YarnCraft

We’re only a few weeks away from Father’s Day, so if you’re hoping to get some ideas for crafting for Dad, be sure to check out these episodes from our archives. Click on the titles to see the episode guides or listen to them directly from this page. (Reading in an RSS reader or your email? Click the title of the post to open it on our site.)

• 116 :: 10 Knit & Crochet Gift Ideas for Father’s Day – From sports-inspired paraphernalia to stylish accessories for the urban guy on-the-go, we explore great gift ideas for the men in your life. Plus, we hear from Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby, who shares his thoughts on designing for both men and women.

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• 76 :: Projects Men Want, PLUS Gifts Under $20 – Practical accessories for fall are the name of the game in this episode. Get ideas for projects that will take him into the cooler months (or just for those outdoorsy types!). We also talk to Bruce Weinstein, the designer behind Knits Men Want, who talks about tackling the challenges that yarncrafters may face as they knit/crochet for the average non-yarncrafting man.

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• 67 :: Gifts for Dad! A Dozen Ideas for Father’s Day – Get recommendations from our listeners as well as Liz & Zontee on all kinds of projects for guys, from sweaters to slippers.

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[Pattern pictured: Knit Saturday Morning Hoodie]

If you enjoyed last week’s episode, check out these two more episodes featuring wedding patterns and ideas. Listen directly from this post or click the episode title to see the full guide.

• 115 :: 21 Projects for Weddings, Proms & Formals – Get pattern ideas for all kinds of formal events, including shawls, bags, and other accessories. Plus hear about some amazing wedding and formal dresses by yarncrafters on Ravelry.

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• 40 :: 20 Ways to Craft for Weddings & Dyeing Your Own Yarns – From heartfelt wedding favors to cute decorations, this episode covers some very charming ways to add a touch of yarn to your special day.

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[Pattern pictured: Crochet Champagne Glass Cover]

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Get ready for wedding season with pattern recommendations from YarnCraft! Zontee and Michelle highlight projects for the bridal party from boutonnieres to shawls, decor ideas, gift patterns, and more.

Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Bridal Shrug
• Crochet Bridal Shawl
• Crochet Bridal Clutch
• Knit Shimmer-By-Night Bag
• Knit Safran Shrug
• Crochet Opera Sleeves
• Crochet Champagne Glass Covers
• Crafted Champagne Glass Tassels
• Knit & crochet sachets
• Crochet Afghan Squared
• Knit Erin Afghan

Some ideas for knit & crochet flowers include:

• Crochet Orchid
• Knit Rose
• Crochet Rolled Rose and Rosebud
• Knit Petunia
• Crochet Lily of the Valley
• Knit Clove Carnation

We also hear from three brides-to-be at Lion Brand as well as listeners, who share their own ideas for incorporating yarncrafts into their weddings.

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we talk about spring garments for women and men. Hear about the silhouettes, pattern designers, and yarns that we love for this season.

Designers mentioned include Ann Budd, Dora Ohrenstein, Melissa Leapman, Josh Bennett, Robyn Chachula, Bruce Weinstein, Drew Emborsky (the Crochet Dude), Lily Chin, Doris Chan, and Amy Herzog!

Yarns discussed include LB Collection® Cotton Bamboo, Cotton-Ease®, Recycled Cotton, Martha Stewart Crafts™ Cotton Hemp (currently on sale!), Kitchen Cotton, Vanna’s Glamour®, and Vanna’s Sequins.

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One of the questions that we often hear from yarncrafters is: I make wonderful things and get compliments on them; how do I go about selling them? 

Here are three episodes of YarnCraft that you might want to listen to for tips on getting started:

• 123 :: 10 Tips on Buying & Selling Handmade Creations – We interview author Kelly Rand of trade organization Hello Craft, who shares expert advice on how to grow your handmade business.
• 53 :: Discover Handmade Artisans & Find Out How You Can Get Started Selling for Free – Discover some of the handmakers out there, and hear from Tony Ford (EVP/COO of Artfire.com, an online marketplace for handmade artisans) about how to sell online.
• 44 :: Easy Ways to Sell Your Knit & Crochet Goods Locally – Start small with simple, local ways to sell your goods and learn more about how the Crochet Guild of America can be a good resource for crafters considering a career in the yarn industry.

Click on the titles to see the episode guides for each and then click on the built-in player to listen to the MP3.

 Have more tips? Or questions? Share them in the comments!

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We’re only a few weeks from Mother’s Day, so join us as we explore great gift ideas from the ambitious to the quick–as well as some that require no yarncrafting!

Zontee and Michelle also answer a listener question about bring-along projects. Find out what fellow listeners recommend as great, portable patterns.

Patterns discussed include:

• Knit Car Coat
• Crochet Jaunty Jacket
• Knit Weekend Retreat Cardi
• Perfect Crochet Cardigan
• Knit Saturday Morning Hoodie
• Crochet Intarsia Brocade Afghan
• Knit Flower Power Afghan
• Cozy Crochet Socks
• Knit Stirrup Socks

Resources discussed include Nicky Epstein’s Knitting Block by Block and Knitting in Circles, and Heather Lodinsky’s 150 Knit & Crochet Motifs.

On Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we talk about baby shower projects from gifts like layette sets to decor concepts. Visit LionBrand.com to search for patterns for sachets, baby blankets, and more!

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