YarnCraft

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Ever wonder how to choose the right stitch pattern to show off your yarn or the right yarn for your stitch pattern? Find out the secrets of getting great results on this episode of YarnCraft! Zontee and Michelle talk about how yarn texture and dyeing, as well as stitch pattern texture and scale, can be paired with great results.

Interested in the new yarn, Bellini, mentioned by Zontee and Michelle? Click here to learn more about it.

Then Zontee interviews designer Bruce Weinstein, whose new book is Boyfriend Sweaters. He shares with us his perspectives on favorite stitch patterns, designing for men, and the current DIY movement. Learn more about Bruce at his website. If you’re in the NYC area, be sure to catch Bruce Weinstein at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio this January!

On Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Zontee and Michelle talk about that last-minute gift that keeps on giving–teaching someone to knit or crochet. Find out what supplies are best for beginners (lighter colored, smooth yarns…), when you might want to get a gift certificate for lessons (sometimes you’re just too close!), and what kinds of great little touches will make your gift recipient’s life easier (snips and stitch markers…).

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If you’ve listened to episode 130 and you’re still looking for more ideas and inspiration for that last-minute crafting (or for good suggestions for your family to buy for you), be sure to check out these two episodes from last year:

• YarnCraft Episode 105 :: 20 Gift Ideas for Yarncrafters, PLUS 5 Sock-Making Tips from Clara Parkes of Knitter’s Review
• YarnCraft Episode 104 :: 15+ Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas to Knit & Crochet

Good luck with your holiday crafting!

Pattern shown: Wrapped Glitter Trees.

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Need last-minute gift ideas? We’ve got them! Zontee and Michelle share their top 15 gift ideas for colleagues, friends, last-minute guests, and more on this episode of YarnCraft.

Patterns discussed include:

• Cozies: crochet cup cozies, knit cup cozy tutorial
• Hats: Crochet Brimmed Cap
• Toys: knit & crochet amigurumi, knit & crochet ornaments
• Cowls: Knit Maxi Stockinette Cowl, Crochet 45 Minute Cowl, Knit Three Color Cowl
• Bags: Crochet Hexagon Market Bag, Knit Farmer’s Market Tote, Knit Branching Out Bag
• Fingerless mitts & mittens: Crochet Buttoned Wristers, Sparkling Crochet Wristers, Knit Fingerless Gloves, Knit Snow Bank Gauntlets
• Fashion accessories: Lace Crochet Necklace, Crafted Cascading Strands Necklace, Crafted Statement Strands Necklace
• Ear warmers/headbands: Crochet Ribbed Headband, Knit Seed Stitch Headband
• Kitchen items: Crochet Spiral Apple Tawashi, Crochet Daily Grind Dishtowel,
• Bath items: Braided Rug, Knit and Crochet Soap Bags, Knit Felted Soap Cozy
• Socks/footies: Knit Slipper Socks, Knit Adult Striped House Socks, Knit Stirrup Socks, Cozy Crochet Socks
• Baby items: Crochet Multicolor Ripple Baby Throw, Crochet Frosty Mittens, Easy-Knit Mittens
• Tech gear:  Knit & crochet iPad covers, knit & crochet phone covers
• Gag gifts: Knit Gnome Door Stop (free on Ravelry.com), crochet beard soon to be available on LionBrand.com
• Hobby-related: Knit Felted Zen Yoga Tote, Crochet Hook Book, Knitting Needle Roll

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we wrap up our 2012 Year of Accomplishments. Get tips on getting organized and going through your stash, taking account of everything you’ve accomplished this year, and also keeping the stress at bay this holiday season!

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