woke up filled glee.  The sun was out, the breeze was sweet and GHI is on Syfy tonight.    What could be a better time for breaking out the knitting bucket list to see what I've neglected to try,revamp or refresh in my memory?  The mitered square!   Yes!!!  Good one.  I learned the basics a few years back but it just never stuck and some of the patterns I've come across seemed a little confusing to me. I began my search with optimism and didn't have to look far when I came across:

Kathleen Cubley's blog, (Editor Extraordinaire of Knitting Daily)
<>    

I can't stop thinking about Domino Knitting!  Kathleen gives you the scoop from a pro, Vivian Hoxbro of Knitting Daily Workshop: Domino Knitting with Vivian Hoxbro  The workshop is available as a DVD, Standard Download, and High Definition Video Download and takes you through the whole process. It's also on sale- Hooray! Be sure and check out the free pattern instructions for the Domino Square Potholder...with includes basics for you.  Love that helpful share. Get started today or make it a weekend project. Dust off the the brain freeze and winter cobwebs.  A brain on icicles and cobwebs is just not a good look for anyone.  Try something new, no one is judging, or squealing.  Only admiration from here and I can see you with my handy 3D glasses. Wow!  Look at you go.  That last dropped stitch retreival you executed this week was epic. A little scarf inspiration for Wed... Need ideas for tying or draping your Spring scarves?  Stop by Anthropologie today to see an array of beautiful options for wearing scarves.  I couldn't pick a fav. They're all so very inspiring.  Margaret (I see new pot holders coming into my life soon)  a little java first, though... Follow me on Twitter, knit1fortheroad Visit my Etsy shop, MargKnittinARound for ready to wear items, knitting patterns and my pattern books. Find more inspiration and free patterns at knit1fortheroad.com ©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™  Knit1fortheroad patterns, content and photographs in this document are the property of Margaret Nock, knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution of the content, pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Create intuitively today...

Margaret Nock. All rights reserved.

Today I'm preparing a few goodies to send to Annie's Gifts for Chemo.  I finished the slippers a little differenly than I originally thought before.  After some consideration, I decided to make a simple single crocheted tie for them. 

Life and work have overlapped  and seeped into my  knit and crochet time, but I'm happy to say that I'm back on track with my creative life and looking forward to more projects.  Also, I had to get a new computer and life is definitely easier now. Visit knit1fortheroad on blogger.com for any posts you may have missed on my other blogsites (margknittinaround or knit1fortheroad).

I'd like to share with you a technique that I've used for years.  Try a simple color visualization for your next charity project.  It's a fun way to add a boost of love and postive energy directly to the recipient.   It's easy! Close your eyes and try to visualize the person that will receive your item and allow color, texture and the type of garment you will be making for this person to appear in your mind.  You will also find, that with practice it will help you with any creative blocks you may be experiencing with your other projects.  I've found that it helps give a face, feeling and direction for me when I create for others that I have never met.  This technique has surprised me by leading me to patterns, colors and materials that I would have never considered using before.  Give it a try.

Margaret (visualizing you visualizing and getting your creative groove on)

 

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012 
The patterns, content and photographs in this document are the property of knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution of the content, pattern, or knit item is prohibited by law. All rights reserved.  

I was wondering...

It's time for a bit of knit shopping expertise, please.  What types of ready to wear items, kits, and knit patterns would you like to see next year at MargKnittinARound on Etsy? 

Free Knit Patterns!

Property of Margaret Nock. All rights reserved.

  Try this quick knit pattern, Rita the Ribbonista and add a little color to your day.  Ponytails are all the rage for spring and summer this year, why not give it a try.

Stop by the knit1fortheroad.com/freepatterns section for more free knit patterns.
©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012. The patterns, content and photographs in this document are the property of knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part,
or distribution of the content, pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.

A quick weekend tutorial for you to check out...

I came across this wonderful and funny tutorial at woollywonder.com  for the crab stitch (aka reverse single crochet or shrimp stitch) It's a fun way to finish off your knitting with flair.


Keep it colorful, keep it fun!
Margaret (enjoying the sunshine, pretty flowers, and the anticipation of weekend knitting)

the poetry is in the knit...

Here's a little story that will delight the knitter in you and have you inspired to create your own poetry with your knitting...Enjoy the eyecatching article from The Poetry Society called Knit a Poem and a poem, Eve's Design by Moira Linehan.

It's time to break out the Knit Knitavian Style Shruggle! 

Molly had a great day at the US National Arboretum last week.  She enjoyed birds, squirrels and snacks in the car.  It's a dog's world, afterall.  Thanks to all of you who have inquired about how Molly is doing.  She has made a full recovery and is more frisky every day.  We have even noticed a little teenage girl type attitude from time to time - lol.

Keep your inspiration high and your frustation low this week...


Margaret (so rethinking the poetry thing and wishing I had paid more attention in poetry class...sigh)

Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter!
Check out my shop on Etsy.com, MargKnittinARound
Visit Amazon and Kindle and Author House Bookstore for my knitting books.

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012 The pattern and photographs in this document are the property of knit1fortheroad.com and for non-commercial (personal) use only. Unauthorized reproduction, sale in whole or in part, or distribution of the content, pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Wearin' of the green...

Do you need some green in your life?  Well, St Patrick's Day is on Saturday, March 17th and there are so many free projects to do just that.

Try the knit patterns on About.com Knitting.  Most are small and quick to make accessories that you can also wear or use any time of the year.

Crochet Pattern Central really delivers a fine array of quick and fun patterns for you.

Enjoy this adorable embroidery pattern from Sublime Stitching.

I did spy a knit shamrock sock pattern download for $1.99 at KnitPicks created by designer,Christina Rowell .  They're sure to bring you luck all year round.

Stay grand, wear green and enjoy an adventure every day.

My first daffodil siting for 2012 taken at Pickering Creek Audubon Center last weekend.

Margaret (really into that Spring fever feeling today)

©MargaretNock, 2008-12. All rights reserved.

Click with color!

Knitter's Pride Dreamz Cable Needles at Yarn.com (WEBS)


The Knitter's Pride Dreamz Line offers us a treat for our spring/summer knitting projects...densified laminated birch wood needles in fun colors - hooray!  Densified laminated birch wood is also more affordable, which is always a plus in my knitting world.  They're strong and moisture resistant with no warping worries. The needles are smooth and the points are sharp. 
 
Spring is a great time to restock, expand your horizons and give these new needles a try (if you haven't already).  Visit yarn.com (WEBS) to see the video and check out all the gorgeous colors in the DreamzLine.  I have always enjoyed knitting with Knitter's Pride knitting needles and crochet hooks and I hope you will love them too.
 
Keep your needles and hooks busy. It's dark and boring when you're stuck in the project bag all the time.
 
Margaret (dreaming,knitting and surrounding my life with color)
 
"Knitting is very conducive to thought. It is nice to knit a while, put down the needles, write a while, then take up the sock again."
Dorothy Day (knitter and activist)

Find more quotes at BrainyQuote.com

Weekend knitting: free patterns & eBook!

Here are three cute baby blankets that caught my eye.  These make  fun weekend knitting projects for your new baby chick-a-dees!

Plymouth Sweet Caroline Knit Baby Blanket  Both yarn and free pattern are available at NobleKnits.com

Dreamland & Dreamland Fancy are also free knit baby blanket patterns available at Plymouth Yarn Company.

RedHeart has a new free eBook just waiting for you with 26 knit and crochet accessory patterns! Grab your ebook description and free download of From Head to Toe, Young to Old and keep your needles and hooks smokin' hot.

Enjoy!
Margaret

Autumn arrives in early morning, but Spring at the close of a winter day. Elizabeth Bowen

Find more quotes at brainyquote.com

Spring-a-ling Extravaganza!

I've been missing in blogging action with work and computer issues lately. Everything is back on track and it's all about Spring and the marvelous celebration that come with the season. 

It's definitely time to rock the boardwalk with Namaste’s latest bag to have, the Boardwalk Bag.  It comes in yummy colors to choose from and made with PVC free faux leather.  This bag is comfortable, roomy and perfect for all of your on the go goodies and projects. There are actually several new offerings from this company of varying price ranges.  Keep them on your wishlist this year. Namaste also contributes 10% of their sale of light pink Namaste products to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Do find a little time to check these bags out and more at Namaste Inc.

Gather round vintage lovers and admirers of all things cleverly recycled for SewNewThings on Etsy.com.  I've loved this wonderful shop filled with color and whimsy for quite some time and was thrilled to see the write up for it in the VogueKnitting Spring 2012 issue.  Lynda Slade adds her talent for finding vintage craft supplies, recycling and her love of color to everything she touches.  My favs for Spring 2012 are the bake-lite knitting needle bracelets (of course!) the vintage knitting needles, and pouch bags.  There is much more to delight in.  Visit soon!

Okay Midwesterners,  mark your calendars early this year for the Midwest Fibers and Folk Art Fair which is happening June 22-24, 2012 at the Expo Center at the County Fairgrounds in Grayslake, Illinois.  Visit FiberAndFolk.com for the scoop.

Your next stop to Spring is Pantone, my seriously all time favorite place to keep up with the colors of each season and you can too!  Visit Pantone for the full array of 2012 Spring color and fun.

Spring never felt so good…

Margaret (working on a new spring video for you, with a little help from my computer)

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:  when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.  ~Charles Dickens

for more quotes, visit quotegarden.com.

Giveaway and a Spring Knitting Tip...

Today, I have a quick post for you and a Spring knitting tip-a-roo.  My Creating the Hive and Etsy friend Quentin Eckman is having a super awesomely amazing giveaway of ginormous proportion.  Please go to his blogpost Jewelry of your choice Giveaway! to get the full scoop. Stop by his website LunarSkies.com and Etsy Shop, Lunar Skies Jewelry.  You won't want to miss this one!


Now for the Spring Knitting Tip of the day: 
Spring is a great time to experiment with new breathable fibers, colors and thick and thin textures for your scarves, tops, and home decor that you've never considered before.  Line your choices up to see how interchangeable they are in color and texture and play around with different combinations. Discover what your creative muse inspires you to do. 

Enjoy your creative process and all of your new Spring 2012 projects!



Margaret (working, playing and looking forward to the new season)