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)

The poof is in the pouch...

This crocheted pouch is made with Simply Soft Shadows, Mardi Gray from Caron and created for Annie's Gifts For Chemo. 

Sometimes we hit a bump in the road, suffer a loss, or experience an event in life we have no explanation for.  That is exactly the time we need to open our hearts the most, share with others and contine to create a better world for ourselves and others who are just waiting for our help.  I hope you will continue to open your heart beyond your wildest dreams this year.

Margaret (a heart in progress)

 

What's cool, colorful and soft?

Simply Cotton Sport Yarn available at KnitPicks.com

Well, you have to think cotton of course!  This time of year, many of us start thinking more about cotton fibers for our new projects.  The new colors for Spring will propel us into the season of warm breezes, sunny days, and gentle raindrops.

Here are some of my standby cottons and cotton blends for Spring and Summer 2012...

Shine Sport and Shine Worsted are so colorful and fun to work with.  You have to love that 60% Pima cotton blended with Modal.

Simply Cotton Organic Sport or Simply Cotton Organic Worsted are also wonderful because they ae 100% cotton and still easy to knit or crochet with.  You might also enjoy the colorful Simply Cotton Sport selection.  

Lion Brand's Cotton Ease is a sure pick for softness and durablity. It's wearable, yet great for home decor projects.   It also comes in beautiful colors that will mix and match well.  It's definitely a "go to" yarn.

I hope this lineup of cotton yarn gives you a few ideas for upcoming projects and many hours of knitting and crochet happiness.

Margaret (also liking cotton candy, but that's another story...)

Begin your Spring  Knitting with a signed copy of Knit Knitavian Style.  Visit MargKnittinAround on Etsy.  Year round knitting fun, inspiration and interviews ahead! 
Also available on Amazon and AuthorHouse Bookstore.


 ©Margaret Nock, Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.
Author House Publishing, 2012. Intellectual property of Margaret Nock, knit1fortheroad.com™
Unauthorized reproduction in whole or in part, or distribution is not allowed. All rights reserved.

 

How's your knitting game?

What happens when you get 2-6 knitters together for a game of Last Knitter Standing?  Check out the game details, yarn games and more section and join the avid fans on Facebook and Ravelry for all the buzz.  Liven up your next knitting group gathering by playing and creating a fun game environment.  Challenge your knowledge of knitting and encourage everyone to join in the fun.  The game also makes an awesome fundraiser event (love that) and a great knitting gift.  Give it a try!

Over the weekend, I watched the Harry Potter marathon for a couple of hours and heard this quote by Albus Dumbledore.  Do you remember it?  I perked up in my theater seat when I first heard it. 

"No, I was merely reading the Muggle magazines," said Dumbledore. "I do love knitting patterns." For more quotes from The Harry Potter movies, visit MuggleNet.com


Happy Fat Tuesday!
Margaret (playing games to keep the brain healthy and the laughs coming)

Great advice for sock knitters....

There are so many wonderful tips out there to help knitters these days.  It's getting easier for us all to improve our skills, learn design tricks of the trade and help us create beautifully finished projects.  Here's a sock knitting tutorial that I found today that I think is great advice and help for sock knitters.  Give it a try...

Sock Knitting: Sewn Bind-Off Tutorial by Kathleen Cubley

Knit as if no one is watching this weekend, even if you're in public.  Wheeee!

Margaret

Add a little crochet to your day...

Are you dreaming of warm sunny days with gentle breezes and cleansing rain showers?  Me too!  When my copy of CrochetToday arrived, I was overjoyed by the March/April 2012 issue.  I really love the line up of patterns which include a gorgeous Celtic Knot Scarf by Jennifer Ryan, Adorable Kokeshi Amigurumi doll by Brenda K.B. Anderson, a beautiful Dahlia Throw by Mary Miller, Wild Garden Pillow by Linda Cyr and several cute patterns for the little ones in your life. This issue will keep you crocheting into Spring and beyond with a variety of projects.  Visit the website to see more of this issue. Need it quick, no worries, you can purchase a digital copy online.  Copies should now be available at your local yarn or craft store.

I'll be back soon with Spring knitting inspiration.

Skip through Monday madness with a smile and a new crochet project.

Margaret

 

Soaring on Lace and Cupid’s Wings

Soaring on Lace and Cupid's Wings is a delightfully decorative and comfortable cowl to wear all year round and my free knit pattern gift for you for this month of heartfelt knitting.  The cowl is knit with Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Red (or color of your choice) and the buttons are optional and decorative - so no need for buttonholes.  You can also substitute a brooch or shawl pin. Visit knit1fortheroad.com for more of my free patterns.

©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.


Happy (almost)Valentine's Day!
Margaret

Mary Jane Slippers WIP

This week, I decided to try and crochet a pair of Mary Jane Slippers on Ravelry (or on Goodknits) for Annie's Gifts for Chemo.
I was delighted to see Lisa  Gutierrez's crochet pattern.  I decided to modify the strap slightly and used a solid color.  Lisa gives you the foundation to crochet Mary Jane Slippers and encourages you to add your own touch, adjust the size, etc.  Thank you Lisa!  Do stop by and see all of her lovely Mary Jane Slippers on Ravelry.  

This one needs a button and slipper #2 is coming soon. Try something new this week and surprise yourself. 

Hope you're whipping up something wonderful to share.


Margaret (firing up my crochet hook for slipper #2)