Wordless Wednesday Teela's Finger Knitted Beaded Headband

Teela made this finger knit headband with beads.

Wordless Wednesday Teela's Fingerknit and Loomknit Creations

This fingerknit necklace took Teela 5 colors of yarn to make.

Teela made this cute flower on the small loom and put it on a fingerknit headband.

Wordless Wednesday Teela Loom Knits

Teela, my 9 year old daughter, just started to learn to loom knit.

Here is a hat she made all on her own with out a pattern.

The Broken Circle: Yarns of The Knitting Witches (Potluck Yarn Trilogy, Book One) and Pattern Book Review

I at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, Oregon

We received these books free to facilitate this review. There is also affiliate links in this post. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Sometimes I come across (or rather it finds me) a great book that combines a few things I love together. In this instance it is my love of yarn, knitting and fantasy that has been intertwined. I have recently been learning to knit because I love to make beautiful things and fiber art of all kinds fascinates me. I also love the fantasy world and find myself there a lot with a good book, movie, or fair/festival.

 KNITTING IS MAGIC...

The Broken Circle: Yarns of the Knitting Witches Book One of the Potluck Yarn Trilogy hit the stores June 3rd. This novel weaves together knitting and fiber arts with fantasy. It is about these knitting witches that are trying to save their world from evils. They are trying to bring their circle of 12 witches together again after 20 years of living their own lives scattered from the flock. Summoned by the Potluck Queen, Aubergine, their journey is a long, difficult one fraught with danger. The yarns they brew are fused with enchanted colored crystals and made into things that have different magical powers, but magic has been outlawed in their land. They need to stay on guard being aware of the possibility of being caught using their magics and thrown into Burnt Holes, the place where it is said there is no return from. They also have other things to contend with while trying to get their circle back together: a traitor (once one of their own) that has broken away and has her own plans for the other 11, a lost crystal, and a war between the men of the Northlands and Southlands. Some of the original 12 won't make it back to the fold, but there will also be newcomers that play their own parts in the plot as well.

This is a fantastical story with wonderful twists and turns. It is very well written and not at all boring. I love how the story unfolds and flows like the colored freshnet rivers, lakes, and streams of the Northland Glacier. On the cover and throughout the book are wonderful illustrations by artist Frank Riccio. At the end of each chapter a knitted item is briefly mentioned with a website to purchase the individual patterns for each. The author, Cheryl Potter, creates a complete new world of extraordinary characters and creatures that come to life through the grand pictures she paints with the words within the pages of the book. The main characters are women who each have their own complex backgrounds. They all have their own flaws and strengths. Some I could relate to better than others, but they all play a necessary part in the saga that develops. The ending I had foreseen before it happened, but because of a cliff hanger it leaves you wanting more.

In my opinion, this book is worthy of being compared to classics like Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia or to more recent tiles like Harry Potter. I am excited to read the second book of the series now that I have read the first, cover to cover. I would also love it if this series gets a large following and becomes epic movie trilogy as well. It is a very good read that both knitters and fantasy readers will love. You do not have to be a knitter to enjoy this book.

The Broken Circle: Knitting Patterns inspired by Book One of the Potluck Yarn Trilogy, is a companion book of featured patterns to knit that are mentioned in the chapter book. These patterns are similar to ones that the characters wear in the story, There are patterns for a: cowl, cloak, hat, socks, scarf, mitts, etc. I might have to learn how to read patterns better just so that I can make some of the gorgeous things in this booklet. This booklet has very lovely full color photographs and charts to help with the making of the garments. It also has a wonderful map of The Middlelands in the front with the Introduction. For each pattern a paragraph or so from the chapter book and detailed description with skill level, size, finished measurements, materials, and gauge accompanies the pattern.

I just was a little disappointed that it says there are 21 total patterns when there are really only 20. It mentions the last pattern on the back of the cover, but says you need to sign up for the Potluck Yarn newsletter and participate in a Knit Along (KAL) in order to receive the last pattern and I am fairly certain once you do the pattern still costs extra. When I went digging on the Potluck Yarn website I found this description they give of the missing pattern, "The Fire and Ice Shawl is the transition piece between Companion Pattern Book One and Companion Pattern Book Two."

Freebie!
Download a free Book 1 Student Workbook to go along with the book. This is especially awesome for teachers and homeschoolers!

Be Social:
Fan Potluck Yarn on Facebook
Follow Knitting Witches on Twitter
Add to Ravelry

BUY IT
Purchase The Broken Circle: Yarns of The Knitting Witches (Potluck Yarn Trilogy, Book One) on Amazon for $15.99 and the Pattern Book for $16.99 (cheaper for Amazon Prime users).

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. There is also affiliate links in this post. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Icebox Knitting XOB Upcycled Knit Cap Review

In the spirit of Spring which officially starts March 20th and Earth Day which is April 22nd I am featuring Icebox Knitting and their XOB Upcycled creations on my Spring Gift Guide this year. "Xob Upcycled hats and accessories (say Zob) employs this concept: upcycle what you've got and create fun!" They upcycle thousands of wool sweaters and suit jackets to make new things. They stitch together the useable pieces and accent them with boucle’ yarn turning them into new products and then recycle the rest of the textiles. This process is very earth friendly and the end product is unique and beautiful. They have hats, caps, arm warmers, hand warmers, mittens, headbands, scarves, pillows, sweater monkeys, stockings, blankets, and bags. They are available in the color options: blue/green, brown/tan, black/grey, or brights. Fabric patterns vary and are one-of-a-kind.

Icebox Knitting sent me a Knit Cap to review and my son, Jaedan, loved it! The one we received is in great gender neutral colors for both him and I to wear it. Although, I probably would have got one in pinks and purples like the other one in the picture above if I were buying one for myself. The cap is warm to wear in the brisk air and very well made. They make so many other different hats too not just this kind. I also love their Xobomber hats and their Pom hats too.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about this product. Icebox Knitting provided me with the product for free to try and review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

I Love Yarn Day

I just learned that it is I Love Yarn Day today :) I wanted to share because of my love of yarn. I think it is one of the best craft mediums out there. There is so much you can make with yarn. You can use it to: crochet, knit, loom knit, tie quilts, make fiber art, and many other crafts. It is so versatile. I am teaching myself to loom knit and loving it! It is so much fun and so much easier in my opinion than needle knitting.

On the 24th of September I attended the the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival in Canby, Oregon. It was so much fun to see all the awesome trade show vendors, artists, demonstrations, and animals! They had all sorts of neat things to see and purchase including: yarn, wool, fiber, flannel, cashmere, fleece, mohair, angora, roving, hand beaded yarns, spinning wheels, spindles, knitting looms, crochet and knitting needles and tools, handmade knitted items, handmade crochet items, handmade needlepoint items, fiber arts, homespun works of art, hand felted items and needle felting supplies, woven items and weaving supplies, fiber dyes, mutton and lamb meat, goats/sheep milk soap, cheese, and other items; bolga baskets, woven lavender wands, related patterns, books and magazines; honey, hand and skin moisturizers, lambs, sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, bunnies, etc.

My friend, Erin, from Connected2Christ blog went to the Flock and Fiber Fest the day after me, took some great pictures and shared on her blog. We wanted to meet at the festival but certain circumstances got in the way...maybe next year. Read her post here.

If you want to celebrate with me and show your love of yarn you can post banners or buttons on your blog or webpage from the Craft Yarn Council. My friend, Bethany Dailey, over at Gettin' It Pegged - Loom Knitter's Clique blog is also celebrating! I just received her awesome new book, Loom Knitting for Little People, in the mail on Tuesday and can't wait to make something from it!! Yay!

In Search of a Unicorn Hat

I have been searching the internet for a unicorn hat ever since my daughter wanted to be a My Little Pony for Halloween. My friend, Erin, over at Connected2Christ blog just loom knitted her daughter a very cute unicorn hat. Erin calls it a Yarn-I-corn hat, LOL! Anyway, I just got some Knifty Knitter looms for knitting on, but haven't yet got into it quite yet on my own. Since I am just starting out and still learning I asked Erin if she could loom knit my daughter a unicorn hat before Halloween this year. Erin told me that she wanted to further perfect the pattern and probably couldn't get it perfected and loom knitted until after this Halloween. I thought that was fine and told my 3 year old daughter. Teela decided that she would be Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast this year instead because we had the gown already and she had just grown into it.

So, I thought that was that and I was done shopping around for a unicorn hat. Today though I stumbled upon a sale at MODNIQUE for Rumi Collection By Violet Del Mar Hats. They have animal and other hats that would be wonderful for Halloween! I really couldn't pass them up at 61% Off! That's only $19 per hat!! I broke down and bought the unicorn one and the orca whale one. There are so many other animals and things to choose from though there is sure to be one you like too! Just go to the sale at MODNIQUE and go up to the ACCESSORIES pull down menu to the Rumi Collection By Violet Del Mar Hats.

Modnique.com is a boutique flash sale site. Members save 50-85% or more on hand-picked designer merchandise. Modnique sells apparel, accessories, shoes, home goods, and other premium quality brand name products at steep discounts.

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in taking part of this sale. I bought two hats from it and thought I would share the savings. By clicking on the Modnique links in this post and signing up to be a member I can get money for referring you if you spend $100 or more.

Toile Tales Review and Giveaway

Toile Tales is a wonderful shop on Etsy that I just adore. Toile means cloth in French. Toile Tales makes these absolutely fabulous crotched hats, headbands and flower clips. I fell in love with an assortment of their handmade creations. I was so very tempted to get myself a hat to review, but instead I got one for my daughter, Teela.

Teela loves hats of all sorts and I couldn't pass up this one because I knew it would look adorable on her. I picked out a Toile Tales Crocheted Darling beret brim beanie in cranberry with layered flower clip embellishment in size 2t for free to test and review. The colors are just so vibrant and the stitches are professionally done. Teela wanted to pose in her new hat right when she first saw it and she didn't want to take it off.

I love that the flower clip can be worn separately in the hair, on a headband, on another hat or even clipped to clothing. You can get these layered flower embellishments separately, 4 for $20 or one for $6 and they have all kinds of colors of yarn to pick from. You can also instead ask for a brooch pin instead of the alligator clip.

WIN IT:
Lori and Amy from Toile Tales has generously offered a $30 gift to their store for one of my readers to win.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Toile Tales website and tell me by commenting on this post what you two items you really love at their shop.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by feedburner or by email and let me know which way. (2 extra entries each)

2. Fan/Like me on facebook and write something on my wall. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Toile Tales in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

7. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog giveaway linky and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra entries)

8. Post this on your Facebook wall, Kirtsy, and/or StumbleUpon. (2 extra entries for each)

9. Comment on one of my regular (not giveaway) posts. (1 extra entry per post you comment on)

10. Follow me on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

11. Tweet this: @finamoon: @ToileTales WIN $30 for Toile Tales Etsy shop #giveaway http://bit.ly/bkBFXa (Daily Extras are Available)

12. Fan/Like Toile Tales on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

13. Follow Toile Tales on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

14. Heart Toile Tales shop on Etsy - must have an Etsy account (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you subscribed, blogged about this, listed it, commented on another post, or faved me on Momfaves leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday November 26, 2010 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open to all 18 years and over in the U.S. Only!!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: Thanks to Toile Tales for sending me a Crocheted Darling beret brim beanie in cranberry with layered flower clip embellishment in size 2t for free to test and review and for providing the giveaway. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

BlaBla Mermaid Dream Ring Review

BlaBla Kids do fair trade with Peruvian artisans who hand knit their designs. They sent me a Mermaid Dream Ring to review for free. The Mermaid Dream Ring is one of my favorite knitted pieces in their collection. It is made of 100% cotton. These Dream Rings are fairly new in their store and beautiful! I love the ocean and when my older kids had a nursery I would decorate their baby room with dolphins and ocean related things. Since I am expecting a new baby in October I thought the Mermaid Dream Ring would be perfect for the baby's nursery. It is a mobile that you can hang anywhere you please. I think it would look great either over the baby's bassinet, on the wall or in a window. It makes a great baby shower gift or even a gift for older kids. These remind me of dream catchers, a hand made hoop with a woven web or net that was first made by the Ojibwa (Chippewa) Native Americans to hang above their children's beds to capture nightmares. I think that the Blabla Kids Dream Ring's colorful and gorgeous craftsmanship would delight baby for hours and is a lovely reminder of sweet dreams.

DISCLAIMER: Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about this product. I received a sample from BlaBla Kids free of charge. All information about the products I received from the products, ChicExecs, and information from the BlaBla Kids website. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Tatutina Review and Giveaway

Tatutina is a wonderful online store with unique products that are very colorful and happy. Most of their products are hand painted and all of them that are, use paint that is certified non-toxic and lead free. They now can also personalize by hand painting a name in their own Tatutina style. They have such a fun and funky way of painting their designs! I fell in love with the colors and bright patterns.

We received a children's medal with Cutie Pie on it and a mermaid sweater that was designed from one of their paintings and hand knit in Peru to test and review for free. My daughter, Teela, modeled them for me.

The medal was very cute and hand painted with a slice of pie on it. The medals are great for awarding achievements that kids can do or be on any given day. Positive recognition is wonderful for helping kids' self esteem. Each medal is made of painted wood with a ribbon that has velcro closure at the top for easy on and off. These medals come in various designs...such as: cutie pie, dinosaur expert, bug catcher, birthday girl, birthday boy, new big brother, new big sister, funniest kid, good citizen, little dancer, top chef, singing star, biggest ham and more! The back of the medal can be personalized with the child's name. They are just $5 each!

The mermaid sweater is adorable! I love the bright colors and Tatutina has other mermaid items that coordinate with it. When they designed this sweater and put it into production, they worked with an American company that helps support local Peruvian women in their efforts to sustain a living and provide for their families. This 100% cotton sweater comes in 3 different sizes for babies and toddlers. They also have other designs too and now on sale for $40!

WIN IT:
Roberta at Tatutina has given me the opportunity to choose one lucky reader to win 4 children's medals.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Tatutina website and tell me what 4 medals you would love to win.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on facebook. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Tatutina in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button (see sidebar to the left) AND/OR Put My Blog URL in Your Blogroll - Leave Your Link. (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Add me on twitter and retweet this: @finamoon: @tatutina WIN: 4 Tatutina Children's medals http://bit.ly/6k8rnr
(Daily Extras are Available)

8. Add the Tatutina blog to your blogroll or link to your website and let me know your url and where it is located. (1 extra entry)

9. Fan Tatutina on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

10. Follow Tatutina on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. This contest ends on Friday January 08, 2010 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open toUS only!!

DISCLAIMER: Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about these products. I received samples from Tatutina free of charge. All information about the products I received from the products, ChicExecs, and information from the Tatutina website. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Blabla Kids Review and Giveaway

ABOUT BLABLA KIDS:
Blabla's collection is designed by Florence Wetterwald and Susan Pritchett. They are a company that honors the fair trade ethic. Their products are knitted by Peruvian artisans and everything is made from natural fibers grown in Peru. The natural fibers make their line so soft, snuggly, and environmentally friendly. They make dolls, doll clothing, rattles, backpacks, finger puppets, blankets, mobiles, and clothing for their store.

MY THOUGHTS:
I received a giraffe Blabla doll named Gigi to review from Blabla Kids and I gave it to my daughter, Teela. Gigi is beautiful and made exceptionally well! I love the bright colors they use for the yarn. Teela loves her and takes Gigi everywhere she goes. She asks for Gigi by name when she does not have her and loves to sleep with her Gigi doll.

My other favorites at the store are: Mermaid doll "Anemone", Mermaid doll "Coral", Mermaid doll "Mini-Anemone", Mermaid doll "Mini-Coral", Giant Mermaid doll, Veggies rattles, Fruits rattles, Flower Blue hat, Butterfly Lilac hat, Boatneck "Pumpkin" sweater, and the Cardigan "Rose" sweater.

Thanks to ChicExecs, a company which was created to promote small business campaigns, I was able to let you know about this product.


WIN IT:
Susan at Blabla Kids is is giving one lucky reader a chance to win their very own doll.

Mandatory:
1. Go to the Blabla Kids website and tell me what doll you would pick and for whom?.

Additional entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog by email and let me know. (2 extra entries)

2. Become my fan on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and Blabla Kids in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

4. Grab My Button - See Sidebar to the left - Leave your link (1 extra entry)

5. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

6. List this giveaway on any giveaway listing website or blog and tell me where you listed it. (2 extra)

7. Follow me on twitter and retweet this: @finamoon: @blablakids WIN: Blabla Kids doll http://bit.ly/fzmHI
(Daily Extras are Available)

8. Fave me on Momfaves. (2 extra entries)

9. Comment on any other of my posts and tell me which one. (2 extra entries per post)

10. Follow Blabla Kids on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

11. Fan Blabla Kids on Facebook.

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you subscribed by email, blogged about this, listed it, commented on another post, or faved me on Momfaves leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday October 9, 2009 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is open Worldwide!!