sewing

June 12, 2021September 24, 2022

Making for the Kitchen – Knit, Crochet & Sewing Patterns

We are about to head into a pretty major kitchen renovation in a few days, so I have kitchen on the brain. And while I probably won’t have a lot of extra time for making the finishing touches in the kitchen just yet, thinking about them helps me get motivated to do the dirty work of cleaning up and preparing for the weeks of chaos ahead of us. In the mean time, you all can enjoy some great modern knit and crochet patterns for the kitchen. One of the reasons I love knit and crochet so much is that you can make custom solutions for little problems in your life or just add something extra special, that matches perfectly and functions well. Check out these great patterns.

*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.*

A little kitchen rug is a nice touch by the sink to add some cushion beneath your feet and absorb the little splatters from the faucet. The Modbob Rug Crochet Pattern from The Cozy Knot Crochet is a cute and modern, bobble-embellished crochet pattern that would work at a kitchen sink, as a bathmat, or as an entry rug.

If you need to get some yarn for this project, crochet.com has a great variety of cotton yarns, like Dishie… they even have the Dishie Cone, which is 400 grams of 100% cotton worsted yarn.

If you prefer the half-circle variety of rug, you could make this Half Moon Rug Crochet Pattern from Malkishu Art. This pattern crochets up quickly using t-shirt yarn and double-crochet, so you could probably whip up a new rug for your kitchen in a couple of hours!

For a quicker rug, you can make these adorable little mug rugs. The Betty Mug Rug Crochet Pattern from Wool And Wax Dreams is a quick and easy little crochet pattern that will replace your coasters with a cute little rug to protect your coffee table from your hot mugs.

The Easy Kitchen Towel Topper Crochet Pattern from Stitching Together is a quick and easy kitchen towel topper that is innovatively attached to the top corner and then uses the towel itself to wrap around the handle of your stove. It makes a quick little housewarming gift when you don’t have a lot of advanced notice and it’s a great little project to use up some scrap cotton yarn. This pattern is also available for free here. (Also, if you need some yarn, Dishie would work well for this project, too!)

Here’s another quick and useful project for you: the Sunburst Dish Scrubby Crochet Pattern from Bash Yarn Works is a super quick and functional dish scrubby made with nylon yarn or 3″ spooled tulle. So many people I know love having a handy little dish scrubby like this one in their kitchen!

DeBrosse NYC once again has a modern and gorgeous coaster pattern for your contemporary kitchen. The Croix Crochet Coaster Pattern. This stylish and modern take on the coaster provides the perfect pop of chic to your coffee table. The clean lines of the waistcoat stitch paired with the curvature of the wooden ring create a simple but stunning combination. If you haven’t checked out DeBrosse NYC patterns before, it is definitely worth your time-all of her patterns are sleek and clean and NOT your granny’s crochet patterns!

Another handy crocheted item for the kitchen is this Easy Crocheted Hanging Basket from Iknit For Cozy Home. Made with jute (or cotton: Lionbrand 24/7 Cotton is also a great choice and comes in 37 different colours! The colour Hay Bale is almost exactly a jute colour!) These hanging baskets would be great to hold plants, utensils, or other items you want to keep handy, but off your countertop!

Update: Sadly, this pattern is no longer available, but check out these other great crocheted hanging basket patterns for some good substitutions!

I’m sure you were wondering how long it was going to take me to get around to the most obvious handmade kitchen accessory: the dishtowel. The Turtle Trunk has this great Farmhouse Dish Set Crochet Pattern, which includes easy patterns and instructions for three different towels: a dishcloth/washcloth pattern (8.5″ x 8.5″), a dish towel (13″ x 21″), and a hanging towel (8.5″ x 19″). Dishie yarn is a great choice for this set, too!

Don’t worry, knitters, I haven’t forgotten about you! The Ocean View Dishcloth Knitting Pattern from Goose Creek Knits is a nautical-themed dishcloth pattern and features alternating rows of garter stitch and ribbing, which keeps it laying nice and flat. Knit from corner to corner, it uses a simple combination of knit, purl, increase, and decrease stitches. This is a great beginner knitting pattern!

Are you concerned about the amount of water it takes to process cotton? Re-Up Yarn from Lion Brand is a recycled 100% cotton yarn that is great for these dishcloth patterns and other kitchen items. By using one 70 gram ball of Re-Up Yarn, you are saving 1,400 liters of water!

There are so many great options out there for knit dishcloth patterns! The Woven Waves Dish Towel knitting pattern from Nich Knits uses slip-stitch knitting to create a woven fabric using basic stitches. This pattern is beautiful, reversible, and thick enough for a great dish towel.

While not strictly a pattern for the kitchen, this Egg-cellent Apron Crochet Pattern from Heart Hook Home is just what you need if you have backyard chickens and need to collect eggs. Not only does it include individual egg pockets to accommodate 19 eggs, but there’s also a larger pocket for your cell phone, to-do list, pen, or whatever else you might need to carry. Heart Hook Home also offers this pattern for free (with ads) on her blog.

If sewing is more your jam, did you know you can buy digital sewing patterns online? The Jess Apron Sewing Pattern from Bouquet Clothing is an easy sewing pattern for beginners to make their own custom apron. This classic pattern includes options to sew a full or half vintage-inspired apron and the options for your own embellishments are details are endless!

Update: This apron pattern is unfortunately no longer available. Check out these other apron sewing patterns for some good options.

If you prefer the casual and full coverage style of a Japanese pinafore apron, the Crossback Apron Sewing Pattern from TOTO shop UA is a lovely classic and simple apron pattern with two front large pockets. I love this style of apron because it has no ties to get tangled and wrinkled in the wash.

If you wanted to embellish your apron (or something else) with embroidery, you should check out Florals and Floss Stick and Stitch Embroidery Designs. Add your very own customization to your apron or tea towels for your own unique kitchen accessories! Perhaps when we’re all finished with our kitchen project, I’ll spend the upcoming fall and winter evenings peacefully stitching up some custom tea towels to adorn my new fun kitchen. (And maybe my family won’t use THOSE ones to mop up the dirtiest messes in the kitchen as they have with all my other new towels so that every bloody one is stained… uh oh, now I’m starting to rant; time to wrap up!)

I hope you’ve been inspired to make something useful and beautiful for your kitchen! Grab one of these great patterns today and get making! Or pin it for later!

Excellent round up of great knit, crochet and sewing patterns for the kitchen. Enjoy beginner knit and crochet patterns and easy to follow sewing patterns that you can have digitally delivered to you today! #knitting #Crochet #KnittingPatterns #CrochetPatterns #KitchenKnits #KitchenCrochet #SewingPatterns #KitchenHandmade #HandmadeKitchenAccessories #PatternRoundUp #Yarn #Crafts #CraftEvangelist

February 27, 2021February 27, 2021

Embroidery Patterns and Kits for Everyone

While I mostly share knit and crochet patterns here, I have been dabbling in embroidery a little bit recently. It’s a nice break from knitting and crocheting. I first learned to embroider in grade eight Home Ec class and let’s just say it wasn’t my favourite. I think we got some bad instructions. But last year, I was drawn to some really beautiful embroidery projects I saw on Etsy and I just had to try one out. If you’ve been looking at trying embroidery, I’ve gathered up a great collection of pretty little projects for you to try out here.

*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.*

This cute little Honey Bee Embroidery Kit was the kit that I bought from Florals and Floss that restored my faith in embroidery. Her instructions were so much better than I received in grade eight. I made consistent pretty little french knots (a stitch that eluded me as a young teenager) and ultimately, my project looks pretty similar to the example here. I’m very pleased with it.

I was very intrigued by the Monstera Deliciosa Magnetic Needle Minder from Florals and Floss so I picked up one of these with my embroidery kit and then I wondered what I did without them! I now have this one attached to my knitting pouch, where it keeps my tapestry needles easily accessible.

So when I bought another kit from Florals and Floss, I also picked up her new Wildflower Magnetic Needle Minder. It is super handy for not losing your needle while you’re stitching. And it magnets right to your work so you don’t put any extra holes in your work!

This is the next kit I bought: the Wildflower Bouquet Embroidery Pattern. <– That link is just for the pattern because I don’t think she has the kit in stock at the time of writing, but check out her kits to see if it’s stock. I haven’t started it yet, but I just love her kits! They’re wrapped so prettily and are complete with everything you need. When you’re busy and there’s a pandemic, you don’t want to spend forever in a craft store checking to make sure you’ve got all the right colours of floss just to get home and discover you can’t find your needle! So handy to get everything in a cute little kit.

Once I got reacquainted with embroidery, I thought that Mr Evangelist‘s new office space that we carved out of our sitting room needed a little piece of handmade art. I never would have had the audacity to try making this Appa embroidery from Avatar the Last Airbender if I hadn’t have been reintroduced to embroidery with the kit from Florals and Floss. I couldn’t find an embroidery pattern or kit that I liked, so I found an image online and traced it onto a piece of linen (a piece of an old bedsheet) and got stitching. I’m pretty happy with how he turned out.

This adorable Bicycle Embroidery Kit or Pattern (you can choose either one) from iHeartStitchArt is such a simple and cute little stitching pattern. I love the basket full of flowers. It’s beginner-friendly, so if you’re new to embroidery or you’d like to introduce a loved one, this kit would be a sweet introduction.

The Hipster Stitcher has this Floral Garden Hand Embroidery Kit which is also designed for a beginner. It has a great selection of stitches included in it, so the beginner stitcher can try their hand at a variety of techniques and get a good foundation for embroidery.

I love the simplicity of this Blown Kiss Embroidery Kit from Bijoudebroderie. If you don’t read French, don’t worry “cerceau” means hoop, so ignore the French options and choose the English option kit with hoop (or without hoop). What a pretty little gift this would make for a loved one.

Once you feel like you have a handle on french knots, or if you just want A LOT of practice, try the Coloured Heart Embroidery Kit also from Bijoudebroderie. The pattern is already printed on the fabric, so you can just pop your fabric in the hoop, thread your needle and get stitching!

Another favourite from Bijoudebroderie is this Geometric Deer Head Emboirdery Kit. Simple and classic, this beginner-friendly kit is easy with just one colour of floss, but will make a lovely piece of decor hanging in your home. A perfect little gift for that hard-to-buy-for loved one.

This Bee Kind Hand Embroidery Kit from The Hipster Stitcher is another simple little embroidery kit that is full of whimsy and is sure to make you smile every time you see it. (And can you tell I love bees yet?… I can’t help it, they’re yellow!)

I love the fun 70’s vibe this Mushroom Embroidery Kit from Hook Line Tinker is putting out. These adorably decorated little mushrooms are just so fun. I may need to find a place in my sitting room for this fun little hoop!

Have you had enough florals yet? No? Didn’t think so. This Earthy Floral Embroidery Pattern from Florals and Floss has such a lovely classic design to it. It might have to be my next kit once I finish the one I’ve got. (How am I going to get all this knitting done if I’m constantly stitching?!)

Have you ever thought about embroidering on your clothes? Florals and Floss has these perfect Stick and Stitch Embroidery Designs which are perfect for putting anywhere and stitching some cute little embellishments on your clothes. Embroidery on hand-knit or hand-crocheted items just makes them that much more special. And embroidery on jeans is super trendy right now too. Make your clothes one of a kind!

While this doesn’t exactly look like a beginner pattern to me, look what can be done with embroidery! Needle-painting! How adorable is this Cute Little Bird Needle Painting Pattern from Neva Reef Decor?! It’s just the pattern, but this is definitely something to aspire to. What would you put this little bird on?

I hope you’ve found some inspiration for a new craft and some great resources to get started with embroidery. Check out these great embroidery patterns and kits today and get stitching! Or pin it for later!

Check out this great collection of embroidery kits and patterns! Embroidery kits make learning this new craft so simple and pleasant! Can't wait to pick up one of these great kits and get stitching! #embroidery #embroiderykits #crafts #sewingcrafts #embellish #CraftEvangelist

September 20, 2020September 20, 2020

Patterns to Remember the Notorious RBG

I live in Canada, but I know that many people around the world are feeling the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We’re thinking of you down there, USA. If you’re sad and don’t know what to do, maybe commemorating the life of RBG with some thoughtful crafting time is the way to go. Regardless, there are some pretty fun craft patterns out there that are worth considering to remember and carry on the legacy of this fine woman.

*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.*

Introduce your kids with this fun RBG Doll Pattern plus bonus Finger Puppet Pattern from penny biz. Make a little doll and then make an adorable little finger puppet. Is there any other supreme court justice that you would make a finger puppet of? Make them, too! You can act out the whole supreme court process and introduce your kids to that. You can buy the pattern here.

Here’s another Amigurumi Ruth Bader Ginsburg Crochet Pattern from Hooray It’s Crochet. She looks a little grumpy here, but given what she had to deal with, I get it. It looks like she’ll need a pair of doll glasses to finish off this great toy. She’d be a great gift to a law student graduate. Get this pattern here.

You can start them even younger than when they’re playing with dolls by making this Ruth Bader Ginsburg Crochet Rattle Pattern from BB Adorables. Such a fun gift idea for RBG parents to be. Remember to use safety eyes and use yarn for the earrings if you’re going to let a baby play with this toy. Pick up the pattern here.

Of course, Ruth Bader Ginsburg said a lot of smart stuff over the years. This DIY Notorious RBG Cross Stitch Quote from Not Ur Grannys Stitches is a great way to commemorate one of those great quotes. “Fight for the things you care about-but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” Find this cross stitch pattern here.

Here’s another cute RBG cross stitch pattern: RBG I Dissent Cross Stitch Pattern from Stitch Craft Patterns. This would make another fantastic law graduate gift. Or perfect for getting a first job at a law firm? Can’t you just see one of these in a lawyer’s office? Buy this pattern here.

Here’s a more realistic Ruth Bader Ginsburg Cross Stitch Pattern from The Stranded Stitch. Find this pattern here.

If you’re new to cross-stitch, try out a smaller pattern with this Mini Ruth Bader Ginsburg Cross Stitch Pattern from Anita and Fred. This minimalist cross-stitch pattern would be quick to make and would be sure to delight any RBG fan. Pick up this pattern here.

Or you can also get it as part of the Ten Tiny Feminists Set of 10 Cross Stitch Patterns also from Anita and Fred. Pattern inspirations include: Frida Kahlo, Lucille Ball, Malala Yousafzai, Billie Holiday, Amelia Earhart, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rosa Parks, Yoko Ono, Ada Lovelace, and Katherine Johnson. Get this pattern bundle here.

Here’s an even smaller Tiny RBG Cross Stitch Pattern from Zesty Thistle. It’s so little and cute! Get the pattern here.

For a bigger, more involved, but single colour cross stitch pattern, check out this Ruth Bader Ginsburg Cross Stitch Pattern from Stitch Life Mag. Get the pattern here.

If you have a Cricut or another similar cutting machine, you can make your own vinyl cut outs with this You Can’t Spell Truth Without Ruth SVG file from On The Beach SVG. You could make your own t-shirt or wooden sign art with this file. Buy the file here.

Probably one of my favourite quotes from RBG is this one: Women Belong Everywhere Decisions are Made Cross Stitch from Happy Sloth Patterns. Buy the pattern here.

I hope your appreciate this round up of Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspired patterns. I don’t have a lot of gushing to do about these patterns, I just wanted to share them because I know that when I feel sad, sometimes making something is meditative and helpful. It gives me time to think and also create something in the process. Take care of each other, peeps. Grab one of these patterns or pin it for later.

Collection of Ruth Bader Ginsburg inspired patterns: cross-stitch, crochet and SVG files of the notorious RBG to honour this special woman. #RBG #ruthbaderginsburg #crossstitch #embroidery #amigurumi #crochet #yarn #crafts #craftevangelist #patternroundup

April 18, 2020April 18, 2020

Spring Home Patterns

We’ve finally climbed out of the bone-chilling winter temperatures (and only a month into spring! #whydoilivehere?), so it’s definitely time to celebrate! It’s time to open the windows, enjoy some fresh air, and take walks without a coat (sweaters still required). And it’s definitely time to bring some spring life into our homes. Here in Edmonton, garden centres and greenhouses have been declared essential services during this pandemic(#agree), so I’m so excited that we will be able to get some plants since I didn’t start any seeds this year. There’s still some time, so I might still get to it. Maybe tomorrow afternoon…

Anyway, let’s bring some spring indoors! We still have some chilly evenings ahead and since we’re hunkered down so much, we have some time to freshen up our indoors with some lovely handmade spring decor! Check out these patterns to get making today!

*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.*

Bring some homey-ness to your plants with a Crochet Planter Pattern. Warm up your plants and add some cohesiveness to your home decor. I know I have a bunch of mis-matched planters around my house, so wrapping them all up in a matching set of crocheted planters like this would be perfect!

Spring is the perfect time to try embroidery! There are so many wonderful, springy embroidery patterns to check out, including this Beginner Floral Embroidery Pattern. Small crafts like this are so portable, perfect for sitting on the deck and enjoying the fresh air while relaxing with a new craft!

I also love this Dandelion Hand Embroidery Pattern. Modern and pretty, this pattern looks like it would be easy to accomplish and I love that it would work so nicely on a dark background. It really makes the light colours pop!

I’m so sorry I didn’t find this Easter Bunny Gnome Crochet Pattern before Easter for you all (and for me too!) I love gnomes! I just think they’re soooooo cute! I love the whimsical bunny ears coming from his hat (let’s not imagine anatomy, ok?) So cute… and it’s a perfect time to get a jump on next Easter.

If there’s a baby due this spring, this Spring into Summer Baby Blanket Crochet Pattern is the perfect, simple crochet pattern if you’ve ever wanted to try corner to corner crochet. It looks lovely made in this multi-coloured yarn!

This is the perfect time to make a Hello Spring Crochet Pillow! Crochet pillow covers are so fun and great to swap out during the year for seasonal changes to your living room. These patterns are adorable and customizable so it will always match your decor! Make those flowers in whatever colour you like!

I love wreaths! And what better time than spring to bring in a Knitted Flower Wreath Pattern into your decor! Check out these cute knitted flowers and leaves. They look gorgeous on this vine wreath. I probably wouldn’t hang this outdoors, as I don’t think the yarn would hold up to the elements very well, but it is a lovely way to bring a hint of spring into your home!

I know I usually focus on fibre arts here, but there are so many crafts worth trying. This French Beaded Crocus Pattern is a beautiful introduction into bead-work. What a lovely looking project to try! Have you ever tried beading like this? So neat!

What better way to breathe life into your home than making one of these Trinity Macrame Plant Hanger Pattern to hang your plants. This is definitely a 70’s throwback, but macrame is vintage and very trendy right now. So many fun ways to hang plants! I remember doing macrame in Girl Guides when I was a child. And I also made a lot of friendship bracelets in my early twenties, which uses some of the same knot techniques used in macrame.

I love this modern take on macrame. And I might even be able to find a place for this Macrame Planter Hanger Pattern for the wall… maybe in my bathroom upstairs… Or perhaps in the bathroom down here when we get around to doing that.

There are so many other lovely DIY patterns and supplies featured in this Etsy Editor’s Picks as well. Totally worth checking out if you’re looking for some new crafting inspiration! Which of these lovely patterns will you make to bring a touch of spring into your home? Pick up one today or pin it for later!

Gorgeous selection of crafting patterns perfect for spring #springcrafts #spring #crochet #springknitting #embroidery #patternroundup #craftevangelist

February 29, 2020February 29, 2020

National Craft Month

March is International Craft Month! How appropriate, because it is also the month that I, the Craft Evangelist was born! Coincidental? I think not! If you’ve been waiting for a good reason to start crafting or just want to ramp it up a bit for this special month, I have got some great inspiration 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.*

This gorgeous pattern was just released this week. The Portofino Sweater Crochet Pattern is a gorgeous, off-the-shoulder middle season garment, perfect to make for spring or chilly summer evenings. It would look great as an easy-going cover-up over a swimsuit. It has options to make it with short sleeves or long sleeves as pictured here. I love the long-sleeved version. This is definitely going on my list of things to make!

Ok, I know I’m usually all about the knit and crochet, but there’s more to crafts than just knit and crochet, right? (Oh, but I love the yarn!!!) Check out this super fun Faux Fur Earmuffs Sewing Pattern. How cute are those? And they look so warm! Perfect to transition out of these cooler months. Here in Edmonton, March is a complete mystery weather-wise… you never know what you’re going to get!

And look at this for some variety. Maybe you’re all about the embroidery. Or maybe you’d like to get into this craft, in which case this Bicycle + Flowers Embroidery Kit is the perfect thing for you. The beautiful thing about craft kits is that they include everything you need to start a new craft. There’s nothing more annoying than finding that you have to go searching for a craft supply you didn’t know you needed or don’t know where to find in the craft store when you just want to get making. Kits are a great solution for that. They also make great gifts for someone who is interested in getting into a new craft!

Ok, so back to my wheelhouse. This pattern for Sandals with rope soles is a great looking crochet pattern to make these cute looking summer shoes! How crafty is it to say you made your own shoes! These make me long for summer so much! I love this style of flip flop, as they stay on your feet really nicely and even make great shoes to wear around the house.

I also really like this pattern: Thong sandals with rope soles crochet pattern. These sandals have a lovely boho vibe about them. I love them made in these neutral colours. They’d be so fun at a festival or just walking around the farmers market. As the snow falls right now, it’s not exactly flip-flop weather, but perhaps I can dream while I make a pair of these!

While we’re dreaming of summer, why not try making one of these Double V Crop Top Crochet Pattern? I love this mustard colour and the crop top look. This simple and sexy top would be great for the beach or the weekend.

The Knotty Crop Top summer sweater knitting pattern is a great festival top for knitters to make! The chunky yarn and open stitches mean that this pattern works up quickly. You can throw it on top of a sundress for a little extra warmth with a boho-chic vibe or wear it over a swimsuit for a sexy cover up!

While we’re still dreaming of summertime, I’m loving this Aloha Cardigan Crochet Pattern. It can be worn year-round to add a little warmth and style to any outfit, but it’s light enough to wear in the summer over summer tops and dresses, or even to the beach. It’d be a great project to finish up while sitting on the beach in Mexico if you have a warm-weather getaway planned this spring.

Haha, there’s really a summer theme going on here today isn’t there? I need to figure out a way to get to a warmer location more regularly! In the meantime, check out this Mio the Sleeping Mermaid amigurumi crochet pattern. I love amigurumi dolls. My kids aren’t exactly at the doll-loving age anymore, but I have plenty of cousins who are still having babies and would certainly love one of these adorable dolls!

But alas, it’s still pretty chilly here, so you might need to make yourself a pair of slippers from this Simple crochet slipper pattern. This pattern uses bulky yarn so they work up quickly with a 9 mm hook You can use up your bulky yarn scraps and make some cute and comfy slippers to wear while you dream of summer and make your cute summer festival tops and beach cover-ups. At least your feet will be warm!

If your feet are warm and your head it warm, your whole body will be warm! Keep your noggin warm by making this Fresh Tracks Beanie Crochet Pattern. This beanie is a classy take on a ribbed beanie, which is completely crocheted. It’s a fitted beanie and has a knit-look rib stitch to it. You’re sure to love this pattern!

Since National Craft Month is in March, it’s a great time to work on some Easter projects. This Little Bunnies Easter Basket crochet pattern is an adorable Easter basket pattern that would be sure to impress and delight any recipient! It’d make a great auction item at a spring fundraiser. I love the adorable extras on this sweet Easter basket pattern. Those details are always so fun to add. Embellish it even more with buttons or other notions from the fabric or craft store!

Of course, those of us who have little boys in our lives that we love to make for are always looking for patterns that will delight and surprise them. The Triceratops Basket Pattern crochet pattern would make up a great Easter basket that any dinosaur-loving kid would appreciate!

If you’ve found this post with only a little time before Easter, you can still make adorable handmade Easter delights, like this sweet Easter Bunny Egg Cozy Basket. Pop an Easter egg in this little basket and you’ve got a sweet little gift for a loved one. It would also make super adorable Easter table decor!

So, happy National Craft Month! Make something this month! It’s the perfect time to try out a new craft you were hoping to start! Crafting can be therapeutic and a great stress-reliever from work, plus, you get slippers! Pick up one of these great patterns today and get making! Or pin it for later!

Check out these great knit, crochet, sewing & embroidery patterns to make to celebrate National Craft Month in March! Love these awesome patterns!

February 8, 2020February 8, 2020

Men’s Hat Patterns

A lot of knitters and crocheters are people who have men in their lives that they love to make things for. But many of us are attracted to fun pompoms, complicated stitch patterns, and slouchy hats that the dudes in our lives would just not be into. And I’m guilty of this, too. So if you’re looking for some simple, manly hat patterns, you’ve come to the right place. And most of these are crochet! I often lean towards knitting patterns when knitting for men because the fabric ends up being thinner, which is what Mr Evangelist prefers, so I know what a challenge it can be for crocheters to find a good men’s hat pattern. But there are plenty included here! Check them out and try one today!

*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.*

Who says men’s hats have to be plain? This textured Arrowhead Beanie Hat Crochet Pattern is a great example of a manly hat pattern with a lovely stitch pattern. This pattern comes in 6 sizes, from baby to adult large, so you can make one for the whole family! Add a pompom if you like and it’s a stylish hat for anyone! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE ARROWHEAD BEANIE PATTERN.

And who says men and boys can’t wear a slouchy hat? Check out this lovely Portland Slouchy Hat and Cowl Set Crochet Pattern. It mimics a knit seed stitch and has a lovely slight slouch to it. It comes in 5 sizes from 6 months to adult, so again, you can make this set for anyone in the family! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PORTLAND SLOUCHY HAT AND COWL SET CROCHET PATTERN.

If you’re a new crocheter, The Perfect Slouch and Ribbed Scarf Crochet Pattern Set might just be more your speed. This simple hat is perfect for a beginner as it’s an easy to follow pattern with plenty of helpful photos. It requires only basic crochet skills and materials and is worked seamlessly in the round. CLICK HERE FOR THE PERFECT SLOUCH AND RIBBED SCARF CROCHET PATTERN SET.

The Brighton Beanie Crochet Hat Pattern in 6 Sizes is another lovely crochet hat pattern that has a textured stitch pattern and is totally family-friendly! It has some optional add-ons such as flowers if that’s your thing (perfect for little girls) and also looks great with a faux fur pompom! CLICK HERE FOR THE BRIGHTON BEANIE CROCHET HAT PATTERN.

Who says men’s hat patterns have to be solid colours? The Big Bay Beanie Crochet Pattern is a great multi-coloured pattern worked up with chunky weight yarn in 5 colours and it’s simple enough for a beginner/advanced beginner. I believe this pattern is also available for free on the designer’s blog, but for just a few bucks you can grab an easy-to-read, printable pdf pattern: CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BIG BAY BEANIE CROCHET PATTERN.

Simple hats like the Basic Knit Beanie for Men and Boys Knitting Pattern is the kind of pattern I usually make for Mr Evangelist. He’s already got a pretty big head, so he doesn’t want to add the bulk of a thick and chunky hat to it. Also, while he’s trying to stay warm, sometimes those chunky hats make him too hot. He’s already pretty hot (woot woot!) so we don’t want to overdo it. 😉 The decreases on this knit hat pattern make a lovely swirled crown that sits nice and flat on the head. It’s a great guide to learning decreases. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BASIC KNIT BEANIE FOR MEN AND BOYS KNITTING PATTERN.

For a slightly textured ribbed crochet hat pattern, check out this Men’s Slouchy Knit-Look Crochet Hat Pattern. I love that it’s not super slouchy. That’s just the right amount of slouch for the men that I know. This is an intermediate crochet pattern in two adult sizes. It uses worsted weight yarn, so it’s a lovely project for some of that worsted weight yarn you have in your stash. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE MEN’S SLOUCHY KNIT-LOOK CROCHET HAT PATTERN.

The Fisherman’s Cap Crochet Beanie Pattern is such a classic pattern that you can’t miss out on it. It’s a perfect beginner pattern made with basic stitches, so if you’re just learning, this pattern is for you! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FISHERMAN’S CAP CROCHET BEANIE PATTERN.

The Ribbed Wonder Crochet Hat Pattern is another super easy beginner crochet pattern for a classic simple crochet hat using chunky weight yarn. This works up quickly to make a timeless hat that the man in your life will love. I believe this pattern is also available for free on the designer’s blog, but I love to have a pattern I can print out, take with me and mark up as I go. For just a few bucks, it’s absolutely worth it! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE RIBBED WONDER CROCHET HAT PATTERN.

The Ripple Hat Crochet Pattern is simple to follow and comes in 4 sizes using under 100 grams of worsted weight yarn and a size H (5 mm) crochet hook. The lovely texture on this pattern makes a great unisex pattern that men, boys and women and girls will all love! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE RIPPLE HAT CROCHET PATTERN.

This Reversible Knit-Look Beanie Crochet Pattern in 6 Sizes is another hat that Mr Evangelist would be a fan of. So if you’re looking for something streamlined and simple for the man in your life, that looks store-bought, this crochet pattern is for you! I love the look of it and it really does look knit, don’t you think!? And it’s completely reversible! How cool is that?! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE REVERSIBLE KNIT-LOOK BEANIE PATTERN.

Maybe you’re not looking for a beanie pattern, but something with a little more flair? Or perhaps for a costume? The Fedora Crochet Pattern in 9 sizes is a super fun summer hat pattern comes in 9 sizes so you could make one for a newborn (!HOW CUTE WOULD THAT BE?!) and your grandpa. So fun. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE FEDORA CROCHET PATTERN.

Or maybe you need a Newsies kind of a hat? The Belmont Scally Cap Newsboys Hat Pattern is a classic 1920’s hat pattern so that you can join in with the Peaky Blinders style. It also includes a bonus size for an 18″ doll! How cute would that be?! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BELMONT SCALLY CAP NEWSBOYS HAT PATTERN.

Of course, if you’re really looking for a costume hat or a fun pattern for a little boy, this Knight Helmet Crochet Hat Pattern is a ton of fun. For those of us in cold climates, Halloween can be unpredictable, but it is usually chilly here, so a warm hat to wear out trick-or-treating is a great idea. And many little boys like to play pretend year-round, so a fun hat like this knight helmet can be made for Halloween and worn all winter long! CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE KNIGHT HELMET CROCHET HAT PATTERN.

The Lael Viking Hat Crochet Pattern is another great hat that can be used as a costume or simply a fun hat to keep your little one’s head warm. It comes in three sizes, but it makes a stretchy hat that can be worn by multiple head sizes. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE LAEL VIKING HAT CROCHET PATTERN.

I know I usually focus on knit and crochet patterns in this blog, but I came across this Leather Bowler Hat Pattern and Video Tutorial and thought it was so cool that I had to share it with you all. So, whether you’re into steampunk or just leather crafting or just have a general appreciation for handmade hats, this cool pattern is for you. CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE LEATHER BOWLER HAT PATTERN AND VIDEO TUTORIAL.

Which of these awesome men’s hat patterns will you pick up and start making today? They’re pretty awesome, so don’t forget to Pin it for later.

15 Hat Patterns to make for men. Mostly crochet hat patterns for men. From easy to slightly more advanced patterns; there are plenty of crochet hats to make for men. Beanies and more! #crochetpattern #crochetformen #crochethatpatterns #menshatpatterns #crochetbeaniepatterns #hatpatterns #diyhats #craftevangelist

March 15, 2019March 15, 2019

Pretty Patterns

Now that it’s getting warmer, we can start making pretty things! We don’t have to just make warm things (not that warm things can’t be pretty), but there are so many lovely pretty things to make that are perfect for warmer weather! Let’s get making some pretty things!

*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.*

Pretty things for the home, like this lovely Super Chunky Doily Throw Blanket/Rug! Gorgeous! I love this blue colour, but I’m also a sucker for white doilies, even though they show dirt quickly.

Also, pretty things like this gorgeous little Kitty Crochet Pattern! What a lovely handmade baby shower gift this would make!

Need to improve your crochet skills for one of these projects? Check out Craftsy’s online crochet classes and learn at your own pace!

Speaking of pretty things for babies, this Crochet Dress Pattern for Babies is available in 4 sizes! So sweet! Makes me wish I had crocheted some dresses for my girl when she was little!

But there are not just pretty clothes that you can make for babies! You can also make pretty things for you (or your teen-aged girl!), like this crochet pattern for the Hanna Tee! Gorgeous!

I know I mostly feature knit and crochet patterns here, but I stumbled upon this pretty sewing pattern for the Duchess Dress and I just couldn’t resist. I don’t do a lot of sewing, but I think this would make just the loveliest dress for a young girl! Perfect for a flower girl!

More pretties for babies! This knitting pattern for the Maelynn Newborn Bonnet would make the perfect newborn photography prop!

And there are so many pretty doll patterns to make, I had to include at least one. Carmen Rent has so many pretty doll patterns: April and her Rabbit amigurumi crochet pattern is just one of many!

Get making, makers! It’s pretty time! Go grab yourself a pattern today or pin it for later!

Pretty Patterns to knit, crochet and sew for the warmer weather! I love to make all year! It's so nice to make pretty things! check out these gorgeous patterns! #knit #crochet #sew #make #yarn #crafts #fabric #patterns #craftevangelist

Love this super fun super chunky doily rug crochet pattern! It looks great in this blue, but it would also be adorable and classic in white! #crochet #pattern #crochetpattern #yarn #crafts #doily #doilyrug #diy #craftevangelist

Super sweet and pretty kitty amigurumi crochet pattern! Perfect baby shower gift! I love this little stuffed kitty with her little cowl! So adorable! #crochet #pattern #crochetpattern #amigurumipattern #amigurumi #yarn #crafts #stuffies #handmadegifts #craftevangelist

Sweet little shell stitch crochet pattern for this baby dress. Pattern comes in 4 sizes, perfect for baby shower gifts, baby christening outfit! Love this gorgeous little dress! #crochet #pattern #crochetpattern #baby #crochetforbaby #yarn #crafts #dress #babygifts #handmadebabygifts #craftevangelist

Super pretty crocheted t-shirt pattern! Love the lacy open back on this Hanna tee! Perfect summer crochet project! #crochet #pattern #crochetpattern #crochetclothes #tshirt #yarn #crafts #craftevangelist

Super pretty pdf sewing pattern for this lovely girl's dress! This would make a fantastic Easter dress or flower girl dress! I love the ribbon ties on the side! #sewing #dresses #girls #sewingforgirls #sewingpattern #pdf #craftevangelist

Super sweet pretty knitting pattern for this baby bonnet! Would make a great knit newborn hat photography prop! #yarn #crafts #knitting #pattern #knittingpattern #knitpattern #knit #hat #baby #newborn #photoprop #photographyprop #craftevangelist

Super pretty and sweet amigurumi doll crochet pattern, April and her rabbit! Such an adorable little stuffed toy pattern to make! #crochet #pattern #amigurumi #crochetpattern #amigurumipattern #yarn #crafts #diy #craftevangelist

October 14, 2017November 3, 2017

How I Hem and Patch Jeans

My children inherited my husband’s long torso and shortish legs. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not exactly the tall, slender type myself, but proportionately my legs are pretty long for my height. So I can wear regular pants without having to hem. But even for me, jeans can be the exception to that. So, with short legs running in our family (and nice round bums) we have to size up in the jeans department (for the kids) and hem (a LOT).

I was so happy to find this fabulous way of hemming jeans from Just Something I Made. Fast and easy and it keeps the original hem look that we all love about jeans. It has its drawbacks, but overall, it’s pretty great. I’ll show you on my son’s jeans.

This picture was taken after I ripped out the seam, but you can get a good idea from the wear lines, how it worked. I didn’t cut the leftover fabric off, I just hand-tacked it up on the inside so it would stay there.

This is how it looks after ripping them hem out. You can see that I took about 3 inches out in hemming them. They’ll be a little long on him and might look a tad goofy with the wear lines (and darker portion there), but I hope they’ll be acceptable enough for my husband to put them on him (he dresses the kids most days).

These jeans needed letting down for a little while, but they also began to sport a small wear tear in the knee (boys!), so I took care of the whole job in one go. I patched up the hole in the jeans like this. I first saw this here on CRAFT (complete tutorial in that link).

Inside pic. If you can’t tell what I did here, I cut a small piece of denim (from old jeans; I keep them around for crafting and whatnot… it also occurred to me that I should keep the bottom portion of my daughter’s hemmed jeans since there are usually about 4 or 5 inches to lop off those and then I could use them for patches). So I cut a little square, quite a bit bigger than the hole. Usually, there’s wear around the hole, so it’s good to give the whole area some reinforcement. I pin the denim in place and, using my sewing machine, I just sew back (using the reverse button) and forth pulling slightly to kind of zigzag it along the patch. Cover the patch that way, trim the excess patch, if you like… and you’re done!

Turn them right side out and they look like that. It’s a little funky looking, but I think goofy patches are more obvious; this is more like the distressed look. And that patch isn’t going ANYWHERE!