Cute Free Scarf Pattern

Donegal Tweed Fair Isle Scarf (PDF) by Rosemary Drysdale: Free pattern from Tahki Yarns.

Nifty Gifts for Knitters

Since I have been using my Xtensor, I have noticed that my hands do not get as achy and as tired as fast. The instructions are clear, making it easy to put together, put on and start using right away. It's lightweight, comfortable to wear, and you can do the exercises anywhere. It is a great invention at an affordable price. It would be perfect for the elderly as well.

Here is some more information about the product:

"Our hands are the most crucial part of embroidery and sewing. Whether you’re stitching, patch working, knitting, or crocheting, the muscles in your hands are constantly clinching and gripping, which can cause cramping, muscle aches and pains. Now you can safely strengthen your hands, allowing them to do more and perform better. Introducing the Xtensor, a medically-supported exercise device designed to offset the continuous gripping actions the hands go through every day. Xtensor (http://www.thextensor.com/) is a core training tool that improves range of motion in your fingers and structural stability in the wrist and elbow. By applying gentle adjustable tension specific to each finger, the Xtensor provides a natural path of motion to strengthen the muscles that open the hands. Easy-to-use, the device fits on your hand and stimulates the muscles that open the hands through the use of specifically designed finger bands that generate resistance. The Xtensor is the first device to specifically exercise the finger extensor muscles and tendons with pinpoint precision."

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Bloom Putty might not seem like your average crafting accessory, but it works similarly to the Xtensor (above) in that you can exercise your hands with it. I noticed this the first day I played with the silly stuff. You can pull, twist, stretch and bend it. This is another great gift for arthritis sufferers. I love Bloom Putty and I know you will too!

-Available in 14 different scents and colors plus 6 unscented colors, so you are sure to find one (or many!) that you'll love!
-Scented with organic and natural oils, NOT artificially scented chemicals which can be absorbed into the skin or burn if rubbed into the eyes.
-Conforms to ASTM 4236
-Conforms to ASTM Standard Consumer Safety Specification on Toy Safety, F963
-Tested for lead content. Complies with 16 CFR 1303
* Since this toy can be molded into various sizes, choking hazard - small parts, not for children under 3 years old.

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Who says patterns are not a good gift? There are tons of free ones on the web, and you can just download, print, and get a little creative with the wrapping for something truly special. Some people cannot find good patterns and if you can, I'm sure they will be happy to receive them. Check these out:

Women: Katalin Mobius Wrap and Wristlet Set (when you go to this page, click the green link in the body of the post to download this pdf file).

Children: Mazie's Mittens by Stefanie Japel ( This is a pair of mittens knitted with only 2 needles! Search for this on Ravelry. You must be a registered user to get this pattern.)

Unisex: Pebbles Scarf by Teresa Chorzepa (This link opens a PDF file immediately. This pattern is from the Tahki Stacy Charles e-newsletter).

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--SAVE WHEN YOU BUY--

-Kpixie is having a sale right now, in addition to the sales they always have going on.

10% Off your order of $50 or more. code: DEC10

15% Off your order of $75 or more. code: DEC15

20% Off your order of $150 or more. code: DEC20

These codes expire midnight December 9th, 2009 (i'm not sure about the time zone).

-VogueKnitting is having a 40% off book sale.

Fabulous Offers and Sales!

Aventura

DE-STASHING SALE - Verena Yarn Shop is de-stashing our stock of yarns from the Spring 09 issue. Registered users take 15% off all yarns from this issue and we’ll include the pattern for free! Subscribers still get their 10% discount for a total of 25% off yarns to knit the patterns below. Get a head start on your projects for next Spring, or knit up a lovely holiday gift for someone special. Yarns in stock are in the color shown. We have limited quantities, so act fast: when they’re gone, they’re gone! 15% discount will be reflected on the yarn page-subscribers will see their additional discount in the shopping cart. Don't forget about Verena's plus size patterns, and for the crafters, check out their How-to videos!
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Lara Kazan will be selling her luxury knit sweaters and accessories for up to 80% off. SOME ITEMS AS LOW AS $8! Whether you want to find some original holiday gifts or just treat yourself…there will be some great finds here!

When: Friday, Nov 27th
Time: 1 pm - 8 pm
Where: 28 Greenwich Ave. (between Charles and Perry)
Take A, C, E, D, F, or V to West 4th St
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Custom Yarns by Linda is offering a free bamboo crochet hook with ALL PURCHASES OF $25.00 AND ABOVE. (One to a customer, while supplies last) You'll find lots of uses for this great accessory as it easily slips into your knitting bag or purse and comes with a plastic sleeve for protection.

MORE Stylish Knitted Boots

Wendy Knit bootie in black, can be worn pulled up (shown), or folded down. Sizes 7, 8, 8.5, and 9 are still available. These boots are gorgeous.

For the more cost conscious, these Jessica Simpson knitted boots can be worn the same way, and have a nice cut out detail on the shoe. Available now in sizes 6-11.

Dressing Dark

Find this knitted dress by Alice + Olivia at She boutique.

You can add a colorful ring, or handbag for interest.

For a more understated look, omit the ripped tights,

and put on a pair of sleek, elegant, closed toed pumps.

Every lady wants to make a fashion statement. If you must dress "goth", shop here, or try to find designs similar to these, for a less expensive price. The great thing about wearing a lot of black is the fact that you can add any color to it. I love how knitwear is so popular and designed so beautifully now. You really cannot go wrong in adding a piece, such as this, to your wardrobe.

Gifts to get Started On

kpixie carries some of the most beautiful yarns I have seen on the web, and they are always having great sales from 20%-60% off, including kits. Cool feature: you can shop by garment type or yarn color if you scroll down on the bottom of their website. Click on the little boxes!

calypso lace jacket Loop-d-Loop Moss

This cardigan (i call most garments a "cardigan" if it hangs over the shoulders easily and especially if it has no buttons) is so boho grandma chic to me ;) but I really love it. It's very eye catching. It looks old fashioned but very wearable, and would be so cozy on Christmas morning, or around the fireplace. It is knit in a DK weight yarn called "Moss" (see link below the image), 85% extra fine merino wool, 15% nylon blend and is available in 9 different colors. You will find this pattern in the Loop-d-Loop pattern book by Teva Durham , Volume 2.

Stitch Diva - Endless Knitted Cardi Shawl pattern

This beautiful piece is one of the most versitile knitted cardigan/shawls you will have in your closet. The best thing about it is that it is at an easy level of knitting, which means most people will be able to accomplish this project with little to no problems at all. When I saw this I thought "...wow, I could really wear that for so many occasions."

Flannel - A Perfectly Soft Layer

What the hell is flannel and why would anyone ever want to wear it? When I hear the word "flannel," the first thing that comes to mind is a plaid flannel button down shirt from the 90s. However it is so much more than that, and is so comfortable.

"Flannel is a soft woven fabric, of various fineness. It usually doesn't have a nap, and instead gains its softness through the loosely spun yarn it is woven from. It is commonly used to make clothing, bed sheets, and sleepwear." (source)

Hermes Fall 2009 Ready to Wear collection.

The pants in this image are made of flannel. Check out this entire collection on Style.com (see the link above, under the image). There are some glorious knitted sweaters and stunning leather skirts and dresses. The colors of the leather (of course Hermes is a well known name for luxurious leather goods) are divinely earthy and look soft, supple, and flowing on the body.

Cute Neck Accessories

feminine @ shopeileen.com

Super sweet necklaces with crochet details.

zigzag scarf @ shopeileen.com

Similar to a Missoni, but only $15!

Layered Knitwear via VogueTV

All three of these looks layer knitwear under an outerwear piece such as a blazer or jacket. In reality you are hiding your knitted garment, but it does make people more inclined to want you to take off that jacket, and show them your cardigan.

Cool Cotton

Mademoiselle Tassel Scarf in Soft Cream

Get 10% off your order at blonde birde, with offer code BBL09. (offer code was found on the Busy Bee Lifestyle website)

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These fabrics are somewhat expensive, but it is worth it if you want something really unique to design with.

Multi Inked cotton print

FC3300 Beige Floral Lace

A Few New Things at Lion Brand and Berroco

Great tip from my Lion Brand e-newsletter today:

• Works for knitting or crochet: I like to use bobby pins (the straight kind) to mark my rows, my stitches, and also to put articles together. To keep track of a lot of stitches, I count out 10 stitches and place a pin and continue. Then I only have to count by 10s. - Anonymous

New free pattern @ Berroco - Mayer

• "A cozy fall jacket with an exaggerated collar, Mayer features the same waffle textured stitch used in Faber, from Norah Gaughan vol 5."

Need a Fall Wardrobe Update?

Vintage Faux Fur Vest

Crazy Hot Clothes has something for everyone, including designer labels, and vintage finds. The quality is meticulously inspected and offered for discerning tastes. Visit this online shop for one of a kind designer finds, and unbeatable prices!

Black Knit Boots and Wedges

Loeffler Randall - Wendy knit slouch booties at Intermix

Diba Hug sweater boots with cable knit detail at Zappos

Alice + Olivia sweater wedge boot at Payless

Kimchi Blue Sweater Cuff Wedge at Urban Outfitters

Sales Ending Soon!

Asymmetric rib tunic - pattern only

Vogue Knitting - The VogueKnitting.com Pattern Sale ends tonight at 12 A.M. EDT. Only a few hours remain to shop more than 800 patterns for just $2.99 each. Reward yourself with a dream project or begin your holiday gift-knitting—whatever your reason, don’t miss this incredible opportunity.
(sorry I posted this so late!!!)

Custom Yarns by Linda - FREE PREMIUM BAMBOO KNITTING NEEDLES (Retail Value $8.99) * Order must total $30 and above* One to a customer* Good 'til 10/15/09* Not valid on SALE items. Another cool thing about this website: Custom Yarns offers E-Knitting parties.

Save Time and Money when Shopping Online!

Access Fashion was featured on Become.com's shopping blog, Pocket Change!

Become is a really cool website, featuring the best deals on products you want to buy, right now. For example, if you click on a category, you will see various products, with comparisons of the same types of items, all laid out for you to see, easily. When you find something you want, you can click over directly to the merchant's website. This saves you time instead of opening and closing separate websites (we all know how frustrating that can be). You can even save your favorite items for future reference. Check it out when trying to decide on your next purchase!

"Become.com has been recognized as being the best comparison search engine, designed to help consumers doing product research on the web. Become.com crawls over 3.2 billion web pages specifically from guides, expert reviews, consumer reviews, articles, specifications, forums, merchants, and a variety of other useful information to help consumers make better buying decisions. Become.com also has a "Nearby Stores" feature that allows users to plug in a zip code and get store names, addresses, phone numbers, hours and Maps."