Craftzine.com blog: Cozy Up to Yarn Archives

Archive: Cozy Up to Yarn

October 5, 2009

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Window

Andrea of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio (34 W. 15th Street, NY) is busy knitting a scarf for The Partnership for the Homless. If you are in NY, stop by and check out the staffers who will be knitting or crocheting in the window display each day through November 22nd. Then stop inside and get your supplies to knit a hat or scarf to benefit the great cause.

From our previous CRAFT post:

From now until December 1st, let the staff know you are working on a hat or scarf for the charity and you'll get 10% off all yarn, hooks, needles, and supplies. Once you finish making all your hats and scarves, drop them off at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. As a thank you, you'll receive a 20% off coupon for your next purchase.

October 1, 2009

How-To: Recycle a Sweater for Yarn

Shortly after I learned how to knit I read about how one could recycle a sweater for the yarn. Sweet! Cheap yarn I thought! I went to the Salvation Army and picked out a sweater I thought would be good for recycling. Huge, an XXXL, and 100% cotton. It was all cream colored and pretty nice. I took it home and gave it my best shot. Which failed pretty miserably at first. I wasted so much yarn that first time around. I still got enough to make into a sizable bath mat. I used the pattern from Mason Dixon Knitting (what a great knitting book).

After a whole lot of trial and error over the last three years, I've been able to get the recycling of sweaters down pretty well.

First you need to pick out a good sweater.

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September 30, 2009

Sarah London's Wool Eater Blanket

This Wool Eater blanket looks so very complicated, but Sarah London's instructions make it seem easy. The colors are quite inspiring, and the texture is to die for!

Knit Your Own Team Logo Scarf

CRAFT: Cozy Up to Yarn

Knit Your Own Team Logo Scarf
By Michelle Kempner

Fall is an exciting time. The leaves are changing, the kids are back to school, and football season is starting up. Since you are starting to pull your knitting needles and yarn back out of the closet, why not use them to knit a scarf to support your favorite sports team? The scarf could have an image of the school mascot or a professional sports team logo. You can design the pattern yourself using photo software and the existing sports team logo and have a very unique scarf to wear to games.

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Mixing Fibers: Free Knit Pin Cushion Pattern

A common problem when working from the stash, is having only a small amount of each type of fiber left. How can you successfully combine cotton and wool in the same project? How can you combine acrylic with silk? Should you? Would you? Could you dare? (Yes, I totally stole that line from the Spooky Old Tree). Yes to all three! Of course your should.

By combining fibers in the same project you can start playing with texture, color, and drape in ways never possible. I love taking advantage of a fiber's inherent property and pairing it with another to create various affects and looks.

A few guidelines to get started
1. If using a combination of wool and anything else remember that the wool will felt and the other fibers will not. This can be used to your advantage, or end up in the reject bin. I combine wool and cotton in the Perfect Dishcloth so it will intentionally felt the wool as you use it as a dish rag. In this case it make a semi harsh scouring pad perfect for use of teflon and the like. The un-felted cotton gives it a nice texture that a just wool felted rag would not have.

2. If you don't want your project to gather, use the same gauge throughout your project. Like the felting, this is not a rule, just keep it in mind. This can mean using all the same weight, or changing needles/hooks for each section of yarn. It can be used to your advantage to have a thinner stretching yarn combined with a thicker yarn that has less give. Like an alpaca with cotton.

3. Winding yarns together is a great way to get a new yarn from three old ones. I used a cotton, wool, silk, and acrylic all together to make the great bulky yarn in this crocheted scarflet.

Knit Pin Cushion Pattern

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September 29, 2009

From Russia, with Love: Cabled Balaclava

CRAFT: Cozy Up to Yarn

From Russia, with Love: Cabled Balaclava
By Nikol Lohr

The balaclava, named after the town of Balaclava in Crimea (now Ukraine), was originally worn by Russian soldiers in the Crimean war. While the balaclava retains a military association, it's also well loved by skiers and climbers for its flexibility and warmth. A sort of sock for your head, the balaclava is wonderfully warm and efficient — doing double duty as both hat and scarf in a single garment, without the added bulk and fuss of a separate scarf. It has an opening in the front, which can be stretched to reveal just your eyes, your eyes and nose, or your whole face. The extra length can be folded over to make an extra-warm hat, or you can pop your whole head through the front opening and wear it as a cowl.

The balaclava is a marvelously practical garment that everyone in a cold climate should own. It eliminates the trouble of finding hat and scarf and bundling up like Ralphie if you're just running to the mailbox or walking the dog on a bitter cold day. Of course, the classic black or olive drab balaclava might give you a S.W.A.T./bank robber vibe that you're not really going for — and it might not be the wisest look when you're popping into the corner store for some beer. To shake off the alarm factor, I've made this one in a totally plush sugary pink cashmere blend, with lots of cushy cables for added warmth.

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How-To: Make a No-Sew Blanket with Yarn Fringe

Yarn is the perfect way to embellish just about anything. Trim a yard of micro-fiber fleece with yarn fringe for an easy and ultra soft no-sew blanket. The technique is so fast that you can spend extra time getting creative with color combinations. Try the fringe with many strands of thin yarn, a few strands of thick yarn, short fringe, or long. Use a skein of your favorite yarn, or mix it up and use your scraps. When your project is done, you can literally cozy up with yarn!

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Crochet-Along: Show and Tell + Giveaway Results!

It's been such a fun experience doing this Crochet-Along with you all! We've had some great participants who have made some incredible dolls.

If you want to start now check out the lessons here.

Giveaway Results!

The Winner of 1 signed copy of Tiny Yarn Animals by Tamie Snow:

Flickr user : SugarCoatedCreations

The Winner of 1 signed copy of Feltique by Brookelynn Morris and Nikola Davidson:
Flickr user: crissybell

The Winner of 2 skeins of Lion Brand Alpine Wool Yarn:
Flickr user: sumrsprite

The Winner of 1 copy of Lion Brand Yarn Vintage Styles for Today:
Flickr user: loves2design

The Winner of 1 CRAFT T-Shirt:
Flickr user: Ernessa_Theodora

Check out the rest of the amazing entries and post your own picture at the Crochet-Along Flickr Group Pool.

It has been a huge pleasure to this with you I really hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!
For more wicked amigurumi patterns check out my website Roxycraft and take advantage of my 50% off sale running until Sept 30th!
Enter Code "CAL2009" to get your discount.

Picking the Right Hook and Needles

One of the things that many experienced yarnies take for granted is how to know what hook or needles to use for the yarn you have. This is especially important if you are making up your own project as you go along or if you are altering a pattern you already have. Being able to take a pattern and look at your stash, grab the right yarn, and then grab the right hook or needles is so handy to getting your yarn leftover pattern off to the right start.

First, take a good look at the ball band. It has a ton of great information to get you started in the right direction. You can see what all the symbols mean by going to Skein Lane Studio and Yarn Standards.

Look at the yarn's weight (lace, fingering, sport, dk, worsted, aran, bulky, chunky - each yarn brand is different though) and the suggested hook and needle size. You can see general yarn standards for weights and suggested hook and needle sizes on Yarn Standards as well as suggested gauge.

Now here is the tricky thing - we all knit and crochet differently and with different tensions (how tight our stitches are) so for me I like to knit worsted yarns with size 6 needles tops. And I often crochet it with a size D hook. And it also depends on the type of fabric we want to create. Do we want a tight thick fabric or an open fabric? Not to mention all yarns are not created equal so some yarns are spun tight and others loose. You have 1 ply, 2 ply, 3 ply, etc ply yarns all wound up different ways. And then there are fiber types. Some fibers look a lot better knit loose while others tight. Alpaca will drape heavily and straight wool will have a bit more bounce.

I make sure to look at the weight they say the yarn is, what the suggested needle size is and then what the gauge is. Those are the big indicators of what the yarn will knit up like. All the same it's always best to get it wrapped around your needles/hook and work a few short rows to see what it's like. The yarn shop I used to work at had a huge basket of yarn just for this purpose, so crafters could see what the yarn worked up like and if it would be right for their pattern.

The easiest thing to do is to knit with the recommended yarn and needles/hook recommended by your pattern - but who does that? In an ideal world sure, but we work with what's available, what's on hand, what's in our stash or our local yarn shop. Yarns get discontinued too, so sometimes it's just impossible to find.

I found this great "Thinking Beyond the Pattern... A field guide to yarn substitutions" on Knitty.com about doing yarn substitutions. And this is wonderful to know. I think that was the number one question I was asked while working at the Yarn Exchange "what yarn can I use for this pattern?"

So to recap - swatches are your best bet, experience will help you get a feel for it, there are standards but they don't always apply, once you figure out how to do yarn substitutions you are golden for any project.

I hope this helps and that you will be well on your way to grabbing the right hook the first time around!

September 28, 2009

Yarn Yardage Leftovers: Crewel Embroidery

I've been cleaning out my apartment one space at a time. Today was my studio. After collecting up all the butterfly bobbins of wool I have floating around I was confronted with a whole shopping bag full of random colors. Some people may see this as overwhelming, depressing, challenging (what to do with all these random colors)... well... honestly... it filled me with childhood glee! You see, wool is great for crewel... and all those random colors? A painters palette!

Sometimes it's fun to mix things up a bit. Just because you have leftovers from a knit project, does not mean you have to stick with knitting for the leftovers. Those last 3 yards are perfect for a variety of projects and crewel is on the top of my list. It's free style embroidery, but specifically with 2-ply wool yarn - though I've used a variety of fiber types with good results.

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Alice Wrist Warmers

CRAFT: Cozy Up to Yarn

Alice Wrist Warmers
By Vickie Howell

When a professional knitter and a movie critic live in the same household, there's bound to be some crossover. In our house, that convergence takes form as "Movie Mondays" on my blog. Every week I post screenshots of the knitwear I spot in one of the many flicks we're watching — we've become veritable eagle eyes of Silver Screen yarn; my sons even commenting when a beanie or blanket flashes across the television. Recently, while researching Twilight for his movie news website, smellslikescreenspirit.com, my husband came across this photo still of Alice wearing fingerless mitts in the upcoming sequel, New Moon. Enter this project: simple wrist warmers for a complicated girl!

Alicenewmoon Movieshot
(Photo: Summit Entertainment)

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Lion Brand Yarn Studio Hat and Scarf Collection for Charity

CRAFT: Cozy Up to Yarn

The Lion Brand Yarn Studio in New York is collecting hats and scarves for The Partnership for the Homeless, a organization committed to helping New York City families in need. From now until December 1st, let the staff know you are working on a hat or scarf for the charity and you'll get 10% off all yarn, hooks, needles, and supplies. Once you finish making all your hats and scarves, drop them off at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. As a thank you, you'll receive a 20% off coupon for your next purchase.

Starting October 1st to November 22nd, the staff of the Lion Brand Yarn Studio will be knitting and crocheting scarves in the window during operating hours to donate to The Partnership for the Homeless. (We'll post some pics of these when it happens!)

For more information, visit the Lion Brand Yarn Studio blog.

September 26, 2009

Easy Fabric Party Garland

I'm getting ready to throw a party tonight! As part of my decorations, I've been putting together some simple fabric garlands. I'm using Lion Brand Glitterspun yarn and knotting strips of blue fabric all along it. Each strip is about 3/4 inch wide, and 12 inches long. Because they go together easy without having to pay much attention, I made a ton while I caught up on Project Runway. As I finished each garland, I wound it on a piece of cardboard to keep it from getting tangled before they were hung.

September 25, 2009

Compost Critters: Fingerless Mitten Pattern

Of course we need our mittens and gloves when taking walks, but there are many times we need are fingers, say when we are turning compost piles, taking pictures, or drawing little sketches of squirrels running around the warmed up soil.

These are really fun to work up because they are both simple, cute and really quick. How can you make a pair of fingerless mittens in just an evening? Well, you just let a little knit fall in love with a little crochet and then you have some great little fingerless mitten critters to keep your hands nice a toasty warm in a snap.

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Best of the CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Short-Rows Wavy Hat

CRAFT Pattern Podcast

Today we're dipping into our pattern archives to feature one of my favorite hat patterns by the awesome Lee Meredith of leethal.net. (This was first featured back in April 2008.) Make your own short-rows wavy hat. A great way to mix up your favorite yarn colors and reate some great wavy stripes.

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Leethalquickknits
Subscribe to the Leethal Quick Knits Club!
I just got my package for September's "Back to School Knit Set" and I love opening up and playing with all the goodies that Lee packs in each bag. Thank you Lee!

Three month subscriptions are now available starting with the October club, with the sign-up deadline next Thursday on Oct 1st. There's no club in December, so the 3 months will be Oct, Nov, and Jan, and you save $2 per month by subscribing! Find out more about leethal quick knits.

Each club package includes:

a 15 yard mini-skein of recycled hand-dyed yarn
a 10 yard mini-skein of spun recycled yarn
quick knit patterns exclusive to the club*
any crafty bits called for in the pattern (e.g. buttons)
extra mystery leethal goodies and/or bits of crafty fun

September 24, 2009

How-To: Refresh Your Yarn Scraps with Braiding

I can easily figure out ways to use a half a skein of this and a half a skein of that, but it's really those last 2 yards that leave me stumped. Today I'm going to show you how by braiding yarn, you can refresh the life of your yarn scraps! And of course some fun project ideas to use those braided pieces.

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Brimmed Beanie

CRAFT: Cozy Up to Yarn

Brimmed Beanie
By Juliene Ford and Jamie Chan

This brimmed beanie is a fun cap with stylish small brim, different from the hats we typically find ourselves knitting or crocheting each year. Dress it up by adding your own embellishment to it with special stitching or a crochet flower!

Download the PDF for the Brimmed Beanie
(Note: If you are having problems viewing the PDF, please right-click on the link to download the file to your desktop or read directions here.)

About the Authors:

Juliene Ford has been crocheting and designing patterns since 2002. She recently placed in the juried California Creative Arts exhibit at the 2009 California State Fair with a purse that she designed using crochet, knitting, and sewing. Details can be found on her blog, www.stitchify.com.

Author Jamiechan
Jamie Marie Chan is a crafter, shop owner, and educator in San Francisco, Calif. She runs Urban Fauna Studio, San Francisco's only green-certified fiber arts workshop and Mary Jane's Attic an online hand dyed fiber web shop.

Talking Yarn With Kim Werker

Kim Werker is a master of crochet, an advocate for community-building, and an accomplished author. Her new book, Crocheted Gifts: Irresitable Projects to Make and Give, was released last month. I recently caught up with Kim to talk about her favorite craft medium: yarn.

When did you start working with yarn, and what was the first yarn project that you completed?
I first started working with yarn when I was in my third year of university and my dorm director's wife taught me how to crochet (for the second time - I'd learned the first time when I was in high school, but that was for a thread project, so not as cozy). I picked up a giant batch of this hideous variegated acrylic yarn and started in on a huge blanket. I didn't get very far. I think the first yarn project I actually completed was a felted knitted bag I made in the class I took to learn how to knit when I was in my mid-20s.

Why did you gravitate to yarn as opposed to other craft materials?
You know, I've never even thought about this. It's just the way it is. When a friend mentioned that knitting class when I was 26 and had just moved to Vancouver, my ears pricked up and I nearly pounced on her (literally) for more info. Now that crafting is such an important part of my life, I do find I'm drawn to other types of materials, too. I'm digging embroidering, and I learned how to make beaded earrings a couple of weeks ago. I was surprised by how meditative and fun that was (and gratifying! I had a pair done in just one evening).

I enjoy the practical side to yarn crafts - I like that I can make clothes and blankets and toques and scarves. And I think it's the practicality of it that leads to my love of doll-making. Dolls - at least the kinds I make - are totally absurd and impractical. Their only purpose is to make me happy, and hopefully they make other people happy too.

What is your family's history with yarn (mom, grandmother, etc.)?
After I started knitting avidly, my mom took an interest in it. One day when she was visiting us with my grandmother, we sat down and quickly realized she already knew how to knit (a clue: after I made her cast on, pull it out and cast on again about a hundred times, she started knitting continental style, and I knit English. After that, it was the quickest lesson ever). Turns out she'd learned when she was in high school. That wee reminder all she needed; she's spent the last few years knitting her heart out. My grandmother used to crochet a lot. Arthritis prevents her from working much with her hands now, but for a while after that visit she got back into it, too. So amongst the women in my family, it's been a reverse of the expected generational passing-down of yarn craft; with us it's sort of passed up.

How do you feel when you are working with yarn?
I feel like I'm home, you know? Like no matter where I am, I'm grounded. Like I not only have something to keep myself busy, and something to create, but also something that's useful - and specifically something useful (well, or not that useful) that can be used to create great whimsy and therefore great fun and joy.

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September 23, 2009

Keeping Yarn Leftovers Organized: How to Wind Butterfly Bobbins

I first learned how to make these great little bobbins in my beginning weaving class at Northern Illinois University. They are great for weaving, especially tapestry weaving, but also when working brocade on the floor loom. And really great for organizing your stash when there are tons of little random balls in there. Unlike balls of yarn, these won't unravel and unlike center pull balls they won't tangle either. It's so much easier to keep these sorted in a bin of yarn that little balls tangling all over the place. Being able to see and then easily use your lovely fiber stash is a key to inspiration. Nothing kills a project quicker than having to untangle a huge mess of yarn strands.

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September 22, 2009

Three-Season Mitts E-Book and Sarah Mitts Pattern

CRAFT: Cozy Up to Yarn

Threeseasonmitts
Robyn Devine of A Devine Life just launched the Three-Season Mitts E-Book for sale on Ravelry. The e-book is just $8 and features six unique patterns for hand/arm warmers, each one matching the personality of the friend she was making them for (or the level of warmth needed!). I love all the beautiful details in each pattern. From a subtle cable to a button accent, you'll be keeping your hands warm in style. You also have the option to purchase each pattern separately too. Make them for yourself or start working on your holiday gifts for friends.

Threeseasonmitts2

Sarahmitts Devine
As a special to CRAFT readers, Robyn is sharing with us her pattern for these awesome Sarah Mitts!

Download the PDF for the Sarah Mitts Pattern
(Note: If you are having problems viewing the PDF, please right-click on the link to download the file to your desktop.)

Cozy Up to Yarn Home | Next >

Craft:

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Window

How-To: Recycle a Sweater for Yarn

Sarah London's Wool Eater Blanket

Knit Your Own Team Logo Scarf

Mixing Fibers: Free Knit Pin Cushion Pattern

From Russia, with Love: Cabled Balaclava

How-To: Make a No-Sew Blanket with Yarn Fringe

Crochet-Along: Show and Tell + Giveaway Results!

Giveaway Results!

Picking the Right Hook and Needles

Yarn Yardage Leftovers: Crewel Embroidery

Alice Wrist Warmers

Lion Brand Yarn Studio Hat and Scarf Collection for Charity

Easy Fabric Party Garland

Compost Critters: Fingerless Mitten Pattern

Best of the CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Short-Rows Wavy Hat

How-To: Refresh Your Yarn Scraps with Braiding

Brimmed Beanie

Talking Yarn With Kim Werker

Keeping Yarn Leftovers Organized: How to Wind Butterfly Bobbins

Three-Season Mitts E-Book and Sarah Mitts Pattern

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