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!

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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*

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*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

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!

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!

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.

BLOG GIVEAWAY: Pick a Pattern!

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

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*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!

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

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!

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!

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!♥♥♥♥♥♥

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:**

1. you may KNIT or CROCHET the item
2. the item can be ANYTHING knitted or crocheted
3. You must use fabric or some type of fabric/material in place of traditional yarn
4. your item must be made using one set of complementary colors (i.e. red/green)
5. 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!

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:)

Have you checked out Knitting Network?

Welcome to the 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.

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!

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

Etsy Finds: Meet zigzag stitches and her fabulous Knitting & Crochet Pouches!

ZigZag Stitches on Etsy
While 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!

This is matching set of a Boxy Bag zippered pouch, and a Sock and Go knitting tools mini case. It’s great for any knitter who makes small items, especially socks. The Sock and Go case will fit inside the Boxy Bag, along with a small knitting project.

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.

*Blog Giveaway* Win my rag bag 4 pack of patterns!

You could win this 4 pack bundle of rag bag patterns! They are in pdf format and will be EMAILED to the WINNER once the winner is selected! If purchased separately, they have a value of $24.00! Yes, you can choose if you are the winner between the KNITTING and CROCHET versions--I have both!

How can I win, you ask? It's easy...here's how!
Visit my etsy shop, heatherknitz and do the following 2 things:

1. Choose your favorite item in my shop (don't get lost...hehe) and report it here in the comments thread!
2. You be the designer...look through my current patterns and tell me what you think I should design next using fabric rags! No, it absolutely does *not* have to be a purse...it can be anything! Report your suggestion here in the comments thread!
***Please be sure to include a way for me to contact you in case you win!***

*Anyone worldwide can join!
*The winner will receive the pdf patterns via email attachment!
*ONE winner will be selected using random.org!
*Do all of this by Friday, February 13th, 2009!
Good Luck,
Heather

Experimenting with my new fabric yarn balls!

As I was putting some of my latest fabric balls of yarn together, I decided to do some new things! In a couple of the balls, I decided to add grosgrain ribbons...1" and 1/2" widths. I also invested in the Martha Stewart fancy edges for her ergonomic rotary cutter...I used the scallop and the rick rack edges on some of the fabric!

Join the Fabric Knitting & Crochet group on Flickr!

Please join and share your pictures with us!

Our fabric knitting & crochet group is featured this week on Ravelry!

A few days ago I decided to start this group around one of my interests in knitting and crochet, using fabric yarn!
Here we are in the spotlight~after just a few days!

Are you interested in knitting and crocheting with fabric? If so, our ravelry group is for you!
Hope to see you there soon!