Most people would think raising 8 children is a full-time job, but Denise Balvanz balanced that with various entrepreneurial endeavors. She spent 25 years running a sewing and alterations business. Then she got into teaching and designing knitting patterns. Denise was inspired to design her Snug-as-a-Bug Baby Bunting while expecting her first grandchild. Knit in… Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Snug-as-a-Bug Baby Bunting by Denise Balvanz
Tag: Vintage yarn
Designer Spotlight: Photoshoot-Worthy Mermaid Tail Outfit by Elizabeth Cala
Elizabeth Cala stays up at night visualizing how the pieces of her future designs will come together. The loss of sleep takes nothing away from the thrill she gets in creating something from nothing. Elizabeth’s Photoshoot-Worthy Mermaid Tail Outfit was actually inspired by her Pinterest feed. With many expecting friends sharing pictures of babies in… Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Photoshoot-Worthy Mermaid Tail Outfit by Elizabeth Cala
Designer Spotlight: Seattle Knitters Guild 30th Anniversary Hat by Jessica Rose
Jessica Rose has gone through phases of scrapbooking, quilting, soap making and more. Her husband even once called her “compulsively crafty.” But knitting is one thing she hasn’t phased out. Earlier this year, the Seattle Knitters Guild asked Jessica to design a pattern in honor of their 30th Anniversary – hence her Seattle Knitters Guild… Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Seattle Knitters Guild 30th Anniversary Hat by Jessica Rose
Emily Explains: Ultra Alpaca MKAL Alternatives
There are many ways to alter and change a pattern. These choices are exciting but can also be so overwhelming! Today I wanted to share some ideas for substituting the yarn or altering the size of the Ultra Alpaca Mystery blanket. Without ruining the surprise, I can tell you that the mystery blanket is made up of… Continue reading Emily Explains: Ultra Alpaca MKAL Alternatives
Designer Spotlight: Promenade en Forêt by Julie Archambault
When Julie Archambault first learned to knit, her mother and aunt told her she was holding her needles incorrectly. Julie continued to knit her way and proved she could do it well. These days, she’s the one teaching them new techniques! Julie recently began publishing her own designs, starting with a shawl she knit in… Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Promenade en Forêt by Julie Archambault
Disney Classic Crochet Giveaway
We don't often get yarn requests like the one Megan Kreiner sent last April. She had just landed a contract for an exciting project with Disney and needed one skein of each of our Vintage yarn colors as soon as possible. We happily obliged because we love Megan's work...and who doesn't love Disney? It took a… Continue reading Disney Classic Crochet Giveaway
Designer Spotlight: Rainbow Chevron Pillow by Mary Beth Temple
Mary Beth Temple says she’s never not knitting or crocheting. She teaches at conferences across the country, as well as online, and has authored eleven books about yarn crafts, with more on the way. Chances are you’ve come across some of her designs. One of the latest is Mary Beth’s Rainbow Chevron Pillow, featured in… Continue reading Designer Spotlight: Rainbow Chevron Pillow by Mary Beth Temple
Designer Spotlight: January Snow by Maggie Fangmann
Maggie Fangmann adores things that have history, whether it’s the former mining town where she lives or the tradition of knitting in her family. She can trace their love of needles and yarn back to her great-great-grandmother in Denmark. And she’s adding to that history with every new design. January Snow is an afghan block… Continue reading Designer Spotlight: January Snow by Maggie Fangmann
Amy’s Thread: Winner of the Forked Blanket Giveaway
And the winner of our Forker Blanket Giveaway is: Lauri "I have already decided my next project is a blanket and have been trying to find a pattern I want to try, but not finding it. I would so love to design my own or make a sampler one! And then make some to give away;… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: Winner of the Forked Blanket Giveaway
Amy’s Thread: Forked Blanket Giveaway
This week we were sent a copy of the new book, Pick Your Stitch: Build A Blanket by Doreen Marquart (Martingale Press, 2015) to review and giveaway - better yet we're throwing in the Berroco Vintage Chunky yarn to knit the "Forked Blanket" project from the book. The book is well laid out with written instructions and… Continue reading Amy’s Thread: Forked Blanket Giveaway