Curls of Sunshine

Cute Free Knitting Pattern

Lacy Baktus
Originally uploaded by terhimon

I need more time to knit up all the free patterns found on the internet. I think I may have to make some time for this one.

New Knitted Elephant in my Etsy Shop

My newest toy available here.

 

Summer Knitting Projects

Summer Knitting Projects
By E. Sullivan

One of the latest trends that has cycled back from generations past is the amount of knitting and crocheting that people seem to be doing. Handmade gifts have become the latest rage yet again. Typically, knitting projects are large and unwieldy, but there are many projects that are a better fit for carrying on vacation. If vacation plans include flying, then there needs to be concessions made with supplies for compliance with the new TSA travel restrictions.

Projects that are easily carried can include socks, hats, or belts if clothing is the typical project choice. Other projects that are easily carried can include dishcloths, afghan blocks or small stuffed toys. No matter the project, though, consideration must be given to what supplies will be needed. Packing enough supplies can be difficult, as can choosing which supplies that will be needed.

For knitting needles, packing bamboo or any other type of wooden needle is preferable, especially with the travel restrictions for flight. If metal needles are preferential, then it would be easier to either mail them to the destination a few days in advance or to purchase them in a local craft store. It saves a lot of hassle and time going through security check points. If special needles are required for the project, then it would probably be wisest to purchase an extra set of knitting needles and mail them ahead of time. Nothing is worse than losing your prized supplies.

For the fiber that is needed for the knitting project, ensure that there is enough to complete the project, as it's nearly impossible to match fiber from one area to another. If the project does not require special fiber color or weight, then purchasing at the destination point is a better choice. It leaves less to be packed, with new weight restrictions on luggage. If the projects are small enough, it's not necessary to carry much during the travel, only what is required for what during the actual travel time. For larger projects, extra fiber can be sent ahead with the needles, if that option is chosen for the knitting needles.

The most important part of taking knitting on vacation this summer is to make sure that the projects are fun. Make sure that they are enjoyable and make sure that they are not going to cause more stress than pleasure.

Emily is a knitting enthusiast who loves to shop with the friendly people at Knitch Knitting for all of her knitting items, especially knitting needles. Visit Knitch for exclusive knitting projects and patterns.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E._Sullivan
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New knitted elephant and crocheted dish cloths

Some more new items that I added to my Etsy Shop today.  My daughter crocheted the dish cloths.

New items in my Etsy Shop

A little knitted bunny and some cotton dishcloths were added to the shop.

 

Knitted Panda Bear

A finished Panda for my Etsy shop.  I finished her while waiting in the dentist office.  I have four children.  To get them all check-ups at the dentist takes two days.  Unfortunately, I had some work done today..not fun.  However, finishing this cheered me up.

New Knitted Mouse

Tried something different this time.  I finished a little mouse.  She is for sale in my Etsy shop now.  Now I am ready to knit a puppy.

New Knitted Monkey in the Shop

The kids all had cold and I finally got it.  So while I was curled up in the chair feeling miserable I knitted this little monkey.  I love the little shorts...so much fun!!  She is for sale here. SOLD

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Knitting Needles on Airplanes?

Knitting Needles On Airplanes?
By Laura Zander

School's out and summer is kicking into high gear. And all this warm weather and sunshine has got me thinking about... well, knitting! I know, I know, it seems like serious knitting can happen only in front of a warm fireplace with the wind howling outside your window, but I actually look forward to kicking back on the deck with a tall, cold glass of iced tea and a summer knitting project. Maybe something in a nice lightweight cotton...

But summertime is also all about travel. Family vacations, college reunions and just-to-get-away getaways have all of us on the go these days. And for those of you taking off into the wild blue yonder, you may be wondering just what are the rules when it comes to knitting and flying these days? I mean the great thing about knitting is being able to take it anywhere, right?

So, here's the skinny: according to the transportation security administration's permitted and prohibited items list, knitting needles and crochet hooks ARE permissible as EITHER carry-on or checked items! This is FABULOUS news, I know, but if you're like me, you may still wonder whether that truly means that travel through the security checkpoint will be smooth sailing. The left hand doesn't always know what the right hand says you can fly with, if you know what I mean... So, here are a few ideas that may make things easier for everyone involved:

1. Before you head to the airport, print out a copy of the TSA list, which can be found on the TSA.GOV website. That way, you've got something more credible to back up your story than your own protests and statements like "no, really, it's ok... jimmy beans said so..."
2. Be practical when deciding what to bring along. Although I, personally, have not had problems flying with metal needles (I scarcely know what to do without my Addi turbos...) you may opt for wooden needles instead of metal. Also, as you can see from the TSA's list, metal scissors with pointed tips are NOT permitted as carry-on items, so check those or leave them at home (the same goes for swords and spear guns, just so you know...). However, if you're really worried about trimming loose ends, I would point out that nail clippers now are allowed and easily double for scissors in a pinch.
3. Bring along a pre-paid self-addressed mailer that, as a last resort, you can use to mail your needles home. It's easy to say that you could run it back out to the car, but let's face it, you're probably late already and don't have time to run back to the car (it's not like they let you park anywhere near the airport...), and anyway that's hardly an option if you're trying to get home. If you've got your envelope, you can be stuffing, sealing, mailing, glaring at the well-intentioned-but-hopeless security officer, and on your way in no time.

The main thing to remember is that vacations are supposed to be relaxing, and although getting from point A to point B may not always be as painless as we hope, the better prepared and the more flexible we can be the happier we will be. So, Happy Travels!

We hope you enjoy this article! This article and the associated photos are only for personal non-commercial use and are not for resale. All rights reserved. Permission granted by Jimmy Beans Wool to copy and share this article for non-commercial personal use. Users do not have permission to display on any retail or wholesale website without express permission from Jimmy Beans Wool.

Founded in 2002 by Laura Zander, aka "Jimmy," Jimmy Beans Wool is both a bricks and mortar and Internet knitting superstore, offering knitters worldwide a comprehensive selection of the finest yarns and knitting supplies along with the latest fashion trends. With customers from Los Angeles to Uzbekistan and all points in between, Jimmy Beans Wool has successfully created an international knitting community comparable to that of the local yarn store, and is the resource for knitters looking for inspiration, instructions and project help. Headquartered in Reno, NV, the store was recently the subject of a small business profile in Fortune Small Business (July/August 2007) and has been cited in magazines from Vogue Australia to Family Circle.

For details, visit http://www.JimmyBeansWool.com/

Jimmy Beans Wool offers a wide variety of discount and sale yarn as well as a huge variety of Blue Sky Alpacas, Lorna's Laces and Rowan Yarn.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Knitting-Needles-On-Airplanes?&id=1200263

New Knitted Toy in the Shop

This little elephant is now available in my Etsy shop.

SOLD