Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Today, we bring you another beautiful crochet scarf! Pattern below.
Over the last two weeks, we’ve shared with you some of the scarves we’ve been making for our Hat & Scarf Charity Drive at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. Whether you’re making them as gifts or for charity, come back from now until Thanksgiving for inspiration & patterns for easy scarves from the Studio’s staff.
Gina’s Shell Scarf (shown in Vanna’s Choice Charcoal)
Ch 21.
Row 1: 2 dc in the same ch, (sk 2 ch, 1 sc, sk 2 ch, 5 dc in next stitch) twice, sk 2 ch, sc, sk 2 ch, 3 dc in last stitch, ch 1 turn.
Row 2: sk 2 (5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc, sk 2) twice, 5 dc in next st, sk 2, sc, ch3, turn.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 to end.
Bind off and weave in ends.
*As with all of our scarf patterns shown, we only used one ball for our scarves, but you can use two and make them as long or short as you wish. Vanna’s Choice’s recommended hook size is J-10; its recommended needle size is US9.
Only 3 days of scarf ideas left, so keep coming back!
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, Lion Staff, Tips & How To | 1 Comment »
On our journey through Scarf Land, we bring you to the classic cabled scarf…get the pattern below. 6 more days of scarf patterns left!
Over the last two weeks, we’ve shared with you some of the scarves we’ve been making for our Hat & Scarf Charity Drive at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. Whether you’re making them as gifts or for charity, come back from now until Thanksgiving for inspiration & patterns for easy scarves from the Studio’s staff.
Gillian’s Cable Scarf (in Vanna’s Choice Taupe)
Cable stitch definition: CR4: slip two stitches to cable needle and hold in back, K2 , K2 from cable needle
CO 30.
Rows 1 - 8: Knit.
Row 9: K5, P4, K4, P4, K4, P4, K5.
Row 10: K9, P4, K4, P4, K9.
Row 11 & 13: Repeat row 9.
Row 12 & 14: Repeat row 10.
Row 15: K5, P4, CR4, P4, CR4, P4, K5.
Row 16: K9, P4, K4, P4, P9.
Repeat rows 1 - 16.
End with 8 rows of Garter stitch (knit every row).
Bind off and weave in ends.
*As with all of our scarf patterns shown, we only used one ball for our scarves, but you can use two and make them as long or short as you wish. Vanna’s Choice’s recommended hook size is J-10; its recommended needle size is US9.
Posted in Crocheting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, Lion Staff, Tips & How To | 1 Comment »
It doesn’t take long for a new knitter or crocheter to learn about the importance of making a gauge swatch: one badly off-size project usually convinces even the most gung-ho non-swatcher. Learning to make and measure a gauge swatch properly is one of the most important steps on the road to a great finished project. I’ve noticed that most of the knitters and crocheters I know (including myself, I’m sorry to say) tend to skimp on the swatching, doing only enough to make sure they’re getting approximate gauge and then plunging headlong into the project at hand.
By doing this, we’re only short-changing ourselves. Not only can getting the proper gauge solve a number of problems, a gauge swatch can tell you much more than just whether you’re getting the requisite number of stitches and rows per inch. Your gauge swatch is the most important place to start learning what your final project will look and feel like. This is particularly important if you’ve chosen to use a different yarn or even color than the one called for in the pattern.
You might find, for instance, that even though you are getting the correct number of stitches and rows per inch, the fabric you are creating is too stiff or too drapey for the project you’re making. Or you might find that the stitch pattern you love just doesn’t show up when worked in the navy yarn you’ve chosen to work with. Better to find out now than after you’ve crocheted half an afghan! Next time you find yourself tempted to skimp or skip the swatch, remind yourself that even though it might seem like a drag now, you’ll be much happier in the end if you do a full, proper swatch.
Related links:
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Tips & How To | 4 Comments »
Over the last two weeks, we’ve shared with you some of the scarves we’ve been making for our Hat & Scarf Charity Drive at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. Today, we’re kicking off 8 days of scarves. Whether you’re making them as gifts or for charity, come back from now until Thanksgiving for inspiration & patterns for easy scarves from the Studio’s staff.
Gina’s Crochet Basketweave (shown in Vanna’s Choice Linen)
Ch 21
Row 1: dc 19, turn
Row 2: ch 2 *dc through front post, dc through back post, repeat from * to end of row, turn
Row 3: ch 2 *dc through back post, dc through front post, repeat from * to end of row
Repeat rows 2 - 3 to end.
Bind off and weave in ends.
*As with all of our scarf patterns shown, we only used one ball for our scarves, but you can use two and make them as long or short as you wish. Vanna’s Choice’s recommended hook size is J-10; its recommended needle size is US9.
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, Lion Staff, Tips & How To | 1 Comment »
If you are reading this blog, you probably knit or crochet. Do you remember when you learned? Do you remember who taught you? It’s often a memory so indelible that you can picture details about that day from the way the room looked to what you were wearing. Many of us learned as children, in awe of this person who could teach us to create something from a simple ball of yarn. We may have put down our craft as we became busy with children or work and picked it up again as we awaited the birth of a child, found a new way to relieve stress or discovered a yarn that could not be resisted.
This lovely story tells of a woman whose most cherished gift was given to her by an aunt when she was seven years old. She remembers the day, the snack of tea and cookies that came with the gift and the color of the yarn.
This holiday season, consider giving this precious, lifelong gift to a child. It’s a gift of your knowledge and your presence together with a few inexpensive supplies. It’s a gift that connects you to the person you teach in a way that very few gifts can. It’s a gift for the holidays that reminds us of what is really important.
We invite you to share your stories of the person who taught you to knit by commenting on this blog post.
Posted in Crafting, Crocheting, Knitting | 21 Comments »
At the Lion Brand Yarn Studio, we’ve been making scarves for the Partnership for the Homeless, an organization here in NYC, as well as collecting scarf & hat donations from local yarncrafters. We’re having so much fun knitting and crocheting for charity in our window, we thought we’d share some of our patterns. Each one of us gets to make whatever we want. Sometimes we use the StitchFinder, and sometimes we make it up. In the next few weeks we’ll share some of the staff’s scarves.
As we said in our first post, each one of our window scarves is one ball of Vanna’s Choice, but you can make a longer scarf by using two balls. The recommended needle size for this yarn is US9 and the hook size is J-10, but as always, adjust up or down depending on the feel if your own fabric and your tension. With all of the scarves, you would bind off when you have yarn about 4 times the width of the scarf left. Then just weave in the ends, and you have a great scarf!
Patty’s Seed Stitch Scarf (shown in Magenta)
CO 24 stitches.
Row 1: *K1, P1*, repeat from *.
Row 2: *P1, K1*, repeat from *.
Repeat row 1 & 2 (purling the knits and knitting the purls).
Patty’s Garter Rib Scarf (shown in Wood’s Print)
CO 24 stitches.
Row 1: K2 *P2, K2*, repeat from *.
Repeat row 1.
Tracey’s Back Loop Crochet (show in Fern)
Ch 20.
Row 1 & 2: Dc across row.
Row 3: Dc through back loop.
Repeat rows 1 - 3.
Tracey’s Drop Stitch Scarf (show in Seaspray Mist)
CO 24 stitches.
Row 1 - 3: Knit.
Row 4: *K1, YO* repeat from * until last stitch, end K1.
Row 5: *K1, drop YO*, repeat from * until last stitch, end K1.
Repeat rows 1 - 5.
Come back starting next Monday for a new scarf pattern from the windows every day!
Related links:
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Knitting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, Lion Staff | 3 Comments »
We introduced Holiday Homespun earlier this year and it has become a fast favorite for holiday-themed garments and decorations. It comes in two types of color ranges. You can select from the traditional bright colors called Holly, Evergreen and Festive, or the deeper, richer colors of Victorian shades which are Berry, Wreath and Mistletoe. Our Starlight white color matches both palettes.
We have 21 patterns for this yarn. Choose from a selection of wearables, decorative items or home decor.
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, Lion Staff, Yarns | Leave a comment »
Last year Lion Brand sponsored the Vanna’s Choice Contest at Michaels and it was such a success we are repeating it this year. To enter, knit, crochet or craft using any of Vanna’s yarns including Vanna’s Choice, Vanna’s Choice Baby, or Vanna’s Glamour.
There are 33 prizes total and you can enter in four categories: Afghans & Throws, Baby & Kids, Hats & Scarves, and Gifts & Crafts. The grand prize is $1,000 and a trip to California to meet with Vanna. For complete contest rules, see this link.
We look forward to seeing your entry!
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Knitting, Yarns | 3 Comments »
A British artist will spend the next two years crocheting two giant lions for the London Olympics. The creation of the lions will be available for viewing on a webcam.
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Yarniverse | 2 Comments »
If you’re getting bored of garter and stockinette stitch, try something new! I personally love experimenting with the textures of different stitches. Looking through the many stitches on StitchFinder, I always ask “What can I make with that stitch?” The truth is I have too many ideas! Belts, scarves, shawls, blankets, maybe add a little lace here or a cable there… So I thought I’d share a few ideas with you.
First of all, when you’re experimenting with a new stitch, you really should do a gauge swatch. But it’s not so bad, you’ll get the hang of the stitch and you can create a washcloth or squares for a patchwork blanket! Once you know the gauge you’ll be able to make a better decision about what to make and how many stitches to cast on.
Making anything square or rectangular with your new stitch will be a cinch! Just decide on the length and width of your project and divide by the length and width of a repeat in your gauge swatch. Just make sure you’re starting with the right number of stitches for your stitch pattern (for example, if your stitch pattern says “chain a multiple of 6 + 3″ and you want 10 repeats you would chain 63). From there you can make scarves, shawls, blankets, or pillow covers! If you make a long skinny strip and add two D-ring to one end you’ll have a belt! If you knit a rectangle, fold it in half, sew two sides together, and add a strap, you have a purse!
You can also add a new stitch to an existing pattern or idea. Substitute stockinette for a more textured stitch; switch out one lace pattern for another or switch cables. By simply switching up the stitch you use you keep your projects interesting!
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Tips & How To | 3 Comments »
