Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Lion Brand Notebook
News, Ideas and Information for Crafting with Yarn
Homespun is definitely a favorite yarn amongst many Lion Brand fans, and it especially seems to be a “go-to” yarn for those looking to making an afghan. Most of you have expressed your enjoyment of working with Homespun because it’s soft, has a beautiful color range, and unique texture – not to mention, it works up super quick.
It’s always so great to see what our yarns inspire other people to knit/crochet, whether it be an original pattern, or from a pattern on our site. Thank you for uploading pictures to our customer gallery, and please continue to do so! Here’s a roundup of some great projects made by fans like you, with Homespun.
 Afghan in the Round Pattern: Woodland Circle Afghan By: Delilah Sanchez |
 Vintage Ripple Afghan Pattern: Vintage Ripple Throw By: Carolyn Boulet |
 In Fine Style! (original pattern) By: Robert Toth |
Posted in Community, Crocheting, Knitting | 4 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
Bouclé knitwear is making a comeback for 2012; it’s been featured in the collections of fashion designers such as Bottega Venetta, Max Studio and Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars for designer bouclé, you can easily knit or crochet your own piece with our bouclé style yarns in Homespun and Silky Twist (a new addition to our family).
 Bottega Venetta |
 Max Studio |
 Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti |
Traditional bouclé is constructed with 3-plies, with one strand a bit looser than the others to create a loopy textured yarn. When knitted or crocheted, the yarn appears a bit bumpy or “nubby”, giving the garment a unique quality. Since bouclé yarn has so much texture to it, it is best to stick with a simple stitch–complicated stitches get lost with all of the loops and bumps involved. Here are some bouclé patterns to start off a new project for the new year:
 Ridges Hat Crochet in Silky Twist |
 Long and Lean Jacket Knit in Homespun |
 Honest Warmth Shawl Knit in Homespun |
 Simplicity Cowl Crochet in Homespun |
Do you have experience with bouclé yarns? Have you tried Silky Twist, our bulkier bouclé? If you’re interested in learning more about knitwear trends for 2012, check out one of our previous posts by Jess, 3 Favorite Trends for 2012.
Posted in Crocheting, Fashion & Style, Knitting | 3 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
Now that the Thanksgiving and Autumn decor has been taken down and placed in storage, it’s time to gear up for more holiday celebrating and decorating, and we’ve got some great ideas to help get you started! Take a look at the patterns below to see how you can incorporate yarn crafting into your home decor this winter.
 Holiday Tree Decoration |
 Holiday Welcome Wreath |
These D.I.Y crafting projects are so fun and festive, and there’s no knitting or crocheting! A styrofoam cone wrapped in Holiday Homespun makes for a cute decorative tree; buy them in different sizes and mix and match yarns. Holiday Homespun works up for a nice wreath as well, and for other holiday (or winter) color options, check out Homespun. Look at these beautiful wreaths crafted in Martha Stewart CraftsTM/MC Glitter Eyelash! |
 Holiday Stocking |
 Holiday Ball Ornament |
Will you be adding stockings to your mantle this year? Crocheted in Fun Fur and Homespun, this all white stocking is a classic you’ll want to bring out year after year; click here for more stocking options. Knit ornaments make for great decor beyond the tree; hang them from your windows, mantle and more! Click here for more ornament options. |
 Holiday Place Setting |
 Holiday Box Ornaments |
A touch of glimmer can help decor look more festive, and Vanna’s Glamour is sure to get the job done. Mix and Match traditional colors such as those chosen for a Chanukah celebration place setting, or chose earthy tones for a sophisticated Christmas look. Either way, you’re sure to make projects stand out with this yarn. |
 Poinsettia |
 Festive Tree Skirt |
When the poinssettia’s are out, you know the holidays are near! Crochet these little poinsettias and chain them together for a garland, place them on your holiday table setting and mantles- the possibilities are endless. Awe your guests with a one of a kind homemade tree skirt, sure to make your presents and tree look a little brighter. |
 Happy Reindeer |
 Amigurumi Snowman |
Amigurumis can be excellent toys, and they’re also a cute way to add a touch of whimsy to your home decor. Make a bunch, throw in some fake snow, and create a little winter wonderland set up! |
What are your favorite ways to decorate for the holidays? Personally, I love getting styrofoam wreaths and decorating them with yarn, twigs and pinecones. Share your decor project ideas with us!
Posted in Crafting, Crocheting, Knitting | 6 Comments » Comments
The Craft Yarn Council has declared October 14th “I Love Yarn Day”; I’m sure all of you wonderful crafters profess your love for yarn all of the time, but now, there is an “official” day we can all unite and do so. In celebration of this day, you are encouraged to knit/crochet in public (as if you don’t already do so!), do something for charity, wear a knit/crochet item or even teach someone how to knit or crochet. On this day, Lion Brand would like to thank all of you for your support; we love our yarn crafting community! We thought including a roundup of some Customer Gallery submissions would be very suitable for this celebration, go ahead and take a gander.
(Pattern information is only available if the customer noted pattern on their submission.)
 Commemorative Police Throw Created by: Laura Hanson Craft: Knit Yarn: Vanna’s Choice |
 Weekend Retreat Cardi Created by: Margaret Mealia Craft: Knit Yarn: Vanna’s Choice |
 Crochet Lola Doll Created by: Sheila Sessions Craft: Crochet Yarn: Vanna’s Choice |
 School Colors ScarfCreated by: Bump Shannan Craft: Knit Yarn:Wool Ease Thick & Quick |
 Knitting Bag Created by: Joan Livernois Craft: Knit Yarn: Amazing |
 2 Bears Craft: Crochet Yarn: Homespun |
 CowlCreated by: Brenda Taulbee Craft: Crochet Yarn: Amazing |
 Whimsical OwlCreated by: Yvonne Odegard Craft: Crochet Yarn: Vanna’s Choice |
 Cable Ready BagCreated by: April Wood Craft: Knit Yarn: Wool Ease Thick & Quick |
Have you been previously informed that today is “I Love Yarn Day?”, if so, how will you celebrate? If you didn’t know before, now you do- so go out and represent your love for yarncrafting!
(Please note, due to holiday observances, our offices and Lion Brand Yarn Studio and Lion Brand Yarn Outlet are closed today and tomorrow.)
Posted in Community, Crafting, Did You Know . . . ? | 8 Comments » Comments
The days are nearing where the kids will be off to school and you worry less about what daytime activities will keep them occupied. BUT, before you get ready to send them back to school, why don’t you cherish this time left and craft some projects together (or tell the kids to create some of these easy crafts to show you when you get home). No needles or hooks required!
|
|
Paper Box Vases Add some yarn flair to your containers with this simple craft great for pen/pencil holders, flower vases and more. Crafted with Homespun. Click here for free pattern. |
|
|
Blue Bayou Tassle Necklace Stylish teens and younger children can have fun crafting this unique necklace. There are so many different color combinations to be made! Crafted with Fun Yarn. Click here for free pattern download. |
|
|
Pom-Pom Caterpillar Playing with caterpillars can be fun when they’re made out of yarn! Sew your pom-poms together to make this little critter. It’s a great toy for a child, baby, and even a pet. Crafted with Fun Yarn. Click here for free pattern. |
|
|
Wrapped Bangle Bracelets Make a few of these bracelets in different sizes and layer them for a night out. These can make a great accessory for a simple outfit; try a different look with some sparkle from Vanna’s Glamour. Crafted with Vanna’s Choice. Click here for free pattern. |
|
|
Star Street Necklace and Bracelets Have the kids craft their own jewelry set that you don’t have to worry about them losing or needing repair! Crafted with Homespun. Click here for free pattern. |
Check out some more crafting ideas from Lion Brand Yarn here! If you decide to craft any of these projects, we strongly encourage you to review our patterns. Don’t forget, you can always post final projects to our customer gallery. Happy Crafting!
Posted in Crafting, Pattern Recommendations | Leave a comment » Comments
Unlike the mood rings of our childhoods, color changing yarns don’t actually change color according to a change in their environment. These are yarns that have multiple colors spun together in unique ways for different effects. “Self-striping” and “painterly” colors gradually change color as you knit or crochet to create stripes of color. The color changes can be subtle or bold, but they are fun to play with either way. Of course, different stitches and patterns are going to make the colorways work up differently. For example, you can see the difference between garter stitch (left) and double crochet (right) in the scarves below, both of which are made using Amazing in Vineyard. Click here to see all the colorways of Amazing. You can also click on the images below to see each of the patterns.
Some of our other fabulous yarns with self striping or painterly colors include Sock-Ease, which has bursts of contrasting colors, Homespun, which subtly transitions from one color to the another, and Tweed Stripes, a traditionally spun yarn with color unique color blends. I love the way that color changing yarns can turn a simple project into a stunning one. Two of my favorite patterns (Sunny Diagonal Blankie and Rose Lichen Cardigan, below) cleverly use self-striping colors of Baby Wool to highlight unique construction.
What’s your favorite thing to make with self-striping yarns?
Posted in Did You Know . . . ?, Products, Yarns | 9 Comments » Comments
 |
 |
Lion Brand unveiled a giant menagerie of exotic animals made of yarn at the Craft and Hobby Association convention in Anaheim, California last week.
These one-of-a-kind animals were created from a variety of our yarns available at Wal-Mart and retail craft chains including Jo-Ann and Michaels. The yarns, including Homespun, Fishermen’s Wool, Vanna’s Choice and Fun Fur, were combined in unique ways to create the extraordinary textures and designs of the animals. The animals were placed imaginative “habitat” settings including a rocky surface, a flowering bush and a tall grass—all created with yarn.
The giraffe is 8 feet tall, and the snake is 40 feet long, and each took HUNDREDS of balls of yarn to make. In the photos you can see the development of this project from concept to the creation and finished pieces.
We had a great time at the show, watching the amazed expressions on the faces of people who visited our booth. Many of them stopped to take pictures of themselves with their favorite creature.
If you want to make your own smaller animals click on the related links or go to LionBrand.com and search for “amigurumi” or “animals”. Similar small animal patterns:
Related links:
Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Lion Staff, On The Road, Yarniverse | 40 Comments » Comments
This is a guest post, from Lindsey, one of our marketing interns:
I’ve known how to knit (and I mean knit, no purling or increasing/decreasing etc) for a couple years, but have spent the last few months working diligently at learning more yarncrafting skills. My most recent accomplishment: learning to crochet!
Less than one week and two projects into crocheting, I decided to find a great project for my new favorite yarn, Homespun! As a fashion-conscious young New Yorker looking for something fun to make, the Crochet Ruffle Scarf seemed logical to me. So, I looked at the pattern, decided it would be easy enough for me to make, grabbed a ball of Homespun in Lagoon (which matches about half of my current wardrobe), and got started.
You’ll notice I never mentioned consciously picking a hook size. I had two hooks in my apartment—N-13 and I-9— and of course I picked the N-13. The pattern calls for a K-10.5, but I tend not to pay attention when working on scarves. It wasn’t until I was on the second row and delighted with how I could see the ruffle taking shape that I noticed this was going to be the longest scarf ever! Well, I finished it anyway. I used more than the one ball it was supposed to require, but I had already prepared myself for that. At first I thought it was too long, but after a little modeling for my roommate and laughing at how ridiculous it was, I realized it was actually kind of cute. In fact, worn just hanging, not wrapped, it makes quite a fashion statement. Or I can wrap it around my neck as many times as my style — or cold weather — deems necessary.
After finishing it, I had just over a ball of Lagoon still in my stash. As it was just a few days before a friend’s birthday, I decided to find the correct hook and make her a scarf too. I made hers a little smaller than my giant scarf; she prefers function over fashion and the ruffle was enough decoration for her. It turned out perfect and she loves it!
What are some new yarncrafting skills that you’ve learned recently or that you want to learn? Tell us about them!
Posted in Crocheting, Lion Staff | 8 Comments » Comments
