A trip to Lion Brand Yarn studio
As you know, from reading this blog, I love discovering new and unique shops and recently, Lion Brand Yarn Studio came to my attention. Located at 34 West 15th St in New York City, Lion Brand was founded in 1878 by Reuben Blumenthal and is still owned and operated by the family five generations later. My television crew and I paid Lion Brand a visit and that colorful and fun segment was shown last week on our yarn show. Liz Shaw, a very talented designer for the studio, created sweaters for Francesca and Sharkey and you can see those sweaters by visiting their blog called the Daily Wag. Please enjoy these photos taken at Lion Brand Yarn Studio and maybe you'll be inspired to pick up your knitting needles or crochet hook!
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
I love Lion Brand! I have made several scarves with their chenille-like yarn -- I forget the official name. I didn't realize their was a studio. I will be sure to stop by the next time I'm in NYC.
Posted by: Tina in Boston | April 2nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Hi Martha, This was an inspirational, beautiful, colorful blog about the Lion Brand Yarn studio. The whole studio is so well organized and all of the displays, including the window displays, are absolutely fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the episode you had on a recent show and this blog is like icing on the cake. Everyone who works there must be a very talented knitter. I haven't knitted in years and might just start doing it again. Another fabulous place to add to my growing list of must visit places in wonderful New York City. By the way, what is machine knitting? Have fun in Westbury at your book signing on Friday. Sure wish I could be there. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | April 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 pm
I am so glad Martha toured the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. I check the Lion Brand Yarn site frequently & have always wondered what the actual studio looked like. I'm living in Mexico currently & my love of knitting & crochet is a rather rare & hot craft activity down here. Thanks for taking the viewers somewhere we haven't been! (am loving the adventures of Francesca & Sharkey)
Kindest Regards!
Posted by: Dee Kincke | April 3rd, 2009 at 12:29 am
I love the photos! And I had a look at the Daily wag blog and I love it too. Thanks!
Posted by: Ivory Pearl Interiors | April 3rd, 2009 at 3:30 am
I think this show aired Monday of last week (3/23), and I missed it! I was disappointed to find later that evening (when Edgar =^..^= and I watch the 'rewind') that it got pre-empted by a one-time showing of another program.
This upscale yarn studio looks like a little treasure cove! The array of yarns is just a colorful feast, as well as the various afghans and other displays. Central Park in the store window was cute - I really liked that. Crocheting/knitting are handiworks that I'd be definitely interested in learning! Gee whiz, I'd think I'd've arrived if I could make even ONE of those sample squares!
I grew up in the era where every sofa had an afghan perched lengthwise along the top of it (remember those, everyone?!) It was nice to see that they're presumably still in 'vogue'. As in many families, I'm sure, ours were treasures from a beloved family member's nimble fingers busy at work.
Well, I got to see this 'episode' afterall, Martha...it looks like yet another welcoming and inviting, comfycozy place to visit!
=^..^=
"We do not know how cheap the seeds of happiness are, or we should scatter them oftener."--James R Lowell
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | April 3rd, 2009 at 10:49 am
Really interesting piece on the Lion Brand Yarn Studio. It is a beautiful place. Incidentally, I am the GM of the Applebees in Yucca Valley California. We are on Highway 62 (29 Palms Highway) right before you get to Joshua Tree National Park. Flowers are just starting and it is beautiful. Mostly the purple and yellow ones right now. Stop and say hi on your way!!. Really windy right now, but it should die down by Sunday. Your show is great and I catch it whenever I can! Jerry
Posted by: Jerry Mendivil | April 3rd, 2009 at 11:20 am
Martha - Was thrilled to meet you today, 4/3, at the Michael's in Westbury, for the book signing. I am from Louisiana and mentioned to you that we have a friend in common, A Parlange. After we spoke, I gave her a call and told her that we met.
I was not able to show you, but did show Alex and Hannah my needlepoint Christmas stocking...they were rushing us through your line and I didn't want to take too much time, as others were waiting. I just wanted to say that I hope that you do a show on needlepoint sometime soon. I would love to be in the audience when you do. FYI - check out Shelly Tribbey Designs website. Her work is phenomenal; I am particularly amazed by her shell and crab canvases. She would be an excellent guest if and when you do a needlepoint show. I have do not know her and am no relation to her, but just think her canvases are extraordinary - not common - or "country" looking. You will see what I mean when you check her out. Enjoyed meeting you!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Mettz | April 3rd, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hi Martha,
This shop must be a delight for all knitters and those who crochet - it has everything! I used to think of knitting in terms of knitting a sweater or a scarf, but wow, look at that display window as well as the items inside the store. I'm impressed but I know I will never pick up a needle to start knitting. I don't have time! I will just continue to admire an afghan someone knitted for me years ago that is still in perfect condition. Thanks for your photos. Trish
Posted by: Trish | April 3rd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Love this! I am fortunate enough to live in the New York City area and love to visit the places you recommend. Thanks!
Posted by: Susan Raisch | April 3rd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Thank you again and just want to say that I purchased your new craft book Tueday and its both wonderful and beautiful.
Posted by: rebeca | April 3rd, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Oh my, Martha, how would you decide with all of those wonderful colors to chose from? Did you end up buying anything, and if so, what are you going to make?
Posted by: Nature Woman | April 3rd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Lion Brand Yarn Studio
Please remember,wherever you go,
Our beautiful Lion "king" logo.
The wonderful window display
Made of knitting and fancy crochet.
Taxi cabs with woolly coats,
And horses who don't need oats.
Chrysler building with the mayor,
The snazzy Empire State is there.
Flora and fauna of Central Park
Less Barbra,you know,voice like lark.
Knitting balls into baked bun,
Lattice-top pie,is an interesting one.
Bright and cheerful yarns cajole
Yarn batter,crawling out the bowl.
Bulletin boards with Lion Brand news
Afghan blankets,sweaters,to peruse.
Lots of supplies,notions galore,
Finger puppets,must keep score.
Lots of samples for customer looks.
Sampling wall and needlework books.
Classes and workshops,a wide array,
Terrific staff to help you each day.
Posted by: celia stock | April 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 pm
peoples creativity amaze me.
Posted by: Norbie K. Las Vegas | April 4th, 2009 at 9:40 am
To Celia Stock:
I love your poems - so creative! Keep them coming! Trish
Posted by: Trish | April 4th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I have made quite a few scarves and shawls from Lion Brand Yarn. Love their specialty yarns too. I visit their dot com site often as they have a lot of great patterns. Enjoyed your recent show that featured Lion Brand. I didn't realize there was an actual studio!! Thanks for presenting the episode! I enjoyed it!
Posted by: Barbara @ Southern Lady's Vintage | April 4th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
Martha,
Thanks for showing me how much fun crochet and knitting stores have become.
I will definitely visit their site again.
Now that I know where to find such gorgeous yarn (the cashmere is awesome), I will get out my crochet hook.
Thanks, again. I truly appreciate you.
Your friend,
Sonia
Posted by: Sonia | April 4th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Actually the best needlepoint site for the extraordinary canvases that I mentioned in an earlier blog is Melissa Shirley Designs. She has the beautiful shells and many others. Shelly Tribbey does very pretty Santa's .
Posted by: Nancy | April 5th, 2009 at 4:14 am
Thanks for the Lion Brand Yarn segment. I'm an avid crocheter and use lots of Lion Brand Yarn. It's alway nice to see the history of something so familiar. I also frequently use their patterns as well...very easy to follow. My hats off tho their pattern makers.
Posted by: Jenna Lang | April 5th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Thanks for a nice blog!
Melvin Durable
melvindurable@gmail.com
Posted by: Melvin Durable | April 5th, 2009 at 10:41 am
It certainly inspired me to download a couple of patterns I can't wait to knit for winter. We are in Autumn/Fall in Australia.
Posted by: Kerrie | April 6th, 2009 at 7:47 am
Don't know how I never knew of the studio on 15th St. Spent sooo many hours in Barnes & Noble perusing and buying textbooks needed for college classes. Will stop by next time I'm in Manhattan.
Posted by: has | May 13th, 2009 at 1:38 am