iGive for Knots of Love!

Reminder:  Click on iGive to donate to Knots of Love.

Join me in helping rasie money for Knots of  Love.  iGive is an easy way to shop at some of your favorite online stores and donate to charity.  It's free to sign up, plus there are some great discount offers.

Here's to joyful giving, knitting and crochet opportunities!
Margaret

Happy and a Hat

 

 

 

 

Last week was my birthday...thanks for all the birthday wishes on FB and Twitter, by the way.  It was sweet of all of you to take time out to do that and your efforts were appreciated.  My husband, Dave took me for a 2 hour kayak tour at the Assateague State Park.  It couldn't have been a more perfect day to explore the natural habitat and the wild horses that live there.  We had a small group and the friendly staff of Super Fun Eco Tours gave a relaxing and educational tour.  It was a nice way to spend a beautiful
autumn day.

 

 

A little something I've been working on...this one will not have the pompom as pictured below from the original pattern.

Dull Roar Rooty Hat Knitting Pattern from Noble Knits and made with Manos del Uruguay Maxima Wool Yarn (or you can use similar worsted weight yarn).

     "No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace, as I have seen in one autumnal face." -  John Donne.

Happy Autumn Knitting,
Margaret 

New Bag! The Harlow from Namaste

Great knitting bags are like candy corn, hot chocolate and late night knitting for the knitter's soul.  Namaste has done it again with their new bag, The Harlow.  This latest treasure is roomy with pockets and compartments to keep you organized whether you're using it for a project bag, a versatile handbag or both.  I find that the Namaste bags work well for everyday use and you get a lot of wear out of them. Plus, they are comfy, beautiful, PVC free, and made with vegan faux leather...  AND the colors!!!

 

I found the best deal($85 with FREE SHIPPING IN U.S.on orders over $75- $4 U.S. shipping on ALL others) at Jimmy Bean's Wool.

 

 The Harlow and other great knitting project bags can also be found at KnitPicks, and DreamWeaverYarns.  Shop around for the best pricing and availability. 

 

Check your local yarn stores, too! 

 

 

Namaste!

 

Margaret

 

Bettie Sock Rock...

 

Recently, I started a new pair of comfy socks made with Donna Seex's Bettie Sock Superwash Merino in Island in the Sun from her lovely Etsy shop Skeindalous. Don't you just love the name? I'm using a toe up version sock pattern (Try the free knit pattern:Beginner Socks for Magic Loop Toe-Up Version from Liat Gat at KNITFreedom.com.Socks make such wonderful projects to knit anytime really, but especially when you're traveling.   It's a very theraputic experience to knit, enjoy the scenery and take a break from work...

Check out an adorable crochet pattern called Owl Mug Wrap Crochet Pattern and a super cute Candy Corn Cocoon & Cap Knitting Pattern, both free from Red Heart.

You just have to be smiling and knitting or crocheting something wonderful this weekend.

Be kind to yourself,
Margaret (making time for kindness in life)
  

 

Knots of Love needs your vote!

Please help Knots of Love with your vote!

 

 

   Your vote is a quick and easy way to help this wonderful organization and would mean so much for so many in need.  Vote Sept 6 - 19th and spread the word to family and friends. 

Vist the Knots of Love website for more info!

 

Please take a moment to read this messsage from Christine...

 

 

How to Help

Supporters can help by simply voting for Knots of Love through the Chase Community Giving program on Facebook Chase Community Giving program on Facebook starting Sept. 6. Chase Bank customers can also vote on the bank’s website. Voting will continue until Sept. 19. You can also earn a third vote by sharing a link to the Chase Community Giving app on your Facebook timeline. If one of your Facebook friends then links to their own timelines and casts a vote, you will earn a bonus vote, which you can use either on one of the charities you already voted for, or a third charity.

1. One vote on Chase.com website http://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving

2. One vote on Chase Community Giving Facebook page www.Chase.com/ChaseGiving

3. One BONUS vote by sharing a link to Chase app http://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655

From our hearts to yours, I thank you for your time and your votes!

Christine Fabiani

Founder

www.knotsoflove.org

 

 

Check out this video!

 

 

 

 

Hope you're knitting and voting!

Margaret (voting for KOL! yay)

UPDATE:  DUE TO THE OVERWHELMING RESPOSNE, YOU MAY HAVE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY VOTING ON ONE OR MORE OF THE WEBITES. They are working on it so PLEASE TRY AGAIN AND FOLLOW UPDATES ON FACEBOOK - and I love you for reading this post:)

This just in...

Sockupied eMag Fall 2012 issue is now available!

Happy sock knitting :)

Margaret (enjoing the sun after a weekend of heavy thunderstorms)

New Colors are Invigorating!

Revamp your stash, reevaluate your style and color, and move forward into Fall 2012 Knitting. It's also the perfect time to donate, share and swap your knitting yarn and supplies that you no longer need.

August is the ideal time to puruse your favorite yarn stores online or in person and take in the new colors and fibers for Fall 2012.  Feel the inspiration of new patterns and trends that you see. There are sales, sales, sales on all sorts of items, so do check your supplies for anything you may need. Visit your local yarn store and enjoy the uplifting feeling and a realization that Fall Knitting 2012 is just around the corner.

My first stop for a color check for any season, really, is Pantone.

I often listen to  podcasts, like KnitPicks  Podcast : PodcastEpisode 194: New Fall Yarns 2012.Many of your favorite online yarn and craft stores have podcasts and videos to help you now.  They're always super excited to share what's new for the Fall Knitting Season. They enthusiasm is catchy though, I have to warn you.

Enjoy the uplifting feeling and a realization that Fall Knitting is just around the corner. 

Margaret (more uplifted feelings,less Monday madness)  

©Margaret Nock. Knit1fortheroad.com™ All rights reserved.

Knit1fortheroad™  content, patterns, and photographs 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 items is prohibited.

All rights reserved.

 

a little gratitude goes a long way...

Early Morning Gratitude Shawl

The early morning is a time I enjoy knitting my gratitude with simple stitches (like a garter stitch, for example)for all that is wonderful and all that will be wonderful in the world.  This morning was one of those gratitude experiences. I usually knit outside, but inside can work just as well.

If you'd like to try it,choose a stich that is easy for you,a place you feel safe and a time that's quiet.  Take a few deep breaths and release your worries in prayer, meditation, or simple awareness, whatever feels comfortable to you.  Now, think of any and all things that you are grateful for in your life and think of them as you knit your stitches.  Be aware of how your knitting tension and rhythm changes as you release the worry and bring in the gratitude. A few minutes of gratitude will help you throughout your day.  Think of your knitting gratitude moments whenever you feel tired, stressed or upset during your day. You might also choose to bring your knitting with you and squeeze in a little gratitude knitting at lunch, or on breaks. Try it throughout your day in different situations once you feel comfortable with the process.  You can choose not to make an actual pattern or project. Use your yarn and needles in the way that feels best to you and will keep in you in the habit of being grateful. 

Yay you,if you're already enjoying your gratitude knitting! Keep it up or give it a try. Either way, it's all good and mistake free.

Margaret(found yet another feather in an unusual place today)

Knit1fortheroad content, patterns, 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, photograph or knit item is prohibited. All rights reserved.

 

Are you knitting with a happy heart?



Are you knitting with a happy heart?

I'm getting ready for fall knitting with this beautiful yarn and a new shawl pattern fresh in my mind...more to come...the heart shape is just for you, so thanks for stopping by to read.

Lately, I've been focusing on bringing more joy and love into my life.  Knitting has always been one of the creative ways I ground myself and reconnect with my heart's desires and overall happiness.  Each stitch seems to liberate me from any fear,loss or anxiety that I may be holding in my heart and that could be holding me back in some way.  Think of your knitting as a safe way to work through a problem, send a loved one happy thoughts or a time to relax and share with knitting friends.

Open your heart and allow some knitting joy into your life this week. (just a gentle nudge from me to you)

Margaret (works for crochet and other crafty good times, too :))



Knit1fortheroad content, patterns, 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.

Bean(ie) Town in RobinEgg(ish)

Sheepish Cap in RobinEggish, originally uploaded by margknittinaround on Flckr

Yay! I just finished the Bean(ie) Town project for the Vickie Howell Stitch Rock Knit Along.

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Margaret

Did you notice?

15 years of smooth sailing...

Today its all about sharing with you and a huge Thanks to all for the well wishes for the big 15th Anniversary last week.  

Every picture has a backstory.  We were experiencing 100+ heat resulting in limper hair styles -however, this didn't stop us as we managed to zip through all the appts, work, and roadblocks of our day to make it to our date on the Spirit of Baltimore  Harbor Dinner Cruise! (thank goodness for Groupon.com for the helpful discount on tickets) We figured 15 years warranted a bigger celebration this year.  The crew was fun and entertaining, the music was great for all kinds of dancing and the food was yummy. Dave and I celebrated without cell phones, ipads, internet, and yes knitting - forgive me (haha) or any worries.  Mother nature provided a heavy rainfall on the way back to the car - but we held up under shelter with some really nice people, so even that wasn't a big disaster.   I couldn't help but notice that we were all there in different stages of love.  There was a new young couple on a date, a couple with a small baby, an older couple out on the town and Dave and I, midway in our married life.  It was a wonderful experience to see these various stages of love being expressed all in one place.  I will always remember that experience and cherish it.

Make every day a BIG anniversary for yourself - celebrate each day and see those worries and bad situations diminish in importance. Make love your priority today.

More knitting blog posts coming...and some exciting news!Remember to take time to knit a little love in the meantime!

Margaret (did you notice Spirit was involved in this equation?- just sayin') 

boldly ripping, restarting and enjoying the creative process

Today I felt moved to encourage you all, especially newer knitters, to allow yourself permission to make mistakes.  Any time we make mistakes in knitting, or our lives, we are learning an important lesson which encourages us to study more, find new teachers and experiment.  Please don't allow the fact that you might have to restart, rip out or take a time out on any knitting project that you're working on.  It's simply part of your knitting experience and we all go through it.


I once had a painting instructor that said - "Don't let your work become too precious to you" - I thought about this absurd comment (seemed to me at the time) and I soon learned that when something becomes too precious when we're being creative it can actually block or hold us back from exploration and the fluidity of our creativity.


This is something to consider if you ever get discouraged with your projects.


Margaret (boldly ripping, restarting and making room for growth in my creative process)

©Margaret Nock, Knit1fortheroad.com™ The patterns, content and photographs on this blog 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 new knit along...

riding along looking for rainbows

 

with my knitting in my lap

and Molly at my side

I've been enjoying the view, knitting for a new Stitch.Rock.Knit-along on the road, and spending time with family this past week.  Get the scoop on the upcoming knit along on Facebook at Stitch.Rock.Knit-along with Vickie Howell. We'll all be knitting the delightful Bean(ie) Town slouchy beanie with Sheep(ish) Yarn. 

Join in the fun.  Grab the latest copy of Knit Simple

for the knit pattern which should be in your local yarn and craft stores around the 24th of July (sooner if you subscribe!)

Allow love into your life this week and always bring your knitting along for a quick stress release break.

Luv luv! Margaret

Stitches from the Heart

Recently, I received an email from Teresita (Seaside Purl) of Hearts of Love on Ravelry.com sharing with me that this great charity organization, Stitches from the Heart, just celebrated its 15th birthday. Hooray! 

Here's Teresita message in her own inspiring words about her involvment with Stitches from the Heart:

 I have been a member and Area Representative for the Elk Grove-Sacramento Chapter that I started back in 2008 (June) which was the same year that I started HEARTS of LOVE. My chapter is local and I get together once a month with the knitters and crocheters that are members and we do what we love to do….. make baby creations for SFTH which then distributes them to newborns in hospitals across the country.

This year we have a new director that has taken over after the Founder and former director of SFTH decided to retire. We have a goal of trying to reach one million handmade creations which then will allow us to have a national spokesperson and thus get the word out to many more crafters.

We have chapters in states across the country but are hoping to add more states to the SFTH Family. I have been helping and spending time this summer promoting SFTH and getting the word out about this wonderful organization which is a non-profit baby charity organization.

Please visit SFTH on Facebook or website for more information about this organization.  On Ravelry?  Feel free to contact Teresita of the Hearts of Love Group on Ravelry if you are interested in helping knit or crochet items or starting your own group of SFTH knitters and crocheters in your area.  Please help spread the word!

I hope you will look for ways to celebrate the wonderful community of charity knitting and crochet. Open your heart and mind to receiving the gift of creative giving.  For those of you who already have, you know what I'm talkin' 'bout.

Have a wonder filled week.

Margaret (enjoying the chance to begin again today)

For Your Spirit from Me ...

Take a few moments to find the beauty that surrounds you wherever you go today.

©Margaret Nock. All rights reserved.

Simply Red

You may have noticed I've taken a few days off from blogging.  I hope you've been creative since you last stopped by.  This is my post for the 3Beeutiful Things Group today on CreatingTheHive called  Simply Red and I'd like to share it with you here.  Try adding different shades of red in small doses to your knit and crochet projects and feel the energy of red!
Things are popping around here and I will be back to my regular knitting, blogging, and sharing with you all the knit and crochet goodness that comes my way.  Tweeting and fb likie love is ongoing so you can check there as well :)

Allow the color red to surround you in your daily life...

in your art and crafts projects...

and in your garden.  Seek out the color red in the park or along the path of your favorite

 nature walk.

Creating The Hive - Join me!

3Beeutiful Things Group: Simply Red

While I was an art student, I discovered a reluctance to using red freely in my artwork.  There was a little fear there, I’ll admit it.  My intuitive professor was aware of this reluctance and taught me how to balance strong colors like red and incorporate them into my artwork.  This lesson of balance released my fear and I began to use all my colors more freely.

Embrace the color red and increase your daily enthusiasm.  Allow red to inspire confidence and a sense of protection against fear and daily anxiety.  Red will stimulate your energy and encourage you to take action.  You only need a small amount of red to feel the sensations and vibrancy of this wonderful  color.  Close your eyes and see the color red to help you feel these sensations.   Add this color to your wardrobe, home décor, art and craft projects and discover how it makes you feel.

Enjoy the vitality of the color red in your life.  You are fearless!

Tomorrow is the 4th of July here in the US.  Happy happy!  Be safe and enjoy the day.
Margaret

Your talents are needed ...

Here's my Purple Stitch Ninja ready to put a hurtin' on epilepsy. Where's yours?

Knit, Crochet or Sew for the Purple Stitch Project to raise epilepsy awareness.

This little warrior is knit with Vickie Howell's (for Caron) Sheep(ish) in Magenta(ish) and White(ish).

There's also a crochet version and plushies to sew so everyone can jump into action.

Find out more about this wonderful organization, patterns, online communities and ways you can contribute at

 Purple Stitch Project.

  One stitch can make such a difference in the world...your talents are needed.

Margaret

Charity begins at home, but should not end there.

Thomas Fuller

BrainyQuote.com

What the???

Here's a little inspiration for you for the weekend. 

andrea brena: knitted army at DMY berlin 2012

Enjoy happy knitting or crochet on a summer day!

Margaret

A bag of possibilities

A bag of possibilities.

Recently, I purchased this Dishie Yarn when it was on sale  at KnitPicks.com.  Seeing the new yarn fills me with glee as I anticipate another knit or crochet adventure.  My goal is to make something wonderful for my kitchen or table.  While pondering the possibilities, I was wondering what's in your project bag or on your needles for the long days of summer?

Happy Summer Solstice!

Margaret

Tip for Thursday:

Incorporate a new color into your life.  Add it to your knit, crochet or craft projects, home decor, or wardrobe.  Discover how this color makes you feel.  Does it lift your mood, make you feel energized, or calm you.  Take note of your response and remember the feeling whenever deciding color choices to use for the next project.

©Margaret Nock, All rights reserved.

Go Dads!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads! 

I was thinking about my Dad today and remembering his sense of humor, wisdom and kindness.  Relationships with family and friends can be rocky at times, but the love is always there beneath the surface. We only have to choose to acknowlege it. This poem really opened my heart today and I wanted to share it with you. 

What Is A Dad?

A dad is someone who
wants to catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up,
brushes you off,
and lets you try again.

A dad is someone who
wants to keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.

A dad is someone who
holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

- Unknown

 The Best fathers day Quotes

Thanks for everything, Dad. You are always in my heart.

Margaret

 

Free Father's Day Patterns Round Up

Crochet Laptop Cover Crochet Pattern from Red Heart designed by Sarah Blalock.

Do you ever go-go-go and then start feeling under the weather?  Me too!  I've been a little run down with a really bad throat thing since the weekend.  Herbal therapies and rest seem to be helping. I've still been working on knitting projects and patterns. I like to call it knitting therapy.

This will probably be the blog of the week here and I wanted to share with you some great free knit, crochet and crafty projects for Father's Day (June 17, 2012) that are available for you before I run out of upmh.  Many of them will also work year round so give them a look.

11 Knit Father's Day Gifts, By: Caitlin Kavanaugh,
Editor for AllFreeKnitting.com

40+ iPad & Kindle Covers, Cases To Make at Tipnut.com 

Crochet Laptop Cover Crochet Pattern

Ipad Knitting Patterns

Go Dad's!

Margaret (I miss my Dad's great stories)