Craft with Love, Wash with Allure

This Valentine's Day, the hearts have it! We've spotted some cupid-approved projects on Ravelry which are great for last-minute gifting. These small projects are great for using up leftover yarn in your stash, and we also recommend some of our favorite luxury yarns from Bijou Basin Ranch for each of our featured projects.

Top: Be Mine Heart Garland by Kristen Ashbaugh-Helmreich - try it in Lhasa Wilderness, a sport weight blend of yak and bamboo.

Bottom Left: Granny Heart Bunting by Sandra Paul - try it in Himalayan Trail, a fingering weight blend of yak and merino.

Bottom Middle: Hearts by Victoria Magnus - try is in Bijou Bliss, a sport weight 50/50 blend of yak and cormo wool.

Bottom Right: Lace Heart Bookmark by Darilyn Page - try it in Shangri-La, a 50/50 blend of yak and silk in a lace weight yarn.

Once your project comes off the needles or hook, it's time to wash it in Allure! We've made a handy chart you can bookmark or pin for future reference:

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Allure!

Crafty Resolutions for 2015

Do you aspire to try something new in 2015? Perhaps this is the year you'll finally tackle that sewing project, learn to weave, or master knitting or crocheting. Exploring the wonderful world of fiber arts is something we know a little bit about - after all, Allure was created by the fine folks at Bijou Basin Ranch, purveyors of premium luxury yak yarns.

We'd like to get you started on your craft journey with just a few recommendations for tutorials and resources to check out, no matter which craft you choose. Don't forget to treat yourself to a bottle of Allure to care for your finished project, too!

1. Knit: AllFreeKnitting.com has a wealth of learn-to-knit tutorials awaiting you! Learn to cast on, knit and purl with the best of them when you visit this free website. Another great resource to add to your list are the video tutorials found at KnittingHelp.com.
2. Crochet: Grab your crochet hooks and visit AllFreeCrochet.com to start hooking in 2015! This website offers links to free tutorials covering everything from the basics to intermediate and advanced skills. For those who prefer video tutorials, CrochetEverAfter.com to browse a list of technique and stitch tutorials. 
3. Sew: Starting with a simple project is a great way to get your feet wet, and there are plenty of
   
   step-by-step tutorials accompanying the projects at SewCanShe.com. There is also an excellent list of free sewing technique tutorials from around the web that is worth checking out! 
4. Weave: Starting small with a handheld loom is a wonderful way to give weaving a try; you can also try a more low-cost approach by making your own cardboard loom using a few supplies you probably have lying around the house - click here for a free photo tutorial on the Easy blog. If you already happen to have a loom, WeavingToday.com offers many free eBooks geared towards the beginning weaver. 
5. Handspinning: Drop spindles are a great way to get started without having to invest in a wheel, and you can even make your own using this free tutorial! To get started, check out this comprehensive tutorial on the Knit*Six blog (although we recommend using Allure to set the twist in your finished skein to avoid accidentally felting). 

Fine fibers deserve the very best care; you work hard on your handmade projects, so be sure to treat them right! Our gentle no-rinse, no residue formula is the perfect way to finish handmade projects and keep them looking their best for years to come. Be sure to visit our website for more specific washing instructions here on our FAQ. For more crafty inspiration, join us on Pinterest!