You don't have to have a blue rinse or a cat to create a family heirloom. Nothing wrong with blue hair or cats, but they aren't obligatory.
Knitting is one of the few hobbies that can be practised and perfected in minutes whenever you feel like it, and at a fraction of the cost of many hobbies.
Patterns for beginners have, until NOW, been a bit uninteresting :-), scarves and woolly hats are great but can be boring to knit, especially if you are an unseasoned knitter, and haven't yet got a cat.
So I've designed these patterns to suit everyone! The dolls, clothes and accessories are easy and quick to knit and don't cost anywhere near as much as a Barbie for example. In fact the Ekokids are an eco-version of Barbie. You can mix and match their clothes and create characters to suit the moment.
The Ekokids promote healthy living and are part of many projects - we're hoping to get a TV deal later in the year. For now, Kindle pattern books are available, and all going well.... drum roll please .... 'Knit-A-Kid' kits should be ready to launch by the end of this week. They contain all the tools and materials you need to make one character doll, and you'll have the tools available to make more whenever you want to!
The very first character kits will be made to order, and should be available online and in retail outlets in a few months.
Happy Knitting!
Monday 29 April 2013
Friday 26 April 2013
Age Old Skill Cures Stress
There exists an age old skill that will help cure:
There's nothing like a touch of creativity to give your seratonin levels a boost. Even if you want to 'create' a clean and tidy house, once it's done, you feel soooo good!
Just in case you think you're not creative, consider what you do every day; creating healthy meals, giving a job your best shot, parenting... and so on. Creativity is all around, although unfortunately we don't always have 'time' to tune in to it.
The time thing can be looked at though; If you added up the time you spend watching TV for example, you'd probably be surprised how many hours you sit doing nothing every week!
So back to the age-old skill that will sort out a few issues... Knitting!
Knitting used to be a male dominated craft - fishermen in some parts of the world still knit their own jumpers. Women took over at some point, but there is no logical reason why this skill can't be enjoyed by everyone who is capable of handling a couple of needles and a length of yarn.
Knitting is simply creating a series of slip knots in the right order. There are only two basic stitches involved - knitting into the front of the stitch or (purling) into the back of the stitch. That's it.
If you're starting out and have just learned to knit, try out The Ekokid dolls. They've been specifically designed for beginners and can be made in super quick time! No time to get bored in fact... :-)
Happy Knitting!
Linda x
- depression
- stress
- excess weight problems
There's nothing like a touch of creativity to give your seratonin levels a boost. Even if you want to 'create' a clean and tidy house, once it's done, you feel soooo good!
Just in case you think you're not creative, consider what you do every day; creating healthy meals, giving a job your best shot, parenting... and so on. Creativity is all around, although unfortunately we don't always have 'time' to tune in to it.
The time thing can be looked at though; If you added up the time you spend watching TV for example, you'd probably be surprised how many hours you sit doing nothing every week!
So back to the age-old skill that will sort out a few issues... Knitting!
Knitting used to be a male dominated craft - fishermen in some parts of the world still knit their own jumpers. Women took over at some point, but there is no logical reason why this skill can't be enjoyed by everyone who is capable of handling a couple of needles and a length of yarn.
Knitting is simply creating a series of slip knots in the right order. There are only two basic stitches involved - knitting into the front of the stitch or (purling) into the back of the stitch. That's it.
If you're starting out and have just learned to knit, try out The Ekokid dolls. They've been specifically designed for beginners and can be made in super quick time! No time to get bored in fact... :-)
Happy Knitting!
Linda x
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Knitting Rocks!
Knitting is simply a series of slip knots created with two sticks and a length of yarn. It used to be a male dominated hobby, and in certain regions fishermen still knit their own jumpers. At some point in history - information is a bit sketchy as to 'when' - women took over. And over the years, knitting has gone in and out of fashion.
However, about ten years ago, 'yarn bombers', or 'guerilla knitters' hit the streets and a few years later the famous 'Stitch 'n' Bitch' book was published, leading to stitch 'n' bitch groups springing up all over the UK and America.
Knitting is here to stay. Even the Duchess of Cambridge has been quoted as saying she's taking up the hobby. If that isn't reason enough here's a few more to inspire you :-)
1. Cut Gift Costs
Everyone appreciates a home-made gift. Even if you knit a scarf in random colours with oddments of yarn it will be a unique piece of work and will be lovingly worn.
2. Relax
Knitting has been proved to be a great de-stress hobby. Simply counting stitches is surprisingly relaxing. Get comfortable before you start, to get the full benefit.
3. Create Unique Designer Clothes
It's not difficult to make your own clothes. Once you've mastered the basics, the sky's the limit. Some people prefer to knit delicate lacy items, others prefer chunky quick-to-make things. Personally I like to dabble in both!
4. Sell Your Wares
Get good at this, and you could be knitting jumpers to order, or soft toys to sell for a school fete or charity bazaar.
5. Personalized Toys for the Kids
There are many patterns for soft toys. The Ekokids were inspired by a desire to make toys for my children rather than buying them. And they proved so popular they are now going global!
6. Learn a Survival Skill
It is a survival skill if you think about it. With two sticks and a length of yarn, you can make cloth. Ta dah!!
7. Saves you from Munchie Attacks
One of my personal favourite reasons. When you knit, your hands need to be clean and definitely NOT sticky. And the very act of making something takes your mind off the snacking habit.
8. Inexpensive
You can pick up a 100g ball of yarn and knitting needles for under a fiver (less than $10) And to give you an idea of what that will do; one 100g ball of double knitting yarn will knit four basic ekokid dolls. So with a few oddments of other colours and a little toy filling, 4 dolls can be produced for very little cash.
9. Eco Friendly
We are pretty much obliged to buy many plastic products which eventually land up in a big hole in the ground. However, we can avoid a few plastic toys maybe. Knit them!
10. Comfort Zone
This is a hobby you don't have to dress up for. In fact the more comfortable you are the better. No special equipment, no clubs to join - although some of the local Stitch and Bitch classes can be fun - and you can relax in your favourite armchair, while creating a family heirloom or two :-)
Knitting For Beginners: The Ekokids
Make an Ekokid doll with an extensive designer wardrobe. These patterns are simple and quick to make. Make a few character dolls in time for a special birthday or even Christmas!
Knitting for Beginners: The Ekokids
How to Make a Doll: The Ekokids
Just the basic doll pattern.
How to Make a Doll: The Ekokids
Doll's Clothes: The Ekokids
Ten clothes patterns designed for The Ekokids.
Doll's Clothes: The Ekokids
Follow The Ekokids on Facebook: The Ekokids
Happy Knitting
Linda x
However, about ten years ago, 'yarn bombers', or 'guerilla knitters' hit the streets and a few years later the famous 'Stitch 'n' Bitch' book was published, leading to stitch 'n' bitch groups springing up all over the UK and America.
Knitting is here to stay. Even the Duchess of Cambridge has been quoted as saying she's taking up the hobby. If that isn't reason enough here's a few more to inspire you :-)
1. Cut Gift Costs
Everyone appreciates a home-made gift. Even if you knit a scarf in random colours with oddments of yarn it will be a unique piece of work and will be lovingly worn.
2. Relax
Knitting has been proved to be a great de-stress hobby. Simply counting stitches is surprisingly relaxing. Get comfortable before you start, to get the full benefit.
3. Create Unique Designer Clothes
It's not difficult to make your own clothes. Once you've mastered the basics, the sky's the limit. Some people prefer to knit delicate lacy items, others prefer chunky quick-to-make things. Personally I like to dabble in both!
4. Sell Your Wares
Get good at this, and you could be knitting jumpers to order, or soft toys to sell for a school fete or charity bazaar.
5. Personalized Toys for the Kids
There are many patterns for soft toys. The Ekokids were inspired by a desire to make toys for my children rather than buying them. And they proved so popular they are now going global!
6. Learn a Survival Skill
It is a survival skill if you think about it. With two sticks and a length of yarn, you can make cloth. Ta dah!!
7. Saves you from Munchie Attacks
One of my personal favourite reasons. When you knit, your hands need to be clean and definitely NOT sticky. And the very act of making something takes your mind off the snacking habit.
8. Inexpensive
You can pick up a 100g ball of yarn and knitting needles for under a fiver (less than $10) And to give you an idea of what that will do; one 100g ball of double knitting yarn will knit four basic ekokid dolls. So with a few oddments of other colours and a little toy filling, 4 dolls can be produced for very little cash.
9. Eco Friendly
We are pretty much obliged to buy many plastic products which eventually land up in a big hole in the ground. However, we can avoid a few plastic toys maybe. Knit them!
10. Comfort Zone
This is a hobby you don't have to dress up for. In fact the more comfortable you are the better. No special equipment, no clubs to join - although some of the local Stitch and Bitch classes can be fun - and you can relax in your favourite armchair, while creating a family heirloom or two :-)
Kindle Patterns:
Knitting For Beginners: The Ekokids
Make an Ekokid doll with an extensive designer wardrobe. These patterns are simple and quick to make. Make a few character dolls in time for a special birthday or even Christmas!
Knitting for Beginners: The Ekokids
How to Make a Doll: The Ekokids
Just the basic doll pattern.
How to Make a Doll: The Ekokids
Doll's Clothes: The Ekokids
Ten clothes patterns designed for The Ekokids.
Doll's Clothes: The Ekokids
Follow The Ekokids on Facebook: The Ekokids
Happy Knitting
Linda x
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Pre-launch knitting kits
Later on in the year The Ekokids are due to launch 'Knit-A-Kid' - knitting kits for beginners with all the tools and materials you need to make one Ekokid doll, their clothes and accessories.
My mission is to keep the costs down and stay eco-friendly...... not an easy task, but I'm getting there. There are many knitting kits available - although The Ekokids are unique of course :-) - that sell at anything from £10 for a simple kit up to three figures for an elaborate jumper!!
'Knit-A-Kid' kits will hopefully retail at £12.99 (just under $20) and new characters and seasonal kits will be coming out every month-ish. The Halloween special stars Molly the happy witch (she's already snuck into the top photo) and our first basic character kit will be Katie in her dancng skirt.
The first kit - Katie - is prepared and ready for a pre-launch campaign. I have a few kits, put together at home, to test the waters. These kits aren't packaged as they will be when they launch, but are all complete and available at cost price, in return for a teensy favour. Just a couple of sentences to say what you thought would be much appreciated. Thank you.
FB: Please join me on Facebook ( The Ekokids ) and leave a message if you'd like to test out a Knit-A-Kid kit. They come out at £7.50 + 2nd class postage at £2.60 (Total £10.10) in the UK.
for US deliveries at $11.44 + airmail small packet postage cost of $6.86 (Total $18.30)
Happy Knitting!
Linda x
My mission is to keep the costs down and stay eco-friendly...... not an easy task, but I'm getting there. There are many knitting kits available - although The Ekokids are unique of course :-) - that sell at anything from £10 for a simple kit up to three figures for an elaborate jumper!!
'Knit-A-Kid' kits will hopefully retail at £12.99 (just under $20) and new characters and seasonal kits will be coming out every month-ish. The Halloween special stars Molly the happy witch (she's already snuck into the top photo) and our first basic character kit will be Katie in her dancng skirt.
The first kit - Katie - is prepared and ready for a pre-launch campaign. I have a few kits, put together at home, to test the waters. These kits aren't packaged as they will be when they launch, but are all complete and available at cost price, in return for a teensy favour. Just a couple of sentences to say what you thought would be much appreciated. Thank you.
FB: Please join me on Facebook ( The Ekokids ) and leave a message if you'd like to test out a Knit-A-Kid kit. They come out at £7.50 + 2nd class postage at £2.60 (Total £10.10) in the UK.
for US deliveries at $11.44 + airmail small packet postage cost of $6.86 (Total $18.30)
Happy Knitting!
Linda x
Monday 15 April 2013
Taste of the Month!
The Ekokids are all about a wholesome way of life. And Innocent smoothies are our delicious taste of the month. The Innocent story is inpiring. Have a look at their website, These guys are so cool :-) I stole this text from them - I'll let them know of course.....
"We started innocent in 1999 after selling our smoothies at a music festival. We put up a big sign asking people if they thought we should give up our jobs to make smoothies, and put a bin saying 'Yes' and a bin saying 'No" in front of the stall. Then we got people to vote with their empties. At the end of the weekend, the 'Yes' bin was full, so we resigned from our jobs the next day and got cracking."
This is their website: Innocent Drinks
I found a book on Amazon that tells their story AND how to make the smoothies. There's a link to the book on the ekokids page here: Ekokids
Cheers!
"We started innocent in 1999 after selling our smoothies at a music festival. We put up a big sign asking people if they thought we should give up our jobs to make smoothies, and put a bin saying 'Yes' and a bin saying 'No" in front of the stall. Then we got people to vote with their empties. At the end of the weekend, the 'Yes' bin was full, so we resigned from our jobs the next day and got cracking."
This is their website: Innocent Drinks
I found a book on Amazon that tells their story AND how to make the smoothies. There's a link to the book on the ekokids page here: Ekokids
Cheers!
Tuesday 9 April 2013
Pregnancy - Pure Creation
I love the fact that knitting is coming back into fashion again, although it never really went out of fashion in my world :-)
One of the good things about being pregnant is you have a great excuse to put your feet up every now and then. And if you have something to do that's creative, relaxing and fun, even more reason to relax and enjoy the moment.
Get yourself a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn and take up the craze that's even being endorsed by Royals... woohoo... Good on you Kate!
At about 6 months plus, you should be able to rest the patterns on your tummy. Baby doesn't mind! For many generations the emphasis has been on knitting bootees and cardigans, which are beautiful and cute and gorgeous etc; but these days with babygros and slick designer baby gear available, it hardly seems worth while.
Make a family heirloom that all your children, present and future will adore. The Ekokids are eco-versions of Barbie dolls and have unique characters because you make them yourself! They are simple and quick to make, designed for beginner knitters.
Later in the year, we're launching a 'Knit-A-Kid' knitting kit which will have all the tools and materials you need to make an Ekokid doll, with a few additional surprises. But for now, the pattern books on Kindle are just what the doctor ordered.
Put your feet up, grab a cuppa and relax, this is a creative moment for you and your baby, and you know you're in good company!
One of the good things about being pregnant is you have a great excuse to put your feet up every now and then. And if you have something to do that's creative, relaxing and fun, even more reason to relax and enjoy the moment.
Get yourself a pair of knitting needles and a ball of yarn and take up the craze that's even being endorsed by Royals... woohoo... Good on you Kate!
At about 6 months plus, you should be able to rest the patterns on your tummy. Baby doesn't mind! For many generations the emphasis has been on knitting bootees and cardigans, which are beautiful and cute and gorgeous etc; but these days with babygros and slick designer baby gear available, it hardly seems worth while.
Make a family heirloom that all your children, present and future will adore. The Ekokids are eco-versions of Barbie dolls and have unique characters because you make them yourself! They are simple and quick to make, designed for beginner knitters.
Later in the year, we're launching a 'Knit-A-Kid' knitting kit which will have all the tools and materials you need to make an Ekokid doll, with a few additional surprises. But for now, the pattern books on Kindle are just what the doctor ordered.
Put your feet up, grab a cuppa and relax, this is a creative moment for you and your baby, and you know you're in good company!
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Lose 9lbs by Summer
We have most of April, all of May and June before we get to the beginning of July and hopefully some sunny weather to show off our gorgeous bodies.....
Lose 9lbs over the next 3 months and you can start July with a leaner fitter healthier body.. That's only 3lbs per month or 1.6 ozs per day over 90 days ....
To lose 1.6oz per day, you need to decrease calories by 349.97 per day (minimum)
Sitting still and consuming won't lose weight - quite the reverse. But just a very light amount of activity will boost your calorie burning power. You really don't have to invest the time, energy and space required to cycle or leap about the sitting room. After a tough day at work, we look for the feel-good stuff and high intensity physical exercise isn't always appealing.
Tap into your creative side, settle in your favourite armchair and take up a craft. Crafts need clean hands and most are incompatible with eating chocolate - ah ha moment!
knitting burns about 100 calories per hour. And while you're knitting, you really won't want to turn to the chocolate bar normally consumed through boredom. (at least 250 calories saved)
So here's an idea that's definitely worth going for:
**Don't buy the chocolate bars, relax and knit for an hour every evening.**
Result: After 90 days you will have a leaner, healthier body, and a huge collection of knitwear!
Of course I'm going to encourage you to join the Ekokid craze! The Ekokids bring the fun back into knitting and are perfect for beginners. Quick to make, very little expense and the children will be delighted. Enjoy that wonderful feel-good place when you've achieved a masterpiece. And all the while, stress, tension and those stubborn ounces are just melting away :-)
When you make your own eco-version of Barbie, you're also doing your bit for the environment of course. Less plastic must be a good thing. Choose your title from the Kindle books listed in the EKO Store - menu above (and remember you can borrow them free if you belong to the Kindle library)
Here's to a healthier body, mind and soul :-)
Happy Knitting!
P.S. **New Online patterns available - no Kindle necessary! Choose your pattern from the Ekokid Pattern link above***
Lose 9lbs over the next 3 months and you can start July with a leaner fitter healthier body.. That's only 3lbs per month or 1.6 ozs per day over 90 days ....
To lose 1.6oz per day, you need to decrease calories by 349.97 per day (minimum)
Sitting still and consuming won't lose weight - quite the reverse. But just a very light amount of activity will boost your calorie burning power. You really don't have to invest the time, energy and space required to cycle or leap about the sitting room. After a tough day at work, we look for the feel-good stuff and high intensity physical exercise isn't always appealing.
Tap into your creative side, settle in your favourite armchair and take up a craft. Crafts need clean hands and most are incompatible with eating chocolate - ah ha moment!
knitting burns about 100 calories per hour. And while you're knitting, you really won't want to turn to the chocolate bar normally consumed through boredom. (at least 250 calories saved)
So here's an idea that's definitely worth going for:
**Don't buy the chocolate bars, relax and knit for an hour every evening.**
Result: After 90 days you will have a leaner, healthier body, and a huge collection of knitwear!
Of course I'm going to encourage you to join the Ekokid craze! The Ekokids bring the fun back into knitting and are perfect for beginners. Quick to make, very little expense and the children will be delighted. Enjoy that wonderful feel-good place when you've achieved a masterpiece. And all the while, stress, tension and those stubborn ounces are just melting away :-)
When you make your own eco-version of Barbie, you're also doing your bit for the environment of course. Less plastic must be a good thing. Choose your title from the Kindle books listed in the EKO Store - menu above (and remember you can borrow them free if you belong to the Kindle library)
Here's to a healthier body, mind and soul :-)
Happy Knitting!
P.S. **New Online patterns available - no Kindle necessary! Choose your pattern from the Ekokid Pattern link above***
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