Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
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 »
While walking from our Lion Brand offices to my graduate school, I spotted tons of festive yarn decorations in local businesses. All of the local Starbucks are featuring sparkling balls of yarn, including this great wreath:
I’m a student on a budget, so making a wreath like this will definitely save me money on decorating! I can use my leftover yarn from other projects to make this beautiful, simple project. All I have to do is wind my yarn into balls and attach to a wire wreath frame, available at any craft store. I might also use a pom-pom maker and add some pom-poms too.
This display at Urban Outfitters has strings of lights mixed together with yarn for an exciting and unique look:
Want more crafting ideas? Here are a few patterns to help with the holiday spirit:
Related links:
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Yarniverse | 2 Comments »
With all that goes on during the holidays, make decorating simple and add a lot to your windows or tablescapes with this simple idea.
To get the Lion Brand Yarn Studio (and our lion!) ready for winter, we hung these simple, fast crocheted snowflakes from the ceiling if our window display. They add sparkle and a little holiday cheer to our window!
Want to crochet snowflakes like ours? Download our free snowflake pattern and use it with Vanna’s Glamour yarn. The subtle metallic shine of Vanna’s Glamour will make your snowflakes sparkle. We recommend the colors Diamond and Platinum for gorgeous snow, or Topaz for a little extra glitz. And for that extra-stiff look, we dipped the finished snowflakes in a mix of equal parts water and non-toxic children’s glue, and let them dry.
These crochet snowflakes would also look great as coasters or hanging off your tree.There are so many ways of using these fast-to-make decorations.
Posted in Crocheting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio | 1 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 the latest episode of YarnCraft, our audio-podcast, my co-host Liz and I focus on two very exciting developments in the yarn world. First, we take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the newly opened Lion Brand Yarn Studio, including interviews with staff and customers. Then we’re joined by Kate Jacobs, bestselling author of The Friday Night Knitting Club and the new book, Knit Two, coming out on November 25th, and she tells us how you can have her visit YOUR book-club next year! Kate will also be LIVE at the Studio in January, so check out the Lion Brand Yarn Studio website for more information.
This episode’s “Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life” segment focuses on holiday crafting with yarn. Here’s a preview of 5 patterns discussed:
Want to listen to the whole episode? Click here! [MP3]
Join us next Tuesday for last minute gift ideas and tips for de-stressing during the crazy holiday season!
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, YarnCraft Podcast | 2 Comments »
