Tuesday, July 21, 2009

First KnitsForKids Give Away Challenge!

I have been trying to import TRIO wool to the USA and have not been successful. Trio wool is made in Europe and they specialize in high quality hand-knit yarns. Trio wool has been in existence since 1946 and was founded by three guys in Switzerland (hence the name TRIO). TRIO wool has been operating under the motto "The most beautiful yarns from all over the world."
One of the reasons why they don't want to export to the USA is that the products are too expensive and could therefore not be sold in the USA (or Canada).

And this leads to my challenge. Visit this site where some of the TRIO yarns are being displayed (the site is in German but I think it is self-explanatory) and leave a comment to this post addressing the following:
- pick your favorite yarn
- state briefly how much it costs
- what you like about it (color, texture, etc.)
- Would you be willing to pay that price (1 Swiss franc = 0.94 US dollar) for that particular yarn?


For first price I will give away a pair of red hand-knit mittens that fit the American Girl doll and a brand new travel guide AAA Essential Switzerland. For 2nd and 3rd price I will also give away the travel guide.

The drawing will take place on August 15th 2009.

Thanks for participating and good luck!

Monday, July 20, 2009

America Knits

Acclaimed knitting author Melanie Falick traveled thousands of miles and interviewed dozens of knitters, spinners, dyers, and sheep breeders to create this inspiring and revealing collection of portraits and patterns. With profiles of 38 artisans and farmers, 175 beautiful color photographs, and 30 original patterns whose difficulty ranges from basic to advanced, from traditional to contemporary, America Knits is the most complete survey yet published on this highly popular and vital art form in America.

BookCloseouts.com – Books at Blowout Prices

I found this beautiful piece of writing heavily discounted for $4.98 (original list price: $19.95). Order your copy by clicking on the image above.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Sunday Thoughts

I just finished a pair of red hand-knit American Girl doll mittens and two pairs of socks. All fit the 18 inches American Girl doll. I plan to give away the mittens in a give away.
Unfortunately, my computer broke down a couple of days ago and my old computer won't allow me to upload the pictures... :(
So please come back for the actual announcement and the description of the rules.

Additionally I am presently working on writing up all my patterns, testing them and finally putting them up for sale on my Etsy store www.knitsforkids.etsy.com.

The weather here in Southern New Jersey is just gorgeous. It is warm but the humidity remains comfortably low for this time of the year. Our air conditioning bill came in $200 dollars lower than last year... Yeah! I hung out my laundry, I'm sipping a glass of wine and enjoying my day.

I hope your Sunday is filled with laughter and joy. What do you think of my knitting art picture of the day "Baby Wearing Hand Knit Sweater" by Louise Brogan? Isn't he cute?

Monday, June 22, 2009

No More Mondays!

I woke up this morning and realized yet again, that it is Monday today. :( Then I remembered that I recently read No More Mondays: Fire Yourself -- and Other Revolutionary Ways to Discover Your True Calling at Work by Dan Miller and the sunshine and hope came back to my heart.

The old traditional work place is disappearing. Over are the days where a Big Brother company took care of you. This book is a true encouragement of becoming who we are and actually enjoying everything we do.

This is a really great read and it is helping me setting up my own business on the side so I can hopefully move away from my day job soon and work from home full-time.

On his site, Dan Miller also offers a free podcast radio show.

Have a happy and enlightening read!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

All My Things To Buy On Etsy

Monday, June 15, 2009

Pink Hand Knit Cardigan for Toddler Girl 18 Months and Older



This is a nice cover-up for chilly mornings and windy evenings. Looks very cute over jeans. Closes with four buttons in front. Buttons are plastic and white. The pink cardigan is very thick and soft to the touch.

Measurements (loosely layed out):
Shoulder to bottom - 13 inches.
Bottom width - 12 inches.
Width under arms - 9.5 inches.

Machine washable and dryable.

You can buy the pink cardigan at:


The yarn for this product was purchased at

Off-White Hand-Knit Irish Cable Sweater for 15 Inch or Smaller Doll


A cute and hand-knit off-white Irish cable sweater made from 100% wool. It is very soft to the touch and doesn't itch. Front and back are the same pattern.

Hand wash and dry.

Measurements (loosely layed out)
Top of collar to bottom (height): 6 inches
Under arm: 4.25 inches
Bottom width: 5 inches

It streches pretty well.

You can buy the doll sweater at:


The yarn for this product was purchased at