Folded Brim Beanie FREE Knit Pattern

If you've been following along with my Instagram account or reading my posts here on the blog, you know that I recently learned how to knit. I began my knitting journey a little over a month ago. A MONTH?! Honestly, it feels like I just learned yesterday. I'm still in that beginner's stage of trying something new, where everything is fun and you want to learn ALL the things. Ya know, you couldn't get bored of it -- if you tried. I'd kinda forgotten what it felt like when I first learned to crochet because I was really young - but now I remember - and it feels really good. I know I'm not alone. I know there are A LOT of you out there who want to learn or are learning like me. So, I thought, why not?

10 Things I wish I knew as a newbie knitter.

We've all been there. Haven't we? When you're first learning something new and you're so close but just can't get it right. It's that feeling deep down in the pit of your stomach - that tells you to give up - over and over again. You keep telling yourself.. "I'll never get it by just watching a video." "I wish I had someone to show me." I admit.. it's really hard when you don't have someone standing in front of you, pushing you to succeed and showing you IT CAN BE DONE. It seems like no matter what you do, you just can't get it right. You feel defeated. I know this feeling a little too well...

Singles or Plied?

With new yarn trends popping up each month, it's safe to say there's an overwhelming amount of choices when it comes to fiber arts - these days. There are SO many options.. but, everyone's current favorite, is -- by far hand-dyed yarns. I've been dyeing and spinning yarn for 6 years.. so, I know a little bit more than the average knitter/crocheter. Have you ever wondered the difference between a singles yarn and a plied yarn? I'm going to have both available in my update this week, so I thought now would be a great time to bust out a little bit of yarn-y knowledge for ya'll..

Bobbles Beanie FREE Crochet Pattern

Last month Lionbrand announced that they would be teaming up with Stomp Out Bullying (the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens in the U.S.). Their goal is to increase awareness on the impact bullying has on children and teens by rallying together and making blue hats to wear proudly through October -- Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. Having some personal experiences and now having a young school-aged daughter, I know first-hand how words can really affect our kids. From the moment I first heard about this project, I knew I wanted to help make a difference! So, I grabbed some of my favorite blue yarn and came up with this new design. I even made another one in Rainbow colors and decided to share the pattern with you guys!

How To Stay Motivated in The "Off" Season

Well, July is officially over. That means that summer is already half over for us here on the East Coast. I feel like I've been running a marathon these past few weeks. My mind has been racing with ideas.. but I've totally been lacking in the motivation department! I've been trying really hard to focus and to organize myself and my time. I had all of these plans to get on a schedule with blogging, designing and social media -- but it just hasn't worked out. I blame it on the heat and the lack of child-free time. It's a definite struggle, but I'm pulling through and I'm determined to stay motivated. I put some thought into the things that have been working for me and the things that haven't ..and I decided to share some of my tricks for pulling back and staying on track. Here's to the last few weeks of summer ..

Sunburst Wall Hanging FREE Crochet Pattern

I go through these phases - every once in a while - where all I want to do is learn new crochet stitches. I always try to incorporate something new into each of my designs.. whether it be a new stitch or a new way of constructing a garment. It's fun to change things up! Learning a new stitch can be inspiring. It can open up your mind to so many new possibilities. I have been wanting to make a wall hanging for a while now. Everywhere I look, I see these beautiful woven wall hangings. I could easily make one like them, but I wanted it to be more unique! I wanted to incorporate crochet. So, when I started researching new stitches.. I saw this stitch and I just knew I had to use it ….

Laced-Up Bralette FREE Crochet Pattern

Have you ever heard that saying that says something about how in every struggle you can find a blessing?

Well, last week I frogged an entire garment that I'd been working on. It just didn't work out the way I had planned and with me being a total perfectionist, I knew I had to rip it out. If I didn't, I wouldn't of been happy with it and it would have been a waste of good yarn. I guess it was just "one of those weeks" for me. I mean, I'm used to getting bored of a big project or angry that my math isn't adding up right. Sometimes it happens with something that I'm designing (where it's taken me months to get something just right). Other times, I get stressed out over a single row in a pattern I'm working up. I guess that's just me though. Truth is, I started designing crochet patterns because I'm a tad bit OCD about certain things and how they are worded/written. I really struggled to follow along with patterns written by other people. I don't know why. It's just always something that was hard for me...

Netflix + Crochet

What's your favorite thing to do while crocheting? Occasionally I watch crochet podcasts on YouTube or listen to audiobooks on Audible (both of which are great options) ..but my all-time favorite thing is binge watching Netflix shows! If you haven't tried it, you're totally missing out. Go get it! I'm always looking for a new show to get hooked on. In fact, I've watched so many really great ones, that I keep a list of my favorites to share with my friends/family! Today, that is exactly what I'm going to do! Click below for a list of the most binge-worthy Netflix + Crochet shows..

Bonfire Cardi FREE Crochet Pattern

As some of you know, last month I teamed up with Premier Yarns to create a design inspired by their new Rodeo yarn. When I first saw this yarn, I was immediately excited to work with it! Not only is it soft and beautiful, it's made from recycled cotton.. so, it's eco-friendly as well. I worked up some swatches right away and fell in love! The marled color worked up so beautifully and the yarn itself added this amazing weight and drape to my piece, which in my opinion - is a must for garments! I hate when a piece is too stiff. Here's a little more about the yarn I worked with....

Pattern Tester Call!

Some exciting news! I'm looking for a new group of crochet pattern testers for my Spring & Summer designs!

With the beautiful warm weather fast approaching, I find myself with renewed inspiration! I don't think I'm the only one. This Winter seemed never-ending. Now, these beautiful bright sunny days give us more energy -- and with the sun setting later - a lot more time to create each day! The switch to warm-weather fibers and light weight yarn leads to loads of new ideas! I've got so many running through my head, I can't put them down on paper quickly enough! I've started three new pieces for Spring/Summer and can't wait to get going on the others! So, I figured now would be the best time to put out a pattern tester call! If you're interested, please click below and fill out my tester form!

Spring Cloths FREE Crochet Pattern

As most of you know, I recently started dyeing yarn again. There's nothing I love more than getting a little bit messy and playing around with color! It's safe to say you'll be seeing a lot more hand-dyed yarn from me! I've been wanting to play around with some new design ideas for Spring, so I grabbed some white cotton I had in my stash and I spent a day with my dyes! I ended up with these really gorgeous spring shades and knew I needed to make new cloths!