YarnCraft

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On today’s episode, Liz & Zontee turn the world of garment and accessory construction on its head! We explore different ways to construct garments and accessories — you don’t always have to start from the top-down or bottom-up when it comes to hats, scarves, wristers, or even sweaters!

Discover how you can achieve different looks by combining directions, working your pieces from one side to the other, and combining these methods with color work and various yarns.

Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Easy Sideways Hat
• Knit Arm Warmers
• Crochet Bergamot Ripple Scarf
• Knit Rose Lichen Cardigan & Hat
• Crochet Side-to-Side Cowl Neck Sweater
• Knit Cable Luxe Tunic
• Crochet Empire Top
• Knit Fresh Melon Sideways Cardigan
• Crochet Child’s Hooded Cardigan
• Knit Gloria Scarf
• Crochet Corner Granny Afghan
• Knit Mitered Square Throw
• Knit Mitered Vest
• Knit Mitered Ridges Top
• Crochet Circle Vest
• Crochet Circular Motion Sweater

Zontee also mentions the Sideways Grande Cloche from the book Boutique Knits and the Coronet Hat from Knitty.com. The knitting machine DVD she mentions can be found by clicking here.

Once again, instead of our regular Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life segment, we share interviews from World Maker Faire, which took place in NYC at the end of September. We talk to members of the Etsy street team, The {NewNew}, about their knit & crochet charity project. We also talk to artist Robyn Love and the teachers/artists behind the Rememoire project. Click on the highlighted text in this paragraph to visit these guests’ websites.

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On today’s YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee answer YOUR questions about techniques that you’ve been wanting to try from tapestry crochet to using mixing yarns. We cover techniques like fair isle and loom knitting; we also share tips on loosening your circular needle cables, using up your single balls of yarn, and so much more.

We’re also joined by author Sharon Silverman, whose book Tunisian Crochet, is a great place to get started exploring the varied world of Tunisian crochet, also known as “afghan stitch.” Sharon shares her top 5 tips for beginners in this fascinating variation of crochet.

For the double-ended Tunisian crochet hooks discussed, please click here. For more on hours, events, and classes at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio, click here to visit its site.

Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Intarsia Brocade Afghan
• Knit Snow Day Hat
• Knit Sunshine Shawl
• Tunisian Crochet Nature’s Bounty Afghan
• Loom-Knit Knitting Board Patterns
• Loom-Knit Knifty Knitter Patterns

For more loom knitting tips and resources, check out episode 19: Working with Looms & More. Get more info on the machine-knitting DVD mentioned by Zontee by clicking here.

In lieu of our regular Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life segment, we share interviews from September’s World Maker Faire in NYC. We visit with Becky Stern of Craft Magazine, whose machine-knit projects can be seen at SternLab.org, and we talk to Christen Haden, author of Creepy Cute Crochet and co-author of Yummi’Gurumi, whose website is NeedleNoodles.com.

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