Five ways to craft with your heart...

Crochet Heart Pillow - free crochet pattern from LionBrand Rated Easy

Knit Valentine Banner from Lion Brand Rated Easy

Valentine's Day Crafts at Craftbits

Valentine's Day: Crochet Hearts in a Shadowbox at CraftStylish

Sweet on You Hat Free Knit Pattern from PolarKnit

Hope you find a little inspiration to make something for yourself, craft with the ones you love, or create a handmade gift from the heart for a friend.

Love your craft!

Margaret

smile, measure, and organize your way through...

Fun new items for 2012 to help you organize, measure, and smile are here.  Yay! 

There's the TAPE MEASURE WITH MAGNET AND CORD (what a great idea!) and the 

Crochet Happy Tape Measure to add to your collection. 

Consider the new bag called Nantucket Iddy Bagg. It's a versatile multipurpose bag that can convert into a tool belt, backpack or roll. This drawstring bag is only 6"x9"x3/12" when zipped and includes six pockets. 

The Thomas Joseph 2012 Calendar is the perfect yarnie calendar for you desk. It comes packaged in a flip-stand case for your viewing pleasure.

My last, but certainly not least new item is the drawstring Edict Project Bag... "Paws Off My Knitting"
It's large enough for your on the go projects...11"x12" and comes in several colors.

Hope you're having a great week.
Keep your knitting heart, your sharp mind, and your wonder girl or guy ways until next time.

Thirteen great reasons to stay crafty this weekend...

It's Friday the 13th and the beginning of another knit, crochet and crafting weekend.  Here are thirteen lucky patterns to relax and wrap yourself in....

LionBrand free knit and crochedt patterns:
Tranquil Comfort Shawl crochet pattern

RedHeart free knit and crochet patterns:
Baby Girl Sweater Crochet Pattern
Cabled Classic Throw Knitting Pattern 
Lacy Toe-Up Socks Knitting Pattern

Scarf for Dad Knitting Pattern

Caron International free knit and crochet patterns:
PomPom Knit Shrug
Knit It Tonight Cowl
Shrug It Off (knit shrug)
Knit Cropped HoodieVest and Knit Cozy Jacket from Big Beautiful Patterns XXL and up
Knit Gradient Garter Baby Blanket
Crochet TooDee Frutti Poncho Toddler Poncho

and for the pooches, try this crafty project, 
How to Make a Recycled Dog Sweater from CraftStylish.com and put those old sweaters to good use.  Grab a crafty friend(s) to help and make it a winter charity project!


Thirteen great reasons to knit,crochet, and stay crafty this weekend.
Margaret (riding the crafty wave- kawabunga!)

Yarn substitution please!

We've all been there.  The pattern we choose uses yarn that has been discontinued since the publication of the pattern, too expensive for our budget, or we have stash yarn just waiting for a chance to sub.  No worries!  It's time for some handy info on smart ways to substitute yarn so that everyone walks away inspired with no headaches.   Rare right?  First off, read your pattern to see if the designer has included substitution suggestions or tips.  The internet has made it easy to contact designers and many are happy to help point you in the right direction, and it would probably be helpful to limit your questions to their patterns, specifically.

Here are some helpful places for you to check out on this not so scarey subject once you get the facts.  I use Yarndex.com often for the latest info on yarn and yarn availablity.  If you have a knitting teacher or experienced knitter nearby, ask them to give you some help, especially if you are new to knitting.

Substituting Yarn from Knit Simple

Yarn Info Finder from Elann

Need to Substitute Yarn from Jimmy Bean's Wool

How to Substitute Yarn in a Knitting Pattern at ehow.com

Always remember to check your gauge, choose wisely and you'll be knitting and crocheting with no fears and no headaches in 2012.

Remember, gauge is your best friend!
Margaret

 Wear your hand knit and crochet projects wherever you roam.

The Woman Scarf, from Knit 1 for the Road is made with Vegas.  Available on Amazon, Kindle & MargKnittingARound in paperback and as a digital download.  Knit Knitavian Style; Allow your knitting adventures to begin available at MargKnittingARound, Amazon and AuthorHouse Bookstore.

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ 2008-2012 The patterns 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 pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter 
Blogger.com as knit1fortheroad
Check out my knitty stuff at MargKnittinARound on Etsy.
Visit knit1fortheroad.com for free patterns, resources, interviews and more!

Handy knit and crochet in 2012!

Check out these apps, Knit Handy and Crochet Handy from Interweave and now available for your handy devices from the iTunes Store.  Ann Budd has cleverly transformed her Knitter's and Crocheters Handy Guides to Yarn Requirements to app form to help you with your projects on the go.

Crochet Handy offers you ease in determining how much yarn you need for crochet projects which is quite handy indeed in these days of tight budgets and needing to reducing waste. The app is easy to use and appropriate for all skill levels. It's a good start to the new crochet year. Love it!

Knit Handy also makes a cool tool for the knitter. I'm a big fan of her Ann's Knitter’s Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements, so this app is exciting for me. 

These are just a couple of tools that you might find helpful.  There's no substitution for your library of knit and crochet goodness at home or on your computer, but hey, when you're in a pinch these handy apps can keep you on track.  You will find yourself relying on them more and more.

Toni of Crochet me gives a helpful little tutorial of the crochet app for you in her latest newsletter.  Check it out and enjoy an opportunity to knit or crochet today!

Margaret (it's going to be a trendy tech knitting kind of day)

It's never to late to learn...

It's been a few days and I've missed blogging, but between work and the new year coming in full force I have  to admit to being a bit distracted.  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are ready to grapple with new ideas, creative endeavors and some mighty fine stitching.  One of my resolutions every year is to learn something new about subjects I'm interested in - like knitting!  It's never to late to learn a new stitch, technique or approach to your knitting.  Take some time to discover something new about yourself through your knitting experience and don't forget to share it with us. 

Here's a cool tutorial from Kathleen Cubley, the editor of Knitting Daily called Better Buttonholes that takes the mystery out of a simple way to embellish your knit projects.  Don't be afraid of that button!  Embrace it.

Available on Kindle , Nook. and  in print or ebook on Amazon. 

Visit Devin's Bookstore for signed copies of her books.

Yesterday I started reading a book by Devin O'Branagan called Glory, The Legend Begins. I couldn't put the book down. Normally, I lack concentration these days for reading, but this intriguing story really kept my attention.  Here is the perfect description taken from the book: 'Twilight meets The DaVinci Code...' GloryLegend.com.  Visit Devin's website for the full  scoop.  Whenever I find a book that rocks, I share.  I just can't keep it to myself (lol) especially when there is a main dog character named Hallelujah...same goes for a cool knit/crochet pattern or something funny the Yorkie clowns do around here.

Knitting update: The chemo cap continues to grow and I will have enough to ship out soon. Yay!


Happy knitting in 2012 and beyond...

Margaret (growing, reaching, searching - it's a new year full of possibilites)

Property of knit1fortheroad.com™ ©Margaret Nock, 2008- 2012. All rights reserved.

Lolly Luscious Hat from Knit Knitavian Style

Property of knit1fortheroad.com™ ©Margaret Nock, 2008- 2012. All rights reserved

Roxy's Slouch Hat, Knit Pattern

this is a knit pattern, not the actual hat.

Visit MargKnittinARound on Etsy for knit patterns, ready to wear items, and signed copies of my books.

Follow knit1fortheroad along on Twitter
and knit1fortheroad on Blogger
Find my books on Amazon, Kindle, AuthorHouse/Bookstore and MargKnittinARound on Etsy.
Visit knit1fortheroad.com for free patterns, knitting resources, interviews and more.


©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 pattern, or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Our stitches can...

Caps made with Caron Simply Soft

These are some caps I made over the holiday weekend.   This is the time of year I really enjoy creating chemo caps and other items for people in need.  Our stitches can create small miracles for others and open our hearts to more life, love, and gratitude.  Cool!

Happy stitches, everyone!

Margaret

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”William Arthur Ward

Find more quotes on gratitude at thinkexist.com

Follow knit1fortheroad along on Twitter.

Visit knit1fortheroad.com for knitting resources, free patterns, insightful interviews and more!

Shop at MargKnittinARound on Etsy, for knitting patterns, signed copies of my books, and ready to wear items.

Find my books on Amazon, Kindle and the AuthorHouse/Bookstore.

Knits of Yore for the holidays and beyond...

Today I came across Knits of Yore by Susan Strawn and downloaded a standard copy for my knitting library.  I'm intrigued by the wonderful history of knitting that Susan so eloquently lays out for us.  You feel you've lived a piece of this knitting yore and will have new insight into your own knitting history that you create every day.  If you love history and how knitting has changed the lives of many for more than 200 years than this is the DVD for you.  Also, a cool gift for a knitter. It's available and on sale as a Standard download, DVD download and an HD download at the KnittingDailyShop. Grab the full scoop at Knitting Daily.

Joy to yore!
Margaret (I love it when history and knitting collide - so many pretty pretty stitches with pizazz.

Spot the knits...

We recently saw the latest Sherlock Holmes movie, A Game of Shadows and I was captivated by the knit scarf worn by Watson.  If you get a chance to see the movie, keep your eyes open for knitted items here and there.  The books were a favorite of my Dad's and were some of the first stories ever read to me. I always enjoy seeing the stories on tv or in movies.

Here's a little article on the Winter Solstice from Earthyreport.com for 2011 that you might enjoy. 

Happy holidays to you and remember to spot a knitted item or two wherever you go.  It's good luck.

Margaret (feeling lucky and merry - hmmm)

The quick and the easy...crochet cowl

Do you need a quick easy crochet cowl pattern for yourself or a last minute stocking stuffer?  You may have read my recent blogpost,Simply quick and free handcrafted holiday projects where I mentioned some fun and quick crochet patterns from LionBrand.com. I made a couple of these easy Crochet Easy-Over Cowls from Lion Brand over the weekend that are just the handmade item to gift.  The one pictured is made with easy care Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, super bulky weight, in Barley.  The great thing about this yarn is that it's very soft, warm, wearable, and durable enough to machine wash and dry.

I hope, during this holiday season, you experience joy.  Your knitting and crochet are always there for you. Do remember to pick up your projects over the holidays if you start to feel stressed or blue.  Crafting and creative endeavors are kind of like that one wonderful devoted friend who puts you back on track when life gets too crazy.

One joy scatters a hundred griefs. – Chinese proverb

Looking for quotes on joy?  Visit Demanding Joy
 
Margaret (more joy and eggnog please!)
 
©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved

Get ready to Raglanify Knitters!

Raglanify Knitting Sweater Pattern Generator by ShhStudios

Do you love knitting or would like to try knitting a raglan pullover  sweater?  Check out the Raglanify Pullover Knit Pattern by Clara Lee on Ravelry.  Visit the iTunesApp Store and download Raglanify Knitting Sweater Pattern Generator by ShhStudios. Raglanify is an iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch app  for only .99. This app will help you through the construction of a top-down raglan pullover sweater. There is also an Android version coming soon.  Hooray!



The Raglanify is a handy item that will generate a complete raglan sweater pattern for you or help you customize it with design elements that you choose to use.  Are you feeling your knitty fingers getting ready for a sweaterfest yet?


Follow all the raglan sweater adventures of Raglanify on Twitter , the Raglanify group on flckr , and the Raglanify! group on Ravelry.com, TapCrafty on YouTube, Raglanify on Facebook, and visit  Raglanify.com for info and updates.


You may also enjoy reading:  Got Gaugefly? and avoid being gauge needy in 2012.


I hope you're knitting something wonderful this week.


Margaret (so glad I followed Raglanify's tweets about this cool app!)


Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter
Visit my Etsy shop, MargKnittinARound for signed copies of my knitting books, knitting patterns and ready to wear items.
Find my books on Amazon, Kindle and AuthorHouse/Bookstore
Read and follow my blog, Knit 1 for the Road
Go to knit1fortheroad.com for knitting resources, interviews, free patterns and more.

Simply quick and free handcrafted holiday projects

I love these quick knit Slipper Socks - free pattern at LionBrand.com

Today, I discovered some free and quick knit and crochet patterns at LionBrand, along with a neat felting tutorial from Living Crafts, Tiny Treasures- Felt Painting Boards and Giveaway.




Enjoy these free treasures and I'll be back tomorrow. I'm in the middle of quick crafty wrapping for goodies that need to go in the mail.  Work, wrap and roll into the holidays with crafty flair!

Margaret (it's beginning to look a lot like winter)

©Margaret Nock, 2011.
All rights reserved.


It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.
~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994.

Visit quotegarden.com for more quotes.


Great prices on my signed books, ready to wear items and knit patterns at MargKnittinARound on Etsy!

Super sale price for Knit Knitavian Style at AuthorHouseBookstore.

Visit Amazon.com and Kindle.com for my books.

Free patterns, resources and more at knit1fortheroad.com

Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter

Visit my blog knit1fortheroad on Blogger.

Savings in the stars...

The Lantern Moon Star Stitch Markers.  New at WEBS.com.

the Lantern Moon Star Stitch Markers, that is. The set is under $10 (budget friendly) and your knitting friend will thank you for such a colorful and functional addition to their knitting accessories.  Grab online at WEBS or visit your local yarn store.

Butter Hand Cream made by Amazing Grace Farms for KnitPicks.com is scrumptious!

Visit Holiday Knitting Central at KnitPicks if you need to create your holiday wishlist or shop for the knitters,spinners, new knitters in your life.  There's also a Stocking Stuffer tab for just that perfect knitting thing-a-ling....and to help you stay within your budget, click on Gifts By Price!  I really love the 4oz Butter Hand Cream for only $7.95 from Amazing Grace Farms to keep my hands smooth.

Shopping for a little treat for yourself and need a wallet friendly experience?  Try DBNY for great sales on store closeout items.

Keep it simple, knit with verve, and enjoy your holidays.


Margaret (actually feeling a bit jolly - hmmm, very interesting)

Don your handcrafted creations...

Last night, we had the opportunity to have a date night at the theater thanks to Goupon.com.  This was the perfect occassion to choose the Wrap It Up , a knit pattern available on my Etsy shop, MargKnittinARound. 

While I was at the event, several ladies came over to talk and admired the wrap. Before I knew it, I was receiving special orders (handknit by me) ...always a cool thing to get orders, right?

Remember to carry business cards - considered out dated by a few - they are still an excellent way to give out your contact information in a pinch.

Do you wear your hand crafted items often enough? Remember to wear them and let the world see your handcrafted creations, especially if it's your business. Doning your handmade items is easy and free advertising and fun to do.  If you won't wear them, who will?  If you don't talk about your handcrafted items, who will?  It's up to you.

Now go don your handcrafted doings...no excuses.
Happy Handcrafted Holidays!

Margaret (grabbing my needles and getting busy)

The hat saga continues...

The roomate's hat is now done....Yay!  To follow along with this continuing hat saga please read...

Looking for Winter Wonders? (most recent)


Boyfriend Seeking Hat (the request)

Hat Attack (the beginning)

This hat is a modified version of LionBrand's free knit pattern, Knit Ribbed Earflap Hat FREE PATTERN (3rd project down on the page) with Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick Yarn in #149Charcoal which I really love because it's machine washable, durable yet soft. It's 80% acrylic and 20% wool.  The pattern knit up quickly with a little over 6 ozs (which is one skein) because I made a thick artsy pompom (as I like to call it), rather than the traditional tight pompom and long ties.

There are other great hats to choose from so take a look.  These hats are warm, durable and a college fav-so I'm told. You will have to sign in or register (all free) to view the free patterns.

Remember to knit, crochet or craft today...it's good for your creative soul.

Margaret (my computer today - blagghh!  It needs caffeine or some Yerba Mate')

MargKnittinARound on Etsy

knit1fortheroad.com


knit1fortheroad on Blogger


Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter!


Amazon, Kindle and AuthorHouse/Bookstore

©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.

Looking for Winter Wonders?

Cover Project is Chalet Tunic and Hat

Bernat has a new pattern book called Winter Wonders (Book # 530216) just waiting for you to dive into and discover delicious knitwear.  There are eight cozy go to items (including sets) rated Easy to Intermediate and made with Bernat Roving. The pattern book is available for $4.95 OR     Download Version (PDF) for only $3.95 - a total bargain.
   
Oh what fun in a one horse open sleigh - hey!  Grab your needles, roving and pattern book and feel the wonder of winter knitting.


Be sure and check out Bernat's Free Pattern Section for more winter knitting.
 Slowly, slowly goes the latest knitting project - another boyfriend hat for a family member - eek!  Anyone else knitting for the college or highschool kids' boyfriend or roomate?  I met a fellow knitter while in a waiting room last week and she was making a fabulous hat for her daughter's friend.  Her friend was always borrowing the hat and she got so tired of it, she asked her mother to make one for her...commiserating with fellow knitters is another part of the life of a knitter I've come to accept and enjoy.


Save yourselves! Accept and move on during the holidays.
Margaret (laugh, love and let live seems to be a motto thingie coming on)


Find my books and patterns and more in the following places!

MargKnittinARound on Etsy

knit1fortheroad.com
knit1fortheroad on Blogger
Follow knit1fortheroad on Twitter!
Amazon, Kindle and AuthorHouse/Bookstore

Yuletide Yummie

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, we had a chance to go to Winterthur for the Yuletide celebration.  This is a must see if you are in the area or can take a little trip with friends and family.  The celebrated Christmas trees and displays are a wonderful way to soak in beautiful trees, decorations, customs and take yourself to another time and place.  The guides are really super informed and patiently answer any questions you may have.  This year the tour is included with admission so there is no extra charge.  If you have a membership or a part of a recipricating museum or the Tyler Arboretum, you will be able to get in for free.  Pictures are allowed and they are very accomodating if you need assistance.  I would advise going early in the day so that you can relax and enjoy your Winterthur experience.  There's also a short video that gives you a really good idea of how Winterthur came about, the vision of Henry Francis DuPont and insight into the man himself.

You might enjoying reading the nice blog by Chris Strand at Winterthur and visit the Winterthur homepage for all the info and activities.  You will be asked which is your favorite tree at the end of the tour.  That was a tough pick, they are all so fabulous.

Here are some pictures I took while walking the grounds.  There are many gardens, including a fun magic garden for the kids and young at heart.  Meander a trail or two if you can.

In the spirit of decorating, celebration, and knitting fun, try these free patterns.

Free Holiday Patterns at LionBrand.  I especially love the ones for the Christmas tree.

Knit Picks Holiday Knitting Section also has a nice array of free patterns.  I especially like the Smitten (a Holiday Garland) free pattern by Emily Ivey.

Visit TikkunKnits, Patterns for Peace Builders and Hannukah at the Cottage at Bevs Country Cottage for a variety of Hanukkah patterns and ideas...some are free.

Here's one of my favorite holiday knitting books:

Handknit Holidays: Knitting Year-Round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice by Melanie Falick.

Happy holiday knitting and decorating...
Margaret (slowly getting into the holiday spirit)

Find all year knitting fun and inspiration with Knit Knitavian Style Allow your knitting adventures to begin on MargKnittinAround on Etsy, Amazon and AuthorHouse/Bookstore. 


Follow along on http://twitter.com/#!/knit1fortheroad
Find books, knit patterns and ready to wear items at MargKnittinARound on Etsy.
Discover knitting resources, free patterns, interviews and more on knit1fortheroad.com
Join my knitting life adventures on Blogger, knit1fortheroad.


©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.