Archive | June, 2011

YarnCraft Episode 94 :: Tips for Knitting & Crochet In-the-Round

21 Jun

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In this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee tackle the world of in-the-round projects–hats, cowls, toys, and sweaters–as well as specific techniques that may be easier to make in the round and then steek (that’s cutting your knit fabric), like Fair Isle and stranded colorwork.

We also interview different Lion Brand staffers to learn about their first knit and crochet in-the-round projects and–since hindsight is 20/20–find out what they wish they knew before starting these projects.

Patterns discussed include:

As mentioned in the episode, we’ll be selecting 1 random commenter from this post to win a copy of Melissa Morgan-Oakes’ Teach Yourself Visually: Circular Knitting. Just leave a comment on the blog & tell us: what is your favorite knit or crochet in-the-round project. Contest will run until June 30, 11:59:59 pm EDT. Be sure to fill out both the name and e-mail lines when submitting a comment so that we can get in touch with you.

Liz & Zontee also talk about purchasing locally made yarns and tools on vacation, how you can use those yarns for projects on their own or by incorporating them into a project with your staple yarns. Click here for a yardage chart, so you can be sure you’re purchasing enough yarn for a particular type of project. They also answer a listener question on making amigurumi hair and eyes.

Finally, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Liz & Zontee talk about 5 ideas for yarncrafted wedding items, from accessories to favors. Patterns discussed include:

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YarnCraft Episode 93 :: 7 Basic Patterns & 5 Ways to Customize Them

7 Jun

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On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee talk about basic patterns to keep in your back pocket for when you want an easy project that’s easily customizable. From basic hats and scarves to afghans on the diagonal and sweaters of all kinds, we talk about projects that you’ll want to get familiar with.

Patterns discussed include:

For more on the different ways to customize your projects, see this recent blog post from the Lion Brand Notebook.

But first, the ladies of YarnCraft answer a listener question from Dee bee on consistent gauge when trying different ways of feeding the yarn when knitting (like Continental, English, and Portuguese).

Then, we also interview Edie Eckman, author of Around the Corner Crochet Borders. If you’re in the NYC-area, don’t forget that Edie will be teaching at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in July; click here for more info.

Finally, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we talk about 5 gift ideas for your grad. Patterns discussed include:

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