Think Spring!

I love spring.  The world seems to be bright, everything is blooming and starting over again.  It makes a girl's mind turn to...new jewelry!!

And with my mind on new jewelry, I've recently posted two new jewelry tutorials on my Hubpage.

The first is this Beaded Ribbon Necklace.  Using 48 inches of ribbon and your favorite beads, you can make a fresh fashion statement and bring new life to your spring wardrobe!  And who doesn't want that?

Number 2 - This Etched Plexiglass Bracelet is one of my favorite projects!  I love wearing this bold bracelet, and have gotten a lot of compliments on it.  I'll admit, this is a more advanced project and it helps to have some drawing experience.  But the results are well worth the work you put into it :)

New FREE Knitting Pattern: Back & Forth Cowl

Just in time for the new year, I've posted a new knitting pattern!  My Back & Forth Cowl pattern is posted on Ravelry.com as a pdf download.  You can also use the link to the right under my FREE Knitting Patterns (please let me know if these links do not work).

This colorful cowl was designed using slipped stitches and knit stitches to look like a woven textile. Similar to my Reindeer Tracks Cowl pattern, this cowl was created to show of the changing colors of variegated yarn but would also look wonderful in a solid color. This pattern is easy and appropriate for beginners who are familiar with knitting in the round and slipped stitches. This cowl would also look great made with bulky weight yarn!

This pattern is shown as a long cowl that can be doubled around the neck for a snug fit (about 36 inches in length). However, the pattern includes instructions for knitting a shorter draping cowl, or making it longer for a looser doubled cowl.

Hope you enjoy this new pattern.  Let me know what you think! 

Friday Favorites: A Little Somethin' Somethin'

 Just for you - a little something special :)

I've posted a new free pattern on my Hubpage for this knitted flower.  This is a quick knit and easy to assemble.  And it uses two of my favorite materials:  scrap yarn and vintage buttons!

My pattern includes directions on turning your flower into a pin, but you can really use these flowers as decoration on sweaters, hats, household items, whatever.  And you can change up the look of your flower with your choice of yarn and buttons.

I hope you enjoy this pattern!

More Knitting Hints

I've added some knitting articles to my Hubpages blog that I thought might be of interest to you :)

How to Pick the Right Yarn for Your Knitting Project

How to Pick a Sweater Pattern

A Review of A Stitch in Time, Vols 1 & 2 (knitting books)

I hope these articles are of interest and help to some of you.  I'll be posting some new patterns in the next few weeks!

Friday Favorites: The Holiday Season

I really do love the winter holiday season.  Yes, it comes earlier every year.  Yes, it's a lot of rushing around.  But I love the decorating, the food, and doing something special for those you love.

Here are some crafts, gifts, and recipes to make your holidays a little more merry :)

1.  I made this needle felted reindeer decoration (above) for my knitting group's handmade ornament exchange (we had a blast).  It was my first time needle felting, and I enjoyed it.  I've posted my notes and instructions here.

2.  Knitty.com has a great list of gift ideas for knitters.  These gifts include storage containers (always needed and appreciated), magazine holders, and design materials.  These ideas are items you don't always think about, but every knitter wants and needs!

3.  In case you missed it, I've just posted a new FREE holiday-themed knitting pattern for my Reindeer Tracks Cowl (I must have reindeers on the mind). 

4.  I always love it when someone gives me something I can't splurge on myself.  Here's a review of the much desired and beautiful A Stitch in Time (Vols. 1 & 2) knitting books.  Any vintage knitting fan would love these books!

5.  What would the holidays be without food and entertaining?  Here are a few of my favorite recipes for parties and little get-togethers:

Warm Eggplant Parmesan Dip (so good!)
Easy Meatball and Pepperoni Pasta Bake
Quick Salsa Cheese Dip

Hope these ideas fill your heart with warmth and cheer!

And the winner is...

My Textured Fingerless Mitts pattern!!  Yay!  My pattern won the Rising Star competition on Hubpages!!

And what did I win, you ask?  A "virtual" trophy! And bragging rights for a little while :)

Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who voted!  I really appreciate your support!

Check out my Hubpage for more free knitting patterns and craft ideas!

Thanks again!

Please vote for my pattern!!!

Yea! My free pattern for my Textured Fingerless Gloves or Mitts (by purl3agony) has been nominated as a rising star on Hubpages!!!  I really have no idea what this means but please go to http://hubpages.com/topics/arts-and-design/2 by Wednesday, Dec 5, and vote for my pattern (pretty please).  If I win, then we'll all find out what this is all about :)

You don't have to sign up to vote, so vote early and often!!  While you're there, check out my other free patterns and craft articles at http://purl3agony.hubpages.com/

Thanks!!!!