Archives for March 2025

60 Quick Granny Squares

We are thrilled to have 6 granny squares published in this new book: 60 Quick Granny Squares. In addition to the squares, we’ve written a pattern for a Dickie to wear under a shirt or jacket. 2 of our squares kind of made it on the cover…at the bottom left corner…how fun.

The 6 granny squares we’ve written include:

  • Spike Stitch Mosaic Tile – project 8
  • Sunflower – project 26
  • Daisy – project 27
  • Flower Patch – project 28
  • Butterfly – project 29
  • Swirl – project 58
  • Comfort Swirl – granny square project

Above, I’m wearing the prototype of the Comfort Swirl Dickie made from 4 Swirl granny squares.

All of the projects are crocheted using 220 Superwash Sport by Cascade Yarn. I, Dana, am a big fan of this yarn. There are tons of colors and the thinner weight is great for getting lots of detail in smaller projects.

All the granny squares in the book measure 6″ x 6″ so you can mix and match designs to make larger projects like bags, clothes, blankets and more.

The first section of the book includes helpful tips on changing color, joining, etc.

The squares were designed by a handful of crochet designers, their names are listed with their square. Each square also includes charts…for those that like to stitch with those visuals.

60 Quick Granny Squares is published by Get Creative 6, an imprint of Mixed Media Resources. You can buy your copy of 60 Quick Granny Squares in your favorite yarn store or Amazon.

Horse Drawstring Backpack

This horse drawstring backpack sewing pattern is great for beginners and fun for sewists of all abilities. The reason it’s so great is because it has step-by-step written instructions and a TON of photos. If you’re new to sewing, there are lots of fun techniques in this backpack sewing pattern.

What you’ll learn with this sewing pattern:

  • How to make a drawstring bag.
  • How to reinforce the drawstring pocket opening.
  • How to use a tracing template.
  • How to sew an applique (sew on top of the bag).
  • 2 options for securing a drawstring: grommet or sewn tab.

Horse Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern on Etsy

The Horse Drawstring Backpack sewing pattern is available as a PDF on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Upcycle Fabric to Sew Horse Drawstring Backpack

Another awesome feature of this bronco bag is that it looks great with upcycled materials! The pink bag with tan pony was made from upcycled bed linens sourced at a second hand store. The bookbag on the right was made with old denim jeans. If you’re new to upcycling denim, let me share a secret. The inside/wrong side of jeans is a different color than the outside/right side. So, one pair of jeans gives you 2 different colors if you use the wrong side as a second color.

Materials Needed to Sew the Horse Drawstring Backpack

The materials needed to make your own horse drawstring backpack are pretty minimal. We recommend a sewing machine. We used 2 stitches for this project: straight stitch and zigzag. Other supplies include:

  • Cotton or Denim Fabric
  • Wonder-Under Interfacing (heavy-duty)
  • Drawstring: 0.375-0.5” diameter rope (polypropylene, nylon, or cotton)
  • Thread: matching or coordinating
  • Eyelets: (2) Large ¼” (optional)
  • Straight Pins or Sewing Clips
  • Felt: brown
  • Yarn: beige or mane color
  • Scissors, pinking shears (optional)
  • Pencil or Washable Marker
  • Iron
  • Glue

Securing Rope to Horse Drawstring Backpack

The sewing pattern for the Horse Drawstring Backpack has instructions for securing the drawstring 2 different ways. When you look at the picture above, you will see the drawstring secured to the bottom of the bag by either a grommet or a cloth tab.

If you love the look of a grommet or eyelet, we’ve included instructions for that option. If you don’t have and don’t want to buy grommets, the sewing pattern shows you how to make the cloth tab. Both are easy to make/install and both look great.

The Horse Backpack Sewing Pattern on Etsy

Buy your copy of the Horse Drawstring Sewing Pattern on Etsy.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Personalize the Horse Drawstring Backpack

What to personize this horse drawstring backpack a little bit? Here are some fun ideas:

  • Embroider the child’s name on the bag.
  • Embroider a horse’s name on the bag.
  • Sew a horn on the forehead and make a unicorn (horn pattern not included).
  • Use team colors of your favorite sports team.

Happy Sewing!

Mini Wallet in Quick to Stitch to Crochet 2025

Keep your cards and money organized with this cute little wallet. There are 2 pockets and a fold over front flap secured with a button. Add a bit of whimsy to this mini wallet by embroidering a rose in the button hole.

This mini wallet is a great project for the confident beginner because it uses basic stitches. The wallet is crocheted flat and folded to make a wallet with 2 pockets.

The yarn is Lion Brand Cotton DK which is really nice to work with. It’s also durable and washable. This wallet measures 4″ wide x 2.5″ tall making a great size for stowing in a purse or grabbing for a quick trip out.

Quick to Stitch Crochet 2025 by Crochet World

Quick to Stitch Crochet by Crochet World has 35+ designs that use a wide variety of yarn weights from sport to super bulky. It includes bags, scarves, shawls, blankets, baskets and more. This issue is available in craft stores until Jun 9, 2025. Learn more about Crochet World magazine at Crochet-World.com.

Granny Square Stork with Baby Bundle

Another last minute addition to Birds of a Feather, Volume 2…a STORK WITH BABY BUNDLE!

Just when I think we’re done making granny square birds…we make another one. We really love this granny square Stork for celebrating new babies. The baby bundle dangling from the stork’s beak can be gender specific or gender neutral.

As with the other granny square birds from Volume 1 and 2, the stork is made with only 2 small granny squares. As illustrated in the photo above, the stork can be all white or have dark grey tipped wings. And the legs look great in yellow or orange.

Stork with Baby Bundle on Etsy

The Stork with Baby Bundle is available in the Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 crochet pattern in our Etsy shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

What are others saying about Birds of a Feather, Volume 2?

  • These crocheted birds are so cute. Easy to follow instructions. – Anonymous
  • Love these little birds! Everyone is getting them tied to gifts! – April
  • To put it fowley, i can’t wait to crochet my flock. Lol. – Ruby
  • Love the birds! Thanks for the second volume. – Anonymous

Birds of a Feather, Volume 2

Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 has 10 new birds:

  • Stork with Baby Bundle
  • Flamingo (fluffy or crocodile stitch)
  • European Robin
  • Crow / Raven
  • Black Breasted Red Phoenix Rooster (fluffy or not)
  • Red-winged Blackbird
  • Rubber Duckie
  • Mallard
  • Goose
  • Seagull

If that list of birds wasn’t exciting enough…Volume 2 includes step-by-step instructions for turning all the granny square birds into fun and practical things such as:

  • Stuffed Animal
  • Lined Zipper Pouch (not flamingo due to neck construction)
  • Cell Phone Holder
  • Bag Charm or Christmas Ornament

And on top of all that, Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 talks about yarn weight and whether you can use cotton thread, super bulky yarn and everything in between.

Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 is available now in our Etsy shop.

Bunny Photo Prop in Crochet World Spring 2025

Crochet your snuggle bunny a cute photo prop this Spring. The crochet pattern is a fun way to capture the joy and love of your new infant.

This bunny photo prop includes:

  • Chin Strap Hat with Bunny Ears
  • Diaper Cover with Pom Pom on the Bum
  • Booties with Pom Poms at the Heel

All three elements are made with Lion Brand Heartland worsted weight acrylic yarn. This yarn is very soft and really enjoyable to crochet with.

Crochet World Spring 2025

Crochet World Spring 2025 includes this pattern for the Bunny Photo Prop crochet pattern as well as 28 dynamic projects for spring stitching. The magazine will be available at craft stores through the end of April 2025. Not familiar with Crochet World? Learn more about the magazine at Crochet-World.com