what's on my needles

Truth be told, I'm a sucker for a free pattern. Especially, when it is for a one ball project. I'm making the free hat pattern on Artful Yarns Candy in color Bubblegum (the pattern comes right on the label). I've been carrying it in my purse and working up a few rows during my daughter's swimming lessons. I'll follow up with a photo of the completed hat.

Going Green

Check out our new line of organic yarns and patterns!

Woo-Hoo, a book review!

Here's our first book review. It's from Crochet Today Magazine and here's what they had to say:

The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet

"Confident that beginner skills don't have to beget boring projects, the creative duo behind the Chicks with Sticks "No Think" pattern line have pulled together a fun-and-friendly guide to getting started in crochet. Covering everything from how to read a yarn label to turning a chain, the Chicks take first-timers through all the basics of starting, stitching, and finishing a project, along with shortcuts and snippets of advice to speed things along. And while the patterns are geared to beginners, there's no reason more experienced stitchers should shy away. The projects (30 in all) may be simple, but they've got style to spare. Our faves include a felted case for crochet hooks, rose-shaped washcloths, and a cool zigzag shoulder bag mad from recycled sari silks.

What we really love:

Chapters are formatted by lesson, and each includes a project on which newbies can practice freshly learned skills; there's also encouragement to embellish, change yarns, or work simple alterations for the existing patterns." - Crochet Today

New Book Release Date - Coming Soon!

A day Mary Ellen & I have been looking forward to is finally approaching! It's the release of our other new book, the Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting!

The book is scheduled to ship August 5th, 2008.

Pre Order your copy on Amazon.com - The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting: Learn to Knit with More Than 30 Cool, Easy Patterns

Product Description

Chicks, start your sticks! This time it’s all about knitting

* More and more chicks want to knit--industry groups report huge increase in numbers of under-35 crafters

* Follow-up to The Chicks with Sticks® Guide to Crochet

* Fresh, fun, fashion-forward projects and super-simple step-by-steps, great for gatherings

Stop letting worry knit your brows, ladies. Let go of your fear of knitting, and take hold of The Chicks with Sticks® Guide to Knitting. With more than 30 simple, chic projects plus simple step-by-step instructions, this book is the complete guide to starting and enjoying this fun, rewarding hobby. New knitters can finish up their first projects in a weekend; more advanced beginners (that is, the ones who have knitted scarves before) can move to the next level. Call your posse and settle down in the living room or at the coffeehouse. The Chicks with Sticks will take care of the rest, from essential tools and materials to basic lessons to more than 30 doable projects, including cool belts, beautiful scarves, felted bags, stylish wraps, and snuggly sweaters.

Knit for someone special.

Photo courtesy of The Ships Project

We often hear..."oh, I really want to knit another hat! But I've made so many...how many do I need?" Now you can knit for someone else...and someone who will really appreciate all your hard work!

Listed on the right hand menu (scroll down a bit) are some of our favorite knitting and crochet charities. Knit for the troops still over in Iraq who need helmetliners on cold desert nights, blankets and caps for needy children, or slippers for soldiers stationed abroad. You get the joy of knitting the project and knowing that it is going to someone who really needs it - how gratifying is that??

You're not alone in your endeavor...many of the sites offer free patterns or information to let you know what garments and items they need.

Designer Yarn + Pattern SALE

Selected yarns & patterns on sale:

• Ann Norling
• Art Yarns
• Classic Elite
• Colinette
• Crystal Palace
• Judi & Co. Ribbons
• Minnowknits
• Monkeysuits
• Plymouth Yarn Company
• Prism
• Reynolds
• Rowan

Shop the Designer yarn and pattern sale at NobleKnits

Funky Hobo

Another FREE PATTERN!

Here's a funky felted crocheted Hobo Bag designed by Heather Walpole. It has an easy repeat, so even if you are a knitter who only knows how to do crocheted edges on garments, this is a great project to jump into crochet.

PDF Download FREE PATTERN Funky Hobo Felted Bag

Advanced beginner skill level

Bag size Before felting: 30"w x 14"h

After felting: bottom edge 20", top edge after pleating 14"


Here's what you'll need:

• 200 yards each of 3 colors: Manos del Uruguay wool
• Size N crochet hook

One for baby.

Chubby Bunny.

Here's a really cute project for babies and tots that you can knit or crochet. I made this one and my daughter swiped it immediately. It uses just one ball of Plymouth Heaven yarn and a few clippings from your stash.

These cozy little bunnies are great for babies, church bazaars, and craft fairs. Since it's a beginner pattern, it's even great for kids learning to knit.

Knit one up and attach it to the top of a baby shower gift.

PDF Download FREE PATTERN - Chubby Bunny Pattern

Materials you'll need:

• 1 ball: Plymouth Heaven Yarn
• Small amounts of dk weight yarn: black (1 yard), pink (1 yard), white (10 yards)
• Knit Version—Needles: Size US 11.
• Crochet Version—Size M/9.0 mm hook.
• Pom-pon maker

Heather's Anniversary FREE PATTERN

In honor of Heather & her husband's anniversary, we are happy to give you Heather's favorite and most popular felted bag pattern, the Neopolitan Tote. For those of you who don't know - this is one of Heather's designs. Check out Heather's blogs Heather Ink and Housework Rules!

Download the PDF Neopolitan Tote FREE PATTERN

Skill Level:Advanced beginner
Size Before felting: 20"H x 22"W
Completed Measurements: 12½"H x 17"W

Supply List to knit this project:

Using Manos del Uruguay Wool yarn

• Color A: 4 skeins color G Coffee
• Color B: 2 skeins color 1 Hollywood Pink,
• Color C: 2 skeins color 14 Natural
  

Needles: Size US 15 circular 24" needles

Stitch markers, Finishing needle, Pom-pom Maker, 2 large metal rings 2-3 inches in diameter

1 year down, 59 to go.

I can't believe my sister & her husband celebrated their one year wedding anniversary yesterday! She was one of those 7/7/07 brides. Being a graphic designer, she chose the date since it would look "so good" from a design stantpoint on invitaions, announcements, etc. Later she found out "a few" other people really liked that date, too.

then.

now.

happy anniversary guys!

Beach Bag Knitting

Maggie's felted tote pattern is just right for your next beach knitting project! Knit up on big needles, lots of color changing rows to keep you interested, yet not overwhelmed and when you're done - you have a new beach bag or knitting bag!