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…

Whether you are a beginning knitter or a long-time knitter who would like to work on a simple but beautiful pattern, here are a few ideas for patterns that will make you look and feel good. CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO SEE THE PATTERNS. 1.  Striking Hat and Scarf This Striking Hat and Scarf are…

From some of the guys in IT to our Sales staff, there are lots of people at Lion Brand you will find with a hook or needles in hand, and we truly enjoy being around these crafts that we enjoy so much. Recently, a group of us were in a meeting and many of us…

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can have access to our entire library of free patterns of over 3,600 free patterns wherever you are.  If you are at a retail store, trying to figure out what to make for everyone on your list, just check out the Lion Brand app. Have an Android…

Handmade gifts are especially appreciated during the holiday season.  Selling your handmade accessories and gift items on websites like Artfire.com or Etsy.com is a great way to supplement your crafting and holiday budgets.  The reasons to sell may vary; for example, sometimes I like to make the same project over and over, but I only…

It’s getting colder, leaves are on the ground and somehow, November is suddenly upon us.  This is the season we prepare our homes for company, start collecting recipes for the holidays and make plans to get together with people we may not have seen for a while. Some people prefer summer but I love this…

As you may know, earlier this month, our hometown played host to New York Fashion Week, with presentations from dozens of top American designers. Last week, we featured an article from The Wall Street Journal Magazine highlighting how yarncrafts are making a return to the world of home design–and on the runways, it was great…

Like many knitters & crocheters, when August rolls around, I’m already thinking about what to make for fall. Taking a cue from designer/model Mandy Coon–whose fall collection includes oversized, bold, stockinette stitch arm warmers (left) and scarves–I thought it might be fun to make some oversized items that are quick to knit or crochet up!…

One of the best things about sharing stories in our newsletter is reading the amazing feedback we receive. After reading The Wonder of Knitting, Lois O. wrote a touching email to author Michelle Edwards. She has given us permission to share her fantastic note with you. Thank you, Lois, for your letter and your fantastic…

Once you’ve gotten past the basics of knitting & crochet, you may be thinking about how to branch out and create your own unique items. Designing your own pieces doesn’t always have to involve complicated calculations and planning.  By piecing together blocks in creative ways, you can create many different accessories, home goods, and more. …