YarnCraft

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On this episode, Liz & Zontee walk you through the brand new catalog from Lion Brand, which includes dozens of new patterns that are sure to inspire. They talk about the themes that appear throughout the catalog, as well as highlighting 14 awesome new patterns that you’re sure to add to your to-make list!

Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Garden Patch Granny Throw
• Crochet Mitered Diamonds Throw
• Knit Slip Stitch Sampler Throw
• Irish Crochet Shawl
• Crochet Circular Shrug
• Knit Raglan Sleeve Topper
• Knit Modernist Lace Shawl
• Crochet Driftwood Pullover
• Knit Ballet Wrap
• Knit Eloise Eyelet Cardi
• Knit Eyelet Swing Cardi
• Knit Luxe Lace Pullover
• Knit Crowded Cable Shrug
• Knit Crisscross Lace Shawl

Then Zontee interviews popular blogger, humorist, photographer, illustrator, and knitting teacher, Franklin Habit whose blog is The Panopticon and whose book is It Itches: a stash of knitting cartoons. Franklin tells us about some of the classes he teaches, how he got into antique patterns, and how to take a better fiber photo.

Next, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Liz & Zontee talk about some of the trend that they’re seeing in for the world of yarncrafting in 2012. Find out what colors will be in style, as well as how to interpret fashion and home decor trends into your knitting and crocheting.

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On the first episode of YarnCraft in 2012, Liz & Zontee talk about their yarncrafting New Year’s resolutions. Let’s get organized,  learn new things, and do more knitting and crocheting! This year is all about concrete, achievable yarncrafting goals here on YarnCraft, so be sure to share your goals for the year with us, here on the blog, on Ravelry, or by voicemail. Throughout 2012, we’re going to be checking in to see how you’re faring!

We also talk to staffers throughout Lion Brand about what they’re hoping to make, learn, and do this year as knitters and crocheters.

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Liz & Zontee share ways that you can volunteer, fund-raise, and rally people in your community through yarncrafting. Find out why knitting and crocheting can help kids learn math, science, and problem-solving. Learn about one listener’s organization that’s fundraising through patterns.

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Our next new episode comes out on January 3rd, but in the meantime, here are 5 inspiring holiday episodes of YarnCraft that you might want to revisit in the archives.

(Click the titles to view their episode guides, which include links for downloading the episodes or listening online.)

• Episode 30 :: Quick Last Minute Gifts, De-Stressing for Yarncrafters, and More – This episode features super-thick yarns for fast projects (you can still make a hat this week!), along with an interview with Cat from Let’s Knit2Gether. PLUS find your zen with calming music and suggestions from Liz & Zontee!
• Episode 55 :: Stand Out with Unique Holiday Gift Ideas & Tips from Lily Chin – Last-minute stocking stuffers and yarncrafted gift-wrap ideas are wonderful ways to add just a touch of yarn to your holidays. We also talk to knit & crochet maven, Lily Chin, who shares useful tips for avoiding weaving in ends, fixing mistakes, and more!
• Episode 56 :: The Gift of Yarncrafts: Heartfelt Stories from Our Community – On this special episode of YarnCraft, we share stories from Lion Brand staffers and listeners like you, all about what yarncrafting has meant in their lives.
• Episode 80 :: Top Gift Ideas for Knitters & Crocheters – Have friends and family who are last-minute shoppers? Be sure to send them a link to this episode so they know JUST what to get you!
• Episode 81 :: Give Back this Holiday Season with 6 Knit & Crochet Charities – As your yarncrafting/shopping frenzy winds down, take a minute to think about ways to give to others through your yarncrafting. It’s a great way to think ahead to 2012 and making new year’s resolutions.

We hope you enjoy these episodes, and see you in 2012! Happy holidays!

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In this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee explore inspiration & crafting with yarn–what inspires us to knit & crochet, how crafting helps inspire us to try new things, and so much more. We share comments and stories from listeners, as well as interviewing two special guests whose work have been inspired and influenced by yarncrafting in different ways.

First, we talk to mystery author, Betty Hechtman, whose crochet mysteries featuring Molly Pink and the Tarzana Hookers. She combines her love of intrigue with her love of crochet, and in doing so, has written 6 mystery novels. Betty’s latest book is Behind the Seams.

Then, we talk to Alex Perruzzi, VP at Martha Stewart Living. He tells us what’s currently on his needles, why Martha Stewart was inspired to dive back into yarncrafts at this point in her personal life, and how the colors and textures of the Martha Stewart Crafts™ Lion Brand line were inspired.

Finally, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Liz & Zontee take yarncrafting into the technology age with apps for your various devices. We share recommendations for apps including the Lion Brand app, two new ones from our friends at Interweave: Knit Handy & Crochet Handy, the Vogue Knitting app, KnitBuddy, Crochet Course, Etsy Addict, iSpinToolKit, and more.

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Hey YarnCraft fans, be sure to tune into the Martha Stewart Show on Monday, December 5 (10 am/9 am Central) on the Hallmark Channel for an episode all about yarn projects for the holidays. Best of all, Zontee will join Martha for a mini-fashion show with great last-minute holiday gift ideas!

Check your local listings for channel numbers and times.

UPDATE (12/6/11): Click here to see the mini-fashion show with Zontee!