YarnCraft

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On today’s episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee explore the world of weaving. From weaving on a basic frame or board loom to rigid heddle looms, and even harness and floor looms, there are so many different tools and techniques to discover in the wide world of weaving.

Looms available on LionBrand.com include:

• Martha Stewart Crafts Lion Brand Yarn Knit & Weave Loom Kit
• Cricket Loom from Schacht Spindle Co.
• Flip Loom from Schacht Spindle Co.
• Knitters Loom Combo Set from Ashford Spinning

Zontee also interviews Jane Patrick of Schacht Spindle Co., author of the new book, The Weaver’s Idea Book, on the amazing fabrics and finished projects you can create with weaving. Learn how woven fabric can even be used for felted bags! Click here for Jane’s blog.

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we take a look at some of the fibers that YOU identified as your must-try selections for the fall. From alpaca to mohair, bamboo to angora, we have suggestions for how you can pair these fibers with patterns that work well.

Congratulations to Andrea J. and Caitlin B. on winning our last giveaway! To enter this episode’s giveaway of a Mini-Loom and a copy of Creating Crochet Fabric (two separate prizes), simply leave a comment on what topics you want to hear us talk about this fall. Comments must be left by September 8, 11:59:59 EDT; be sure to include your name and email address so that we can get in touch with you.

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On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee give you a first-look (or listen) at the NEW Martha Stewart Crafts Lion Brand Yarn Knit & Weave Loom Kit and its capabilities. Learn about how this tool can give you over 30 configurations from knitting in the round to weaving rectangles to making rosettes.

Then, the ladies of YarnCraft explore the world of other yarncrafting tools that will help you to keep your hands healthy and relaxed so that you can craft for years to come. Tools discussed include:

• Ergonomic Crochet Hook Set
• Soft Touch Crochet Hooks
• Circular Knitting Needles
• Stress Relief Gloves

Zontee also interviews Denise Layman of KnitChat.com, author of the new book, How to Knit Scarves on Circle Looms, who shares with us 5 reasons for all yarncrafters to explore the world of loom-knitting.

Plus, as a special treat for YarnCraft listeners, we give a sneak peek into what you can expect from the entire Martha Stewart Crafts Lion Brand Yarn line, coming out this September.

Finally, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we share interviews from the Knit & Crochet Show that took place last month. Hear interviews with designers Kimberly McAlindin and Tammy Hildebrand, and Ellen Gormley. Zontee also talks to perennial YarnCraft guests, designer Lily Chin and the Craft Yarn Council‘s executive director Mary Colucci.

We want to congratulate Teresa and Janice, the winners of our last giveaway! To enter this episode’s giveaway of a set of Denise Interchangeable Crochet Hooks (good for Tunisian crochet!) and 3 balls of Vanna’s Colors–these are 2 separate prizes–simply leave a comment on what kinds of fibers you’re looking forward to trying/working with this fall. Comments must be left by August 25, 11:59:59 EDT; be sure to include your name and email address so that we can get in touch with you.

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On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee take a look at the history of yarncrafting, from the development of knitting and crocheting as art forms to the various cultures that have shaped these crafts and their traditional techniques.

(Image shown is “The Knitting Lesson” by Jean-François Millet, photographed by Zontee.)

Books discussed include:

• No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting by Anne McDonald
• Knitting America: A Glorious Heritage from Warm Socks to High Art by Susan Strawn
• The History of Crochet: Learning the Basics by Jimmy Jacks
• A History of Hand Knitting by Richard Rutt
• Knitting on Top of the World by Nicky Epstein
• Knitting Around the World: A Multistranded History of a Time-Honored Tradition by Lela Nargi (out this fall)

Magazines that cover this area include Interweave’s Knitting Traditions and Crochet Traditions.

Museums discussed include:

• Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, MA
• Millyard Museum in Manchester, NH
• American Textile History Museum in Lowell, MA
• Museum of Art and Design in New York, NY
• American Folk Art Museum in New York, NY

We also ask you, our listeners, about your go-to books on techniques and patterns. Find out what books Liz, Zontee, and your fellow listeners go to again and again.

We want to congratulate Sharon W. for winning last episode’s giveaway! To enter this episode’s giveaway of the books Knit & Wrap and Luxe Knits, simply leave a comment on how yarncrafting connects you with your personal history or legacy. Comments must be left by August 11, 11:59:59 EDT; be sure to include your name and email address so that we can get in touch with you.

Finally, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Liz & Zontee give you a first-look at Vanna’s Colors, the newest member of our collection with Vanna White. PLUS we explain the different considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting a yarn within a specific weight category. Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Summer Chill Wrap
• Crochet Cinema Wrap
• Crochet Curlicue Scarf
• Knit Rib Trimmed Cowl
• Crochet Easy-Over Cowl

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