How much do you know about Aran designs?

Corned Beef, cabbage and potatoes for dinner, yesterday.

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

There is evidence that Aran designs can be traced back to The The Book of Kells. Did you know that Aran designs for sweaters were unique to each family?  They were beautiful and practical designs that would enable easy identification as well, in case the worst happened. Women designed and knit the sweaters and passed the knowledge on to their children in Ireland and Scotland.  Today, we enjoy making, experimenting and wearing these sweater designs.  Take a look at this interesting website called Aran Knitting Patterns if you crave more info, designs, books, and supplies for knitting these historic sweater designs.

Think of epic poetry, beautiful views, the Emerald Isle, and Scotland The Brave today.

Margaret (this blogpost is dedicated to Thomas Francis Walsh)

You're invited to enjoy your crafty fix for the soul at CreatingTheHive. 

Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition


Aran Knitting

Arans & Celtics: The Best of Knitter's Magazine (Best of Knitter's Magazine series)

Annie's Gifts for Chemo

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

These items were made for Annie's Gifts for Chemo on Ravelry.com and founded by Kathleen Greco of Jelly Yarns. 

Nicole's Neckwarmer, Creating The Hive Spring Challenge: Spring Tootsie Warmers, and Spring Fling Wristlets. 

My favorite thing that I enjoyed about making these items is that it was a chance to create something different for the patients.  This group needs an array of items, so please contact Kathleen if you would like to create something from your heart for these brave people.  They will not be sending chemo caps because the hospital already receives them.

You can follow Kathleen on Twitter for updates.  If you'd like to participate, please join us on Ravelry if you would like to knit or crochet small items or contact Kathleen for details if you create small jewelry items, for example.

Thank you Kathleen for inspiring all of us with your efforts.

Margaret (always amazed by the power of open hearts)

Are you crafty? Join me on CreatingTheHive and let your crafts shine!

 

Craft Hope: Handmade Crafts for a Cause

Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time

Crochet from the Heart: Quick Projects for Generous Giving

"Hive Creative Challenge" Spring tootsie warmers...

Spring Tootsie Warmers for Creating The Hive Spring Challenge 2011

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

One of the many perks of being in the Creating The Hive community is participating in challenges and sharing your creativity.  My project for this challenge is a pair of crochet socks made with Supersocke 100 from Online (part of my event yarn stash)  and my favorite Tulip Etimo crochet hook I found at Buy.Caron.com.  You can also find these hooks at Joann Fabrics and Crafts. They are a great relief to your tired digits.

While I was making these socks, I decided the weight and softness of these socks would make the perfect item to include in a recent Ravelry charity group that I'm participating in , Annie's Gifts for Chemo, created by a super sweet lady, Kathleen Greco for cancer patients.  Hospitals can be sooo cold and sometimes you need a comfy pair of socks for bed, too.  I first met Kathleen at Stitches East a few years ago, but had always been a fan of Jelly Yarns.   

Thanks to Melissa (the Queen Bee) and her team of busy bees for coming up and organizing another fun challenge. You can't see me, but I'm giving you the official beehive salute. BuzzzBuzz!

Grab your invitation to Creating The Hive here.  It's a free, festive and delightfully creative community.

Check out Part One and Part Two of Kathleen's knit1fortheroad interview.

I hope you're enjoying the abundance of Spring,
Margaret (enjoy this quote from found at Thinkexist.com)

“Not what we have But what we enjoy, constitutes our abundance.” (Elbert Hubbard)

Jelly Yarn


The Jelly Bean Fun Book

Bunny, Baby and Bag Sighting...

Spring breezes make me think of brighter color choices, adorable bunny and baby patterns, and a really cool knitting bag.

My first stop is for these incredible bunnies found at Knitting at Knoon Designs.

and for baby, check out TrickyKnits on Etsy.  Super adorable x 10 and perfect for the latest edition to your family.

Jump over to Offhand Designs for the perfect bag in the new Spring colorways. Gorgeous!

In search of even more baby-lish delights?  No problem.  Try these:

Welcoming Home Baby the Handcrafted Way


Little Crochet: Modern Designs for Babies and Toddlers


Margaret (knit, grow, create!)
"Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”


You're invited to join in the crafty fun at Creating The Hive. 

Spring Yumminess and Verve

Today, I took the opportunity to do a little yarn surfing on the net and found new yarns and patterns coming this month to Elann at incredible prices. There are also free patterns available. 

I took some time to knit and crochet some charity items that I'll be sharing soon with you.  Basically, I'm hobbling around due to spraining a back muscle yesterday...which occured when I had things to do that require mobility and concentration.  Go figure. At least the fingers are good and the needles are handy. 

Enjoy the scruptious textures and colors of Spring knitting!
Margaret (slowing down to speed up my needles)

You're invited to join Creating The Hive, the crafty place to bee this Spring! It's free, festive and also brimming with verve.

150 Knitted Trims: Designs for Beautiful Decorative Edgings, from Beaded Braids to Cables, Bobbles, and Fringes


150 Crochet Trims: Designs for Beautiful Decorative Edgings, from Lacy Borders to Bobbles, Braids, and Fringes

The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower (Mother Earth News Wiser Living)