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CHA Trend Report: Owl Crafts Round Up + Swag Bag Giveaway

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Let’s get this out in the open: I love owls.  And when I say that I love owls, I mean that I’m well on my way to becoming a crazy cat lady – just replace the cats with owl things!  Needless to say, when I set foot on the show floor of the 2012 Craft & Hobby Association Summer Show in Rosemont, Illinois, I couldn’t wait to see if owls were still making their mark in the crafting world.  I’m happy to report that they are!  I saw so many adorable owls this year that I thought it would be fun to feature a nice little round up for you all.  Make sure to read until the end; I’ll also be including information about our exciting Swag Bag Giveaway! Want to see more trend posts?  Read about all the other trends our team spotted at CHA right here!

 

 

 

Cosmo Cricket Owls – This adorable owl print is part of a new collection from Cosmo Cricket called S’more Love.  Pair this owl shape with their Life’s a Hoot stamp and you’ve got the perfect Thinking of You Card!

Stampendous Steampunk and Halloween Owls – With steampunk and vintage crafts being so hot right now, it was only a matter of time before monocles, old gears and goggles found their way onto our feathery friends.  In some new designs by Stampendous, owls meets steampunk meets Halloween and it’s … stupendous!  Even if you’re not a fan of the steampunk trends, you had to admit that owls in top hats and bow ties look surprisingly sophisticated.  Don’t you think?

Silhouette Owl – Even Silhouette is hopping on the owl bandwagon.  This wide-eyed little guy is hard not to love; you could even say he’s hypnotic.  For more insanely cute ideas from Silhouette, check out this baby shower card.  Spoiler: it includes cute owls.

Hero Arts Owl Stamp: In case you thought owls were only for Halloween or steampunk enthusiasts, think again!  This festive stamp is perfect for all your Christmas crafting this year.  Even if you don’t enjoy making your own cards, just throw this owl stamp on the back (or front) of your card envelopes for an added touch of cuteness.

Don’t forget to check out our complete coverage of this summer’s CHA show.

 

 

You’d didn’t think we’d go to CHA Summer 2012 and not bring back something for all of our lovely readers did you? We went to the Craft and Hobby Trade Show like we do every year and collected all the swag we could into a large CHA Swag Bag Giveaway! We picked up some awesome prizes from Mod Podge, 3M, October Afternoon, and so much more! So don’t hesitate! Enter today by answering the question below in the comments section.

 

Giveaway Rules:

What’s your favorite crafting trend?

How to: Knitting for Beginners

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Lately it seems like everyone is taking a ride on the knitting bandwagon.  From famous people, like actress Amanda Seyfried, to male and female friends and family members — everyone wants to learn how to knit!  If you’re reading this because you’ve decided that today is the day you’re going to finally learn how to do this addictive hobby, then you’re in luck!  Together, we’ll unravel the tangled mystery that is knitting, and by the end of this post, you’ll be well on your way to creating your first knit scarf!  Are you ready for a few “purls” of wisdom?  (Please forgive my knitting puns). Let’s get started!

How to Knit: Basic Materials

Many people who have been knitting for years have tons of supplies.  We’re talking 40+ different types of yarn, plus every size of knitting needles imaginable.  While you’ll eventually need to familiarize yourself with all the different types of needles – straight, circular and double pointed – for now, let’s just stick to the basics.  To get started practicing, you’ll need three main things:

Basic Knitting Tutorials and Techniques

 

Because you’re learning something new, you’re going to need to grasp a few basic techniques before starting complicated projects.  For your convenience, we’ve rounded up some of our top knitting tutorials, so you can get started learning a new hobby today!

Free Easy Knitting Patterns

Shifting Colors Dishcloth Scarf – This fast knitting pattern is ideal for a beginner.  In this pattern, you’ll get plenty of practice using the knit stitch by whipping up five basic squares.  Once your squares are complete, seam them together to make a trendy scarf!

 

 

 

Easy Beginner Knitted Hat – Made with straight knitting needles, this project will allow a beginner to practice several techniques including the knit stitch, knitting with two strands of yarn at the same time, and basic seaming methods. Once your baby hat is seamed up, embellish it with a fun, homemade pom pom!

 

 

 

 

 

Simple Cotton Dishcloth –  Get practice knitting by creating something practical for the kitchen!  This easy knit dishcloth is the perfect beginner pattern to work on while watching some T.V.  It’s small, fast to finish and it’s extremely portable.

 

 

 

 

How to: Knitting Videos

If you’re like me, then you’re more of a visual learner.  If reading the articles above just isn’t making sense, you won’t want to miss this collection of knitting videos below.  Whether you’re completely new to the hobby, or you just need a little refresher, these videos will help you pick up your needles and start knitting!

I hope that all of these free tutorials have helped you get started, and that you’re already halfway finished with your first scarf!  Remember, knitting really isn’t that complicated.  There are just two stitches to learn: the knit stitch and the purl stitch.  Every other special stitch is just a combination of those two stitches.  That doesn’t sound all that bad, right?

 

And while you’re picking up a new hobby, why not check out a new project and giveaway every day in March? We’re celebrating National Craft Month in a big way. Check out today’s post for your chance to win an awesome prize!

What’s the one tip or technique you wished you knew about as a beginner knitter?

CHA 2012 Recap: Yarn is Art

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While we know it’s not true, some people still think that knitting and crocheting is still just an old-fashioned hobby reserved for grandmas in rocking chairs.  Now there’s not anything wrong with knitting in a rocking chair (that sounds amazing right now, actually), but as a hobby, knitting and crocheting have moved so far beyond that point, that it’s not right to limit it to a stereotype.  Yarn is more than just something our grandma’s used to work with; it’s a bold medium that everyone – at any age – can use to express themselves artistically.

At the Craft & Hobby Association Winter 2012 Conference and Trade Show  in Anaheim, Calif., which I had the pleasure of attending, it seemed that yarn companies were adamant on showing just how artistic and fashionable yarn can be!  Not sure what I mean?  Read on – and don’t miss our special surprise at the end of this post!

Lion Brand Yarn sign from CHA. “Yarn is Art.”

One of my favorite booths, and I must admit they have an amazing setup every year, was Lion Brand Yarn’s booth.  Aside from the adorable sign that proudly claimed, “Yarn is art,” they had several standout pieces all designed from the talented Lion Brand Yarn team that I couldn’t wait to share with you.  If these pictures don’t scream modern art, I don’t know what does:

Lion Brand Yarn exhibit at CHA
Lion Brand Yarn exhibit at CHA

I wish I could hang that last one on my wall in my apartment.  If your house needs a dose of edgy decor, this trendy afghan should do the trick – just hang it up on a plain wall for an instant piece of modern art.   Love it. I might have to get my hands on more Lion Brand Yarn and try to make one for myself!

And just in case the first two innovative pieces from above didn’t prove their point, the Lion Brand team also concocted this incredible sculpture-like dress below made out of felted knit leaves.  I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves:

Lion Brand Yarn exhibit at CHA

Before we move on to other yarn goodies, another really cool thing that Lion Brand did this year was reach out to design schools from all over the world.  The challenge? Make a stunning piece of wearable art using Lion Brand products.  The result?  Twenty two modern designs were featured throughout Lion Brand’s booth and during their annual fashion show.  I don’t have room to show them all, but here are a few of my favorite designs:

Dress designed by emerging designer, Heater Orr, with Cotton-Ease from Lion Brand Yarn
Designed by emerging designer, Gretchen Kreutz, using Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn by Lion Brand
Another thing I completely fell in love with at the show were these gorgeous yarn flowers at Simplicity’s booth (below).  Whether you use these easy-to-make flowers to dress up a blazer or add more color to an afghan, it’s a simple way to make an artsy statement with everything, from home decor to your wardrobe.   Want to make your own pretty flowers?  Just get your hands on a Bloom Loom. 
Yarn flowers made with Simplicity Bloom Loom

If you’re not a big fan of wearing flowers, Bernat’s booth showed a great example of how crochet flowers can be used as colorful accents in home decor.  Don’t you love this chair:

Chair covered with crocheted flowers at Bernat’s booth

For those fashionistas out there who can’t get enough of ruffles, I’m pleased to tell you that ruffles and ribbon yarn is the new trend with many yarn companies!  Going along with the yarn is art theme, Red Heart has plenty of gorgeous artisan-like products coming out in the next few months.  One of my favorites was the light, airy and shimmery yarn called Sashay which will be available in new colors in April 2012.  The yarn itself is made out of ribbon-like material, making it ruffle.  Here’s what it looks like all knitted up:

 

Pretty stylish, right?  Remember, yarn can be used as an artistic way to dress up our wardrobe, as well as the walls!  Love that scarf and want to make it now?  Learn how to create your own similar scarf on FaveCrafts.

 

So tell us, have you ever used yarn to decorate your home?

 

P.S. Want to win a swag bag of crafty goodies from CHA?  Enter our contest before February 10!

Project Winter Warmth: Hats, Mittens and Scarves – Oh My! – ENDED

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At the beginning of this month, I made a call out to all knitters and crocheters to donate to Project Winter Warmth.  Started by high school student Breanna, Project Winter Warmth is charity effort that’s collecting hats, mittens and scarves for those in need in the Kenosha area.  Find out more about how to participate on the blog.  There’s a prize package involved. 🙂

And now on with the updates!  I know we’ve all been busy knitting for charity, but I wanted to make sure that I showed you how many generous donations we’ve received so far.  Thank you so much to everyone who has participated so far!  We have so many kind, generous and talented readers!

It was difficult to find the space to show off all of the stuff, but here are a few pictures:

Seriously how cute is that bear scarf set!  There’s a hat in there too. 🙂  And look at this cute cupcake hat! Adorable!

 

 

Thank you again to everyone who has sent us donations so far!  Remember, we’ll be collecting items on behalf of Project Winter Warmth until Nov. 28.  After that we’ll choose one lucky winner to receive a $50 prize basket from AllFreeKnitting just for participating!  All donations will be delivered to Breanna after Nov. 28 and will be distributed to various charities, mainly the Meals on Wheels program, The INNs Homeless Program, and any local schools where children are in need of these winter items.  There are no yarn or pattern requirements for these donations – use whatever you have on hand!

Need a pattern?  We have tons of great charity patterns on AllFreeKnitting and AllFreeCrochet.

 

Attention All Knitters and Crocheters: Donate to Project Winter Warmth – ENDED

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Editor’s Note:  Thank you again to everyone who participated in Breanna’s project.  Please note that we are no longer accepting donations at the office, as the project has ended for this year.  Thank you! 

 

Attention all knitters and crocheters: I have an exciting opportunity for us all to give back – it’s called Project Winter Warmth.

From now until November 28, Project Winter Warmth will be collecting knit and/or crochet hats, mittens/gloves and scarves for those in need.  Donations are needed in all sizes (newborn, adult and children) and will benefit charities in desperate need of these items, mainly the Meals on Wheels program, The INNs Homeless Program, and any local schools where children are in need of these winter items.  There are no yarn or pattern requirements for these donations – use whatever you have on hand!

Project Winter Warmth was started by Kenosha high school student Breanna Ricchio (pictured below) who has a passion for helping others.  Breanna, along with her teammates on the Bradford High School Girls Varsity Soccer team, hopes to collect enough handmade sets to donate to all of the charities listed above.

 

When Breanna contacted me a few days ago, I was so excited to help her get the word out about her great cause – she’s from my hometown Kenosha, WI!  Breanna started the Winter Warmth Project through the encouragement of her mother.  “My mom has always done a lot of charity work and I always tagged behind to help her … She mentioned I should try something on my own. This is the idea I came up with. It’s great my coach and fellow team mates are going to help me out,” she said.

How you can help:

Project Winter Warmth will be collecting knit and/or crochet hats, mittens/gloves and scarves for those in need from now until November 28.  Send all of your donations to our office address here:

Project Winter Warmth
Attn: Caitlin Kavanaugh
3400 Dundee Road, Suite 220
Northbrook, Il 60062

Once I receive all the donations by the end of November, I’ll be delivering them to Breanna and Bradford High School in one big load.  I live right by her school – what a small world. 🙂

As a special treat: For everyone who sends us a donation, I’ll enter your name into a special contest for a prize package from AllFreeKnitting. We gave away a $50 prize basket for our last charity challenge, so I promise it will be good!

Remember, you can use any pattern you would like, but here are a couple of our favorites from AllFreeKnitting.com.  We also have plenty of free patterns for scarves, hats and mittens/gloves to choose from!

Hello New York Winter Accessories
Kindergarten Kit

Happy Knitting!

Mother Bear Charity Challenge: Recap and Winner!

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First of all, Happy I love Yarn Day!

Now, for the past few weeks, AllFreeKnitting took part in an exciting charity challenge: we knit our very own bear for the Mother Bear Project! I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who knit a bear along with us!  Check out some of our favorite reader submissions below and keep reading … we’ll announce the winner of our promised prize basket below.

AllFreeKnitting’s finished bear: 

We like to call him Frankie after Frank Sinatra.  He’s classy – after all, just look at this bow tie!

 

Reader submissions:

Lori Matteson made this bear for the challenge.  I love its little face!

 

 

Georgia Green made this insanely cute pair of bears – Fred and Ethel.  I love how she made tiny belt buckles too – how creative!

 

 

Jill F. Johnson submitted this sweet girly bear.  Don’t you love that crazy hair?

 

 

Teresa Skinner Eagan created this super cute bear.  I love the striped dress and matching leggings!

 

She also made this one – so cute:

 

 

Kira Hoskins shared her lovely bear in progress with us.  Keep up the great work, Kira.

 

 

And The Winner Is … Teresa Skinner Eagan!!

Teresa, please contact us at your earliest convenience so we can get your mailing address and send you your fabulous prize!

What is your fabulous prize?  This exciting prize basket full of goodies:

Included in this $50 prize basket is:

  • One skein of Stitch Nation Washable Ewe yarn in Clover
  • One skein of Stitch Nation Washable Ewe yarn in Zinnia
  • A BRAND NEW copy of the just released book Knit Local by Tanis Gray
  • A 2011 calendar with 12 free patterns from designer Helen Hamann

Congrats!

Celebrate Your Love of Fiber on I Love Yarn Day!

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Do you knit and crochet or just absolutely adore fiber?  If this describes you, then October 14 is your day to tell the world.  Celebrate I Love Yarn Day along with the Craft Yarn Council this October.  Whether you knit it, crochet it, wear it, post it, tweet it, carry it, share it, give it, or bomb it, you will join fiber enthusiasts around the nation who love yarn just as much as you do!  And by spreading the word about how amazing fiber can be, you might even inspire another knitter or crocheter or two!

Can’t decide how to show your yarn love?  The Craft yarn Council has some great ideas on their website, ILoveYarn.org.  Here are a few of them:

  •     Create an I Love Day Yarn badge
  •     Teach someone to knit or crochet
  •     Do something for charity
  •     Wear a knitted or crocheted item
  •     Give a gift of yarn
  •     Take your yarn to work day
  •     Host a yarn-a-bration party
  •     Knit, crochet and craft in public

We also have several easy knitting and crochet patterns on AllFreeKnitting and AllFreeCrochet that would be great to make and wear on I Love Yarn Day.  Don’t miss a couple of our favorites below!

90 Minute Wasabi Cowl

90 Minute Wasabi Cowl from AllFreeKnitting.com

Sensational Scarf

Sensational Scarf from AllFreeCrochet.com

 

How will you celebrate I Love Yarn Day?  Tell us in the comments! 

Mother Bear Charity Challenge: Where’s My Face?

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In case you missed it: AllFreeKnitting is participating in an exciting charity challenge: we’re going to knit a bear for the Mother Bear Project and we’d like for you to join us! If you’ve never heard of this organization before, all knit and crochet bears are made with a special pattern provided by the Mother Bear Project. Completed bears are sent to Africa where children affected by HIV/AIDS get to receive your thoughtful donations.

Progress Update!

Have you finished knitting your bear yet?  I almost have mine ready to send off to the Mother Bear Project –  he just needs a scarf and a face!  Do you have any suggestions or tips for embroidering faces?  This is my first time attempting it so any tips would be greatly appreciated. Just leave me a comment! 🙂

 

 

Remember, if you send us pictures of your bear (or bear in progress) or post your pictures on our Facebook wall by October 13, you’ll be entered into a contest for free yarn from AllFreeKnitting’s yarn stash.

How to Make Yarn Pom Poms

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Don’t you love how cute and versatile pom poms are?  Add them to the top of a knit hat or to the ends of a homemade scarf and you’ll instantly have a whimsical winter accessory.  If you’ve never made your own before and don’t have a special pom pom making kit, don’t worry –  making pom poms is actually super easy!   It’s also a great craft project for kids.  So get your favorite color of yarn ready and let’s make some pom poms!

Materials:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • A small ball of scrap yarn (Note: for fuller pom poms, use two two balls or more of yarn)
  • Scissors
  • Cardboard or cardstock

Instructions:

  1. Take your piece of cardboard or cardstock and cut a rectangle shape that’s roughly three inches wide and five inches long.
  2. Take your ball of yarn and wrap it around the middle of the cardboard.
  3. Continue wrapping until the yarn protrudes at least an inch out from the cardboard.  Depending on how full you want your pom pom to be, you may need to wrap more yarn in this stage.
  4. Bend your cardboard rectangle slightly until the wrapped yarn can easily slide off.
  5. Take a long strand of yarn that’s the same color as the yarn you used before and tie it tightly around the middle of the loops of yarn. It will end up looking something like this:
  6. Take your scissors and cut through the yarn loops on both sides of the “bow.”
  7. Your pom pom will look a little disheveled at first.  To remedy this, gently pull and stretch both sides of the pom pom to loosen up the freshly cut loops.
  8. Now take your scissors and trim the yarn down to size and into the desired shape.  After its had a proper haircut, your lovely little pom pom will look something like this:
  9. That’s all there is to it.  Enjoy adding your finished pom pom to hats, scarves and more.

 

How to Knit a Bow

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When I saw this adorable bow headband tutorial by Stephanie from A Common Thread, I knew I had to try to make my own.  While I loved the idea of creating a stylish headband from yarn scraps, I also wanted my bow to be more versatile.  Wouldn’t it be great if I could transform my bow into a hairclip or a necklace at every fashionable whim?   I sure thought so,  and so I created my own bow with an open back where either a chain or hairclip can easily be inserted – depending on where my stylish whim takes me.

 

Here’s how I made my version of this fabulous idea!

Materials:

  • DK weight yarn from your stash
  • U.S. size 9 knitting needles
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle

Instructions:

  1. I happened to have some new DK weight yarn that I wanted to try out, so I used that instead of the recommended worsted weight yarn for this tutorial.  I also used larger sized needles so my bow would come out light and delicate.
  2. To begin, CO 13 stitches and knit the seed stitch for every row until you have a rectangular piece that’s six inches in length.  You can use any stitch you like – garter stitch, daisy stitch, stockinette stitch – I just love the texture of the seed stitch and thought it would make a stunning accessory:
  3. Once your rectangle is long enough, BO and weave in the ends.  Take some more yarn of the same color and CO 5 stitches.  Continue knitting the seed stitch (or whatever stitch you selected for step 2) for every row until your tiny rectangle is three to three and a half inches long.
  4. Take your smaller rectangle and wrap it around the middle of the larger rectangle and sew sides together.  I also attached the sides of the smaller rectangle to the top of  the larger rectangle to increase stability.
  5. You’re done!  If you want to wear your new bow as a necklace, simply thread a chain through the back of the bow.  Want to put it in your hair?  Slip a metal hairclip through the back and you’re ready to go.  I hope you enjoy!

 

How will you use your bow?  Tell us in the comments!

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