KNITTING Articles   103 Comments 2 min read

Knitting + Papercrafting = A Fun Afternoon

Join us at Maker Festivals Colorado, the ultimate crafting extravaganza in Loveland from April 10-13, 2024, where the beloved Yarn Fest evolves with an exciting addition of beads and jewelry artists!

    
My collection of yarn labels

A long time ago I saw a craft I loved in a knitting book, and it wasn't knitted! It was an old-fashioned dress form covered in yarn labels. The book author had used decoupage techniques to apply the yarn labels, and the result was fabulous!

I can't for the life of me remember where I saw this wonderful bit of craftiness, but it sure stuck with me! (If you know which book this project is in, leave a note for me below in the comments section.)

I've been saving yarn labels ever since I saw the dress form, hoping to make my own version. I've also been looking for a dress form to use, but I've been unsuccessful, so the labels just continue to lounge in their Ziploc bag.

I've mentioned that I recently moved, and in doing so I came across several little messes that needed organization, and one of these was my collection of double-pointed knitting needles. The double-points and the yarn labels surfaced at the same time, and it got me thinking—I should use those yarn labels to fashion some sort of holder for the double-pointed needles.

So off I went to the craft store to search for the perfect container. I found a longish box that looked promising, so with that and a fresh pot of Mod Podge in my basket, I was all set.

I dumped out my bag of yarn labels and choose some of my favorites to feature on the top of the box. I just love the photo of the alpaca on the Blue Sky Alpaca label, so I knew that one was going on the lid, and the peacock feathers on the Great Adirondack label was a must, too. The colorful Cascade label was a good one as well.

Then I realized that I didn't need to use the entire label, I could cut them apart and use just the parts I wanted to use. So I did!

I looked for interesting colors, shapes, and images (like the two little, dancing bugs on the Colinette Jitterbug label!). I love the graphic sheep that's part of the Tahki logo and the kitty in the Schoppel-Wolle logo, too. So much fun.

    
My DPNs in their old "storage system."

If you've never used Mod Podge, it's super easy! It's like runny white glue, which you apply with a foam brush to the surface you want to decoupage, and then apply whatever decorative elements you want. The initial coat of Mod Podge secures the elements, and then to seal everything in place you brush on another coat or two. Don't be alarmed if you get some bubbles or creases while the Mod Podge is wet—it magically evens out when it dries.

I'm so happy with the project! I wanted the box to be cute, but I also wanted it to be a fun reminder of the things I've knitted: the Karabella cowl I designed, the Alpaca with a Twist shawl (still on the needles, but not forgotten), the myriad socks I've knitted from Blue Moon Socks that Rock and Jitterbug sock yarn, the striped sweater I knit from about ten colors of Filatura de Crosa Brilla, the baby blanket I knit out of Encore, and so on and so on!

I added a little pull to the front of the box; I drilled a tiny hole and used a metal brad to attach a bead pendant. I think it looks so cute.

    
The finished product!

I had so much fun putting this little box together! My needles are living there now, but I don't think I'm done because the inside is a blank slate that mocks me every time I open the box. I think I'm going to use some cute fabric to line the interior, and then it'll be totally finished!

Crafting and knitting go hand in hand for me, and I'm sure they do for many of you, too. I'm inspired by all sorts of things, but one that I love to recommend to all of my friends is Cloth Paper Scissors magazine; it's full of amazing, crafty ideas in every issue. Try it! You won't be disappointed.

Cheers,

Join the Conversation!

Choose the membership you’d like to join​

Bead & Jewelry

Annual Charter Membership â€‹

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

Interweave Knits

Annual Charter Membership â€‹

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects should be ​ ($2,000+ value)
  • 100 Member exclusive ​ should be ($800+ value)
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits

The membership you’d like to join​

Interweave Knits

Annual Charter Membership â€‹

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($1,400 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($500 value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits

The membership you’d like to join​

Bead & Jewelry

Annual Charter Membership â€‹

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($2,000 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($800+​ value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits

The membership you’d like to join​

Interweave Knits

Annual Charter Membership â€‹

(Limited Time Offer)​

$78.00 $24.95/year

  • 250+ Projects – Fresh for Each Season ($1,400 value)​
  • 100 Member Exclusive Projects ($500 value)​​​
  • 10,000+ Pieces of Expert Advice (Priceless)​​​
  • To View All Benefits Click Here for Bead+Jewelry or here Interweave Knits