geekery

Yarnbombs

Old Navy Bumper Cars Yarnbomb

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Old Navy Bumper Cars Yarnbomb

You’ve seen our epic yarnbomb of a 1950’s Chevy truck in Old Navy‘s San Francisco Flagship store (up til January 2015). Now get ready for the second epic yarnbomb: three yarnbombed bumper cars in Old Navy’s New York 34th St Flagship store.

How awesome is Old Navy to choose yarnbombing to celebrate #OldNavyStyle in a season full of fashionable knitwear for the people! We were so stoked that they asked us to do this second project on the same block with the Thanksgiving Day parade. It’s our little Miracle on 34th Street. Forget Santa’s lap–go snuggle your derrier into one of these vintage babies this Christmas. (And I know you want to but sorry, they don’t move around.) Be sure to tag us in your pics (@knitsforlife @thedappertoad @oldnavy) so we can see you!

For those of you who are interested in learning to step up your work to more ambitious yarnbombing projects, get your scroll on and I’ll tell you a bit about our process. It’s basically three steps: design, construction, and installation. But first, the pics! (more…)

New Patterns

New Crochet Pattern: Snake Yarnbomb

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New Crochet Pattern: Snake Yarnbomb

We love yarnbombing street art that transforms everyday objects into surprising characters. While we expected kids to love these crochet yarnbombs, we were surprised how much these characters took adults out of their daily doldrums by adding a little fun to their lives too. Now with this yarnbomb crochet pattern, you can help fill the world with whimsy and bring a smile to the faces in your neighborhood. Purchase this Snake Yarnbomb Crochet Pattern on Ravelry, Etsy, or Craftsy.   (more…)

Yarnbombs

Story Time Yarnbomb at the San Mateo Library

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Story Time Yarnbomb at the San Mateo Library

A few months ago I tried out my new Addi Express knitting machine on a few bike rack worm yarnbombs. The Very Hungry Caterpillar yarnbomb from the popular children’s book was so loved by patrons at the San Mateo Public Library, that when it recently got shaggy I knew I had to replace it. My sister Jill and our new intern, Magine, dreamed up a new installation to span all 6 bike racks with characters from kids books. That required we expand our search to include any tube-shaped character, and we found 5 more! So, pop quiz: how well do you know your kids lit? The answers are in the photo titles of this Flickr album. (more…)

Yarnbombs

New Buttmunches Yarnbomb: Monster Benches at the Ferry Building

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New Buttmunches Yarnbomb: Monster Benches at the Ferry Building
When my sister, Jill, and I aren’t working on publishing new knitting and crochet patterns or a commissioned installation, we do what we love most: yarnbombing. If you haven’t checked out our new zine called Fuse that’s all about what yarnbombing it is and why/how people do it, get with the program here!
Ever since our big Squid Tree yarnbomb in San Mateo, we’ve wanted to design a new character-based yarnbomb in a great spot. We got the perfect chance when CCTV-America asked to film us installing a yarnbomb for their new show about creativity called Full Frame: introducing our newest monster bench yarnbomb we’re calling Buttmunches!

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New Patterns

It’s Here! Crochet Pattern for the Space Man Hat + Scarf + Pocket

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By popular demand, this crochet pattern includes the instructions for a the beanie with a panel for a nice timey wimey button AND for the hat with attached scarf and secret buttoned pocket.

I had tons of fun designing this ultimate warm winter accessory for the Doctor Who fan that is modern enough for any wearer. The lights are on inside the time machine with two stripes of creamy white. Tweedy navy blue yarn is crocheted in a raised stitch pattern to mimic a wood paneled police box all the way down the scarf to the secret pocket. The timey-wimey buttoned pocket stores your soul alongside headphones, phone, mp3 player or keys. This hat and scarf combo will really get your eco-geek on!

The directions for making this textured crochet pattern are easy to understand and do. I aim to design crochet patterns any knitter would envy. Two patterns in one, with directions for each in all four sizes. Each size requires just one size hook and is worked from the top-down in one piece with no joins. Includes color changes, front and back post stitches, and an adjustable loop.

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I’d love to see your finished products and customer action shots on the pattern’s Ravelry page or on Knits for Life’s Facebook wall! The finished items are also for sale in the shop.

News

How To: Dress like River Song

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If you’re like me, you’ve been listening to everyone’s amazement at it being August already thinking, “Hello! I’ve been waiting for August to come ’round since the mid-season finale of Doctor Who!” Are you, too, obsessively re-watching all the latest Doctor Who episodes, trying to guess where the plot will lead next? If one thing’s for sure, it’s that the team of characters this season is a solid mix of personality, style, and swashbuckling fun.

This week, in anticipation of Part 2 of this season of Doctor Who, I’ll be posting How To’s on dressing like your favorite character. Starting with my favorite, River Song. Does your Netflix account suggest you’d like the category “dramas with a strong female lead”? Have you watched The Cook, the Thief, his Wife, and her Lover for the Alex Kingston cameo, only to watch it over again for the thrill of it? (And to see Dumbledore and The Queen in those amazing roles again.) Then you might enjoy this round-up to dress like River Song. Next up: Amelia Pond!

New Products

Customer request: OySpaceMan! Menswear Beanie (sans scarf)

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I got a request from a happy customer to make this hat without the scarf it originally came with. He also wanted something to wear in the summer, so I switched out the acrylic white stripes with organic cotton ones. The blue in this hat is entirely recycled in Europe. As always, it’s a custom fit and comes with a tree donation. Get one for your favorite Doctor Who fan here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74224616/oyspaceman-hat-in-recycled-fiber