FaveCrafts

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

Link Love: Creative Cowls

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There’s something so magical about fall. The crisp air, crunchy leaves, pretty colors – I just can’t get enough. My favorite aspect of the season is definitely pulling out all of my favorite autumn accessories. In the past, I always stocked up on traditional scarvess – long pieces of fabric or cute yarn creations that I could quickly wrap around my neck before heading out the door. Last year, however, I purchased my first cowl. Since then, I’ve collected cowls of all shapes and sizes. I love throwing them on with my winter coat – they keep my neck warm and I can tuck my nose in when it’s extra chilly.

Readers also love cowls, and we’ve seen their popularity grow as years go by. In general, it seems that warm and cozy cowls are always the most sought-after on the site. Knit and crochet cowls like the Slouchy Cowl and the Crochet Convertible Cowl are always popular in our e-mail newsletters (are you a subscriber?). These scarves have one thing in common – they are both made using a single yarn color. Neither pattern is complicated, making them both a great option for beginning yarn crafters. If you are hungry for more cowl patterns, the Vanilla Meringue Cowl is a great choice. While this is a great craft to make for yourself, it’s also a fantastic gift idea for the holiday season.

Winter is around the corner – don’t wait until the first snowfall to get working on a cool cowl. Save your creation for yourself or give it as a gift – you don’t need a ton of supplies or a lifetime of expertise. Now is the time to say goodbye to boring generic scarves and hello to handmade cowls.

  1. Colour My World Cowl from Hopeful Honey
  2. Upcycled Sweater Cowl from Stuff Steph Does
  3. Lemon Balm Button Cowl from Fiber Flux
  4. Katy Cowl from Flax and Twine
  5. Crochet Infinity Scarf from Dabbles and Babbles
  6. Long Double Crochet Cowl from All About Ami
  7. Yellow Stiletto Cowl from Steph Chows
  8. Easy Knit Circle Scarf from With Lovely
  9. Long Chunky Crocheted Infinity Cowl from 7Alive all Livin’ in a Double Wide

Link Love: Crafts for Cat Lovers

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Easy To Crochet Cat Toy from Dabbles and BabblesOnce upon a time, cat lovers were characterized as “crazy cat ladies”.  Well, those days are over, because it’s never been a better time to be a cat lover. Cats have broken into the mainstream – even Taylor Swift has an adorable kitty named Meredith. Here at FaveCrafts, we celebrate our kitties (and other pets) by creating unique and adorable pet crafts. Those of us who don’t have a furry companion can create animal-inspired projects to wear or display. Personally, I’m partial to dainty flats with adorable cat faces drawn on – does it get any cuter?

Get inspired and celebrate your favorite feline with a few simple DIY designs. If you have a cat, you create a variety of practical crafts that can be used every single day. Save up old socks and create a Sock Bed for Kitty. You’ll hear plenty of purring (and maybe some snoring) when your pet spots your design. Even if you don’t have a cat, you can create fun cat-inspired crafts. A Blue Crochet Kitty makes a great gift for a little one – create one before a birthday or baby shower. You can also add a fun touch to your wardrobe by creating whimsical Kitty Clip-On Barrettes. They’re almost as adorable as a newborn kitten… almost.

You won’t believe how easy it is to craft for your pet. Alternately, you can make cat-inspired crafts and show off your loved for felines. While you’re at it, why not do both? One thing’s for sure – you can’t go wrong when you make cat crafts.

  1. Easy To Crochet Cat Toy from Dabbles and Babbles
  2. Onni the Beckoning Cat from Nimoe
  3. Mini Kitty Pinata from Making It Big
  4. Felted Cat Toy from 7 Yaks
  5. Charlotte Olympia-Inspired Kitty Flats from Clones ‘n Clowns
  6. Cat Ear Headband from Why Don’t You Make Me
  7. Kitty Cat Costume from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
  8. Cat Face Stenciled Shirt from minted Strawberry
  9. Cat Sleep Mask from Stars for Streetlights

Check out our friends over at Stitch&Unwind! They have some crazy fun knitting and crochet patterns inspired by cats.Crazy Cat Lady Patterns: Free Crochet & Knitting Patterns

Do you like to make things for your cats or for yourself?

Just Updated! Find 25 Quick Crochet Patterns in This Free eBook

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In the mood to crochet but not sure where to start? Lucky for you, there’s a free eBook that’s here to save the day!

We recently updated one of our most popular eBooks, 25 Quick and Thrifty Free Crochet Patterns, and it’s filled with some of our all-time favorite tutorials. Oh, and it’s free to download! Pretty sweet, right? There are patterns for everything from florals to baby hats – you won’t know where to start! Find a tutorial to fit any occasion- there are ideas for baby shower gifts, home decor, wearable projects and so much more.

Here are some of the projects you’ll find in our 25 Quick and Thrifty Free Crochet Patterns eBook:

 

Beverage Can Cozy – This is one of the easy crochet patterns listed in 25 Quick and Thrifty Free Crochet Patterns. This is a great gift idea for the sports fan in your life. In fact, you can make one before your next tailgate! The yarn colors suggested in this pattern are red, white and blue but you can easily adjust your project to represent your favorite sports team. A crocheted cozy will keep your drink chilled and your hands warm!

 

 

 

Easy Floppy Hat – Keep your head warm with this adorable and stylish crochet hat pattern. Choose bright blue yarn for this project so you never get lost in a crowd. This is a great gift idea for anyone celebrating a fall or winter birthday. It’s easy to wear, too – just throw it on when your ears get a little cold. Since there aren’t any buttons or ties, this is a great crochet pattern for a beginner. Test your skills and see what you can accomplish – the results may surprise you.

 

 

 

Robot Baby Cocoon and Hat – Crochet cocoons are a huge trend right now – new mommies are can’t stop snatching them up! Make one for your next baby shower but make sure it stands out by adding fun robot details. While the cocoon is adorable and easy to make, the hat is truly the icing on the cake.It’s a simple design with cute unexpected add-ons. Both of these pieces can be created by beginners and it can be used as your baby’s first Halloween costume!

 

 

For more free crochet patterns including Fuzzy Baby Booties and Flower Dish Cloths, download a copy of 25 Quick and Thirty Free Crochet Patterns. Did we mention it’s free?!

Ruffle Colors Scarf: National Craft Month Project & Giveaway

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Today’s day eight in our month long National Craft Month Giveaway. Don’t forget to visit our blog every day to enter to win a different prize of the day. Find the contest rules and enter below.


We’re continuing our celebration of National Craft Month with today’s featured project from Michaels. You’ll love to cuddle up with this Ruffled Colors Scarf during an extra breezy day. It’s quick to work up and also makes a great last-minute gift idea for a friend. Use variegated yarn to recreate the multicolored look shown here.

 

Ruffled Colors Scarf

Ruffle Colors Scarf

Find out how to make this luxurious scarf for yourself; the full tutorial is available for you to see, so you can make this project on your own. Learn how fun it is to use your crochet skills to create an eye-catching and comfortable scarf. A scarf like this never goes out of style, and you can wear it year after year. Make a Ruffle Colors Scarf for yourself and a close friend, it’s a quick way to whip up a great gift.

The Ultimate Craft Guide: 25 Free Craft Projects for Every Crafter Free eBook

 

This pattern is included in our free eBook, The Ultimate Craft Guide: 25 Free Craft Projects for Every Crafter. Celebrate National Craft Month with us by crafting the great projects in this free downloadable eBook written just for you!


 

ENTER TO WIN TODAY’S PRIZE

Michaels Gift Card

Today’s prize is a $100 gift card to Michaels! In order to win today’s prize, all you need to do is:

* Like the AllFreeCrochet Facebook page here, AND

* Like the Michaels Facebook Page here, AND

*Leave a comment on this blog post below telling us:

Do you crochet? What are your favorite patterns?

 

 

OFFICIAL RULES FOR DAILY CONTEST

  • There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
  • You must “like” both the AllFreeCrochet Facebook and the Michaels Facebook Pages to be eligible.
  • Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post below.
  • Winner will be announced here on the blog tomorrow as well as contacted by the email address provided.
  • You have until tonight, March 8th, 2013 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

SUPER BONUS – WIN $1000 Gift Card!

Win Michaels $1000 Gift Card

Don’t miss your chance to stock up your craft stash and win a $1000 Michael’s gift card. You can enter each day to win this amazing $1000 Shopping Spree at Michaels. And don’t forget to come back here to the FaveCrafts blog each day for a new prize as well. You still have 23 chances to win!

 

Good Luck!

Who Wants to Win a $1000 Gift Card to Michaels?

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If this post’s headline didn’t catch your eye, go back and read it again. Have you picked your jaw up off the floor yet? Okay, now that you’ve composed yourself, we can get down to business.

In celebration of National Craft Month, we’ve given away a prize every single day and showcased a ton of brand new, never-before-seen craft tutorials here on the FaveCrafts Blog. So far, we’ve featured crochet afghan patterns, jewelry projects and more. Stay tuned – we have even more great projects and giveaways throughout March!

 

Also, we created a brand new free eBook with Michaels, The Ultimate Craft Guide: 25 Free Craft Projects for Every Crafter. Have you checked it out yet? It’s filled with everything from knitting patterns to paper projects. Best of all, it’s completely free to download and available now on FaveCrafts.

 

 

And that brings us to our big, giant National Craft Month giveaway – a $1000 gift card from Michaels! Think of all the amazing craft supplies you could buy with this $1000 gift card! This would be a perfect opportunity to branch out and try a new type of project. Michaels is a one-stop shop for crafters, so you can pick up so many different items at one time.

There are only a few simple steps you have to take when you enter to win this $1000 Michaels gift card:

  1. Head over to the giveaway page on FaveCrafts.
  2. Like FaveCrafts on Facebook.
  3. Like Michaels on Facebook.

Don’t forget that you can earn bonus entries by posting about this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Google+! Find out more on the giveaway page.


Well…what are you waiting for?
Enter now for your chance to win a $1000 Michaels gift card!

 

Simple Chiq Shell Stitch Scarf: National Craft Month Project & Giveaway

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We’re moving right along to day two of National Craft Month Giveaway. Come visit our blog every day to enter to win a different prize of the day. Find the contest rules and enter below.


Even though it’s getting warmer outside, you can still show off some stylish craftsmanship by making your very own Simple Chiq Shell Stitch Scarf. The shell stitch technique is easy to learn, especially with Mary Vaughn’s full video tutorial. Pick out a nice pastel to crochet a scarf for spring or choose something more festive and get ahead of your holiday crocheting. This scarf is a sweet fashion statement that you’ll be proud to wear at any point in the year.

 

Simple Chic Shell Stitch Scarf

 

If you’d like to get started now, you’re in luck, because you can access this free crochet pattern today! Crocheters of all skill levels will appreciate this interesting approach that Mary Vaughn takes while making a scarf, and there’s no doubt that you’ll learn something if you give it a try. The pattern isn’t particularly time consuming, and the style is fairly lightweight, meaning you can wear the Simple Chiq Shell Stitch Scarf year round. You can make your own accessory for any of your favorite outfits using this easy crochet pattern.

ENTER TO WIN TODAY’S PRIZES

Crochet Lovers Prize Pack

Today’s prize is a Clover XL basket frame, Clover wonder clips, and a Selection of Red Heart Rigoletto yarns. In order to win today’s prizes, all you need to do is:

* Like the AllFreeCrochet Facebook page here, AND

 

*Leave a comment on this blog post below telling us:

What kind of wearables do you like to make?

*EDITOR’S NOTE: THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED AND A WINNER HAS BEEN SELECTED. YOU CAN ENTER TODAY’S CONTEST THOUGH FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH 2013. FIND THE NEW GIVEAWAY OF THE DAY AND WINNERS HERE.


OFFICIAL RULES FOR DAILY CONTEST
  • There is a maximum of one entry per person. The entry will be based upon a comment left on this blog post. Duplicate comments will be deleted and are not tallied.
  • You must “like” both the AllFreeCrochet Facebook page to be eligible.
  • Winner will be selected at random from the comments on this blog post below.
  • Winner will be announced here on the blog tomorrow as well as contacted by the email address provided.
  • You have until tonight, March 2nd, 2013 at 11:59p EST to leave your comment on this post. Comments posted after that will not be counted.
  • Contest open to anyone 18+ in US and/or Canada.

SUPER BONUS – WIN $1000 Gift Card!

Win Michaels $1000 Gift Card

Don’t miss your chance to stock up your craft stash and win a $1000 Michael’s gift card. You can enter each day to win this amazing $1000 Shopping Spree at Michaels. You have 30 more chances to win, so come visit the FaveCrafts blog each day to hear about the latest prize.

 

Good Luck!

In Case You Missed It: “Winter Wonderland: How to Make 8 Snowflakes, Snow Crafts, and Snow Projects”

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Winter’s not quite over yet, which means there’s still time to celebrate part of what makes it so special for many of us; the snow! Whether you got 2 feet, 2 inches, or nothing at all, you can appreciate how important snow is to winter, which makes it the perfect source of inspiration for some late-winter crafting. That’s why the editors at AllFreeChristmasCrafts have put together a brand new eBook to bring the beauty of a white Christmas into your home during any time of year. Get your copy of Winter Wonderland: How to Make 8 Snowflakes, Snow Crafts, and Snow Projects for all of the crafting fun (without the cold!).

 

Not only does our new eBook include ways to decorate your home with snowflakes, but also how to make a snow globe that’s mess-free and recyclable, and a few adorable craft snowmen that won’t melt once spring comes. There’s a bead craft, a free Christmas crochet pattern, and plenty of thrifty ways to create snow craft projects on a budget. Each of the designers who provided a project have their own approach to winter crafts which makes every page in this eBook very valuable for your crafting skills.

What you’ll find in this eBook:

Wooden Snowman Snowflake – Now you can combine your love for craft snowman and snowflake crafts into one adorable Christmas ornament craft. Artistic crafters will appreciate the quality of this handmade Christmas ornament, and those looking for something they can make in sets will be pleased to see how inexpensive the materials are. Best of all, just look at that face. What could be cuter for a Christmas tree?

 

Beautiful Sparkling Snow Globe – One of our favorite things about this eBook is how creative the snow craft projects were with recyclables. You can learn how to make a snow globe that’s going to stand out for its simplicity and elegance no matter where you place it using an easy jar craft tutorial. It’s accessible to all ages, and hardly costs anything to put together. Keep this tutorial handy year round, because it’s very easy to redesign depending on the time of year.

Download a copy of Winter Wonderland: How to Make 8 Snowflakes, Snow Crafts, and Snow Projects – it’s free!

If you like this eBook, you might also enjoy:

Link Love: DIY Throw Pillows

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 Happy Valentine’s Day! For those of us who don’t have a special someone to take us out for a nice dinner (sigh), a quiet evening on the couch sounds pretty spectacular. Make your space even more cozy and cute with personalized throw pillows. This is a great way to brighten up your space. You don’t have to be an avid sewer to make your own throw pillows, either. In fact, you can use yarn, glitter, paint and more to bring your designs to life.

Throw pillows allow you to take a chance creatively and break outside of the box You can be super girly or channel your inner tomboy – it’s completely up to you. Personally, I love the look of the Cascading Ruffles Pillow because the look is both elegant and simple. Who wouldn’t want to curl up with this delightful design? Use paint to create a colorful and bright Citrus Burst Pillow – it’s perfect for spring and summer. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly design, you can’t go wrong with Easy T-Shirt Pillows. Instead of throwing old shirts away, you turn them into cute throw pillows and use them to decorate a chair, sofa or bed.

This Valentine’s Day, show your space a little love and select a simple throw pillow craft to make. Get creative with colors or add an unexpected image to your project – it’s a great way to add visual interest to an otherwise unexciting space.

link-love-throw-pillows-diy

  1. Crocheted Flower Pillow from Just Crafty Enough
  2. Kitschy Dog Pillow from Big City Little Joys
  3. LOVE Pillow from A Pumpkin and a Princess
  4. DIY Silhouette Throw Pillows from Sally Ann K
  5. Felt Circle Pillow from What’s UR Home Story?
  6. Ikat-Inspired Throw Pillow from What Else Michelle
  7. Stenciled Linen Pillows from Jennifer Rizzo
  8. Burlap Pillow From a Rice Bag from Creme de la Craft
  9. Glitter Heart Pillow from High On DIY

 

 

Announcing our Pinning & Winning Contest Winner!

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Our Pinning and Winning Contest is complete! If you submitted a Make It Wear It board on Pinterest, you were eligible to win. The contest is now over, but you can still continue pinning your favorite craft ideas from FaveCrafts to save them in a convenient place!

 

The grand prize winner receives a prize package worth $150 from our friends at Red Heart Yarn! And the winner is…

FC Blog Winner Logo11 National Craft Month: Day 30 Winner!

…Sherily Toledo! Check out Sherily’s Make It Wear It board on Pinterest and congratulate her! Thank you to everyone who entered our Pinterest contest, and congratulations to Sherily.

Don’t Forget to Enter FaveCrafts’ Pinning & Winning Contest!

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We’re halfway through our Pinning and Winning Contest – don’t miss out on the fun!

If you have already submitted a “Make It Wear It” Pinterest board, you are eligible to win. If you haven’t submitted your board yet,  start pinning before it’s too late!

 

 

To learn more about this contest and learn how to set up your own board on Pinterest, check out our Pinning and Winning blog post from earlier this week.

Also, check out the giveaway page for guidelines and a list of all the cool Red Heart Yarn products you could win!

 

 

Check out the pins on our Make It Wear It board for inspiration and in some of these wearables on your own board:

 

PomPomTrimmedFingerlessGloves  Knit-Ribbed-Beanie  

 

What would you make if you won the Red Heart Yarn Prize Package?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

Thrifty