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)

Sightings of unique knitting wonders...

Do Knit Disturb at the Hotel Pelirocco and designed by Kate Cardigan.

Sightings of knitting wonders abound this weekend.  Check out Vickie Howell's 10ft. tree sports Sheepish Yarn at the Crafts and Hobbies Convention on Facebook...along with her Yarn Bombed Deer (no animals were hurt in this knitting adventure).  Skip on over to a fabulous hotel where knitting rules at Hotel Pelirocco in the U.K.  There are several types of themed rooms to choose from and something for everyone.

Thanks for all the kind comments, tweets, and emails.  We are all slowly getting bact to normal around here.  Molly continues to improve.

It's a knitting world!  Now, hurry back to your Sunday evening knitting. 

Margaret

Mighty Max

This is a difficult blog for me. Our little buddy, Max passed away suddenly yesterday.  We are all devasted at loosing him at such a young age and I will be taking a few days away to process everything.  This has bascially been my worst case scenario as a pet owner. Max had some kind of viral infection that aggressively took his life.  It was not parvo, but something just as deadly.  Our vet is contacting several other dog owners who have had dogs that have died in the past month in this manner, to see if there is a common link, place, food or something they all have in common.  One dog, so far, has survived because the dog was brought in for a routine exam and the vet caught it in time.  If I receive any answers, I will definitely post them for you.  Many of you own dogs, or know loved ones with dogs and all I can do, at this point, is share the info.  We were extremely cautious with ours and yet this has happened. Molly developed symptoms Sunday and our vet is aggressively working with us to make sure that everything is done to keep her well.  Thanks to Dr Chad for gently working with Max and Molly and helping us through this crisis.  I am staying close to Molly and taking care of her, so I may not blog again this week. We are optimistic that she will be alright.

Our pets and children teach us how to love, new ways to experience life, and a lot about ourselves.  Max had a kapow!!! attitude as soon as he woke up in the morning and was ready for anything.  He was a constant companion, loved adventure and taking toys away from his big sis.  Max also struggled to please us, even if it meant curbing his desire to be the alpha dog at all times. He will be missed.

Thanks for reading today. If you've had a similar experience happen in your life - you know. 

Margaret (Max's biggest fan)

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.