Martha Stewart Poncho Craze Inspires Half a Million to Get Pattern

Manhattan, New York - March 23, 2005 - The Lion Brand Yarn Company ( http://www.LionBrand.com ) today announced that 505,585 "Coming Home", poncho patterns, inspired by Martha Stewart, have now been downloaded from their Web site.

It took just 12 days to hit the half million mark, making the crocheted and knitted version of this now famous poncho, the most popular free patterns ever offered in the 127 year history of the company. Knitted and crocheted ponchos were in great demand last year, but had been declining as a popular fashion accessory up until Martha Stewart flew from West Virginia to New York, wearing a hand crocheted poncho. The poncho she wore as she boarded the jet was viewed by millions of people and rekindled the publics interest in ponchos.

"The popularity of this poncho has inspired many people to start crocheting and knitting for the first time." said Ilana Rabinowitz marketing director for The Lion Brand Yarn Co. "We have been getting requests from people around the world. For half a million people to request one pattern in such a short period of time is unprecedented in this industry."

About Lion Brand Yarn Company
Lion Brand Yarn Company, at 127 years old, is America’s oldest hand knitting yarn company. Founded in 1878, the company began operation in New York City and has been a leading supplier of quality hand knitting and crochet yarns ever since.

Throughout its history, Lion Brand Yarn has been at the forefront of yarn trends while consistently providing its customers with the highest quality product, service and inspiration.

Its web site, http://www.lionbrand.com, offers over 500 free patterns, as well as instructions to teach people to knit and crochet.

For More Information contact:

Ilana Rabinowitz
201-804-3999