Archive | July, 2012

YarnCraft Episode 122 :: Fall Yarn Preview – A Sneak Peek at Lion Brand’s New Fall Collection

31 Jul

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Find out what’s new for fall from Lion Brand! Zontee & Michelle tell you about all the brand new yarn collections that we’re introducing like Homespun® Thick & Quick®, Da Vinci, and Bonbons; as well as the new colors in fan-favorites like Hometown USA®, Vanna’s Choice®, Wool-Ease® Thick & Quick®, Tweed Stripes®, and Pound of Love®. We also talk about the new colors in Martha Stewart Crafts™ Extra Soft Wool Blend, Glitter Eyelash, and Mambo.

Zontee & Michelle also share what you, our listeners, are making and planning for fall crafting. Get tips on project ideas and more.

Then on a special Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Zontee interviews Bert and Dana Freed, the mother/daughter duo behind Bead Crochet Jewelry. Bert and Dana share their thoughts on why cross-over crafts that combine several different skills (like beading and crochet) are having their moment in the sun right now. Plus, they share tips on how to  get started crocheting and knitting with beads. Visit their sites, Chicken-Egg.com and WellDoneExperience.com.

Read more…

YarnCraft Episode 121 :: Explore Yarn Conventions with 4 Designer Interviews & Shopping Tips

17 Jul

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Draw inspiration from interviews with 4 designers, plus find out Zontee & Michelle’s 5 tips for shopping at a yarn convention. These tips will help you stay organized and stay comfortable as you explore the wonderful world of fiber festivals and conventions.

Find the Knit Handy app and Crochet Handy app through iTunes from Interweave. Or print a free yardage guide from LionBrand.com.

Zontee & Michelle also answer listener questions. Find out why they think beading is making a comeback in knitting and crochet.

Our interviews from the Knit & Crochet Show, which took place at the end of June, feature Kimberly McAlindin (check out Kimberly’s Blog Talk Radio show here), Jennifer Ryan, Linda Dean, and Margaret Hubert (check out Margaret’s Granny Square Book here).

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we share ideas for crafting with Bonbons, a brand new product from Lion Brand. These multi-packs of 8 mini-skeins are perfect for colorwork projects, amigurumi, crafting, and more. Be sure to listen to this segment for even more creative ways to use Bonbons and your leftover yarn scraps.

Read more…

YarnCraft Episode 120 :: 12 Favorite Summer Patterns to Knit & Crochet

3 Jul

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Looking for your next summer project? Look no further! Zontee & Michelle share 12 sunny, summery patterns perfect for knitting and crocheting on the go this season. On this episode of YarnCraft, patterns discussed include:

Plus, we also share recommendations for more books with summer-appropriate projects, including:
Finally, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we talk about four charity organizations, whose projects are small and portable–perfect for a quick summer project or two: Binky Patrol, Mother Bear Project, Knit-a-Square, and the Snuggles Project of Hugs for Homeless Animals. (Click on the names of the organizations to go to their websites.)

Read more…