Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

July 11, 2015 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

My companions, in all of time and space you will never find such a stockpile of incredible DIY crafts and free crochet patterns.

For those of you who don’t know the TV show Doctor Who, you’re probably going to be slightly lost. I’m sorry, just run with it. This is my second favorite pop culture trend (next to Harry Potter) and it has been getting a lot of attention. Whovians everywhere are making their own DIY costumes for Halloween and Comic-Con, not to mention their everyday representation of the incredible fandom. With the 50th Anniversary being just last year, and our introduction of the War Doctor and 12, fans are going crazy trying to get their hands on easy crafts and free crochet patterns. Let’s be honest, why would we spend our hard-earned money on something we can just make ourselves? Why would we especially spend a ton of money on handmade geeky crafts when you will save when you make it yourself and have the satisfaction of a job well done. You can make your very own Doctor like no one has ever seen with free amigurumi patterns, homemade t-shirts, and DIY crafts.

Link Love: Doctor Who Crafts and Free Crochet Patterns

If you thought I just talked a lot of gibberish, I thought the same thing before I became a Whovian. I highly encourage you to take the time and watch the show (please don’t be that person who skips 9). Even if you don’t watch the show yourself, there is somebody you know who does. Daughter, son, grandchildren, husband…one person does. I can guarantee it. Maybe they aren’t the incredible crocheter that you are, so a cuddly dalek pattern will be a great homemade gift. Amigurumi figures are small, doll-like figures that are normally crocheted and they are becoming a new trend with the younger population. There are amigurumi patterns that are really easy to follow and they’re so cute!

Now, my crafters, don’t panic. I haven’t forgotten you. I will admit that it was a little more difficult to find full craft tutorials. You can admit that Doctor Who is very much defined by the wardrobe and the faces of the characters. That said, you can easily make their accessories. Whoever (pun intended) is your favorite Doctor, they are each defined by a specific accessory. Think inside the TARDIS box. Your ideas are all there! But if you’re having a little trouble, you’re going to love these easy crafts that you can use over and over again.

Free Crochet Patterns

Tardis Amigurumi from Army of Owls on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi from Lucy Ravenscar on ravelry.com

Amigurumi Adipose from Jennifer Christensen on ravelry.com

Fez Toilet Paper Roll Cover from Irish Lace

10’s Sonic Screw Driver from The Bean Patch

Time Traveling Police Call Box Scarf from Happy Hooker

Doctor Who Set of Doctors (1-11) + Tardis from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Doctor Who War Doctor from Allison Hoffman on ravelry.com

Dalek Amigurumi Pattern from Craftster

Rose’s Scarf from Boomtown Pattern from The Worst Crochet Blog

4’s Scarf Pattern from Sandra Petit on ravelry.com

Baby Dalek Dress from Random Ramblings

Free Knitting Patterns

Insulate! Hat from Amy van de Laar on ravelry.com

Free Craft Projects

Homemade Fezzes from Tally’s Treasury

Tardis Needle Case from Craftster

Adipose Plush Toy from Tuts+

Doctor Who Painted Tardis Heels from Doodle Craft Blog

Bow Tie Necklace from 3 Chic Geeks

Tardis Closet from Madin Crafts

Interested in more geeky stuff? Check out this collection of easy superhero crafts!

The Ultimate Superhero Crafts Roundup

Who is your favorite Doctor, and how do you show your Who-love?

Link Love: Lion Crafts for August

August 8, 2013 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

Happy birthday, Leos! If you are familiar with horoscopes, you know that we are currently right in the middle of the month of the lion. Leos are known for their strong-willed nature and ambition. Some famous Leos include Madonna, Sandra Bullock and even President Barack Obama. Not bad company!

You don’t have to have a birthday this month to celebrate this star sign. In fact, there are a ton of great DIY ideas that you can make all year round – from New Year’s Day to Christmas. Kids can make simple lion crafts using paper plates and paint, while adults can grab their crochet hooks or have a seat at their sewing machines and make something more complicated. You can even create Halloween costumes and birthday cards using lions as your inspiration. A Leonara the Lion Ornament would look great on a Christmas tree. In fact, you might want to hang it on a doorknob all year long – it’s just that cute. The fuzzy mane and adorable little body make this knitting pattern a true standout. Kids can also join in on the holiday fun by creating their own Silver Streak Lion Ornament. Best of all, this project doesn’t require expensive materials or supplies – simply gather up cupcake liners and used thread spools and let the little ones get creative.

Leos are fierce, confident and loyal – traits we should all try to adopt in our day-to-day lives. Celebrate all the amazing aspects of this star sign and create a few lion crafts. Don’t be afraid to try something new and think outside the box … it’s what a Leo would do!

Miniature Lion Taxidermy from My Backyard Monsters
Footprint Lion from Fun Handprint Art
Lion Hooded Towel from Crazy Little Project
Crocheted Leroy The Lion Pin from Lucy Ravenscar
Paper Plate Lions from the Seasoned Mom
Lion Hoodie from A Beautiful Mess
Little Lion Soft Rattle from Things for Boys
Toddler Lion Costume from Imprintalish
Friendly Mr. Lion Card from Taking Time to Create

Say No To Snow: Start Working On These Spring-Inspired Crafts Now

March 6, 2013 by FaveCrafts 4 Comments

This post is brought to you by Mary Egan from CraftFoxes.

As springtime approaches, crafters are sure to be switching their focus from sweaters and wreaths to flowers. Whether you’re sewing flower-patterned sundresses or looking to upcycle some old items from your winter closet, there are plenty of crafting opportunities in the spring. You may not be able to plant flowers just yet, but at least you can crochet some tulips and daisies in the meantime! We’ve rounded up some spring-inspired crafts to help you get started.

Spring Chickens

In the spring, Easter is a favorite holiday for many people. This adorable pattern for crocheted chicks is simple and perfect for crochet beginners looking to get into the springtime spirit. Though it’s a simple pattern, These little chicks would look on a windowsill even before the flowers begin to sprout outside!

Check out this CraftFoxes for all the details on these crochet Easter chicks. FaveCrafts also featured a variety of crochet crafts for Easter. You can create a large decorative piece like an Easter Egg Wreath or Crochet Bunny Peep and make a huge impression when the day arrives.

Spring Cleaning & Upcycling

People often associate warmer air and sunnier days with spring cleaning! When the cold weather is carried away, it’s nice to freshen up your home. Upcycling is one way to streamline your space without breaking the bank. For example, old jeans can become a denim rug, refashioned t-shirts can be stitched together into a quilt, and those winter sweaters can be made into a messenger bag.

For more details on upcycling old clothes, visit CraftFoxes! Sick of your old sweaters? FaveCrafts features a collection of 15 creative crafts to make them new again.

St. Patrick’s Day Attire

St. Patrick’s Day is another fun spring holiday! It’s always fun to wear some festive green clothing, so be sure to check out these great outfit ideas for St. Paddy’s Day. From the adorable head-to-toe in green outfit for kids to a simple, green, clover-shaped brooch to pin on your shirt, there are so many creative opportunities.

To see all of these great St. Patrick’s Day outfits, visit CraftFoxes! For even more super lucky wearables and crafty ideas, check out FaveCrafts’ collection of 17 St. Patrick’s Day projects.

First Flowers of Spring

For those of us who live in the colder climates, it can take some time before actual flowers start sprouting. Sometimes you need to make your own flowers, and these knitted dahlias are sure to bring some color to your home. For this project, you’ll need green, dark red/wine (or desired color) and yellow-green yarn. This gorgeous little pattern will tide you over until the spring weather arrives.

CraftFoxes offers full instructions to make this knitted flower pattern. Add to your bouquet by creating a Diver Down Flower using a knitting loom.

Link Love: Fox Crafts

January 10, 2013 by FaveCrafts 2 Comments

Are you feeling a little … foxy? You certainly will after checking out these crafts. No, they’re not naughty crafts or even crafts inspired by the literary sensation 50 Shades of Grey (sorry in advanced to those who came here looking for any of those projects). These crafts are inspired by adorable, cuddly foxes! Right now, craft projects involving owls, foxes and other woodland creatures are popping up all over the web. We rounded up some of our favorite ideas for you to check out.

There are several ways to get foxy with your craft projects – you can incorporate images, colors and more. Quilters can add a fox to their next baby blanket with a Foxy Applique. The cute, understated look of this quilt makes it ideal for a baby nursery or kids’ room. Not so keen on images of foxes? Crochet your own Boa Wrap and Purse – the add-ons look like fox tails! This is a great cruelty-free wearable that will keep you warm all winter.

This winter, sew a cute fox scarf, create a paper banner or decorate a ukelele – foxes can be added to almost anything! This is the perfect season to stay inside and warm up by the fire with a cool craft project.

DIY Foxy Ukulele from She Makes a Home
Felt Fox Brooch from Lilla Luise
Hand Stitched Fox from How Did You Make This
Paper Fox Banner from Hello Lidy
DIY Fox Scarf from Prudent Baby
Plush Fox Doll from A Beautiful Mess
Little Fox Rattle from Curious and Cat Cat
Quick-as-a-Fox Ears from Sew Wrong
Fox Mug Cozy from Kittenhood

Geek Crafts: Star Wars Craft Roundup

May 9, 2012 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and this is your weekly dose of geeky goodness!

Last week, the geeks of the world celebrated Star Wars Day. (Get it? May the fourth?) Because I love of all things Luke-and-Leia, I’m following up the big day with a roundup of my favorite Start Wars crafts. Make them or not. There is no try!

If Star Wars isn’t your thing, there are plenty more geek craft ideas right here on FaveCrafts!

1. Wicket the Ewok from LucyRavenscar – Crochet Creatures

2. C-3PO from Toy-A-Day

3. Star Wars Felt Finger Puppets from Make and Takes

4. Star Wars Softie Pattern: Cuddly Chewbacca from Draw! Pilgrim

5. Star Wars Cookies: R2-D2 from The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle

6. Star Wars Napkin Rings Craft from The Star Wars Blog

Did you make something for Star Wars Day? Leave a comment below and tell us about it!

Geek Crafts: 8 Awesomely Geek-tastic Crochet Projects

March 21, 2012 by FaveCrafts 3 Comments

Hello, crafty muffins! I’m Haley Pierson-Cox from The Zen of Making, and I’m here with your weekly dose of geeky goodness!

When you’re talking about geek crafts, it’s only a matter of time before you start talking about crochet. Hooks, yarn, and nerds just seem to go together—especially when it comes to ridiculous hats and amigurumi characters—and there are tons of amazing new projects popping up every day. So, as a confirmed hooker and fellow geek, I’m really excited to share this roundup of my favorite geeky crochet projects from around the crafty web! Warning: Your brain might explode from all of the awesomeness.

Need more ideas? Don’t forget to check out the fantastic collection of crochet projects and patterns right here on FaveCrafts!

1. Tenth Doctor Who Amigurumi Doll from Snuffykin

2. Brain Slugs from Hooks & Needles

3. Star Wars Droid Beanies from Jen Spears on Ravelry

4. Wicket the Ewok from Angry Angel on Crafster

5. Crochet LEGO Blanket Tutorial from All Things Bright and Beautiful

6. Mini Mario Mushroom Amigurumi from Amy’s Odyssey

7. Small Domo-Kun Amigurumi Crochet Doll from Nerdigurumi

8. Star Trek Diaper Cover from NameThatCandy on Craftster

That’s all for now! See you next Wednesday for more geek craft fun!

National Craft Month: What type of crafting have you always wanted to learn?

March 29, 2011 by FaveCrafts 138 Comments

As experts and enthusiasts of all things crafty, FaveCrafts decided to host a special National Craft Month blog series for all of our lovely readers. Check back for a new blog post every day featuring our favorite projects, new craft videos, how-to’s from the FaveCrafts editors, and a GIGANTIC, ENORMOUS, AMAZING craft giveaway at the end of the month. That’s right–we’re giving away the biggest prize ever, a gift basket chock full of crafting goodies from our craft closet. There’s something for everyone in this gift basket.

Leave a comment below, and on any blog post labeled “National Craft Month” in the headline, and your comment will count as an entry into the giveaway. You are free to comment as often as once per blog post (for a total of 31 chances to win!). At the end of the month, we’ll pool all of the comments together and pick one lucky winner.

I wish I knew more about crochet. As the editor of AllFreeCrochetAfghanPatterns.com, I get to look at the very best crochet sites, blogs and forum. Although I know basic stitches and have even taken a crochet class, I still feel like a total novice. I love the look of crochet and wish I could create something to give to my family and friends.

In particular, I’m obsessed with amigurumi. I must admit that before I started working with FaveCrafts and AllFreeCrochet, I didn’t know what amigurumi was. But once I started digging up more and more projects, I couldn’t believe how many cool options there were out there.

Here are some of my favorite crochet amigurumi patterns:

Goldfish Friends Amigurumi from Sherry for Chiwaluv Amigurumi Critters – Reminds me of my all time favorite fish, Nemo.
Blue Bunny from Deb Richey for Caron Yarn – The definition of adorable. I want to make this for my little cousins.
Bunny Toy from Lily Sugar’n Cream – A great project for Easter!

Freddy the Froggy from Diane Buyers for Stormy’z Crochet – It’s all in the eyes.
Teddy Bear Crochet Pattern from Bernat – I want this little guy to be my snuggle buddy.
Snowman Family Crochet Pattern from Bernat- What a happy bunch!

Hopefully in time I can create some of these great crochet amigurumi patterns!

What type of crafting have you always wanted to learn?

AllFreeCrochet Book Giveaway: Super Super Cute Crochet

January 12, 2011 by AllFreeCrochet 2 Comments

In this book you can find 35 amazingly cute crochet friends. Who doesn’t love a little flamingo or turtle? There is also a dog, a cat, some sea creatures such as shrimp and lobsters, a crocodile, a penguin and a cow just to name a few. These little amigurumi animals make great gifts for little kids, or even adults if they have a collection of certain animals. Learn more and enter for a chance to win!

Contest ends January 26, 2011. You can enter once daily, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

How to Crochet a Whip Stitch and Bind Off

April 7, 2010 by AllFreeCrochet Leave a Comment

I’m sure many of you are more advanced than I am in the crochet world, but some of you may not be. In any case, we can learn together. There are so many stitches that crochet uses, we can learn one at a time. I’ve heard of the whip stitch before along with binding off in crochet. A lot of times the whip stitch is done when trying to attach a leg or other embellishment on a crochet project like amigurumi or a toy or stuffed animal. Let’s see if we can learn together:

The whip stitch is much like sewing. You bring the needle down and through your piece of material and then back up on the other side. Whip stitch the leg through the body as to attach it. Continue to do so until the leg or embellishment is secure and tightly on there. Once you are complete with the whip stitch you can pull on the leg a little bit to be sure it won’t fall off or that it’s not loose.

To bind off, go through some of the stitches (the top part of the stitch) on the bottom part of the body so you can’t see it very well. Do this with a few stitches so it’s nice and secure. You then cut off the extra yarn at the base and you have completed your animal or amigurumi.

Here you can watch a video of a cute deer amigurumi being completed with a whip stitch.

Some Crochet Patterns for Anyone

September 30, 2009 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

Crochet patterns come in all colors, sizes, stitches and shapes. Recently we’ve seen Fall patterns for the Autumn season, so why not give you some cute and easy crochet crafts for anyone.

Crochet Amigurumi- Cheer your kids up. If they’re not allowed to have a real pet in the house then crochet them some amigurumi goldfish friends.

Crochet Bags– Get all the food and groceries you need by being eco-friendly with a lightweight shopping bag. No more wasting plastic bags when you have this free crochet pattern.

Crochet for Baby- Keep your baby warm and fuzzy with these fuzzy baby booties. This is a quick and easy pattern so you might as well make a few pair of booties for that little one.

Crochet for Kids– Your daughter is getting back into the school season, so start her off right with a fun circles hat and bag. And for your little man, a camo hoodie is just the thing he’s been wanting.

Kitchen Crochet- You slave over the stove every night for dinner, so crochet yourself something pretty. Try using a rose dishcloth and potholder. Your kitchen will be “pretty in pink.”

Happy Crocheting!