Shamrock Flower Crown: Free Crochet Pattern

Green isn't a prominent color in my wardrobe. So when St. Patrick's Day rolls around I'm usually scrambling to find something to wear. I usually have to settle for an article of clothing that is much more teal than kelly green or something green I've literally only kept around to wear once a year. Sometimes, however, I end up just tying a green ribbon in my hair.

I wanted to be prepared this year. One thing I do happen to have in green is yarn, so I decided to start from there. Instead of just a scarf or hat, I wanted something specifically festive for St. Patrick's Day. After all, I will probably be pairing it with some less-than-green clothing. I decided I wanted to make a flower crown. Specifically, a clover flower crown!

Recent Makes: Crochet Beanies with Pom Poms

I feel like I've been making a lot of hats lately. Half of them have been baby hats (a couple years ago it seemed like everyone around me was getting married, now everyone seems to be having kids!), but the other half all been for me. Including the free crochet pattern that I released last week for the Messy Bun Beanie. Check it out if you haven't already!

It's the tail end of winter here, and it being Northern California, our winters tend to be around 50 degrees with a good amount of rain (the last few years of drought excluded). However, I'm taking a trip to London later this month where it will be a bit colder and a bit wetter, so I definitely used that as an excuse to make myself a couple new hats. By the way, if you want to see pictures from my trip and my day-to-day life in general, be sure follow me on Instagram. I spend most of my time on social media there, so it's the best place to see what I'm up to and sneak peeks of future tutorials.

Messy Bun Hat: Free Crochet Beanie Pattern

I'm probably a bit late on posting this since the frenzy around these hats seems to have died down a bit. The Messy Bun Hat, a.k.a. The Ponytail Beanie, a.k.a. The Mom Bun Hat, a.k.a.... well, I think that's it. Anyway, I felt like I saw those hats all over the web in December. I even got a special request to make one for Christmas. So I looked at a couple free patterns out there and then ended up making my own version.

This hat's starting row is crocheted around an elastic hair band. I like that the hair band helps to stretch the beanie to fit over the bun without having to have a huge gap. The hat is worked up with bulky yarn so it's a fairly quick project. I also decided to publish this pattern because it gave me an excuse to make my own! I think these are perfect for bad/lazy/dirty hair days in the winter. It also perfect for preventing hat head. You can just put your hair up in a loose bun, put on the hat, and stay warm outside. Then when you're inside, you can just take off the hat and undo the bun and you have lots of volume in your hair. I'm still working on perfecting my messy bun, though, to give the hat maximum hair pompom effect.

Handmade Christmas Gifts

Now that the holidays are over, I can share what projects I handmade for Christmas gifts. Some of them were not so sneaky, as they were the toiletry bags I made for my online class and the Tiburon Gloves pattern I released on Ravelry last month. Others you'll get to see for the first time here.

The Tiburon Gloves

I'm excited to announce my latest crochet pattern: The Tiburon Gloves. These fingerless gloves are customizable to suit your preferences. It has a shorter cuff option that is perfect to wear with a watch and a longer cuff option that will add warmth. There is also instructions for the button tab and scallop edging included with the pattern that can be added onto either length option. The fingerless gloves are great on their own as hand warmers or can be worn over gloves for an extra layer of warmth. These mitts are perfect for men or women to wear.

Crochet Deer

I had a lot of things I could have been doing this weekend, but instead, I crocheted a deer.

...I have no regrets. It's adorable and it goes perfectly with my crocheted Christmas decor.

I used the Sherman the Deer pattern by SnuggleMe Stitches on Ravelry and scrap balls of yarn. In fact, it's a bit hard to tell, but the back two legs and part of one of the front legs is made with a different yarn than the rest of the body. I intended to use the same brown shade for the ears, but ran out exactly at the end (luckily) of the last leg.

Crochet Christmas Decor + DIY Crochet Tree Pillow

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays, so it makes sense that one of my favorite hobbies gets brought into the mix. I love the look of crocheted Christmas decorations because it evokes feelings of warmth and coziness. I wanted to share with you a couple patterns I've used and loved for some decor, including one of my very own!

Crochet Pumpkins

I love fall. I love how the leaves change color. I love how cooler weather means wearing my favorite boots and handmade scarves and hats. I love all of the pumpkin flavored treats and spiced apples. I also love that it means my favorite holiday is just around the corner. Ok--Christmas is still over 2 months away so that one is a stretch.

Going back to fall, I wanted to get into the spirit by doing a little decorating. I found this pattern for Spice & Clove Knit and Crochet Pumpkins on Ravelry and thought they were adorable. So I whipped some up...and yes they are adorable! Probably one of the cutest things I've ever made that serves no purpose except to make me happy.

10 for Tuesday: Crochet Accessories to Make Now for Fall

Last week it was approaching the triple digits and my poor air conditioning was working overtime. I actually went to the grocery store and saw pumpkins for sale and thought, it is way too early for that! I definitely did not want to think of crocheting any scarves, hats, or gloves then. Well, yesterday we had overcast, windy, and cold weather and I quickly changed my tune. I'm itchy to hook some cute new fall accessories! Today I've rounded up 10 free crochet patterns that will keep you cozy during the dropping temperatures.

10 for Tuesday: DIY Accessories for Fall

It may still be hot outside, but I just can't help already being excited for fall. I love all the cute and cozy fall accessories that come out once the weather cools down. Why not get your wardrobe ready for fall by making some of these great DIYs? There's something for every skill level. Enjoy!

10 for Tuesday: More DIY Swimsuit Coverups

One of my most popular lists of free tutorials this time of year is for D.I.Y. Swimsuit Coverups. Because of the popularity, I decided to dig up 10 more free swimsuit coverups for you to make for the beach or pool. And be sure to check out my own Easy Beach Coverup Sewing Tutorial!

Crochet Button Pillow: free crochet pattern

I have been working on this crochet project on and off for a couple months. I am excited to finally have it finished! The funny thing is this looks more like a fall-winter decoration and I finished it in the spring. I think playing around with the buttons and yarn color though could give it a lighter and more summery look. I really do like how it turned out. It looks like my pillow is wearing a cardigan sweater.

The pillow itself it a pretty basic pattern worked up in single crochet. It's the kind of pattern you don't have to think too much about and can do in front of the tv (my favorite kind of crochet pattern!). It is worked in three pieces, the back and two front panels, and then slip stitched together.

10 for Tuesday: Crochet Bags

This weeks 10 for Tuesday is all about crochet. I know I've been focusing mainly on sewing lately and I wanted to show some crochet projects for my non-sewing readers. I love the look of crochet bags and I think they are perfect for toting around your essentials in the spring and summer. I use the majority of my crochet projects in the winter (shawls, hats, etc), so it'd be nice to have a project I could use year-round. Enjoy!

10 for Tuesday: Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is coming up on Sunday, May 10th. To celebrate moms everything, I've compiled a list of ideas and inspiration to make something for your own mother or for another special mother in your life. Mother's do so much for their children, so why not give back something unique and made with love?

10 for Tuesday: Throw Pillow Tutorials

The pillows above are my own. You can read about the crochet one here.
An easy way to brighten up any room is with throw pillows. The cost can add up quickly, however, when purchasing them from a store. Why not DIY your own? My favorite throw pillows had removable covers so you can easily wash them and changed them out with the seasons or your mood. (Sew your own pillow form following my tutorial HERE!) So why not do a bit of springtime redecorating and make some of your own? These projects range all levels of sewing skills and crochet. Enjoy!

10 for Tuesday: DIY Tutorials for Warmer Weather

With spring here and the temperatures warming up, it's time to start on projects that make the most out of the warmer temperatures. I've rounded up 10 of my blog posts that will get you started on all of your spring and summer projects (it's over 60 free tutorials!). Time to sew up some warm weather ready tanks, skirts, and dresses!

Crochet Basket: free crochet pattern

I have a new crochet pattern for you today! This week's 10 for Tuesday was all about crocheted baskets. It inspired me to create my own version. I knew I wanted the base to have an oval shape and for it to have handles. I used a cotton yarn I had in my stash (I'm still staying true to my March goals!). The great thing about this yarn was that I had picked it up on clearance awhile ago so it was just $0.97 a ball. That means I made myself a crochet basket for about $2!

10 for Tuesday: Crochet Storage Baskets

The start of spring marks the start of spring cleaning. After you've done your cleaning, sorting, and throwing away routine, you usually want to start organizing what you have left. These crochet storage baskets are perfect for just that! (And a great excuse to stop cleaning for a bit and doing some crocheting). As always, these are all free tutorials that I hand picked for you. Enjoy!

Crochet Bunny Slippers

With Easter coming up, I thought I'd share with you a project a made a couple months ago for a baby shower. I definitely have a soft spot for bunnies, so I couldn't pass up an excuse to make these crochet baby bunny slippers.

Crochet Cotton Pads and Face Scrubbies

When I talked last week about my blog goals for March, I said I wanted to try and use what I have and be less wasteful. I had made a goal to not purchase any new crafting supplies this month, and I've held true to that so far.

I wanted to try out a couple of things from this week's 10 for Tuesday post about being more green. (Honestly, they're for my inspiration as much as yours!) I first wanted to try out some felted wool dryer balls. I liked the idea of chemical free fabric softener and not having to keep throwing away the sheets. I had some vintage wool in my stash that wasn't holding up so well with age. It was getting very weak and would snap easily. I figured they would be great for this project. Unfortunately, the dye bled a lot. That's not something you want when you're going to be throwing them in with your whites! So I'm am shelving this project until I have lifted my ban on buying new craft supplies. I just purchased a new box of fabric softener sheets anyway, so there is no rush.