Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Have you ever substituted in a different yarn than the one called for by the pattern? I’m a bit of an obsessive substituter, so when I saw the gorgeous Rainbow Spots shade of Casey, I just had to knit some baby booties for my cousin’s new baby girl! The only question was which pattern to make. Ever since it was posted, I’ve loved the Ruby Slippers, so I knit a quick gauge swatch, got the right needle, and away I went! The only adjustment I made was leaving off the button band since these booties are for a very tiny baby. Overall, I’m thrilled with how they came out, and I hope little baby Ally is, too!
Isn’t it amazing how a different yarn can make the pattern look totally different?
Related links:
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It’s only a few more days until Christmas, but you can still incorporate yarn into your holiday celebration:
Finally, for those of you who are still looking for last-minute gift ideas, here are a few helpful blog posts:
*If you’re viewing this blog post in your email and can’t access the video above, please click on the title of the blog post to view the full article online.
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Pattern Recommendations | 4 Comments » Comments
New from Lion Brand, is Bellini – a uniquely textured wool-blend yarn, perfect for adding extra flair and fringes to your accessories. Bellini yarn can be used by itself to make bold statement pieces, or it can be used with a traditional yarn such as Wool-Ease, for adding trims to winter accessories. The great thing about Bellini is that it’s also ideal for quick projects, so it will make a wonderful fast finish gift for that friend who enjoys all the latest fashion trends.
One skein of Bellini makes a scarf or a cowl (see the patterns below!); you can even have some fun with it and use small sections of the yarn to create pom-poms. While we were experimenting with the yarn in the office, we realized you can even make a cowl with Bellini without knitting or crocheting the yarn. Just slide off the ball band, untwist the hank, and wrap the big loop twice around your neck!
 Knit Cozy Loops Scarf |
 Crochet One Row Short Scarf |
 Knit Foxy Scarf |
Watch the videos below to learn the easy techniques on how to knit and crochet with this yarn:
Click here for the crochet version.
What type project would you like to make with Belini? Share with us in the comments!
Related Links:
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Pattern Recommendations, Tips & How To | 6 Comments » Comments
Everywhere I turn in New York City, I see beautiful knit and crochet accessories with super thick stitches. Stores like Anthropologie, Gap, and H&M are highlighting the chunky stitch trend. By combining super bulky (category 6) yarns with thick needles and hooks, you can work up these fun accessories in a flash. Best of all, they’re fast enough that they make easy holiday gifts! Here are some great patterns for trendy accessories.
Want even more chunky stitch ideas? Be sure to check out this post by our friend Jen that highlights her favorite chunky stitch patterns.
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There’s still plenty of time left to knock out handmade projects for those on your holiday gift list. There’s even time to knit or crochet some of these items for upcoming Hannukah gifts. So, to help you make some crafting decisions, I have included a round up of some of our fast finish patterns suitable for men and women. Since these projects require either one or two balls, they’re extremely portable – allowing you to knit or crochet on the go!
 Crochet Family of Beanies |
 Crochet Home Team Hat |
 Knit Solstice Hat |
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Pattern Recommendations | 11 Comments » Comments
Growing up, my grandmothers would both make me doll clothes for my American Girls and Barbies. I loved each little outfit, crafted with care. I still have most of those clothes tucked away in storage for my future kids to enjoy, along with beloved stuffed animals.
This holiday season, make a child in your life smile at the sight of a handmade gift. Here are 12 patterns for stuffed animals, toys, and doll clothes. Find many more patterns on LionBrand.com!
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| Crochet Martha Doll with Poncho & Dog |
Crochet Leo the Lion | Knit Olivia Doll Outfit |
Posted in Pattern Recommendations | 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
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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Often, when I am looking for a new pattern for a project, I like to pick something that features a technique that I haven’t tried before. This way, I learn something with each new project. Usually, I pick something on the small side (a hat, scarf, mitts, etc.). But I know more than a few knitters and crocheters who like to “go all in” when they take on a new challenge, picking out large, more complex designs to keep their yarncrafting interesting.
Whether you like a small project or a large one for a new challenge, I hope you learn something with these projects.
Last week, I shared 10 patterns that featured more advanced colorwork skills. In this week’s post, I’ve rounded up patterns for 5 different stitch patterns and construction methods. These are just some of the interesting techniques out there, but I hope you’ll try (at least) one out and add it to your repertoire. It’s by trying new skills that we continue to grow as yarncrafters.
Mitered CrochetBy decreasing in each row to create the “corner turn” of the triangle or square, mitered crochet creates a cool geometric look with just basic skills. Whether you switch colors for a cool striping effect or use a color-change yarn like Amazing to mimic stripes, it looks fantastic. (It will even look cool in solid colors!) |
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| Mitered Crochet Baby Blanket | Crochet Colorful Mitered Afghan |
Posted in Pattern Recommendations, Tips & How To | 1 Comment » Comments
I grew up in a household where my mother would change the display on our front hall table, dining room table, and living room sideboard with the seasons. In the summer, we might have seashells artfully arranged in hurricane glasses. In the winter, there might be whitewashed branches with delicate glass ornaments hanging from their branches. My mom managed to evoke lovely moods with creative items found or made–on a budget. Since I don’t get to visit my parents’ house as often as I’d like, I add whimsical touches of the season to my own home now.
Knit, crochet, and craft your own decor items for the fall season. I’ve picked out 12 patterns that are great stash-busters (so you can clear space for more yarn!) as well as as items that can be made as a set (so you get the most mileage out of your yarn purchase).
For knitters who like the felt designs below: knit a large rectangle of wool, felt it well, and then cut out the leaf-designs to make your own version. Want to knit your own leaves? Click here for a stitch pattern.
Wreaths |
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| Knit Fall Wreath | Crochet Fall Foliage Felted Wreath | Wrapped Thanksgiving Wreath |
Posted in Pattern Recommendations | 5 Comments » Comments
