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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: Happy Earrings

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New Crochet Pattern: Happy Earrings

The inspiration for these exotic crochet earrings came from a chocolate tasting room in Palo Alto, California called The Chocolate Garage. Specializing in the world’s best-tasting bean-to-bar craft chocolate, the staff needed some appropriately exquisite, hand-crafted accessories that evoke the exuberance of cacao. I designed this pattern while savoring a bar of The Garage’s so-called Happy Chocolate, so it was only fitting to christen them Happy Earrings. (more…)

New Patterns

Crochet Chain Link Scarf Pattern is Here

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Crochet Chain Link Scarf Pattern is Here

I have a confession to make

I don’t go to local yarn shops because they bore me. Gasp! *Shields head from crockery sailing out of the interwebs towards me* Phewf! That was a close one. If you’re still listening because you kind of agree, raise your hand! See, I knew we were buddies. You guys are the ones I’m looking at as I announce my new crochet pattern. DOO-do-do-DOO! (more…)

New Products

Let’s Wear Cuter Headbands This Winter

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Fall and winter present a problem for the ladies: we love a warm head and ears, but we don’t want to mess up these well-groomed locks. American college campuses are the natural habitat for one solution: knitted headbands. Sorority sisters and Rastafarians alike (yes, I had dread locks for a decade!) can get behind the warm, chunky headband.

But ladies, must we wear a huge crocheted flower on our noggins?

Winter earwarmer/headband with flower
Cute, but so two-thousand-and-late: Winter Earwarmer Flower Headband by Penny Mae Designs, $20.

Do we really need to look like everyone else?

Cable Knit Headband Ear Warmer
The Bronies are coming for the most famous headband on Pinterest: Cable Knit Headband Ear Warmer by Three Bird Nest, $28

I mean, you’ve been to Europe. You want something rad like this

Knitted turban hat winter accessories on asos.com
Knitted Turban on asos.com.

but not quite this.

Knit headband fox pom pom on Revolve Clothing
Bella Knit Headband with Fox Earmuffs in Taupe/Grey by Eugenia Kim, $187.

More like this

Gold knit headband by Rag & Bone
Farah Headband by rag & bone, $150.

and this.

Heather Headband by Club Monaco, $60.
Heather Headband by Club Monaco, $60.

People always ask what I’m working on. This is it. The quest for a better headband for 2012-13, in trendy colors like espresso brown and metallics.

Organic cotton copper brown knit headband by Knits for Life
Copper Brown Knit Headband in Organic Cotton by Knits for Life
Knit headband metallic blue by knits for life
Sapphire Blue Knit Headband in Organic Cotton by Knits for Life
Sapphire Blue Knit Headband by Knits for Life
Sapphire Blue Knit Headband by Knits for Life

I love to post my works in progress and inspiration on Instagram, so follow me to see all my current projects (@knitsforlife).

Knit Infinity Cable Headband Turban in progress by Knits for Life
I finished off the Infinity Turban Headband on last week’s road trip along the California coast. Follow @KnitsForLife on Instagram where I post shots of my process.
Knit Knot Cowl in progress by Knits for Life
Follow @KnitsForLife on Instagram for shots of my process, like this study in knit climbing knots for upcoming cowl and headband designs.

Cast on an inspiring pattern like the ones below and play along!

KNITTING PATTERN Parisian Twist Headband Ear Warmer PDF
Parisian Twist Headband Ear Warmer Knitting Pattern by McLaughlin Designs, $5.
Knotted Headband Free Crochet Pattern
Knotted Headband Crochet Pattern by Stephanie Jessica Lau, free.
News

Knits for Life Yarn Bombs Unique SF June 30 & July 1

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One great thing leads to another.

On Friday I checked in with STUDIO Gallery after finishing up the SF Etsy gallery show I was in (stay tuned: KFL and STUDIO will meet again) and – straight into my next triumph – met with the inspiring Sonja Rasula, founder and CEO of State of Unique about a fiber art installation for the first ever Unique SF design show.

I’m excited to share with you that my lil’ sis The Dapper Toad and I are doing a few gigantic fiber art pieces for the show. Check out the ideas I’m playing with below, and learn where to get your tickets to the coolest event of the summer!

“The largest curated, independent design show in the country is coming to San Francisco! You’ll get the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 250 hand-selected designers and artists. The fun two-day shopping event makes it easy for you to buy local, discover great design and deals, join in community, and have a blast. Because the products at the show are proudly made right here in the USA, the money you spend goes right back into your local economy and community. With DJs, free drinks/photo booth portraits/DIY crafts, mini-massages in our lounge, and a great cafe with delicious food and sweet treats, it’s a great time for all – you’ll want to spend the weekend with us!”

Drawing on HOTTEA and others.

Join the event on Facebook here.

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.

New Patterns

Pottery Barn Knit Hack

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Pottery Barn Knit Hack

You always walk through stores remarking to yourself “Pshaw… I could make that!” But how often do go home and prove it? Here’s a free project I created to help you restore that balance and make your holiday hostess and guests squeal with delight. It’s a knit hack of one of Pottery Barn’s wine bottle accessories, a teeny hat and scarf. They sell it (probably machine made) for about $8. Now you can whip up a priceless hand made one with just half an ounce of yarn! Super duper holiday stash buster to keep your vin chaud or Sierra Nevada Christmas Ale cozy all winter.

Be sure to share your finished hacks on the pattern page over on Ravelry.

Knits for Life Knit Hack!

Pottery Barn product photo

Pottery Barn Wine Bottle Accessory Knit Hack by Knits for Life

Yarn:  0.55 oz (32 yd) Malabrigo Worsted Merino in Amoroso.
Needles: Five US 7 (4.5 mm) DPNs

Hat
CO 24. Divide evenly onto 3 DPNs and join to work in the round.
K2, P2 rib for 2 inches.
(C4B, P1, K2, P1) 3 times.
(K4, P1, K2, P1) 3 times, repeat for a total of 3 rows.
Repeat last 4 rows for a total of 4 times.
K2, K2tog to end.
Cut yarn, leaving 6 in.
Thread through remaining sts, pull tight and knot.
Make a two-finger pom pom and sew in top.
Weave in and trim ends.

Scarf
CO8
1.K2, P4, K2
2.P2, K4, P2
3.K2, P4, K2
4-5. Repeat rows 2-3.
6.P2, C4B, P2
Repeat rows 1-6 to desired length.
Repeat rows 1-5.
Bind off in pattern.
Make a fringe.

Have fun!