Oh yeah, we love crafts too.

Allison — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:09:04 +0000

I started my Christmas knitting but I’m also planning which cookies I am making and starting to piece together some of my holiday cards. I realized there are probably lots of other knitters and crocheters out there just like me. Your craftiness doesn’t end with yarn and you aren’t always using it with hooks or needles. I was first introduced to yarn while making plastic canvas tissue box covers with my grandmother when I was 6. Then, a decade or so later, I used a furry, eyelash type of yarn and wrapped it around a large wreath form. That wreath, which is a bit tattered, still goes on my inside door every Christmas season. It wasn’t until my early days at Plymouth Yarn that I started knitting almost daily. I am always looking for deals on blocks of paper and scrapbook supplies. I’ve tried at least half of Martha Stewart’s recipes. I own hundreds of buttons but rarely use them in clothing. Finally, anytime I go on vacation I try to find a ceramic studio to take my son to, as they are few and far between where I live. My yarn stash lives down in my basement but I have 3 shelves of non-yarn goodies too.

Where am I going with this? Most of us who like to play with yarn, also like to craft, bake and create. We had a rare snow in Bucks County, PA over the weekend and it was a wet, cold, slushy mess. I opted to stay in and found a fun website that caters to all of my crafting needs. If you are looking for a project, of any type, check out Craftfoxes. I found this adorable free pattern for a crochet zombie from the book Crobots: 20 Amigurumi Robots To Make by Nelly Pailloux. Image by Andrew Perris. Encore DK would be perfect for this project.

Crobots: 20 Amigurumi Robots to Make

I also found this fun free pattern for a crochet sandwich from the book Yummy ‘Gurumi: Over 60 Gourmet Crochet Treats to Make by Christen Haden and Mariarosa Sala. Image by Jeremy Hopley. You’ll find the perfect colors in Encore Worsted. Everyone needs a crocheted sandwich, it has only a fraction of the calories a real sandwich has!

Yummy 'Gurumi: Over 60 Gourmet Crochet Treats to Make

I also found how-tos on recycling old books, DIY decor, recipes from pickles to cookies, and so much more. They even have instructions on coffee dying! So if you want to make your holiday gifts this year, craftfoxes is the place to start. Become their fan on facebook and follow them on twitter. Find a yarn shop near you to start with those knitting and crochet patterns!

Norwegian Star Earflap Hat

Vanessa — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:37 +0000

There is nothing more rewarding than making a hand made gift for a loved one;

especially when you know it will keep them cozy and warm.

Aiden's Hat, made in Happy Feet DK and Encore DK

(My favorite touch is the whimsical braided ties!)

This hat can be made in adult size as well by using a heavier yarn, like Encore Worsted or Galway. Aiden’s hat, knit by Mary, is knit in Happy Feet DK and Encore DK.

The pattern is by Tienne and can be found here

Encore DK Zen

Vanessa — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:00:49 +0000

I write a lot about what I find that’s new and cool in the knitting world. I hardly every write about crochet and I plan on changing that. Crocheters need a voice as well- and I’ve noticed the craft is becoming more popular every day.

Here is a really cool scarf crocheted by Rebecca using our Encore DK

Pattern by Robyn Chachula, 2 balls of Encore DK

Rebecca modified the pattern a bit and added one extra repeat to widen her scarf. On a size H hook, this should work up in no time.

Here is where you can find the pattern

View our patterns for Encore DK

View the color card for Encore DK

Plymouth Yarn Blog » encore dk

Oh yeah, we love crafts too.

Norwegian Star Earflap Hat

Encore DK Zen