FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

7 Craft Trends for 2018

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Craft trends are always fantastic to keep in mind when searching for a thrilling new project to make. Here you can get a head start on some of the hottest crafts for 2018! Resources like Pinterest, Google, The Columbian, and other sites have posted top searches from 2017 to predict 2018’s trends. Check out some of our favorite predictions below!

Craft Trends 2018

Sheer Socks

Craft Trends 2018

These stunning beauties can take a formal outfit to the next level. Perfect for winter weddings and dressy dinners.

DIY Tulle Socks by Tringa Osmani from diyclothes.net

Embellished Shoes

DIY Glitter Loafer Shoes Refashion

Whether it’s glitter, tassles, rhinestones, paint, tie dye, or really anything, customizing your shoes will be a hot craft in 2018.

DIY Glitter Loafer Shoes Refashion by Miki  from sfmgs.co.uk

Paracord

Paracord Water Bottle Holder DIY

Paracord has been popular for a while now, but it’s still rising in popularity even into 2018! Get inspired with a variety of paracord project ideas.

Paracord Water Bottle Holder DIY by Ashley Griffith from hellonatureblog.com

Macrame

Macrame 3-Pot Plant Holder

By the way, if you love paracord projects, you’ll love macrame. If friendship bracelets were your jam as a child, macrame is practically the adult version! Tie knots and make gorgeous projects.

Macrame 3-Pot Plant Holder by Wendy Robbins from myfrenchtwist.com

Giant Knitting

Extra Chunky Gratitude Blanket

Giant knit blankets, scarves, and other accessories with jumbo yarn are rising in popularity! You can knit quickly and make a beautifully textured project when it’s giant.

Extra Chunky Gratitude Blanket by yarnspirations.com

Statement Earrings

Gilded Paper Dangle Earrings

From giant hoop earrings to oversized geometric shapes, oversized earrings are back on trend.

Gilded Paper Dangle Earrings by Ann Martin from allthingspaper.net

Berets and Newsboy Caps

Crochet Newsboy Hat Pattern

Add a bit of a brim and classic style, and you’ll be wearing a hat that’s ultra trendy for 2018.

Crochet Newsboy Hat Pattern by Sharon Mann for redheart.com

Never miss a hot new project! Bookmark our most recent articles list to see new projects added every day.

Wondering what you missed last year? Check out our roundup of Creativation Craft Trends for 2017.

What trends are you excited about for 2018?

Happy Birthday to You! Card Make n’ Take with Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L

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Here at Prime Publishing, we love it when we get to try new projects with some of the brands we work with! Last week, our friends from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L came by our Northbrook, IL office to teach us how to make a darling birthday card.

Happy Birthday to You Photo Corners Card

Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L likes to promote “wearing adhesive on the outside”, which is showcased beautifully in this birthday card with the photo corners! Several of our editors signed up to make this fun card.

Editors hard at work putting together their cards!

Media Director Beth Pingry showed us how to use their E-Z Runner® Grand to adhere the layers of paper. We also used 3D foam adhesive between some layers to give the card more dimension.

Did you know it’s easier to place all the photo corners on the card before pressing it down? For some reason I thought positioning the paper first would be better, but not so! It’s much easier to get the photo corners in place before pressing it down.

Margie and Beth trimmed the photo corners down ahead of time for us, which made them easier to work with! They come packaged on a larger sheet.

Aren’t those foil shapes darling? Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L sells foil that works with their adhesive shapes for an easy and pretty embellishment.

Here’s what some of our editors had to say:

“I was amazed how quick and easy the project was! When I saw what we would be making, I thought it looked so beautiful and complex that it would take at least an hour – but the whole project only took 30 minutes! The photo corners are so fun to work with, and I love the vintage touch that they gave to the final card.”- Chelsea Scarnegie, AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com Editor

“I’ve done a decent amount of scrapbooking, and these were my favorite photo corners. I loved how the back portion extended out an extra long distance, providing more stability for the paper. And the ability to make cards that were three-dimensional was so much fun—it was like something out of the pretty card section at a store.” – Jessica Thelander, 103 Recipe Cookbooks Editor

“I really enjoyed using the products from Scrapbook Adhesives to create a beautiful birthday card. Specifically, the photo corners we used made the design pop and provided a fun retro vibe. I also loved using different layering techniques and adhesives to add dimension to the card. I haven’t decided who will be the lucky recipient of the card, but I’m sure he or she will be very impressed!” – Kathryn Abrams, AllFreeKnitting.com Editor

“I really enjoyed how easy making this particular card was! You could easily make a lot for say, Christmas, in no time at all. I thought the creative possibilities with the photo corners (especially when they showed us the other colors they came in) were amazing!” – Jamie Garcia, RecipeLion.com Editor

“I really liked the card that we made. It was easy to construct, and the finished product was lovely. I was also impressed by how many different ways you can use the photo corners. I never would have guessed how versatile they are!” – Kristin Anderson, TheWineBuyingGuide.com Editor

“I really enjoyed the make and take with 3L! The photo corners were easy to use and added a lot of character. I especially liked the foil accent – it was so simple but added sparkle without creating a mess like glitter sometimes does. I’m going to give this card to my mom for her birthday!” Natalie Taylor, AllFreeCasseroleRecipes.com Editor

Check out another finished product on the FaveCrafts Instagram!

 

Find more projects from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L on FaveCrafts.

Tell us: have you used photo corners in a unique way like this? What did you make?

6 Ways to Donate Your Handcrafts to Kids in Need Around the World through OCC

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Cheryl from Simply Shoeboxes is guest posting with us today to share how you can make a difference this holiday season with Operation Christmas Child.
Operation Christmas Child

In 1993 Samaritan’s Purse was asked if they could provide shoeboxes* with gifts and necessities to the children of war torn Bosnia.  Across the Southeastern United States they collected 28,000 shoebox gifts.  Since that time Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has grown to have collections not only in the U.S., but also in Canada, the U.K., Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Spain, New Zealand and Japan.  They have delivered over 146 million shoeboxes in 160 countries.  Each shoebox is packed by an individual, family or group hosting a packing party.

Zambia Shoebox

We sent two shoeboxes in 1993, one from each of my young daughters; and since that first year it has become a yearly event in our family.  We are so hooked on shoebox packing that my daughter, Sarah, and I write a blog dedicated to our journey called Simply Shoeboxes.  We like to include handcrafted items in our boxes which make them more personal.  Since I love crafting and I love kids, it is a perfect match of two passions.  I wanted to share with FaveCrafts readers how you, too, can use your love of crafting to help kids in crisis around the world.

OCC Shoeboxes Delivered by Wagon in Madagascar

OCC collects shoeboxes each year the week before Thanksgiving.  This year’s goal is 9.5 million shoeboxes for the US and 12 million worldwide.  Many boxes arrive at the processing center with few items inside or items that are not allowed and need removed (candy, toothpaste, breakables, war related, liquids).  This leaves gaps in the boxes which volunteers fill with items donated for this purpose. These extra gifts are called “fillers.”  This is where crafters can step in and help fill that need.

There are six ways to donate crafts to the Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing efforts.  The following is based on donations in the US.  If you are in another country check with your country’s guidelines as they may differ in some ways.

Teddy Bear Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child

Six Ways to Donate Your Handcrafts to Kids in Need Around the World thru OCC

  1. Pack a Shoebox

You can pack your own shoebox gift and include your handcrafted items.  Choose an average sized shoebox and include such things as toys, hygiene items, clothes and school supplies (many children around the world can’t go to school because the parents can’t afford school supplies).  Hobby Lobby stores and local churches often have the OCC shoeboxes available for free.  You can find out all the information on the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox website.   Find a local drop off location open during national collection week thru the OCC link above–there are over 5000 nationwide.

  1. Find a Shoebox Packer

If you don’t want to pack a shoebox, find someone who does pack and offer to donate handcrafted items to their packing effort.  Any packer would be thrilled for donations.  We have two ladies from opposite ends of the country who send us items to help us pack more boxes and we greatly appreciate it.  If you don’t know anyone personally who packs, call local churches or stop by our Simply Shoeboxes Facebook page and leave a comment that you are looking for a local person to donate to.  Or if you would like to ship your handcrafted items to someone who packs, we can also help you find someone thru our page.

OCC Packing Party for Kids

  1. Find a Packing Party

Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing parties are held around the country.  Some are for packing a few dozen up to one in PA that packs over 25,000.  This year we are hosting two for the kids at church–one for 100 shoeboxes and the other for 200.  You can imagine the number of items needed for these.  As mentioned above, check with local churches or our Facebook page to find one near you or to ship your items to.

  1. Drop Off at a Collection Center

The week before Thanksgiving each year there are thousands of OCC collection centers at which to drop off your shoeboxes.  They also take boxes of filler items.  Pack your handcrafted items in a box (NOT a shoebox) and mark “fillers” on the outside and drop them off.  You can find a location near you thru this link:  Operation Christmas Child shoebox drop off location (these are only listed during the late fall).

OCC Shoeboxes Stacked to Donate

  1. Drop off at an OCC Processing Center

Each year thousands of volunteers check each shoebox to be sure there are no items on the “do not send” list.  Operation Christmas Child has processing centers open for several weeks after collection week in Baltimore, MD, Charlotte, NC, Boone, NC, Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Minneapolis, MN, Denver, CO and Orange County, CA.  Fillers can be packed in boxes marked “fillers” and dropped off at one of these.  You can contact Operation Christmas Child to find out the location and hours of operation, or call (828) 262-1980.

We have a guest post on our blog by an OCC regional director if you would like to see what happens in A Day at the OCC Processing Center.

  1. Mail to Charlotte Offices Year Round

A seamstress asked on the Operation Christmas Child Facebook page what she could do to help.  They told her she could donate handcrafted items anytime of the year by mailing them to:

Operation Christmas Child
Attn:  Seth Brewer
7100 Forest Point Blvd.
Charlotte, NC   28217

Operation Christmas Child also accepts fillers from local businesses and large manufacturers.  You can read more about OCC’s request for Gift-in-Kind on their website:  Operation Christmas Child Gift-in-Kind Opportunities.

Fat Quarter Library Bag Winnie the Pooh

Guidelines for Craft Donations as Fillers for OCC Shoeboxes

Operation Christmas Child divides the shoeboxes into six groups:  2 to 4 year old girls, 2 to 4 year old boys, 5 to 9 year old girls, 5 to 9 year old boys, 10 to 14 year old girls, and 10 to 14 year old boys.  Any item appropriate for a child in any of these groups can be donated.  Including but not limited to:

  • Clothing (no camouflage fabrics)
  • Dolls
  • Stuffies
  • Games
  • Tote Bags
  • Small Blankets
  • Hats, Scarves & Mittens
  • Aprons

Grandma Sally’s Bitty Blanket

I have shared tutorials for many of these on our blog here:  Crafting for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes Index.  Some of my favorites are:

Some of the crafts on FaveCrafts that would be perfect for shoeboxes are:

And these from AllFreeSewing would also be great:

Fiji OCC Shoebox Distribution

Remember it needs to be small enough to fit in an average sized shoebox with other gifts.  I advise people to use the size of a quart mayonnaise jar as a guide.  If the item when folded, rolled or ready for packing is not much larger than that it should fit fine.

Crafters have the opportunity to craft what they choose and to craft as much as they would like.  There are groups who knit hundreds of sweaters yearly, a retired gentleman who makes hundreds of wooden cars, a 100 year old gal who sews dresses and thousands of crafters across the globe crafting all kinds handcrafts for shoeboxes.  It is also a great opportunity to gets kids crafting for kids.

Shoebox Crafting Communities

So if you love crafting and are looking for an outlet for your crafts that can make a difference in the life a child, look into donating thru Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  And if you like communities, here are some Facebook pages for OCC shoebox packers and crafters:

Carpenter Mission Zambia Shoebox Distribution 2016

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Distributions

OCC works with local churches and other agencies within the receiving countries to distribute the shoeboxes.  If you would like to learn more about the distributions or see more images, we have three guest posts on our blog from ladies who have been involved in distributions.  You can find them here:  Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Distribution Stories.

Thank you to Jennifer Carpenter for this image of the Zambia OCC shoebox distribution and the smiling girl at the top.  All other shoebox distribution images courtesy of Operation Christmas Child.

Questions about Operation Christmas Child

If you have any questions I would be happy to answer them; and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll do my best to find it.  You can reach me at thesimplyblogs @ gmail[dot]com.

Samaritan Purse Gift Catalog

Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan’s Purse is much larger than Operation Christmas Child.  They are an international relief agency that helps after natural disasters here in the US and around the globe.  They also have dozens of other relief efforts helping children, women, families and communities with medical, farming, schooling, clean water and much more.  Check out their Christmas Catalog for a quick overview of the types of things they do.

Life Saver Snowman Set

Share Your Craft Images

And finally, if you craft items to donate thru Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes I’d love to see them.  Stop by our Simply Shoeboxes Facebook page and post them.

*Please note:  Operation Christmas Child and packers around the world write shoe boxes as one word:  shoeboxes.   For consistency, this article includes that spelling.

New Ways to Share and Save on Prime Publishing LLC Sites

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The editors of the Prime Publishing websites are excited to announce the launch of our brand new social sharing feature on our sites. Now it is even easier to pin, share, and save your favorite projects, recipes, and pages.

Sharing Your Favorite Links and Articles on Social Media

At the bottom of every single link, you will see this brand new box! All you need to do to share these links on your favorite social network is click the corresponding button.

If you’re a fan of StumbleUpon, Google+, and Reddit, you’ll find those buttons if you click the “more” button.

My Projects/Patterns/Recipe Box Changes

If you’re looking for these features on individual pages, never fear! They’re still there.

Saving is as simple as clicking the “+ Save button” shown below.

If you would like to add Notes to a project, just click the little notepad button.

 

Printing or emailing these projects, patterns, and recipes is as simple as clicking the little email or printer buttons.

We’re so excited to launch this newly updated feature and hope that our readers find the streamlined design and look easier to use. If you have any issues, feel free to reach out to our Customer Service Team and they will assist you. 🙂

 

7 Absurdly Easy Afghans for Beginners

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So you’ve just learned to crochet or knit. That’s fantastic! Great beginner patterns include knit or crocheted dishcloths and scarves. Once you’ve mastered some of these basic patterns, it’s time to graduate to afghans!

7 Absurdly Easy Afghans for Beginners

Beginner Knit Afghan Patterns

Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket

Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket, by the designers from Lion Brand Yarn

Okay, so I recently unearthed the Homespun Country Cousins Knit Baby Blanket pattern on FaveCrafts and I love it so much! It is probably the easiest knit afghan pattern we have. Whip up squares of garter stitch and seam the squares together with a contrasting yarn for that country look. You can make this blanket bigger by just working up more squares, too!

Chunky Funky One Day Blanket

Chunky Funky One Day Blanket, by Lynn Spencer from nourishandnestle.com

This Chunky Funky One Day Blanket features a basic stockinette stitch. Beginner knitters should be reasonably comfortable with this stitch because this pattern features oversized needles and yarn to complete it. The results are so worth it!

Easy Chunky Knit Blanket

Easy Chunky Knit Blanket, by the designers of Bernat Yarns

This pattern will make you pay attention, but it’s still so easy for beginners! Get the effect of those unique textured bars with this Easy Chunky Knit Blanket pattern. It looks great with a variegated yarn or a solid! A solid will help draw attention to the texture even more.

Find more of our favorite knit afghans in our collection of 33 Free Knit Afghan Patterns.

Beginner Crochet Afghan Patterns

Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern

Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern, by the designers of Lion Brand Yarn

This fast pattern is wildly easy. The Under 6 Hours Crochet Throw Pattern features the V stitch—one of my favorite beginner stitches ever!—and you hold three strands of yarn together so it works up ultra quickly.

Red Crochet Afghan

Red Crochet Afghan, by the designers of Bernat

The name says it all. This Red Crochet Afghan just has a few pattern steps that repeat. The combinations of chain stitches, single, and double crochets give this pattern a lovely texture.

If you’re looking for a new throw, explore your options! Check out our collection of 21 Gorgeous Free Crochet Throw Patterns.

Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan

Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan, by Amy Ramnarine from thestitchinmommy.com

Master the basic granny stitch, which is essentially clusters of double crochet, and you can complete this Stashbuster Granny Stripe Afghan pattern. Some very easy color changing along with a fundamental stitch are all you need to know.

Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket

Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket, by Kirsten Ballering from haakmaarraak.nl

This Colourful Granny Rainbow Crochet Baby Blanket may look complicated, but it’s much easier than you think. Beginners who’ve mastered the granny square can pull off this pattern with just a bit of basic color changing and joins.

If you adored these afghans for beginners, be sure to check out our complete collection of 51 Free Crochet Blanket Patterns for Beginners.

What are your favorite blankets to work up? Do you have a go-to pattern for gift-giving, etc?

Craft Tutorials and How Tos You Might Have Missed: Part 2

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Best Yarn for Blankets

Hey guys! As you may remember, in part 1 of “Craft Tutorials and How Tos You Might Have Missed” we helped introduce you to some easy DIY craft ideas for the home. Well, good news-a similar list is back again! These free and simple crafting tips will help make your DIY adventures magical and are helpful to any and all skill-levels. Although you may think that you are doing crafting the easy way, these home craft tutorials will help you avoid common mistakes that every crafter makes.

Learn how to find multiple crafting uses with an old toothbrush with 17 Crafty Uses for an Old Toothbrush and discover which crafting materials are best for your specific project in Mod Podge vs. Glue. If you want to jazz up your wardrobe with tie-dyed t-shirts but don’t want to spend a lot of money then try this beginner-level craft technique Crumple Tie-Dye Technique.

Mod Podge vs. Glue

Any crafter loves a good DIY organizing project and with Pill Bottle Crafts: Reuse Pill Bottles with this Crafty Guide you can learn how to create DIY storage the affordable way! If knitting or crocheting is more your speed, find out what the best yarns are for that DIY afghan with Best Yarn for Blankets.

Pill Bottle Crafts

Even if you are an experienced crafter, having access to free crafting tutorials can never hurt! These simple craft how tos will teach you how to create unique, beautiful pieces for your home without the added stress and expense. Make crafting fun and relaxing again by using this helpful list as a crafting resource for you and your friends! The best way to learn about helpful crafting techniques is by sharing with those around us. So what are you waiting for? Start reading part 2 for priceless crafting insight!

Our Newest Craft Tutorials:

1. Mod Podge vs. Glue
2. Lessons Learned from My First Shibori Dyeing Experience
3. 17 Crafty Uses for an Old Toothbrush
4. Recycled Flower Pots: 29 Water Bottle Planters and More DIY Planter Pots
5. Crumple Tie-Dye Technique
6. Pill Bottle Crafts: Reuse Pill Bottles with this Crafty Guide
7. Best Yarn for Blankets
8. Upcycle Your Old Household Items into Crafts
9. What Is Shibori Tie Dye?
10. How to Choose the Best Craft Glue
11. What Are the Best Knitting Needles for Beginners?
12. How to Wash Craft Felt

Don’t forget to sign up for the FaveCrafts newsletter, Quick and Crafty, for daily crafts and tips delivered straight to your inbox.

“What is your best advice for new crafters?”

In Case You Missed It: Top 20 Crafts from Creativation 2017

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Every year we attend Creativation, the Craft and Hobby Association’s annual trade show. We network, learn about the latest trends, and afterwards we put on our favorite crafts from Creativation contest. Our bloggers  make innovative projects using the new products they received at our annual networking event for a chance to win a cash prize!

This year, we selected 20 finalists based on certain criteria. Ingenuity while using the sponsor product, well-written instructions, and high quality photos were among the qualifiers. And it was so challenging to narrow down the entries, but we’re confident you’ll enjoy the projects you see in this list of finalists.

Be sure to scroll down to see the three winners from our Best Blogger Contest 2017!

Top 20 Crafts from Creativation

Blogger Contest 2017 Winners!

Third Prize

Rustic Chic Love Chicken Wire Frame

Rustic Chic Love Chicken Wire Frame

By: Betsy Burnett from aimhappy.blogspot.com

Second Prize

Nuvo Drop Butterfly DIY Card

Nuvo Drop Butterfly DIY Card

By: Justine Hovey from justinehovey.com

First Prize

Hope and Love Altered Planner

Hope and Love Altered Planner

By: Irit Shalom from iritshalom.blogspot.co.il

Special thanks from our sponsors at our networking event!

  • Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L
  • Deflecto
  • Fairfield
  • FloraCraft
  • Leisure Arts
  • Plaid
  • Premier
  • Sakura
  • ShareASale
  • Spinrite
  • Testors
  • Tonic-Studios.com

Find an abundance of trending new craft ideas at FaveCrafts.com.

Which is your favorite craft from Creativation 2017?

15 Perfect Spring Felt Projects You’ll Want To Make

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When you think of craft supplies, you likely envision markers in an assortment of bright colors, glittery sequins, and colorful beads. But what about felt? The unsung hero of craft supplies, felt is sturdy and flexible, and can be folded, sewn, and cut into decorations, accessories, and so much more. Despite its versatility and ease of use, this material is one that you might not be using all that frequently. So why not shake things up a bit? This year, you’ll want to put spring felt projects at the top of your crafting to-do list.

15 Perfect Spring Felt Projects You’ll Want To Make

Perfect Spring Felt Projects You'll Want To Make

Spring into a new season with felt projects! Clockwise from top left: Felt Flower Corsage Craft, Faux Flower Bouquet, Felt Rose, Bunny Peeps Bunting, Pillows from Felted Sweaters. Center: Bunny Rabbit Felt Case

Hop To It And Make These Easter Felt Crafts

Easter is almost here! Are you ready? If you could use some cute decorations for the holiday (and who couldn’t?!?), then take another look at felt. While you could use paper to make decorations, it’s important to keep in mind that the material has a fleece-like feel to it. There really isn’t a better option for making fuzzy lambs, ducks, and bunnies! Your Easter felt crafts will look and feel soft. In addition, these projects will be an adorable addition to the festivities.

Flower Felt Projects That Will Always Be In Bloom

The calendar might say it’s spring, but you might live in an area where warm weather and blooming flowers won’t return for a while. With that in mind, you can still add flowers to your home when you make flower felt projects. The material can be folded over and over in an assortment of ways without losing its shape, resulting in a design that is both intricate and unique. The softness of the material also gives the flower a more realistic appearance, too. When selecting colors for your flower felt project, consider opting for material in vibrant colors. Need a little help on creating felt flowers? This video tutorial on the Felt Flower Corsage Craft can get you started.

Repurpose Sweaters With DIY Felt Projects

Are you in the midst of spring cleaning and have discovered sweaters that have seen better days? Don’t pitch those sweaters! You can repurpose those sweaters and other knit or crochet items into felt, which can be used for future craft projects or repurposed into comfortable pillows or other home décor items. And how do you make felt, anyway? Whether you want to toss that old sweater in hot water or use another method, our helpful guide on felting can get you started. Reusing a beloved item in a new way is eco-friendly and an inexpensive way to add to your craft supplies. Win-win!

More Felt Projects To Make

Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment

Welcome warmer weather with Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment!

Feeling inspired? If you’re looking for felt projects to make, then you’ll want to check out our list of ideas! Many of these projects are easy to make, so you could work on a spring felt project with your child.

  1. Felt Flower Corsage Craft
  2. Bunny Peeps Bunting
  3. Easter Bunny Decor — Too cute!
  4. Bunny Candy Cone
  5. Bunny Rabbit Felt Case
  6. White Rabbit Napkin Rings
  7. Felt Rose — So colorful!
  8. Felt Flower Mini Tote
  9. Fun Flower Pins
  10. No Sew Felt Flower Ornament — Kids will love making this one!
  11. Posies for My Toesies Shoe Embellishment
  12. Felt Princess Flower Crown — What a dreamy and romantic felt craft project!
  13. Felted Posy Flower Bag
  14. Faux Flower Bouquet
  15. Felt Floral Plastic Bottle Bracelet
  16. Bonus: Felting Wool Sweaters
  17. Get Started with Felting Materials: 5 Types of Felt 101

What is your favorite spring felt?

April is Stress Awareness Month! Unwind with Knitting and Crochet

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Unwind with Knitting and CrochetI am a huge proponent of knitting and crocheting to destress. I learned how to crochet about three years ago, and I’ve been knitting for two years. While I still consider myself a beginner in both of these crafts, I do love to unwind with knitting and crochet.

Doing a generative activity like writing, drawing, or even reading can be overwhelming when stressed. The idea of coming up with something new to write or journal about does not seem relaxing if stress levels are already high! Same goes with deciding on an image to draw, and even taking in information from something as light as a novel can go right over my head if I’m distracted and panicked. I’ve found that my favorite things to do when stressed include crocheting, knitting, and playing piano. Not learning a new pattern or song—that is too generative when stressed—but working on an easy pattern or playing a song I’m already familiar with. It’s a beautiful distraction and, in the case of knitting and crochet, I am still making something!

April is stress awareness month, and our friends at the Craft Yarn Council have a lineup of wonderful opportunities and learning experiences to help you destress. Share your story and learn more about what April has to offer when you want to unwind with knitting and crochet.

Craft Yarn Council

Next month, during April Stress Awareness Month, Craft Yarn Council (CYC) is encouraging knitters and crocheters to UNWIND and Stitch Away Stress. CYC will use social media to create a space where followers can breath easy and to facilitate conversation about trending topics within the wellness community. Each week we will center conversations around the following themes and how knitters and crocheters use yarn crafting to heal within each of the categories.

Trending Topics

Week One: SELF

We will focus on self care and self love. Many wellness platforms have taken up the cause to encourage women specifically to start taking better care of themselves: mind, body and spirit.

Week Two: THE MIND

We will focus on using knit and crochet to both exercise the mind and using it to rest your mind during stressful periods.

Week Three: COMMUNITY

This week will focus on how knitters and crocheters come together to build communities both in their own cities and online.

Week Four: INSPIRATION

The last week we will talk about how inspiration has the ability to heal, where to find it, and how to be an inspiration within the yarn community

How to Get Involved

  • Use your social platforms to encourage your audience to join the discussion by sharing their own photos and stories using #StitchAwayStress.
  • Download and share CYC’s graphics, animations and the Unwind press release.
  • Host your own Unwind contests and giveaways.
  • On your blog, share your story of why you knit or crochet and how it has benefitted you.

Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BwRV-Rzs6k5BeFdocHB2bHFkbVE?usp=sharing

CYC’s UNWIND Giveaways

Invite your followers to join the Craft Yarn Council all month long for April Stress Awareness month giveaways!

Contest Details:

  • Share any of CYC’s Stress Awareness Month posts or images on Facebook or Instagram and tell your story to your friends as it relates to the topic of that post. You must use the #stitchawaystress for a chance to win one of four UNWIND prizes. Each prize is valued at $50. Contest runs April 1-30. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced week of May 8th.

If you are planning to participate in our Unwind Campaign, please shoot us an email at info@craftyarncouncil.com. We would love to hear from you! Thank you and with your help we will make this April Stress Awareness Month the best one yet!

 

What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

Best Yarn for Baby Patterns: 3 Tips for Your Next Project

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Has this ever happened to you? Your sister or best friend has announced that she’s expecting, so one of your first thoughts is that you should knit or crochet an adorable baby blanket. If you’re a crafter, it’s only natural that you want to welcome the newest addition to your family by giving a handmade item. From baby blankets to wee little booties, the possibilities for making handmade items are almost endless. Need a little helping finding the best yarn for baby patterns? Then you’re in the right place.

Machine-Washable Yarn? Yes, Please!

Types of Yarn for Knitting or Crochet

What is the best type of yarn to use in your next project?

You’ve selected the perfect baby pattern to knit or crochet, so now it’s time to think yarn! When selecting the best yarn for baby patterns, some types of yarn would be better choices than others for your project than others. Because let’s be honest. While babies are cute and cuddly, they can also be messy. Really messy. And for many bleary-eyed new parents, trying to figure out the best way to launder a beautiful knit blanket or hat is low on the to-do list. With that in mind, consider acrylic yarn for your project. This type of yarn is typically machine-washable and easy to clean. If you’d like, you can also print care instructions on pretty paper, then attach the paper to your handmade item. The new parents will appreciate having instructions on how to clean the beautiful baby blanket you made right at their fingertips.

Select Yarn That Is As Soft As Can Be

For many people, the thought of wearing a wool sweater right against the skin sounds, to put it politely, uncomfortable. Babies will feel the same way. Their skin is sensitive, so putting a baby in an itchy wool blanket or sweater will make them feel annoyed. And an uncomfortable baby is a baby who will probably cry a lot. What’s a knitter or crocheter to do? Use yarn that feels soft to you for use in your pattern. If that yarn feels itchy, then The Spruce suggests putting it back and selecting another type of yarn. If you’re purchasing your yarn online, then consider opting for yarn that is specifically for use in baby patterns. For example, Red Heart Baby Hugs Yarn is warm, soft, and colorful. It is also free from harmful levels of substances (you can check out a review of this time via AllFreeCrochet.com). Other brands, including Lion Brand and Bernat, offer a selection of yarns that are just for babies, too.

Bulky Yarn Is Your Friend For Last-Minute Gifts

Let’s face it: Babies are born on their own schedules, and they’re almost never on time. If you’re looking for a baby item that can be made in a tight time frame due to a little one’s early arrival, then turn your attention to beautiful bulky yarn patterns. These baby patterns are typically quick and easy to make. This type of yarn is best for baby patterns that are no-frills, but are still beautiful and warm and will make a wonderful keepsake. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to crochet or knit a baby blanket with this yarn if time is of the essence.

Best Yarn for Baby Patterns: 3 Tips for Your Next Project

Do you know the best yarn to use for a baby pattern? Let this guide help you! Clockwise from top left: Baby Crochet Monkey Hat, Franny Crochet Baby Blanket, Easy Top-Down Sweater Free Crochet Pattern, Beehive Baby Crocheted Beanie Hat, Yellow Bow Easy Crochet Baby Booties, Little Prince Afghan, Quick and Easy Preemie Hat, and One Piece Baby Sweater.

Super Easy Knit Baby Booties

These Super Easy Knit Baby Booties are easy to make and super cute!

Now it’s time to grab your knitting needles or crochet hooks and get to work on a baby pattern found on FaveCrafts! You’ll feel inspired when you see this list of baby patterns.

  1. The Coziest Crocheted Baby Blanket Ever — The name says it all!
  2. Beehive Baby Crocheted Beanie Hat
  3. Baby Pullover Sweater
  4. Little Prince Afghan
  5. Quick and Easy Preemie Hat — Perfect for a last-minute gift idea!
  6. One Piece Baby Sweater
  7. Easy Top-Down Sweater Free Crochet Pattern
  8. Franny Crochet Baby Blanket
  9. Easy to Knit Sweet Baby Hat —This hat is as adorable as can be!
  10. Baby Crochet Monkey Hat
  11. Yellow Bow Easy Crochet Baby Booties — So unbelievably cute!
  12. Mary Jane Baby Bootie Crochet Pattern
  13. Precious Pink Baby Afghan
  14. Baby Pea Pod Snuggly
  15. Super Easy Knit Baby Booties
  16. Day of the Week Bibs and Booties — Take coordination to the next level with this adorable pattern!
  17. BONUS: Types of Yarn for Knitting or Crochet — Check out this guide before you start your next project!

What is your favorite yarn to use for baby patterns?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

Thrifty