How making a few easy changes to a pattern gave me exactly the finished project I wanted. Possibly my favorite thing about Spring is finally wearing pretty skirts again. After the heavy long skirts of winter, it’s a relief to have a light little twirly skirt on. Unfortunately, the weather is not always cooperative with…

Every once in a while, we like to give you tips and tricks for designing your own knit and crochet projects.  Whether you want to design your own garment or play around with colors, here are our favorite posts on the subject. Designing with Squares Creating Your Own Color Combination Discover Embroidery Create Your Own…

Whether you’re a beginner yarncrafter or you’re teaching someone else, it’s important for you to select a great yarn. There are so many different types of yarn out there, and the selection can be difficult! Three of our all-time favorite beginner yarns are Vanna’s Choice, Wool-Ease, and Cotton-Ease. Here’s why: Texture. These three yarns have…

There comes a time in most knitters’ and crocheters’ lives when you want to tackle a project that has seams to be sewn up, whether it’s a top, a hat, an afghan, or a cardigan. While many knitters & crocheters are wary of sewing, seams can be an important part of your project’s construction, providing…

There are plenty of simple, beautiful ways to personalize your yarn crafting, even if you are a true beginner! Here’s our top five list: Embroidery: Adding personal details like names or initials with embroidery is an easy way to make simple baby blankets or ring-bearer pillows into a priceless family heirlooms! Check out our step-by-step…

Baby blankets are a fun and easy way to play with different techniques and constructions.  Here are four basic baby blankets that anyone can knit or crochet. Click on the images to go to the patterns. Knit Sunny Diagonal Blankie Knit from corner to corner, all you need to learn to make this blanket is…

Our friend and coworker Jocelyn recently shared pictures of a one-of-a-kind sweater that she knit for her band‘s new album. I think you’ll agree that it’s truly unique! In this exclusive video, Jocelyn shares a bit more about why and how she made the sweater. This sweater is more than a fantastic whimsical piece; it…

Now that it’s finally starting to feel like spring, I feel rushed to finish one last wool sweater before the weather gets too hot. During the cooler months, I almost exclusively knit and crochet sweaters; once the temperature hits 75, I only want to make socks, hats, and other small, portable projects. However, I still…

Heather Lodinsky is a knit & crochet designer, whose helpful hints and wise words should be familiar to regular visitors to the Lion Brand Notebook–she’s been our knit-along (KAL) and crochet-along (CAL) host on projects ranging from the Cable Luxe Tunic to the Moderne Jacket to, most recently, the Saturday Morning Hoodie. Her first book–150…

Despite the fact that it snowed at the end of March, our thoughts are turning to spring as we head into April. At the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in NYC, that means cottons, lace, knitting and crochet, and trying new things!  Here’s a peek at what some of us have on our hooks and needles:…