Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
I was recently trying to figure out how I can get through some of my yarn stash, and while thinking about stash busting, I was inspired by a new collection of yarns we received. This inspiration came from Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in metallics. It seems that shimmer and sequins are trending this Fall/Winter season, and I wanted to add a sparkly piece of knitwear to my repertoire as well.
As much as I love the Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in metallics, I wanted a shimmery accessory in a lighter weight yarn so I could wear it during transitional times. My “A-ha!” moment came when I came across the Moonstone shade of Vanna’s Glamour that was sitting in my bin, and the Fawn Heather shade of LB Collection Baby Alpaca; this combination was perfect!
Posted in Fashion & Style, Knitting | 13 Comments » Comments
Editor’s Note: We’re excited to welcome Devin, the newest member of our team. With a background in fashion design and patterns published in magazines like Vogue Knitting, Devin will be sharing her own take on trends, techniques, and more. Read more about her here.
As the holidays drew nearer, Kelloggs (my pet bunny) decided he wanted to ring in the season with style, so I made him this festive sweater! For this sweater I used Vanna’s Glamour® yarn in red and Jamie® yarn in white. Although not all pets are as keen to dress up, the technique I used to monogram his initial onto the sweater can be used on any knit project. The “K” is embroidered with a tapestry needle instead of using color-work. There are three reasons that you would use this technique:
Hint: the yarn you use for your monogram doesn’t need to be the same type as the yarn used for the rest of the project, but it MUST be the same weight.
Posted in Tips & How To, Tutorials | 19 Comments » Comments
When you’re making a sweater for yourself or someone else, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. You’ll want to make sure to select a shape that suits you (or the recipient), the right size, and you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got gauge. Here are a couple of articles from LionBrand.com and the Lion Brand Notebook that will help you on your way:
Pattern pictured: Fisherman Sweater & Hat
Posted in Did You Know . . . ?, Tips & How To | 9 Comments » Comments
Thanksgiving is over, the leftover food is eaten, and the holiday season is in full swing! Many of you are probably now switching over from your Fall themed decor, to your winter/holiday themed decor – and as always, you should think of ways to incorporate some handmade elements. I’ve rounded up some great knit, crochet and craft projects to get you thinking about holiday crafting. These projects can be a fun activity to get the kids involved as well!
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Making handmade holiday greeting cards can be a great family activity. Get the kids into embroidery by starting off with a small project like a card. You can even take this idea and go all out by creating yarn artwork to hang on your walls or fireplace mantle. This type of craft would also be perfect for crafting with a pack of Bonbons, which already come in an assortment of fun colors for you to choose from. |
Posted in Crafting, Pattern Recommendations | 3 Comments » Comments
From our family to yours, here’s wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! We love all of the wonderful friendships we’ve made over the years. Thank you for being a part of our family!
Pictured above: Crochet Tom Turkey
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Rohn Strong is a crochet and knitwear designer who has published numerous independent patterns including a paperback book entitled, Heritage Collection: WWI & WWII: Two Wars. Two Needles. One Extraordinary Response to War, where he combined knitting, history and personal stories to convey the lifestyles and realities of those who were living during that era.
Rohn has just released a new pattern e-book entitled, Southern Crochet Winter 2012, where he combined both his love for crochet and the south. His crochet designs are modern and fashionable, yet timeless; pieces you’ll be sure to wear year after year. Rohn’s latest patterns are now available on Ravelry; I personally love the Emily’s Sweater pattern crocheted in Fishermen’s Wool. Find out more about Rohn and his inspirations below!
Rohn: I have been knitting for just over 7 years now. I learned when I was running after school programs for at-risk youth. We wanted to teach them knitting and crochet to give them something to do one day a week.
As for crochet I have been doing that for about 18 years. I began when my Mother decided to begin making an afghan for my father (who mind you, was 6’5″ and weighed over 400 pounds!). She quickly gave up and I taught myself what I was doing. I put it down here and there over the years and within the last three to four years I have been perfecting my craft!
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Posted in Community, Crocheting, Fashion & Style, Fiber Arts/Artists | Leave a comment » Comments
As we get closer to the holidays, gift projects are often on the minds of knitters & crocheters. Many of us like to make some gifts for those closest to us. If you’re wondering what to make, I often recommend thinking about the gift recipient’s lifestyle and fashion sense. Is he or she a coffee-lover? Why not make a mug cozy? Is he or she really into basketball? Make something in his/her favorite team’s colors!
If you’re looking for a gift pattern for someone with a particular style, below I’ve share some recommendations. I’ve picked items for fashionistas, techies, hipsters, preppies, and sporties. (It’s like I’m starting a new Spice Girls group here!)
Fashionista Flair |
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| Crafted Statement Strands Necklace | Knit Fair Isle Tote | Knit Houndstooth Check Tie |
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Alpaca yarns have been gaining in popularity quite quickly over the past few years, and it’s no wonder: alpaca yarn is strong, soft, and warm. But how is it different from other fibers? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked alpaca questions.
How are alpaca yarns so soft?
Every piece of hair is made up of a series of scales. Animal fiber yarns that are soft tend to have very small, short scales. On average, alpaca fibers have shorter scales than sheep.
I can’t wear wool. Can I still use alpaca?
Give it a try! Alpaca yarns do not contain lanolin, an oil that sheep produce to protect their fleece. That means that people with wool or lanolin sensitivities can still wear alpaca. Baby alpaca is especially great for people with sensitive skin.
Does alpaca yarn felt?
Unless the yarn is superwash, alpaca will felt. Because the scales are small, alpaca yarns will take a little bit longer to felt than traditional wool. However, the results are just as beautiful.
How do alpaca yarns drape?
100% alpaca has a beautiful drape, so it creates gorgeous shawls and accessories.
How stretchy is alpaca?
A yarn’s bounce or stretch is determined by its scales. Since the scales are so short and smooth, they don’t lock together. That means 100% alpaca yarns will have a tendency to stretch, and they won’t shrink back into place like some wools will. This is a fantastic advantage when knitting or crocheting lace, as the stitches will really open up.
How are there so many undyed shades of alpaca?
Believe it or not, there are actually 22 natural colors of alpaca, ranging from neutrals like white and brown to rich golden oranges and silvery blues.
How warm is alpaca?
Super warm! Although it’s very light, alpaca is incredibly warm, even when wet. In fact, it’s my go-to yarn for winter knits because I know that it’ll keep me cozy. It also has great moisture wicking properties.
So now that you know a little more about alpaca, why not give it a try? Our LB Collection Baby Alpaca comes in beautiful undyed shades, and our Martha Stewart Crafts Alpaca Blend combines alpaca with wool and acrylic for an easy care yarn.
Have more alpaca questions? Be sure to ask in the comments!
Posted in Did You Know . . . ? | 3 Comments » Comments
In September, we showed you the Wrapped Headband in Candy Colors by Cathy, from the blog Trinkets in Bloom – who created a bright, sparkly headband wrapped in the Party and Celebrate assortments from our newly released yarn, Bonbons; today, I’m going to share with you a few more Bonbons projects made by some crafty bloggers.
Bonbons are a great collection of mini skein yarns that allows you to mix and match with color while you craft, knit or crochet. The projects featured from these bloggers highlight various different ways Bonbons can be used, and with 8 different colors of yarn in one package – there are so many different opportunities for experimentation. Take a look for yourself!
(When you click on the image or project name, it will take you to the blogger’s page for instructions)
 Bohemian Twist NecklaceThis Mama Makes Stuff |
 Crochet Chain necklaceThanks I Made It |
 Nail String Art Creme De La Craft |
Posted in Community, Crafting, Crocheting, Fashion & Style | 5 Comments » Comments
So you’ve knit or crocheted yourself a beautiful chunky cowl. Now, how do you style it? In this video, Claire from the Lion Brand Yarn Studio shows us 3 warm and stylish ways to wear the Knit Cabildo Cowl.
Want more styling tips? Click here to visit our YouTube channel for even more videos. Want to see our newest videos as soon as they’re posted? Click here to subscribe to our channel (must be logged in to YouTube to subscribe).
Related links:
Posted in Fashion & Style | 5 Comments » Comments
