Doily Mug Rug and Upcycling Doilies in We Like Sewing Magazine April 2025

April 1, 2025 by ·

For the April 2025 issue of We Like Sewing online magazine, we wrote a sewing pattern and an article about doilies. We’ve grown to appreciate doilies more and more over the last few years. Back in the day, when our grandmother was crocheting them, we didn’t appreciate them, but now we do. There are so many new and exciting ways that people are using doilies, that it’s hard not to get excited about them.

As you can see in the photo above, we wrote a beginner friendly pattern for mug rugs. These are fun and quick upcycle projects that can be made in an hour. The denim is from upcycled denim jeans. The doilies were given to me by my aunt. Some had “Made in China” tags on them, so I felt comfortable upcycling them on the coasters.

Additionally, I, Dana, wrote an article with 11 ideas for upcycling doilies and lace in the article: Reduce, Reuse, Relace! In that I share ideas for decorating your home, updating clothing and creating useful items as well. I also share a few photos from my home where I’ve upcycled doilies and lace.

Check out our latest article and pattern on We Like Sewing April 2025 website.

The article I wrote is just a small sample of the amazing projects I saw online. I didn’t have time or space to share them all. But if you’re looking for a visual inspiration, check out the Pinterest board I created: Upcycle Doilies and Lace.

This article ramped up my appreciation of doilies so much that I sewed a doily on a playing card holder I made for my sister. This was also a denim upcycling project. Check out the doily on the Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern.

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60 Quick Granny Squares

March 15, 2025 by ·

We are thrilled to have 6 granny squares published in this new book: 60 Quick Granny Squares. In addition to the squares, we’ve written a pattern for a Dickie to wear under a shirt or jacket. 2 of our squares kind of made it on the cover…at the bottom left corner…how fun.

The 6 granny squares we’ve written include:

  • Spike Stitch Mosaic Tile – project 8
  • Sunflower – project 26
  • Daisy – project 27
  • Flower Patch – project 28
  • Butterfly – project 29
  • Swirl – project 58
  • Comfort Swirl – granny square project

Above, I’m wearing the prototype of the Comfort Swirl Dickie made from 4 Swirl granny squares.

All of the projects are crocheted using 220 Superwash Sport by Cascade Yarn. I, Dana, am a big fan of this yarn. There are tons of colors and the thinner weight is great for getting lots of detail in smaller projects.

All the granny squares in the book measure 6″ x 6″ so you can mix and match designs to make larger projects like bags, clothes, blankets and more.

The first section of the book includes helpful tips on changing color, joining, etc.

The squares were designed by a handful of crochet designers, their names are listed with their square. Each square also includes charts…for those that like to stitch with those visuals.

60 Quick Granny Squares is published by Get Creative 6, an imprint of Mixed Media Resources. You can buy your copy of 60 Quick Granny Squares in your favorite yarn store or Amazon.

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Mini Wallet in Quick to Stitch to Crochet 2025

March 5, 2025 by ·

Keep your cards and money organized with this cute little wallet. There are 2 pockets and a fold over front flap secured with a button. Add a bit of whimsy to this mini wallet by embroidering a rose in the button hole.

This mini wallet is a great project for the confident beginner because it uses basic stitches. The wallet is crocheted flat and folded to make a wallet with 2 pockets.

The yarn is Lion Brand Cotton DK which is really nice to work with. It’s also durable and washable. This wallet measures 4″ wide x 2.5″ tall making a great size for stowing in a purse or grabbing for a quick trip out.

Quick to Stitch Crochet 2025 by Crochet World

Quick to Stitch Crochet by Crochet World has 35+ designs that use a wide variety of yarn weights from sport to super bulky. It includes bags, scarves, shawls, blankets, baskets and more. This issue is available in craft stores until Jun 9, 2025. Learn more about Crochet World magazine at Crochet-World.com.

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Bunny Photo Prop in Crochet World Spring 2025

March 1, 2025 by ·

Crochet your snuggle bunny a cute photo prop this Spring. The crochet pattern is a fun way to capture the joy and love of your new infant.

This bunny photo prop includes:

  • Chin Strap Hat with Bunny Ears
  • Diaper Cover with Pom Pom on the Bum
  • Booties with Pom Poms at the Heel

All three elements are made with Lion Brand Heartland worsted weight acrylic yarn. This yarn is very soft and really enjoyable to crochet with.

Crochet World Spring 2025

Crochet World Spring 2025 includes this pattern for the Bunny Photo Prop crochet pattern as well as 28 dynamic projects for spring stitching. The magazine will be available at craft stores through the end of April 2025. Not familiar with Crochet World? Learn more about the magazine at Crochet-World.com

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Published in We Like Sewing April 2024

March 28, 2024 by ·

We have two designs in the April 2024 issue of We Like Sewing. How fun is that?!

We have worked with sister magazines I Like Knitting and I Like Crochet. This is our first time with patterns in We Like Sewing, a monthly digital magazine.

Odds and Ends Organizational Denim Basket

First up is a denim basket Deborah made from old jeans. She created the most adorable flower from denim, too. It’s called the Odds and Ends Organizational Denim Basket. I have one of Deborah’s baskets…and I love it!

This basket pattern measures 10 1/4″ x 6″ x 6 1/2″. It features a denim flower and leather handles.

Paisley Upcycled Paperless Towels

The second pattern we have in the April issue is Paisley Upcycled Paperless Towels.

Not only is this a pattern for making reusable towels, it’s an article on how to ditch traditional paper towels in favor of cloth towels. I, Dana, had lots of questions when I decided to make the switch and I’ll answer them all in the article. Questions like:

  • What size should the paperless towel be?
  • What fabric is the most absorbant?
  • What thread should you use?
  • How can you use paperless towels.
  • and more.

This particular paperless towel is 10″ square.

Get the patterns in the April 2024 issue of We Like Sewing.

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Cinnamon Roll Coasters

January 24, 2024 by ·

Looking for a yummy treat to crochet? Check out our latest design in Crochet World Spring 2024 for Cinnamon Roll Coasters.

This coaster is crocheted as a spiral where stitches from three balls of yarn chase each other around, creating a delicious-looking cinnamon swirl treat sweet enough to rest your beverage upon.

Crochet World is bigger and better than before. There are sooo many patterns in here now. Do you see what it says across the top of the cover? “34 can’t-put-down Spring Crochet Patterns”. 34! Wow.

We are thrilled that our humble little pattern made it into this fun issue. Pick up your copy of Crochet World Spring 2024 today.

Filed Under: Adult, Crochet, Dining, Kitchen, Publications, Yarnitect · Tagged With: , ,

I Like Crochet February 2024 Patterns

January 18, 2024 by ·

Check out the February 2024 issue of “I Like Crochet” online magazine. We have two designs featured inside! Woot.

Pattern 1: Dual Texture Dishie

First is “Dual Texture Dishie”. It’s a fun, quick and easy dishcloth with two textures on the diagonal. This dishie is super fun to stitch. There is a solid section worked in herringbone hdc that is great for scrubbing pots and pans. There’s a filet section that’s ideal for reaching inside glasses and such.

The yarn featured is Universal Yarn, Cotton Supreme. It’s really soft and cozy to crochet with. And you can make a couple dishies from each skein.

Pattern 2: Spring Sky Ruffle Pillow

Second is Spring Sky Ruffle Pillow. It’s a fun understated pillow with a whimsical ruffle. The ruffle really steals the show with it’s contrasting edge. The yarn is a little thinner than you’d expect, but it works up surprisingly quick thanks to the extended half double crochet. The project is really relaxing to stitch and really rewarding when the ruffle is complete.

The yearn featured is Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport. Their 220 line is fabulous and comes in so many different yarn weights and colors. And it’s machine washable.

Check out I Like Crochet Magazine

“I Like Crochet” is a beautifully curated magazine that you can access online. They offer a few membership levels. Well worth checking out.

The magazine comes out with a new issue every other month.

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Holly Jolly Bed Runner

October 9, 2023 by ·

If you love to decorate for the Christmas season, then you’ll want to add this Holly Jolly Bed Runner to your crochet must-do list!

The Holly Jolly Bed Runner was specifically designed for the new crocheter. I wanted something festive that would also be approachable. It uses basic stitches in long rows which make it simple yet so striking! This is a fun, quick and easy project for Santa loving crocheters of all abilities.

As I said in the magazine intro, this project is meant to be a blanket at the foot of your bed, but it’s so soft and cuddly, you may find yourself wrapping it around your shoulders on a cool winter evening. Premier Serenity Chunky is the perfect yarn for the project. I mean, that gold buckle really pops beautifully against the red and black.

Available Now in Crochet World Winter 2023

The Holly Jolly Bed Runner is available exclusively at Crochet World Magazine. Pick up your copy of Crochet World Winter 2023 today.

Available now in Crochet World 2023 from Annie’s Catalog.

Share the Love, Pin This To Pinterest

Share the Love of the Holiday Season with everyone you meet by pinning one of these pictures to Pinterest.

Above is a picture of the Holly Jolly Bed Runner at my home. It’s pictured on a queen size bed. I was so thrilled with the finished project that I snapped a picture of it on the bed before decorating the rest of the room. I just love how bold and vibrant it is.

Get your copy of Crochet World Winter 2023 to make your own Holly Jolly Bed Runner!

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Pin Loom Chef Gnome

May 16, 2023 by ·
Pin Loom Chef Gnome. Photo Matt Graves

This little pin loom chef gnome has a sweet tooth. Here he is serving up some cherry desserts.

Make your own chef gnome with pin looms. He’s the perfect accessory for the kitchen and makes a great gift for those who love to cook…and eat.

We love the obvious and the subtle details that turn this gnome into an accomplished chef. The toque (hat) is probably the most iconic item. But the gnome is also wearing a white apron and holding a red and white striped serving towel. All of these items were made with pin looms. There are a couple little elements of crochet (we’ll touch on that in a moment). The cherry dessert in his hand was purchased at a craft store in the miniatures/doll department.

Chef Gnome Pattern Available on Little Looms

This particular gnome pattern was designed for Little Looms and is available with All Access membership to their site. Learn more about the online subscription to Little Looms where you can buy access to all past and present patterns from Little Looms magazine.

Materials Used to Make the Chef Gnome

The main items needed to make this chef gnome are pin looms and yarn. But there are a few other items that give the gnome his polished appearance. For instance, the yarn of the beard is combed with a metal pet comb then steam ironed to straighten the threads. Here’s a complete list of what was used to make the chef gnome:

  • Pin Loom – Square: 2” and 4”
  • Pin Loom – Hexagon: 3 ¾“ diameter (2” sides)
  • Pin Loom – Rectangle: 2” x 4” and 2” x 6”
  • Needle: 5” weaving needle, tapestry needle
  • Yarns Red Heart Soft (100% acrylic; 256 yd/4 oz), #E4600 White, 200 yd; #46414 Black, 24 yd; #9274 Biscuit, 8 yd; #9925 Really Red, 5 yd.
  • SUBSTITUTION if needed: Red Heart With Love (100% acrylic, 370 yd/7 oz) #1001 White, 1012 Black, #1308 Tan, #1909 Holly Berry.
  • Stuffing
  • Miniature Cake
  • Crochet Hook Size G/6/4.00mm
  • Small Bag of Bean or Something Heavy to Weigh Down the Gnome
  • Straight Pins
  • White Fabric Marker
  • Steamer
  • Pet Comb
  • Hot Glue.

More about the Chef Gnome

As mentioned earlier, there is a tiny bit of crochet on the gnome. The apron strings are crocheted as are the cuffs at the wrist of each arm. If you don’t know how to crochet, then ribbon could be substituted for the apron strings. And the cuffs could be omitted.

All the shapes are woven in plain weave. So that portion is very beginner friendly. The project my look intimidating, but the pattern will explain step-by-step how to fold, roll, tuck and cinch pin loom woven shapes into a chef worthy of any kitchen.

Bon Appetit!

Filed Under: Kitchen, Pin Loom, Publications, Toys · Tagged With: , , ,

Sheep Pillow Published in Little Looms

January 9, 2023 by ·

Sheep are neat and so are pillows that look like them! Deborah designed an adorable sheep pillow using yarn and pin loom woven shapes.

We love this pillow because it’s fairly easy to make, yet has lots of little details that make it quite interesting. The 4″ squares give it a puffed / quilted look. The woven texture of each square adds more interest. The fleck in the yarn adds still more depth.

Sheep Pillow Pin Loom Pattern in Little Looms Magazine

Little Looms Magazine first published this “Counting Sheep” pattern in their Spring 2023 issue. You can access the pattern either by purchasing that single issue or joining their all access subscription service.

About the Pin Loom Sheep Pillow Pattern

The finished size is approximately 10″ x 11″ x 4 1/2″.

There are two weaving structures: plain weave and Loomette Weave #1. Check out our blog post for the Loomette Weave #1 pattern. Here are the supplies needed to make your own Pin Loom Sheep Pillow:

  • Pin Loom Square: 4″
  • Pin Loom Rectangle: 2” x 4”
  • 5” weaving needle
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Yarns: Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice Heather (92% acrylic/8% rayon; 145 yd/3 oz), #400D Oatmeal, 160 yd.
  • Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice Solid (100% acrylic, 170 yd/3.5oz), #153 Black, 40 yd.
  • Stuffing
  • Pins

It’s really fun to see how many people find this project so appealing. Even though it’s pin loom woven, we find that fiber enthusiasts of all kids find this little guy irresistible. So do farmers and city folk…and people who like to count sheep before they nod off to sleep.

Filed Under: Animals, Home Decor, Pin Loom, Publications · Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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