Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
While most people are looking forward to the holidays and holiday gift making, I am looking back on last year’s gifts. And I don’t have to look back too far. It’s August and I just finished my last Christmas 2008 gift. Let me explain. Every year my friends and I have a holiday party where we play White Elephant: everyone brings one gift; each person picks a number out of a hat and goes in order picking a gift, but they can pick a wrapped gift or “steal” from someone who has already opened a gift.
My gift was a ball of yarn with a note that the recipient could pick anything (within reason) for me to custom knit for her. After being “stolen” the maximum number of times, my friend who received it looked at patterns with me and decided on the Brooke’s Column of Leaves Scarf on Ravelry.
She picked her yarn (Vanna’s Choice in Mustard) and I told her I could have it within a couple weeks. But as it turns out she was leaving for Europe before I could finish the scarf. So the scarf was hibernating while I worked on other holiday projects, and spring and summer projects, until a couple weeks ago. Finally, the scarf is finished, just in time for her return to New York.
If you’re looking to get ahead on your holiday crafting, check out these recommendations from YarnCraft or click to listen to that YarnCraft episode [MP3].
Posted in Knitting, Lion Staff | 5 Comments »
It’s never too early to start your holiday crafting! In the most recent episode of YarnCraft, our radio-style podcast, my co-host Liz and I offer a wide variety of gift ideas so that you can plan ahead for December. We also introduce one of Lion Brand’s newest yarns, Holiday Homespun, designed in reds, greens, multis, and white, all with a gold metallic wrap — especially with the holiday season in mind.
It’s an episode that’s especially close to me and Liz, as we inevitably get stuck in that cycle of last-minute crafting. Beat the last-minute crunch and get a jump start with these 5 fantastic patterns:
To listen to the entire episode, click here [MP3]. For more information about the podcast or this episode, visit the YarnCraft blog. Join us today on the YarnCraft blog or on iTunes for a brand new episode of our special series, Summer Crafting with Kids. There are only two episodes left of this special series, so be sure to check it out.
AND join us next week for a brand new episode of our regular podcast, featuring a hilarious story by Michaela Murphy and tips on how to make the most out of your vacation or staycation.
Posted in Tips & How To, YarnCraft Podcast | 1 Comment »
Here at Lion Brand, we’re big on birthdays. Since our president and CEO, David, was celebrating a big one at the beginning of this month, we decided to come up with some fun gifts. Here in the Marketing department, I thought it would be fun to make a big version of Leo the Lion (simply by using Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, in place of Wool-Ease, without changing the pattern!). Amigurumi work up quickly, but with his birthday fast approaching, we decided to make it a team effort.
Jess made the head and hind legs, while I made the body and front paws. PT practiced his newfound crochet skills by working on the front legs and tail. Lindsey helped with all the embroidery, the claws, and face. Jess, Lindsey, and I all worked on the mane out of Fun Fur in Lava. And Ilana added the final touch — a pair of glasses that had cut-outs of David’s eyes to make “David the Lion” look distinctly recognizable.
We gave the lion to David today, and he loved it. His first remark? “It has my eyes!”
David & David
Related links:
Posted in Community, Lion Staff, On The Road | 4 Comments »
Make Stylish Projects for Summer & Quick Grad Gifts. Episode 42 of YarnCraft, our audio podcast, is the first of our shorter-format summer series — great for listening to on the go or for taking a 15-minute mini-break for yourself.
Liz and Zontee share great ideas for summer crafting, as well as special graduation gifts. The ladies of YarnCraft also share interviews with designer Lily Chin and the charity organization afghans for Afghans.
Here are 5 great projects for beach season:
For more summer project ideas, click here to listen to the full episode [MP3].
Join us today for the first of our summer miniseries, Summer Crafting with Kids. Click here to find out more.
Related links:
Posted in Tips & How To, YarnCraft Podcast | Leave a comment »
This is a guest post from our intern, Lindsey. Her last blog post was about her great Homespun Ruffled Scarf.
I am an indecisive person and, after making all my decisions for what to make everyone for Christmas, I wondered, what will I knit after the holidays? Sometimes, I feel that I spend more time on Ravelry and the Lion Brand Pattern Finder than I do actually knitting or crocheting. So, for my Christmas gift I’ve asked my family to decide on projects for me.
Each of my family members is picking a pattern, either for me, or them, or both, and giving me the yarn and necessary materials to go with it. I’ve shown them the Lion Brand Pattern Finder, which gives them plenty of options for how to search for patterns. I’ve also let them know what my skill levels are in both knit and crochet, and also that I’m always willing to try new things that push my skills.
For me, it’s perfect: every family member gets to pick a piece that is unique, something they will enjoy, and something they put just enough thought and effort into to feel good about giving me. They get to put thought and effort into it without worrying whether or not I’ll love it, because no matter what I will enjoy making it.
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Lion Staff | 6 Comments »
In episode #28 — Gifts to “Wow” on a Budget — of our audio-podcast, YarnCraft, my co-host Liz and I prepare for the holiday season by sharing our top 10 gift ideas. We also discuss ideas for crafting with the whole family, so join us for this fun and informative episode! Click here to listen [MP3].
As a preview to the episode, here are 5 great gift ideas for a budget of two balls or less:
Liked this episode? Join us next Tuesday for a brand new episode featuring a sneak peek into the Lion Brand Yarn Studio, as well as a special interview with bestselling author of The Friday Night Knitting Club, Kate Jacobs, whose sequel Knit Two comes out November 25th!
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, YarnCraft Podcast | Leave a comment »
In the most recent episode of our audio-podcast, YarnCraft, my co-host Liz and I chat about great toys for kids of every age, as well as toys for our furry friends. We also share an interview with Nicky Epstein, who tells us all about her love of knitting and crocheting for Barbie! Click here to listen [MP3].
Here’s a sneak peak at 5 fast patterns we discuss in the episode:
And join us next Tuesday for our next episode, when we talk about great gift ideas for the holiday season!
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, YarnCraft Podcast | 2 Comments »
