Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Eclectic Artisans Team: Join the Team Tonight for our 1st Trunk Show!


Friday, March 20, 2009

March Madness & a super blog giveaway!


It's march madness...so that calls for a mad blog giveaway!
What is better than the *complete* rag bag kit!
value $35.00

r a g - b a g - k i t
pattern/fabric/ribbons/handles

♦p a t t e r n
-picture/s
-materials and procedure
-instructions/suggestions from alternative options
-this is a pattern listing; it does not teach you how to knit
-complete instructions on how to prepare fabric for knitting or crocheting is included

♦f a b r i c - k i t
-bag of strips of fabric in your ordered color scheme
(important: the weight on the fabric strips is over 1.5 lbs....just to let you know why I have to ship parcel post or priority mail)
-ribbons
-handles

♦k n i t t y – g r i t t y
Version (s): knit or crochet, buyer specifies
Needles: Large (anywhere from size US 17 to US 35
Difficulty: easy

♦h i n t & t i p - guide
A 13 page pdf file which includes some of the following:
-finishing techniques
-selecting purse handles
-selecting fabrics for rag bags
-how to make a simple purse liner
-tips on felting wool
…and much, much more!

♦pdf files are digital delivery files
Once payment is received, I will email the pdf files directly to your email address!

------------------------------------------

How to enter, you ask? 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:)

You can also be entered additional ways:

  • To receive a second entry in the drawing, leave a second comment sharing what type of tutorial I have that is your favorite or suggest a new one!
  • To be entered a third time, post this giveaway on your blog or homepage, and/or link back to it-- *please* be sure to mention this in your comment.
  • To receive a fourth entry Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter (and Tweet us that you did or tell us you did in another comment)
  • For a fifth entry mention this on your Facebook page
  • For a sixth entry *follow this blog*
--------------------------------------------------
*Anyone in the U.S. 18 years of age or older can join!
*The winner will receive the EXACT complete RAG BAG KIT seen above via US mail!
*ONE winner will be selected using random.org!

*Do all of this by Monday, April 6th, 2009!
Contest ends at 11:59 e.s.t on the 27th!
Good Luck,
Heather


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Win Yarn!

Which colorway is YOUR favorite? Here’s your chance to win it!

What do you do to enter?
Take this survey online and tell us which colorway is your favorite! (Don’t forget to include your name, email address, and postal address so we can send you your prize if you win.)

What do you win?
Yarn! Gorgeous Tahki Cotton Classic Yarn in the colorway you chose as your favorite—enough to make the Blooming Cotton Scarf. (Download the free pattern for the Blooming Cotton Scarf if you haven’t done so already.) And you also win a free copy of the Tahki Cotton Classic book, 3rd edition.

Visit the Blooming Cotton Colors Contest webpage

Get full descriptions of the colorways, contest rules, and a link to the survey so you can enter and have a chance to win!


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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Have you visited Serenitymeadow?


Hello! My name is Cathleen and I would like to give you a very warm welcome to my shop. I am featuring my handmade knitted and sewing designs. Also in my shop, I am offering some of my very fragrant homemade goat milk soaps. Occasionally, I will be adding a few fabric remnants or fat quarters I may find hiding away in my fabric cupboard. Please feel free to write to me or visit me at my blog, http://mysewingserenity.blogspot.com. Thank you.



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Monday, March 16, 2009

Hey, my little ol' shop is being featured today!

Head on over to Jenn's blog, Crafty Goodness to check out my feature!
A big shout out to Jenn for including me in her fabulous blog...it is chock full o' goodies!

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Saturday, March 14, 2009

It's my 2nd Etsy-versary!


It's my etsy-versary in just a few short days! Woot Woot!
So, I'm having a sale on a few of my favorite items!

4 pattern rag bag pack is marked down to $15.00
http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.61411840.jpg
Knit or crochet these with fabric!

Picture 1. patchwork purse
Picture 2. 12" square
Picture 3. 4 square rag bag
Picture 4. summer fun rag bag

♦p a t t e r n
-picture/s
-materials and procedure
-instructions/suggestions from alternative options
-this is a pattern listing; it does not teach you how to knit
-complete instructions on how to prepare fabric for knitting or crocheting is included

♦k n i t t y – g r i t t y
Version (s): knit or crochet, buyer specifies
Needles: Large (anywhere from size US 17 to US 35
Difficulty: easy

♦h i n t & t i p - guide
A 13 page pdf file which includes some of the following:
-finishing techniques
-selecting purse handles
-selecting fabrics for rag bags
-how to make a simple purse liner
-tips on felting wool
…and much, much more!

♦pdf files are digital delivery files
Once payment is received, I will email the pdf files directly to your email address!

♥kits as gifts?
-gifts for knitters or crocheters
-young knitters—a great project for children of all ages!
-CHRISTMAS presents—so many have come back to tell me that they ended up making a rag bag for every female in the family!

♥ convo, if needed!
Thanks, Heather

♥a b o u t - my rag bag patterns
Here are some quotes from some recent buyers on this specific pattern...they literally couldn't believe how easy it was:

SGG said "I just had to tell you that your bags are the most stunning things I have seen. I am adding you to my favorites so that I can find you when I can afford one.
I go to a lot of art shows and have never seen anything so outstanding! You are very talented."

MF said "just wanted to let you know purse arrived and
I just love it . Your workmanship is beautiful
and very professional. I definitely will be ordering
more from you. Thank you so much for a great product."

SH said "Hello Heather. Pattern arrived today and of course I dropped everything to read it. Pattern is very well written, thank you for all the hints, tips, etc. also best xxxx places for fabric and ribbon. These rag bags are just the cutest and I can't wait to start one."


CDF said "About the pattern, it was wonderful. I have been sewing for 30 years or more and some sewing patterns are terrible. This was very easy to understand and I didn't even know how to crochet...the tieing the sections together is such a good idea. The other pages you sent on helpful hints was great help."

♥f a q ‘s
“Heather, I can knit. Do you sell your knitting patterns?”
Yes, they are available in my store under the category:
Patterns knit/crochet

“Heather, do you sell kits?”
Yes, they are available in my store under the category:
Patterns knit/crochet

“Heather, if I become addicted to making these, can I buy more fabric strips from you later on?”
Of course! I regularly update “fabric strip” listings. They are listed in my store category: Fabric scraps/strips

♥w a r n i n g s
If purchased, the project and journey you are about to embark on is HIGHLY addictive. I, as the seller, can only take responsibility for introducing you to this opportunity. I, however, cannot be held responsible for any addictions or addictive behavior that may follow as a result of knitting or crocheting just one purse.
------------------------------------
http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.61408605.jpg
3 pack rag bag patterns marked down to $12.00
Knit or crochet these with fabric!

Picture 1. BASIC sassy RAG BAG MEGA TOTE purse
Picture 2. Messenger Style RAG BAG
Picture 3. Large 4 square RAG BAG purse

♦p a t t e r n
-picture/s
-materials and procedure
-instructions/suggestions from alternative options
-this is a pattern listing; it does not teach you how to knit
-complete instructions on how to prepare fabric for knitting or crocheting is included

♦k n i t t y – g r i t t y
Version (s): knit or crochet, buyer specifies
Needles: Large (anywhere from size US 17 to US 35
Difficulty: easy

♦h i n t & t i p - guide
A 13 page pdf file which includes some of the following:
-finishing techniques
-selecting purse handles
-selecting fabrics for rag bags
-how to make a simple purse liner
-tips on felting wool
…and much, much more!

♦pdf files are digital delivery files
Once payment is received, I will email the pdf files directly to your email address!

♥kits as gifts?
-gifts for knitters or crocheters
-young knitters—a great project for children of all ages!
-CHRISTMAS presents—so many have come back to tell me that they ended up making a rag bag for every female in the family!

♥ convo, if needed!
Thanks, Heather

♥a b o u t - my rag bag patterns
Here are some quotes from some recent buyers on this specific pattern...they literally couldn't believe how easy it was:

SGG said "I just had to tell you that your bags are the most stunning things I have seen. I am adding you to my favorites so that I can find you when I can afford one.
I go to a lot of art shows and have never seen anything so outstanding! You are very talented."

MF said "just wanted to let you know purse arrived and
I just love it . Your workmanship is beautiful
and very professional. I definitely will be ordering
more from you. Thank you so much for a great product."

SH said "Hello Heather. Pattern arrived today and of course I dropped everything to read it. Pattern is very well written, thank you for all the hints, tips, etc. also best xxxx places for fabric and ribbon. These rag bags are just the cutest and I can't wait to start one."


CDF said "About the pattern, it was wonderful. I have been sewing for 30 years or more and some sewing patterns are terrible. This was very easy to understand and I didn't even know how to crochet...the tieing the sections together is such a good idea. The other pages you sent on helpful hints was great help."

♥f a q ‘s
“Heather, I can knit. Do you sell your knitting patterns?”
Yes, they are available in my store under the category:
Patterns knit/crochet

“Heather, do you sell kits?”
Yes, they are available in my store under the category:
Patterns knit/crochet

“Heather, if I become addicted to making these, can I buy more fabric strips from you later on?”
Of course! I regularly update “fabric strip” listings. They are listed in my store category: Fabric scraps/strips

♥w a r n i n g s
If purchased, the project and journey you are about to embark on is HIGHLY addictive. I, as the seller, can only take responsibility for introducing you to this opportunity. I, however, cannot be held responsible for any addictions or addictive behavior that may follow as a result of knitting or crocheting just one purse.
-----------------------------
Thanks to all of my customers!
Happy shopping and creating,

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Friday, March 13, 2009

I'm about to hit a milestone!

I am so thankful to all of my customers!
After being out of commission for 5 days last week & having to get caught up, I realized that I am about to hit a huge milestone in my store! Currently, I am 12 sales away from hitting 4000 and it is about to be my etsy-versary!
So, from 3.13.09-3.16.09, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all items purchased in my etsy store, heatherknitz! In addition, the person who purchases item 4000, will also receive this set of eclectic sewing buttons:
They are 1 1/8" buttons!
Enjoy~Heather

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Thursday, March 12, 2009

Calling all Knitters and Crocheters: Have you bookmarked these sites?

If you crochet, this site is for you! Knit today voted it as the best for Crochet Supplies! Check it out!

Voted by knit today as best for knitting appreciation! Check out this darling, eclectic site!

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Knitting Finds: Bear in a bag kit!

Product Information

Everything you need to knit your own cute, cuddly bear.

Contents:

3x 50g balls Patons whisper knitting yarn
1x skein Anchor tapisserie wool
1x Pair 3mm knitting needles
"Hand made with love" tag

To purchase, click here

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Square Needles and Hooks?

While reading the latest copy of knit today magazine, I saw an advertisement about square knitting needles and crochet hooks...This is some of what I found from Kollage Yarns. Let me know if you have tried square needles or hooks! I'd love to hear your experiences with them!

Square Needle Size

Yes, they really are easier on your hands! Handcrafted to our exacting standards, Kollàge's square knitting needles are designed to be ergonomically suited to your hands, decreasing stress and strain for those who love to knit. The needles are handmade in Vietnam from a hardwood called Forest Palm.

They enable you to knit faster with more uniform stitches. At one of our shows, we had several pairs of square needles out with yarn for people to try. One sample was knit on by over 30 different people, but the stitches were all the same. These will be perfect with those slippery yarns so no more dropping stitches.

We believe, and have been told by many, the square needles are easier to use by those who have arthritis, carpal tunnel, or stiffness in their hands and fingers. You've got to try them!

Just two of many testimonials:

The square needles are a wonderful thing!! I can knit longer!! I didn't believe it but, I am knitting the baby surprise sweater and I started on the squares to give them a try and I was getting a lot of stitches so I switched to the circular and my tennis elbow went nuts....then it dawned on me....maybe it is the needles, so I went back to the squares and no problem. I love them. I need more!!!
Jan from Wisconsin

I was in a car accident 7 months ago. I couldn't even hold my knitting needles for 3 months. Because of the pain, I could not knit for 5 months! I tried these Square Needles thinking...you've got to be kidding...these won't work. Well....I LOVE these Square Needles! I can hold these Square Needles easier than the round ones...And without any pain in my hands! I am adding these to my needle collection.
Jo from New Jersey

Square Circulars and DPNs

The square circulars and dpns will be made out of a high grade aluminum in a coppery brown color. The new K-Kable is like no other on the market. It will not kink, kurl or knot and has virtually no memory. What does this mean for you? Finally, a needle that is ready to knit right out of the package. The round to square size issue has also been addressed. These will be machined which corrects the variations you get with handmade needles. The circular needles will be available in US sizes 0 - 10 (2.0mm - 6.0mm) in 24" (61.96cm) and 40" (101.6cm) lengths. We will also have US sizes 6, 7 and 8 (4, 4.5 and 5mm) in 32" (81.3cm) length. The DPNS will be available in US sizes 0 - 3 (2.0 - 3.25mm) in 5" (12.7cm) and 7" (17.78cm) lengths.

Square Crochet Hooks

The crochet hooks have gone through an entire redesign which has enabled us to make an even more comfortable Rosewood handle, while the shaft and hook will be done in the same high grade aluminum for more accurate gauge. There will be two handle sizes while the properly sized shaft and hook will vary according to size. The new Square crochet hooks will be available in US sizes C - J (2.75 - 6.0mm) in a 6" (15.25cm) length.

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Friday, March 6, 2009

Fabric Knitting & Crochet has new graphics!



A huge *shout out* to ravelry member, glad2garden, for donating her time and talents to creating this great banner and button for our ravelry group, fabric knitting and crochet!
Don't they look fabulous?


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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

BLOG GIVEAWAY: Pick a Pattern!

This month is National Crochet Month...but, don't worry, if you knit you can win too:)

--------------------------

*I will be choosing 4 different winners for this contest!*

The rules...Here’s how to enter (there are so many ways):

  • Leave a comment to this post to be entered once.Identify which of my patterns you feel you want to win! Which one is your favorite?
  • To receive a second entry in the drawing, leave a second comment sharing what type of tutorial I have that is your favorite or suggest a new one!
  • To be entered a third time, post this giveaway on your blog or homepage, and/or link back to it-- *please* be sure to mention this in your comment.
  • To receive a fourth entry Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter (and Tweet us that you did or tell us you did in another comment)
  • For a fifth entry mention this on your Facebook page
  • For a sixth entry *follow this blog*
This tutorial is a pdf file and will come via email attachment!
The winner will be chosen using random.org!
Anyone in the world may enter for this giveaway as it is an electronic version!

Enter the contest by Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. e.s.t!

Good Luck!


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Free Pattern Wednesday! A trio of 3 bulky belts to knit!

Preppy + Sassy

BELTS, BELTS and more BELTS!

Knitting Pattern bundle for you!


Are you on ravelry? If so, you can buy this FOR FREE using the link below!


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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Book Feature: Fast Fun & Easy Fabric Knitting


Product Description
Knit strips of cotton fabric, silk, rayon, and more. Create 10 easy, portable projects.

About the Author
Cyndy Lyle Rymer is a long-time quilter who has discovered a new passion for knitting with fabric. Cyndy edited Photo Fun and has written or edited several other books for C&T.
  • Paperback: 48 pages
  • Publisher: C&T Publishing; 1st edition (April 25, 2005)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1571203036
  • ISBN-13: 978-1571203038
  • Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches

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Monday, March 2, 2009

The March projects are in! Rag Bags and Rag Baskets!


Have you checked out the Fabric Knitting & Crochet group on Ravelry?
If not, please do!
We just voted on our March kal/cal projects and the winners are....
Rag Bags & Rag Baskets
Hope to see you there soon!

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March is National Craft Month and National Crochet Month!

National Craft Month

March has been designated National Craft Month by the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA). Major craft retailers, small businesses, and online craft sites are getting in on the action to celebrate a month dedicated to crafting. In addition to taking advantage of special sales and events during March, I thought I would take it upon myself to set some crafting goals. Care to join me? Listed below are a few of the ideas I'm thinking of for the month.

Learn a New Craft

I like to consider myself a well-rounded crafter, but there are certain things I have yet to try. Soap making has always intrigued me but I've always shied away from that because I thought there may be too big of an investment in supplies. Looks like I was mistaken. I found this great eco-friendly soap tutorial online and the materials are relatively inexpensive.

Teach Someone Else a New Craft

I try to do this as much as possible, whether it is National Craft Month or not. When you are passionate about something, it is hard not to share that with others! Teach a neighbor or your child how to make your favorite craft. Write a tutorial for your blog to share your award winning cupcake recipe.

Craft With Someone New

Crafting isn't meant to be a solitary activity. Being able to craft and create with others can be an extremely stimulating experience. Liven things up a bit and find someone new to craft with. Go to a local senior center and find a knitting buddy. Check out a class at your local quilt shop. Join a guild.

Finish What You've Started

If you're like me, you have some projects languishing around the house. Use this month to get them done! Put that binding on the quilt. Finish seaming that knitted sweater. Use that pattern you printed off the internet.

National Craft Month's purpose isn't to cure world hunger or bring about world peace. But, it is anticipated to bring joy to all who choose to participate.

Christy Nelson crafts and when she isn't crafting, she's writing about crafting. You can read more about it at her website, christynelson.net.


National Crochet Month

Get hooked and celebrate National Crochet Month in March with the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). Local CGOA member crochet guilds, across the nation and worldwide, will be participating in community activities to help promote the fiber craft of crochet. Crocheting has grown in popularity and become a favorite past time for all ages in the past few years. “It is no longer your grandmother’s crochet”. Everything from sweaters, scarves, hats, accessories, dresses, and more have been modeled on New York’s fashion runways. The fashion magazines, craft industry magazines and book publishers all include crochet as a popular craft trend and art form. To join CGOA, go to www.crochet.org for information about the national guild as well as the local guilds worldwide. Membership offers manufacturer discounts, education, opportunities for professional development and a magazine subscription to Crochet! magazine. The main purpose of the Crochet Guild of America is to educate the public about crochet, provide education and networking opportunities and set a national standard for the quality, art and skill of crochet through creative endeavors.

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