Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary: 200 Modern Knitting Motifs

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Giveaway- AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary: 200 Modern Knitting Motifs

Leave a comment in today’s post by August 23, 2017 and you are in the running for this awesome colorwork knitting pattern book! Especially if you like alternative and funky images in your knitting.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

Break the rules–knit outside the lines!

AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary takes an unexpected look at stranded colorwork with 200 new motifs. These non-traditional colorwork charts are perfect for the creative knitter looking to break away from the ordinary. Derived from graphic design elements, these fresh motifs include everything from geometric mountains, waves, and spirals to modern bikes, skulls, and sheep.

Dive into stranded colorwork with confidence with a section on reading charts, working floats, and choosing colors. Learn how stranded colorwork can be used in design with five accompanying projects including mitts, cowls, and sweaters. Plus, use your imagination to modify, deconstruct, and combine the unique motifs to create your own designs.

Be inspired to break the rules and use charts in creative ways with AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary.

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Comments

  1. Fabulous!! Love learning about all the fantastic stitches I’m not clever enough to think of myself!

  5. Wow, some of those ideas have never journeyed through my head! Inspiring:)

    from rainy VT,
    the Vermonster

  6. I’ve been eyeing this book for a while now – looks like a great combination of technique improvement with fresh and interesting pattern offerings. I would LOVE to win this – fingers crossed! And congrats to whoever is the lucky one in case (very likely, lol) it’s not me.

  7. What a wonderful collection of stitches I would never think of myself. Thank you for offering this book!

  10. So excited to find this site – I’m very interested and it’s something my niece and I can do together. She can design and I’ll knit. 🙂 Signing up for the newsletter now!

  19. Wow, what an inspiring book. Makes it easy to really get creative and take your knitting from boring to wow. I love all the possible designs. I would definitely love it.

  20. Just seeing the cover brings a bunch of projects to my wish list….what a great idea for a book….I’d love it!

  26. Just when I thought there could be no new knit stitches, this book comes out. I can think of a lot of ways to use this stitch dictionary.

  31. I’m one of those guys who sees a pattern and thinks “Tha’s nice … but …” and then I create my own design. I love a good stitch dictionary.for the inspiration, and one strictly on stranding is a fabulous idea. Thanks for the giveaway!

  33. After years of crocheting, I’m finally learning how to knit. Would love to incorporate these ideas!

Have you read?

How To Make A Milk Carton Village – A Recycled Craft for Kids

Ready to turn your recycling bin into a colorful, miniature village? Grab those empty milk cartons and let’s create a town filled with tiny houses, shops, and even a school or bakery! This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and encourages imagination, storytelling, and eco-friendly creativity.

 What You’ll Need:

  • Empty milk or juice cartons (washed and dried)

  • Paints or markers

  • Paintbrushes

  • Craft glue or glue stick

  • Scissors (adult supervision recommended)

  • Colored paper or old magazines

  • Bottle caps, buttons, or plastic lids (for windows or decorations)

  • Sticks, straws, or skewers (for flag poles or chimneys)

  • Optional: glitter, stickers, washi tape, cotton balls (for snow or clouds!)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Cartons
Make sure your milk or juice cartons are washed and completely dry. Remove any plastic lids or caps and keep them for decorations!

Step 2: Plan Your Village
Decide how many buildings you want to make. Each milk carton becomes a house, shop, or whatever your imagination dreams up. Arrange them side by side or in a circle like a real village square.

Step 3: Cut Out Doors and Windows
With the help of an adult, carefully cut small door and window shapes into your cartons. You can also glue cut-out shapes from colored paper if you’d rather not cut into the carton.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Use paint or markers to bring your buildings to life. Make brick patterns, colorful siding, or roof tiles. Let each child choose their own theme – rainbow bakery, monster house, fairy home, or tiny fire station!

Step 5: Add the Roofs
You can paint the top pointy part of the carton like a roof, or glue on cardboard triangles to create overhangs. Want to add a chimney? Glue a straw or cardboard roll on top!

Step 6: Make Flags and Signs
Cut small flags from recycled plastic or paper and tape them to straws or sticks. Glue your flags to the rooftops. You can even create tiny signs for each building – “Toy Store,” “Library,” or “Super Cat’s House.”

Step 7: Build Your Village
Place all the finished buildings together on a large piece of cardboard, tray, or table. Use bottle caps for stepping stones, cotton balls for bushes or clouds, and draw roads with marker.

Step 8: Play!
Now that your village is built, use little toys, action figures, or LEGO people to live in your new town. Create stories and adventures—your Milk Carton Village is officially open!

 Learning Bonus:

This craft is not just fun—it also teaches recycling, fine motor skills, creative thinking, and storytelling. Plus, it’s a great group activity for playdates, classrooms, or family craft nights.

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild—and remember, no two villages need to look the same. Each one tells its own story!