Magpie Darling Hat SALE ~ click here to comment June 10, 2019 00:00

Happy #TCJMonday 

If you ever shopped for a Magpie Darling Hat, you will remember, the list was long!  There were SO many choices...too many choices?  Although I love all the Magpie options and have made multiples of each, I felt like it was time to clean house.  The solution, put some Magpies on sale!!! 

All SALE Magpies are now listed on a specific Magpie Darling Hat Sale page.  Currently, it includes all the Amore, Paillettes, Mohair Tweed, Sherpa, and 100% Cashmere Lana Gatto hats.  These gems are all discounted, once they are gone, they are gone.  If you love it, get it!

Like this Sherpa, Dk Grey with Black/Rainbow Sequin, there's only one left!

Happy shop-bling & knit-bling

Deep Vee Tee knit kits ~ click here to comment June 3, 2019 20:26

Hello,

I just wanted to share with you the new Deep Vee Tee Knit Kits that are now up in the shop!  Ooooh, this summer knit is one of my favorites and I know you will love it too.  

Each kit comes with 2-3 skeins of the beautiful SweetGeorgia Silk Fog yarn, PDF & Printed Frilly Collection Booklet (4 patterns) and a 100% Cotton TCJ Project Bag.

There are limited quantities, so grab one of these fabulous projects while they are here!  These knit kits are the perfect summer knit, and something you can whip up quick and wear right now!

Happy Knitting Everyone! xo

Grandes Manches Pullover ~ click here to comment May 15, 2019 08:37

I am so excited about this new knit kit, and I know you will love it too!

We are going ga-ga for the Grandes Manches Pullover.  It's one of those simple designs you can really make your own, and now it comes in a full range of colors with a ton of sequin options!  Its modest construction is great for the novice knitter or advanced pro. Whatever your level, this will be a fun project and trust me, you'll want to make one in every color. 

Below, is a Grandes Manches Pullover in color Jade with no sequins in size medium.  By not adding the sequins, the natural drape of the brushed alpaca creates more movement and drama.  Unlike traditionally spun alpaca, this brushed or blown alpaca is super lightweight and does not make a heavy fabric. The alpaca fibers are blown into a tight/strong nylon mesh which gives the final knitted fabric a fluffy texture with a bit of drape that won't fall out of shape; it's the nylon mesh that helps hold its form.

These knit kits come in a full 9-color range! You have choices, and I don't know how you're going to pick, probably best to get one of each ;)

This version, below, is one of my favorites, the color is Baby Blue with Silver/Silver Sequins shown in size Medium.  The silver really blends beautifully into the dusty pale blue and almost seems grey in some lights.  The twinkle of the silver sequins is divine.

Each knit kit comes with 4 - 5 balls of Chipaca yarn; a PDF and downloadable PDF pattern; 2 balls of sequins (optional, additional $20 charge); a limited edition old print TCJ backpack-style project bag (while quantities last). 

Spring Cleaning: how to wash your Uashmama bags ~ click here to comment March 25, 2019 11:28

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone,

Spring has sprung and it's time for a little spring cleaning...

 Three simple steps to help make your Uashmama bags look brand new again for this Spring season!

 ~ 3 instruction photos, courtesy of Uashmama Canada

Magpie Darling Hat Finishing Tips ~ Click Here To Comment February 18, 2019 11:48

Happy #TCJMonday All,

There is a lot of Magpie Darling Hat knit-bling going on right now, very exciting, and I wanted to share some finishing tips with you! You will need a pair of sharp Scissors, a Tapestry Needle, and a Pom Pom (optional). 

The first thing you will need to do is carefully cut the mini sequins off the yarn. I do this by cutting the sequins in half, making sure not to cut the actual thread.

Next step, weave in your ends.  Thread your Tapestry Needle to the bottom (cast on) thread (both threads at the same time).

On the wrong side of the hat, weave in the end, going up the purl bumps. Cut yarn. 

Thread the top of the hat end and with the right side facing, weave in a few times to make sure the top is closed and secure.

Bring the yarn to the wrong side of the hat and weave in a few times through the purl bumps.

If you want to add a pom pom to the top of your hat, bring the yarn back to the right side of your hat and either sew on a snap for your pom pom or leave the tail to sew the pom pom onto the actual hat after you block.  Usually there is a loop on the pom pom if there is no snap.

No one wants to wait for their hat to dry after wet blocking, so I suggest steam blocking!  Heat up an iron with water in it or a steamer, place the hat on a towel.

Using the steam function, start blasting steam through the hat, hoovering the iron or steamer just above hat. 

Be VERY CARFUL not to melt the sequins or the yarn the sequins are attached.  I have never had an issue with this and I get the heat pretty close to the sequins; but, please keep in mind, the sequins are plastic, 100% synthetic, and are delicate to heat. 

Steam/Iron both sides of the hat, until it lays flat.  You can follow the measurements as a guide.  If you want to make your hat bigger or slouchier, then be a bit more aggressive with your blocking. Let your hat cool. Snap or sew on your pom pom (if you choose to put a pom pom on it).

Wear and Enjoy! Happy Knit-bling Everyone! 

This sample is the Berger Pink & Copper/Rainbow Sequins

One last tip: the sequin yarn can get tangled easily; while knitting with it, keep it in a separate baggie, project bag or yarn bowl.  I like putting it in a baggie, so I can zip it up while I am not using it. 

More Magpie Darling Hat news & important information ~ click here to comment February 4, 2019 14:21

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone! 

It's been a whirlwind the last couple of days since the amazing Grocery Girls, Tracie & Jodi generously talked about the Magpie Darling Hat in the latest episode 72! Wow.  This is an important episode to watch addressing the inclusion of diversity conversation in our fiber community.  I wrote about my views on the subject, on Instagram, a few weeks back.  This is an important conversation to have, learn about and listen to.  The girls are right, it is not ok to just sit back and do nothing or say nothing.  It is not ok for people to not feel welcome in this community.  Knitting and making should bring us together, this is our family and we all need to do better to include everyone.  Follow @grocerygirlsknit @just_traci and @mrsbrownbags to be inspired.

You can imagine, the MDH's have been flying out of here, and they are selling out fast!  I have put knit kits up as PREORDERS for the ones I know are coming back SOON.  My hope, by this Friday, January 8th or latest early the week of Feb 11th. 

Here's some important MDH information:

• I will keep the Magpie Darling Hat product page up to date with exact dates of delivery when I get them. 
• If a listing is out, please request an email restock notification.  This is a great way to be the first to know when new stock is in.
• Because the list of MDH options is SO long, if a colorway is discontinued, I am deleting it!  This means if you ordered a knit kit and I have deleted it, your PDF link to the pattern will not work.  I know this is super annoying, so I apologize in advance. I am trying to email everyone who ordered a discontinued color with a PDF attached, but some of the earlier orders will not get this email.  Please, email me anytime and I am happy to email you a copy of the PDF pattern and if you supply your Ravelry Handle, I will also 'gift' a copy of the pattern to your Ravelry account/library: amanda[at]thecraftyjackalope[dot]com
• NEW: colors in SHERPA & MOHAIR will be in soon, keep checking back regularly.  As soon as I know a colorway is coming in for sure, I will list it as a preorder.
• NEW: Lang Paillettes in Grey/Blue w/ silver mini sequins knit kits are now up as a PREORDER.  This yarn will be in by Friday Feb 08th and orders will go out right away, by Saturuday Feb 09th, latest.

We all LOVE Sherpa this season, it's all about texture! New colors in the Sherpa Pisco & the Mohair Ingenua Tweed are coming soon!! As soon as I get confirmation on colors/qty, I will post as PREORDERS with a mid-Feb delivery.

If you like it, buy it, these hats are selling fast! I absolutely LOVE seeing your projects-in-progress and finished.  Tag me on IG @amandakaffka or @craftyjackalope or #shareyourTCJ and if you approve, I will repost on @craftyjackalope 

Happy Knit-bling! xo

More Magpie Darling Hats and a Sale ~ click here to comment January 28, 2019 00:00

Happy #TCJMonday All,

Of course, I have to open with, IT'S STILL Magpie Darling Hat MADNESS OVER HERE!!! Since I last blogged I have made a gazillion more MDHs, and I am not stopping anytime soon.  These glittery gems light up my days; having one on-the-go is a brilliant way to spark joy. The photo above shows the newest color to hit the line up: Navy Berger & Blue/Blue Sequin.

We all love the MGH for ourselves and as gifts, so I designed a mini version for the babies and children in our life; Mini Magpie Darling Hat.  These cuties are the perfect baby shower gift and will delight any child that receives one.  Also, matching your kid is always a great idea...seriously! The size range is from Newborn to age 9 - 10 depending on the head size.

Due to popularity, the MDH's never go on sale, but because Valentine's Day is just around the corner, I have a special Hot Pink MDH offer!  From now until January 31st, 11:59 pm PST purchase 2 Adult MDHs, the second being a Hot Pink one, and get 25% off the Hot Pink Hat!  Make sure to put 2 hats in your cart (at least one has to be Hot Pink) and use coupon code: 25HEARTS at checkout. Start shop-bling and take advantage of the sale!

Happy Knit-bling!

Magpie Darling Hat Shop-bling guide ~ click here to comment January 7, 2019 11:38

Happy New Year and Happy TCJ Monday Everyone!

I am so excited about these Magpie Darling Hats, I can't stop talking about them and showing off the sparkle!  These hats are super blingy, fun to wear and everyone loves them!  They are great to make for yourself, of course, but even better as a gift! They knit up quick and anyone who receives one will be thrilled! 

I have lots of choices and more coming in over the next few weeks.  This one is the cashmere & sequin yarn held together. It's ultra blingy and shows the strand of metallic throughout which the sequins are attached.  It is the original hat, a winner and comes in lots of different colorways. 

Added to the Magpie family, SHERPA! This one comes in a light Grey with silver/silver sequins.  This hat has a subtle twinkle and the texture is fabulous.  We all love Sherpa this season and this hat does not disappoint.

If you love texture, the Mohair Tweed is the hat for you!  This is ultra twinkly and has a beautiful fuzzy texture. This hat runs bigger than the original, so keep this in mind when choosing your size.

And finally, the 100% super soft Merino Lang Paillettes hat in Charcoal or Black is probably the softest version.  Yes, the cashmere is amazingly soft and luxurious, but the Paillettes is unique in that the sequins are actually already strung into the yarn; because of this, there is no metallic strand holding the sequins.  I love how the sequins speckle, shine throughout.  For this version, you will hold two strands of the merino together at the same time.

What is your favorite version?  I know it is hard to choose.  I have made over 15 Magpie Darling Hats so far...and I wear all of them (other than the ones I have gifted)!  Having the choice of which bling to brighten up my outfit brings a smile every time ;)

Sparkle Alert: Magpie Darling Shawl ~ click here to comment November 30, 2018 07:41

Hey Everyone,

Here in Vancouver, the rain has hit hard, all I want to do these days is hunker down and knit, what about you?

I am super excited to announce, The Magpie Darling Shawl PDF pattern and knit kits are now available!  If you didn't know already, I loooooove sparkles and so naturally, Magpie Darling Shawl was the perfect project to design.  Its simple construction, blinged out sequins and beautiful SweetGeorgia yarns, makes this knit a pure joy; perfect for the Holiday season...and, who am I kidding, year-round! Each knit kit comes with the pattern, a glittery ball of sequins and a skein of SweetGeorgia Yarns in either Bulletproof Sock, Tough Love Sock or Flaxen Silk Fine.  There is a curated selection of colors with limited quantities, so if you love it, get it.  And, there are a few Magpie Darling Hat knit kits left, another must make! Perfect for gift-giving.

A few weeks ago I went on an Industry Retreat, put on by the Knit Social Gals.  If you have never been on a "knit retreat," I highly recommend it.  The setting was gorgeous and it was amazing to be in the company of amazingly talented women.  Felicia from SweetGeorgia summed up the weekend so eloquently.  

And, if you want to be entertained and educated on all the newest and greatest knit swag, watch the Grocery Girls!  I had the pleasure of meeting Tracie for the first time, she was just as lovely and hilarious in person!

So, its time to seriously get a hold of your gift-giving projects, the Holidays are creeping up.  Here are some quick and easy projects to get you through.  This year I made a handy Makers Gift-Giving Journal which will help you keep track of all your projects and giftee measurements and needs, year-round (holidays, birthdays, events, charity deadlines).  

And, finish off your projects with a beautiful hang tag, it will take your gifting to the next level. 

Happy Knitting Everyone! xo

Magazine publications ~ click here to comment October 17, 2018 09:23

Hello Everyone,

This month has been pretty great.  Kicking off with Knit City, which was such a success.  Thank you to everyone who made it out for the amazing event, it was quite the fiber fest!  If you didn't get to attend this year, mark your calendars for next year: October 04 - 07, 2019. It's not to be missed. 

Also, exciting news, three of my designs are currently published in three magazines right now!! All three magazines are on newsstands now!!

I can't express how much of an honor to be included in these publications, it is truly a dream come true. Vogue Knitting Magazine Fall 2018 issue, Noro Magazine #13 and Knit Simple Holiday 2018, I am speechless.  And to be on the cover of Knit Simple!!! OMG! W-O-W!

Noro Magazine #13 Shawl no. 12.

Vogue Knitting Magazine Fall 2018 Lace Stripe Shawl no. 7

Knit Simple Magazine Holiday 2018 Lace Shawl no. 1

New offerings: a maker's gift-giving journal ~ click here to comment August 8, 2018 09:48

Hello Everyone,

Today is an exciting day, the Maker's Gift-Giving Journal pack is now available! This journal is full of note-taking space to get you organized! It has 50 interactive pages to keep you on track, start projects early and finish on time. Included are quick reference pages: needle/hook/yarn conversions;  yarn gauges; standard sizing; and knitting abbreviations.  

The pack includes

• 1, 50-page maker's gift-giving journal (5"/12.75 cm x 8"/20.25 cm).
• 5 gift hangtags with to & from info and care/fiber info.
• 5 ribbons (3 grey, 1 mustard, 1 teal).
• 5 removable pear-shaped stitch markers to fasten the hangtags with the ribbon onto your finished project.
• 1 mini pencil (white with @craftyjackalope or navy with The Crafty Jackalope ~ pencil selection is random).

The contents of the journal includes

• 1 Title Page
• 1 Interactive Content page.
• 6 pages of Event Calendar.
• 1 page overview of the people (10) and charities (5) you make for.
• 10 Giftee Details pages.
• 5 Charity Details pages.
• 17 Project Details pages.
• 1 page Needle/Hook/Yarn Conversions.
• 1 page Yarn Gauge.
• 5 pages of Standard Sizing.
• 1 page Knitting Abbreviations.
• 1 page End Notes.

Check out the product page to see detailed images of the inside pages.

Happy Knitting Everyone! Amanda xo

a quick look at filling out the pages of the maker's gift-giving journal ~ click here to comment August 4, 2018 16:44

Take a quick look at how to fill out the pages in the maker's gift-giving journal!

 This journal is super for keeping detailed notes on the people and the charities you make for.  Get organized, start projects early and never miss a deadline!

Important dates and links:
Pre-orders: August 05, 2018
Offical launch: August 08, 2018

In this video, I am wearing the Color Fade Shawl.
The Purple Newborn Hat pattern, free pattern knitting for charity.

a maker's gift-giving journal ~ click here to comment August 2, 2018 17:31

Hello Everyone,

I don't know about you, but for me, this summer has been nuts and it is time to get organized!  I am so excited to share with you the pre-launch of the newest product: a maker's gift-giving journal. Out August 8th, 2018 ~ Mark your calendars! 

 We all love the idea of knitting for friends and family or charities for specific dates, birthdays, and holidays, but in reality, it is hard to start early enough to make it enjoyable and it's simply hard to get organized.  I designed this journal pack to get us back on track; to manage our projects, the people & charities we knit/crochet for and our timelines.  Also included, super cute hangtags and a custom mini pencil, so cute!  I know you are going to love this journal packed full of excellent information and the perfect size to throw in your project bag; and, I love how the spiral-bound lays flat! 

There are so many great things about this journal pack.  Stay tuned, in the next day or so I will upload another video demonstrating how to fill out the pages and how this journal can work for you!

Happy knitting & crochetting! xo

Swatches ~ click here to comment June 4, 2018 16:46

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!

May turned out to be super busy for me, and June doesn't seem to be slowing down! I have been invited to design a few pieces for Vogue Knitting, Knit Simple and Noro Magazine.  It has been an honor and a test of my speedy knitting ability (tight deadlines).  For all publications and design submissions, swatching is non-negotiable; as you can imagine, I have been knee deep in swatches...and let me tell you, I am not typically a swatcher. For a 'non-swatcher' the last month has actually been a really great exercise, and I have enjoyed the process.  There is something satisfying about putting together design proposals with swatches, illustrations and descriptions; usually I don't plan out projects to the degree, or at least not in this way.

If you're interested in proposing designs to magazines, it's important to keep them super professional looking.  I have been trained in Fashion Illustration, but recently I found a template that is a must for anyone, at any level of illustration.  It's called Fashionary.  I use the notebooks and the panels, all the time.  Even though I can draw, using the templates takes away one extra step and I am able to fully focus on the design and, not to mention, the consistency is a bonus.  Another tip, find the magazines/publications you want to design for and get onto their submissions emailing list, you will get an email every time there is a submission call.

Happy Knitting! XO Amanda 

Tell us what you think ~ click here to comment May 21, 2018 10:58

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone,

We are always striving to improve and deliver the best products & services to our makers!  Please, take this 3 - 5 minute survey and tell us what you think!

And, last week the new add-on came out for Bandana Love: Front Flowers #2. 

These add-ons are free with the purchase of the knit kit or pattern on the TCJ website or Ravelry.  If you already purchased the pattern, the new chart was already delivered!  

Next month, Front Stripes #3 will be added. 

It's the pattern that keeps on giving! 

Happy Knitting! xo ~ Amanda

Happy Mother's Day sale continues ~ click here to comment May 14, 2018 09:17

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!

The Happy Mother's Day sale continues today until 11:59pm PST.  The sale was announced in yesterday's bonus newsletter; so, if you didn't hear about it, sign up to receive the newest TCJ news, coupon codes & promos!

For 15% off site wide, use coupon code BESTMA at checkout. 

For 25% all TCJ patterns & eBooks on Ravelry, use coupon code BESTMA at checkout.

Also, I am super excited to announce the new craftyjackalope Instagram account!  This account is all about you, the fans and the makers!  I am posting daily TCJ projects made by you!  Be sure to tag @amandakaffka or @craftyjackalope or #thecraftyjackalopedesigns to get noticed.

Happy Knitting Everyone! 

Amanda xo

Please vote for me ~ click here to comment April 30, 2018 00:00

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!

I entered a FedEx contest to win a grant to expand the TCJ business and I need your help.  If you have a minute, can you please vote for me?  You can vote every 24 hours...if you feel so incline.  Every vote is appreciated it, and I thank you so much, in advance! xoxo

Click here to vote.

Also, it's almost May, if you can believe it, and there's lots to look forward to.  Sign up for the TCJ Newsletter and be the first to know about new projects and deals.  In May we have a new yarn offered in the Marled Madness knit kits;  cashmere is fabulous, of course, but this new tweed will knock your socks off, looks and price...in a good way! We have a new "add-on" for the Bandana Love pattern & knit kit: Front Flowers. And, it's May the 4th...so you know what that means...all the Star Wars patterns & knit kits will go on sale for one day! Mark your calendars!

And, we got the @craftyjackalope Instagram account up and running.  This account is exclusively all about you and the TCJ projects and knit kits you make!  Follow us and tag #thecraftyjackalopedesign or @amandakaffka or @craftyjackalope for a chance to be posted!  

Happy Knitting!

Bandana Love Bonus ~ click here to comment April 23, 2018 09:25

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone,

Last week we released Bandana Love, a simple and fun-to-knit bandana style cowl. Although we love the simplicity of this bandana, it was also a perfect canvas for patterns & textures and I got this crazy idea of including add-ons throughout the summer, free for those who purchase the pattern and/or knit kit!

Introducing, the first of many add-ons, Front Print #1.  It is a combo of 2 skeins of SweetGeorgia Superwash Worsted (sample in Bison/Birch).  Single skeins and double skein knit kits are now available online.  If you prefer just the pattern, you can purchase from Ravelry.  Present and future add-on are included with pattern!  What is your favorite color combo?!  Is there a specific pattern you would love to see? 

Happy Knitting!

new offerings ~ click here to comment April 16, 2018 00:00

Bella Dean Shawl Knit Kit ~ Click here to comment April 2, 2018 00:00

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!

I hope you had a wonderful Easter and/or Passover this holiday weekend!

I am so excited to announce the newest knit kit to hit TCJ website, Bella Dean Shawl!  This was the first shawl I ever designed.  It was a gift to my mom back in 2014.  Since then, I have learnt so much and have had a ton of experience writing knitting patterns; I felt Bella Dean needed some serious TLC.  Without changing the look of the original shawl, I changed the way it's knit: stitches and the order they are worked.   I believe now, the pattern has a much better flow and the instructions are clearer.  

Bella Dean Shawl is now available as a knit kit.  This one-skein-wonder project comes with the pattern and one skein of yarn.  We offer an array of colors in four SweetGeorgia yarn qualities (sample shown in SG Tough Love Sock, color Rainbow Sprinkle):

TOUGH LOVE SOCK

BULLETPROOF SOCK

CASHLUXE FINE

CASHLUXE SPARK

If you are looking for a quick shawl to knit that will bring you into the spring/summer season, this is the shawl for you!

The pattern can also be purchased on Ravelry as a single PDF pattern.  Link here.

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Updates: thank you, a new hat knit kit & colors for the Anywhere Cowl ~ click here to comment March 26, 2018 00:00

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge and thank all those who marched, at this Saturday, March 24th, March For Our Lives. So many showed up, and I am more hopeful than ever for change and gun reform!  We can't stop the conversation or the fight for basic human rights to be safe! #enough #gunreform #marchforourlives For more updates on the March For Our Lives, click here.  Download the free #ENOUGH Hat & Headband pattern here on Ravelry.

Knitting is therapeutic, we all know it and it's been proven.  Whether you are knitting for a cause, like the #Enough Hat or knitting for meditation, pleasure or calm, the Anywhere Cowl is the perfect project to find the rhythm.  It is my go-to project I take with me "anywhere;" I always have a project on the go, in my purse, and a lot of the time, this is the one. The pattern is free on Ravelry, download a copy here.  If you prefer knit kits, we offer them in many colors using SweetGeorgia Party Of Five sets!  Last week we added three new colors, which I am wild about:

Candy Shop

 Fairytale

Whirlwind 

These colors remind me of spring, they take me to a happy place with every stitch. 

The newest design to come out of TCJ is the Marled Madness Hat!  If you knit for comfort, this 100% cashmere hat is for you!  It's just simply soft and the marled effect is spectacular. 

  Only available as a knit kit, these hats come in three colors: 

Dear Knitter is back, new questions are answered each Wednesday.  Submit your question either by email: amanda (@) thecraftyjackalope.com; in the comments below; through the contact forms online or through FB or IG message. We would love to hear from you!

Here’s Why Your Dog is the Perfect Hobby Companion ~ click here to comment March 19, 2018 00:00

Guest post by Maria Cannon

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone! 

TCJ intro: If you follow me & TCJ, you will already know, I am obsessed with cats…Kitty & Percy (my two main furry friends) make it into FB & IG posts regularly! I know all about the love you can receive and give to pets, and they make great backdrops to photos!  That being said, there is a huge responsibility that goes with being a pet owner.  Please consider your lifestyle and if you can give the proper time and dedication and can afford the expenses before introducing any pet into your life!

Please welcome back Maria as she outlines the fabulous ways dogs can enhance your crafty life.

Here’s Why Your Dog is the Perfect Hobby Companion

 You’ve probably heard that hobbies are good for your health: they give you something to occupy your mind, keep your brain active, and can even keep your physical health in-check. If you’re a dog owner, or thinking about adopting a four-legged friend, you can maximize the health benefits of hobbies by incorporating your pup into your favorite pastimes. Not sure how Fido fits into your plans? Read on to find out how you can incorporate your dog into just about any activity.

Dogs Love Active Outdoor Fun, Too

Of course, the most obvious way to engage in hobbies with your dog is to participate in outdoor activities. Dogs love to play fetch, making them a great companion for frisbee lovers. Unlike your human friends and maybe your significant other, a dog is always up for a walk or jog around the block or a hike through the woods.

If your pup loves the beach just as much as you do, plan a day trip packed with fun and games of fetch. When you’re both tuckered out at the end of an active day, snuggling up next to your furry friend for a nap is the perfect way to end the day. The great thing about outdoor activities is that they provide ample opportunities for physical activity, which is good for your physical health – and your dog’s, too.

Crafting…with Dogs?

A dog is the ideal sidekick for more than just long walks and a game of fetch at the dog park; your dog can accompany you on the trails, rest his head in your lap while you watch a sappy movie on a Friday night, and even play a role in your favorite crafts. If you love to sew, for example, why not make some handmade duds for your handsome pup?

Up-cycle some old, no-longer used items to craft a sophisticated dog bed or use your baking skills to prepare some delectable handmade treats for your four-legged friend. You can put your crafty skills to work with dozens of DIY ideas that your pup is sure to enjoy.

Photographers, Artists, and Dogs, Unite

Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, pets tend to make photogenic subjects. Practice your photography skills in a fun outdoor photo session, or try your hand at some William Wegman-style photography just for fun.

If manning the camera isn’t your thing, but you have a way with a paintbrush and canvas, painting (or drawing) your pet’s portrait is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your beloved pet while creating a lasting memory that you’ll cherish forever.

Do Some Volunteering

Did you know that it’s relatively easy to have your dog certified as a therapy dog? A therapy dog is different from a service dog. Service dogs are specially trained from a young age to work with people with specific disabilities, such as vision impairment or epilepsy. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, work alongside their owners visiting settings such as schools, assisted living communities and nursing homes, and hospitals.

Therapy dogs improve the well-being of the children and adults they visit, providing emotional support to the elderly, a cheerful distraction for children and adults who are hospitalized, and simply by being a friendly, fuzzy face. If you like to give back to the community, find out if your dog is a good candidate for a therapy dog certification and start making a difference in the lives of others.

Fido Deserves a Break

If you haven’t ever taken your dog on vacation, consider bringing him along on your next adventure. Whether you take a long weekend trip to the beach or head into the woods for a week-long camping excursion, your dog can make a perfect travel companion – he’s never grumpy, he tends to pack light, and he won’t get irritable when you’re stuck in traffic (although he may request a potty break).

If you do plan to travel with your dog, make sure that your travel arrangements are suitable for your dog. There are many pet-friendly hotels and other lodging options, and some airlines are pet-friendly, as well (although air travel can be a bit trickier compared to land travel for pets). Nothing makes a strange bed more comfortable than having your dog snuggled up by your side.

There are many activities, pastimes, and adventures that are sure to be just as enjoyable for your dog as they are for you. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, thinking about planning a hike on your favorite trail, or looking for some new ideas to satisfy your crafty urges, your dog can fit perfectly into your lifestyle. Plus, bringing your dog along for the ride means you get twice the benefit: the emotional well-being benefits that your dog’s companionship provides, plus the many mental and physical health benefits you already gain from engaging in a hobby you love. 

Cha-ching

Ever considered an easy side gig that would give you and your beloved dog some fresh air and exercise plus some extra cash? Just think: more budget for yarn! Needles! Hooks! It may not be as hard as you think to get started as a dog walker (and/or dog boarder) through sites like Rover.com. If you decide to go this route, you’ll have extra tail wags and kisses on your next outdoor adventure with your pup.

A dog is more than (wo)man’s best friend: a dog can be just the friend you need to get more exercise, explore new territories, learn new crafts, or even make a little extra money. Give your furry friend an extra pat today to let him know how much you care!

Image via Pixabay by 3025332

About Maria: Quilting is my favorite pastime, but it's much more than that, too. As someone who has dealt with depression and anxiety, I've also found that having a hobby, like quilting, can be the perfect prescription for boosting mental health, not to mention that it challenges the brain.

In general, no matter how old you are, hobbies can reduce stress, improve mood, offer feelings of accomplishment, and provide opportunities for socializing. Unfortunately, not everyone realizes the benefits of hobbies, so I have started looking for more resources and information to share with people of all ages. I created Hobby Jr as an outlet to share my found information including useful links, resources and articles about how to get started.

Dear Knitter ~ click here to comment March 12, 2018 08:36

Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!

We are so excited to announce the return of Dear Knitter! We started this segment back in 2016, after a bit of a lull...we are back!  We are re-launching Dear Knitter today (Monday), but expect weekly posts each Wednesday.  Monthly posts/questions will remain on the front page and also be archived per topic in the drop down Dear Knitter menu, for easy searching.  Do you have a knitting/crochet/craft question?  Please, send us your big or small questions via email, website contact/chat, IG/FB message or here on the blog, we would love to hear from you! xo

#ENOUGH Hat & Headband update ~ click here to comment February 27, 2018 13:00

It has been a little over a week since I launched the free Ravelry #ENOUGH Hat/Headband pattern; the response has been incredible, it gives me hope.  Listening to the young adults fight for gun law change, seeing their urgency and feeling their energy gives me hope.  So many of you reached out, sending me beautiful notes of appreciation, sharing what this hat/headband meant to them; these messages, give me hope .  Whether American or from around the world, people started knitting, showing support and standing for change. Here are a few FO's I noticed on social media #ENOUGH #EnoughHat #EnoughHeadband #WearOrange

Download the free pattern here from Ravelry (hat & headband are included, along with tips on what you can do on a local level to help make changes).

Kit Kits are available, here.  Each kit comes with a printed pattern, SweetGeorgia Superwash Worsted Yarn (1 full skein & 1 partial skein for the #ENOUGH letters) & a TCJ 100% cotton project bag.

I have also been getting requests for pre-made #ENOUGH Hats & Headbands.  Although I am not set up to mass produce, I put all the hand knit samples made for photoshoots and product shots up for sale.  These are one-of-a-kind and are limited quantity. Get yours before it's gone, here.

Thank you for knitting and wearing the #ENOUGH hats/headbands proud; thank you for marching; thank you for speaking up and taking action.  xo