Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Our hugely popular yarn, Zpagetti, is finally back in stock after blowing off the shelves and selling out several weeks ago. And just in time! Earth Day may have been yesterday, but all of April is Earth Month, and every day is a great opportunity to be eco-friendly. As many Zpagetti enthusiasts already know, this unique yarn is made with remnants of jersey fabric used to create garments. The remnants would otherwise be discarded, so we’re thrilled to breathe a little new life into this special fiber. In honor of its (re-)arrival, I’ve rounded up a handful of the great items you can knit, crochet or craft with this yarn. Click here to learn more about Zpagetti, browse colors and place your order today!
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Have you recently gotten the Martha Stewart Crafts Knit & Weave Loom Kit as a gift? Or, have you gotten one to familiarize yourself with yarn crafting? Whether you’re a newbie to loom knitting & weaving, or familiar with the craft and need some new inspiration, look no further because I’ve got some patterns to get you started on more projects!
Take a look at the patterns in the different categories below; and note that most of the images have links to more patterns within that category as well.
(Click on the images for pattern)
Loom Woven and Knit Afghans
 Loom Woven Afghan Homespun Thick & Quick Click here for more loom woven afghans |
 Loom Knit Diagonal Afghan Martha Stewart Crafts Extra Soft Wool Blend Click here for more loom knit afghans |
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Has crafting ever brought you out of a tough time? Often, the meditative and creative aspects of yarn crafts can be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to coping with grief, depression, or that funk you just haven’t been able to emerge from. Though knitting and crochet are often looked at as lighthearted, serene crafts, the emergence of many crafting social groups over the last several years speaks to the release of both the craft and the social component that frequently comes along with it. A new book highlights the healing that can come from crochet.
Crochet Saved My Life chronicles the journey of a college freshman coping with the usual suspects–new school, new state, new friends–as well as the far less familiar, including the surprise diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. Author Kathryn Vercillo describes how she found release from her anxiety and stress in the therapeutic nature of each repetitive stitch.
More than telling her own story, which includes the profound motion of dropping a knife from her wrist and picking up yarn instead, Vercillo also shares the stories of other men and women who have found solace in crochet and knitting, as well as the effects these crafts have on those with various mental and physical conditions, including anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis.
To learn more about the book, click here.
So many of us have found comfort in the stitches of knitting and crochet. Have these yarn crafts gotten you through difficult times in your life? Share your experiences below.
Posted in Community, Crafting, Crocheting, Knitting | 154 Comments » Comments
Superbowl Sunday is just around the corner! I’m usually more excited about the snacks at the Superbowl parties than I am about the actual game. About 20 minutes in my attention starts to drift and I find my fingers sneaking towards my newest yarncraft project. Although I am rarely paying attention (and probably wouldn’t understand what was happening if I was), I still have a great time spending time with loved ones and sharing in the excitement!
The Superbowl is a great excuse for crafters to have fun whether you are a sport fan or not. Patty was telling me about how Franklin Habit has a favorite sports bar that he frequents. They know him so well that they give him a resounding greeting when he walks through the door and have a lamp just for him so he can see his knitting!
Here are three ways that you can celebrate this Superbowl Sunday with yarncrafting:
Posted in Crafting, Events | 2 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
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
With the new release of our mini skein yarn collections Bonbons, Lion Brand invited a few of our favorite craft bloggers to create unique and inspiring pieces that can easily be recreated with Bonbons.
We received a variety of fun and interesting projects from 11 awesome bloggers, and I’m excited to share with you one of our favorite projects. We love the bright and vibrant colors of this headband wrapped in Bonbons, and the charm addition on top of the band allows you to give it a personal touch.
I will continue to share the rest of the Bonbon projects with you in an upcoming blog post, but for now – check out the “Wrapped Headband in Candy Colors” by Cathy, author of the blog, Trinkets in Bloom. Cathy chose her Bonbon colors in the Party and Celebrate assortments.
Supplies:
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Click here for the step by step instructions to create your own Bonbon wrapped headband!
I can’t wait to show you all of the great ideas that these crafty ladies had for using Bonbons. Have you worked with Bonbons yet? If so, what have you used them for? Tell us about your Bonbon projects in the comments!
Posted in Crafting | 7 Comments » Comments
Halloween is right around the corner, but crafting for the holiday doesn’t have to be a fright! In just 15 minutes, you can make your very own sparkling wreath. All you need to gather is a styrofoam wreath (any size; mine is 6 inches wide), a styrofoam cone (mine is 2.5 inches tall), some glue, a crafting/Xacto knife (be careful!), a writing utensil, 1 ball of Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter Eyelash in Onyx, and one package of Bonbons in Beach. Ready to craft? Let’s get started!
Posted in Crafting, Tips & How To, Tutorials | 7 Comments » Comments
It’s back to school season! Start the school year off right with a yarncrafted classroom. These projects are perfect for any educator, so get your yarn ready. Click each image to view the pattern.
 This laptop sleeve helps keep computers and tablets safe. You can also use it to store textbooks! |
 Keep track of your office supplies with yarn wrapped organizers. |
 Nesting bowls help keep your desk neat and tidy. Use them to store paperclips, office supplies, or sweet treats. |
 Store your pencils or chalk in this sturdy felted case. |
 Always keep track of your lunch with this reusable lunch bag. |
 Keep all of your school supplies in one handy place with this handy bag. |
 Every teacher deserves an apple, and this crocheted one will last for years! |
 This owl will watch over the wisdom of your classroom. |
 A bookworm’s place is in the classroom! |
How are you using yarncrafting this school year? Be sure to share in the comments!
Related links:
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It’s that time of year when kids are getting home from summer camp–but not yet going back to school. If you’re looking for activities to do with your kids, either at home or on vacation, here are some of my favorite craft projects.
In addition to being fun and easy, they are also awesome for using up small quantities of yarn (or to play with new Bonbons multi-packs)!
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| Tassel Necklace |
Pom-Pom Animals |
Fairy Wands |
Posted in Crafting, Pattern Recommendations | 1 Comment » Comments
