juno regina stole - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (11-2-2009)

juno regina stole, originally uploaded by the queen of subtle.

"it doesn't look like much yet because it's not blocked!

i'm on the easy part now: from that center diamond, i have to knit 42" inches. except that's over a yard long. holy crap. thanks, football, for giving me knitting time!

pattern here, on ravelry here."

by the queen of subtle

Mexican Face Hat - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-26-2009)

Mexican Face Hat, originally uploaded by staceyjoy.

"Halloween shop window decoration, 2003"

by staceyjoy

Ghost Halloween Baby Booties III - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-25-2009)

Ghost Halloween Baby Booties III, originally uploaded by knits4kids.

"A nice and comfortable pair of hand knit baby or toddler ghost booties perfect for Halloween. Three buttons are sewed on top in front. It probably fits a baby 3 months and older. They stretch pretty well. The booties are machine washable and dryable. Seize Length: 4 inches Width: 1.75 inches I live in a smoke and pet free home."

by knits4kids

Knit Pumpkin Faced Halloween Baby Booties - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-22-2009)

Knit Pumpkin Faced Halloween Baby Booties III, originally uploaded by knits4kids.

"Hand Knit Pumpkin Halloween Baby Infant Booties Slippers (6 months and older)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32817754"

by knits4kids

Knitted_Spider - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-21-2009)

knitted_spider, originally uploaded by velvetdahlia.

"From Barbara Walker's book of charted designs."

by velvetdahlia

Fall Knit Leaves Pendant - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-19-2009)

fall knit leaves pendant, originally uploaded by robayre.

"handspun, knit pendant necklace on leather cord.
I just added it to the shop, link in my profile (http://www.robayre.etsy.com)"

by robayre on Flickr

Knitted Football - Knitting Art Picture of the Day 10-18-2009)

Knitted football, originally uploaded by hokiern.

Don't we all associate fall with football?

"My mom crafted this football on a knifty knitter loom for a fall festival, but it would make also supe up your superbowl party - or leave off the lacing and knit a potato!"

by hokiern on Flickr

Candy Corn - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-17-2009)

Candy Corn, originally uploaded by Chiwaluv Crochet and Bulldogz Knitted Amigurumi.

"YUM, YUM Fun Colorful Candy Corn! Tis the season for those funny three tone candys we all love. This little guy sports an adorable little face all hand sewn. Knit in soft "Vanna White Lion brand Yarns", very plushy and cute! Stands 7 inches tall,
Make some and give to your favorite Ghoul's!
Check my profile for pattern link!"

by Chiwaluv Crochet and Bulldogz Knitted Amigurumi

Halloween Mug and Sweets - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-16-2009)

halloween mug and sweets, originally uploaded by jacksknits.

"halloween mug and sweets

knitted jacksknits"

by jacksknits on Flickr

Knitted Witch Over Mountains - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-15-2009)

knitted_witch_over_mountains, originally uploaded by knitvana.

"Knitted Witch flying over Appalachian mountains.
Designed by www.knitvana.com"

by knitvana on Flickr

Knitted Grapes - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-14-2009)

Knitted Grapes, originally uploaded by TikkunKnits.

"Pattern: my own - available as a Pattern for Peacebuilders, on Etsy:
www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5324686

Blogged about here:
tikkunknits.wordpress.com/category/sukkah/
and
tikkunknits.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/grapes-choosing-life/
tikkunknits.wordpress.com/the-sukkah-knit-that-etrog/"

by TikkunKnits on Flickr

Fall Leaves - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-12-2009)

Fall Leaves, originally uploaded by purpledotedpink.

by purpledotedpink on Flickr

Big Raven Beak - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-11-2009)

Big Raven Beak, originally uploaded by nattyknitsclare.

"That is one scary looking beak"

by nattyknitsclare on Flickr

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008 - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-10-2009)

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008, originally uploaded by >>>WonderMike<<<.

Men's Fall Knitting Retreat 2008

The Men's Fall Knitting Retreat was held at the Point Bonita YMCA Conference Center in the Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA.

Kyle's show & tell. Freeform Crochet and knitting.

by >>>WonderMike<<<

Mr Bunnyford

Mr Bunnyford, originally uploaded by MrFoxyy.

"Mr Bunnyford has trouble making friends. I can't for the life of me imagine why that might be."

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31474986

by MrFoxyy on Flickr

My Basic Little Knitted Doll - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-8-2009)

My Basic Little Knitted Doll, originally uploaded by judy.goofygals.

"Knitted in the round on double point needles. She is a poly-fiber filled Amigurumi doll character, with removable clothing.
Child safe and friendly. No small parts that may fall off and be swallowed. Knitted with machine washable and dryable yarns.
Approximately 9" or 23 cm tall.
Basic doll body and dress designed by myself. "

judy.goofygals

Spider - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-7-2009)

spider, originally uploaded by harpyr.

"needs blocking but here is my first knitted spider. From Barbara G. Walker's Charted Knitting Designs. It was fun and a lot easier than it first appeared."

Uploaded by harpyr on 7 Feb 08, 7.37PM EDT.

Boo the Bat - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-6-2009)

Boo the Bat , originally uploaded by Mochimochi Land.

"Boo’s favorite word is...BOO!
Boo’s second favorite word? YAHTZEE!

This little bat features wraparound wings and feet that can hang from your finger or the nearest tree branch."

by Mochimochi Land

Small Knitted Pumpkin - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-5-2009)

small knitted pumpkin, originally uploaded by nattyknitsclare.

nattyknitsclare said "A copy of the first knitted critter I ever sold. Awwwww."

Knitted Pear by Jen Fitz - Knitting Art Picture of the Day (10-4-2009)

knitted pear, originally uploaded by jen fitz.

Knitted pear baby rattle. Part of an apple and pear themed baby gift for a brand new baby who's parents run an organic fruit stall at the local markets.

Pattern from peachcake knits. Jen Fitz substituted this leaf pattern (made smaller, co 6) and inserted a small plastic container filled with rice when stuffing.

Getting the Knitting Word Out

Yep, I'm doing the same thing these days as all other knitters are doing... juggling knitting, twitter, blogging, Etsy store, Atomic Mall store etc. Obviously, if I have to keep up with this frenzy, there's hardly any time to do actual knitting.

Instead of doing all the marketing myself, I have started to list my stores in different arts and crafts directories.

I've stumbled upon two nice little sites where you can get an add placed for your store for little or no money.

The first directory is www.findithandmade.net where the basic listing is free. Additionally they are offering a standard listing ($5/year) and a premium listing ($10/year).

The second directory is a blog named the Handmade Highway and it costs $10 per year to get listed ($5 for the remainder of this year, next year between $10 and $15).

And of course you should definitely be listed in the Every Place I Sell directory, particularly if you have several stores... like me. And best of all... it's free too!

Back from Vacation

This is my second week back from vacation and I am still trying to get back into the groove or maybe get back into a different groove.

Inspired by the beautiful fall weather I have listed a few more hand knit and other baby toddler items on my KnitsForKids Atomic Mall store. The items consist of two pairs of flip flops, 4 pairs of shorts and 3 pretty little beach dresses. Just in case you decide to go on vacation to the Caribean and can't find anything summery for your little one.

I also listed a Yellow American Girl Doll Hand Knit Mini Skirt with Hat on Ebay. The starting bid is $0.99 and the shipping and handling fee is $2.85.

I am making progress with my list of over 100 tips on saving money and saving energy during tough economic times. My husband finally proof-read the draft and it just needs a few more touches.
I will be giving out ten tips for free in my monthly newsletter. Click HERE if you would like to sign up. You can unsubscribe anytime. The October newsletter will contain the 10 free tips from the list. The complete list can be downloaded in .pdf format for $4.99.

Winners of First KnitsForKids Give Away Challenge

My 18 month old son performed the drawing.

The mittens and the guide was won by Laura's Lefthook (www.lauraslefthook.etsy.com). Also check out her wonderful blog at http://lauraslefthook.wordpress.com/.

Second and Third price (which was a guide of Switzerland each) was won by Chelsea and Jessica.

Thank you for participating!

Etsy Hand Knit Fashion Gallery for the American Girl Doll

Knitting Proverbs

I tried to find proverbs that deal with knitting. It was difficult but despite I dug up a few.

Many bags are knit and closed tightly even before they are completely full. (Swiss proverb)
Without your needles you can't knit socks. (German proverb)
Poorly spun, poorly knitted. (German proverb)
In German to knit was used in a similar context as strict, severe, rigorous, stern. I guess this is somewhat reflected in the English word "strict" (German: "stricken").
In winter warm, in summer cool, there is no substitute for wool. (unknown)
If you knit, you will rip. (Tara Anderson)
Better to knit (or knot) than blossom. (unknown)
They are a tight knit couple. (general saying)
The proverb "A fool found wool" describes a woman who when she attempts to knit with wool will make the wool useless because she lacks the appropriate skills to handle it.

2009 Knitting Art Picture of the Day

Knitting Art Picture of the Day (9-24-2009): Indian Fishermen in Colorful Knit Hats Row across Lake Titicaca in Totora Boats Made of Reeds, Peru by Bill Ray
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-15-2009): 1950's Dog's Knit Fashions
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-14-2009): Skeins of Colorful Yarn Adorn a Vendors by Jodi Cobb
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-13-2009): The Ball of Yarn by Alfred De Neuville
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-12-2009): "Modeling Knit Fabric Shirts"
"White Bear with Blue Sweater" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-10-2009)
"Cotton Grass or Hares Tail, Summer" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-9-2009)
"Winding the Skein" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-7-2009)
"Didn't You Know I Could Knit?" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-7-2009)
"Woolcraft, A Practical Guide to Knitting and Crochet" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-6-2009)
This must be the largest "knitting" needle in the world. Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-3-2009)
"Figure in Wool Dyers Textile Souk, Marrakesh, Morocco, Africa" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (8-2-2009)
"Holidays in Switzerland" Knitting Art Picture of the Day (Swiss National Holiday)
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-31-2009): "Wool"
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-30-2009): Yarn and Red Nuts in Market Stall, Chichicastenango, Guatemala.
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-29-2009): The Knit at Home Series, Man with Pipe in Knitted Vest
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-28-2009): Modeling Knit Fabric Shirts
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-27-2009): Life Magazine - How to Knit, November 24, 1941
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-26-2009): Boy Doll in Sweater Vest
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-25-2009): Detail of Colorful Wool Socks at Market in Raekoja Plats
Knitting Art Picture of the Day: English Cabby Dutifully Knitting Sweater For British Soldier as He Waits at Taxi Rac
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-23-2009): Close-Up of the Bold Blue and White Textile of a Knit Sweater
Knitting Art Picture of the Day (7-20-2009)
Knits4Kids knitting art picture of the day (7-19-2009)
Kitty Knit -- Knitting art pic of the day.

Nursery Knits: More Than 30 Designs for Clothes, Toys and Other Items for 0-3 Year Olds

Synopsis
More than 30 imaginative designs, from all-in-one baby outfits and knitted garments to toys and baby blankets, all inspired by traditional nursery motifs.

The patterns are easy to follow and knit, combining style and practicality, and are suitable for knitters of all levels of skills.

Each finished design is illustrated in irresistible photographs.


Biography
Debbie Bliss is the author of the enormously popular Baby Knits as well as New Baby Knits, Kids’ Knits for Heads, Hands and Toes, Nursery Knits, Teddy Bears, Toy Knits, Baby Style, and Quick Baby Knits. She lives in England.


Prices for a brand new copy
BookCloseOut: $6.99
Amazon: $15.61
Barnes and Nobles: $22.95 Online price, $20.65 Member price

Not Your Mama's Knitting

This is knitting with attitude—your attitude. This book hits the basics, bypasses the boring stuff, foregos the granny cardigans of old, and shows you how to knit cool creations that will be the envy of all. Choose one of nearly thirty designs, follow the simple directions, and knit fun, trendy items to dress yourself, your friends, your apartment, a baby, or even a pet or two. If following directions isn't in your nature, use the hints provided to make the piece entirely unique.



Get clicking with:
* Must-know techniques, including basic knits and purls, cables and bobbles, multicolor knitting, and more
* Info on needles, yarn varieties, and tools of the trade
* Suggestions for customizing every design and personalizing every project so that they're truly yours
* Quick references that explain Greek-looking knitting abbreviations and let you inventory your needle stash

Don't follow the crowd. Crack open Not Your Mama's Knitting and learn how to express yourself with hip, hyper-chic designs any fashionista would covet.

Prices for a brand new copy:
BookCloseouts: $ 6.99
Amazon: $10.19
Barnes & Noble: $14.99 Online price, $13.49 Member price

A Knitting Pattern Every Week

As my new blog project I will try to publish a new knitting pattern once a week. I'm just not sure yet how to do it with the pictures. If I should knit the piece, take a picture and put it on the blog, or if I should create a pattern schema or both. Probably both.

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!

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.



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 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?

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!

All My Things To Buy On Etsy

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