embroidery patterns -

January 29, 2022January 29, 2022

Sweet Little Gifts to Make for the Ones You Love

Valentine’s Day is in just a couple of weeks. Even if you don’t do much for Valentine’s Day, a sweet little handmade gift is always welcome. It says you thought about someone (sometimes for a long time!) while you made them something special with your own hands. Handmade is just so special! And I love sharing the patterns that help you make it happen. A lot of work goes into these carefully crafted patterns so you can make one with ease. Check out this little selection of gifts that you still have time to make in time for Valentine’s Day (even if you have a day job!)

*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.*

First up is this adorable Amigurumi Pattern for Esther the Crocheted Doll from Manuska. She wears acute little dress with lovely detail and a fully removable cape and hat. I have made patterns from Manuska’s shop before and they are easy to follow with detailed pictures to make your doll stunning.

This cute little Mini Dress Up Doll Amigurumi Pattern from The Wandering Deer includes a doll pattern with 2 hair types and a top, pants, skirt, dress, jacket, beanie, scarf, shoes, backpack, bag stuffed bunny, and a pillow. It is 27 pages of detailed written instructions with lots of photos and a quick assembly guide. There are even other patterns in this series for more outfits for you doll: Animals in Summer Outfits and Halloween Costumes.

If you have a princess fanatic on your list of loved ones, then this little Cinderella Amigurumi Pattern from Gurumi Land Design just might be the perfect pattern for you. The sweet details on this gorgeous little doll make all the difference! I love the little pearl finishes and the details on the dress are just lovely!

You still have time to make this sweet little Amigurumi Fox Pattern from My Amigurumi Farm. With just three colours of yarn and simple construction, this pattern is rated easy. This cuddly fox would make a great baby gift for an expected little one, and wouldn’t the expectant parents just be delighted?!

Need a set of crochet hooks? This Crochet Hook Set has everything you need to get started with crochet.

This littler Ankylosaurus Crochet Dinosaur Amigurumi Pattern from Loopy Pattern is the perfect little amigurumi toy for that dino-loving kid. And, what’s so fun is this little baby dinosaur comes with a pattern for his own big bowl of popcorn! What a fun little addition!

I just love the vintage, homey look of this Crocheted Goose Amigurumi Pattern from Shop Straw Animals! Everything from their sweet little hats and adorable overalls to their cross body sachels and little scarves is just delightful! If you know a farm family, or even just a city kid, this sweet little pattern is sure to please!

There are not as many amigurumi knitting patterns available for the knitters, but this Bear Loves Bunny Knit Tiny Teddy Bear and Tiny Bunny from Simply Sycamore is a simple and sweet little pattern with options for both a bear and a bunny and would make the perfect little photo prop for a newborn baby photo shoot or a lovely little baby shower gift!

Wondering what knitting needles I use? KnitPicks Interchangeables are my go to needles!

There are more things than just amigurumi that you still have time to make for a loved one! Like this Bee Wild Beanie Knitting Pattern from Smeeny Beanie Knits. This is a beginner level colourwork knitting pattern using #5 Bulky yarn, so it knits up quickly for a cozy warm hat. This pattern is for a one size adult hat, fitting a 21″-23″ head comfortably.

You also still have time to make these adorable Sweet Dreams Socks from Zyapa Masha. I finally knit my first pair of socks this year, but I would definitely consider making this easy sock pattern with 10 pages of instructions with pictures and charts. They are worked toe up (which I love) and includes shaping for a better fit.

I missed this Crocheted Women’s Loafter Pattern from Two Girls Patterns in my Slipper Pattern Round Up last week, but these cute loafers are the perfect pattern to whip up in time for Valentine’s Day or for yourself to keep your toes warm during the winter months. I love the little tassels detail and the homey look of this fun crochet pattern.

While I mostly share knit and crochet patterns, I have explored embroidery over the last year or so and I really love patterns and kits from Florals and Floss. This Be Kind Leafy Wreath Embroidery Pattern from her shop is downloadable instantly so you can get stitching today.

I hope you found something to inspire you to make a little special handmade gift for someone you love. Go get one of these patterns today or pin it for later!

Pattern round up of knit, crochet and embroidery patterns for quick little handmade gifts you can make in time for Valentine's Day, or anytime for the one you love! #KnittingPatterns #CrochetPatterns #EmbroideryPatterns #PatternRoundUp #HandmadePatterns #Knit #Crochet #Stitch #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!