Archive for December 30th, 2011

Get Out Your Party Hats, It’s a Celebration!

December 30th, 2011 by Brandyce

As the year comes to an end, we’d like to thank everyone for their support of Lion Brand; we look forward to sharing more new patterns, yarns, and ideas with you in 2012.  It’s time to throw on your party hat and celebrate all of your hard work and energy that went into yarncrafting this year- here’s to completing those WIPs (Work in Progress) in the new year!
Give your amigurumi pals a miniature knit hat for a celebration, click here for the free pattern.

All of the hats were knit in Martha Stewart Crafts^TM/MC Roving Wool.
Listed below are the patterns for most of the amigurumi in the picture:
Knit Fluffy Sheep
Martha Stewart Doll with Poncho and Dog
Amigurumi Octopus
Cupcake and Mini Lion patterns can be found in the book Teeny-Tiny Mochimochi by Anna Hrachovec.

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year! How will you be celebrating?

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3 Favorite Trends for 2012

December 30th, 2011 by Jess

With 2011 quickly winding down, I’ve begun prepping my 2012 yarncrafting queue. I’ve noticed a lot of great trends in stores that are also appearing in knitting and crochet. Here are my 3 favorite trends that I’m adding to my to-do list.

The classic granny square has become fashionable in a very big way. British fashion label House of Holland has embraced the trend with bright 70′s colors in tights, jackets, and more. For a modern touch, try more neutral tones, such as those featured in Etsy seller SheepishKnitCrochet’s cowl. My favorite thing about granny squares is that they look amazing in any yarn! I made the square in the upper right in Martha Stewart Crafts Alpaca Blend in Parakeet, Green Eucalyptus, and Meadow Green for a tonal look. Get inspired with more than 50 granny square patterns; click here to view them.

Faux fur is perfect for keeping cozy in winter. Of course, neutral accessories are always popular, such as this furry Gap hat (center) and our Cushy Crochet Cowl (right). This season, fur is taking on bright, bold shades, including this pink Paula Lishman shrug. Try using Luxe Fur for a plush look, or use Fun Fur or Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter Eyelash for an exciting pop of color.

Traditional stripes are always in style, and a new wave of slowly shifting striped yarns has modernized this classic look. This trend is especially popular in sweaters, pictured here from British brand House of Fraser (left) and popular American retailer Urban Outfitters (right). Yarns like Amazing (pictured center in the Knit Shapely Stripes Pullover), Tweed Stripes, Homespun, and Vanna’s Colors create this bold color effect without having to change skeins.

What trends have you noticed for the upcoming year? What are you adding to your to-do list? Let us know in the comments!

Posted in Crocheting, Did You Know . . . ?, Fashion & Style, Knitting | 17 Comments » Comments