So, it feels weird to just go about my business sharing my favourite crafts and encouraging you to get making something right now, but with all the weirdness of the world right now and the recommendation of social distancing, crafts are EXACTLY what we should be doing. Studies have shown that knitting can reduce anxiety and depression and crocheting can improve your sense of calm and give you a project to help pass some of your newfound downtime. But I also know that this is a time of great uncertainty for a lot of people, as many people are experiencing reduced work hours (and pay) and have uncertainty about the security of their jobs and income. So today I want to share some great FREE and discounted craft resources for you!
*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*
Get my free Knit Scamander scarf pattern here or buy an ad-free printable pdf pattern here.
Let me just give you a little glimpse into pattern designing and the business side of things: knit and crochet designers (among other pattern designers) put a lot of work into designing, writing and testing patterns. Those that offer them for free on their blogs can earn some ad revenue from your traffic and they often offer a pdf printable pattern for a small fee, often on Etsy or Ravelry. As I’ve disclosed, I’m an affiliate and so I get a little bit of commission bit if you make a purchase through one of my Etsy links. If you need free patterns, please be sure to access the designer’s website and give them the traffic they need to earn a little bit of ad revenue and if you can afford it (and also because pdf patterns are so handy), please use one of my links to purchase from Etsy, as that’s how the designer earns some money and how I earn a little bit, too (same price for you and it encourages me to keep finding great patterns to share with you). It really is a joy for me to promote patterns on Etsy because as someone with my own (sad) Etsy shop, I know that pattern designers are individuals, mostly women and often moms just trying to earn a little extra from home for their families, not giant corporations. And I’m glad to support and promote them in their creative endeavours.
First of all, there’s my local knit and crochet celebrity, Stephanie from All About Ami. Stephanie has nearly all of her patterns available for free on her blog. Here she is modelling her Daylight Cardigan, which is free on her blog or available on Etsy here. This cardigan is made with Lionbrand Chainette yarn and is available as a kit from Lionbrand. Lionbrand is running a promotion right now with 25% off all kits with the code KITS25.
Some of my favourite patterns from Stephanie include her amigurumi patterns. Every year, she designs a new one for Chinese New Year, which is really awesome. This year is the Year of the Rat, so she’s got this adorable Chinese New Year Rat amigurumi pattern. It’s available here for free on her blog and also available as a printable pdf pattern on Etsy.
Another great resource for free crochet patterns is Whistle & Ivy. You can get this great Tartan Plaid Slouchy Hat pattern for free on her blog. Bethany has so many great buffalo plaid crochet patterns too, but also crochet patterns of all kinds! She’s very prolific! I learned to crochet buffalo plaid from this hat pattern. If you want to purchase one of her ad-free patterns, they’re available here on Etsy.
Beyond buffalo plaid, Whistle & Ivy also has this beautiful crocheted flip flop pattern for free on her blog here or an ad-free pdf printable pattern here. This is a perfect pattern to work up right now to be ready for the summer weather to come. Some of you can already see the grass where you are (unlike me, who still just sees 20 cm of crusty snow covering my garden), so the hope of summer sandals is much more real for you. These flip flops are so cute! I can’t wait for summer!
If you’re just learning to knit or crochet and would like access to hundreds of online classes and crafting resources, Bluprint is offering 14 days of free online classes to new subscribers and 40% off any item this week (ends March 27, 2020).
We Crochet is a new crochet-focussed spin-off company from Knitpicks. They offer some free crochet patterns as well as pattern kits, complete with both the pattern and the yarn, as well as the option to purchase any hooks or other supplies you might need. Check out this cute Floral Tapestry Top, which is a free downloadable pdf pattern! Bonus!
I love Knitpicks for affordable yarn and needles. But did you also know they have free resources for learning to knit? You can learn to Cast On, Knit, Purl and Bind off. There are so many great free resources available on YouTube and blogs. If you have a free resource you’d like to share, please do so in the comments!
Now that we’re talking about Knitpicks, I must say I really do love my Knitpicks interchangeable needles, especially the beautiful wood needles! I have the Caspian Options Short Interchangeable Set, which I love for hats and sleeves. It’s so great to knit in the round without using double-pointed needles. I do also have a set of Caspian Double Pointed Needles, which come in very handy for finer yarns and when decreasing at the top of a hat. I love how all the Options interchangeable sets work with each other, so it’s like Lego, you can use them with all your other sets and mix and match as need be!
Jessica from Mama In A Stitch has a bunch of lovely free knitting patterns and free crochet patterns including this fun Trails End Seamless Poncho. Nearly every knitter and crocheter I know dislikes seaming, so when we see seamless, we’re in love! Get the free pattern here on her blog or the pdf printable version here on Etsy. Check out her Etsy shop for all her pdf downloadable patterns.
Another free pattern that I’ve made a few times and given away (all my kids have one in their rooms) is this No Fuss Fish pattern from Eden Reborn. You can get the free pattern here on the blog or buy a low cost, ad-free, printable pdf pattern here. It makes a super cute gift and really doesn’t take too long to make at all. Check out all of Eden Reborn’s free crochet patterns here.
Since we still have some time before Easter, it’s not too late to make this floppy bunny amigurumi pattern from One Dog Woof. You can find the free pattern here on the blog or an ad-free pdf printable pattern here on Etsy.
Ashleigh from Sewrella also offers a lot of free patterns on her blog. The Crochet Seaside Cardigan is a lovely drapey cardigan that’s perfect for summer. Find the free pattern here on her blog or an ad-free pdf printable pattern on Etsy here.
I recently made one of Ashleigh’s Double Thick Crocheted Potholders from the free pattern here on her blog (get the ad-free pdf printable pattern here on Etsy). I had some cotton yarn for dishcloths leftover from a previous project, so I whipped up one of these babies when I realized Mr Evangelist’s hands don’t really fit in our oven mitts, so that’s why he’s been using my tea towels!!!
Since we’ve been watching all the Great British Baking Show episodes lately, I want to make one of these Double Oven Mitts by Sarah of Ned and Mimi. She’s got the free pattern on her blog and an ad-free pdf printable pattern available for purchase on Ravelry. So pick up some cotton dishie yarn or any other 100% cotton worsted weight yarn and get making one of these lovely double oven mitts today. I have some Lionbrand 24/7 yarn kicking around, so I think that’s what I’m going to use.
If you are looking for a mandala pattern like the one in the pin and the title heading, I have a resource for you, but it’s not for the exact pattern that I have here. I think I ended up guessing my way through this pattern with an image of a partial chart and a photo, so I don’t really have a pattern for it. But there are some similar-looking patterns here from Mollie Makes.
I hope you’re able to make some of these great free patterns while you’re practicing social distancing. Makers, we’re ready for this! We’ve been stockpiling yarn for YEARS! It’s time to put your stash and your skills to use! Take this break from the whirlwind of life and make some beautiful things. It may help calm the anxiety and you could also get a sweater out of it!
Pin this for later so you can find all these great resources when you’re looking for them!
Our Maker Life
Today is Our Maker Life make meet up! I’m so pleased that I was able to get a ticket! It’s in Calgary, which is less than 3 hours’ drive for me, which is also great news! And it happens to be my and Mr Evangelist’s anniversary that day, so he is coming down with me and we are having a little getaway on the side! He’s such a good sport about my maker life… it’s OUR maker life! haha
Anyway, in honour of Our Maker Life, I wanted to highlight the OML 2019 presenters and their patterns! Check out these great designers and pick up one of their fabulous patterns. Support individual makers: their creativity and discipline in putting out incredible designs make this maker life so much more rich!
*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*
One of my all-time favourite designers is Stephanie from All About Ami. It was only in the last year or so that I learned she was from Edmonton, just like me! I’m so excited to meet her and hear her speak at OML! She designs beautiful knit and crochet patterns, from amigurumi to garments and bags, baskets, blankets & more! Her pdf patterns are really reasonably-priced, and you can even get them for free on her blog! The pattern above is her new Wildrose Backpack Crochet Pattern, which I’ve been meaning to make, but there’s just so much to make!!!
This Spring Bunnies Crochet pattern is an example of some of her great amigurumi patterns. These would make an adorable baby shower gift or a super sweet handmade Easter gift!
The Midtown Cardigan knitting pattern is a beautiful example of one of her wearable knit designs. I’m thinking I’m going to put this one on the docket to make this fall…
The other keynote speaker for OML 2019 is Chantal from Knitatude. She is from Calgary and I’m super excited to meet her and learn from her as well! She has a whole shop full of great knit garment patterns. I really like the Easy Eyelet Yoke Lite Sweater Pattern above. It looks like a lovely design to wear in warmer months and would layer well for the cooler seasons!
I also love this Cozy Celtic Raglan Cable Knit Sweater. Maybe it’s the gorgeous mustard coloured yarn that it’s made with, but I love the chunky yarn and the cozy jumbo cowl with the cropped body! Super cute!
Chantel’s knit dress patterns are absolutely to die for! This super cute Diamond Knit Dress pattern has made an appearance on my blog before, but it’s so cute, I can’t stop telling you about it!
As you might be able to imagine, many makers who are attending OML 2019 are making their own garments to wear. You can check them out on Instagram using the hashtag #dressmeupOML19. I have made myself one of these gorgeous Peaks Crochet Tank Tops in a sunshiney yellow! Bonus: this pattern is free from hookedbyanna.com!
I plan to be thoroughly enjoying OML today! Have a great maker day today! Pin this for later and to share with your friends! Oh, and happy anniversary, Mr Evangelist!
Free Knitting Pattern: Chrysalis Cardigan
One of my goals for 2019 was to write more patterns. I want to write/publish one per month. Even though January was the Longest.Month.Ever, I still managed to miss my first marker. Partly because I’m new to this and partly because I’m a bit of a perfectionist, it’s probably not as great as I want it to be. But probably, they’re going to get better.
I wanted to wait until I had better photos. I wanted to wait until I got all my feedback from my test knitters. But I’m new to test knitters and my test knitters are new to test knitting. But I’m going to do it anyway. And I’m going to learn and maybe I’ll re-release it when it’s better. But here it is. If you make it and give me feedback, I will love you forever and I will send you an ad-free pdf of the pattern, and all updates when they come out.
This is a one-size pattern. If you want a smaller or bigger fit, try casting on fewer/more stitches in multiples of 3 and adjusting the total stitches accordingly. Ensure that you have an odd number of stitches for the edging stage. This will make the cardigan wider. To make it longer, knit more rows (try 24 inches of
Supplies needed
- Size 11 (8.00 mm) 32” circular needles (I love my KnitPicks!)
- Size 10.5 (6.5 mm) 45” circular needles
- 4 – 7 oz (198 g) balls Bernat Premium Tweeds yarn (or comparable yarn to achieve gauge. You will hold 2 strands together for this pattern)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Skills used
- Knit, purl, increase, decrease
- Provisional cast on
- Knitting in the round
Need to sharpen your knitting skills to take on this project? Check out some online knitting classes from Blueprint!
Abbreviations
- k – knit
- p – purl
- yo – yarn over
- sl1pw – slip 1 purl-wise
- k2tog – knit 2 stitches together
- ssk – slip, slip, knit
Gauge
4” x 4” = 12 stitches x 16 rows in the main body pattern. If your gauge is different, adjust by using larger or smaller needles.
Special stitches
Knit 2 together (k2tog): insert your right needle under the next 2 stitches and knit them together. This is a right-leaning decrease stitch.
Slip, slip, knit (ssk): slip 1 stitch from left needle to right needle knit-wise (as if you were to knit it). Slip another stitch knit-wise. Insert your left needle back into the 2 slipped stitches from the back and knit the 2 stitches together through the back loop. This is a left-leaning decrease stitch.
Pattern
Provisional cast on
With 2 strands of yarn held together, using 32” size 11 (8.00 mm) circular needles, loosely cast on 105 stitches with a provisional cast-on using the 45” circular needle cable for the base of your provisional cast on. Find provisional cast on using circular needle cable instructions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XIr2GiqjQg&t=182s
Alternate cast on
If you prefer to use a regular cast on, you may do so, but it will result in a seam along the edge where you join the cast on edge with the working edge.
Foundation Row
(WS) *k1, p1* repeat to last stitch, k1
Body
Row 1 (RS): sl1pw, p1, *k2tog, yo, p1* repeat from * to last stitch, k1
Row 2 (WS): sl1pw, k1 *p2, k1* to last stitch, k1
Row 3 (RS): sl1pw, p1, *yo, ssk, p1* repeat to last stitch, k1
Row 4 (WS): work as row 2
Continue in this pattern until work measures 22 inches from cast on edge, ending with a wrong side row.
Note: As the pattern takes shape, if you can’t remember if the last right side row was a row 1 or a row 3, pay attention to where the YO space is from the previous RS row. On each right side row, you will be closing up the space you created with the YO of the last right side row. And creating a new YO space in an alternating space.
On the WS, you should be knitting the knits and purling the purls & YOs. If you missed a YO in the previous row, it is easy to pick up a YO in the WS row.
You will notice that we are knitting the last stitch and slipping purl-wise the first stitch of every row. This creates a clean edge which will make up the arm holes.
Join cast on edge using the provisional cast on
Use the right needle of the size 10.5 circular needle that you used for the provisional cast with the left needle of the size 11 needle to work the first half of edging round 1.
Round 1 (RS): Turn. Sl1pw. K1, p1 to end of the row. Remove size 11 needle. Place a marker.
Fold the cast on edge up to meet the working edge, right side facing you and begin using the smaller needle from the cast on edge.
Join cast on edge using a regular cast on
If you used a regular cast on, pick up and knit 105 stitches along the cast on edge with the size 10.5 circular needle.
Seed stitch edging
You should now be using only the size 10.5 circular needles. K1, p1 to last stitch in round. Join to the beginning of the previous round by k2tog the last stitch & the first stitch of the previous row. This will decrease the total stitches in the round to 209.
All Remaining Rounds (RS): *p1, k1 around. The odd number of stitches means you will be knitting the purls & purling the knits, resulting in the seed stitch pattern.
Continue in this pattern until seed stitch edge measures 5 inches, using the stitch marker as your round beginning/end. Bind off with your preferred stretchy bind off. (I like this method).
Cut yarn and weave in ends.
You can add an optional button closure with a small i cord button hole loop just above chest level to help keep the cardigan closed.
It would mean so much to me if you would share my pattern on your social media platforms. Pinterest is my personal favourite!
So Many Fingerless Mittens!
Does anyone else have frozen mousing hand syndrome? I mean, maybe I need an ergonomics assessment so I can figure out ways to get some warm blood flowing to my hands, but for now I’m trying to decide on a pair of fingerless mittens to make so that I can keep up my computer-related work while keeping my hands warm! (And even crochet with them on!!! Bonus!) I’ve found a bunch, so I hope you’re prepared for a big list.
*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*
Whistle and Ivy
I also like this simple crochet pattern for a stylish pair of fingerless mittens with an adorable button accent. I like the finishing detail on the top and bottom of these mittens, so I’d be really interested to get the pattern to see what method
If you prefer a crocheted wrist warmer pattern with a little more flair, you should check out these Long Dragon Scale gloves from Happy Seal Design. The dragon scale stitch is a lovely way to embellish any garment. And I also like the look of using a self-striping yarn, as shown in the picture to add another layer of interest.
Speaking of wrist warmers with flair, how about a pattern with some
As much as I love to crochet, finished items tend to be a little bulkier, so knit wrist warmers can be much more pleasant to wear while you work. If you’re not a knitter, or you just plain don’t have time to knit a pair before you need your hands
Here is another slim fitting and delicate looking pattern for these Wishbone Mitts. I love the cable knit detail along the back of them to add an extra layer of interest to an otherwise simple knit gloves pattern. The designer of this pattern has an Etsy shop full of lovely and
If you’re looking for a more whimsical knitting pattern AND maybe you’re a football fan AND maybe you’re a loom-knitter, you could make this pair of Loom-Knit Football Themed Fingerless Mittens.
Of course, if you’re looking to knit a pair of fingerless mittens as a gift, this adorable Christmas Heart Fingerless Mittens Knitting Pattern by Little Pickle Knits would be a lovely quick knit handmade gift for the little girl (or boy: hearts are for everyone!) in your life!
There are also some great-looking free patterns out there. I have my eye on this pair of Wannabe Vintage Mitts on Ravelry!
There’s also this lovely pattern for cabled Fingerless Gloves by Crazy Hands. They look quite warm and lovely!
Well, that’s about all I have time to show you right now, but if you want some more ideas, follow my Pinterest Knit and Crochet: Mittens board because I’m always posting there! So many great ideas!!! Choose one today or Pin it for later!
Knit Scamander Scarf
It’s my first pattern! I finally did it! I created my own pattern! Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve made many things without a pattern and have modified others’ patterns to suit my yarn or my tastes, but this is the first time that I’ve written it all down and have prepared something that someone else might actually be able to make. So, here it is! It’s free for you! If you would like a printable PDF version of this pattern, it is available in my Etsy shop for a small fee.
This scarf is based on the scarf worn by Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I created this pattern for my son who is going as Newt Scamander for Halloween this year. Halloween is such a great time to get crafty!
*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*
The Knit Scamander Scarf is knit in a rib pattern with a bulky yarn so it knits up quickly and lays flat. I used Loops & Threads Charisma. This is a bulky yarn (5) if you need to find a suitable replacement.
Materials
- Main Colour: 2 (100 g) balls Loops & Threads Charisma in Charcoal (you will only need about 40 g of the second ball).
- Contrasting Colour: 1 (100 g) ball Loops & Threads Charisma Heather in Gold (Bulky)
Tools
- 9 mm (US 13) knitting needles (I used the 9mm size from my KnitPicks Interchangeable Circular Needles Set)
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- 8 mm crochet hook
Abbreviations
- MC: Main Colour
- CC: Contrasting Colour
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- K2togR: Knit 2 stitches on right needle together
Pattern
- Cast on 22 stitches in Charcoal (MC)
- Row 1: K1 P1 across (22 stitches). Turn.
- Row 2: Slip first stitch purlwise, P1, *K1 P1 across (22 stitches). Turn.
- Row 3-14: Repeat Row 2. Turn.
- Row 15: Switch to Gold (CC), leaving the tail of both colours to be woven in later. Repeat Row 2. Cut MC from ball of yarn, leaving a tail to weave in later. Tie joining ends together with a half knot.
- NOTE: When changing colours, continue to slip the first stitch of the row, which will be in the colour of the previous stripe. Once you the ends are tightened up at the colour-changes, the stripes will look more even and not carry over into the next stripe.
- Row 16-22: Repeat Row 2
- Row 23-34: Switch to Charcoal, continue in the rib pattern (Repeating Row 2) for 12 rows.
- Gold stripes should be 8 rows. Charcoal stripes should be 12 rows. The first and last Charcoal stripes are 14 rows instead of 12.
- Continue in this pattern until you have 12 Gold stripes.
- Final Charcoal stripe: continue in pattern for 13 rows.
- To bind off: Slip first stitch purlwise, P1, K2togR, *K1, K2togR, P1, K2togR. Repeat from * to end. This creates a stretchy bind off very similar to a long tail cast on. Cut end and weave in all tails.
Fringe
Cut 20 strands of CC 12 inches long and 24 strands of MC. Using 2 strands of CC and your crochet hook, fold yarn in half and pull through the centre of the scarf. Distribute 4 other CC tassels evenly along the same edge, two on each side, with space for MC tassels between them. There should be a tassel in the MC on each end, with 5 CC tassels alternating across.
Blocking
Blocking is not necessary for this scarf, but I’ve found that the stitches distribute nicely and the rib comes together so it looks more like stockinette (which is how the original scarf appears to be constructed), if you gently pull on the scarf as you go.
I hope you enjoy this pattern! If you would like a PDF printable pattern (it fits all on one page, too!), you can pick that up in my Etsy shop here. If you would share it on Pinterest or your other social channels for me, I would really appreciate it!
Amazing Fairy House Tea Cosy
I made this Fairy House Tea Cosy! Isn’t it ridiculously adorable?! I can’t make awesome things at the same speed that I can find awesome things to make, so that’s why I mostly share other people’s patterns and projects here. But I’ve been working on this tea cosy for a while now and she’s finally done!
It was a very partial WIP (work in progress) for a long time until I finally picked up a normally shaped teapot so I could make it fit just right. That’s when the real work began!
*Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*
I used this tutorial to make the tea cosy. It’s in Russian. And before you go thinking it’s super impressive that I can read Russian, I can’t. I can, however, limp my way through Google’s Russian to English translation, which is its own feat. (Computer translations don’t necessarily do the greatest job with technical language.) Although about half-way through I found a better English translation here.
Fortunately, I have a fair bit of experience reading crochet patterns, charts, and making stuff up without a pattern, as well as a fascination with language and translation that keeps me going. Also, I love projects that look ridiculously involved and impressive. What can I say? I like to impress.
There are so many interesting details on this little fairy house tea cosy. And there’s so much room for creativity with all the embellishments!
I found this little teapot charm from Bohemian Findings, a little Etsy shop from PEI.
I found the little keyhole charm for the door from Michael’s.
I don’t remember where I got those cute little wooden buttons, but I found some similar wooden flower buttons here if you’re looking for some.
I got to practice my embroidery and I got to work with so many different yarns, mostly just yarns from my stash, though I did find an eight-pack of cotton mini yarns at Dollarama, which I used for the snail and for the blue flowers.
This tea cosy will be auctioned off at The King’s University‘s Harvest Banquet and Silent Auction this Saturday, so lucky you if you’ve got some tickets… and I’ll see you there!
You could ask me to make you one, but unless you’re willing to part with eleventy million dollars, I probably won’t do it (but Pleasant Things Shop has some beautiful similar tea cosies and she seems to be a lot faster than me at making these little beauties!) None of us have any idea how much time I’ve spent on this, but suffice it to say, you’re probably better off picking one off Etsy if you’d like to use it this decade (though, maybe I’d make one for my mom or my grandma if they asked 😉).
I’d love it if you’d share my project on Pinterest. I’m pretty proud of how it turned out and sharing helps my little blog!
Today’s Crafty Finds
More crafty good news, friends! So many wonderful patterns to make your own handmade lovelies! Here are today’s top picks:
*Disclosure: some of the following links are affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may receive a small commission.*
I love the cable-knit look of this crocheted scarf pattern… and the adorable pompoms make it so unique! What a cozy looking cowl crochet pattern! You can buy the pattern here.
“Free” pattern for this adorable braided knitting pattern neck warmer scarf! So cute! So I guess Etsy doesn’t really let sellers list free items, but at 25 cents it’s practically free! You can get it here.
Bunny slippers! What an adorable crochet pattern for cute bunny slippers! I love the little bows by the ears! Fun Easter gift idea! Get the pattern here.
I LOVE OWLS!!! So adorable! What a cute crocheted purse pattern! I can’t wait to make this! Wouldn’t this make a fantastic gift for the girly girl in your life, who loves little purses? My daughter is maybe a little too cool for this little purse, but she loves herself some little purses! You can get the pattern here.
There’s always more crafty good news, friends! Come back later for some more! 
Seven Amazing Amigurumi Cartoon Characters
I have been having a blast lately finding some of the best crochet patterns on Etsy and Pinterest. I have really been impressed by the amazing designers who create doll patterns inspired by cartoon characters. There are so many wonderful craft patterns out there to check out. If you don’t want to go research and find them on your own, you can enjoy what I’ve found in this great round up!
*Disclosure: some of the following links are affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and buy something, you don’t pay any extra, but I may get a small commission.*
Charlie Brown – Doesn’t he look great? All those times you felt bad for poor ol’ Chuck; now you can just give him a hug and make him feel better.
The Snorks – I love this cartoon when I was a kid and it always felt like no one else even remembered that it existed. It did exist! My mom even made me a birthday cake shaped like a Snork one year! And this crochet pattern proves that other people remember too!
Just in time for the upcoming movie release… make your own Peter Rabbit stuffed toy!
Dory – This is such a great pattern for this lovable, forgetful fish.
Classic Alice in Wonderland character, the White Rabbit, that started it all.
Another classic cartoon character to crochet, Bambi’s best friend, Thumper.
My family and I loved the movie Inside Out. We tried to convince the kids it would be amazing to go as all the emotions from the movie for Halloween that fall, but alas, no one wanted to be Sadness. Both my youngest and my husband wanted to go as Anger. I’ll let you make of that what you like.
If you’re looking for more great Handmade Disney patterns, you should check out my Pinterest board, dedicated to Handmade Disney stuff!
Five of the Best Amigurumi Animals to Crochet
One of my favourite crafts is crocheting. I learned to crochet from a friend in college, even though my mom had tried to teach me when I was a little younger. I don’t know what was wrong with me, but I kinda see the same spirit in my daughter, so maybe it’s a weird I-don’t-want-my-mother-to-teach-me-anything trait that runs in our family. Sorry, mom! I love ya, I was just weird.
My first project was a scarf, the gauge of which was tight beyond belief, but I got that sorted out and then crocheted a large blanket in a matter of days for my friend in time for Christmas. I’m pretty sure I just parked myself on the couch at my parents’ house when I was home for Christmas and crocheted for three days straight.
Later I learned how to make mittens from another friend and the rest is history, I guess. Once I learned how to increase and decrease, I had the basics for AMIGURUMI! It’s so fun! You can make stuffies! And potatoes with eyes! (haha). Since then I have made a lot of fun stuffed things. Like this banana.
Lately, I have been scouring the internet finding the best and cutest amigurumi stuffies to crochet. (Check out my amigurumi Pinterest board!) As much as I sometimes try to make up my own patterns, I’m not really a pattern writer (maybe one day…) and the time it takes for a pattern writer to test and create a new pattern is definitely worth the cost of some of the paid patterns available. Here are some of my favourites I’ve found recently.
Look at this amazing owl pattern! I love the detail on the belly (breast? what do you call that part of a bird?) So sweet. Owls are great. This pattern is a free Ravelry download.
Cuddle Me Fox — and check out this tiny fox pattern! So cute! Foxes are really trendy right now and this little guy looks like he’ll come together quickly. This little guy is available on amigurumi.today as a free pattern.
Boxy Bear is another free pattern for a new crocheter. Nice straight seams. I love the way he comes together. Really cute.
Isn’t this little Monkey pattern cute? This pattern is available from allaboutami; it was published last year in honour of 2016, the Chinese year of the Monkey. If you’d like a nice printable version of the pattern, it’s available for a small fee here.
Tourist Giraffe This little giraffe is named Kenny and he comes with a camera!!! How cute is that? I love this little giraffe! He’d make a great gift to crochet!
That’s my quick little round-up of some of my favourite stuffed animals to crochet. Pick one and find your hook and happy crocheting!
6 of the Cutest Hats to Crochet this Fall
Winter has descended on Alberta, so all of a sudden I feel like it’s time to crochet! I’ve rounded up some of my favourite crochet hat patterns and most of them are FREE!
I am in love with this sweet pattern from Whistle & Ivy and I’m excited to try it out.
This hat is another favourite. It’s for sale on Etsy by PrettyDarnAdorable and I must agree… it’s pretty darn adorable.
This slouchy LL Bean Copy Cat crochet pattern by Meg Made With Love is also on my list of hats to make. I think my daughter needs a new slouchy hat and this just might be her thing.
This fun hat by Victoria Gogolak would make a beautiful Christmas gift for a little girl.
Back to slouchy hat patterns. This classy pattern by Croyden Crochet is simple yet stylish. It just occurred to me that this is the only pattern in my list without a pompom. Pompoms are great, though. I love pompoms. Did you know there are pompom makers? They’re the greatest things! There are all sorts of fun ways to make pompoms without a special tool, but these make it seriously so easy and fun. I have 4 different sizes and I love them!
Finally, this chunky crocheted hat pattern from Sweet Everly B should whip up nice and quick in a pinch and would suit just about anyone.
If winter must come, at least we can crochet!
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