Happy Holidays

As the end of the year is fast approaching, I would like to thank you all for your support and kind words of encouragement.
My never ending quest for fresh and new ideas doesn't stop, so keep on reading in the New Year.
For those of you who may have missed a post or two, below are my blog's
ALL TIME TOP 20 - click on the image to read the entire post.
To all a wonderful, safe and happy holiday. See you back here January 5, 2015.

Needlecrafts - Crochet | Knit | Recycle, Felting Bags

Large side image | kit available for purchase here Top image | free pattern available here Bottom image | kit information available here

Top image | read complete post tutorial here Bottom image | excellent felting information and tutorial available here

What is felting? Well, for me it was an accident when a favourite cashmere sweater went in the wash by accident.
I found out very quickly when I pulled out a miniature version of what was the original size. The fibres constrict together which results in a smaller and thicker fabric.
It is an age old craft that has evolved with local traditions wherever it was used and has become a very popular process in knitting and crochet.
Special "roving" type yarns have been developed especially for this type of craft. The technique for felting is quite easy with a few tips to remember: 1. Make sure that the sweater is made from 100% wool, if possible. Superwash wool will not give you the felted results as it has been processed for machine washing. 2. When felting projects in your washing machine, put the project into an old pillow case and tie the top closed. The old pillow case will catch most of the fibers that come out of the sweater during the felting process so that they do not clog up your washing machine drain hose or pipe. 3. Use hot water for the wash and warm water for the rinse, half the amount of laundry soap and do not use fabric softener 4. Dry project in a pillowcase in the clothes dryer to trap as much stray fiber as possible. Do not completely dry. When still damp, remove project, form to desired shape and lay flat until completely dry. Read further for ideal free knit and crochet bag patterns for felting, how to recycle old sweaters into totes and helpful videos showing you how to felt without a washing machine!

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Holiday Gifts - Keeping Knitters in Stitches

Nordic | free pattern available here
Fair Isle | free pattern available here
Aran | free pattern available here
Guernsey | free pattern available here

Finding the right gift for someone special who knits or is starting to knit is actually easy.
Most serious knitters have a personal library of knitting books, collected throughout the years as different interests arose but there is always one more that would add value to their collection.
Featured above are free patterns for different, traditional styles in knitting and below are suggested books that highlight, educate and help knitters master techniques traditional to each of these styles.
Additionally, a knitter can never have enough accessories. Mine have gone missing from time to time and small stocking stuffers are always appreciated.
If there's a friend or family member starting to knit, there are starter toolkits providing that new knitter with everything but the yarn. It can't get any easier.

Read further for suggestions on excellent knitting books and accessories you can buy for the knitter you know. Who knows, appreciation may eventually be reciprocated with a new hat or scarf.
Click on the images of books and accessories under banners for more information.

Toolkit | Amazon.com - see link below
Stocking | Michael's Craft Stores and Walmart
Needle case | needle case available for purchase here
Storage | bag available for purchase here

For those of you who like to sew, this carryall bag with inside or outside pockets would be be such an attractive and useful gift for any knitter.
The pockets are ideal for needles, patterns, measuring tape and all other accessories you need.
The tote itself carries the project in progress and any extra yarn.
Don't limit it just knitters, crocheters will love it too.

Top tote | free tutorial available here
Bottom tote | free tutorial available here

Needlecrafts - Knit Baby, Boys will be Boys

As the name in the title implies, the adorable free patterns featured in this week's post are definitely with boys in mind. Baby girls are so lucky! There are so many adorable patterns available for that special princess.
Granted, a lot of patterns can be viewed as unisex simply by the color choice you make or by simplifying details in a design. Even though some traditionalists prefer colors such as navy, grey, cream and red for boys, greyed down tones of pink and purple can be striking in a striped design when combined with more traditional neutrals such as grey, cream or taupe.
Denim shades always work, right from the darkest to the lightest blue.
From the top of the head down to the toes, there are patterns that includes hats, booties, classic pullovers and jackets, many of these ideal for the beginning knitter.
Read further for a charming collection of free knitting patterns, ideal for baby boys or girls that are practical, yet beautiful. This collection of garment essentials caters to all your baby's knitwear needs and will be sure to delight every new parent and their baby.

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