Once upon a time, I was robustly pregnant with a little boy just as the holidays were kicking off when I had a shocking revelation. It’s a revelation, I think, that happens to all of us at some time — especially us moms:

I REALLY need to get my stuff together.

Now, my life wasn’t in any particular sort of chaos specifically, but as I waddled along with my husband and child, ringing doorbells and opening up treat bags on Halloween feeling the exhaustion of pregnancy and the excitement of a babe due just one week before Christmas, I realized that I had a LOT to pull off in a pretty short amount of time.

It may have been the nesting, or maybe the sheer panic, but I snapped into action to make sure that I had all things for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years ready, wrapped and stored so all would be right with the Holiday world. Thus, the holiday hustle was on. I shopped, I Amazon-ed, I did all the things to make sure everything that would make my little family’s Christmas a memorable one was in order. But, I didn’t want to forsake the little handmade touches my loved ones were so used to seeing from me around the holidays.

Under a time crunch that I felt so dearly, I amassed a list of simple handmade gifts that would be quick makes, but still have that handmade touch, and I’ve been Making a new list every year since.

So, here is this year’s list of makes that take almost no time, but will add that personalized, handmade touch to your winter holiday. All links below lead to Ravelry pages for each designer.

The Mini Hat Ornament by WildwoodDesignsMe: Spoiler alert to those who are expecting gifts from me this holiday, but I just thing these quick to make mini hats are the best gift topper I could imagine. Included in this pattern is also a tutorial on how to make a faux fur pom!

Barley Boot Cuffs by Ellen Bergmann: These simple but eye-catching boot cuffs take just minutes to make and use a small amount of yarn for each pair. I know that the ladies in my life will love adding this little extra detail to their winter wardrobe with these.

Twisty Turban by Crazy4CrochetMomma: With one purchase of the Caron Pantone yarn, you can make this extra soft and colorful turban that is such a quick and stunning make.

The Woodland Wrist Warmers by Yesenia Gutierrez: These quick little mitts are both quick and stylish. The simple stitches with the added detail on the edges make them a classic looking gift.

The Spa Bundle by Me, Theresa Denham: I think everyone loves a little excuse to  spend some “me time.” I may be partial, but I think that this spa gift pack is a perfect gift to encourage some self care. Be sure to check out my other favorite patterns to encourage Self Care

The Morning Hustle Cozy by Abby Sandquist: I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t LOVE this cozy as a gift. It’s the perfect size for any coffee, tea or water lover, and uses Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn. It only uses 60 – 70 yds.

The Nifty Notions Clutch by Emily Davies: I don’t think anyone would be upset to receive this super cute pouch to hold all their goodies. It can be a Maker Pouch, a wallet, or even a small purse if you add a strap to it. It’s a quick workup with an interesting texture that makes a great gift.

The Kai Cowl by Briana Iaropoli : This gorgeous cowl works up quickly, but the details certainly don’t look like it! It’s thick and cozy and would be a great stash busting project, too.

The Ribbed Pom Pom Scarf by Annie Lau: I want to make one of these in all the colors! I love how this cute make could be a suitable gift for a child or whimsical adult.

The 1.5 Hour Beanie by Jess Coppom of Make and Do Crew: And a true classic for anyone on your list is this adorable, unisex beanie. If you are really speedy, this one works up even quicker than the estimated 1.5 hours. I think it is a perfect quick make!

The Daisy Scrunchie Pattern By Mollie of White Owl Crochet Co: These are such quick trendy pieces that are perfect for the quickest of gift making!

Self care is more than just a Buzzword, and I have found that taking just a little bit of time to do something for ME helps so much, especially during this very busy Holiday season.

We all have the things that really resonate with us to feel centered, relaxed and ready to take on the hustle and bustle of life. For me, it’s crochet, yoga and all things beauty.

So, in the spirit of being kind to ourselves, I have decided to compile my favorite patterns that promote self care into an easy to access list for my readers. I hope you enjoy all the goodness these patterns have to offer, and whether you are gifting yourself or others with these relaxation tools, I hope you can give each of them, and their designers, some love:

1. Crochet Sleepy Owl Mask:  Get a good night’s sleep with this cute sleep mask by Repeat Crafter Me. I, for one, really struggle to get the recommended 8 hours of rest each night, so using a sleep mask is so helpful to provide a nice, dark, cozy respite from a busy house. Also, how stinkin’ cute is this?

 

2. Homebody Slippers: Janine from Capital Crochet has created the coziest slippers made from the Ultra Cozy Bernat Blanket yarn. I can’t imagine not feeling super cozy while wearing these perfect Homebody Slippers.

3. Mer-Love Yoga Socks: Another way I love to unwind and be kind to myself is by engaging in yoga practice. That’s why I love these Mer-Love Yoga socks by Miranda at Crazy4CrochetMomma. This free pattern would also make a perfect gift for the yoga lover in your life.

4. Pampering Massage Soap Saver: When I need to be extra kind to myself, a nice long bath or shower is the perfect thing to rejuvenate and get back into gear. I love this Massaging Soap cozy by Tamara from Moogly Blog. She has offered this pattern free on her blog.

5. Spa Cloth, Headband and Face Scrubbers: When I am stressed, my skin gets the worst of it. Breakouts, dryness, the whole thing. Some people wear their feelings on their sleeve, for me, it shows right in my face. So, when things get especially hectic, I have to get even more proactive about my skincare routine. I love using this extra luxe spa cloth and headband I designed to take care of my skin, as well as these cute and convenient cotton rounds to minimize waste in my skincare routine. I offered this pack of patterns FREE to my newsletter subscribers, and it’s available for a small fee on my Ravelry.

 

I hope you enjoyed this short round up of patterns that I love to encourage self-care. Now, it’s important to note that I’m no self-care guru, just a busy mom/crafter who is just dipping her toes into making herself a priority. Self care can mean so many things. I’ve also included some of my favorite take-a-time-out products available through my Amazon Affiliate Store.

 

When I had the chance to create something special for Darn Good Yarn around Halloween time, I was so excited to get to work. Once the yarn arrived, I knew it would make a really show stopping Bunting.

Once the Bunting was done, though, I felt it needed just a little bit MORE. That’s when I created the Bobble Garland to go with it.

This pattern is available for free here on Darn Good Yarn.

You can also get the yarn you need, AND the pattern by purchasing a kit

Make sure to sign up for their emails for exclusive pattern updates, and you can even use TEAGANANDLU15 to get 15% off your first order!

Please note that the links you see here are affiliate links, meaning a small portion of any sale Initiated by your following the link goes to me and my small business.

Spooky Chic Halloween Bunting Crochet Pattern

The Alice Earwarmer is by far my most popular pattern and beat selling finished item. I’m so excited to offer it here as a FREE pattern.

The Alice Earwarmer was born of necessity: my, at the time, two-year-old daughter wouldn’t wear a hat to save her life, and if I was able to get something on her head, it would inevitably end up over her sweet little eyes on our long car commute. So, Alice got her own earwarmer. I wanted it to be extra textured and and warm, and be cinched so if it migrated down a bit, she’d still be able to see. 

Once I made the first version, I experimented with different yarn weights, but settled on the look and feel of a bean-stitched worsted. I have found that Mary Maxim’s Woodlands yarn is a perfect match for this project. It’s soft and squishy and has the perfect amount of stretch. 

This pattern is fast, relaxing and yields a result that really suits just about anyone. (A fun tip: if you skip the final cinching step, it’s a suitable, unisex piece.) This free pattern is also available on my Ravelry page where I frequently post quick, free patterns. I would love to see your project added to Ravelry or Instagram!

Teagan and Lu’s
Alice Earwarmer

MATERIALS:

150 yds Mary Maxim Woodlands Yarn

5.0 mm crochet hook

Tapestry needle

Scissors

Measuring tape

ABBREVIATIONS:

Ch: chain

B: Large Bean Stitch

Sk: skip a stitch

Stitch Explanation:

Create the large Bean stitch by working your stitches into the side of the previous row’s stitches. Work the stitch as follows:

1. Insert hook into the side of the stitch from the previous row (see photo), pull up a loop (2 loops on hook).
2. Yarn over, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook).
3. Repeat step two three more times until there are 10 loops on the hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through all 10 loops.
5. Chain 1.

Pattern

Begin by chaining 15 (or in multiples of 2 plus 1).

Row 1: Working into 3rd Ch from the hook, B, *sk 1 ch, B, repeat from * to last ch. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 2: B across, Ch 1. Turn
Row 3: Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 18” (or desired length)

Do not break yarn.

Joining
Hold both ends together and join by slip stitching across. Work slip stitches through the center of each bean stitch to prevent excessive stretch with wear.

Flip right side out.
For a flat ear warmer, bind off and weave in ends.

Finishing

If gathering, cut the tail after joining to 3 ft.
Wrap around the joined seam in evenly distributed wraps creating a knotted look.

Secure the end and weave in the tail.

A note from the designer

Thank you for downloading this pattern! It is the express property of  Theresa Denham of Teagan and Lu, and should not be altered, distributed or otherwise copied without copyright attribution. © Teagan and Lu 2018

Social Media

I would love to see the earwarmer you have created! Feel free to share photos of your completed earwarmer on Instagram with the hashtag #aliceearwarmer, and tag @TeaganandLu so I can see and share your work!

Inspired by the endless amounts of clutter in my life, I created the Roundabout Basket. This pattern is suitable for an intermediate crocheter who is comfortable working in the round. Pay special attention to the slightly different join, and a new way to build up from the base to create a sturdy, eye catching basket for all the clutter in your life, too.

I loved using Lion Brand’s Wool Ease Thick and Quick for this project. As written, one Bonus Bundle of this yarn is the perfect amount for this basket. If you want to make the basket even more sturdy, hold two strands of this soft yarn together.

This pattern is also available on my Ravelry page for a small fee. This PDF version comes Ad Free and with tutorial photos that are not present in this free, simplified version.

The Roundabout Basket

by Theresa Denham

Roundabout Basket Pattern © 2018 By Theresa Denham of Teagan and Lu

Materials:

Approx. 200 yds Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick (Or similar super bulky weight yarn)

5.0mm crochet hook (US H)

6.0mm crochet hook (US J)

Tapestry Needle

Stitch Marker (optional)

Abbreviations:

MC: Magic Circle

CH: Chain

SK: Skip SL

ST: Slip Stitch S

L ST (BL): Slip Stitch into the back loop

SC: Single Crochet

HDC: Half Double Crochet

OPS: Open Puff Stitch — In order to create a single open puff stitch: Yarn Over, insert hook and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook), yarn over, insert hook and pull up a loop (five loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all five loops on the hook.

FPSC: Single Crochet around the front post

Notes: This basket is worked bottom up, first creating the flat bottom round and building up on the base to complete the body of the basket. While working the base, CH2 at the beginning of the round does count as a stitch. Throughout this piece, when joining with a slip stitch, join through the back loop of the stitch, since the subsequent stitch will be worked into the same stitch without chaining. While working the body of the basket, mark the first stitch of the round with a stitch marker. Body rows are joined, but stitches are to be worked into the same stitch as joining without chaining. When working the OPS, be sure to pull up on your hook to begin your yarn overs with about 1” of height. See photo below in Special Stitches.

Gauge: While not integral to the pattern, should you prefer to check gauge, the bottom base round should measure 10” across after the final row is made.

Roundabout Basket Pattern © 2018 By Theresa Denham of Teagan and Lu

Special Stitch: Open Puff Stitch

In order to create a single open puff stitch: Pull up the loop on your hook so it stands about 1 inch, Yarn Over, insert hook and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook), yarn over, insert hook and pull up a loop (five loops on the hook), yarn over and pull through all five loops on the hook.

Copyright Statement: This pattern is the property of Theresa Denham of Teagan and Lu, 2018. Please do not alter, re-sell or claim this pattern as your own. Should you choose to sell finished items made from this pattern, please credit me, Theresa Denham and Teagan and Lu as designer.

Pattern:

BASE OF BASKET

Using the 6 mm hook, Begin with Magic Circle Rnd 1: 8HDC into MC. SLST(BL) into first HDC. (8)

Rnd 2: CH2,HDC into same stitch, 2HDC into each stitch around and SLST (BL). (16)

Rnd 3: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC, *2HDC into the next stitch, 1HDC. Repeat from * around and SLST (BL). (24)

Rnd 4: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC into next 2, *2HDC into the next stitch, HDC in the next 2 stitches. Repeat from * around and SLST (BL). (32)

Roundabout Basket Pattern © 2018 By Theresa Denham of Teagan and Lu

Rnd 5: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC into next 3, *2HDC into the next stitch, HDC in the next 3 stitches. Repeat from * around and SLST (BL). (40)

Rnd 6: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC into next 4, *2HDC into the next stitch, HDC in the next 4 stitches. Repeat from * around and SLST (BL). (48)

Rnd 7: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC into next 5, *2HDC into the next stitch, HDC in the next 5 stitches. Repeat from * around and SLST (BL). (56)

Rnd 8: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC into next 6, *2HDC into the next stitch, HDC in the next 6 stitches. Repeat from * around and SLST (BL). (64)

Rnd 9: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC into next 7, *2HDC into the next stitch, HDC in the next 7 stitches. Repeat from * around and SLST (BL). (72)

Rnd 10: CH2, HDC into same stitch, HDC into next 8, *2HDC into the next stitch, HDC in the next 8 stitches. Repeat from * around and SLST. (80)

This completes the base of the basket. Do not break your yarn, but switch to the 5mm crochet hook to complete the body of the basket.

BODY OF BASKET

Rnd 11: CH1 (does not count as a stitch), FPSC around and SLST(BL) to the first stitch of the round. (80)

Rnd 12: SC around and SLST (BL). (80)

Rnd 13: OPS around and SLST (BL). (80)

Rnd 14 – 18: SC around and SLST (BL). (80)

Rnd 19: OPS around and SLST (BL). (80)

Rnd 20 – 24: SC around and SLST (BL). (80)

Rnd 25: OPS around and SLST (BL). (80)

Rnd 26: SC around and SLST (BL). (80)

Rnd 27: 15 SC, CH 15, SK 10, 30 SC, CH 15, SK 10, 15 SC, SLST. (60 SC, 30 CH)

Rnd 27: SC around and SLST. (90 SC)

Rnd 28: 18 SLST, SC in next 3, HDC in next 3, SC in next 3, SLST into next 39, SC in next 3, HDC in next 3, SC in next 3, 18 STST.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Roundabout Basket Pattern © 2018 By Theresa Denham of Teagan and Lu

Designers Note:

Thank you for downloading this pattern. I would LOVE to see your finished work on Instagram. Please use the hashtag #RoundaboutBasket and tag me: @teaganandlu when you post your work and I may share your photo!

Roundabout Basket Pattern © 2018 By Theresa Denham of Teagan and Lu

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: This Community is the real deal. I’m a little bit obsessed with just how supportive and collaborative this space is.

So, here’s an example:

My dear friends Ellen and Bri (of Crochet.by.Ellen and LifeAndYarn) came up with an idea to compile some super holiday cheer-inducing patterns into an exclusive ebook. They presented the idea to some maker friends and we all worked together to create a collection of crochet goodies that I am just SO proud of.

I contributed a new pattern that I envisioned as the perfect holiday gift: The Silent Nights Reader’s Wrap.

You can get this pattern exclusively with this collection (I don’t have plans to make it available outside of the ebook at this time).

You can also get these phenomenal patterns from some really talented makers who I admire:

The Star of Wonder by Crochet.by. Ellen

The Stacy Sticking by LifeAndYarn

Homestead Christmas Tree Skirt by HookedHazel

Crafty Christmas Cactus by ACraftyConcept

Little Alien and Christmas Tree by Anniegurumi

Mini Hat Ornament by WildwoodDesignsME

Mistletoe Kisses Hat by EvelynandPeter

Rudolph Purse by Crazy4CrochetMomma

The Christmas Hippo by MeghanMakesDo

Sexy Santa Sweater by OneOfAKate

Emma-Noel Elf Hat by CoCoCrochetLee

Visit our Ravelry listing for all these patterns through Dec 1 (and individual links will be updated thereafter).

For a long time, I struggled with whether or not I should start this little blog. I struggled wondering if my voice is one that’s needed in our fiber community. The internal jury is still out on that one, but the Foreperson of that internal jury is pretty self-assured that no matter where this goes (who reads it, what happens with it, etc.), it’s something I have been WANTING to do.

I hate seeing things in the fiber world that make me think, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” — I’m looking at YOU nosewarmer trend. It’s my biggest fear. But I figured I would be honest with that biggest fear right at the jump. So, I hereby swear to make this space one that I find meaningful and helpful, and I hope you like it too.

So, here’s to keeping this space as fun, productive, collaborative and free of terrible ideas (ie- nosewarmers) as it possibly can be.

The plan is to offer fun things like free patterns, mini crochet and knit alongside, yarn reviews and even some interviews with folks from our community.

Be sure to subscribe to my bi-weekly email list so you can keep up with the free offerings, blog posts and features!

About the Designer:

Hi, I’m Theresa of Teagan and Lu. I’m a wife, mom of two and constant crafter living in Central Illinois. I love to create easy and fun patterns and host mini crochet alongs on my IG and Facebook Pages. Follow me on social media for more free patterns and crochet alongs! @TeaganandLu

Please note that the links you see within my free patterns and blog posts are Affiliate links. This means that any sales generated by your click throughs result in a small percentage payment to me and my small business. Using these links helps to allow me to provide my patterns here free of charge. Thank you for supporting my work!

Interested in collaborating? Email me at theresadenham at gmail dot com