Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Knitting and crochet aren’t just crafts for the fall and winter; when you choose the right yarns and projects, you can keep right on crafting in the hotter months of the year! With these 5 tips on choosing the perfect yarn for your spring and summer projects, you’ll be comfortable making and wearing your crafts throughout the warmer seasons.
Think animal fibers for winter, plant fibers for summer.
Animal fiber yarns like thick wools, fluffy angoras and snuggly alpacas keep us warm when it’s chilly, and when it comes to staying cool, plant fibers can help. Yarns and blends with cotton or bamboo are best for projects that will be comfortable to work on and you’ll be able to wear or use right away. Many of the yarns we love for the cooler months feel heavy or sticky in the heat, so choose something with a cool hand like Cotton-Ease for crafting in the summer.
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Posted in Yarns | 3 Comments » Comments
Do you ever seen an amazing pattern and think, “Wow, I love that, but I wish it were made in a different yarn”? Substituting a different yarn is an easy way to make a pattern truly unique. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a different yarn. Let’s use the Inishturk Sweater as an example to illustrate each of these tips.
1. Check your gauge. You’ll get the best results when you substitute a yarn with the same or similar gauge. But what if you’re browsing yarn in a store? You can’t just pull out your hooks and needles and do a gauge swatch without buying the yarn! In this case, look for a yarn within the same weight category, and then gauge swatch after your purchase. In our example, the Inishturk Sweater is knit in Fishermen’s Wool, which is a worsted weight yarn, so you could consider substitution yarns like Amazing, Vanna’s Choice, Cotton-Ease, and more. If you really want to use a yarn with a different gauge, you’ll need to do some math. Click here for a blog post all about substituting different yarn weights.
Posted in Did You Know . . . ?, Tips & How To, Yarns | 24 Comments » Comments
| If you’re thinking about starting projects for spring, then you’re probably leaning towards using a cotton yarn. Cotton is an extremely popular knit and crochet yarn for spring and summer because of its durability, easy care, and breathability. Cotton is a versatile yarn that can be used for a range of projects; but there are different types of cotton yarns, so it’s best to know which one suits your project needs best.
Many people love all natural fibers, but did you know that there are some really good benefits to working with cotton/synthetic blends as well? |
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Posted in Did You Know . . . ?, Tips & How To, Yarns | 20 Comments » Comments
Beautiful fibers come from all over the world, so we at Lion Brand travel the world to bring you fibers that you’ll love. We bring you Superwash Merino Cashmere and LB Collection® Cashmere from Italy, whose mills are known for luxurious yarns and fabrics. We bring you LB Collection® Baby Alpaca from Peru, where they’ve been raising them for thousands of years, and also LB Collection® Wool Stainless Steel from Japan, where the yarn culture is always cutting edge.
But did you know that some of our most popular yarns like Homespun and Hometown USA are made in the USA? In fact, the mill that makes Homespun and Holiday Homespun is a wonderful, historic facility in New Hampshire that was built in 1864 and running on hydroelectric power since 1915. I’ve visited the mill a few times myself, and you can read about one of my visits by clicking here.
Our current yarns made in the USA include (updated 6/1/2013):
There are so many wonderful fibers from so many incredible yarn cultures, but for those of you who are looking for USA-made products, we hope that you’ll consider these yarn lines.
The pattern shown above is the knit Lion Country Afghan; click here to see the pattern on LionBrand.com.
Posted in Did You Know . . . ?, Products, Yarns | 29 Comments » Comments
When choosing the best yarn for a project, there are a few different factors that come into play. You need to consider what you want the focus of your project to be; will it focus on stitch definition, color or texture? For instance, if you’re working on a complicated lace stitch, you will probably work with a solid color yarn (preferably a lighter color), so your beautiful stitch work isn’t overlooked by a self striping or variegated effect of a yarn. If you work with a bulkier or bouclé style yarn, you can whip up a fast project with a simple stitch that still looks amazing. A heavily textured bouclé yarn hides stitches, so it’s great for an advanced beginner who wants to stick to basic patterns, but can handle navigating through the loops and bumps. Below are some examples to demonstrate how the interaction of color and texture affect your final project.
 Moon Rock Hat |
 Moon Pebble Hat |
The pattern featured on the far left is the Moon Rock Hat, crocheted in Amazing; and the pattern to the right of it is the Moon Pebble Hat crocheted in Homespun. Due to the color variegation of the Amazing yarn, the individual bobbles on this hat seem to stand out more because they’re different colors. Since the Moon Pebble Hat is crocheted in one color of Homespun, your focus is solely on the hat itself, and the bobbles become more of a “feature”, not the main attraction. |
 Sunny Diagonal Blankie |
 Summery Diagonal Blankie |
When I think about how to make my simple stitch project look more than “simple”, self striping yarns are my yarn of choice. I love how the diagonal stitch plus the self striping effect of the Nature’s Choice Organic gives this blanket a completely new look. Since the Summery Diagonal Blankie is done in a solid color of Jamie, it isn’t as obvious that this pattern uses the same diagonal pattern; but it has more of a classic feel, and it won’t hide stitch mistakes (a side note for those who hate to frog!). |
 Raglan Sleeve Topper |
 Raglan Sleeve Topper |
The Raglan Sleeve Topper on the far left is knit in the Natural shade of Fishermen’s Wool, a nice off-white color that truly enhances the stitch definition of this pattern. The Raglan Sleeve Topper on the right is knit in the same pattern, but has a different look to it because it was knit in the self-striping Amazing. In Amazing, the Topper has more of a fun, attention grabbing feel to it, while the Topper in Fishermen’s Wool provides a more classic, timeless look to the piece. |
 Zig Zag Pillow |
 Herringbone Stitch Pillow |
These pillows are a great example of how color and texture affect a stitch pattern. The Zig Zag pillow was crocheted with Homespun, a bouclé yarn with subtle painterly effects. The stitch pattern itself creates the zig zag effect while the bouclé style adds more texture. The Herringbone Stitch Pillow to the right was knit in the Linen color of Wool-Ease Thick & Quick; a great yarn to showcase this particular stitch because its bulkiness adds more texture, and the light color helps make the stitches pop. |
 Cushy Knit Cowl |
 Stockinette Cowl |
Both cowls are knit in the stockinette stitch, but have very different looks because of the yarn. The Cushy Knit Cowl was knit in Luxe Fur, a cat. 6 super bulky yarn, while the Stockinette Cowl was knit in Martha Stewart CraftsTM/MC Extra Soft Wool Blend, a cat. 4 worsted weight yarn. The Extra Soft Wool Blend provides more drape, and the individual stitches stand out more than the stitches on the Cushy Knit Cowl. The cowl in Luxe Fur makes you think more about the functionality of the piece, as opposed to the aesthetics of the stitch-work; you’re more likely to wear it on a cold winter day. |
What techniques do you use to enhance your projects? Textured yarns with simple stitches, light weight yarns for complicated stitches, a little bit of both? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
Posted in Crocheting, Did You Know . . . ?, Knitting, Pattern Recommendations, Yarns | 2 Comments » Comments
Pantone, the “world renowned authority on color” and provider of color systems throughout a variety of industries, has announced the 2012 color of the year; Tangerine Tango. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Color Institute stated,“sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it.” Tangerine Tango is supposed to help you feel inspired and energized. Even though some hues may be brighter than others, it’s friendly enough to include in home decor. If you’re interested in seeing how Tangerine Tango inspired knitwear will make you feel, browse through the selection of orange yarn hues below (please note that colors may vary slightly depending on screen monitor settings; if you’re interested in getting color card samples before investing in your yarn purchase, click here).
 Tweed Stripes Wild Fire |
 LB Collection Cotton Bamboo Persimmon |
 LB Collection Cashmere Terracotta |
 Quick & Cozy Paprika |
 Lion Cotton Paprika |
 Martha Stewart CraftsTM/MC Cotton Hemp Clementine |
 Hometown USA Syracuse Orange |
 Cotton-Ease Terracotta |
 Sock-Ease Circus Peanut |
 Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Apricot |
 Jiffy Paprika |
 Silky Twist Tangerine |
 Homespun Saffron |
 Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Pumpkin |
 Wool-Ease Paprika |
 Vanna’s Choice Terracotta |
Do you think you’ll be adding a Tangerine Tango inspired piece to your project queue (if you don’t already have one)? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Posted in Did You Know . . . ?, Yarns | 59 Comments » Comments
Now that the holidays are over, many of you are probably working on or thinking of projects for yourself. Why don’t you treat yourself to a knit/crochet project with a yarn from our exclusive LB Collection. The LB Collection is a premium line of Lion Brand yarns featuring 100% natural fiber yarns and natural fiber blends. LB Collection can only be found on LionBrand.com, the Lion Brand Studio, Lion Brand Outlet and our catalog.
 Cables and Lace Hat |
 Our 100% roving Pure Wool is undyed and spun in the USA from the fibers of American raised sheep. This yarn is a great deal because for $5 you get 180 yd of pure wool which is also great for felting and hand dying. |
 Cottage Wrist Warmers |
One skein of this Baby Alpaca DK weight yarn can work into a soft luxurious set of wrist warmers. Every stitch that you knit or crochet will feel like eating your favorite dessert; it’s that good! Baby Alpaca is available in 6 natural colors for your warm and sophisticated projects. |
 Angora Tam |
Angora Merino is a soft and fluffy yarn that makes me feel like I’m holding a piece of a cloud in my hand. Comprised of 80% extra fine merino and 20% angora, this yarn will add a touch of delicacy and warmth to any garment or accessory. |
 Angora Lace Scarf |
The Angora Lace scarf is another project which only requires one skein of Angora Merino that I had to share with you. Knit in the vibrant Sangria color, this makes a great transitional scarf; the color palette will surely make you think of Spring. You’ll love how it feels as it works up; you’ll probably knit it fast so you can wear it sooner. |
 Hazy Blue Lace Scarf |
If you’re into lace work, you’ll love Silk Mohair; a fingering weight yarn that practically glides through your hands as you work. A lace project in Silk Mohair is sure to add a bit of classic sophistication to your ensemble. I could see this scarf pairing nicely with a business casual outfit. You could also pair Silk Mohair with a thicker yarn for extra warmth. |
For over 100 knit & crochet patterns featuring our LB collection yarns, click here.
Have you ever tried working with the LB Collection? If so, which yarns are your favorite? If not, which yarn seems to speak to you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Pattern Recommendations, Yarns | 54 Comments » Comments
How will you be keeping warm this winter? Will you be cozy by the fireside? Will you be wrapped up in your afghan on the couch? Afghans and lapghans are a great way to stay warm and snuggly at home or in the car. While you’re relaxing with your lapghan/afghan, you might as well think about a pattern for your next one! Listed below are a few pattern suggestions along with some afghans that have been submitted to our customer gallery; check it out it see if you’ve been featured.
 Miss Yvette’s Sampler Throw Crochet Homespun |
 Circles to Squares Afghan Crochet Vanna’s Choice |
 Updated Ripple Afghan Knit Vanna’s Choice |
 Slip Stitch Sampler Throw Knit Vanna’s Choice |
Customer Gallery Submissions
 The Afghan Squared by Donna Crochet in Wool-Ease Click here for pattern |
 US Afghan by Cheryl Kissee Knit in Wool-Ease Click here for pattern |
 Circle in a Square Afghan by Nichole Rivers Crochet in Homespun Click here for pattern |
 Walk of Fame Star Afghan by B. Palkki Crochet in Homespun Click here for pattern |
It’s always exciting to see the great pieces you’ve created with our yarns and we encourage you to continue submitting. Please also include whether the pattern is your original or a Lion Brand pattern, that information is helpful to others who may be inspired by your work. Keep yarncrafting and stay safe and warm this season!
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Knitting, Pattern Recommendations, Yarns | 18 Comments » Comments
With Hanukkah starting this evening and Christmas this weekend, it might feel like you’re down to the wire, but with the right project, I’m telling you there’s still time to squeeze out one more project! Just remember the 3 secrets of a fast gift project: thick yarn or multiple strands of yarn, easy stitches, accessory pattern.
Using the formula I shared in my “How to Crochet a Beanie” blog post, I made this quick hat in less than 2 hours.
To make it, I paired a strand of Superwash Merino Cashmere (in Sangria, Wine, and Charcoal) with a strand of Vanna’s Glamour (in Grey Stone, for bling!) and used single crochet stitches. By holding two strands of yarn together, it was like I was working a thicker yarn, and of course a thicker yarn means a faster project!
Editor’s note: Need to figure out how much yarn you need for a hat (or other project)? Click here for our handy guide.
For this project, instead of using the spiral method of making crochet rounds, I used the “joined rounds” method. That means I joined at the end of each round with a slip stitch, and then started each progressive round with a chain stitch (just as you would start a new sc row when crocheting flat back and forth). The “joined rounds” method allowed me to have smooth stripes without a “jog” where the colors changed.
For the color pattern: after the first 5 rounds in Sangria, I changed colors every 3 rounds for my stripes. Finally, I improvised a quick trim for the edging: slip 1, *[hdc, dc, hdc] into the next stitch, slip 2, repeat from *. Voila! A finished hat in just one evening.
I think it’s a rather cute project, if I do say so myself, and I hope my cousin likes her gift! Good luck with any last-minute projects, and have a wonderful holiday season!
Posted in Crocheting, Tips & How To, Yarns | 8 Comments » Comments
This year spread holiday cheer by making quick and easy finger-knit garlands with friends, family and kids. A finger-knit garland is a wonderful reusable decoration, and an easy way to get kids and family members involved in holiday crafting. Finger-knitting is a simple, quiet project kids can work on with family or on their own while you prepare for the holidays, and the finished garlands can adorn almost any part of the home, instantly adding handmade charm and warmth to your decor.
| With so many colors available, I picked just a few of my favorites to make these samples. Holding two yarns together as I did in two of these samples gives your garland a rich, blended look. |
 I made these garland swatches with samples of (from left to right): Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter Eyelash [Yellow Gold and Blue Topaz held together], Amazing [Roses], Martha Stewart Crafts Glitter Eyelash [Garnet], Holiday Homespun [Wreath], and Holiday Homespun [Berry and Starlight held together] |
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Ready to get started? Follow these 5 steps and you’ll be making and hanging your own garlands in no time. |
| Step 1: Pick a yarn you are comfortable with and cast on (I picked Vanna’s Choice for these pictures because it’s a clean straight yarn and is perfect for practicing new skills). Just like in needle knitting, there are many ways to cast on. The best way I have found is to hold the tail of your yarn between the thumb and palm of your non-dominant hand (not the hand you write with). In a simple over-under pattern, weave yarn between your fingers: under your index finger, over your middle finger, under your ring finger, over your pinky. Then wrap around the back of your hand under your pinky, and over your ring finger, under your middle finger and over your index finger. Refer to the pictures below for guidance. |
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| Step 2: Wrap each finger once more with yarn, following the same over-under pattern from the first step. You will have 2 loops of yarn on each finger once you’ve completed step 2. |
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| Step 3 (the actual knit stitch): Pull the bottom loop on each finger up over your fingertip and release. I like to start from my pinky and work across toward my index finger. Once you’ve done this 4 times, you’ll have completed your first row of knits and will have one loop remaining on each finger. |
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| Step 4: Repeat! Keep repeating these steps and watch as your project grows into a long, loosely knit rope. Don’t worry if your first few rows seem a little uneven. As you work and your garland gets longer, you’ll see that your project will even out. |
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| Step 5: Decorate your home. For a festive twist, use a yarn garland to decorate a holiday wreath or Christmas tree, or drape it from bannisters, railings, doorways, chandeliers and mantlepieces. You can even hang small ornaments from them, like tiny glass balls or handmade snowflakes. |
Have you ever finger-knitted, or made holiday garlands from yarn? Tell us in a comment on this post.
Posted in Community, Crafting, Tips & How To, Tutorials, Yarns | 30 Comments » Comments
(image courtesy of 
