A Big Cozy Valentine

I think Valentine’s Day is fun for a lot of reasons. I love the colors: red and pink and white are bright and graphic (I like to sneak orange in there, too, where I can). I like that it comes in the deepest part of winter, when you need a pick-me-up of some kind. I love that it’s a holiday everyone can celebrate and not because everyone has a partner, but because surely everyone can find someone in their life to show appreciation and love toward, right? So this Valentine’s Day, why not knit up a quick accessory for a special person in your life? Our Big Cozy Yarn makes it so fast and fun, and with these free patterns, you’ll want to make one for yourself, too!

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What could be more perfect for Valentine’s Day than our V-stitch Bulky Cowl?

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Podcast 249: The Newbie – Listen NOW!

Remember when you were a new knitter or crocheter? What were some of the big mistakes you made? In this podcast, we explore what it means to be new to the craft. Alexis, Knit Picks Photography Assistant and new-ish knitter, takes advice from listeners. Debbie Stoller, author of the incredibly popular “Stitch ‘N Bitch” series, tells us about how she discovered knitting, and how she’s inspired countless other people to take it up. Three podcast listeners also tell us about their experiences.

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Whether you’re a new knitter, or recall your new knitting days fondly, you’ll find something in this episode to which you’re sure to relate.

3 easy ways to listen…

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Crafting for Kids: Needle Felted Hearts (with Tutorial)!

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Would you like the kids in your child’s class to receive a super special treat this Valentine’s Day? Are you looking for a fun craft to do with your kids this Saturday? Do you want to incorporate some fiber fun into your Valentine’s Day, no matter what age you are? Here’s a cute and super simple craft that can be done with kids or for kids, or by kids of all ages:)! Since it involves needles, this felting project is suitable for the slightly older child, and supervision is essential. These needle felted hearts are easy to make, adorable to wear or give, and are sure to make your Valentine smile.

To make this project, you’ll need:

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February Desktop Calendar

Can you believe that January has already come and gone? We are so excited for another cozy month of knitting – especially because February 19th kicks off the year of the sheep! And to celebrate, we’re showing off some adorable sheepy goodness for our February Desktop Calendar. You can find even more of these sheep on our exclusive set of 6 cards – perfect for keeping in touch with crafty pen pals!

To get the free calendar background of your choosing (for smart phones, tablets and desktop computers), simply click the applicable device icon below. Enjoy!

January 2015 Wallpaper Calendar Knitting Yarn

 

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Desktop wallpaper calendar for tablet 2015
Desktop wallpaper calendar for desktop 2015

 

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Color Palettes Using Apps

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Picking color palettes has never been easier with the widespread use of smart phones and tablets. I’m going to feature four free applications that I use on my iphone to either pick from a photograph found online or a picture I snap as I walk around my neighborhood! Above is the sample image from a recent photo shoot that I used to test drive these different applications.

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Color Combinations for Knitting

It’s easy to get into a color slump – we’ve definitely all been there. The good news is that it’s just as easy to reinvigorate your creative senses and get inspired! One trick to creating color combinations for knitting is by beginning with a picture that makes me happy or evokes a strong feeling. By having a tangible reference or goal, it is something you can refer back to in your color selection process to help guide you (instead of being overwhelmed by indecision)!

After I’ve decided on a picture, I choose a yarn that I want to use for the color palette. It’s a fun challenge and forces me to choose unexpected combinations by paying attention to the smaller details that are sometimes overshadowed by the main elements. For example, here is a darling kitty and an equally sweet color palette in Lindy Chain.

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Lindy Chain (L-R): Swan, Blush, Celery, Ash, Black

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Cold Snap Collection Look Book

As knitters, we embrace brisk winter days and cold nights. We look forward to breaking out our winter woolens and more importantly, we delight in the season that gives us purpose to keep knitting and knitting.

With winter-worthy projects in mind, the Cold Snap collection is filled to the brim with cozy sweaters and accessories. Want to see more? Take a peek at the Cold Snap look book to see gorgeous knits set against the beautiful scenery of the Columbia River Waterfront.

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Chill Zone: New York State of Mind

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Do you look forward to the weekend as a time to unwind, “chill”, and maybe do some lazy stitching while you listen to a podcast, sip a favorite drink, and eat your favorite snack? We’re starting new series called “Chill Zone”, where we’ll suggest a few good options, inspired by a favorite place, person, or time period. This week, we’re starting with New York! So to set up your New York City Chill Zone may we suggest that you:

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Behind the Scenes of Cold Snap

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Have you checked out our Cold Snap pattern collection? Inspired by chilly days by the river and whipping winds on the mountains, this collection of garments and accessories in winter whites and light and bright colors will have you casting on for knitwear you’ll wear over and over again. For the collection photo shoot, Hannah chose a glorious day on the riverfront, where birds and boats waved hello as they passed (well, they didn’t really wave, but, you know…). Come along and have a peak behind the scenes in this video, and see if anything in our Cold Snap collection, catches your eye!

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