Welcome to the Craft Yarn Council - Member Spotlights

Check out some of the best knitting accessories you can buy

Sarah G — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 15:07:49 +0000

Blog post contributed by Knitter's Pride

When knitting a project, accessories are sometimes just as important as the needles themselves. They make our work easier and some are a must for certain projects. At Knitter's Pride, you will find a wide range of accessories for crocheting and knitting. In this post, we'd like to introduce you to some of Knitter's Pride's most popular accessories.

Smart Cords

Knitter's Pride's Smart Cords differ from normal circular knitted cables because the Smart Cords can also be used as rulers. While knitting, you can use the markings to measure how long and how big your project has already become.

Cords

Knitter's Pride's Cords come in all different sizes and many in beautiful colors. At Knitter's Pride, you are sure to find the right cords for your projects. The elastic and flexible cords can be easily connected to your needles and thhis way, there are no gaps that disrupt your workflow.

Rainbow Knit Blockers

Each knitted piece only unfolds its full beauty after it has been blocked. For this it is important to have good knit blockers. With the colorful Rainbow Knit Blockers from Knitter's Pride, you will be able to block your projects very gently and easily.

Aqua Sock Blockers

Blocking socks has never been easier. Simply put the socks on the plastic foot and the rest will take care of itself. Be sure to have a look at the Knitter's Pride Aqua Sock Blockers.

Row Counter Clicky

When you knit or crochet, you have to concentrate on counting the rounds and rows of your project. With the Knitter's Pride Row Counter Clickly, simply click the Clicky on the row counter after each round and you will never forget or skip rounds again.

Folding scissors

As fiber artists, we need scissors for a lot of our work, and these scissors are special. As the name suggests, the Knitter's Pride Folding Scissors are foldable, reducing the risk of injuries at the tip - a safe and useful tool for every knitter and crocheter.

Knitting Project Cases

Knitter's Pride's has a selection of one-of-a-kind contemporary canvas cases that are great for storing all your knitting tools and accessories. Check them out on the Knitter's Pride website.

Stitch Markers

A lot of fiber artists have stitch markers in abundance because without these little helpers, we wouldn't know where the beginning and the end of our projects are. Whether for knitters or crocheters, the Knitter's Pride Stitch Markers are a must have. They offer many different kinds of markers, so check out their diverse range.

Tape Measure

With the Knitter'ss Pride Teap Measures, you can easily measure the size and length of your projects. With their wood look, these are not only chic, but with the button in the middle they can also be tidied up quickly. Take a look at Knitter's Pride's tape measures in different models.

These are just a few of Knitter's Pride's accessories for crocheting and knitting. Knitter's Pride manufactures a wide variety of hand knitting needles, crochet hooks and related accessories. These products are offered in a variety of materials to work with all types of yarns. From smooth metal to warm bamboo and wood, you’ll find a knitting needle that feels just right in your hands. Knitter's Pride has been privileged to provide knitting and crochet tools to the US market for over 10 years.

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Member Spotlights

Member Spotlight: Boye

Sarah G — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 13:44:33 +0000

Boye Needle was founded in 1906 when James H. Boye and two businessmen from the sewing machine business joined forces. Boye Needle Company was launched with a patented, revolving cabinet called the “Rotary Case," which housed sewing machine needles, shuttles and bobbins suitable for a variety of home sewing machines. This was a tremendous innovation at the time as consumers had difficulty finding the correct needles and other replacement parts for their sewing machines.

The Rotary Case was very successful and supported Boye’s expansion into sewing machine parts and accessories such as belts, oil and screwdrivers along with sewing needles and sewing notions. In 1917, Boye introduced the first complete line of crochet hooks made in America. Through years of development, Boye became recognized as the premier supplier of crochet hooks and knitting needles. Today, the Boye brand is housed under Creative Simple Solutions (CSS) Industries and continues to create innovative products.

The Boye team

Boye sells a variety of tools needed for knitting, crochet and other fiber crafts, such as knitting needles, crochet hooks, punch needle supples, stitch holders, latch hooks, accessory kits and more. One of the really innovative products they offer is a Crochet Planner and a Knitting Planner to help you store patterns you want to try, organize ongoing projects, keep track of project pictures for reference and so much more. There's even a free project offered each month in the planner!

Assortment of Boye crochet hooks

For all the loom knitters out there, Boye sells a variety of knitting looms perfect for every project. Their assorted round knitting loom set comes with four different size looms that can make hats, booties, scarves and more. The I Taught Myself To Loom Kit is perfect for beginners looking for a project to get them started on their loom knitting journey. There's even a loom pen that works with any of the looms and makes it even easier to wrap yarn around the loom pegs.

Each loom comes with a loom hook, a yarn needle and easy instructions that help you on your way to loom knitting all the projects of your dreams. Some loom sets even come with free patterns to help you get familiar with reading loom knitting patterns! You can find information on how to read these patterns in CYC's Standards & Guidelines.

Boye's selection of knitting looms help you make a variety of projects

Boye also sells accessory tools to help you spruce up your knit or crochet projects. The Pom Pom Tassel Maker lets you create pom poms and tassels in minutes. You can make 10 sizes of pom poms ranging from .75" to 6" and 11 sizes of tassels ranging from 1.25" to 6.25". The Pom Pom Tassel Maker can be used with yarn, embroidery thread or any other textile. Each set includes a tassel machine card, 8 pom pom arches, 2 pom pom circles and a handy case to keep all the pieces together.

Boye's Pom Pom Tassel Maker comes with everything you need to make any size pompom or tassel!

Now that you know about all the awesome tools that Boye has to offer, what are you waiting for? Follow Boye on Facebook and Instagram, check out their website and head to your local craft store to find all the tools you need to get started on your next fiber project!

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Member Spotlights

Member Spotlight: Leisure Arts

Sarah G — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 13:35:12 +0000

Leisure Arts has been tapping into the enthusiastic curiosity of makers since 1971. Their instruction expertise guides you on your making journey through lifestyle how-to books, online content and products. They provoke imagination and inspire possibility among makers of all ages through pattern books, Diamond Art, adult coloring, craft kits and more!

Historically, you know Leisure Arts for their crochet, knit, cross stitch, quilting and sewing publications, but their fresh new take on the #LeisureLife transforms Leisure Arts into a lifestyle brand incorporating books and products that help you live the Leisure Life. That includes a fresh, updated take on needle art publications and expanded craft categories including paint, jewelry, wood and crafting for wellness.

An assortment of Leisure Arts publications and product

Three major product launches have helped assist Leisure Arts’ transition from a publishing company into a lifestyle brand. First, the Be Creative coloring instrument line along with coloring books have helped bring relaxation to thousands of colorists.

Last summer, Leisure Arts launched Diamond Art by Leisure Arts, bringing a new relaxing craft to makers. As a bonus, you can craft your finished Diamond Art canvas into an entirely new project using your favorite techniques!

Their newest endeavor is Mini Maker, offering bite-sized craft experiences to makers looking to try a new craft. The kits include everything you need to start your craft. Right now, kitsare offered in macramé, knit, stitchery, paint pouring, felt flowers, pompoms and more!

Designer Marly Bird Visits the Leisure Arts Maker Space for an episode of #LeisureLife Live

Also new for 2019 is a newly refreshed YouTube channel featuring videos with your favorite designers, books and crafts. Video has also made its way to Facebook, with a weekly web series #LeisureLife Live airing every Thursday at 4 pm central. Check out past episodes on Facebook and tune in every week to meet designers, learn about new books and products and to learn something new with their fun and crafty content.

Tune in to the Leisure Arts Blog and all their social media channels, including Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter for their monthly campaigns and lots of crafty content featuring all of your favorite crafts!

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Member Spotlights

Member Spotlight: LoveCrafts

Sarah G — Mon, 06 May 2019 21:41:25 +0000

LoveCrafts is a global home for makers that is based in the UK. They believe the joy of making is for everyone, from every culture and community around the world. Right now the crafts they focus on are knit, crochet and sewing, with plans to add more.

At LoveCrafts you can get inspiration through their patterns and blog, helpful information through their how-tos and video tutorials and all the materials you need for your next project. From their colorful and versatile Paintbox Yarns, to the gentle colors and pure softness of MillaMia, to the many lines of Debbie Bliss' affordable sophistication to the luxurious feel of The Yarn Collective and many more options, LoveCrafts is a great place to get inspired, learn new skills and share your creations with other makers.

LoveCrafts was started in 2012 by three entrepreneurs who saw a need from others in their lives for a one-stop shop of inspiration for their favorite crafts. LoveCrafts was born and now you can shop for yarn, patterns and tools on the LoveKnitting and LoveCrochet websites.

There are several ways you can get inspiration through the LoveCrafts brands and even contribute to their community. Anyone is welcome to submit a pattern to their website and make money off of it. This is a huge benefit for makers, as LoveCrafts’ combined following is huge - between their e-newsletters, blogs and social media, they have a lot of people eager for new patterns to try.

Honestly, I feel like I could get lost in the LoveKnitting and LoveCrochet websites because of all the fun content they have. They even have Buzzfeed-esque quizzes. The one that particularly stood out to me is “Which FREE mindful pattern should I make?” because I’m always down for a pattern that helps me be more mindful and take my focus off what’s stressing me out. What’s better than getting lost in aimless Buzzfeed quizzes? Getting lost in aimless YARN quizzes!

And don’t even get me started on the super fun “Hue are you?” quiz, which asks a series of questions to figure out what color you’re most like, from grass green to buttercup yellow to pillar red. I got “Blue Washed Teal” and I am not surprised at all. After reading all about my result, they even offered several avenues for me to explore yarn crafting in my chosen hue. My favorite part was the “Knitting in blue guide,” which gives historical information on the color blue and tips on how to wear it.

If you're looking for the next pattern to add to your repertoire, a new yarn to try out or a tutorial for a fun new technique, LoveCrafts is the way to go. Check out the LoveKnitting and LoveCrochet websites and let us know on Instagram what inspires you the most!

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Member Spotlights