Stashbusters! Crochet Beanies and a Headband (free patterns)

Although tomorrow marks the first day of Spring, there is still a bit of chill in the air in the early mornings and evenings in many parts of the country. Earlier this year I decided that I needed to do some more yarn de-stashing, so I've been making beanies for the last few months.

I highly recommend Mango Tree Craft's Basic Beanie pattern, as the hats work up quickly and the pattern comes in preemie to adult sizes. The preemie size is perfect for those leftovers from larger projects that you might have tucked away in your stash. The cluster stitch featured in this pattern was new to me, and so was the ribbing technique (crocheting through the back loops) that creates the design you see below. This pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner but complex enough that I don't get bored when making these hats. You can add a crochet flower or two to give the hats some additional personality.

 Purple child's beanie made with Lion Brand Wool Ease

Pink infant beanie made with Knit Picks Swish Superwash

If you don't need a beanie or don't have anyone in mind to make one for, consider donating a few to: 

• Handmade Especially for You needs beanies to give to children (especially teen boys) living in domestic violence shelters throughout California.

• Project Baby Blanket Inc. makes hats for babies in NICUs throughout the state of Illinois.

More intriguing beanie patterns:

• Wooly Wonders Crochet on You Tube will show you how to make a lovely beanie for women and a darling top knot baby beanie from start to finish! 

• Try this Raspberry Stitch Beanie by Meladora's Creations. She also posted a You Tube tutorial to help you make this hat.

And finally, I just began making the Golden Fave Twist Crochet Headband, which is suitable for beginners. I'm using some discontinued Knit Picks Crayon for this project, which has frustrated me in the past because it's hard to see the stitch pattern because of its nubby texture. But this pattern is so simple that I'll finally use it!

via ouiouiouistudio

 So, happy first day of spring! What are you working on this weekend?

I'm Back

Hello! It's been a while, hasn't it?

Lately I've been thinking about this blog a lot, and I realized how much I miss sharing my vintage and creative life here. Have you heard of the #yearofmaking hashtag, where participants commit to doing something creative for thirty minutes every day of the year? While I was away I wrote a novel for young adults (I'm still working on the second) and learned a lot about my creative process as it relates to writing.

In doing so I established a habit of doing something creative everyday. Although I didn't sew or crochet much while I was diligently writing my novel, I did dabble in art journaling for a couple of months and found out how much I love mixed media. Right now I'm on a crocheted beanie kick. Being creative in some way each day, even if it's just to try out a new recipe, is very soul-satisfying.

Blog posts give me more space to "talk" about books and projects and other stuff that I love in a way that other platforms don't. So, I'm back. There won't be an "official" schedule, but if you follow me via Bloglovin', email, or Facebook you won't miss a post.

Ta-ta for now!