Learning Loom Knitting with New Book

I’ve been flirting with the concept of learning loom knitting. I'm hoping that learning to knit with a loom rather than knitting needles just might work for me! The ladies at Leisure Arts are loaning me knitting looms and encouraging me, but I’ve been procrastinating…However, I think it may be possible that I will procrastinate no more thanks to the release of Kathy Norris’ new how-to book—Big Book of Loom Knitting: Learn to Loom Knit!

Check out the details:

Knitting looms are amazingly easy to use, and they're available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Look at the stylish knits you can create—without knitting needles! All the basic instructions are here in Big Book of Loom Knitting. You can make hats, wraps, and a cozy blanket with sleeves (inspired by those popular fleece cover-ups sold on TV!). There are slippers, scarves, a felted tote, and mitts that convert to handwarmers. Kids will go ape over the sock monkey earflap hat and pocket scarf! It’s a snap to find the information you need, because the projects include page references for the techniques you'll use. Dozens of photos show how simple it is to make all 18 of these exciting designs by Kathy Norris on round or straight looms!

If you think the idea of learning loom knitting sounds intriguing, check out Kathy’s designs:

Favorite Cowl

Hooded Wrap

Slouch Hat

Sideways Beanie

Comfort Shawl

Mitered Diamond Scarf

Comfy Slippers

Felted Striped Slippers

Felted Mitered Tote

Toggle Cardigan

Afghan with Sleeves

Wavy Leg Warmers

Little Wings Keyhole Scarf

Flip Top Mitts

Tassel Hat

Sock Monkey Earflap Hat & Pocket Scarf

Mitered Square Baby Quilt

Meet the Designer: Kathy Norris!

Kathy Norris says her passion for fiber arts began more than 30 years ago when she first started knitting with needles. In recent years, she taught herself to use a knitting wheel (loom) while teaching at an arts and craft store. Her first loom knit designs were created to use in her classes to teach others how to use the loom. Now her designs can be found in various publications. In addition to knitting, she is a bead and crochet artist.

Get your copy of Big Book of Loom Knitting today! Next thing you know, you’ll be learning loom knitting in no time. At least that’s the way I hope it happens for me.

Knook & Duct Tape Limited Time Product Specials

Savings Alert! I’ve got some product specials to share with our blog, Facebook, and Twitter followers! Did you know we had some Knook specials running to help you get ready to enter our Knook & Tell Design Contest? Or how about a free shipping special on our two duct tape craft pattern books?

You don’t want to miss these product specials! (Gotta love that free shipping!)

Take a look at our Knook Expanded Beginner Set:
The Knook Expanded Beginner Set lets you use light, medium, and bulky weight yarns to make small, medium, and large projects—including full-size afghans! Replacing traditional knitting needles, these unique crochet hooks have a hole in one end for a cord to hold your stitches as you create true knitted fabric. Each set contains 5 bamboo Knooks in sizes E-3.5 mm, G-4.0 mm, H-5.0 mm, I-5.5 mm, and J-6.0 mm; 5 cords in two 36" lengths, two 72", and one 120"; 3 cord clips; 3 yarn needles; and a complete how-to book with 24 pages of step-by-step beginner instructions for both right- and left-handed users! The book also includes three easy projects--a cowl, baby blanket, and lap robe. Free how-to videos and more patterns are at www.LeisureArts.com.

Knook Product Special #1: We’re offering *free shipping on our Knook Expanded Beginner Set on our web site with coupon code: HU23Y6FM98 to help you get ready for our Knook & Tell Design Contest! *Credits shipping costs up to $8!

Get started knitting with our Knook Beginner Set:
Now anyone can knit—with the Knook, a specialized crochet hook from Leisure Arts that replaces traditional knitting needles. No more dropped stitches to chase after! A cord threaded through the bamboo Knook handle keeps them secure! Beginner set for medium weight yarn comes with 3 sizes of Knooks, 3 cords, and a pocket-size instruction book. Knook sizes included are G-4 mm, H-5 mm, and I-5.5 mm. Cords are each 36" long (91 cm). How-to book is 5"w x 6"h, 32 pages, with step-by-step beginner instructions featuring photos for right-handed and left-handed stitchers. Book also includes 4 beginner patterns, for an infinity scarf, a spa cloth, a baby blanket, and a lap throw. Free how-to videos and more patterns are available at www.LeisureArts.com.

Knook Product Special #2: Get 10% off our original Knook Beginner Set on our web site with coupon code: CVFF5QVM0Q1W!

Get your Knook now! Our Knook specials will end on May 31! Time’s flying…

Have you looked at our duct tape craft pattern books? Check out Just Duct Tape It! and Go Crazy with Duct Tape:

Just Duct Tape It!
“Wild” flowers featuring animal print petals. Bold bracelets, funky flip-flops, and hip purses. Who knew that duct tape could create such cool projects? American teens have embraced this hot trend and will go ga-ga for this creative guide to crafting with duct tape. More than 25 projects for gals and guys include wallets, jewelry, locker decor, flowers, and more.

Go Crazy with Duct Tape
Wake up your world with today’s DUCK® brand duct tape! Use their cool colors and prints to design your own jewelry and all kinds of bags. You can customize sunglasses, boots, belts—even a recliner! Lots of photos and the basic how-tos make it easy to finish all these fantastic ideas. Over 40 projects include a necklace, earrings, ring, jewelry gift boxes, bracelets, vests, phone case, party invitation and favor, party cup, wallet, suitcases, covered cans and tins, toolbox, guitar, photo album, candles, monogram, bookmark, bulletin board, hanger, zippered bags, tote bag, beach mat, water bottle, soccer ball, and more.

Duct Tape Product Special: Buy our Just Duct Tape It! & Go Crazy with Duct Tape craft pattern books & get *free shipping with coupon code: DUCTTAPE! *Credits shipping costs up to $8! Duct Tape special ends June 30!

These product specials are only available for a limited time! (Don't miss your chance at free shipping!)

Knook & Tell Design Contest Launches Today!

It’s show and tell time! What have you been knitting with your Knook? Leisure Arts is inviting amateur Knook project designers to share their original designs with the launch of our Knook™ & Tell Design Contest—beginning today!

Entering our Knook™ & Tell Design Contest is easy! Just get busy knitting with your Knook, then head on over to our Facebook Page anytime between now and July 15, click on the Knook & Tell entry tab at the top right of the page, and post a photo of your design plus a short description. You can enter up to three separate projects for three chances to win!

On July 16, the time to enter ends and the voting begins! Encourage everyone you know to come by our Facebook Page and vote for their favorite Knook™ & Tell Design Contest project. Participants can vote up to three times per day! Voting ends on July 31.

And yes, there are prizes! Our Knook™ & Tell Design Contest grandprize includes a $500 LeisureArts.com shopping spree, a yarn basket courtesy of Bernat, and a selection of Knook products. In addition, 5 runners up will receive a Knook Expanded Beginner set and six Knook pattern books, including:

• Learn to Knook
• Dishcloths Made with The Knook
• Baby Blankets Made with The Knook
• Simple Scarves Made with The Knook
• Baby Beanies Made with The Knook
• Urban Hats Made with The Knook

You will need a Knook to enter our Knook™ & Tell Design Contest! Check out our Knook Expanded Beginner Set:

The Knook Expanded Beginner Set, featuring a brand new, innovative tool for those who love knitting and crocheting, is now available online and in your favorite retail stores! The Knook allows you to create real knitted fabric with a specialized crochet hook! This truly unique product includes: five eco-friendly bamboo hooks (“Knooks”) in sizes E-3.5 mm, G-4.0 mm, H-5.0 mm, I-5.5 mm, and J-6.0 mm (designed for accommodating different weights of yarn); five Knook “cords” (a cord replaces the second knitting needle); 3 cord clips; 3 yarn needles; and a complete how-to book with 24 pages of step-by-step beginner instructions for both right- and left-handed users! The book includes three easy projects to get you started knitting with your Knook—a cowl, baby blanket, and lap robe. Leisure Arts also offers free detailed how-to video tutorials on our website and a variety of downloadable eBooks and ePatterns for The Knook.

Good luck and happy knitting with your Knook!

Happy Memorial Day!

I first posted these images on the Everyday Life at Leisure blog on last Memorial Day, and I think they’re just as appropriate today…

REMEMBER…

And know that all of us at Leisure Arts wish you and yours the happiest of Memorial Days ever! Eat something good, visit with family and friends, do something creative with a hook or a needle, enjoy the day off if you’ve got it, and REMEMBER!

Chocolate Cake Recipe – Free from Deliciously Healthy Sweets

{Hey Everybody! We’ve got a guest blogger here on Everyday Life at Leisure for today! Welcome Celia Harkey, our Leisure Arts Food Editor! She’s got a gluten-free Chocolate Cake recipe to share with you from our new Deliciously Healthy Sweets cookbook!}

Who would turn down a piece of yummy, moist, chocolate cake? Not me! Especially a cake with melted dark chocolate mixed into the batter and topped off with chocolate chips as the warm cake comes out of the oven and especially from this free, gluten-free chocolate cake recipe!

For people who are gluten-intolerant, eating a dessert based on wheat flour can negatively impact their health. So there is a nice surprise beyond all the chocolate goodness of this cake that you should know—it’s gluten free!

This chocolate cake recipe is made with rice flour, one of the many baking ingredients on the grocery shelf to use in gluten-free baking. As those who have been diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease know, eliminating wheat, rye, barley, and possibly other grains is required. Products that contain these grains should also be avoided. In addition to being gluten free, this recipe includes plain yogurt and applesauce to make it extra moist, plus cocoa powder, dark chocolate, and chocolate chips to pack in the flavor.

Chocolate Cake Recipe — Gluten Free 

(Made with rice flour!) 

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup

1/2 cup canola oil

4 eggs

1-1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar

1/2 cup applesauce

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

4 ounces dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), melted

1 cup rice flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup chocolate chips

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9-inch round springform pan. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the oil, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, yogurt, salt, and cocoa powder on medium speed for 3 minutes, until well combined.

2. Add melted chocolate and mix for another 2 minutes.

3. Add rice flour and baking soda, and mix on lower mixing speed for additional 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth.

4. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.

5. Bake for 50 minutes until the cake is firm to touch. Remove cake from oven and evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

*Cake may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Deliciously Healthy Sweets has 51 recipes that are gluten free, with some additionally being sugar free or lower in sugar. The recipes not only use rice flour, but other gluten-free flours including buckwheat and tapioca, plus combinations of flours. To make it easy for you to find the right recipe for your dietary needs, the recipes are listed in separate index categories including: Gluten Free, Sugar Free, No Sugar Added, and Reduced Sugar. The nice thing is that anyone—not just those with special dietary needs—can enjoy these delicious recipes!

I know that this gluten-free Chocolate Cake will become one of your favorites from the 99 recipes in Deliciously Healthy Sweets and that you will find more to love in the new Deliciously Healthy cooking series from Leisure Arts. Enjoy!