Jennifer at PieKnits has a tutorial up for a cable needle holding ring for conveniently stowing your cable needle for your knitting projects so you can have easy access to it.

Caffaknitted is offering a pattern for this cute knitted guitar in her Etsy shop. (You may remember Caffaknitted as the clever crafter behind this fun knitted calculator, too.)

Emma Jane Hogbin talks about why and how to get women involved in the free and open source software movement, which is typically dominated by men. Interesting even if you don't write code, as she's an avid crafter, too. She even designed and knitted Drupal socks. (Thanks, Patti!)

Cindy Moore is rewriting lace patterns from the 1897 book The Art of Knitting, modernizing the terminology and charts used in the patterns. You can buy greeting cards with the patterns on her website (great Mother's Day idea), and look at her altered book full of swatches.

Portland-area folks should make a point of stopping by Twisted this evening, where Knitalong author Larissa Brown and photographer/designer Sarah Gilbert will be signing books and helping lead a Mother's Day gift-making extravaganza. The featured project? The Magic Yarn Ball, big orb of yarn that's packed with small treats and accessories--perfect for gift-giving.

Knitalong Event
Thursday, May 8, 6-8pm
@ Twisted PDX
2310 NE Broadway,
Portland, OR 97232
ph: 503-922-1150

To enter for your chance to get a FREE copy of Knit Aid, just leave a comment in this post and tell us why you need this book! Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field so we can contact you (you're email won't be published). All comments will be closed by 8am Thursday, May 8th. Two lucky random Craftzine readers are going to win. The lucky winners will be announced tomorrow evening on the CRAFT blog. Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone who entered! Winners will be announced tonight!

Read the Knit Aid review on Craftzine to find out more about this knitting essential!

Not sure how I missed this, but the Knit.1 website has a whole page of free pattern PDFs for you to download. Check it out and find knit and crochet patterns for everything from a knitted and felted reusable tote (pictured above) to a lacy cardigan, amigurimi octopus, or anchor-motif tube top.

Etsy seller pingo makes these cord cozies for your laptop power supply. Custom orders for color and length are accepted. I've been making these cover the cables for my video installations for years so that they fit in with the aesthetic of the piece.Via Core77.

Berlin's Whimsy shows you how to perk up your knitted goods with a cute flower embellishment. [via Whipup]

Bleu Arts is offering these two cute new knitting patterns, which can be turned into sachets, baby rattles, or even pincushions.

Watch Vickie in this You Tube video and read more about Knit Aid on her blog.

Self-described history nerd CigarettesAndValentines knitted up this stuffed version of the Marquis de Lafayette, using the basic body pattern provided in the book Knitted Icons.

This week's CRAFT Pattern Podcast is the Short-Rows Wavy Hat by Lee Meredith of Leethal.net. Lee uses beautiful hand-dyed recycled yarn to create the cool looking wavy knit hat! You can catch up with Lee and all her projects via her blog.

Related:
Leethal's Multi-colored Custom Yarn Dyeing with Kool Aid

The Purl Bee shows you how to knit up this earthy yet sophisticated shrug from sustainable bamboo yarn. Perfect to wear over a little dress, or even with a tank and jeans.

Tiny Birds Organics shares this free knitting pattern for a "soaker"--which, if you're not familiar with the term, is a breathable pair of bloomer-type shorts used to cover cloth diapers. Knit Soaker Pattern

Remember those funny pom pom ankle socks everyone wore in the '80s (everyone cool, that is)? Purl Soho teaches you how to recreate the preppy wardrobe staple in gorgeous modern yarns. Pom Pom Peds

Related
HOW TO - Knit a Binary Scarf

First Kitty Wigs, now this! Spindles and Spices has been posting free patterns for a variety of feline headwear inspired by various nations, including berets from France and a Thai headdress. It may just be worth knitting one of these up just to see my cat make a face as hilariously grumpy as this cute fella's. Knitted Kitty Hats

Yarnbombing has put out a submission call for an upcoming book:

Are you a knitter or crochetier? Do you design (or want to design) unusual pieces of street art out of yarn? If so, you should design a pattern for Yarn Bombing: The Art of Knit Graffiti, to be published by Arsenal Pulp Press in fall 2009. A DIY guide to the art of yarn graffiti and a history of hand-crafted textile street art, Yarn Bombing will feature patterns such as street-smart disguises, useful wearable tools like gloves and tool belts, street art such as knit car cozies, bike covers and headlight toques, and outdoor installations such as crochet shawls for leafy trees. The sky's the limit as long as it's knit or crocheted! Projects should be fun, colorful and a little bit wacky. Designers are asked to submit a sketch and detailed description of their project, along with a brief bio, by the submission deadline of May 30, 2008.

Related:

• Knit Graffiti Around Sweden

• Knit Graffiti in Yellow Springs, Ohio

I've been working on a project where I knit sweaters to go from gadgets to your body. They're supposed to be a fun commentary on how attached and concentrated on technology we are, and to highlight the lack of movement that happens when we're engrossed in our laptops, keyboards, PDAs, etc. I plan on making many more, and would be curious what ideas fellow crafters might have for different iterations. the one pictured above is for privacy, warmth, and concentration in public spaces while using a laptop.