Published in We Like Sewing April 2024

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.

Cinnamon Roll Coasters

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.

I Like Crochet February 2024 Patterns

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.

Holly Jolly Bed Runner

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!

Pin Loom Chef Gnome

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!

Sheep Pillow Published in Little Looms

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.

Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow in Little Looms

The worlds tallest mammal is now the worlds tallest pin loom pillow. Ok, we just made that up. But it might be true. This giraffe pin loom body pillow measures approximately 16″ wide x 49″ tall. If it’s not the tallest pin loom pillow, we don’t know what is!

Kick back and relax with your very own cozy long-necked friend. This large pin loom body pillow has a quilt-like front and a fabric back, sewn together with a binding edge. There is shaping and layering on the nose portion of the giraffe, otherwise, each woven shape is sewn to the shapes next to it like a puzzle.

Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow available at Little Looms

We designed the Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow for Little Looms magazine and it made it’s debut in the Little Looms Magazine Winter 2022. To get the pattern, you can purchase a digital copy of the magazine or join their all access program. Learn more on the Little Looms website.

About the Giraffe Pin Loom Body Pillow Pattern

As we’ve said, this giraffe pillow is tall, so there are a lot of shapes to weave. It’s kind of like weaving a lapghan only more cuddly. To cut down on the weaving, we’ve attached a fabric back. But you could certainly weave squares for the back as well.

Everything is woven in plain weave.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Giraffe Pin Loom Pillow:

  • Pin Loom Squares: 1”, 2”, and 4”
  • Pin Loom Triangles: 2” and 4” right triangles
  • Pin Loom Rectangles: 2” x 4” and 2” x 6”
  • Needle: 7″ weaving needle; tapestry needle; sewing needle
  • Sewing Machine (though you could hand stitch the project)
  • Yarns Lion Brand Heartland (100% acrylic; 251 yd/5 oz), #173 Everglades, 370 yd; #158 Yellowstone, 160 yd; #124 Big Bend, 70 yd; #153 Black Canyon, 1 yd.
  • Fiber-fil
  • 17” x 50” fabric
  • 4 yds brown double fold ¼” bias tape,
  • brown thread

Enjoy!

Caterpillar Pencil Case in Little Looms

We’ve designed an adorable caterpillar pencil case for Little Looms Magazine. Isn’t it sweet!

We love this little pin loom woven creature. It’s the little finishing details that make it so cute. And those are really easy to make because they are just bits of felt fabric glued to the assembled project. But, wow, do they give this insect so much charm.

The caterpillar pencil case measures approximately 9 1/2″ x 3″ x 3″. Keep reading to learn more about the pin loom weaving caterpillar pencil case.

Caterpillar Pencil Case in Little Looms

The Caterpillar Pencil Case made it’s debut in the Little Looms Fall 2022 issue. You can get the pattern by purchasing the digital issue of the magazine or becoming an all access member to Little Looms. Learn more at Little Looms website.

More about the Pin Loom Weaving Caterpillar Pencil Case

The caterpillar pencil case uses only 2 pin looms; a 4″ square and 2″x4″ rectangle. If you’ve needed an excuse to buy the 2″x4″ pin loom, than this is it! The materials list for this project are pretty minimal. Here’s what you’ll need to make the pin loom caterpillar pencil case:

  • Pin Loom Square: 4″
  • Pin Loom Rectangle: 2” x 4”
  • Needles: 6″ weaving needle, tapestry needle, sewing needle
  • YARNS: Lion Brand Yarns Vanna’s Choice (Acrylic, 170 yd/3.5 oz)
  • #180 Cranberry, 20 yd
  • #172 Kelly Green, 20 yd
  • #171 Fern, 30 yd
  • Zipper: green 8”
  • Washable marker
  • Fabric Glue
  • Straight Pins
  • Green Thread
  • Optional: fabric and thread for lining
  • Optional: Sewing machine

Caterpillar Pencil Case is Great for New Crafters

There are just a few techniques used to make the pencil case. If you’re new to crafting, than this is a great project to learn new skills.

First, the caterpillar body / the main portion of the bag, is made with a technique called pin loom weaving. The fabric is woven in plain weave which is the most basic form of weaving on a pin loom. You weave under one thread and over one thread across.

Second, there are embroidered French knots on the body to represent spots. Those are another great beginner friendly embroidery technique.

Third, is sewing a zipper into the project. This can be done by hand sewing a running stitch or back stitch. Both are sewing stitches everyone should have in their knowledge banks.

Fourth, and completely optional, is a lining. This can be hand sewn as well, but most people will pull out a sewing machine for this portion. Lining is added to the bag prior to attaching the zipper.

A lining is recommended because woven fabric has holes and it’s easy for additional holes and larger ones to be poked into it.

Little Looms 2017 Patterns

Two New Pin Loom Patterns

Two of my pin loom patterns appear in the 2017 Little Looms magazine by Handwoven. You are going to love them.

Pin Color Flow Rug

First, the Color Flow Rug. I call it Color Flow because the colors transition nicely due to the quadrant squares between the solid squares. Because you change colors during the warping and weaving process, part of the square is solid, and part of the square is a mixed color. The twisted cord tassels really finish off the rug nicely.

Pin Geo Waves Scarves

Second, the Geometric Waves Scarves. These striking scarves are actually just solid squares sewn with a dark color on one half and a light color on the other. The lines are all embroidered on. If you use wool, it can be felted. Just be sure to make it extra long as it will shrink in the felting process!

Check out these and more great patterns in the 2017 Little Looms magazine.

What are you weaving?

Play Ball: New Published Pattern

Play Ball: Published in Love of Crochet Summer 2015….Now Available in Store

Play Ball Baseball and Football Stadium Cushions and Pillows

Love sports? We created a crochet pattern for a throw pillow and stadium cushions to help keep you comfortable at your next baseball, softball or American football game.

These stadium cushions are surprisingly easy to make and have several fun design features. There are shoulder straps to make them easy to carry to the game. There are tie downs on the side so you can tuck the shoulder strap away while in use. And we’ve included zippers so the cushion covers can be washed.

It’s hip to be square…or just a bit cheeky.

Play Ball Available in the Store

Love of Crochet Summer 2015-CoverPlay Ball Stadium Cushions and Throw Pillow first appeared in Love of Crochet Summer 2015. They are now available in the store.

The pattern includes:

  • Baseball / Softball Stadium Cushion
  • American Football Stadium Cushion
  • Baseball / Softball Throw Pillow

Available in the Store