Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
It’s the first month of the new year, which for us here in NYC usually means – cold, wind, ice and snow. But there’s something about heading into the dead of winter that makes me really appreciate winter white knitwear such as a cozy sweater, or chunky cowl; it may help brighten up your mood when it’s cloudy and cold out.
Yes, there is that old fashion adage about not wearing white after labor day, but it all depends on the fiber content. You would certainly wear your white/cream cashmere sweater in the winter – because cashmere keeps you warm; also, those lovely aran sweaters look stunning in winter whites. I’ve included a round-up of some appropriate yarns to use for projects where you may want to include whites and off whites.
(sweater in image to left: Madison Pullover)
 Fishermen’s Wool Natural |
 LB Collection Pure Wool |
 Wool-Ease Fisherman |
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 Homespun Deco |
 Superwash Merino Cashmere Ivory |
 Luxe Fur Ivory |
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 LB Collection Cashmere Natural |
 LB Collection Silk Mohair Wisp |
 LB Collection Superwash Merino Antique |
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 LB Collection Angora Merino Vanilla |
 Martha Stewart Crafts Alpaca Blend Buttermilk |
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Do you like to knit or crochet with white or cream color yarns in the winter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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Posted in Fashion & Style, Products | 1 Comment » Comments
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
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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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).
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Posted in Fashion & Style | 5 Comments » Comments
Faux Fur is still a popular trend for accessories and trims in the cooler months, and you’ll probably be seeing a lot of it this Fall and Winter. Faux fur can add a touch of warm sophistication to your outfit, or it can add a bit of whimsy and fun. Whichever way you prefer to wear your faux fur is up to you; take a look at some of our knit and crochet patterns that incorporate either Fun Fur or Luxe Fur for inspiration.
Adults
 No need to search for your hat and scarf with the Snow Bunny Hooded Scarf knit in Luxe Fur. It’s one accessory piece that keeps both your neck and head warm. |
 This Hippie Chic Vest crocheted in Fun Fur would look great over a thermal top, with jeans and flat boots for staying warm and comfy, while looking trendy no matter where you go! |
 This Furry Neck Warmer knit in Luxe Fur is actually a long infinity scarf, which can be double wrapped as a cowl for extra neck protection. Click on the image to see the cowl in its entirety. |
Children
 Add a little whimsy to a garment with a Fun Fur trimming as seen in this Baby Doll Dress. |
 Peter Pan collars are the new trend for DIY projects, try this Pretty in Pink Collar knit in Fun Fur for the little one. |
 Keep the newborn warm and cozy in a Luxe Fur trimmed Sweet Dreams Cocoon and Baby Hat set. |
Have you got on board with the Faux Fur trend? What’s your favorite type of project to incorporate your fuzzy yarn?
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Posted in Fashion & Style, Pattern Recommendations, Yarns | Leave a comment » Comments
This is a guest post from Claire, Floor Manager of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio.
Working at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio and helping people pick projects and yarn every day has taught me many things, not the least of which is that a cowl is a cowl is a cowl — except when it’s a hood! I’m sure all of you are familiar with two or three ways to wear a scarf, but have you tried experimenting with your other handmade items?
With a long infinity scarf style cowl like the Cabildo Cowl (pictured in Cincinatti Red Hometown USA), it’s easy to change up your winter look. Wrap it twice around your neck for an extra snuggly style or pull the second loop up over your head as a hood when it really starts to blow! Leave it long when you get inside and it becomes an accessory focal point for your outfit.
For the brisk fall weather, you might want to toss a wrap on before heading outside to play in the leaves. The Knit Spring Ruana adds a little bit of warmth and a lot of pizazz! You can leave the garter panel to the back for a traditional look, or turn it sideways and add a shawl pin for a less drapey look.
The Cropped Turtleneck is a fun garment to turn on its head — literally! Worn as is, it’s a cute cropped sweater with a generous turtleneck. Turned upside down, it becomes a dramatic fitted piece with a fun boatneck.
Now it’s your turn to look through your hand-crafted items and see what you can make of them. And next time you’re buying yarn, remind yourself that you could be getting two sweaters for the price of one!
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Posted in Fashion & Style, Tips & How To | 8 Comments » Comments
I always switch to a different everyday bag when fall arrives, since my purse is my one essential day-to-day companion. The cool air just seems to call out for accessories in richer colors or textures than the spring and summer.
In stores, you may notice that commercial handbag-makers are featuring a variety of trends this season: cross-body straps, saturated colors, stripes, bold prints, and petite profiles. Here are five bag patterns that fit the bill:
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Knit Around Town BagCross-body strap + textural cables = functional style. This two-trends-in-one purse is a perfect, roomy tote for this fall. Make it for yourself, or make it as a fabulous holiday gift! |
Posted in Fashion & Style, Pattern Recommendations | 2 Comments » Comments
Wonderful trends in nail art have been all over Pinterest this year, and we couldn’t help but be inspired. Our favorite trend of the year has to be the matching manicures and projects!
These are some of our favorite projects to coordinate with this season’s trends in nail art. Mix & match colors, pair them with your favorite yarn or take your swatch with you to the make up counter!
All the patterns below are free for download from LionBrand.com (you may have to sign in before downloading). Click the source link for each of the pinned nail art images for the guide to creating these manicures yourself.
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| Pinned by: Hillary Louise Source: iamlala.com |
Knit Dolce Fingerless Gloves | Crochet Rainbow Burst Tote |
Posted in Fashion & Style, Pattern Recommendations | 6 Comments » Comments
