Posts
I'd like to say "thank you" to everyone who entered the contest!
I'll be starting another giveaway soon so stop back by soon,
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
I was featured yesterday on Mommatudes!
Etsy Shop: Heather KnitzProducts: "Unique rag bags and rag bag kits! Sassy hair and jewelry accessories! Funky art and crafting supplies! DIY patterns and tutorials!"
What I Purchased: 160 yds. of Fabric Strips
Price: $15 + shipping
Review: I cannot stress the amazing customer service I received from Heather Knitz! I purchased the fabric strips via PayPal and was getting a tad worried when they hadn't arrived. I messaged Heather Knitz who replied almost immediately concerned about my package as she had sent it. Turns out, my PayPal account had my old address listed on it. I had messaged Heather Knitz asking if she mailed it to my new address. She had sent it to the address listed on my PayPal account. We went back home to our house in Ohio to see if the package was sitting there but we'd just had a storm and it wasn't. Probably flew away. Heather Knitz, out of the kindness of her heart, sent me another package without charge. Her generosity was amazing given I was as much to blame for the snafu. I just got the fabric strips and they are beautiful, colorful, and cut to perfection! These are not scraps she's sending out. I cannot wait to cast on my rag bag!! Thank you, Heather Knitz, for a terrific experience and a wonderful product!!!! I will most definitely continue to buy from her shop and sing her praises. (Even if she is a Bengals' fan!)
Have you visited MonarchDancer?
Monarchdancer is on the EART team! Her shop is absolutely lovely!
My name is Jackie and I was born and raised in Long Island, NY! Not too far from the greatest city in the world...I live just minutes away from the ocean and lots of farmland. I just love it here.
I am married with four children, that includes the husband :P~ The two older ones are in their 20s and my youngest is 14. I am owned by a yellow lab and quite a few cats. I won't say how many cats I have but lets just say I haven't approached "crazy cat" lady status.......yet :)
I love nature, have lots of gardens, a pond and feed birds and other assorted wildlife. I am an avid reader and a "Law & Order" junkie.
I lost my job a few months ago after a woman I was doing private duty for was placed in a nursing home. Feeling a bit burnt out and wanting to enjoy my youngest daughter's "high school" years I decided to try my hand at a home business. I've been crocheting since I was a kid and felt I had enough talent to make a few beans selling my pretties.
I came across etsy a few months ago and fell in love with it. I just love the whole "handmade" concept. Nothing say I love you or care for you more than something that was created with one's own hands.
Thanks for reading my profile and looking at my shop!
My name is Jackie and I was born and raised in Long Island, NY! Not too far from the greatest city in the world...I live just minutes away from the ocean and lots of farmland. I just love it here.
I am married with four children, that includes the husband :P~ The two older ones are in their 20s and my youngest is 14. I am owned by a yellow lab and quite a few cats. I won't say how many cats I have but lets just say I haven't approached "crazy cat" lady status.......yet :)
I love nature, have lots of gardens, a pond and feed birds and other assorted wildlife. I am an avid reader and a "Law & Order" junkie.
I lost my job a few months ago after a woman I was doing private duty for was placed in a nursing home. Feeling a bit burnt out and wanting to enjoy my youngest daughter's "high school" years I decided to try my hand at a home business. I've been crocheting since I was a kid and felt I had enough talent to make a few beans selling my pretties.
I came across etsy a few months ago and fell in love with it. I just love the whole "handmade" concept. Nothing say I love you or care for you more than something that was created with one's own hands.
Thanks for reading my profile and looking at my shop!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Have you stopped by Sweetshop Crochet?
Jennifer is a good friend on mine and has an adorable new shop on etsy, Sweetshop Crochet! Welcome to "Sweetshop Crochet"!!! ************************************* ♥Fresh made crocheted treats for every occasion! ♥Always packaged bakery style!
Hi everyone!I am SUPER excited to be able to share with you, crochet patterns from my own yummy designs!
This listing is for the pattern used to make the "Chocolate Creamie Sandwich Cookies" found here in the shop!
The pattern is easy-peasy to follow - with basic crochet skills and minimal "ingredients", you'll have a whole batch of these super sweet treats stitched up in no time!
************************************
Terms used in pattern:
♥sl st - slip stitch
♥hdc - half double crochet
♥dc- double crochet
************************************
Pattern will be sent to you as a PDF.
You may by all means sell your finished work!
But PLEASE do not resell, copy and pass or claim pattern as your own.
Pattern is ©Jennifer L Nilsson2009
♥♥♥♥♥Thank you & enjoy!♥♥♥♥♥♥
Friday, February 20, 2009
Featured Book: Alt Fiber: 25 Projects for Knitting Green with Bamboo, Soy, Hemp, and More
From amazon.com
Review
Alt Fiber is the winner of the PETA 6th annual Proggy Award for Most Animal-Friendly Craft Book "What do you get when you cross a love of animals with a love of knitting? You get Shannon Okey's new cruelty-free craft book! Packed with fun and unique knitting projects suitable for newbie knitters and pro purlers alike, Alt Fiber focuses on alternative animal- and eco-friendly fibers, including seaweed, hemp, and soy-based yarn (a tofu byproduct). Tailor-made for people who want to knit but don't want to hurt sheep, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in joining the cruelty-free craft community." --PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) --PETA, December, 2008
Product Description
Although DIYers have been using salvaged materials for years, the fastest growing trend in knitting and crochet takes reduce-reuse-recycle to a whole new level. In ALT FIBER, craft author and teacher Shannon Okey presents 25 patterns for sweaters, wraps, socks, hats, pillows, bags, and more using non-allergenic plant fibers. From the seaweed-derived Seacell yarn, which transmits vitamins and nutrients to the skin when worn, to soy-based yarns made from tofu manufacturing waste, alternative fibers are readily available, easy to care for, and good for the environment. And because these fibers work up, drape, and wear like no other yarns, Okey teaches crafters of all skill levels about each fiber's properties, how to incorporate them into existing patterns, and how to hand-dye them. Knitting green has never been so easy.
How To: Cover Buttons with Fabric the Old Way!
When I was growing up, my grandmother had these buttons all over her house...in drawers and in her sewing basket!
All you need is a simple kit...you can get them at craft stores including Joanne's and even at Walmart! 
The diagram below is exactly how it works!
Step One: Cut a piece of fabric down to about double the size of the button you are covering!
Step Two: Lay the fabric down on top of the white tool piece that came in your kit!
Step Three: Push the rounded top of the button into the fabric, into the tool!
Step Four: Tuck the fabric inside the rounded button part and then push the back piece into place!
Step Five: use the blue tool to secure the back of the button into place...be firm!
You have covered a button! Woot Woot! Happy Creating:)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Challenge#1: The Complementary Color Challenge on Ravelry!
I'm so thrilled to announce the Fabric Knitting & Crochet's group on Ravelry is having its first Challenge!
Challenge #1: The Complementary Color Challenge
It’s time for our first challenge!
Because our little new group has literally exploded, I thought it would be fun to also have some challenges going with this extremely creative and talented group!
Theme: The Complementary Color Challenge
Completion Date: Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
Voting: Mon., March 23rd-Fri., March 27th, 2009
Overview:
After all the entries are in by the date above, we will hold a public vote. Each item will be showcased with pictures and the winner is selected and gets to pick the next theme!
Rules:**
- you may KNIT or CROCHET the item
- the item can be ANYTHING knitted or crocheted
- You must use fabric or some type of fabric/material in place of traditional yarn
- your item must be made using one set of complementary colors (i.e. red/green)
- you must enjoy yourself :)
Definition of Complementary Color Schemes (from Wiki):
Complementary colors are pairs of colors that are of “opposite” hue in some color model. The exact hue “complementary” to a given hue depends on the model in question, and perceptually uniform, additive, and subtractive color models, for example, have differing complements for any given color.
Complementary Colors:
Red and Green, Blue and Orange, Purple and Yellow. These are the colors directly across from each other on the color wheel. Don’t let the name fool you, they rarely look good when used together. They’re called “complementary” because, when used together, they become extremely vibrant and have heavy contrast.
Complementary colors are useful when you want to make something stand out. For example, if you use a green background and have a red circle on it, the red will jump off the page and be almost blinding.
This is exactly where the challenge comes in…As indicated above, complementary colors are not always the most appealing of color groupings so the challenge is to find some that you can enhance with your knitting/crocheting through the item you create!
I hope you find the challenge to be a lot of fun!
I’ve already loved seeing the creative items everyone comes up with so far so I hope that this challenge inspires you to continue on!
So….ready, set, go!!!
Be sure to check out our group and the challenge thread on Ravelry!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Free Pattern Wednesday! Soap Bubble Wrap Sweater for all ages!
Soap Bubble Wrap Designer: Connie Chang Chinchio
Published: February 13, 2009
Technique: Knitting
Skill Level: 
Lovely in linen with touches of lace, this versatile wrap sweater has unusual detailing at shoulder and hip. Wear it over a skirt for an office showstopper, or over jeans for a bit of "wow!" on the weekends. The wrap styling and deep V-neckline flatters a variety of figures, so we think this pretty cardigan will end up being a wardrobe favorite!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Introducing Riches to Rags Fabric Ball Yarn!
~The ball above was made from Lilly Pulitzer Signature Fabrics~hk~Riches to Rags fabric yarn
My ball of Riches to Rags yarn has been created from premium, high end fabrics—the modern day vintage & antique rag ball that your grandmother used to have!
My Riches to Rags style yarns are the result of a decade of experiments I have been doing with my own rag knitting and crocheting. I use premium designer fabrics, cut them into strips, and convert them into fabulous rag yarn. It is an extremely labor intensive process. Riches to Rags yarn can be used in knitting & crochet as well as for any of your rag craft projects!
The knitty gritty…
-Each ball is a unique weight and yardage
-5 w.p.i. (super bulky weight)
-Recommended needles: size 15-35 depending on the desired look
-Recommended hooks: P, Q and S depending on the desired look
We are a lovely family of asthmatics and therefore all of the yarn is created in a smoke-free, pet-free environment (except for gonzo our iguna but he lives in a palace in the basement:)
Monday, February 16, 2009
BLOG GIVEAWAY: 160 yards fabric rag yarn!
You could win this assortment of 160 yards of fabric rag yarn!
A value of $15.00 plus shipping and handling!
What is fabric rag yarn?
Fabric yarn is meant to compliment ANY of my RAG BAG patterns you see listed in my shop. OR, they are just perfect for any of your rag craft projects!
Approx 18-20 strips are in each bag.
Each of the strips is 1" wide.
Total yardage is approx. 160 yards!
There is enough fabric here to make any of the rag bags. The feedback I receive from knitters and crocheters with the yardage is that they have about enough to make 1-1.5 bags with each "bag of fabric"...Of course, it depends on how tightly you knit/crochet and what size pattern/bag you are making!
How can I win, you ask? It's easy...here's how!
Visit my new online shop, heatherknitz and do the following 2 things:
1. Choose your favorite item in my shop and report it here in the comments thread!
2. You be the designer...look through my current listings and make me at least ONE SUGGESTION on what I should add to my line of products:)
*Anyone in the U.S. 18 years of age or older can join!
*The winner will receive the fabric rag yarn seen above via US mail!
*ONE winner will be selected using random.org!
*Do all of this by Friday, February 27th, 2009!
Contest ends at 11:50 e.s.t on the 27th!
Good Luck,
Heather
Have you checked out Knitting Network?
You are now a member of the leading dedicated social network for the people who love to knit! Here you will be able to build your profile, create your social network of contacts, upload videos and pictures as well as take part in forum discussions, join groups and vote on polls.
As you are a new member, please take a couple of minutes to read through the information below – it will hopefully answer any questions you may have about the site, and help you get the most out of what the site can offer you.
Help with the site If you have any questions or queries about this site and its functionality, you are welcome to contact us – however first can we ask that you check the help page here as your question may already be answered. You can find it on the main menu, or Click here.
What can I get out of this site? We want you to get the most you can out of your network so have a look at some ideas and thoughts about how this site can help you.
Site courtesy As a site run purely for it’s members, we would like to inform you of a few house rules of the site to ensure this site keeps up a quality community for you. Click here to see some of the site rules, or find them in your member information (in your profile).
Meet your new contacts As a new member, you obviously want to start networking and searching for your new network contacts, why not take a second to introduce yourself to the site here in the new members forum.
The Directory You'll find the directory through the main menu, this tool is a free directory that you can use for your firm or business listings. There are various categories outlined to list your business, and gain additional promotion – Click here to take a look at the directory.
And the winner is....Rachel!
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I love the red polka dot strawberry earrings. so cute!
a rag headband would be fun!
Rachel - February 3, 2009 11:24 PM
Have you seen KnitMap?
It was featured in the spring 09 knitscene magazine in the checkit product reviews!
What is knitmap?
KnitMap is a Yarn Store finder. It's a site that catalogues and maps the locations of retail shops that sell yarn, knitting supplies and knitting accessories. You can search to find these locations in the US, Canada, UK and most of Europe. Its anywhere that Google maps will work, and the list is growing everyday! Once you've found a shop, you can rate it's attributes, leave comments, upload photos, and add it to your Favorites.
Why knitmap?
We knit and we like to travel. What better way to see a new city than through its yarn stores! There was no place online where we could easily search for yarn stores in the cities we were planning to visit. While there are store lists out there, they don't have maps, and they certainly don't allow people to rate and comment on them.
When your vacation time is short and you're trying to cram as many sights and yarn into a short trip, you need to be able to tailor your list to your sightseeing schedule. What stores are closest to your hotel? You only have time for one yarn stop, and need to know which store has the best selection? Had a long day of sightseeing and just want a cozy place to sip some coffee and knit in the comfort of fellow knitters? KnitMap can help!
But KnitMap isn't just for travelers; you can use it at home too. We wanted a site where knitters let people know what they thought of their local yarn shop or recommend other places they have been. We wanted to let anyone update the list of yarn stores and add yarn shops we didn't already have in the database. You can post about your local yarn store's Open Knit Nights, your local knit group meet-ups, who has the best coffee or snacks, and who carries the hard to find yarn you're looking for.
All of these things you can do on KnitMap right now. So what are you waiting for?
Happy travels and shopping!Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Free Pattern Wednesday!
To go along with my polartec polarknit fleece yarn feature today, I thought it would only be fair to feature the free pdf downloadable patterns available to use with this great new yarn!
Actually, in all there are 7 FREE knitting patterns and 2 FREE crochet patterns available on the site!
Happy knitting and crocheting!
~Heather
Actually, in all there are 7 FREE knitting patterns and 2 FREE crochet patterns available on the site!
Happy knitting and crocheting!
~Heather
Wow! Check out PolarKnit yarn! So yummy!
PolarKnit™ Fleece Yarn is a new and exciting yarn made
from 100% authentic Polartec® Wind Pro® polarfleece®
PolarKnit has invented the first authentic fleece yarn for the knitting and crochet industry. The yarn is soft and cozy, knits up fast, dries quickly, and is super warm! Made with the great outdoors in mind, the yarn has a tight knit construction that provides 4 times the wind resistance of traditional fleece. Its amazing comfort will keep you happy during a walk in the park or a day on the slopes.
Rain, wind, or snow you’re prepared with PolarKnit !
Rain, wind, or snow you’re prepared with PolarKnit !
PolarKnit™ -- a new plush fleece yarn made to keep you cozy and warm. Its soft texture and wind resistant qualities are great for outdoor activities. Made from Polartec's® Wind Pro® fleece it offers a wide comfort range for any use, and its durability and tight knit construction stand up wash after wash. Polartec®, based in Lawrence, Massachusetts, invented the world's first fleece back in the 70's and became a household name. Today, customers can enjoy over 300 high-tech Polartec® fabrics and one cozy yarn - PolarKnit.
PolarKnit fleece yarn comes in seven vibrant colors for 2008: Leap Frog, Mermaid, Carrot, Mallard, Deep Red, Black and Pink.
Each ball is 50 meters or 55 yards in length and weights 50 grams.
Recommended needle size: 7-9mm or 10.75-13 US.
Gauge: 12 sts and 16 rows = 10cm (4 inches) in stocking stitch. (3 stitches per inch)
Monday, February 9, 2009
I finally got my shops up on Ravelry...phew!
It took a lot of work, but I finally got my shops going on Ravelry...it sure took me long enough! I'll be starting to add more free knit and felt patterns in Ravelry as well! Check out my fabric rag yarn and my pattern shop on Ravelry!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Etsy Finds: Meet zigzag stitches and her fabulous Knitting & Crochet Pouches!
ZigZag Stitches on EtsyWhile twittering one day, zigzag had posted a link for one of her items...I clicked on it and instantly fell in love with them! I love the variety of prints she uses and this is such a handy little set for knitters!
The exterior fabric is quilting cotton, designed by Kona Bay. The lining is a pink cotton print. Boxy Bag dimensions: Approximately 8 inches x 3.5 inches x 3.5 inches (20cm x 9cm x 9cm) The handle has a drop of approximately 5 inches (13 cm) The zipper opens at the top when the bag is hanging vertically, so the contents will not spill out. The zipper has a ribbon tab at each end, and a painted wood bead on a cord zipper pull. The interior of the bag is finished with overcast seams.
Sock and Go dimensions (with flap closed): Approximately 8 inches x 2.5 inches (20 cm x 6.5 cm) It is configured with two pockets, one of which is divided. The case has a layer of quilt batting to protect your needles, and stiff interfacing for stability. It closes with a button. Make your own travel knitting kit by adding the tools you need.
*The contents of the cases are not included. These items will ship flat. Each item is sewn with care in my non-smoking and pet-free home.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
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I love the heart mini rag wreath. I am not a designer, but I would be thrilled if you made the pattern for making rag wreaths available on your site. Thank you for having this giveaway.