YarnCraft

On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee share ideas for great knit & crochet gifts for the men in your life. With Father’s Day coming up in about a month, we talk about project ideas–and ways that you can customize them based on  your father’s (or uncle, brother, husband, etc.) favorite activities, sports teams, or colors.

We also interview Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby, one half of the Shiba Guyz design team, who shares one man’s perspective on considerations when making garments and other projects for the guys in your life. Find out the one modification that you might want to consider when making a sweater for your guy! Click here to learn more about their newest book, Urban Edge.

Patterns discussed include:

• Knit & crochet men’s hats
• Knit & crochet men’s scarves
• Knit & crochet amigurumi
• Knit & crochet men’s socks
• Knit Book/Tablet Cover
• Crochet Tablet Cozy
• Knit, Felted Laptop Sleeve
• Knit, crochet & loom-knit slippers
• Loom Woven Messenger Bag
• Knit & crochet grilling mitts

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we talk about different ways to approach patterns for the graduating student in your life. Whether he or she is planning on spending the summer at the beach or in the working world, we have gift ideas that send them off into the next stage of their lives in style!

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On this episode of YarnCraft, we get in the mood for formal events, whether that’s galas, weddings, or proms, we have some wonderful project ideas for you! Find out which yarns and fibers are best for day and evening events.

We also share a listener call; Emily shares her suggestion of the Dragonfly Shawl from Kristin Omdahl’s book, Crochet So Fine, as a great option for weddings.

Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Shimmer Mesh Shawl and Bag
• Crochet Moon Water Clutch
• Crochet Evening Glitter Clutch
• Crochet Bridesmaid Purse or Knit Twilight Clutch
• Knit Shimmer-By-Night Bag
• Crochet New Year’s Purse
• Crochet South Bay Shawlette or Knit Savannah Wrap
• Crochet Mother of the Bride Shawl
• Crochet Modern Lace Shawl or Knit Eyelet Shawl
• Crochet Bridal Shawl or Knit Splendid Triangle Shawl
• Crochet Evening Allure Cape
• Irish Crochet Shawl or Knit Shimmery Shawl
• Crochet Emily Shawl or Knit Sweetheart Shawl
• Crochet Opera Sleeves
• Crochet Cinderella Wristers
• Stocking and dress patterns and ideas can be found on Ravelry.com

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, Liz & Zontee share some recommendations for their favorite garment pattern books, going beyond just pullovers and cardigans into dresses, skirts, jackets, and tops.

Books discussed include:

• The Best of Interweave Crochet
• The Best of Knitscene
• Simply Crochet by Robyn Chachula
• Textured Stitches by Connie Chang Chincchio
• Custom Crocheted Sweaters by Dora Ohrenstein
• Crochet It. Love It. Wear It. by Drew Emborsky (the Crochet Dude)
• Knits That Fit
• Knitwear Design Workshop by Shirley Paden
• Modern Top-Down Knitting by Kristina McGowan
• Couture Crochet Workshop by Lily Chin
• Austentacious Crochet by Melissa Horozewski

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On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee talk about warm-weather-friendly fibers and yarns. Not only do they talk about fiber qualities that make certain fibers more cool to the touch, but they also talk about how you can adapt certain patterns to use lighter weights of yarn to create garments that are less bulky and more comfortable.

Find out how you can re-write a pattern using the original schematic and your gauge swatch.

Yarns discussed include:

• Kitchen Cotton
• Cotton-Ease
• Recycled Cotton
• Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton
• LB Collection Cotton Bamboo
• Casey
• Microspun

Patterns discussed include:

• Irish Crochet Shawl
• Crochet Classic Sleeveless Top
• Knit Shimmer Lace Top

Again, we want to congratulations to Joyce, who won our random giveaway for episode 113!

Then on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we share ideas for Mother’s Day presents you can finish in the next month. Patterns discussed include:

• Loom Woven Apron with Pockets
• Crochet Digital Tablet Cozy
• Crochet Mother’s Day Shawl
• Crochet Striped Handle Tote
• Knit Felted Mary Jane Scuffs

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On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee share their favorite tips for spring cleaning–translate your regular spring cleaning rituals (like switching out your wardrobe or getting papers ready for taxes) into rituals that will help you get your knit & crochet supplies in order!

Plus get tips on throwing a stash-and-more-swapping party that will help you and your friends refresh and rejuvenate your yarncrafting spaces!

We also answer listener questions on: controlling the curl in your crochet scarf, and beginner-friendly knitting projects & cast-on tips.

Then Liz & Zontee also share their pattern recommendations for home decor projects to freshen up your space. Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Fall Nesting Bowls
• Knit & crochet felted storage bags
• Knit, crochet & woven pillows
• Knit, crochet & woven washcloths
• Knit & crochet bath items
• Knit & crochet sachets
• Knit, crochet & woven market bags
• Knit & crochet plastic bag keeper
• Knit, crochet & woven placemats
• Knit, crochet & woven coasters
• For the items pictured photo above, click on the photo to view the patterns.

On Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life, we talk about 3 brand new yarns from Lion Brand: Casey (a rayon-from-bamboo blend baby yarn), Chenille (a new take on this classic texture), and Kitchen Cotton (100% cotton, made in the USA, in smaller mix-and-match-sized balls).

Congratulations to the winner of last episode’s Knitting for Peace giveaway, Tammy Scott! To find charities in your area, click here to visit the Lion Brand Charity Connection database.

For this episode’s giveaway, leave a comment below about your spring projects by April 5, 11:59:59 EDT for a chance to win a copy of Crafting a Meaningful Home. Please be sure to leave your email address in the designated box. Open to individuals of the age of majority in their respective locales; void where prohibited.

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On this episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee, along with listeners like you and other Lion Brand staffers share their top lessons-learned & tips for yarncrafters. From keeping your tools organized to checking your dye lots to knowing when to stay away from the pets, find out what are the lessons we wish we knew when we started out.

Patterns discussed include:

• Crochet Child’s Top
• Knit Tree of Life Baby Blanket

Click here for the blog post on directional decreases mentioned on this episode.

Next, on Stash This: Ideas for Your Crafting Life,  Liz & Zontee share their top picks for favorite stitch dictionaries and motif books. Books discussed included:

• The Harmony Guides
• Barbara Walker Treasuries
• Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Vol. 1 – 6
• 150 Knit & Crochet Motifs
• 150 Crochet Trims
• 150 Knitted Trims
• Knitting Block by Block
• Crochet Blocks in a Box
• 100 Flowers to Knit & Crochet
• 75 Birds, Butterflies & Little Beasts to Knit & Crochet
• 75 Seashells, Fish, Coral & Colorful Marine Life to Knit & Crochet
• Crochet Bouquet
• 200 Fair Isle Motifs

We’re spring cleaning, which means that YOU have a chance to win a copy of Knitting for Peace. For a chance to win, just leave a comment on this blog post about charity yarncrafting (what you’ve made, to whom you’ve given, why, etc.). Be sure to include your email address in the appropriate box, so that we can reach you if you win! Comments must be left by 11:59:59 EDT on March 22 to qualify.

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