YarnCraft Episode 105 :: 20 Gift Ideas for Yarncrafters, PLUS 5 Sock-Making Tips from Clara Parkes of Knitter’s Review

22 Nov

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On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee explore great gift ideas for knitters, crocheters, and yarncrafters. Whether you’re adding items to your own wishlist or shopping for your yarn-loving friends, we’ve got ideas for you. Find out how to pick the right books to add to your list, why you can never have enough project bags, and more.

Products available on LionBrand.com include:

Zontee also interviews Clara Parkes, author of the new book The Knitter’s Book of Socks, and the force behind Knitter’s Review. Clara shares with us 5 tips on making handmade socks last!

Finally, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Liz & Zontee explore ways in which you can de-stress and find joy in your yarncrafting, even when it may seem like you have hundreds of gifts to get through!

Join us again in two weeks, when we share interviews with author Betty Hecktman and Martha Stewart Living’s Alex Peruzzi. It’s an episode all about inspiration and yarncrafting. What inspires you, when it comes to yarncrafting? Leave a message on the blog or email us at yarncraft [at] lionbrand [dot] com! You can also call in and leave a message at 774-452-YARN–that’s 774-452-9276.

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Theme music is “Boy with a Coin” by Iron and Wine, from the PodSafe Music Network.

Show Notes:
00:11 Intro & welcome
01:34 What’s on Liz & Zontee’s Hooks & Needles
03:46 Gift Ideas for Yarncrafters
20:05 Interview with Clara Parkes
31:43 Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life
35:48 Thanks to our listeners and guests

  • Sabrina B

    Thanks for another timely episode.  I think I’m going to encourage my family to listen so they can get some gift ideas for me or just send them the show notes so they can see the objects.  I’ve also provided them with my Amazon wish list.

    One day I will be a sock knitter.  I’m almost there so I appreciated the interview.  I bought the book and it is on my 2012 read list.

  • Ana Huron

    Hi Liz and Zontee,
    I’ve been listening to you both for a long time and this is the first time I’ve written! Too bad because I really do enjoy your podcast. Today, I felt compelled to tell you how I have been completely inspired to knit something really classy and special for two men in my life…my brother and my oldest son. The other day while perusing the projects on Ravelry, I spotted the Noro Striped Scarf made by Jared Flood. I was struck with its simplicity and class! It seemed just the thing to make for these two gentleman in my life. I, however, would not be able to afford the Noro, but DID remember seeing the Lion Brand “Amazing” and wondered how the scarf would work up. I bought the Olive Medley and Ruby colorways and OH MY….I am so enjoying this Christmas present!! It’s gorgeous, affordable and just the right amount of softness and fuzziness. The color changes are so fun to watch move under my hands. As I rib along, I can’t help thinking about how much my men are going to love their classy scarves.

    I highly recommend this simple ribbed scarf in the Amazing colorways. So many color choices make for so many striped possibilities. Thank you for the chance to tell you about my inspiration.

    Ana
    anahuron@gmail.com

  • Anonymous

    Dear Liz and Zontee,
    I too love listening to your podcast. I sit and knit while listening. This year, I am knitting more gift then ever before. But, I am also keeping those knitting project within a reasonable number. Of course, socks for my sock stealing friends, berets with matching mittens, and this years knitting, cowls and capelets. Funny story, I recently completed a pair of mittens for our postal carrier. Since I knitted them while traveling I sent them back to my husband to give to her. Well, while talking to me on the telephone, he opened the package, but fail to see and read the note attached. He said in a loud surprise voice, “wow, mittens” and proceeded to put the mittens on and they fit. Sadly, I had to tell him to read the note. Oh, they are for Donna (our postal person). Again, who knew? I have asked him many times if he wanted some mittens and the answer has always been no! So, I guess that mittens are on the list?
    I do thank you for the wonderful tips and great podcast.
    Sincerely,
    Sharon

  • Pingback: 6 Great Gifts for Knitters, Crocheters, and Crafters | Lion Brand Notebook

  • Patricia

    Thanks for a great podcast to remind this crocheter about great items to add to my craftlife. I might not wait to tell my family and just order myself!
    I am working on the Motif Scarf in an alpaca bulky yarn I found on a trip rather than the listed Wool-Ease Thick and Quick-this is a fun unique pattern. I enjoy getting great patterns on this site. I also finished a filet crochet skinny scarf with Vanna’s Glamour,copper, for my teen niece. It came out so well and I will work with Glamour again as it worked up so nicely. I also made a school colors scarf for her of Vanna’s Choice. So many colors to choose from, I like that. I continue to work on charity crafts and like doubling sock yarn for beanie style hats for example.

  • http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com YarnCraft Podcast

    Thanks for sharing, Sabrina! Hope you get lots of goodies this holiday season!

  • http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com YarnCraft Podcast

    A great recommendation–so glad you’re enjoy Amazing and we hope your gentlemen enjoy their scarves!

  • http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com YarnCraft Podcast

    How funny–thanks for sharing, Sharon! Hope he enjoys his very own pair of mittens :-)

  • http://yarncraft.lionbrand.com YarnCraft Podcast

    Great gift suggestions–Vanna’s Glamour really is awesome. I (this is Zontee) usually end up picking up some craft supplies for myself too–as a treat for making all those gifts!

  • Jodiebodie

    Great topics. I am hoping that there will be a transcript of this episode soon.

  • Jen

    Liz, I love that you love Parks and Rec too! Did you see the latest episode, where Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope wore a purple striped knit hat in the snow? I have been googling like crazy and I can’t find that hat. Any patterns that would produce a similar hat? Would it even be a little possible to do with crochet?  Any yarn recommendations? I need to wear that hat this winter!

  • Pingback: 5 Podcasts on How to De-Stress & Get Motivated When Knitting or Crocheting | Lion Brand Notebook