Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
On tomorrow’s episode of YarnCraft (our radio-style podcast about the wonderful world of knitting, crocheting, and yarn), we’ll be talking about projects for formals, proms, and weddings. As we enter the warmer months (at least here in the northern hemisphere), it seems like there are more parties, both indoors and out–which is why we’ll be talking about purses, shawls, and even some non-traditional yarncrafting projects that you may want to tackle.
In the meantime, we often hear from customers that they’ve made special projects as gifts or to decorate for their own or their friends’ weddings. Here are just a few fun projects that I spotted in our Customer Gallery (click on the photos to read their full stories):
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| Paul created this very cool blanket for his youngest step-daughter’s wedding–his own design, with a little help from his wife. He made it using Pound of Love, and you can really tell a lot of love went into this cool playing card-inspired design. | Janice B. made an adorable little bunny bride & groom–and bridesmaid too!–based on our Cake Topper pattern. It was for a recently-married friend who loves bunnies! |
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Knitting, YarnCraft Podcast | Leave a comment » Comments
One of the best things about working at Lion Brand is the great people that you get to work with. When I first started here, one of the first people I became friends with was Liz, who works on yarn development. When we decided to launch the Lion Brand podcast–YarnCraft–back in 2007, Liz was definitely a go-to person for interesting yarncrafting facts and stories to share. Eventually, she and I began co-hosting the show. We’ve done over 100 episodes, sharing pattern recommendations, techniques, stories, interviews with influential yarncrafters, and in doing so, we’ve also found ourselves with a lot of amazing listeners who share their comments and stories with us, some of whom have been with us for years.
Because of my friendship with Liz, I knew that when the company was recently planning her baby shower (for her first baby!), I wanted to do something special for her. I also knew that it would be wonderful to get not only my coworkers involved, but also our wonderful YarnCraft listeners.
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Knitting, Lion Staff, YarnCraft Podcast | Leave a comment » Comments
For knitters & crocheters, sometimes it can feel stressful when you’re trying to finish a project and it’s slow going. However, it’s important to keep in mind the idea that knitting and crocheting are hobbies that are meant to be enjoyed for the journey, and not just for the end result.
To help you keep that in mind, here are 5 segments from our radio-style podcast, YarnCraft, all about de-stressing when you’re working on a particularly taxing project OR getting motivated when you’re feeling stuck on a project.
Click through the links below to read the episode guide and click on the “play” arrow to listen to the episode (or download it to your computer using the link).
De-Stress with Episode 105 – Fast forward to 31:43 to listen to our “Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life” segment all about de-stressing during the busy holiday gift-making season. These tips are definitely useful year-round!
Get Reinvigorated with Episode 91 – This episode, entitled “5 Ways to Stay Motivated Knitting & Crocheting This Summer,” highlights just that. Get inspired and reinvigorated in your knitting and crocheting, when you’re feeling like you’re stuck in a rut. Fast forward to 12:09 if you want to listen to just that segment.
Take a Moment with Episode 30 – In another “Stash This” segment (at 26:48 in the episode), learn useful ways to take a step back from your knit & crochet projects when you need a moment to gather your thoughts and tackle that next big step, whether it’s ripping back or starting a particularly challenging stitch chart.
Create the Right Environment with Episode 22 – Finding your zen place when yarncrafting is sometimes about creating the right environment. Learn what makes a good crafting space in this episode. Skip to 4:32 if you want to listen to just this segment.
Support Your Hands with Episode 9 – In this early episode, Liz & I share tips for supporting your hands and wrists while yarncrafting, as well as soothing, simple pattern-recommendations that are just right for those times you want a relaxing project to work on. Hop over to 23:48 for this “Stash This” segment.
If you like these segments, subscribe to YarnCraft here or find us on iTunes! We come out with a new episode, every two weeks!
Related links:
Posted in Crafting, Crocheting, Knitting, Tips & How To, YarnCraft Podcast | 3 Comments » Comments
Since October of 2007, I’ve been lucky enough to work on our podcast, YarnCraft, a radio-style show that’s available online and to download. It’s been a wonderful part of my job, allowing me and my co-host Liz to share project ideas, sneak peeks at upcoming yarns, interviews with knit and crochet experts, and more. Over the years, our listeners have told us that they enjoy incorporating a little YarnCraft into their commutes, their morning jogs, and of course their crafting time, and we love that they share their comments, thoughts, stories, and photos with us and other listeners, making it a truly interactive experience.
On September 13th, we’re going to reach a special milestone: our 100th episode. To celebrate, Liz & I have hit the virtual road and are giving interviews on all kinds of topics (and giving away prizes) all over the internet.
Be sure to catch us us at the following places:
September 2 – The Crochet Dude
Crochet designer and all around cool guy, Drew Emborsky, asks Liz & Zontee to spill the beans about Vanna White, Lion Brand’s charity connection, and the secrets to putting together a podcast. Plus there just might be a chance to score some of Vanna’s newest yarn.
September 5 – Craftsy Blog
Well-known knitwear designer and teacher, Stefanie Japel, picks Liz & Zontee’s brains and gets some advice on crocheting for beginners. Get a second chance to win some Vanna’s Colors while you’re there.
September 7 – Crochet by Faye
Crochet designer Robyn Chachula asks the ladies of YarnCraft all about podcasting, working at Lion Brand, and the inspiration behind the LB Collection. Enter for a chance to win two balls of LB Collection Superwash Merino while you’re there.
September 8 – PlanetJune
Liz & Zontee answer questions from crochet designer and YarnCraft listener, June Gilbank. Find out about how working on YarnCraft has effected Liz & Zontee’s crafting lives. Also, get a chance to win 3 balls of Vanna’s Choice, June’s preferred amigurumi yarn.
September 12 (live at 9 pm; also available for download afterwards) – Getting Loopy! Podcast
Knit & crochet designer/blogger/podcaster, Mary Beth Temple, interviews Zontee about how to get started podcasting. Chat with Mary Beth live online during the show to submit questions!
September 12 – KnitPurlGurl Podcast
Karrie, a.k.a. KnitPurlGurl chats with Zontee for a behind-the-scenes look at Lion Brand on her podcast. You’ll also have a chance to win 3 balls of Superwash Merino Cashmere while you’re there.
For episodes of YarnCraft (I like to say it’s like “Car Talk” for knitters & crocheters), visit our blog or find us on iTunes. YarnCraft comes out twice a month on Tuesdays.
Posted in Community, YarnCraft Podcast | 4 Comments » Comments
On our radio-style podcast, YarnCraft, my co-host Liz and I often talk about how to customize your knit & crochet projects. In particular, customizing gifts is a popular subject, since many knitters and crocheters like to make things for their loved ones.
One great idea that I got from the book, The Prayer Shawl Ministry: Reaching Those In Need, is to use yarns that match your recipients’ birthstone. It’s, of course, a great idea for birthday presents, but could be used throughout the year. To help you on your way, I’ve put together this handy chart:
| January – Garnet
Deep shades of burgundy make for wonderful accessories and garments in luxe Superwash Merino Cashmere or glitzy Vanna’s Glamour. |
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| Superwash Merino Cashmere in Wine |
Vanna’s Glamour in Garnet |
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| February – Amethyst
Add a touch of texture with shades of purple with the haziness of Silk Mohair or silky hand of Homespun. |
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| LB Collection Silk Mohair in Iris |
Homespun in Amethyst |
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| March – Aquamarine
Cool, light organic cotton or easy-care Vanna’s Choice both make wonderful accessories, boleros, and more. |
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| Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton in Blueberry |
Vanna’s Choice in Aqua |
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| April – Diamond
April’s child loves a touch of glitter, so try one of these soft, metallic yarns for a wonderful project. |
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| Vanna’s Glamour in Diamond |
Wool-Ease in White Frost |
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| May – Emerald
Lush shades of green meet quick-to-work-up yarns in Hometown USA and Holiday Homespun. |
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| Hometown USA in Green Bay |
Holiday Homespun in Evergreen |
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| June – Pearl or Moonstone
Subtle shades reflect June’s birthstones. Try this painterly shade of Homespun or the soft taupe glitz of Vanna’s Glamour. |
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| Homespun in Pearls |
Vanna’s Glamour in Moonstone |
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| July – Ruby
Perfect on their own or held double-stranded (one strand of each), July’s yarns are all about bright, bold red. |
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| Vanna’s Glamour in Ruby |
Vanna’s Choice in Scarlet |
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| August – Peridot
Stylish yellow-green is lovely in this heathered solid shade of Homespun or the soft luxury of Superwash Merino Cashmere. |
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| Homespun in Apple Green |
Superwash Merino Cashmere in Green Tea |
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| September – Sapphire
Classic midnight blue makes for great accessories, shrugs, and more. Double-stranded or used individually, these yarns look luscious. |
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| Vanna’s Choice in Sapphire |
Vanna’s Glamour in Sapphire |
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| October – Opal
October’s yarns are all about a swirl of soft color with this painterly color of Homespun or self-striping Amazing. |
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| Homespun in Tudor |
Amazing in Carnival |
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| November – Citrine or Yellow Topaz
This warm, golden fall-friendly color is beautiful in both shimmering Vanna’s Glamour and luxurious Angora Merino. |
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| Vanna’s Glamour in Bronze |
LB Collection Angora Merino in Nectarine |
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| December – Blue Topaz or Turquoise
Brighten up someone’s winter with a pop of color in silky-smooth, easy-care Microspun or Homespun. |
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| Homespun in Seafoam |
Microspun in Turquoise |
For episodes of YarnCraft (I like to say it’s like “Car Talk” for knitters & crocheters), visit our blog or find us on iTunes. YarnCraft comes out twice a month on Tuesdays.
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, YarnCraft Podcast, Yarns | 27 Comments » Comments
Crafters everywhere know the importance of being focused while you work – but many of us like to have a little something interesting on in the background. Podcasts are a great source of entertainment, and can even help you with your crafting!
One of the many free goodies on the Lion Brand website is our free podcast series, YarnCraft. This podcast is updated with new episodes every two weeks and is chock full of interviews, projects, tips and tricks for enjoying your crafting life. Here are five more great podcasts about crafting with yarn! [As always, highlighted text is clickable.]
Just One More Row
Cohosts Brittany and Dana talk about patterns they love, projects they’re working on and upcoming contests in this friendly, conversational podcast. Both of these Tennessee ladies knit, but Brittany also spins and Dana is a long time crocheter. They post great notes for each episode and include links to the patterns and websites they mention, in case you want to catch up and make one of the many projects they talk about on the show!
CraftLit
This podcast is a great resource for book lovers, crafters, and those who wish they could read while working with yarn. Each episode begins with a portion of crafting discussion before diving into classic literature. The host of this podcast is a knitter, crocheter, spinner and English teacher! She tailors each episode to the interests of crafters and those who love classic books or want to read them for the first time.
Stash and Burn
A popular favorite, Nicole and Jenny of Stash and Burn talk about projects they are working on and living “Life Under the Weight of the Stash”. These two focus mostly on knitted projects, but take time out to review techniques and books. Conversations can wander from topic to topic, but always come around back to fiber arts and patterns they love!
Stitch It
Meghan of Stitch It tells great stories about motherhood, balancing a busy life and, of course, crafting. A busy fiber lover, she works with knitting and crochet as well as spinning and dyeing. Her episodes cover many different topics, but are full of interesting stories and plenty of fiber fun.
The Knit Girllls
Watching this conversational video podcast is like inviting co-hosts Leslie and Laura over for some quality stitching time together. The two ladies show off their work and finished projects, talk about patterns and announce new giveaways!
These are just some of the many great podcasts on crafting with yarn, and each can be found through these links or on iTunes. Did we mention your favorite?
Leave a comment to tell us about a crafting podcast you love and what you love about it!
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Knitting, YarnCraft Podcast | 17 Comments » Comments
There is so much we offer for free on our site to help you with your yarn crafting but I have the feeling you may not know about all of these goodies. Here are 5 kinds of freebies you can get. Please check them out and let me know what you think.
1. Charity Finder
If you are looking for a charity to knit or crochet for, or if you are part of a group of knitters and crocheters who knit for charity, the Charity Finder will be a great resource for you. We have over 1,000 groups currently listed. It’s easy to use. Just indicate if you have a preference for a type of organization or a type of garment, the Charity Finder lets you limit the choice so you find just what you want. You can also select a group within a few miles of your home. When you go to the Charity Finder you will also find a useful listing of some of our most popular free patterns for charity. We would love to hear from you and find out how your charity group search or organization listing goes.
2. Free e-Cards
When it’s the last minute on an important holiday or birthday, you can dash off one of our free e-cards for yarn lovers. We have a wide range of designs to choose from. Just personalize your message and go.
3. Stitch Finder
Over 100 knit and crochet stitches are explained and shown on our Stitch Finder. It’s a great way to grow your skills and learn to make some changes to the patterns you tend to make over and over.
4. The YarnCraft Podcast
It sounds hi-tech but it’s just a 30 minute radio show that feels like you’re listening in to a couple of friends sitting around and chatting about ideas in yarn crafting, interviewing designers, or sharing what they know about fashion trends. Listen to it online or download it through iTunes.
5. Yarn Substitution Information
Are you about to start making one of our free patterns and you realize you don’t have the yarn that is called for? We have a chart that helps you figure out what yarns can be substituted. We also have articles that review the process of substituting yarns in case you’d like step by step instructions.
What other goodies and information would you like to see us have on our site? Leave us a comment and let us. know.
Posted in Charity, Community, Crafting, Crocheting, Did You Know . . . ?, Knitting, Tips & How To, YarnCraft Podcast | 3 Comments » Comments
This month, we’re highlighting the works of various fiber artists currently showing around the country and the world. If you’d like to suggest an artist or an exhibit, please feel free to leave a comment and let us know!
Ruth Marshall, a fiber artist based in New York City, is looking for volunteer knitters to help her create knitted tiger pelts, her latest fine art textile project, sponsored in part by Lion Brand. Ruth has been studying archived tiger pelts at the American Museum of Natural History, and she currently participating in the Open Studio Program at the Museum of Art & Design located at Columbus Circle, in Manhattan, every Friday until December 3rd, 2010.
On YarnCraft, our radio-style podcast, my co-host Liz and I also had the pleasure of talking to Ruth about her fascinating work, which draws attention to various endangered big cat species. (Click here to listen to that episode [MP3]; the interview with Ruth starts at about 11:14.)
If you are an experienced knitter in the NYC-area, particularly with experience in intarsia and multi-colored yarns and would like to hang out and knit at the Museum of Art & Design, please contact Ruth by visiting her website, RuthMarshall.com, and clicking on the “contact” button which will open up an email window.
Ruth’s previous work has been exhibited across North America at such institutions as the Hunterdon Museum, San Jose Museum, Indiana State Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, MassArt, Museum of Art & Design, Dam, Stuhltrager Gallery – Brooklyn & Berlin, as well as various art fairs in Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; Paris, France; and Istanbul, Turkey. Awards include the BRIO-Bronx Council of the Arts. Ruth will be featured in two books coming out next spring, and will participate in “Green: A Color and a Cause”, at the Textile Museum, Washington D.C. in 2011.
Related links:
Posted in Community, Events, Fiber Arts, Knitting, YarnCraft Podcast, Yarniverse | Leave a comment » Comments
Liz & I love writing/recording/producing the YarnCraft podcast — it’s a fun activity on top of our regular jobs here at Lion Brand, and it’s always great connecting with you, our customers and listeners.
If YarnCraft is a podcast that you love, help us show the world what knitters & crocheters are all about! You still have 5 days to nominate us for a People’s Choice Podcast Award! Nominations are open until Oct. 18, and if we make the cut, we’ll let you know when official voting begins!
Nominate at: http://www.podcastawards.com/
How this works: You can write us in for EITHER People’s Choice OR Best Produced, PLUS one other category (Cultural/Arts probably makes the most sense). Simply type in our podcast name: YarnCraft and our URL: http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com in those fields — then fill in your info at the bottom, and click “submit.” It’s just that easy!
And as always, share your thoughts, questions, suggestions, and more — we always love getting your feedback!
And of course, join us next Tuesday (and every other Tuesday) for a new episode of YarnCraft!
Posted in Community, Lion Staff, YarnCraft Podcast | Leave a comment » Comments
One of the best parts of YarnCraft, our knitting & crochet podcast, is that we get to hear from you — our listeners and Lion Brand users — and get stories, inspiration, and ideas from you to share with others. (My co-host) Liz and I always enjoy hearing (and sharing) your stories. This week, we got a great e-mail from long-time listener and active YarnCraft community member Josh:
Hi Liz and Zontee,
When you had talked about my post on an earlier episode regarding how my craft room is set up, I had written about the mythical stargate that swallows my tape measure and scissors. You took it a step further to liken it to the Island of Lost Toys, which inspired this article I wrote for Crochet Insider… hope you get a giggle out of it.
All my love to you both,
Josh
We thought it was so much fun we wanted to share the article with you. Click here to read it.
If you want to hear Josh’s original story, listen to episode 22 — Your Yarncrafting Sanctuary – by clicking here. Josh’s story is about 8:40 into the episode.
Related links:
Posted in YarnCraft Podcast, Yarniverse | 4 Comments » Comments
