Crafts Online

2010-06-20T20:45:00.002+01:00

In this follow-up to the best-selling Design It, Knit It, celebrated designer Debbie Bliss knits up the most adorable collection of baby wear ever.
Fifteen all-new designs for sporty sweaters, knits for preemies, special occasion outfits and accessories showcase Debbie's signature style. In addition, she leads readers through the entire process: size and shaping, yarn selection, color and pattern, and embellishments.

A designer's workbook, which includes knitters' graph paper, templates for garment shapes, and a stitch gauge, rounds out this indispensable guide to designing and knitting for babies.

New yarns from Rowan... and Amy Butler?

2010-06-19T12:39:00.006+01:00

Rowan announced they joined forces with Amy Butler on a new handknit collection.

Although the yarns look really nice I cannot understand the connection with Amy Butler, except from a photograph on Rowan website were the yarns show on a basket made of Amy Butler beautiful fabric.
Take a look at the new yarns, Belle Organic DK & Aran.

Good news for Lion Brand fans outside USA and Canada

2010-06-19T12:15:00.004+01:00

Yes! Finally for those who don't live on US territory or Canada Lion Brand is now shipping internationally! And it’s a big list of new shipping countries!

Check it out here.

Random House new release: HatHeads

2009-08-08T11:50:00.000+01:00

After teaching himself to knit, author Trond Anfinnsen found that pull-on hats—aka beanies or skullies—were the perfect-size project. As his pile of hats grew, so did his knitting skills, and soon he began personalizing the hats for family, friends, and friends of friends. Each person received a unique hat designed to suit his or her coloring, personality, and style—all for free. Trond eventually teamed with photographer Klaus Skrudland to document what had become an interactive art project, taking portraits of each recipient in his or her hat. Together, the two created, gave away, and photographed more than 200 hats.

HatHeads shares 50 of these hats, all the same beanie shape but with a wide range of designs, offering something for everyone. Each hat is modeled by its recipient, with a full pattern and a funny, affectionate description of how that person inspired the design. Readers then learn how to pick up where Trond left off and create unique, personalized hats for their own friends and loved ones.

Designed in a fresh, graphic style, HatHeads is as unique as its hats, a heartwarming celebration of people, knitting, and the joys of giving.

Kanzashi in Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Projects to Wear and Give

2009-08-07T11:55:00.003+01:00

Last month, Random House released this beautiful new book.
Kanzashi tsumami is the Japanese art of folding delicate squares of silk into three-dimensional flower petals. In the United States, the online craft culture has sprouted a renewed interest in making Kanzashi with American crafters devising simplified ways to create these gorgeous fabric flowers and incorporating more user-friendly materials like cotton and synthetic fabrics along with the traditional silks.

Kanzashi in Bloom takes the American interpretation of Kanzashi a step further, presenting modern, more easily executed flower designs as elements in a variety of fun, fashionable, hip craft projects. Kanzashi in Bloom offers advice on materials, three petal-folding styles, and techniques for assembling a Kanzashi flower. You’ll also find instructions for 20 projects to wear and give as gifts, including:

• Tiny blossom earrings
• Flowers-in-your-hair clips
• The happiest belt buckle ever
• Elegant floral gift topper

New Red Heart Artesano

2009-08-07T11:43:00.003+01:00

New Red Heart Artesano is a versatile yarn with interesting texture and color effects. It has a soft hand and excellent wash performance.

Download color range (pdf).

Knitting In the Sun: 32 Projects for Warm Weather

2009-07-03T15:14:00.000+01:00

Knitting in the Sun, is a new pattern collection from Kristi Porter. Published by Wiley, this paperback collection boasts 32 patterns, many of which are knit in Berroco yarns.

Kristi is a California based designer who has compiled a selection of sweaters that won't make you swelter in summer heat. Porter pairs warm weather yarns with sensible stitch patterns to create highly wearable garments.

You'll find patterns to keep your needles clicking whether you're lounging by the pool or taking a break at the beach:

5 sleeveless tops
4 short-sleeved tops
4 lightweight long-sleeved tops
6 summer-weight cardigans
2 skirts, a sleep set, and a wearable bathing suit
9 accessories ranging from a beach hat to a cotton wrap to a beach chair

LB Collection Pure Wool

2009-07-03T10:51:00.004+01:00

Meet the newest addition to Lion Brand's LB Collection of affordable luxury fibers. Pure Wool is an undyed wool roving yarn in natural cream. Made in America, from fiber from American-raised sheep, this yarn is perfect for experimenting with felting and hand-dyeing.

This is the seventh line of affordable luxury fibers from Lion Brand.

New YarnCraft episode - Easy Ways to Sell Your Knit & Crochet Goods Locally

2009-07-02T12:34:00.005+01:00

On this week’s episode of YarnCraft, Liz and Zontee talk about easy ways to get started selling your knit and crocheted items. They talk about what types of items to sell and where to sell your creations. This episode focuses on small, simple, local ways to get started.

Audio download

Show Notes
00:12 Intro
01:17 What’s on Liz & Zontee’s hooks & needles
02:43 Selling your crafted items
14:22 Interview with Tamie Snow at Bazaar Bizaare
17:46 Interview with Cindy Liu at Bazaar Bizaare
19:04 Thanks

Bamboo Baby and Bunnies

2009-07-01T10:30:00.000+01:00

Patons® presents a new pattern book for babies: Patons® Bamboo Baby and Bunnies. It features twelve new patterns to knit up in the also new Patons® Bamboo Baby.

With everyday classics and creative takes on your favorite baby items, there are knits for everyone to love.

From adorably stylish Mary Jane-style booties, to cables, to fair isle, the options keep coming.

Bamboo baby yarn from Patons®

2009-06-30T09:53:00.007+01:00

Patons® Bamboo Baby is another great bamboo blend from Patons®. Soft to the touch with just the slightest sheen, a true worsted weight yarn, great for both quick knit baby garments and blankets.

With subtle fun hues that are contemporary and adorable, you'll be dressing the most stylish babies on the block. Solids that stand alone or look great together in fair isle, and inventive new ombres you don't want to miss. Like all of our baby yarns, Patons® Bamboo Baby is easy to wash and maintain.

The fastest growing plant on earth, bamboo requires no pesticides or fertilizers and is earth-friendly.

Lion Brand on Facebook

2009-06-28T12:04:00.000+01:00

Lion Brand is now on Facebook. Become a fan to get access to special offers, be able to share your photos and connect with other fans. Join hundreds of other yarn-lovers and yarncraft fans.

4th of July crafts

2009-06-27T10:51:00.000+01:00

For those who celebrate the 4th of July, Martha Stewart created some amazing projects.

New Dual Duty XP® Thread

2009-06-26T09:38:00.000+01:00

Coats has a new sewing thread: Dual Duty XP®, the “X-tra” performance thread, that combines advanced technology from Coats with nearly 200 years of thread-making experience.

New and unique manufacturing processes are applied to Dual Duty XP’s polyester-wrapped, core-spun construction creating a thread that provides enhanced seam appearance and makes sewing trouble free. Dual Duty XP is smooth and strong—it sews perfectly on all machines from vintage to today’s most advanced.

YarnCraft - Summer Crafting with Kids 02

2009-06-25T09:14:00.000+01:00

This is the second episode of YarnCraft special series, Summer Crafting with Kids, coming on alternate Tuesdays.

This episode YarnCraft - Summer Crafting with Kids focuses on fun projects perfect for trading, sharing, and making together.

Liz & Zontee give ideas about how to use crafts to encourage kids to inspire each other, work together, and create great things to give to each other.

Audio download

Show notes:
0:11 Intro
01:23 Yarncrafting activities for groups of kids
12:00 Drawing winner
13:06 Thanks to our guests

New Amy Butler Sewing Patterns

2009-06-24T16:49:00.004+01:00

Amy Butler has two new spring patterns:

Field Bag & Tote: perfect as an everyday tote around town and big enough to use for a weekend getaway.

Mini Dress, Tunic & Tops: several options for a fresh spring look! The mini is all about versatility... it comes in girl's sizes x-small to large and women's sizes x-small to xxx-large, so it's great for a mother-daughter project. And there are four great options: dress, tunic and two shirt lengths.

Kate’s Café Exhibition

2009-06-23T08:48:00.005+01:00

Kate Jenkins will be having her first solo London show at The Rebecca Hossack Gallery renowned for its showing of contemporary arts.

Kate will be taking over the whole gallery and turning it into Kate’s Café featuring a series of beautifully crocheted artworks based on the nations favourite foods.
The collection, which includes meticulously re-created fish and chips, fried breakfasts on crocheted plates and crocheted condiments such as tomato ketchup all framed as original art pieces.

Kate Jenkins launched her fashion label Cardigan in 2003 to fulfil her philosophy that anything can be created from yarn as long as it is made with love, having previously worked for the likes of Marc Jacobs, Missoni and Donna Karan.

Design for a Living World Exhibition

2009-06-22T13:52:00.001+01:00

Ten leading designers have been commissioned to develop new uses for sustainably grown and harvested materials in order to tell a unique story about the life-cycle of materials and the power of conservation and design in an exhibition at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. One of the featured designers is Christien Meindertsma.

Christien Meindertsma makes her own felted wool yarn and knits it together with custom-made oversize needles.

Here are some pictures of her amazing work:

Learn more about Christien Meindertsma at her website.

Learn more about this exhibition at www.nature.org.

International Year of Natural Fibers

2009-06-21T15:05:00.003+01:00

Did you know that 2009 is the International Year of Natural Fibers?

As part of the celebration of the International Year of Natural Fibres, Keep the Fleece in partnership with Heifer International is helping to organize teams around the world to knit sections of the World's Longest Scarf that will all be joined together at the New York Sheep & Wool Festival Oct. 17-18, 2009.

The goal is to raise $250,000.00 that Heifer Intenational will use to donate fleece-bearing animals of all kinds to needy families all around the world. Heifer not only donates the animals, but provides the necessary training so that the families can nurture and grow their herds and become self-sufficient.

The Snuggie™ mania

2009-06-20T13:37:00.000+01:00

According to USA Today, The Snuggie, an oversized fleece blanket with sleeves, available in 3 colors, is a big hit in America.

The numbers prove that: over 4 million sold, around 250 groups on Facebook, 5,999 members in the fan club and over 300 parody videos on YouTube.

There are Snuggie-love sites on the Internet, such as SnuggieSightings.com, where fans can post photos, videos and news. It has become a cult!

Red Heart has adopted this trend and created a new version, called the Snuggle Up Throw.

More Cloth

2009-06-19T14:46:00.000+01:00

More Cloth is a useful tool for quilters who are looking for fabric on Etsy. You just have to click on the color you'd like to view some fabrics for sale on that color range.

Three Irish Girls

2009-06-18T08:04:00.001+01:00

Three Irish Girls sell beautiful colourful handpainted yarn & fiber and learn to dye kits.

They have just presented their spring lookbook.

YarnCraft - Projects for Your Modern Baby

2009-06-17T16:45:00.003+01:00

Yarn Craft published today the second shorter-format podcast for the summer, designed to be the perfect length for yarncrafters on the go.

On this new episode of YarnCraft, Liz & Zontee take a look at the world of babies and ways to inject some fun and whimsy into your baby-yarncrafting.

Find out what colors will stimulate your child and the best easy-care yarns for on-the-go parents.

Audio download

Show Notes:
00:11 Intro
01:23 What’s on Liz & Zontee’s hooks & needles
03:13 Fashionable baby patterns
13:46 Interviews from Maker Faire
19:50 Thanks to our guests

Eco-cotton blend new colors

2009-06-17T10:10:00.001+01:00

Red Heart has added 13 new colors to its Eco-Ways™ and four new colors to its Eco-Cotton Blend™ yarn collections.

Eco-Ways™ is made from 30% recycled polyester which comes completely from recycled plastics. This versatile yarn makes beautiful projects while giving consumers a yarn they can feel good about using.The new colors include Cotton, Misty Violet, Bark, Rose Dust, Fern, Cinnabar, Yam, Sand, Chamois, Cornflower, Asparagus, Dark Indigo and Peacock. View all the beautiful colors here.
Eco-Cotton is a fabulous soft yarn and is eco-friendly. Fabric remnants from T-shirt manufacture are recycled and blended with acrylic for additional softness and loft, then spun into a soft 4-medium weight yarn that's perfect to knit or crochet into comfy sweaters, soft throws, and other home décor items. View all colors here.
See the complete color range here.

Mother Bear Project

2009-06-16T13:55:00.000+01:00

The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

The simple gift of a hand-knit bear with a tag signed by the knitter has touched children with the message that they are unconditionally loved.

Learn more about Mother Bear Project, the children in need and how you can help this effort.

Knitting Out Loud new audiobooks

2009-06-15T10:51:00.000+01:00

Knitting Out Loud was founded by Kathy Goldner, an avid knitter. Ms. Goldner was taught to knit by her German grandmother, a World War II refugee and a psychoanalyst who knit while listening to her patients.

Recently returning to knitting, Kathy plunged into the delightful literature of knitting and realized that the agonizing conflict between reading about knitting and knitting could be solved by producing audiobooks of the best knitting titles available. And so Knitting Out Loud was born.

Three new audiobooks are coming this sring:

Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines
—read by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne
PDF sample pages here
Listen to a podcast interview with Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne by Knit Picks.

Knitting Yarns and Spinning Tales
—read by Greta Cunningham with Meg Swansen

Knitting for Peace
—read by Betty Christiansen
(To help women survivors of war, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this audiobook will be donated to www.womenforwomen.org.)

Berroco new pattern collection

2009-06-14T15:16:00.004+01:00

Berroco Design Studio unveiled the new collection of patterns and yarns for Fall/Winter 2009:

Booklet #288 Blackstone Tweed™: comfortable garments with unique details.
Booklet #287: funky chunky fast knitting accessories and sweaters.
Booklet #289: charming and alluring feminine knits.
Booklet #290 Vintage™ Wool Arts and Crafts: fun, wearable knits that start with youth sizes and go all the way to womens.
Booklet #291 Berroco Comfort® Book for Girls: back-to-school basics for girls.

YarnCraft - Summer Crafting with Kids 01

2009-06-14T15:07:00.004+01:00

This is the first episode of Yarn Craft special series: Summer Crafting with Kids.

On this episode of YarnCraft - Summer Crafting with Kids, Liz & Zontee go over all the essentials for a great crafting space for your kids. Also, find out at least 10 different ways your kids can have fun with yarn.

Get a sneak peak of what this series has in store and find out how you can win a yarncrafting package for crafting with your kids!

Audio download

Show Notes
00:10 Intro
01:32 Creating the perfect craft corner
10:22 Kid-friendly yarncrafts
17:56 What’s in store this summer
19:01 Thanks to our guests

Flag Day

2009-06-14T14:05:00.000+01:00

In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States, which happened that day by resolution of the Second Continental Congress in 1777.

Lion Brand website has knitting and crochet patterns with american flag motifs.

Would you like to celebrate the day with some of these projects?

Knit installation

2009-06-13T14:05:00.004+01:00

Through mid-June, the Montague Street Business Improvement District (MSBIB) is hosting '69 Meters,' an art installation by artist Magda Sayeg and 50 volunteer knitters.

Colorful knitted sleeves are installed on all of Montague Street's parking-meter poles! Check out the pictures of all 69 Meters on Flickr.

More about it in this artcile from The New York Times or MSBIB press release [PDF]

Cinderberry Stiches

2009-06-12T16:00:00.001+01:00

If you're looking for beautiful stitch patterns to use on your quilting projects Cinderberry Stiches is the right place to find them.

You can use one of the free available stitch patterns Springberries or Blue Wrens Nest, or you can purchased them online.

Father's Day gifts

2009-06-12T14:18:00.004+01:00

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in the United States and on various other days in many places around the world.

So, because that day is coming Martha Stewart presented some nice gifts suggestions for Father's Day that you can do yourself.

You can find out more cool projects on Kaboose.

Make Stylish Reusable Shopping Bags

2009-06-11T15:04:00.002+01:00

Many people are turning away from disposable paper-or-plastic shopping bags and carrying their own reusable bags made from canvas or recycled materials when they go to the grocery store.

The reasons for doing so are clear. They want to avoid using a plastic shopping bag because of environmental reasons. And it has become a trend: an eco-chic trend!

Make your own eco-friendly shopping bag: in TipNup you can find some links to free sewing, knitting and crochet projects for reusable handmade bags.

Martha Stewart also has great handmade tote bags sewing patterns!

Amy Butler's new sewing project books

2009-06-10T16:42:00.005+01:00

amy butler's little stitches for little ones
20 keepsake sewing projects for baby and mom

A new lavishly illustrated sewing projects book, with charming and contemporary projects for the nursery, baby wear, soft toys, and many more surprises!

The projects are designed for babies 0-12 months and their mothers, featuring beautiful photos of the finished designs by Colin McGuire.amy butler's midwest modern
a fresh design spirit for the modern lifestyle

It's 224 pages of lavish photography showcasing midwest modern fabric and design but also personal spaces, collections, gardens, and ideas that inspire them.

amy butler's sew-it kit
15 simple and stylish sewing projects for the home.

A great giftable kit with 5 new sewing projects to accompany the IN STITCHES book. The kit includes fabric and notions to make one of the projects and 15 beautiful project cards with easy-to-follow instructions, all packaged in a unique box format.More info.

Giveaway: Name that Fabric

2009-06-09T11:49:00.002+01:00

The Scarlet Fig teamed up with Paper N Stitch for a fabric giveaway called «Name That Fabric».

Laurie Wisbrun (The Scarlet Fig), has some brand new fabric designs and would love your ideas on what to name these two new fabrics: one and two.

The winner can choose any two fat quarters from Scarlet Fig’s etsy shop. Laurie will choose the winner on 6/18 based on which name fits the best for Scarlet Fig.

The giveaway will run from Monday 6/8 to Tues 6/17.

More details here and here.

Patons new yarn: Angora Bamboo

2009-06-09T11:00:00.000+01:00

It's not often you see a yarn as lovely and luxurious as new Patons Angora Bamboo, an exciting blend of bamboo, wool, and angora.

This all-natural yarn is incredibly soft to the touch. The bamboo content gives it an outstanding sheen and drape, while the angora content adds a subtle aura of softness.

The stitch definition when worked up makes Patons Angora Bamboo great for both cables and textured patterns. A true worsted weight, it knits up quickly without being too bulky - perfect for garments.

Patons Angora Bamboo also comes in a vibrant palette of colors that combine beautifully for fair isle designs or as stand alone striking solids.

Scarlet Fig new fabrics

2009-06-08T23:43:00.000+01:00

Laurie Wisbrun, from Scarlet Fig, just announced that her new fabrics are now available for sale.

She created two collections:

Animal Sherbet
"Elephants, giraffes, rhinos and dots in a delicious sherbet colored palette. Also has a coordinating stripe. I just love the playful nature of these designs. Even though they have animals in them, they feel very grown up to me. But darn how cute would a wee little skirt in Elephants be?" (Laurie Wisbrun)Birdies on Couches
"Birdies and chesterfield sofas, dots in a lovely aqua and lush yellow palette. I started working in this palette for the eye pillows and fell in love with it. The aqua dots is sooooo pretty. I can't wait to start sewing with it. Also part of this collection is a pattern that is my modern interpretation of Bird on a Wire. If only I could figure out how to get it made into wallpaper. It comes in yellow and white/aqua." (Laurie Wisbrun)

Elephants, giraffes, rhinos, birds, dots and stripes make a colourful and ethnic choice for your quilting projects.

Rosários 4 new yarns

2009-06-08T20:46:00.003+01:00

Rosários 4 has a new yarns for baby and children projects.

Natural Baby
100% Cotton

Merino Land
100% Merino Wool

Martha Stewart's Summer Sewing Projects

2009-06-08T10:29:00.002+01:00

Martha Stewart prepared some great summer sewing projects.

You can choose between three categories: clothing and accessories, outdoor ideas, and home and tabletop.

Also check out other sewing projects!

Random House new releases'

2009-06-07T11:14:00.002+01:00

Random House just published this three beautiful sewing projects books.

Chic & Simple Sewing, Christine Haynes
Chic & Simple Sewing shows you how to make modern, stylish, and fun clothes you’ll want to wear every day. Plus, you’re in control. You pick the fabrics, the cut, the size—all tailored just for you, not mass-manufactured on an assembly line. For about the price of two or three commercial sewing patterns, this book will give you full-size patterns to make more than 20 garments, including a classic shift, A-line skirt, and figure-flattering wrap dress.
Linen, Wool, Cotton, Akiko Mano
Objects sewn with all-natural fabrics have an unmistakable look and feel that makes them stand out from the “ordinary.” Natural fabrics are more interesting, almost always more comfortable, and they lend themselves wonderfully to all sorts of homemade projects. The simple sewing projects in this book offer home accessories made from linen, wool, and cotton. From aprons to blankets and lunch bags, each project will add a little bit of warmth and comfort to any home. Through clear instruction and easy-to-follow diagrams, all of these projects are perfect for the novice sewer; yet the sophisticated charmand utile nature of each item will also appeal to the more experienced seamster.Patchwork Style, Suzuko Koseki
Nothing conveys a feeling of warmth and comfort like the traditional art of patchwork. This book brings patchwork into the twenty-first century with a treasury of projects you can make that are bold, bright, and innovative—yet just as homey and warm as traditional patchwork. The thirty-four projects presented in this book explore the techniques of patchwork sewing, appliqué, and machine quilting and include pouches and handbags, quilts and pillow cases, tissue cases and pot holders, all with a distinctive Scandinavian flair. The projects’ minimalist style, attention to detail, and simple aesthetic speak to our desire to create a warm and authentic life at home.Each project is presented through stunning photographs that exemplify the creative, calming, and enriching qualities of the craft. Detailed diagrams and instructions make each project easy enough to follow for even the beginning sewer.

Drops Design autumn/winter 2009/2010 collection for vote

2009-06-06T14:37:00.005+01:00

Now you can vote for your new Drops Design favourites for this autumn and winter.

The Design Team was inspired by traditional Norwegian knitting design but also reflects the newest trends from the rest of Europe, focusing on shapes, tailored garments, as well as cables, bobbles, moss stitch and lace patterns.

You’ll also find several crochet patterns.

There’s something for everyone and in size from S to XXXL and you can vote for a maximum of 10 designs.

The new patterns will be posted on the website all through the end of June, July and August. The printed fall books will be in stores in September.

Sweet Life Bags

2009-06-06T11:00:00.003+01:00

Amy Butler designed her second line of Sweet Life Bags.

They are custom-made for creative passions like knitting, quilting, and sewing.

New features include extra pockets and tool channels, strong and long straps for carrying comfort, expandable side panels and bag bottoms, and a gorgeous assortment of styles and sizes to suit every need.

All constructed with August Fields fabric for Rowan.

Clover's new thimbles

2009-06-05T17:54:00.004+01:00

Protect and Grip Thimbles
Protect and Grip Thimbles offer the perfect combination of soft, elastic material with the safety of a metal thimble cap. The scallop design offers breathability, keeping your finger cool. Its excellent elasticity helps the thimble form naturally to your fingertip for a light fit. Safe and smart, the ridged and dimpled metal cap holds the needle tip in place and pushes needles in safely.

Natural Fit Leather Thimbles
Natural Fit Leather Thimbles are the first ever finger-shaped leather thimble with 3-dimensional stitching. There are no seams or stitches where the needle hits the thimble, allowing the needle to be pushed from the most convenient spot. The unique shape creates a smooth curve from the edge of the fingertip to the middle of the finger, giving you a cozy, natural fit.

YarnCraft podcast

2009-06-05T12:58:00.001+01:00

YarnCraft, Lion Brand radio-style show for knitters and crocheters announced the first of their shorter-format podcasts for the summer, designed to be the perfect length for yarncrafters on the go.

This special series starting June 9, Summer Crafting with Kids, or for regular episodes on topics from baby projects to the latest styles to great gifts. It's the perfect companion for taking 15 minutes to unwind with your latest project or for knit & crochet ideas while you're on the go.

Listening is easy! Go to YarnCraft's website and click the "play" arrow on the episode you want to hear, or search for "YarnCraft" in the iTunes store and click "download".

You can even get the latest episode guides (with links to patterns and sites discussed on the show) in your e-mail inbox by clicking here.

U-handbag

2009-06-04T11:00:00.000+01:00

U-handbag stock everything from bag handles to purse frames and hard-to-find metal bits.

It also has kits with everything you need to make your own beautiful home-made handbags.

Kits include patterns, step by step instructions, clear and helpful colour photos, frames, fabrics...

This is one of the new available products: Baguette Clutch Kit - Multi Candy Jar.

Amy Butler fabrics

2009-06-03T14:58:00.009+01:00

Amy Butler produces some of the most beautiful fabrics I have ever seen!

August Fields, Wild Bouquet

Daisy Chain, Basil

Check out her newest collections and some of the sewing projects made with those fabrics.

Bonsai Colors from Berroco

2009-06-02T10:34:00.002+01:00

Bonsai Colors is the new Berroco printed ribbon yarn made from bamboo.

A hint of nylon shine wraps around the strand to evoke the markings on a stalk of bamboo.Available in 5 shades.

The Swift - knitting bag in cork

2009-06-02T10:23:00.004+01:00

The Swift is a tote/shoulder bag specifically for knitters and crafty types, designed by Tom Bihn in collaboration with the readers of Knitty® magazine.

The Swift has been available in either 1000 denier Cordura or 1050 denier ballistic nylon for some time.

Now the Swift is also available in Cork fabric. Cork fabric is a durable, gorgeous material made from real cork bark.
Cork fabric holds up exceptionally well over time, though the patterns in it will deepen and become richer with age.

Because of the variation in the cork fabric, no two Swift in cork bags will be alike.

Coats new workboxes for 2009

2009-06-02T10:05:00.004+01:00

Coats presented a bright, new collection of workboxes for 2009.

The fabric-covered workbox collection includes some fantastic new fabrics in colourful flock and floral designs as well as traditional patterns and quirky characters.Solid and hard-wearing, the wooden boxes with multiple compartments for your sewing and craft tools are a great gift for any craft enthusiast.

Offhand Designs new handbags

2009-06-01T20:08:00.004+01:00

Offhand Designs is dedicated to producing handbags that stand apart from the mainstream.

This spring 2009 Offhand Designs presented a new collection of knitting handbags:

Maude
Audrey
Suki

Debbie Bliss Eco

2009-06-01T19:52:00.008+01:00

Debbie Bliss Eco yarn is a new yarn for 2009, Eco is a beautiful aran weight yarn manufactured from organic cotton within an ecologically and socially conscious process through the Bio Re textile chain, which integrates farmers, their families and the textile industry as equal partners.The yarn is dyed with non toxic dyes in recyclable water, giving a vibrant palette of colours still within the organic concept. Colours range from vivid red's, warm stones to soft blue.The yarn is supported by a brand new collection of 16 patterns, suitable for the beginner and more experienced knitter.

Font: Cafe Knit

Sixth&Spring Books new releases

2009-06-01T19:34:00.006+01:00

Amongst Sixth&Spring Books new releases I chose to highlight Design It, Knit It, by Debbie Bliss, because I just love her creations!

With more than 20 knitting projects and patterns intended for children, women, men, and the home, this collection is truly for everyone. Bestselling author Debbie Bliss’s designs are fun, easy to create, and make perfect gifts. In addition to the delightful original designs, which include hats, gloves, and home décor items, there’s also an introduction that covers everything from selecting yarns and determining gauge to reading charts and patterns. This is a must-have guide for knitters of all skill levels who desire breathtaking designs and high-quality yarn.

Tote bags

2009-06-01T19:19:00.004+01:00

These stylish craft totes from Creative Options makes it easy to keep our crafts organized.

Diverse pockets and removable interior wall make them perfect for needle arts, and even beading tools.

Recycled Cotton Yarn

2009-06-01T19:02:00.005+01:00

Spun from soft recycled cotton, this yarn is perfect for baby clothes, lightweight garments, and even washcloths.

Made from cotton fabric pieces that would otherwise be discarded when fabric is cut to produce tee-shirts, Lion Brand Recycled Cotton yarn reduces waste and conserves resources. These clippings are sorted by color, minimizing the amount of dyeing needed for the final yarn. The sorted cotton fiber is then blended with acrylic for enhanced performance.

Available in 7 colors.

New needle cases and crochet hooks

2009-06-01T18:18:00.009+01:00

Lantern Moon has beautiful new silk needle cases and ebony and rosewood crochet hooks.

Raw Silk Needle Cases
Silk needle cases in two styles: one for circulars only (with 18 pockets) and another to hold both straights and circulars (holds nine pairs of straight needles and eight pairs of circulars). Raw and patterned silk. Zippered pouch. Nylon reinforced.

Marilyn Horn needle case
Portland knitter Marilyn Horn developed this great silk needle case: taller and wider with 21 narrow pockets for straight needles, double points or crochet hooks, and eight wide pockets for circular needles. In raspberry, raw silk and polka dot habutai silk, with gold taffeta accents.

Ebony and rosewood crochet hooks
Sold individually in sizes D through N or in sets in two size ranges: F - K (6 hooks)and sizes L - N (3 hooks).

Cork yarn

2009-05-30T23:01:00.010+01:00

Rosarios 4 announced the launch of a new yarn made from Cork.

This product - 100% Portuguese - is still under research and according to Rosários 4 it will be available in 5 shades during 2009.

Being a fan of their products I can hardly wait to see this new yarn!

Crochet initiation kits

2009-05-30T22:25:00.005+01:00

Rosários 4, a Portuguese textil company specialized in producing and dyeing yarns, created six crochet initiation kits, with different crochet projects for children.

Each initiation kit contains 3 balls of yarn; 1 crochet hook; 1 instruction booklet; and 2 plastic eyes.

Available Kits:
KIT I: Sheep and Scarf
KIT II: Rabbit and Scarf
KIT III: Chicken and Scarf
KIT IV: Elephant and Scarf
KIT V: Lion and Scarf
KIT VI: Fish and Scarf

Kids Learn to Crochet

2009-05-30T00:53:00.004+01:00

Following the success of Kids Learn to Knit, Lucinda Guy and Francois Hall have combined forces again to show young children, from 6 years of age, how to crochet, with the help of Francois Hall’s witty animal illustrations: two little mice and a friendly wolf.

The book Kids Learn to Crochet takes children from the very first steps of learning about yarns, to how to make a foundation chain, how to work the basic crochet stitches, such as double, half treble and treble crochet. It explains how to shape crochet, how to work in the round, and how to stitch crochet pieces together.

Each stage in the learning process culminates in a simple, brightly coloured project, so young crocheters can test their skills and have fun doing so at the same time.

Projects include a striped toy cat, a small stuffed bear, a cute bag and a bunch of fabulous flowers.

A section called "When Things Go Wrong" offers humorous advice about dropped stitches, sewing troubles and other frustrations.

Wash+Filz-It! in multicolour shades

2009-05-30T00:53:00.003+01:00

Wash+Filz-It!, from Anchor, is now available in multicolour shades.

Wash+Filz-It! creates stable and high quality felted projects by washing knitted, crochet, weaved or even wrapped items. Simply wash in a standard washing machine up to 60 degrees.

Patons launches natural fibre yarn

2009-05-29T00:52:00.001+01:00

Linen Touch DK is the new spring summer yarn from Patons for 2009.

Linen Touch DK has been launched following the ever increasing trend for natural fibre yarns, knitted to a standard DK tension, made up from 74% cotton and 24% linen. To compliment this yarn, 12 design support loose leaflets have also been launched, with designs covering all capabilities from beginner to advanced levels. These designs include classic cardigans, sweaters, lace and fairisle, plus 2 classic designs for men.

This new yarn is available in 12 shades, with the colour range very wearable including a mix of naturals and subdued bright shades, with orange and aqua, two key fashion shades for Spring/Summer 2009.

Eco-friendly yarn

2009-05-29T00:52:00.000+01:00

Many companies are turning to hemp in order to make their products more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Hemp is a fast growing plant that is pest resistant reducing the need for both water and pesticides and herbicides. It also helps nourish the soil where it is planted, reducing the need for fertilizer.

Hemp products can provide further environmental benefits when comparing them to products made from other fibers.

Hemp fibers are long, strong, and versatile and can be made into just about anything fiber related.

Hemp for Knitting uses hemp fibers to make eco-friendly yarn. It offers a wide variety of skeins 100% hemp yarn in the most beautiful and vibrant colours.

What started up as a small mail order business in Canada has evolved and Lanaknits Designs Hemp for Knitting is now sold in hundreds of stores across the globe.

Lion Brand new luxury yarn

2009-05-29T00:50:00.000+01:00

Lion Brand added a lightweight and elegant new yarn to its line of luxury fibers, LB Collection.

LB Collection Silk Mohair Yarn is a lace-weight yarn, 70% Super Kid Mohair, 30% Silk, available in 6 vibrant shades, perfect for accessories and lightweight garments.

Lion Brand created two new patterns with this yarn: a lace wrap (knit) and a granny square scarf (crochet).

Lion Brand has now 6 lines of luxury fibers:
LB Collection Cashmere
LB Collection Cotton Bamboo
LB Collection Organic Wool
LB Collection Silk Mohair
LB Collection Superwash Merino
LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel