EtsyKnitters

ElleGanT

2010-12-02T13:10:00.042-05:00

I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Etsy Knitters "Winter Warmers" Team Challenge is this fantastic baby hat by Ellen of Dream Knits by Ellen. A very worthy winner and best-seller (kindly modelled by customer Allison's son Garrett).

Ellen is an expert knitter with a lifetime of experience that is reflected in her beautiful knits and I hope you enjoy getting to know her.

My name is Ellen.
I was born in Ukraine and moved to United States 17 years ago.
I have a daughter, two sons and two precious grandchildren.

I discovered knitting when I was six years old. If I could, I would knit 24/7. I knit everything, starting with a sweater with complicated patterns and ending with infant baby shoes.

I come up with the ideas as I knit. I only know what I am about to make, a hat or a pair of mittens and the ideas for the details just come pouring in. I record new pattern when the item is almost ready. It's a labor of love.

I always wanted to have my own serene and cozy knitting cafe. Then I discovered ETSY. My whole family put lots of effort to make my ETSY store the way you see it now.

I am very thankful to my customers, who kindly share pictures of their children wearing my creations. Here is my customer Angie's daughter Luna modelling my "Moose" hat. My customers are also a source of the ideas. I use mostly good quality cashmere and wool occasionally for my products.

My personal favorites are the "Owl" hat and the "Valen tine's Day Glove". My "Valentine's Day Glove" was featured in "BUST" magazine FEBRUARY/MARCH issue 2010.

My bestseller is the "Mouse" hat that won me ETSY KNITTERS TEAM Challenge.

I wanted to say very special "Thank you" to Allison, Meghan and Angie for providing pictures of their children.

I love being a part of ETSY and member of ETSYKNITTERS TEAM. I met so many wonderful people here.

My major reward as an artisan is to know that my customers love and enjoy to wear my creations.

Winter Warmers Voter

2010-11-22T15:10:00.002-05:00

Please stop by and cast a vote for your favourite item in the Winter Warmers Challenge!

Etsy Knitters Treasure Hunt

2010-11-22T13:35:00.007-05:00

Get 10% off your winter warmers with the Etsy Knitters Team Treasure Hunt! With everything in our stores from novelty golf club covers to heavenly handspun yarns, you are sure to find great gifts for all!

To obtain your discount, simply find FIVE listings containing the Etsy Knitters Treasure Hunt graphic (search EtsyKnitters Team) and convo EtsyKnittersTeam or JayCeeOriginals with your list for verification.

The Treasure Hunt will run from midnight November 25th until midnight November 30th.

The small print:

You must correctly identify 5 listings containing the image above to qualify.
The 10% discount is good for one transaction in ANY participating store.
A unique discount code together with a list of all participating stores will be provided once your entry is verified.
Only one entry per person/shop please.
The Treasure Hunt is open to ALL.

Introduction - Sara - ModernShop

2010-10-09T11:56:00.000-04:00

Hello All,
I am one of the new bloggers and I would just like to introduce myself. My name is Sara and my Etsy shop is ModernShop.etsy.com. I hand dye my own yarn, I spin yarn, crochet, and knit. Also, some of my sewing and painting items will show up in my shop from time to time. I'm really happy to help with this blog and I hope the new management can help get this place up and running will all the new changes that are happening. I'd be glad to help anyone if they have any questions about knitting/crocheting/dyeing. These are some of my passions, as I'm sure they are yours as well, and I can't wait to start the blog up with the other 3 bloggers.

-Sara

Changes are in the works!

2010-10-03T08:09:00.002-04:00

Behind the scenes there have been changes! New moderators, new bloggers, and new energy to fuel our team!

We now have 4, count them, 4 bloggers! We're working on a schedule for blogging, and we would love your input about topics. After all, we're all here to work together and support each other.

I'll just mention a little about myself, and I'll let the other bloggers introduce themselves. I'm Eve, and I recently started dyeing and selling yarn as Fiber Charmer. Being self-employed, while it takes up a lot of time, also gives me the opportunity to do things like volunteer for this team. I'm also active in the Atlanta Knitting Guild, being the junior vice president of programs this year, segueing into vice president of programs for the 2011-2012 year. Besides dyeing yarn, which is a relatively new craft for me, I knit, sew, quilt, cook, know how to crochet and tat, and do some half-a**ed gardening. I learned canning earlier this year, and I went a bit mad making relishes with the masses of cucumbers I grew this summer. I've been exploring handmade skincare also, and I took a class on soap making at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival. I've done a bit of experimenting making lotion bars too.

Honestly, I know I probably have much in common with many of you. Most of us who sell our handmade goods have dabbled in many other crafts in search of the one that calls most to us. Many of us are serial crafters in that we started with one (I like to call it a gateway craft) when we were young, and have moved through many others that we have set aside, in my case needlepoint and cross stitch.

This is such a great way to be. We are always learning and expanding our knowledge. If we experience burnout in one area, we can put it into hibernation and go on to another method of meeting our need to create until that burnout passes. I'll admit that right now I've been torn between doing the dyeing that I need to do and pulling out the sewing machine and trying a new skirt pattern, which is what I want to do.

Anyway, we'll get back to business. We have gotten some feedback about blog topics, and we'd love suggestions. As I said earlier, we're all here to learn from each other and work together. I'm excited to be able to help and learn with such a great group.

The EtsyKnitters Team Wishes You a Happy Valentine's Day

2010-01-21T13:23:00.003-05:00

The Etsy Knitters Team designs for the holidays.

Who:
The Etsy Knitters Team, an international group of talented and successful knitters, has challenged its members to create items that represent the festivities behind each major holiday. This year-long challenge will begin with Valentine’s Day.

What:
The items posted by members will certainly encompass a wide range of knitted finery as well as supplies coveted by knitters. Only the member’s own imagination can set limits on the designs submitted.

When:
January 21, 2010 through February 14, 2010
The holiday challenge related to Valentine’s Day will begin today and run up to February 14th.

Where:
Etsy.com
Starting today through Valentine’s Day, members of the Etsy Knitters Team will present handmade items that showcase the romance and love of Valentine’s Day to the public through Etsy.com.
To search for challenge items, please type in the name of the holiday, for example “Valentines”, and “etsyknitters team” into Etsy’s search engine or click this link. Members will be listing their offerings to the challenge up to Valentine’s Day. Be sure to visit Etsy and search often.

Flickr.com
Additionally, the Etsy Knitters Team has set up a gallery for buyers to peruse through on Flickr.
The gallery can be located via this link.

Why:
This challenge was created to assist buyers in locating holiday-related knitting items more easily and readily.

New Moderator

2009-12-10T11:18:00.003-05:00

To EtsyKnitters Team Members,

Please join me in welcoming Robbi of KindredKnits as a moderator.

Robbi will be adding a much needed jolt of energy to the current group of 3 moderators made up of Mette (KnittingMette), Sherri (SherriCrochets) and myself.

As this team has grown in leaps and bounds in the past year, we three had to humbly admit that we couldn't keep up with the pace. Robbi will be assisting us in keeping current member lists up to date, in brainstorming new ways to promote the EK team, and in contributing to a million other small behind-the-scenes tasks.

We are thrilled that she agreed to take on the moderator role.

Knit a Poem

2009-08-18T08:25:00.005-04:00

Interview with Judith Palmer, Director of the Poetry Society

by Federica Giudice

A giant knitted poem for the centenary of the Poetry Society of Great Britain! What a great idea! I immediately thought - and like more than 700 knitters around the world I got in contact with the Poetry Society to receive the knit pack and start knitting my letter, which turned out to be a ‘Y’….like in happY, sunnY, lovelY,
beautY….I can’t wait to see in which word of the poem my knitted letter will appear!

The entire knitting process that resulted in a 12-inch square with a big black Y in the middle has been intense, not for the difficulty of it (even though at certain point I got all tangled with the 5 bobbins jumping around on the back of my work) but for the many questions I started asking myself about the whole initiative …’”How did they get the idea for this amazing project? What will it be like t o stare at a giant poem all made of soft and warm wool? Which poem will they choose?”… and meditations on the same process of knitting and writing poetry that kept my mind busy…” Do you realize that writing a poem requires the same attention, care, creativity, patience, time, love, passion, unraveling, reworking involved
in knitting?”.

I needed some answers and Judith Palmer, Director of the Poetry Society was really kind to take her time to answer to my questions. If you are curious even half of how I was you will enjoy reading the interview and discover how did the idea of ‘Knit A Poem’ get started and the knitting experience of a creative knitter and passionate poetry expert like Judith.

F: How and when did you think about creating the first giant knitted poem for the centenary of the Poetry Society?

J: I took over as Director of the Poetry Society just before Christmas 2008, with our Centenary year, 2009, just around the corner. To mark our 100th birthday I wanted to think of a project on a grand-scale which lots of people could participate in - something that was about Poetry but which also summoned up the idea of
‘Society’ – to reflect all the thousands of people who’ve kept the Society going since 1909.
It being Christmas, the Christina Rossetti poem came into my head “What can I give him, Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;” So – what skills could I offer the centenary? – I thought – “I CAN. This dialogue was going on in my head as I drove up Highgate Hill one Sunday afternoon, on my way to my
friend Tanya’s house. A few months earlier, I had made a one-off knitted painting for an exhibition called ‘The Bad Painting Show” – it was a joke exhibit really – entitled “Still life with mixed citrus and surprised mule.” I hadn’t realized, but Tanya had bought my stocking stitch still life, so I when I arrived in Highgate,
there it was, hanging on the wall. That reinforced the idea that knitting was definitely the way to go.
Driving home again, the knitted poem idea began to take shape in my mind.
What I love about it is it enables people to participate in a big national project wherever they’re based, even if they are housebound, and hopefully feel part of a friendly poetry-knitting community.

F: Are you a knitter yourself? If yes could you tell us when did you start knitting? Who taught you to knit? What do you like most in knitting?

J: I’m an intermittent knitter. I like making people presents – especially if there’s a new baby – but I haven’t had much time recently. I vividly remember my grandmother trying to teach me with some red and green 4-ply just before she died. I must have been about three, and I never quite grasped it. I got stuck in properly at
University when I shared a house with a handknitter called Harriet. It meant I had someone on hand to teach me how to read patterns and help when I dropped stitches.
What do I like most? I love yarn itself – all the different colours and textures; losing myself in the meditative clicking; conjuring something into being from all-but-nothing; and the ability to give something special to someone, in this time-poor age that is quite literally a labour of love. Knitting’s also seen me through some
rough times in hospital waiting rooms and patient bedsides, where it can be so helpful to have a long project to lose yourself in and calm your mind.

F: On a long train journey do you prefer to knit or read some poetry?

J: Funnily enough, one of the first images for the project which dropped into my head was of an enormous long knitted poem – maybe Paradise Lost – stretching all the way up the West Coast Main Line, alongside the tracks, so it could be read by all the passengers travelling past. Decided there would be way too much bureaucracy involved in pulling that off!
I like doing both on trains – reading poetry and knitting – but it depends how packed the train is. If I’ve got a nice clean table, and a bit of space, that’s good for knitting. I recently made my god-daughter Eira a stripey green beret on a train from Bournemouth. Yesterday though, I was travelling down from Carlisle and I was
reading Colette Bryce’s collection “Self-Portrait in the Dark”.

F: Would you consider poetry more a craft or a skill?

J: Poetry is an art and a craft. It requires skill, but skill alone won’t make a work of art.

F: Is there any similarity according to you in knitting and poetry? Is yes, could you please name one?

J: I can’t name just one! There are so many connections. I’ve always been struck by the shared physical characteristics – building the finished piece up, line by line, row by row. That’s the most obvious one. But knitting’s also such a great metaphor for the creative process, where you take something and transform it into something else. Knitting and poetry also share that sense of compression and expansion, of interlocking things closely.
The knitted poem, I hope makes another link. I wanted people to be reminded of the work that goes into making any poem – the hours of reworking, and unraveling. Poems don’t just drop out of the sky onto the internet – they need to be carefully crafted by people. A small poem might have taken the poet a huge amount of time to get perfect – and although a poem might be a small thing, its significance in readers’
lives the world over, might be huge.

F: How many knitters are there in the poetry society?

J: The Poetry Society has around 4000 members and 14 staff (mostly part-time). Of the staff, the keenest with our yarn are probably myself and Rebecka – who is a demon crocheter. Our Publishing Manager Mike’s partner Carolyn is a crocheter, feltmaker and weaver, so he’s very wool literate. Our President, poet Jo
Shapcott has written a lovely knitting poem. One of our Vice Presidents, poet Gwyneth Lewis made a Radio 4 series about knitting and poetry, and our Vice President, Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy is also partial to a bit of a knit.

F: Are you going to exhibit the giant poem when it will be finished? Do you already know where and when?

J: We should be unrolling the knitted poem in London in October. Keep checking our website for details – and to watch us post up photos of the letters as they roll in, as words begin to form, and the full poem begins to take shape. And to read our weekly poems for knitters.

F: What are the channels you are using to promote the initiative?

J: The whole project has spread by word of mouth. Woman’s Weekly mentioned it before we had the project fully mapped out, and we couldn’t put the genie back in the bottle. Word was out and it’s just passed from blog to blog. Now we keep people updated via our website, the main Poetry Society Facebook group, our Facebook Knit a Poem fan page, and a forum on Ravelry.

F: Some of the knitters did have to drop out the initiative for different reasons, to name a few: cost of 100% wool, lack of availability in their local shops (for example, they do not use wool in Arizona as it is too hot), allergy. Is there a particular reason why you did ask knitters to use 100% wool for their
letters and blank square?

J: We were so sorry to find we couldn’t accommodate everyone. The decision to stick to wool only, was made on the advice of our advising knitters from Prick Your Finger, Rachael and Louise. The feeling was that for the whole piece to come together, we needed some unifying principles - if we stuck to all wool then sizes,
thicknesses, stretchability would vary less, the different sections would knit up better, and the colours would be more harmonious (so we wouldn't be mixing tweedy homespun with day-glo fluorescents).

F: As you said you are mainly using social networking websites to promote “Knit A Poem” and I was wondering what is the relationship of poets and poetry lovers with internet and the computer world?

J: Just as knitters need to feel the texture of yarn against their fingers, poets and readers will never give up on the scent and touch of a book in their hands. BUT most poets and readers also embrace the internet gladly, and enjoy the ability to stay in touch with a global community of like-minded people. Hopefully the Knit a Poem project will have rekindled an interest in poetry amongst knitters, and got more poets and poetry enthusiasts knitting.

Thank you very much Judith for the insight in the backstage of the Knit a Poem initiative!

______
Etsy Knitters, do not forget that letters and blank squares will have to be joined up and the staff of the Poetry Society will need you and your sewing needles ready to help them. Please check the Poetry Society website for details of knit-together social sessions in September and beginning of October!
In the meantime you are all invited at the joint event the Poetry Society is organizing at the SouthBank Centre, London SE1 in occasion of National Poetry Day, Thursday 8th October from 2 to 5pm (admission free). There will be live performances, films, archive footage, poetic knitting and some poetry word games using knitted letters.
The great news is that so many knitters wanted to join the Knit a Poem initiative that together with the main poem there will be a knitting a poet annex - composed of poets' names. Those knitted poet’s names will be highly visible at the SouthBank Centre event, where, in the occasion of the centenary of the Poetry Society, the BBC will release the results of the votes gathered through their website to name the Nation’s Favourite Poet.

Please contact Rebecka (officeassistant@poetrysociety.org.uk) if you would like to knit a letter!

Don't Forget to KIP this weekend

2009-06-12T16:31:00.003-04:00

The KIP (Knit in Public) dates have been extended to include the following days:
June 13th and 14th
June 20th and 21st

For more information, please refer to the earlier post about this fun event.

Be proud of your knitting. Show it off to the world!

Etsy Knitters Teams says 'I Do' again

2009-05-31T19:39:00.006-04:00

The Etsy Knitters Team says: ‘I DO’ … To ETSY’S 2009 Handmade Wedding Series.

For the 2nd year in a row, the Etsy Knitters Team, an international group of talented and successful knitters, has challenged its members to create items that represent the love and beauty of a wedding through the art of knitting.

Throughout the month of June 2009, members of the Etsy Knitters Team will present handmade wedding items to the public through Etsy.com. These items will encompass a wide range of wedding finery including bridal accessories, traditional wedding fare and even special items for the honeymoon. The stipulation to each member is “If you can dream it and it can represent the art of knitting, then one is encouraged to partake in the ‘I Do’ Wedding Challenge.”

The catalyst for the Etsy Knitters Team’s ‘I Do’ wedding challenge was Etsy.com’s Handmade Wedding Series. Rather than participate individually, the team felt that they could be more successful promoting their hand knit wedding items if they collaborated. After countless hours of designing and knitting, the Etsy Knitters Team is proud to present the ‘I Do’ Wedding Challenge.

To search for challenge items, please type in the words “ido2009” and “etsyknitters team” into Etsy’s search engine or click this link. Members will be listing their offerings to the challenge throughout the entire month. Each item will include the special ‘I Do 2009” Wedding Challenge graphic as the 5th photo. Be sure to visit Etsy and search often.

Featuring Knitters on Blogs

2009-05-22T12:44:00.005-04:00

The High Plains Knitter has started a new series on her blog featuring Etsy knitters and crocheters.

Her most recent post features an Etsy Knitters Team member: Elena of Passion Knits.
"I think the name of her shop tells a lot about Elena. She has a passion for knitting and for fiber. Her shop is full of bright, gorgeous, creative items that just make you want to reach into the computer and touch them", says The High Plains Knitter.
To read the full story, please go here.

If you would like to have your Etsy store featured on The High Plains Knitter's blog, please contact her directly.

_______________________________________________________

Additionally, Beverly of DesignBCB is actively looking for Etsy sellers that would like to be interviewed for Handmade News.org. Beverly is a columnist for the online magazine.

If you are interested, please contact Beverly via the Etsy forum thread she set up or via a direct Etsy email.

Spring Scavenger Hunt

2009-04-15T12:34:00.003-04:00

The EtsyKnitters team Spring Scavenger Hunt ended at midnight, Sunday April 12.

Winners have until midnight, Sunday April 19 to use their "magic word" discount code in our 31 Etsy Shops!

For more details, please visit this site.

Many thanks to Maggie, Etsy store owner of Knotes for Knitters, for organizing this hunt.

Spring Scavenger Hunt

2009-03-29T06:42:00.003-04:00

Etsy Knitters Team will be hosting a Spring Scavenger Hunt from April 5th through April 12th.

Stay tuned for more details.

Toe-up Gingko Socks by Kyoko

2009-03-09T17:01:00.004-04:00

Kyoko of Cotton and Cloud has released a new sock design.

Toe-Up Gingko Socks

To download the pattern for free, please visit her blog.

Knit in Public with the Etsy Knitters Team

2009-03-06T08:29:00.005-05:00

The Etsy Knitters Team is proud to host a virtual Knit in Public Day for the 2nd year in a row.

What:
Knit in Public Day

When:
June 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st

Who:
Knitters!
All knitters are welcome to participate. It is not required that you be a member of the Etsy Knitters team.

Where:
World Wide
Wherever you are, there is where the event will be.

Why:
To promote the craft of knitting

Guidelines:

Knit in a public place on June 13th, 14th, 20th and/or 21st.
Take a camera with you and a friend, if available.
Have your friend or a perfect stranger take a picture of you knitting in public.
Share your picture(s) by uploading them to Flickr.
Join the group specifically set up for this event: EtsyKnitters WWKIPD
Utilize the "Send to Group" button to upload your pictures to the group.

Extras:
Crocheters are also welcome!
For more information, please review the description on WWKiP's site.

Enjoy the day knitting!

Featuring Urban Eagle Designs

2009-02-27T08:39:00.004-05:00

Handmade Sunshine and the Destructo-Bunnies Blog featured an Etsy Knitters team member:

"It's not every day that one gets to meet a woman who is truly a treasure. Today we all get to look into the wonder that is Katy of Urban Eagle Designs. Her shop has been open a little over a month now, so she is still “undiscovered”, but she should be right up there on everyone's go-to list for something extra-special. After I read her questions I just wanted to get on a plane and fly out to New Mexico to meet her in person...she's just that awesome" says Sarah, the voice behind the blog.

You can read the full article here.

Additionally, don't forget to stop by the weekly Etsy Forum thread hosted by the Etsy Knitters Team to see the incredible designs the Etsy Knitters team members have created.

Scarf of Many Colors by The High Plains Knitter

2009-02-20T08:16:00.004-05:00

Carnival Scarf of many colors

This is my newest scarf of many colors. I call it Carnival. Bright, bold, vivid colors of pink, orange, green, purple, yellow, and burgandy are mixed with all the sparkle of a carnival. I imagine the bright lights and laughter of a carnival when I look at it.

The scarf was hand knit by Dianne of The High Plains Knitter. Below Diane takes the time to answer additional questions about the scarf.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. I love to put colors together. This one is so bright and perky that I
call it Carnival.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. I put about 3 hours into making them.

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. I do plan to make more of them, and in different colors.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. This is one of my favorite scarves because the creativity comes in choosing the yarns. When its comes to knitting it, I can do that pretty mindlessly, even
late at night.

Q. Anything else you want to tell us about it?
A. It is purely a fashion statement and not intended for warmth, but make a statement it does.

Gung Hay Fat Choy

2009-01-26T08:56:00.004-05:00

Today marks the first day of the Chinese New Year.

It is the year of the Ox.

Every year, my family makes the trek into Philadelphia's China Town for Dim Sum. Afterwards, we huddle together outside in the cold to watch the dragon parade by. For us, it's a wonderful excuse to bring the family and close friends together again and visit with the people you missed seeing over the holidays.

(Apologies, but this was the best picture I could come up with. All my Chinese New Year pictures were taken before I received my new digital camera this year).

And because it would be unseemly to not present you with a gift on such a festive day, I present you with a free dishcloth knitting pattern. Enjoy!

The pattern may be downloaded from my website.

Gung Hay Fat Choy (Happy New Year!)

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:59:00.009-05:00

January 6th

Happy 3 Kings Day to you!
Learn more about 3 Kings Day, the Epiphany, here.

Today being the 12th Day of Christmas, enjoy a fun activity with your kids or your neighbor's kids. I'm sure most parents would be grateful for the break.

Then, secure them in your scrapbook for amusement (or blackmail) years later.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Handy Crafts (forgive the pun)
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Today is our last day of the Holiday Calendar. Thank you for counting down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day with us. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:58:00.010-05:00

January 5th

1 day till 3 Kings Day

Oranges are in season this time of year, thanks to the Florida orange groves. I always pick up at least one case of them. If your compost pile is getting full of orange peels, try making these tiny wreaths instead.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Wreaths from Oranges
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:58:00.009-05:00

January 4th

2 days till 3 Kings Day

Only a few more days before the Holidays are officially over. Holidays and pies go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly in my book. So, here is one last pie recipe before the cookbook is closed. (If you jumped on board the diet train, you may want to look away now.)

Regular or Maple Pecan Pie by Granny and Me
Recipe provided by Me

My 'real' name is Marie Haigh and I am the voice behind this blog and my own Etsy store Knitted Gems. The store features my entire collection of knitting patterns for the hobby knitter. All the patterns are my original designs. They are provided in a line-by-line written format. Knitting charts are also provided on some of the Easy and Intermediate patterns. Knitted items that were created during the testing of each pattern are also available for sale.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:57:00.007-05:00

January 3rd

3 days till 3 Kings Day

Is it snowing where you are today? It could be if you followed the tutorial below and made several snowballs!

Free Tutorial for How to Make Paper Snowballs
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:56:00.013-05:00

January 2nd

4 days till 3 Kings Day

If your Poinsettia plant is starting to wilt, here is a knitting pattern that will let you keep the plant with you all year long without having to keep the plant alive all year long. I always forget to water it after a week or two.

Knitting Pattern for Poinsettia
Designed by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:55:00.018-05:00

January 1st

Happy New Year!

5 days till 3 Kings Day

Do you have a lot of empty water bottles leftover from the party last night? Here is a tutorial that will help you recycle them.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Glittery Balls
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:55:00.016-05:00

December 31st

1 day till New Years Day
6 days till 3 Kings Day

Tonight many of us will be either hosting a New Years Eve party or attending one. Here is a great appetizer recipe that you can add to the table. It's been taste-tested and approved by my family and friends. Enjoy!

Stuffed Mushrooms
Recipe provided by Me

My 'real' name is Marie Haigh and I am the voice behind this blog and my own Etsy store Knitted Gems. The store features my entire collection of knitting patterns for the hobby knitter. All the patterns are my original designs. They are provided in a line-by-line written format. Knitting charts are also provided on some of the Easy and Intermediate patterns. Knitted items that were created during the testing of each pattern are also available for sale.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:54:00.011-05:00

December 30th

2 days till the New Year
7 days till 3 Kings Day

Did you try yesterday's Holiday card tutorial? Here is another one so you don't have to send the same card to everyone. I was bored to tears the only year I ever did that. Now I have at least 5 or 6 different cards to choose from each year. It makes it much more fun and personable in my biased opinion.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Gingerbread House Cards
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:54:00.010-05:00

December 29th

3 days till the New Year
8 days till 3 Kings Day

Around this time every year is when I start shopping for next year's Christmas decorations, gift wrapping paper, and cards. I started this policy several years ago when I was wooed by the word 'Sale' everywhere. I continue it not for the sales, because I'm quite sure I never saved a lot, but because it keeps me from running around like a chicken with my head cut off during the Christmas season.

To keep us out of the retail madness, here is a tutorial on how to make your own Holiday cards.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Crocheted Christmas Cards
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:53:00.007-05:00

December 28th

4 days till the New Year
9 days till 3 Kings Day

Did you recieve any yarn for Christmas? Here is a great little project to try out some of that yarn and dress your wee one up in style at the same time!

Free Baby Bootie Pattern
Designed by Lynne

Lynne is the owner of the Etsy store 7 Yaks Design. The store stocks a wide selection of fiber supplies, such as knitting needles, crochet hooks, gauges, roving, and felting accessories.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:52:00.004-05:00

December 27th

5 days till the New Year
10 days till 3 Kings Day

Both my Aunt Bette and I collect angels. She, having a few years on me, has managed to cover almost every inch of her bathroom walls in angels. Whereas I have only managed to cover a small square on my dining room wall. (I have bigger goals than she.) This angel will make a lovely addition. I can't wait to try my hand at Mette's tutorial.

Free Tutorial on How to Make an Angel from Extra-fine Cottonthread
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:51:00.004-05:00

December 26th

6 days till the New Year
11 days till 3 Kings Day

Because sight hounds have aproximately 15% less body fat and very little hair compaired to other dogs, they are more susceptable to winter chills. Here is a perfect way to keep them warm all winter long!

They are perfect for the smallest Italian Greyhouond to his larger cousin, and every size inbetween. All are custom knitted, to your dog's measurement in the weight and color of your dog's choice.

Custom Knitted Dog Snood
Designed and Hand Knitted by Sandi

Sandi is the owner of the Etsy store A Cache of Jewels It is a store specializing in patterns with a Judiacal theme or dog theme as wells as custom dog snoods for the beloved pooch in your life. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of her dog themed items goes to the English Springer Spaniel Rescue.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:49:00.011-05:00

December 25th

Merry Christmas!

Learn more about the history of Christmas Day here.

7 days till the New Year
12 days till 3 Kings Day

Christmas pudding is always on the dessert table in Mett'e family. Even her recipe instructions specifically tell the chef to steam the pudding Christmas morning.

I've never had Christmas pudding, but I've always wanted to try it. Finally, here's my chance to follow an old family recipe, which has been taste-tested through the years (the best recipes to get, if you can).

Aunt Marcia's Christmas Pudding
Contributed by Mette Buchreitz

Q. What could be better than 1 pudding recipe?
A. 2 pudding recipes!

Mother Hilary's Christmas Pudding
Contributed by Mette Buchreitz

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. She told me "I love to create small, funny, easy-to-knit items and I'm happy when somebody else likes them too! In my Etsy-shop you'll find my patterns and items knitted using my own patterns. Enjoy knitting toys or funny things!"

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:47:00.006-05:00

December 24th

1 day till Christmas
7 days till the New Year
13 days till 3 Kings Day

I am pleased to make available one of my patterns, the Diamond Dish Scarf, as a free download.

This scarf design was inspired from a simple knitted dishcloth. Like a traditional dishcloth, it is knit in 100% cotton, making it an excellent scarf during the warmer months or for someone who lives in a warm climate.
Open work or yarnovers decorate the edges and emphasize the diamond design. The diamond motif is further highlighted by the simplicity of the design.

My 'real' name is Marie Haigh and I am the voice behind this blog and my own Etsy store Knitted Gems. The store features my entire collection of knitting patterns for the hobby knitter. All the patterns are my original designs. They are provided in a line-by-line written format. Knitting charts are also provided on some of the Easy and Intermediate patterns. Knitted items that were created during the testing of each pattern are also available for sale.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:45:00.013-05:00

December 23rd

2 days till Christmas
8 days till the New Year
14 days till 3 Kings Day

I loved to play with Play-Doh when I was young. So, it is no surprise that it is my favorite activity in the Cranium game. Yet, it wasn't until recently that I learned you could make your own play dough at home.

From this play dough, you can make Christmas ornaments.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Homemade Craft Dough and Craft Dough Ornaments
Instructions contributed by Nikki.

Nikki is the owner of two Etsy stores: My 7 Kids and Heart Felt Fun.

My7kids store sells high-end fiber yarns from recycled sweaters, which are then hand-dyed.

The HeartFeltFun store sells hand knitted items, and felted items made from the sweaters that can't be unraveled for yarn for whatever reason (already felted, bad seams, etc.)

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:44:00.005-05:00

December 22nd

Happy Hanukkah!
Read more about the History of Hanukkah here.

3 days till Christmas
9 days till the New Year
15 days till 3 Kings Day

What better way is there to celebrate today than by knitting this wonderful blanket? It's just perfect.

Knitting Pattern for Illusion Chanukah Miracle Blanket/Wall Hanging
Designed by Sandra

Sandra is the owner of the Etsy store A Cache of Jewels

Below Sandra tells us a little bit about her Etsy store and herself.

The name, A Cache Of Jewels, came from being a Ballroom and Latin-American competitive dancer and making the costumes and jewelry with Swarovski crystals. I love things that are unique and hope to bring this to you. I specialize in knitted and sewn items for the discriminating dog and dog owners, as well as everyone else! I have a web site with the same name. Please feel free to visit any time.

I design all my own patterns. I'm especially fond of the Illusion knitting because of it's unique holographic properties. I'm inspired by my love for my Jewish heritage. I try and transfer that through my work with a Judaical theme. Also, my love for my dog Cookie. Because of her I design and make a lot of items for dogs and dog lovers and a portion of my proceeds of my sale of these items goes to the English Springer Spaniel Rescue.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:43:00.013-05:00

December 21st

1 day till Hanukkah
4 days till Christmas
10 days till the New Year
16 days till 3 Kings Day

Take the jolly, old man with you wherever you go!

Knitting Pattern for Santa cell phone bling
Designed by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It a A store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

Below Mette told me a little about how she designed this pattern.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. Christmas!

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. Don't remember exactly, but about a day or two

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. The colors in this case are mandatory ! LOL

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. I love creating small items, so I do think I'll make more!

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. I loved it!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:43:00.012-05:00

December 20th

2 days till Hanukkah
5 days till Christmas
11 days till the New Year
16 days till 3 Kings Day

Here is a quick, simple and fun project to do with the kids!

Free Tutorial on How to Make Orange Ornaments
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It a A store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:42:00.007-05:00

December 19th

3 days till Hanukkah
6 days till Christmas
12 days till the New Year
18 days till 3 Kings Day

Here is a pattern to knit the jolly, old man himself!

Knitting Pattern for Santa dolls
Designed by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It a A store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

Below Mette told me a little about how she designed this pattern.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. I just wanted to make some new items for Christmas!

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. A couple of days

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. There was no choice! Santa always wears red clothes and black boots!
Of course, he has a sack too!

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. Yes!

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. I love Christmas-time and I love to crreate new things!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:41:00.006-05:00

December 18th

4 days till Hanukkah
7 days till Christmas
13 days till the New Year
19 days till 3 Kings Day

Is your Christmas tree looking a bit sparse these days? (Note that anything less than two ornaments per branch is considered sparse in my book). Bubolina to the rescue with her cute and fuzzy ornaments!

Multicolor Soft Ball Ornament
Designed by Tatjana

The ornaments are approximately 4"- 4.5" in diameter. The entire ornament is hand made and hand knitted. Of course, they would look spectacular on your Christmas tree. They could be used elsewhere as home decor or given to a small child to play with. For purchases of 2 or more ornaments, take 25% off on any additional ball.

Tatjana is the owner of two Etsy stores: Bubolina and Bublico.

Bubolina specializes in stunning knitted jewelry among other accessories.

Bublico is geared towards the wee ones, focusing on children handmade knitted items.

Below Tatjana told me a little bit about the history of these ball ornaments.

I've been making homemade play toys for my little son since he's been born and this was one of his first toy balls. The ball is soft and light and almost like a stuffed animal. He loves the texture of these balls. Last year we took the Christmas tree out. Since we always make the ornaments, my mother kindly suggested that we hang one of my son's ball as an ornament. She was right; they looked great on the tree!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:40:00.003-05:00

December 17th

5 days till Hanukkah
8 days till Christmas
14 days till the New Year
20 days till 3 Kings Day

Rather than offer plain, unadorned water bottles at your upcoming Holiday party, dress up a few as Santa for fun! Let's not be too health conscious this time of year, I'd imagine that a beer bottle would substitute quite well for the water bottle.

Free Knitting Pattern for a Santa Bottle Cover
Designed by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It a little shop where you'll find cool, easy things to knit (patterns) and sometimes also some of unique handmade items!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:35:00.023-05:00

December 16th

6 days till Hanukkah
9 days till Christmas
15 days till the New Year
21 days till 3 Kings Day

May I humbly present to you a knitting pattern for a Christmas Tree Skirt, designed by yours truly.

Stats:
Design: My own, titled O Tannenbaum Tree Skirt
Start knitting: October 2007
Finished knitting: August 2008
2,500 yards of wool knit into this skirt (15 skeins of Wool of the Andes and 700 yards from Naturally Spun)

My 'real' name is Marie Haigh and I am the voice behind this blog and my own Etsy store Knitted Gems. The store features my entire collection of knitting patterns for the hobby knitter. All the patterns are my original designs. They are provided in a line-by-line written format. Knitting charts are also provided on some of the Easy and Intermediate patterns. Knitted items that were created during the testing of each pattern are also available for sale.

Below I answer my own questions to lend you a little more insight into the making of this tree skirt.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. O Tannenbaum Skirt was inspired collectively by Naturally Spun's yarn, a man's tie, and a spruce tree. May it bring inspiration and joy to your holiday season!

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. A year

Q. Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?
A. I-cord as embellishment and crocheted edging

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. As mentioned above, I was inspired by the Christmas colors (red and green) in Naturally Spun's yarn. I opted to use white as the secondary color because it represents the color snow and it did not contrast with the red/green colors.

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. No. It took me a long time to complete this project. I am not brave enough to dedicate another year to making a 2nd one.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. Yes. It was fun to watch the tree skirt come together.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:35:00.021-05:00

December 15th

7 days till Hanukkah
10 days till Christmas
16 days till the New Year
22 days till 3 Kings Day

Here is a knitting pattern featuring the technicque called Illusion knitting. What is Illusion Knitting you may ask? The design acts as a hologram. Now you see it... Now you don't! It's as if by magic! Look at it one way and all you see are stripes, but look at it again and as if by magic the design is visable. It's fun and easy to do. As long as you can knit and purl you can accomplish this technique.

Knitting Pattern for Israeli Flag Illusion Tote Bag
Designed by Sandra

Sandra is the owner of the Etsy store A Cache of Jewels It is a store specializing in patterns with a Judiacal theme or dog theme as wells as custom dog snoods for the beloved pooch in your life. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of her dog themed items goes to the English Springer Spaniel Rescue.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:34:00.007-05:00

December 14th

8 days till Hanukkah
11 days till Christmas
17 days till the New Year
23 days till 3 Kings Day

Chocoholics, do I have the recipe for you! Come and drool over this beauty. The recipe calls for 1 POUND of chocolate and only 1 tablespoon of flour, which means nothing is going to get between you and the chocolate you crave.

Free Recipe for Chocolate Decadence Cake
Instructions contributed by Nikki.

Nikki is the owner of two Etsy stores: My 7 Kids and Heart Felt Fun.

My7kids store sells high-end fiber yarns from recycled sweaters, which are then hand-dyed.

The HeartFeltFun store sells hand knitted items, and felted items made from the sweaters that can't be unraveled for yarn for whatever reason (already felted, bad seams, etc.)

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:33:00.006-05:00

December 13th

9 days till Hanukkah
12 days till Christmas
18 days till the New Year
24 days till 3 Kings Day

Happy Santa Lucia's Day!

The silver star shines on the sea,
The waves are calm, the wind is favorable
Come to my quick little boat!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

With this west wind so gentle,
Oh, how wonderful it is to be at sea!
Come passengers, come away!
Santa Lucia, Santa Lucia!

Oh sweet Naples, oh blessed sun,
where creation wished to smile!
You are the command of harmony!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Now why do you delay? The evening is beautiful
A cool and light wind is blowing
Come to my quick little boat!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!

Graciously translated by Mette.

To read about the history of this day, please go here.

Have you finished writing, addressing, and mailing all your Holiday cards out? I just finished up last night. It's a joint effort in our household. I handle all the writing and addressing. My husband handles the signing of his name, the licking of the envelopes (yuck!) and the sticking of the stamps.

If you haven't finished yours, fret not. I bring you another free tutorial on how to make your Holiday cards by hand.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Yarn Tree Cards
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:32:00.004-05:00

December 12th

10 days till Hanukkah
13 days till Christmas
19 days till the New Year
25 days till 3 Kings Day

Marge, member of our Etsy Knitters Team, mentioned to me that everyone always asks her for the pumpkin bundt cake she has cooked every Holiday season for the past 25 years. After such a boast, I knew I had to get her permission to post it on this blog. Nobody begs me for my recipes. This cake must be exceptional.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake
Recipe by Marge

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2cups sugar
2 eggs
2 1/3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup mixed raising & nuts

Stir shortening until softened. Add sugar. Cream together until light
and fluffy. Add eggs, blend in with creamed mixture. Sift dry
ingredients together and add to creamed mixture, alternating with
pumpkin until it is all incorporated. Add raisins and nuts. DO NOT
OVER-MIX the raisins and nuts portion.

Pour into greased and floured bundt pan. Spread evenly around. Bake in
moderate oven, 350 degrees, for 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick
comes out clean in center.

Marge is the owner of the Etsy store Knits 'n More. Within the store, you'll find a variety of custom knits including scarves, cuffs & wristlets, wine bottle cozies in Chenilles, drawstring gift sacks and more. It's a great place to do some Holiday shopping.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:31:00.006-05:00

December 11th

11 days till Hanukkah
14 days till Christmas
20 days till the New Year
25 days till 3 Kings Day

I am an avid tea drinker. Whereas most people drink coffee, I drink tea. My collection takes up an entire shelf in my kitchen cupboard. Naturally, I have a small collection of tea bags and am thrilled that Mette put together a tutorial on a fun way to use them this Holiday season.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Cards or Gift Tags from Tea Bags.
Instructions provided by Mette.

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:30:00.005-05:00

December 10th

12 days till Hanukkah
15 days till Christmas
21 days till the New Year
27 days till 3 Kings Day

If you have some scraps of fabric laying around (old shirts count) and a beer bottle, then you can churn out these fun ornaments by the dozen. They'll look great on your tree. If you still haven't figured out what to get Aunt Sue, why not give her 5 or 6, saving the rest for yourself, of course.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Yo-Yo ornaments.
Instructions contributed by Desiree.
Yes, she clearly mentions that the beer bottle isn't necessary, but it IS more festive.

Desiree is the owner of the Etsy store Hamncheezr. Her store specializes in quilted tote bags for the knitter, quilter, or bag-lover in your life.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T15:27:00.006-05:00

December 9th

13 days till Hanukkah
16 days till Christmas
22 days till the New Year
28 days till 3 Kings Day

Grab your old t-shirts out of the Goodwill pile and recycle them in a fun and nifty scarf!
Of course, I'm not above stealing the holey and worn-out t-shirts from my husband's dresser drawer. Rather than turning them into rags every time, I'll have to try out this fun pattern.

Free Tutorial on How to Transform an Old T-Shirt into a Scarf
Instructions contributed by Tatjana

Tatjana is the owner of two Etsy stores: Bubolina and Bublico.

Bubolina specializes in stunning knitted jewelry among other accessories.

Bublico is geared towards the wee ones, focusing on children handmade knitted items.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Holiday Calendar

2008-12-08T12:04:00.005-05:00

December 8th

14 days till Hanukkah

17 days till Christmas

23 days till the New Year

29 days till 3 Kings Day

If you suffer from lack of snow in your area and are therefore unable to build a proper snowman, grab some yarn and knit one!

Enjoy knitting the whole Snowman Family. Let them live in your home or give them away as a gift, making somebody else happy. If pressed for time (and who isn't this time of year?!), make only the small ones. Then, add a string and hang them on your Christmas tree, in your car, on your bag, or on presents underneath the tree.

Designer: Mette, owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette
Skill level: Easy
Finished measurements:
Snow-Daddy 17 cm/6.69 in
Snow-Mummy 14 cm/5.51 in
Snow-Kids 11 cm/4.33 in
Snow-Baby 5 cm/1.97 in
If the pattern is not in the shop, and you should like to buy it, please send Mette a convo and she'll re-list it just for you!

Below Mette's answers a few questions about the Snowmen Family.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. Winter time!

Q. How long did it take you to make them?
A. Two weeks

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. Well, snow white! LOL and leftovers!

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. I love creating small items, so I do think I'll make more!

Q. Did you enjoy making them?
A. I loved it!

Q. Anything else you want to tell us?
A. Have fun at Christmas!

Thank you, Mette!

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Day 7 of the Holiday Calendar

2008-12-04T14:46:00.007-05:00

December 7th

15 days till Hanukkah
18 days till Christmas
24 days till the New Year
30 days till 3 Kings Day

Two years ago, while visiting the local Farmer's Market, I purchased two "neck pumpkins" as they were called by the farmer or two squash pumpkins. After rooting through my old recipe books, I concocted a way to turn the pumpkins into recipe-ready pumpkin.

Tutorial on How to Make Recipe-Ready (smashed) Pumpkin
Instructions provided by me (Marie Haigh)

Of course once you have made smashed the pumpkin, you have to do something with it. My husband would say that the proper thing to do would be to make as many pumpkin pies as possible.

Recipe for Pumpkin Pie
Instructions provided by me (Marie Haigh)

Marie is the owner of the Etsy store Knitted Gems. Knitted Gems features my entire collection of knitting patterns for the hobby knitter. All the patterns are my original designs. They are provided in a line-by-line written format. Knitting charts are also provided on some of the Easy and Intermediate patterns. Knitted items that were created during the testing of each pattern are also available for sale.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Day 6 of the Holiday Calendar

2008-12-04T14:43:00.005-05:00

December 6th

16 days till Hanukkah
19 days till Christmas
25 days till the New Year
31 days till 3 Kings Day

I am a firm believer that a Christmas tree can never have too many ornaments. I also hate throwing out old Holiday cards; it seems such a waste. This ornament offers the best of both worlds: more bling on the ole tree and another life for all those Holiday cards.

Free Tutorial on How to Make Your Own Paper Ornament
Instructions provided by Anne

Anne is the owner of the Etsy store Ennadoolf.

Of course you'll find knitting in Ennadoolf - there is a variety of scarves and hats in different colours and styles, cotton dish cloths, shopping/beach bags, and a variety of cup cozies (otherwise known as java jackets or coffee sleeves). When Anne isn't knitting, you might find her in front of a sewing machine, so naturally Ennadoolf is also filled with several topsy turvy dolls as well as fashion doll clothes for the discerning Barbie (or similar) doll needing a wardrobe infusion of sundresses or fancy gowns. With a bit of help from Anne's husband, who hand made the wooden corkers, the store also has corking sets, otherwise known as knitting spools or knitting nancy. Come and visit Ennadoolf and enjoy your time there.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Day 5 of the Holiday Calendar

2008-12-04T13:31:00.007-05:00

December 5th

17 days till Hanukkah
20 days till Christmas
26 days till the New Year
32 days till 3 Kings Day

Some of my fondest childhood Holiday memories are of baking with my family. So, I was thrilled to see a Holiday recipe designed especially for baking with children. If you don't have any children of your own, borrow a relative or your neighbor's children.

Kid-Friendly Gingerbread Houses
Instructions contributed by Nikki.

Nikki is the owner of two Etsy stores: My 7 Kids and Heart Felt Fun.

My7kids store sells high-end fiber yarns from recycled sweaters, which are then hand-dyed.

The HeartFeltFun store sells hand knitted items, and felted items made from the sweaters that can't be unraveled for yarn for whatever reason (already felted, bad seams, etc.)

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Day 4 of the Holiday Calendar

2008-12-04T12:13:00.005-05:00

December 4th

18 days till Hanukkah
21 days till Christmas
27 days till the New Year
33 days till 3 Kings Day

If you've had your fill of Rum Balls, but are still looking for ways to use up all that rum you bought, try this free Holiday recipe.

Mother Hilary's Brandy or Rum Butter
Contributed by Mette Buchreitz

Mette is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. She told me "I love to create small, funny, easy-to-knit items and I'm happy when somebody else likes them too! In my Etsy-shop you'll find my patterns and items knitted using my own patterns. Enjoy knitting toys or funny things!"

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Day 3 of the Holiday Calendar

2008-12-03T14:15:00.005-05:00

December 3rd

19 days till Hanukkah
22 days till Christmas
28 days till the New Year
34 days till 3 Kings Day

Even wee ones need their own Santa hat!

This Sparkly Santa Baby Hat can be purchased within Etsy's Most Favorite Aunt store.

The hat was hand knit by Pam, owner of Most Favorite Aunt. Below Pam shared with me her inspiration to knit this adorable, little hat.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. I wanted a tasteful twist on the classic Santa hat. I also hate making pom poms.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. about 30 minutes

Q. Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?
A. Not at all. I knit a lot of baby hats, and this is my favorite stitch pattern.

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. The burgundy looked much richer than traditional red, and the sparkly fur made a great plush brim.

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. There are five of these available in my shop, and I'm out of Wool-Ease, so I think that's good for now.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. Absolutely! Turning on carols, and sitting by the fire with a project in your lap, is great way to get in the Christmas spirit.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Etsy Knitters Team's Holiday Calendar will run through 3 Kings Day, January 6th. Join us as we count down the days till Hanukkah, Christmas, the New Year and 3 Kings Day. Each day will feature one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale.

Day 2 of the Holiday Calendar

2008-12-02T13:30:00.004-05:00

December 2nd

20 days till Hanukkah

23 days till Christmas
29 days till the New Year
35 days till 3 Kings Day

Keep your neck warm during the Holiday season with this handmade scarf.

This Christmas scarf is hand-knit with white mohair and gold tones lame yarn. The little mistletoe applique is hand-crocheted with bedspread weight cotton thread. The entire scarf is very soft, perfect for wrapping next to your skin.

If one mistletoe isn't enough embellishment for your taste, you may want to pin a few wreaths to it as well.

These Christmas wreaths are hand-crocheted. They make great appliques for scarves, hats, shirts, and purses. They would also look fantastic hanging from a Christmas tree.

Both items were hand knit and/or hand crocheted by Diane, owner of The High Plains Knitter store on Etsy. Diane told me that she enjoyed making them both. "I love knitting and crocheting", she said.

Stop by Diane's store today and enjoy the store-wide sale.

Day 1 of the Holiday Calendar

2008-12-01T12:29:00.005-05:00

December 1st

21 days till Hanukkah
24 days till Christmas

30 days till the New Year

36 days till 3 Kings Day

How to Make a Christmas Ball Ornament with Sparklers

Instructions can be found here.

Instructions were graciously provided by Mette. She is the owner of the Etsy store Knitting Mette. It is a store where you can find small cute items and patterns!

Learn more about Mette on her website.

This Holiday Calendar is sponsored by the Etsy Knitters Team.
To find out more about the group, please visit our team page.

Holiday Calendar

2008-11-03T14:34:00.004-05:00

The Etsy Knitters Team will be hosting a Holiday calendar.

Time Frame:
December 1st through January 6th

Description:
Etsy Knitters Team will host a Holiday Calendar on our team blog throughout the month of December and up till 3 Kings Day. On each day, the blog will feature at least one of the following: a link to a free knitting pattern, a link to a free tutorial on making handmade Holiday decorations, a free holiday recipe, or a picture of a holiday item for sale. All Etsy Knitter members are encouraged to submit entries for the calendar.

When to Submit Entries:
Today through Monday, December 1st

Where to Submit Entries:
Please send the requested information (see below) to EKMods AT googlegroups DOT com

How to Submit Entries:
As mentioned in the description, there are 3 different options you can submit to. You can submit information for one option or for all of them.

Option A: Link to a Free Knitting Pattern
Please provide the following information:

* Picture of knitted item
* Link to the free knitting pattern (Please note that this free pattern must be from your own personal collection and the copyright of the pattern must be retained by you. No exceptions.)
* Your name
* Name of your Etsy store and link to your Etsy store
* Brief description of your Etsy store
* Link to your blog, if applicable
* Link to your website, if applicable

Option B: Free Holiday recipe
Please provide the following information:

* Name of Holiday recipe
* Ingredients required for recipe
* Instructions for recipe to include mixing directions, cook temperature, cook time, etc.
* Picture of Holiday recipe, if available
* Your name
* Name of your Etsy store and link to your Etsy store
* Brief description of your Etsy store
* Link to your blog, if applicable
* Link to your website, if applicable

Option C: Free Instructions to make a handmade Holiday decoration
Please provide the following information:

* Picture of handmade Holiday decoration
* Link to the free tutorial (Please note that this free tutorial must be from your own personal collection and the copyright of the tutorial must be retained by you. No exceptions.)
* In place of the link, you may email the complete tutorial to include the following: a list of required materials, step-by-step instructions, any pictures taking during the process, and approximate time for completion
* Your name
* Name of your Etsy store and link to your Etsy store
* Brief description of your Etsy store
* Link to your blog, if applicable
* Link to your website, if applicable

Option D: Holiday item for Sale
Please provide the following information:

* Picture of Holiday item for sale in your Etsy store (no more than 2)
* Brief description of item
* Link to item in your Etsy store
* First name of designer/knitter/maker
* Your Name
* Name of your Etsy store and link to your Etsy store

Then, answer as many questions below as you are willing/able.
* What was your inspiration?
* How long did it take you to make it?
* Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?
* What made you choose the color(s) for it?
* Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
* Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
* Anything else you want to tell us about it?

How Else Can You Help?
I’m glad you asked. Please help us spread the word about the upcoming Holiday Calendar. Perhaps you can mention it in your Etsy store announcement, on your blog, on your website, on your Facebook, etc.

English Rose Nursing Clip by LilBritKnits

2008-10-27T14:30:00.004-04:00

English Rose Nifty Nursing Clip

Pictured is a knitted adjustable nursing clip. It measures 18 feet in length and is decorated with red and yellow knitted roses.

The nursing clip was designed and hand knitted by Nicky, owner of Lil Brit Knits. Below Nicky takes the time to answer additional questions about the design of the clip.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. A friend of mine is pregnant with baby no.3, and we were talking about nursing and how she wanted a nursing cover, when I suggested a nursing clip instead. She loved the idea, as you can also use it for other things, like keeping baby toys tethered, and blankets to strollers. I picked the colour roses that she loves - yellow and red, and I also decided that it should be adjustable. I gave my first edition nursing clip to my friend, and she adores it. She liked the fact that it is feminine, not too baby-ish, as it's a mummy's tool, rather than just for baby.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. It took me about 2.5 hours to make it and stitch it together.

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. The colours were inspired by my friend, who loves yellow roses.

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. Yes, I do plan to make more - and use different colours and flowers.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. Yes, I loved making it.

A Winter Scarf by Ennadoolf

2008-10-14T14:33:00.006-04:00

Soft and Cozy Scarf in Shades of blue

This scarf is a favourite of mine and I hope some day I will find the time to make more just like it. I used a stitch pattern that my mom handed down to me. It makes a lovely thick scarf that will stretch to cover if/when needed. It is approximately 54 inches (135 cm) long and perfect for those chilly days and/or nights. It has been knit from a denim blue-toned yarn to create a soft and cozy scarf you'll want to wear often.

The scarf was hand knit by Anne of Ennadoolf. As mentioned above, the pattern was passed down to Anne from her mother Joan. Below Anne takes the time to answer additional questions about the scarf.

Q. What was your inspiration?

A. The yarn was just perfect for this particular knitting stitch/pattern and it can be worn by men, women or children.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?

A. I'm not sure! I was watching tv at the same time so didn't keep track.

Q. Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?

A. No, just my mom's stitch/pattern

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?

A. I thought this yarn was suitable for all ages, men and women

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?

A. Yes, my husband likes it, so I hope to find time to make more. It's finding the time that is the difficult thing. If only there were more hours in a day.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?

A. Yes, it was quite enjoyable. I love this stitch/pattern and should use it more often!

Q. Anything else you want to tell us about it?

A. I just wish you could feel it; the yarn is so soft. Oh, and its machine washable and dryable.

Fall Challenge Winner

2008-10-07T14:45:00.007-04:00

Pumpkin Pouch

The Pumpkin Pouch won the Fall Challenge hosted by the Etsy Military Brat Team.

The pouch was designed by Shelley Bossert of Ursa Minor Miniatures. The pouch was then hand knitted and hand beaded by Shelley.

Unfortunately, the pouch is no longer for sale. It was given away as a gift.

Allow me to tempt you with another of her pouch creations.

Bead Knitted Blossom Pouch

This pattern, like all Shelley's work, is her own design. It was hand knit using 3,000+ size 8/0 Czech glass mix. The pouch itself was knitted with #8 Finca pearl cotton on a 000 cable needle.

Knitters, if you would prefer to knit a pouch like the ones shown, please contact Shelley directly via her Etsy store.

An Autumn Basket by Judy A Goddard

2008-09-22T10:38:00.010-04:00

Autumn Leaves Basket

The basket is 100 % wool, handknit and felted in white, beige and brown with a pretty autumn leaf motif in burnt orange and burgundy. The basket is lined with a cotton fabric that compliments the design of the basket. It measures approximately 5 inches in diameter and is approximately 4 inches deep.

Autumn Leaves was designed, knitted, and felted by Judy of the Judy A Goddard Etsy store. Below Judy takes the time to answer additional questions about the basket's design.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. My inspiration for this basket is the color of Autumn leaves and how pretty they are when they drift to earth.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. It took me about 8 hours to make.

Q. Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?
A. I used both fair isle and intarsia techniques in this basket and then felted it.

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. Burnt Orange and Burgundy are such rich and satisfying colors!

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. I have six different Autumn designs that I have designed for this season. That'll be all for Autumn 2008.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. I Loved making it! I love every aspect from sketch to finished product!

Blankets by A Cache Of Jewels

2008-09-18T10:53:00.010-04:00

Chanukah Miracle Blanket

The Chanukah Miracle Blanket is done in what is called Illusion Knitting or Shadow Knitting. It is a technique that manipulates the yarn stitches so you are creating a hologram effect. It can be quite striking and a really big eye catcher. It's fun and easy to do and is a real conversation starter.

Concentric Squares Blanket

The Concentric Squares was originally made for my best and longest girlfriend's eldest daughter's first boy. It creates an embossing design of squares within squares, within squares. It was a challenge to work out, but once it was designed, is an easy to follow design for a beginner knitter who wants something interesting to work on.

Both blankets were designed by Sandra of A Cache of Jewels. Below Sandra takes the time to answer a few questions about the blankets and herself.

Q. What was your inspiration?
A. My primary inspiration is my Jewish faith. I love working with natural fibers to create something out of thin air and manipulate it into a wonderful treasure. I do this most of the time with my knitting patterns. This allows other knitters to enjoy the pattern and the making of something all their own, but I always leave some room for their own creativity to come through.
I am working on a series of Judaica designs that will hopefully capture the essence of my love for the heritage in Judaism I was raised with. Even my non-judaica knitted item patterns have meaning to me, as the love for my dog Cookie is the inspiration for the dog theme items.

Q. How long did it take you to make it?
A. Each pattern, from beginning to end of constructing the sample took close to 3 months. There is a lot of trial and error in making a pattern from scratch and some times the creative process is a winding road that can occasionally lead to a dead end and you have to begin anew.

Q. Did you use any new techniques in the making of it?
A. I graph (on knitting graph paper) the designs for the Illusion knitting, before actually beginning the knitting process. The Concentric Squares was designed using tissue paper that I wove to create the design. I then had to work up the gauge for the yarn I decided to use in order for the squares to actually become "square" however, my girlfriend has subsequently worked it up in a totally different yarn and it came out rectangular and looks just as wonderful.

Q. What made you choose the color(s) for it?
A. For the Chanukah Blanket/Wall Hanging blue and white are the traditional colors of Israel as seen on their country's flag. It is something that would lend itself to the traditions of Judaism, as Chanukah is a very festive, ancient holiday and the blue and white are a great combination. I could have chosen Blue and Gold as well, but I was not as happy with the color choices of the gold that were available to me at the time.
For the Concentric Squares Blanket, I had made a baby jacket and wanted to make a blanket to go with it. The jacket was of a variegated yarn with the celery green in it and with the colors of his room, would be perfect, or so his grandma said.

Q. Do you plan to make any more items similar to this one?
A. Absolutely. The Concentric Squares has been very popular and I am working on new design ideas right now, along with more Judaica theme items including a baby jacket perfect for a bris. Plus I am just finishing up a new Illusion Knitting wall hanging that corresponds to the Dog Bone scarf pattern I'd designed and made for the English Springer Spaniel Eastern Regional Championships fundraiser for the rescue fund. This new one is a Springer Spaniel in the center with dog bones at the top and bottom with a border surrounding it all. It is to be auctioned at the Springer Spaniel National Championships for their rescue fundraiser.

Q. Did you enjoy making it? Why or why not?
A. I love my work and the creativity it allows me. I put my heart and soul into everything I do and I only hope that my customers love working the patterns up as much as I did creating them for them. I just wish that I could knit the samples as fast as my imagination can dream them up.

Q. Anything else you want to tell us about it?
A. My mother was a fabulous knitter and used to make me wonderful garments. She taught me to knit and I am carrying on the tradition of what gifts she gave to me. My mother's mother owned a very successful bridal shop and I grew up around all of the wonderful garments in the store. Her seamstresses were amazingly talented and taught me to sew and create beauty. I worked in the garment district, in the bridal market for a while and learned the trade and how to create a wonderful creation from a glimmer in my mind, to the finished product to go to stores to be worn by the brides. I love the idea of pulling a rabbit out of my hat for people, and yet giving them enough room within my creation for their own creativity also.

Welcome New Members

2008-08-01T16:18:00.016-04:00

Please join me in welcoming the newest members to the Etsy Knitters Street Team.

New members are listed in alphabetical order.

Essveekay26 is the proud owner of the Etsy store Sew Susan.
She hand knits baby beanies and booties. Additionally, she offers a collection of cross stitch supplies.

Leah of Leah Sutton Knits
sells her hand knit creations as well as the knitting patterns to make them yourself. You can read more about her tooth fairy cushions and other unique designs on her website.

Lrichmond3 is the owner of Bag Lady Bags.

Like the name of her store implies, she's a bag lady. Though she makes a wide variety of bags, her main focus is knitting bags. As one who never leaves her knitting at home, knitting bags are a necessity. For more designs, check out her Flickr album.

Because a lady can never have too many bags, allow me to introduce Nerys of Nerys Purchon's Bazaar.

All of her bags are one-of-a-kind creations. To read more about Nerys and her designs, check out her blog.

Pixiebell of Pixiebell Elfinwear specializes in unique hand knit pixie hats and elfin headwear. Her creations are fun and eye-catching.

Purl Hand Knits offers handmade scarves and hats. Her Falling Leaves felted scarves are particularly stunning.

Kathy of Yours By Design has been knitting since she was 5 years old. Her hand knit items reflect her skill and love of color.

Welcome All!

Welcome New Members

2008-07-25T08:49:00.016-04:00

Please welcome the following new members of the Etsy Knitters Team!

Beccah has an Etsy store titled Hope to Knit where she sells burp cloths with plans to add much more. Learn more about Beccah on her blog: Nutmeg Knitter.

Brendaml also specializes in handknit baby items, such as hats, blankets, etc.

Her blog, titled Natural Star, features her latest designs.

FinsFare describes her handknit shawls and handmade purses as having "a modern edge to the classics".

Learn more about FinsFare at her MySpace page.

JGillin has an Etsy store named after the two dogs she recently adopted: Snug as a Pug Handknits. (Don't tell her Newfoundland).

Her knitted designs range from the traditional to the fun and funky.

KnitablePlayThings has an Etsy store with the exact same name.
Her knitted dolls and stuffed animals are adorable and would bring joy to any child.

Made4YoubySusan

has recently decided to devote her attention to the fiber arts. What was once a jewelry store is now brimming with hats, scarves and blankets.

NandaHandcrafted

has sweet, handknitted bonnets for wee ones in her Etsy store.

Nosierosie is the owner of the Etsy store NosieRosie Knits. Though she features gloves and hats in her store, she welcomes custom orders for any handknit item.

Learn more about Nosierosie at her blog.

RainCoastStudio

sells a wide range of knitting-related items from knitting needles to yarn to handknit items.

Last, but not least, meet TheStarBox.

Her line of knitted cupcake pincushions look good enough to eat! To learn more about the artist behind TheStarBox, check out her blog.

A Knitter's Cartoon

2008-07-22T13:48:00.003-04:00

Can you come up with a caption for this cartoon?

Crafty Cartoons is hosting a contest. If your caption is among the five finalists, then your name and/or website will be featured on the Crafty Cartoon website. If your caption wins the contest, not only will your name and/or website be featured on Crafty Cartoons, but you will also receive an original copy of the cartoon from the artist.

So, what are you waiting for?
Release your creative writing muse and coin a catchy retort for Mrs. Yarn. (Click on the cartoon to be redirected to Crafty Cartoon's site).

Etsy Knitters Hosts the 1st Virtual KIP Day

2008-06-01T08:58:00.006-04:00

You read the title correctly.

The Etsy Knitters Team is proud to host the 1st ever virtual Knitting in Public Day.

What:
WWKIPD = World Wide Knitting in Public Day

When:
June 14th 2008

Who:
Knitters!
All knitters are welcome to participate. It is not required that you be a member of Etsy Knitters.

Where:
World Wide
Wherever you are, there is where the event will be.

Why:
To promote the craft of knitting

Guidelines:

Knit in a public place on June 14th.
Take a camera and a friend, if available, with you.
Have your friend or a perfect stranger take a picture of you knitting in public.
Share your picture(s) by uploading them to Flickr.
Join the group specifically set up for this event: EtsyKnitters WWKIPD
Utilize the "Send to Group" button to upload your pictures to the group.

Enjoy the day knitting!

What's in Your Bag???

2008-05-26T10:26:00.005-04:00

This week we're looking at knitted hand bags and taking a survey. Etsy knitters will be spotlighting hand bags and telling us what they always carry in their bags. We also have a poll running to determine what our readers believe is their most important item they carry in their bag. Please take a moment to join our poll to the right.

Starting things off, I'd like to spotlight 2 bags that are beautifully designed and can hold a lot of items:

The Felted Stained Glass Fan Bag by Knittingdream. Madeline of knittingdream designs and sells the knit patterns in her etsy shop. I have seen these bags in person, as I have the fabulous pleasure of knowing Madeline personally! I have also knit one myself as a Christmas present this past season as a gift for my Mom. Believe me when I say that these bags will hold a lot!! And, they are gorgeous!

One of my other personal favorites, and is on my list to try for myself is Tyger Lily's Wishbone Cable Handbag. This beautiful pattern designed by tygerlily is available for sale in her etsy shop as a downloadable PDF file as well. You can make one for yourself!

Now, empty your handbags and tell me how much stuff you carry in it!

Right now, mine is pretty much limited to a wallet that I carry my cash, cards, and business cards in. When I do carry a bag I've been using my Spinnin' Wheels Backpack. I love how much stuff I can fit in it! I carry my phone, wallet, sunglasses, notebook, digital camera, and my 'Wee Wallet' stuffed with business cards. The PDF is available in my shop for the backpack pattern.

What's in your bag?

Wedding White

2008-05-21T11:02:00.004-04:00

The first color that comes to my mind when I think of a wedding is white. I suppose it is because the bride traditioanlly wears a white gown.

Though I detest the color white in my day-to-day routine - good luck finding it in my closet -, I wore white the day I was married eight years ago. Like most brides, I still have my gown tucked away in a box. One day I hope to have the courage and creativity to reuse the fabric.

The Etsy Knitters Team has no lack of creativity. Below are many hand knitted wedding accessories in a treasured white.

For more wedding accessories, please search Etsy with the tags "ido2008" and "EtsyKnitters Team".

Beaded Knitting??? Talk about beautiful!

2008-05-12T18:52:00.006-04:00

Knitting with beads? Or knitted items with beading embellishment. Either way, it's all gorgeous!

This weeks theme- Knitting with Beads, led me to find some beautiful beaded wedding items from our great team members participating the I DO 2008 Wedding Challenge.

First is this gorgeous blue beaded garter from Knotty Stuff.

Hooked out of soft mohair & sparkly novelty yarn and trimmed in a sky blue cotton blend. It features a corded elastic woven into the top of the garter so it stays in place! Glass beads are crocheted into the flower centers. It's very dainty and Knotty Stuff accepts custom orders for other colors.

Continuing with wedding garters, here is a knitted garter with festive violet butterflies featuring freshwater pearls by Bubolina. Hand knit in cotton, Bubolina also offers this garter with blue butterflies, as the wedding 'something blue' item.

Perfect for a night out on the town, or I think even as a bag for the wedding night or honeymoon, this little bag by Hand Mades by Lori, is handknitted 100% cotton bag/purse is 9 cm or 3-1/2 inches square in stocking stitch and finished with lace and pearl beads. It has a little picot edging with a loop over a pearl bead to close.

Every bride needs to carry her essentials...

While these fun foot thongs are silver, they look perfect for a beach wedding! They are perfect for going barefoot while it looks like you're wearing flip flops.

Crocheted in metallic silver yarn by A Needle in the Haystack, they feature tourquoise beads around the ankle.

Let's see what the week holds for knitting with beads. Stay tuned for more fabulous features!

It's Not Easy Being Green

2008-05-09T09:25:00.006-04:00

"It's not easy being green.
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things.
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water - or stars in the sky.

But green's the color of Spring.
And green can be cool and friendly-like.
And green can be big like an ocean, or important like a mountain, or tall like a tree."

an excerpt from Green by Kermit the Frog and Jim Henson

This song was the first thing I thought of when "Green" was announced as the theme of the week. I remember where I was when I first heard the song. We were living in Erie, Pennsylvania. I was still in elementary school. Kermit sang the song on TV while sitting in a canoe in the middle of a pond. The song fascinated me. I wanted to hear it over and over again. Many years went by and except for our trip to Disney World, I never heard the song again until last year. During one of my shopping sprees on High Street in Pottstown, I found an old LP titled The Sesame Street Book & Record. Not only did I buy the LP for myself right then and there, but I went on an extensive search to buy the very same record for my cousin.

Below is a small sampling of Etsy Knitter members using Kermit's trademark color.

Upper Left corner: A Walk in the Park Wrap by KnittingGuru
Upper Right corner: Green wool hand knit hat by JMillenLovesToKnit

Middle Left: Georgia Row Counter Braceletby JeanetteJed
Middle Right: Jasmine the Birdie by KoolKookyKreatures

Bottom Left Corner: Hand knit GREEN shrug wrap by PSBBdesigns
Bottom Right Corner: Eat Your Greens by StickyFingers

Green with envy

2008-05-08T13:20:00.004-04:00

This week's theme, chosen by me, was inspired from all the greens that surround us here in the Redwood National Forest. Here in the Pacific Northwest we are green. BIG green trees, butterfly bushes and blackberries. Anything that grows in the forest is now green and bursting with activity. Take a walk outside and enjoy your 'green' day.

Here are a few of my green picks for this week.

Made by Clarissa68

Made by Fernwood Woolworks

Made by handmadesbylorri

Made by BurryBabies

We're Going G R E E N this week...

2008-05-05T10:28:00.008-04:00

Glorious Green!

Considering we are just stepping into spring here in Maine, green is a fitting color... we're finally starting to see some! We had so much snow over the winter that I thought we may never see it again. This is one view from my deck:

Now the grass is green and the wild turkeys are in my back yard once again:

Green is definitely a welcome sight! When I visited the various members of the Etsy Knitters Street Team in search of various green creations, I came across some beautiful items!

Visit the Etsy Knitters Team members at www.etsy.com and type "EtsyKnitters" into the search box.

Enjoy our G R E E N week...

Jodie
FuzzyBunnyKnits

Etsy Knitters Team Says 'I Do'

2008-05-02T11:01:00.005-04:00

... To Etsy's 2008 Handmade Wedding Series.

The Etsy Knitters Team, an international group of talented and successful knitters, has challenged its members to create items that represent the love and beauty of a wedding through the art of knitting.

Throughout the month of May 2008, members of the Etsy Knitters Team will present handmade wedding items to the public through Etsy.com. These items will certainly encompass a wide range of wedding finery including bridal accessories, traditional wedding fare and even special gifts for the honeymoon. The stipulation to each member is “If you can dream it and it can represent the art of knitting, then one is encouraged to partake in the ‘I Do’ Wedding Challenge”.

The catalyst for the Etsy Knitters Team’s ‘I Do’ wedding challenge was Etsy.com’s Handmade Wedding Series. Rather than participate individually, the team felt that they could be more successful promoting their hand knit wedding items if they worked together. Thus, the idea was born. After countless hours of designing and knitting, the Etsy Knitters Team is proud to present the ‘I Do’ Wedding Challenge.

To search for challenge items, please type in the words “ido2008” and “etsyknitters team” into Etsy’s search engine or click this link. Members will be listing their offerings to the challenge throughout the entire month. Each item will include a special ‘I Do 2008” Wedding Challenge graphic as one of the photos. Be sure to visit Etsy and search often.

Wool....In summer?

2008-04-30T22:25:00.002-04:00

Most people don't think about wearing or using wool to create clothing during the hot summer months. But if you've spent time in your Local Yarn Shop, I'm sure you've seen many books written by talented authors with Summer Fun Wear.

Talent is abundant in the ETSY Knitting Team members. Check out some of the great items I found today. From shawls to bears and broaches, there is something for everyone to purchase as we celebrate this week's theme, Summer Fun Wear.

Cinco De Mayo Knitted Jewelry

2008-04-29T10:42:00.009-04:00

When it comes to summer knits, knitters and wearers alike know that a little bit of yarn can go a long way. As I've perused EtsyKnittersTeam shops, I've seen itty-bitty bits of yarn being whipped up into some truly gorgeous creations. On this Two-for-Tuesday, see if you can find these items - a knitted thong (!) and knitted sandals.

But before you go hunting, here are two must-haves in summer knitting - jewelry in honor of Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo Cotton Crochet Necklace by Bubolina

Cinco de Mayo Fiber Art Lariat by Ohmay Designs

Summer Fun Wear...

2008-04-28T10:44:00.010-04:00

A new week, a new theme... This week: "Summer Fun Wear", bringing you various designs from the Etsy Knitters Street Team to wear for summer.

What prompted this week's theme? Well, last week I finished a new pattern for a Corset-Laced Halter Top for summer and I posted it in my etsy shop: Fuzzy Bunny Knits . It's been so popular! Everyone is looking forward to summer and getting ready for their summer wardrobe. This pattern is so easy you can make one in every color and have an entire wardrobe!

Here it is:
What have the other Etsy Knitters been up to?? Well.. they have some fabulous options for summer as well.

Fiberworks is offering this delicate, Taupe Lace Scarf, knit in 100% baby alpaca. It would be lovely wrapped as a big bow or draped to show off the lace work and would work well dressed up for business with a suit or draped over a cocktail dress for evening. Isn't it gorgeous?

And Lindercella has created this Hot Pink Summer Wave Scarf that is just amazing! 60" long in 100% acrylic, this summer weight scarf is perfect for day or night time wear.

And what about these cute little wrist warmers perfect for spring and summer? Hand knit in a very soft silk/wool blend yarn hand dyed by Norske.

To finish with some fun... I couldn't resist including these great knitters "Knit Love" notecards by LocalGringos. I own a set of these notecards and I absolutely love them! From her "kNotes for kNitters© series of collages", ruminations on the theme of kNitting in particular, and Fiber Arts in general, a profession of "Knit Love".

These notecards are a collage design, hand & digitally colored, and are the third in LocalGringos' series honoring knitters past, craft connected-ness, and the Art of Knitting "handed" down from one pair of hands to the next. You've got to love them!!

Well, that's my offerings for today... I look forward to seeing what other fabulous Summer Fun Wear is posted throughout the week! Happy Knitting!

We have a Winner!

2008-04-28T10:40:00.002-04:00

The Banner Poll has ended and we have a winner: the Yarn Basket banner.

The votes were running close for a bit...

Now you'll see the blog go through a few more changes. Now that we have a 'look' that we've decided on, we will build the blog from there. Watch us over the next few weeks to see!

Redbud Tree and Etsy Knitters

2008-04-25T11:29:00.004-04:00

My favorite tree in my garden this time of year is an Eastern Redbud tree. Like almost all the plants in my garden, it was planted by the previous owner. In this particular case, it was a gift from her son Henry to replace a beloved oak tree that had died.

The rest of the year, its green leaves and short stature allows it to blend into the garden unnoticed. One almost forgets it is there. I am always pleasantly surprised when it blooms.

In honor of its Spring beauty, I picked out items handmade by Etsy Knitters that featured purple blossoms in their designs.

Spring is in the air

2008-04-24T10:19:00.002-04:00

My garden is bursting with blossoms, bumble bees and hummingbirds. This time of year is one of my favorite. Today's post continues with the theme of the week...Garden.
While visiting ETSY Knitters sites I've found postings with photos that have been taken outdoors. With all this spring activity outdoors, take your needles outside and knit a bit. Enjoy your day!

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

2008-04-24T07:17:00.006-04:00

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.

Look at all the talented "Mary's" we have at EtsyKnitters!!!

Running Neck and Neck...

2008-04-23T13:24:00.002-04:00

Only 2 days left to vote!!!

And the we still have a tie... between "Yarn Basket" and "Stockinette" banners.

If you haven't taken time to vote, please do! Voting ends on Friday, 25th and the winner will be announced on Saturday.

Fruit of Our Labor

2008-04-22T08:10:00.010-04:00

Happy Earth Day!

I humbly submit the first of my occasional "Two-for-Tuesday" entries - as a long-time knitting novice on a fairly recent and very steep learning curve.

My passion for knitting blossomed late last fall and carried me through the winter as my gardens slept. But now that warmer and greener days are upon us, knitting is beginning compete with my other passion - gardening. So I've worked a compromise by which I rake, dig, plant, mulch, water and weed in the garden until I'm too sore to move and then I sit down to knit. Problem solved!

I love this week's theme and I had a great time scouring our EtsyKnittersTeam shops to find something great to show you. As it turns out there are so many great things, and I found myself thinking two isn't enough. But there are many more chances to show you more later. So here they are -

The cap is by BurryBabies and calls to mind the fact that my parents called me pumpkin head until I was 3 because I had - well, a big head - and I was bald. More than you needed to know, I'm sure. The adorable basket with fruit and veggies is from LilBritKnits. Be sure to check out theirs and other EtsyKnitters shops, and come back and visit us here often!

Have a great and "fruitful" day! (Sorry, couldn't help myself)

Lindercella

Gardening on the mind...

2008-04-21T11:19:00.005-04:00

This week's theme, chosen by Knitted Gems, is "Garden." What a perfect theme for the weather we are having here in Maine this week! We are finally seeing the last few piles of snow melt off and we even experienced a 75 degree day this past week. Such a relief from the difficult winter we had!

I've been looking at my small flower bed, thinking how much it needs my attention. When I spotted this item "The Vegetable Garden Hip Pouch" from The Spinning Hand, I thought, "What a great idea!"

"This is one of my first designs, from when I was still mainly a cross-stitcher and had just begun to discover the possibilities of knitting. A good, strong yarn in garter stitch lends itself well to embroidery, especially in earthy tones of Paternayan wool. A young lady might decide to use this bag as a carrying case for Peter Rabbit or the Velveteen Rabbit. It’s also fresh enough for those of us who are a wee bit older than that." ~ the Spinning Hand

She learned to knit in 2001, from her great-aunt, but didn't learn to purl until 2003! Since then she's been quite addicted to knitting. You can tell from all the beautiful items in her shop that she has certainly learned her craft. Take a moment to visit The Spinning Hand !

Banner #5 & Time for the Poll

2008-04-18T17:23:00.007-04:00

Banner #5: "Blue" Today is the last day of our rotating banner game!

I've listed the poll on the side bar under the Flickr slideshow. Please take a moment to vote for your favorite banner from this week.

Banner #1: "Yarn basket"
Banner #2: "Red yarn"
Banner #3: "Stockinette"

Banner #4: "Funkadelic"

Banner #5: "Blue"

Don't Forget the Baby Bunnies!

2008-04-18T09:57:00.005-04:00

With the week's theme of Fuzzy Bunnies, one can't forget those little sweeties who get to wear and play with these great items!

Take a look at some of the wonderful items the EtsyKnitters Street Team has for those little darlings in our lives.

Such talent and so many FUN things!!! Check 'em out!

Banner #4

2008-04-17T13:24:00.001-04:00

Thursday: Banner #4 - " Funkadelic "

A Knitty Thursday

2008-04-17T09:38:00.003-04:00

This week's theme of Fuzzy Bunny Knits has presented a challange; a good challange. It has required me to look at more than half of the ETSY Knitting Team stores to choose today's showcased items. Some are Fuzzy and some are Knitty, unfortuantely all the Bunnies have been taken by previous bloggers.

Such a talented group of knitters we have in this group. I was amazed how we come not only from the USA but all over the world. Knitting is truly a universal language. No matter where you travel you will see someone knitting. Even if you don't speak the language, you can share the love of fiber, knitting and projects. It is truly an unspoken language. We are all connected by the tread of knitting. Today, sit a knit a bit and think about what a wonderful community we are creating here at the ETSYKnitting Team. Knit on!

Banner #3

2008-04-16T11:16:00.001-04:00

Today's banner- # 3 - "Stockinette"

Fuzzy Theme continued

2008-04-16T11:07:00.003-04:00

Fuzzy Bunny Knits kicked off the week with a Fuzzy Bunnies for Spring theme. Rather than search for more bunnies, I chose to cut the theme up into individual words and just focus on 'fuzzy'.

After knitting a mohair stole for my Aunt, I have soft spot for fuzzy yarns. The mohair was wonderful to work with, so long as I never had to rip stitches out. After ripping one row out, I vowed to leave all futures errors in place. Even if somebody stared at the stole for an hour, I'd be willing to bet a hundred dollars s/he wouldn't find the errors. The fuzzy yarn hid them like needles in a haystack. Plus, the stole was incredibly warm and kept my legs toasty during the winter nights I knit on it.

So, without further ado, below are six Fuzzy items handmade by members of the Etsy Knitters Street Team.

1. Snow in Spring knitted Headband by Adripratt

2. Black Fuzzy knit scarf by Jen Wolf Studio

3. Bold and Sassy - Basketweave Collection Neck Wear by Ohmay Designs

4. Sunshine Shawl by Knitting Guru

5. Hello Gawgeous Scarf by Lovely Day Designs

6. Easter Egg Skinny Scarf by Knitting Bag

Banner #2

2008-04-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

Tuesday- Banner # 2 - "Red yarn"

New Week, New Theme...

2008-04-14T11:48:00.007-04:00

Monday Madness is upon us and we're launching a new format and new look here at the Etsy Knitters Street Team blog. Each week you will see several posts geared toward a specific theme set for that week. Each author will highlight items from various Etsy knitter team members.

Launching the new look, there are new banners to choose from. Throughout this week, I will be posting the different banners as the header of the blog. On Friday, we will ask the members to vote for their favorite new look. So, please check back each day to see a new banner and on Friday to vote in the poll.

Today's new look is Banner #1 - The Yarn Basket

Now, moving on to this week's theme -- Fuzzy Bunnies for SPRING !!!

I hopped along the bunny trail, looking for various bunnies to share with you... all week we will have bunny stories, bunny knits, new colors for spring looks and more...

Here are the fabulous new bunnies I chose to showcase today:

(Having Etsy mini difficulties-- I'm working on it)

From right to left:

Sassy the Bunny Crochet Pattern PDF by Sherri Crochets
Fingerpuppet Rabbit by The Nutty Knitter
Crochet Amigurumi Easter Bunny with egg by PSBBdesigns
Fairy Moss Scarf by Knitting Bag
Easter Bunny Pattern PDF by Knittingmette
Egg hats by Norske

Please take a moment to check out these bunnies and bunny inspiring items...

And don't forget to stop in each day to keep up with bunnies and spring and our Banner poll...

Happy TBL Thursday

2008-04-10T11:37:00.005-04:00

Today is Through Back Loop Thursday!

The EtsyKnitters team meet in the Etsy Forums each Thursday to show off newly created items as well as old favorites.

Here is a brief glimpse of what the knitters have been up to.

1. Land and Sea iPod or MPS Arm Pockets by Ohmay Designs

2. Blackberry/Anything Bag by Blazing Needles

3. Hand Knitted Childs Shopping Basket style bag by Lil Brit Knits Etc

4. Hand Knit Bright Pink Summer Scarf by Kreative Knits

5. Baby's Blue Circular Sunburst Blanket by Tyger Lily

6. Slouchy Azalea Hat by Lindercella

7. Cinco De Mayo, Fiesta Necklace by Bubolina

Tavia

2008-04-03T15:34:00.007-04:00

A Gnome Hat for Baby

Donning this hat, bless your baby with the good attributes of a gnome: kindness, intelligence, and creativity. The design of this hat is as practical as it is whimsical. It will keep a baby’s entire head and ears warm and dry.

From start to finish, this gnome hat was handmade. The fiber batt was purchased from Loop, an Etsy store specializing in hand-carded batts. The batt, titled Midnight Magic, was a combination of corriedale wool, bamboo and glitz. Tavia then spun the Midnight Magic with malachite green bamboo. Finally, the yarn was plied with slate blue cotton thread. Thus, the yarn is a mix of bright blue, seafoam blue, and aqua with hints of black as well as blue-green sparkles.

The hand spun yarn was then hand knit by Tavia into a fun gnome design to fit a four to twelve month-old baby.

The result is a truly unique, one-of-a-kind baby hat.

Karatstix

2008-03-31T14:33:00.002-04:00

Knitter's Ruler & Needle Gauge

Handmade from bamboo, this is every knitter's best friend. It is a handy ruler with which to measure a standard swatch (4-inch/10-cm square). Measure your swatch in inches on one side and centimeters on the opposite side. When not using it as a ruler, it can be used to determine the size of any knitting needle from US 8-0/.5 mm up to US 35/19 mm.

The gauge was handmade by Karatstix using a laser engraving and cutting machine. It is then sanded and embellished with colored pencils. Finally, it is coated with a satin polyurethane finish and polished to a silky feel. Cared for properly, it will last a lifetime.

All designs copyright© 2007-2008 KaratStix™. All rights reserved.

Meet Your Moderators, v3

2008-03-13T14:22:00.009-04:00

You've met Sherri of SherriCrochets and Mette of KnittingMette.

That just leaves me. Out of the three of us moderators, I'm the only one who doesn't have my first name in my Etsy store name. My store name is KnittedGems. You can rest assured, my parents didn't name me Knitted or Gems. I am thankful. Instead, they named me after my grandmother, Marie.

Another oddity, I don't have any monkeys in my store. Both KnittingMette and SherriCrochets sport monkey patterns. It never occurred to me to knit animals; I wouldn't even know how to begin. So, I stick to more traditional items: shawls, blankets, pillows, and scarves.

Goodness, I'm starting to sound boring. Well, Jake to the rescue!

Jake is my 4-year-old golden retriever. Here he is - doing what he loves - breaking big sticks up into little sticks.

We rescued him almost 2 years ago from DVGRR. I hardly remember what life was like without him. He's my walking buddy in the morning and my gardening buddy in the afternoon. As you can see, he really likes to prune the trees and bushes.

When I'm not playing with Jake, I knit, sew, cook, bake, craft, garden, and hang out with my hubby of 8 years. Though "hanging out" normally consists of me sewing in the sewing room/office while he plays Guitar Hero.

I quit my real job two years ago to focus my full attention on becoming a knitwear designer. I have self-published 14 designs. All of which can be located either through Etsy or through Lulu. My latest design is Anastasia Alpaca Stole. My upcoming design is XandO dishcloth.

I am also the main contributor to this blog. I volunteered to take over the authorship of this blog when EtsyKnitters was taken over by us 3 moderators. Thus far, I have done a miserable job. I am a bit embarrassed by it, but have yet been unable to turn this bus around. It's odd. I LOVE to blog. On my blog, I am giddy about posting an article at least every other day. I never run out of things to talk about. Here, it's quite the opposite. I think the problem lies in the fact that I haven't ascertained the direction of this blog.

It occurred to me that I could blog about business, such as selling on Etsy, free marketing, paid marketing, selling off Etsy, consignment, etc. I haven't because the purpose of this blog is to shine a light on EtsyKnitters.

It also occurred to me to randomly pick an EtsyKnitter member and blog about their store. This is perhaps the most appealing choice.

If you have an idea, please let me know.

Meet Your Moderators, v2

2008-02-21T12:02:00.008-05:00

Allow me to introduce our 2nd moderator, KnittingMette.

You may recognize the name. She's been featured on this blog before. Not only did she design our mascot, Ann, but she also participated in our first YFF (Yarn Forward Friday).

The person behind KnittingMette is, well, Mette. In case you were wondering, I've already asked; it is a Danish name meaning strength with roots back to the days of the Vikings. It is pronounced m(et)-te.

Mette loves to introduce herself as a Dane living in Italy though she has called Italy home for 30+ years. She currently resides in Pisa, Italy, famous for its Leaning Tower, with her husband.

Her two children are grown and out of the house, leaving her time to do what she loves: teach, design, and knit.

On the other hand, our mascot Ann, who is a few years younger than Mette, is busy growing her family. She recently became the proud mother of a red-headed girl.

Since a woman can only have so many children of her own (lest someone start mentioning the word rabbit and Ann's name in the same sentance; that would be embarrassing), Ann started her own Ravelry group to create more knitted women and children.

Of course, when Ann is not busy with her family, she is knitting alongside Mette. Their most recent creation is Fritz the clown.

Be sure to stop by Mette's Etsy store and say Hello. You will find it filled with knitted toys, PDF patterns, and other fun gifts.

Meet Your Moderators, v1

2008-02-17T06:44:00.006-05:00

EtsyKnitters has 3 moderators: myself, KnittingMette and SherriCrochets. Over the next week, you will be introduced to each of them in reverse alphebetical order. That makes SherriCrochets first.

Who is the person behind SherriCrochets? Well, Sherri, of course. Katrina is the monkey behind SherriCrochets though. You'd rather meet a monkey than just another human, right? Naturally. So, without further ado....

This would be Katrina, not Sherri.

Katrina is a year old. She was designed and handknitted by Sherri. Like other monkeys, she likes bananas and figs. She loves to play pretend; humans are so much fun to imitate. Most of all, she loves to curl up next to a human child; they hug you so tightly.

Well, perhaps you would like to know a little bit about Sherri. She is a devoted wife and mother of 3. The eldest son and his wife are expecting their first baby and Sherri's first grandbaby. The youngest son is currently being home-schooled by Sherri. The middle child is caught in the middle, attending middle school.

Now you may wonder, if Sherri knits, why does her business name have the word crochet in it? Because she's a two-timing crafter. She can crochet and knit. Crochet was her first love and the craft that she is quicker and more proficient with. Knitting came later.

Be sure to stop by and say Hi to Katrina in SherriCrochets.

Our New Look

2008-02-11T17:53:00.000-05:00

EtsyKnitters is sporting a new look these days!

Last week, we asked you to vote on what our new avatar should look like. Though two votes were received for the vase of needles, the majority of the votes went to Ann, the knitting doll. Rightly so! Every team needs a mascot.

Rest assured, Ann won't be found on the sideline of a football game doing somersaults anytime soon. She is too busy trying to finish her pink scarf.

Etsy and Yahoo Group Avatar:

Ravelry Avatar:

New banner for Etsy Street Team page:

KnittingMette designed, knitted and photographed our mascot, Ann.

Handmades by Lorri designed the fancy letters for EtsyKnitters.

A warm thank you to each for their contributions!

Yarn Forward Fridays

2008-02-08T12:13:00.000-05:00

Today we started the tradition of hosting a weekly Promotional Thread in the Etsy Forums.

Titled Yarn Forward Fridays, the first thread can be found here. If you have any knitting related items that you listed this week (or this month; I know how long it takes to knit large items), please stop by and tell us all about it.

Below is just a sampling of the items featured already in the YFF.

The Votes are In

2008-02-04T13:57:00.001-05:00

The question posed to all members of EtsyKnitters as well as to members of the Ravelry EtsyKnitters group was the following:

Should a minimum requirement of knitting related items be set that new members would have to meet? It was explained that old members will be grandfathered in and thus not required to meet any chosen bench marks.

The results are in. Thank you to everyone who voted!

65% of EtsyKnitters said that they wanted to impose a 25% requirement to future members.

Complete list of votes

Yahoo Group poll
9 votes receieved
7 voted Yes (they want a 25% minimum)
2 voted No (open to all who love to knit)

Poll Daddy on Blog
10 votes received
6 voted Yes
4 voted No

Original poll on Blog (removed due to service errors)
1 vote received
1 voted No

Total votes
20 votes received
13 voted Yes
7 voted No

Thus, as mentioned, 65% of the group believes we should have a 25% minimum requirement.

Both Currently for Sale and Sold items will be reviewed in a potential member's Etsy store. If 25% of his/her items are dedicated to the knitting craft, we will welcome him/her into our virtual knitting circle.
Should any new members not be able to meet the 25% minimum, they will be informed of the shortfall and encouraged to join again in the future when their Etsy store has more knitting related items available.

Want to vote again?
Of course, you do.

The new question is which avatar do you like better?

Option A

Option B

Option C

Option D

Hating all of the above is an option too. Let's call that option E.

Please vote for A, B, C, D or E.
Thank you!

The Future of EtsyKnitters

2008-01-30T11:31:00.000-05:00

As promised, here is the information regarding the EtsyKnitters Street Team and Yahoo Group.

EtsyKnitters mission statement: To provide a virtual knitting circle where Etsy Knitters around the world can sit, chat and knit. All knitting and Etsy-related topics are welcome.

EtsyKnitters application process: Although the EtsyKnitters Street Team page will not be updated until Monday of next week, we have altered the application process. Now to become a member of EtsyKnitters, one will need to submit an application through our Yahoo Group.

Yet, in order to complete the application process, we need your help. To the right is a poll asking you whether or not future new members should be required to have a certain amount of knitting related items within their Etsy store. Please let us know your opinion on the matter. If you don't like either option, leave a comment stating what you would do and why.

Book of Etiquette:
* Please keep posts positive and respectful.
* Negative comments will not be tolerated.
* Do not post anything that is inappropriate.
* Shameless self promotion is restricted to a 4 line signature.
* Feel free to post local knitting events.

EtsyKnitters on Ravelry: Everybody is welcome to join this group. It does not matter if you are a member of EtsyKnitters or not. The more, the merrier. The link.

Announcement of the new moderators:
Marie of KnittedGems-Moderator/Owner
Mette of KnittingMette-Moderator
Sherri of SherriCrochets-Moderator

More information on each of these moderators will posted over the next two weeks.

Introduction of your new blog author:
Marie of Knitted Gems

Hopefully, I have answered some of your questions. Please feel free to ask me about anything I omitted. Thank you!