Do you believe in magic?

Our new yarns for fall are arriving daily. Here is one I have been anxiously waiting for - I love this yarn! Be Sweet Magic Ball...it is a wonderful little ball of yarn that changes to a different texture every few yards. You have no idea what you'll be knitting from one minute to the next. Each ball is hand dyed and hand tied in South Africa.

The Love to Knit & Wear Scarf - FREE PATTERN!

Materials

• 1 ball Be Sweet Magic Ball
• Size US 19 needles

Pattern

• Cast on 19 sts
• Knit every row until only one yard remains.
• Bind off loosely. Weave in all yarn ends.
• Enjoy!

Mom, my biggest supporter!

Well, the Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting hit book stores yesterday! Leave it to Mom to be my biggest supporter. She was in her local book store and rearranged the books so "her baby's" book could be at the forefront! She even photographed the evidence, good job.

Go MOM!

PS. Amazon has it for only $12.12 if you haven't picked it up yet!

Judi Ribbon Knitting Project - FREE PATTERN!

Pattern is FREE + yarn is on SALE
Just right for tv knitting! Knit this quick and easy scarf/wrap. Only one ball of Judi Ribbon!

If you noticed the scarf project (WIP) that was on Day 10 of the Celebration, here it is completed as a free pattern!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 ball Judi & Co. Ribbon (about 100 yards) - get it before monday night on sale!
• Size US 15 or 17 needles

Triangle Scarf/Wrap - very easy project!

• Cast on 3 sts
• Knitting every row, increase one stitch at the BEGINNING of every row until there are 35 stitches on the needle.
• Now, increase at the BEGINNING and END of every row until there are only a few yards of yarn left on the ball.
• Bind off as LOOSE as possible. Weave in yarn ends.
• Gently steam to relax the stitches and make your scarf a bit larger.
  Enjoy!

New Book Review

My older sister arrived yesterday for a visit! Since she's a librarian, she is really in-the-know on books and book websites. She just found a really good website www.SuperFastReader.com and...they gave The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet a really nice review.

Here's the review:
The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet
A full color introduction to the craft of crochet, with 30 patterns.

Review: I am a dedicated knitter and have never really understood the appeal of crochet–until I started thumbing through the Chicks With Sticks: Guide to Crochet. The patterns are gorgeous and I found at least four things I want to make immediately. I’m particularly drawn to the flower-shaped washcloths, which would be perfect for using some cotton yarn in my stash.
The illustrations make the stitches very easy to understand. The patterns are arranged in order of complexity, with each one chosen to teach you a new technique. The sidebars are filled with really useful tips. And each pattern comes with modification recommendations to help develop you as a designer as well as a crafter.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this book might just lure me to the dark side of crochet. Crazy, I know, but I like to live on the edge. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to watching So You Think You Can Dance.

You can pick up the book at Amazon - and please leave a review!

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 10

The Grand Finale!

Wow! This has been a really fun 10 days! Now it's your turn. We want to hear your 10 favorite things...so go ahead post them! Don't be shy...we really do want to know. It can be short or long...feel free to include a picture...tell us what you like! Thanks for sharing and stay tuned for a lot more fun knitting this fall like: new patterns, kits, knitalongs, free patterns and LOTS of new yarns!

Now for the deal of the day....

• Pick Your 10 Favorite things (or more!)
• Everything is 20% OFF today, storewide!
• This offer is ONE DAY ONLY.
• Use CODE: BLOG100 at checkout to receive your discount!
• Offer valid until 11:59 pm EST, Wednesday August, 13, 2008.
• Start shopping now!

Thanks again for joining the fun!

10 for 10 Celebrations - Day 9

Be a bookworm!

You would think with all the information available on the web today, there would be no reason for books. But for some reason, I can't seem to get enough of them! Here are a list of my favorite knitting books in my personal library and the reasons they made my TOP 10 list. As I was compiling my list the same words kept showing up...again, my priorities always seem to be "quick, easy, portable - these are the books I always gravitate to when I'm looking for knitting inspiration, help or a quick project idea. I hope you like them as much as I do.



All items mentioned TODAY are 25% OFF for ONE DAY ONLY!


My 10 Favorite Knitting Books

1. One-Skein Wonders: 101 Yarn Shop Favorites - tons (101 to be exact) of easy & quick small knitting projects


2. Stitch 'n Bitch Nation - loaded with lots of funky & very trendy, yet wearable knitting projects


3. Knit Fix: Problem Solving for Knitters - made a mistake? now you can fix it yourself with this handy, dandy how-to book


4. Vogue Knitting on the Go: Chunky Knits - Great little pocket sized book with knitting instruction and quick knit projects


5. The Little Box of Sweaters - a box full of laminated cards each with a different sweater project. No need to carry a whole book - just grab the pattern you want and you're off


6. 101 Designer: One Skein Wonders - The companion book to listing #1 - just as many easy, portable quick-knit projects to knit with just a ball of yarn


7. Vogue Knitting Accessorize - 60 accessory projects all from Vogue (scarves, hats, socks, mittens and more)


8. Interweave's Knitter's Companion - Revised Edition - a must have for your knitting basket, this small book is loaded with helpful information


9. Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book - They didn't leave anything out of this knitting book! Add this reference guide to your knitting library and there won't be a project you can't knit


10. The Yarn Girl's Guide to Knits for all Seasons -relaxed fit sweaters with a sophisticated modern feel. Easy to knit projects that are clean and highly wearable

25% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 8

Christmas in August! Okay. I agree, nothing is tackier than driving past an above-ground-pool store and seeing huge signs that say "Christmas in July." However, when it comes to knitting, it makes a lot of sense to start thinking "holiday giving" in the summer. This year, I'm trying to get my knitting planned out ahead of time. I love knitting gifts for people and I get somewhat delusional about what I can accomplish in a small amount of time. Here is a conversion that takes place EVERY year in my house 10 minutes before we are scheduled to go to a holiday party:

Husband: Nance, I thought you were getting in the shower. Why are you knitting?

Me: I am, I just need to finish this project for -----.

Husband: But, we need to leave in 10 minutes. Can't we just take a bottle of wine as the gift?

Me: No, no..., I'm going...hang on, I think I can squeeze in a few more rows. I'm almost ready to bind off.

Husband: If you want me to go to -----'s house, you better get in the shower, now.

Me: (As I'm pulling on the project to lengthen..) Ok...I guess, I can finish it in the car...

Husband: (eye-roll) Why me?

So here are my 10 favorite "Quick Knit" projects that really can be worked up in little more than a weekend. All items mentioned TODAY are 20% OFF for ONE DAY ONLY!

10 Favorite Quick Knit Projects - You CAN finish these before Christmas!

1. Ann Norling Snowflake Stocking


2. Plymouth Baby Alpaca Retro Capelet


3. Knit One, Crochet Too Winter Yin Yang Bolero


4. One for Fido - Knit Dog Squeak-Toy Balls Kit


5. Mission Falls Thrill Mittens Project


6. Ann Norling Pointed Stocking Cap


7. Plymouth Heaven Fast Baby Blanket


8. Designs by Shelley Kati-Cross Over Bag


9. Oat Couture Easy Knit Bistro Shirt


10. Plymouth Cozy Baby Jacket & Hat
    

20% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Monday, August 11th, 2008.

Here's to better planning in 2008! Cheers!

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 7

Do you think we've run out of knitting ideas? No way!
Today is devoted one thing we gals can't get enough of, totes & handbags!


Sweet Sunday...all items mentioned TODAY are 20% OFF for ONE DAY ONLY!

My 10 Favorite Bag & Tote Projects

1. Mission Falls Biba Handbag


2. Knit One, Crochet Too Painted Diamonds Modular Bag


3. Mission Falls Hudson Bag


4. Designs by Shelley Phat & Mega Phat Felted Bags


5. Mission Falls Posy Bag


6. Noni Medallion Fair Isle Travel Bag


7. Heather Walpole's Neopolitan Felted Tote


8. Knit Kit's All Around Companion Bag


9. Mission Falls Audrey Bag


10. Noni Green Earth Grocery Bag

20% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Sunday, August 10th, 2008.

Sweet!

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 6

Rock yer Socks Saturday!
Have you been bit by the sock bug? I have...and now can't seem to get enough of knitting them. I feel it only appropriate to list the reasons why I love them so much. Note, just like on my previous post "fast & portable" projects tend to be my top priorities.

My Favorite Reasons to Knit Socks

1. Portable.


2. Work up quickly.


3. Self striping fair-isle yarn (how do they make that stuff???)


4. Tiny...fits in a little bag or purse.


5. They are like having 4 little projects in one (ankle, heel, instep, toe)


6. Ability to "throw" in an interesting stitch pattern like lace or ribs


7. Having heated debates with other knitters over preference - toe up vs. ankle down and double points vs. magic loop

The best part...all items mentioned TODAY are 20% OFF for ONE DAY ONLY!

My 10 Favorites - Sock Stuff

1. All Bamboo 6" Double Pointed Needles


2. Berroco SOX yarn - self striping fair isle


3. Ann Norling's Adult Basic Sock Pattern (allows you to knit socks in 3 different gauges!)


4. Plymouth Happy Feet hand painted sock yarn + patterns


5. Lisa Knits Toe -Up Sock Patterns


6. Plymouth Ribbed Alpaca Socks Pattern + Yarn


7. Manos del Uruguay Fair Isle Sock Project


8. Plymouth Encore self striping sock yarn - washable!


9. CGOA - Crocheted Socks pattern


10. Art Yarns Ultramerino Sock Yarn

20% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Saturday, August 9th, 2008.

Happy SOCK knitting!

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 5

Today's post is devoted to my favorite cardigans - some are sleeveless, some aren't. As you can see, I love knitting cute little sweaters that are somewhat quick to knit - so I can wear it this season. I also like the little sweaters that you can just throw on over a tee or tank; they add a little polish, hide a few figure flaws, and aren't too fussy.

BONUS...not only are the patterns 20% off today, but so is the yarn needed to make each project! Happy Friday!

My 10 Favorite Cardigan Projects

1. Knit One, Crochet Too Yin Yang Bolero Project


2. Manos del Uruguay Olde City Shrug


3. Plymouth One Piece Vest


4. Mission Falls Shore Cardigan


5. Knit One Crochet Too Tulip Jacket


6. Oat Couture Albion Vest


7. Manos del Uruguay Opening Night Vest


8. Mission Falls Fitz Cardigan


9. Knit One, Crochet Too Charlie Vest


10. Knitting Pure & Simple Neckdown Summer Cardigan

Don't forget...the blogs will keep coming this weekend, too! Enjoy.

20% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Friday, August 8th, 2008.

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 4

Today's post is dedicated to knitting scarves & shawls. I've made so many, I thought it equally important to list my favorite reasons why.

My 10 favorite reasons to knit a scarf or shawl

1. Portable.
2. They only require a ball or two of yarn.
3. Knit up rather quickly.
4. Unlike sweater there is no finishing or sewing required.
5. Easy to try an interesting stitch pattern.
6. No shaping required.
7. Anyone can knit a scarf.
8. A great way to use a fun or interesting textured yarn.
9. Makes a great gift.
10. --------

Yes...#10 is empty...for you to post why you love to knit scarves and shawls! Let us know!
The best part...all items mentioned TODAY are 20% OFF for ONE DAY ONLY!

10 Favorite Scarf & Shawl Projects

1. Knit One, Crochet Too Clouds of Lace Scarf Kit


2. Cabin Fever Side to Side Shawl Pattern


3. Knit One, Crochet Too Culinary Colors Kit dye it, then knit it (makes a 2 scarves or a shawl)


4. Ann Norling Six Lace Scarves Pattern


5. Mission Falls Mistral Wrap Project


6. Ann Norling Eight Scarves to Knit Pattern


7. Fiber Trends Marvelous Mohair Shawls & Afghans Pattern


8. Ann Norling Stitch Sampler Scarf Pattern


9. Stitch Diva Hairpin Lace Cardi/Shawl Pattern


10. Mission Falls Dylan Shadow Knitting Scarf Project

Start your holiday knitting now - in a few months, you'll have a lovely stash of gifts just waiting for a holiday party, pollyanna, or that hard-to-buy-for person on your list.

20% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Thursday, August 7th, 2008.

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 3

I love knitting small projects so that I can complete them quickly and have a sense of accomplishment. It's no wonder I love to knit items for kids. Here are my 10 favorite patterns and yarns for babies & kids!

The best part...all items mentioned TODAY are 20% OFF for ONE DAY ONLY!

My 10 Favorite Baby & Kids Items

1. Our MOST POPULAR pattern Ann Norling's Fruit Cap Pattern


2. Candy Yarn by Artful Yarns with FREE HAT PATTERN right on the label


3. Fiber Trends Animal Friends Felted Booties Pattern


4. All Minnowknits Patterns!


5. Plymouth Cuddle Bunny Toy Project in Cashmere


6. Knit One, Crochet Too's Fleece yarn in all colors!


7. All Monkeysuits Patterns


8. Cabin Fever's Colour Me Bright - Children's Hat Pattern


9. A new arrival - Sassy Skein's DK weight yarn; colorfast, washable cotton - 16 bright colors for kids!


10. Fiber Trends Baby Basics Hat & Booties Pattern to knit
    

Get a few fun little projects, knit them up and stash them away. Then, when you need a baby gift - you'll have them ready to go!

20% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Wednesday, August 6th, 2008.

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 2

When I'm knitting... or shopping for knitting, I love notions and oddiments; all those little extras that make my knitting fun. So today is devoted to my FAVORITE NOTIONS.

My 10 Favorite Notions - All 20% OFF

1. Clover Kacha-Kacha Counter


2. Clover Split Ring Markers


3. Knit Mate by Clover


4. Funky Camel Measuring Tape


5. ALL 14" Bamboo Knitting Needles


6. Zecca Snip Tipz Scissors with fob


7. One of a kind Zecca Stitch Markers


8. ALL Bamboo Crochet Hooks


9. ALL 10" Bamboo Knitting Needles


10. Little Sweaters Double Pointed Needle Holders

Lots of fun notions to add to your basket - and stock up on needles and hooks!
20% OFF on the items listed for ONE DAY ONLY - sale ends: 11:59 pm, Tuesday, August 5th, 2008.

Enjoy!

10 for 10 Celebration - Day 1

Hey! It's our official 100th blog post! We do tend to go a bit overboard on the celebrations around here, so we're celebrating for the next 10 days (and that means only 90 more posts until the next party, woohoo!).

I LOVE felting, so I've chosen my 10 favorite felting patterns to highlight today.

The best part...all items mentioned TODAY are 20% OFF for ONE DAY ONLY!

My 10 Favorite Felting Patterns

1. Fiber Trends Felted Clogs Pattern


2. Noni Bags Bobbles Bobbles Everywhere Felted Bag


3. Plymouth Felted Wine Cozy and Bowls Pattern
   
4. Fiber Trends Felted Hat Pattern


5. Designs by Shelley The Wave Knitting Bag Pattern


6. Alpacas & Llamas Felted Toys Pattern by Fiber Trends


7. Mezza Luna Felted Bag Pattern by Knit Kits


8. Pick Up Sticks Striped Bell Hat Pattern for baby


9. Noni Garden Party Bag pattern


10. Fiber Trends Fabulous Felt Totes Pattern

Don't forget! They are 20% OFF until Monday night 11:59 pm - August 4, 2008.Check back tomorrow for another day of FUN and CELEBRATION!

99...100!

Wow! Time flies when, we're having fun! This is officially my 99th blog post...and if you hadn't noticed, it's been a whole week since my last blog. Why...the delay??? I've been pondering what I'll be doing to celebrate the 100th blog. I want it to be an event we will remember and a way to say "thanks," everyone for reading and supporting us through these last 99 posts!

So here's what I'm going to do:

Have a 10 for 10 day celebration!
Ten products or projects featured each day for the next 10 days. Check back daily for the fun! There will be games, gizmos, quizzes and give aways!