As brick-and-mortar big-box stores like Michaels continue to struggle, Apricot Yarn has thrived in its own niche.

Whether you want to step outside the style box or have a penchant for all things outrageous, yarn twists, braids or locs are a fun way to up the ante. Mixing your natural tresses with yarn (yes ...

Extra: How big can you go? Experiment by making a giant bubble wand: Use cotton yarn to make two braids, one that measures 18 inches long and another that measures 36 inches.

Braids have long conjured a laid-back bohemian flair (think Bo Derek or Willie Nelson), but the new ones are as likely to be part of a Frida Kahlo-like up-do, more regal than carefree.

Oh, and re: Braid love posts. That quirky style on Melanie Laurant doesn't count because 1) I'm still not sure it's actually a braid and 2) Y'all mostly thought it was weird.