Ruana with Fur in “I Like Crochet” Magazine

November 4, 2025 By
Cover of I Like Crochet Magazine December 2025
Photo courtesy I Like Crochet magazine.

The Mocha Luxe Ruana I (Dana) crocheted for I Like Crochet magazine December 2025 made the cover! Woo hoo! This is very exciting. As you may know, my sister and I don’t often make garment type projects. But I took a chance on a one-size-fits-most project and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.

My goal was to make something soft, luxurious, and … easy. Yep, I selected these stitch patterns specifically so that the project would be approachable for newish crocheters. There are stitches with varying heights, but there are no decreases or other more complicated techniques.

Photo courtesy I Like Crochet magazine

A ruana is kind of like a blanket you wear as a coat. There are no buttons or sleeves. The front panels can be thrown over the shoulder to create a shawl-like appearance. I was very, very sad to have to mail this to the magazine for photos. I may have to make a second one that I can keep and wear. Goodbye coat, hello ruana.

I also loved this project because my mom helped me with the beading. We raided her stash and found some baubles that accent the sides of the shawl perfectly. Hmm…beading. I may incorporate those more often into my crochet projects.

Knit Picks Yarn

Photo from Knit Picks

The crown jewel of this garment is the luxurious fur yarn. I had a blast crocheting with Knit Picks Fairy Tale Fur yarn. Yes, it is difficult to see the stitches, but you it’s easy to feel where the next stitch goes if you use a taller stitch like double crochet. It’s also forgiving if you miss a stitch. It is so luxuriously soft, I started dreaming of other projects I can make with this yarn. I highly recommend this 100% polyester yarn for any project needing fur.

Photo from Knit Picks

The main portion of the ruana used Knit Picks Brava Worsted. This is a work horse yarn that’s easy to use. It’s 100% acrylic and gives great stitch definition. It pairs beautifully with the Fair Tail Fur.

I Like Crochet December 2025

Photo courtesy I Like Crochet.

Here are a few more photos of the Mocha Luxe Ruana. Words can not express how much I love this project. It’s fun to make and even more fun to wear!

Happy Stitching.

Photo courtesy I Like Crochet magazine.
Filed Under: Crochet, Publications, Scarves, Cowls & Shrugs, Yarnitect Tagged With: ,

Evergreens, Crochet World Winter 2025

October 28, 2025 By

Evergreens often remind me of winter and Christmas time. Why is that? They are green all year long! These darling crocheted evergreen trees are easy to make and can be enjoyed all year. I often put them out at Christmas, and put them away well into the new year. Now you can crochet your own evergreens as well!

Available on newsstands now, Crochet World magazine’s Winter 2025 is full of fun winter and Christmas-time projects perfect for wearing, decorating and gifting. We have another adorable pattern in the issue…Evergreen Trees! We show the trees in two different crochet stitch patterns and the instructions walk you step by step how to assemble them.

Each tree is crocheted with Omega Otono worsted weight yarn. They are crocheted with simple stitches and have simple construction making these fun and easy for beginner crocheters.

Just for added fun, I, Deborah, decided to create the little wooden reindeer as well! I saw a video of someone making one on a band saw, and cut one out myself using a scroll saw. I don’t do a lot of woodworking, but I was pleased with the result. It’s a cute little addition to my winter scene. Here’s the video of the reindeer using the band saw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W335wRyLLiY&t=61s

Check out Crochet World Winter 2025 for the trees and 28 other fun and festive patterns to crochet.

Filed Under: Christmas, Holidays & Special Occasions, Home Decor, Publications, Yarnovator Tagged With: , , ,

Timberland Townies

July 21, 2025 By

Introducing, the Timberland Townies, 6 classy pin loom woven woodland friends. These cute critters are featured in the Fall 2025 issue of Little Looms magazine.

The call for submissions asked for forest themed items. The fox quickly came to mind. After making a fox stuffed pillow and fox purse using 4″ squares for the Zoo Crew ebook, I focused on the triangular shape of the face first. Unlike the pillow and purse, the little plush fox used a variety of looms, not just the 4″ square.

While assembling the fox, the form of the face reminded me of an otter, a beaver, and a bear. It wasn’t long before the bunny and mouse joined the party! What makes each animal seem different is just the minor placement differences in the ears, eyes, and nose. To make them more authentic, I paid close attention to the tails as well.

Each stuffed animal is about 10″ tall and a few inches wide, making them great toys for elementary aged children. Safety eyes are not recommended for children that put toys in their mouths.

Each animal took about 2 hours to weave, and couple more hours to assemble, making these great weekend projects!

Timberland Townies Made with Lion Brand Yarn

The heathered tones of Heartland yarn from Lion Brand really make the clothes and accessories pop. This yarn also weaves up very nicely on the pin loom. It’s one of our favorite go-to yarns when weaving.

For those solid colored elements like fur, we used Basic Stitch from Lion Brand Yarn. We also love that this line has various shades of brown and beige under the label “Skein Tones”.

We love how the colors of these two yarn lines look together, like they were made for each other.

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Published in I Like Crochet August 2025

July 15, 2025 By

We have 3 fun designs featured in I Like Crochet August 2025. This issue features 3 exciting themes including: Boho, Modern Mariner, Bold Prints for Late Summer. You’ll find items such as bags, pillows, tops and more.

1. Peach Grove Backpack

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

Peach Grove Backpack is a fun and stylish backpack that features a wide variety of crochet stitches and techniques. The handle and drawstring are made with a super easy faux icord. The shoulder straps are stitched in Tunisian crochet using a standard crochet hook. The main body of the bag is made with mini bobbles. It’s an exciting project to crochet and fun to assemble. I particularly love how the metal grommets and buckles create a tailored look.

Universal Yarns Clean Cotton yarn provides great stitch definition allowing each element to really pop. This line has 21 bold and beautiful colors to choose from.

There are a few more photos on our Peach Grove Backpack Instagram post.

2. Leather & Stripe Pillow

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

This mariner style pillow is fast and easy project to crochet. The faux leather band creates a gorgeous transition between the 2 panels. It is so enjoyable to make, I’m tempted to make this in other color schemes for different rooms in my home. I’m thinking black and white stripe section…or maybe a pink and white stripe.

Pacific yarn from Cascade Yarn is really lovely to crochet with. And with 82 colors to choose from, you’re bound to find just the right combination for your crochet pillow.

There are a couple more photos on our Leather & Stripe Pillow Instagram post.

3. Rosy Knots Tote

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

Rosy Knot Tote combines yarn and fabric, one of my new favorite things to do. In this case, I purchased a scarf from a second hand store and turned it into a shoulder strap for a bag. I love how the bright white single crochet stitches contrast with the vivid colors of the scarf. This is a great project for a brand new crocheter.

There are a few more photos on our Rosy Knots Tote Instagram post.

The yarn for this bag is made from upcycled textile waste. It’s a t-shirt yarn called Zpagetti by Hoooked. You need to check their website for colors and prints. There are so many to choose from and the inventory changes.

It’s pretty rare for us to have 3 projects in a single issue of a magazine. We are thankful for the opportunity and encourage you to check out this fantastic issue of I Like Crochet August 2025.

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Serene Shores Wrap – June 2025 ILC

June 5, 2025 By
Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

The June 2025 issue of I Like Crochet magazine features our Serene Shores Wrap. This shawl crochet pattern is a lacy, playful design with a unique edging and flirty tassels. It’s stitched in a scrumptious Cantata yarn which is medium worsted weight.

For those of us living in warmer climates, this shawl is a must have in summer months for battling fridge temperatures of indoor air conditioning. For those living in cooler climates, the Serene Shores Wrap is a must have for the cooler evening temperatures.

About the Serene Shores Wrap

  • Measurements: 96” long x 21” wide
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Cascade Yarns: Cantata (6 skeins)

Serene Shores Wrap in Cascade Yarns Cantata

I highly recommend this yarn for shawls such as the Serene Shores Wrap. It feels luxurious to stitch with and has great stitch definition. Last time I looked, there were 45 colors to choose from. Wow! The Serene Shores is worked in #16 Sand, 3 hanks and #12 Green Teal, 3 hanks.

Cascade Yarns Cantata is the perfect choice for Spring and Summer stitching because it has gorgeous sun-kissed colors. The yarn is a luxurious cotton tube with soft Merino wool blown in. It has fantastic loft and beautiful drape allowing the lacework to really shine.   

  • Fiber: 70% Cotton / 30% Merino Wool
  • Approx. Yardage: 218 yds (200 m)
  • Weight: 100 g (3.5 oz)
  • (4) Medium Worsted Weight
  • Hand Wash Cold
  • Lay Flat to Dry

I Like Crochet – June 2025

I Like Crochet June 2025 issue has a fun beachy vibe with a “Sand + Sea” story and a “Hot Tropics” theme. You’ll find tops, wraps, and a fun flamingo pillow. And, if you like Pineapple crochet, there are 7 designs to stitch.

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.
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Doily Mug Rug and Upcycling Doilies in We Like Sewing Magazine April 2025

April 1, 2025 By
Photo courtesy of We Like Sewing magazine.

For the April 2025 issue of We Like Sewing online magazine, we wrote a sewing pattern and an article about doilies. We’ve grown to appreciate doilies more and more over the last few years. Back in the day, when our grandmother was crocheting them, we didn’t appreciate them, but now we do. There are so many new and exciting ways that people are using doilies, that it’s hard not to get excited about them.

As you can see in the photo above, we wrote a beginner friendly pattern for mug rugs. These are fun and quick upcycle projects that can be made in an hour. The denim is from upcycled denim jeans. The doilies were given to me by my aunt. Some had “Made in China” tags on them, so I felt comfortable upcycling them on the coasters.

Additionally, I, Dana, wrote an article with 11 ideas for upcycling doilies and lace in the article: Reduce, Reuse, Relace! In that I share ideas for decorating your home, updating clothing and creating useful items as well. I also share a few photos from my home where I’ve upcycled doilies and lace.

Check out our latest article and pattern on We Like Sewing April 2025 website.

The article I wrote is just a small sample of the amazing projects I saw online. I didn’t have time or space to share them all. But if you’re looking for a visual inspiration, check out the Pinterest board I created: Upcycle Doilies and Lace.

This article ramped up my appreciation of doilies so much that I sewed a doily on a playing card holder I made for my sister. This was also a denim upcycling project. Check out the doily on the Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern.

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60 Quick Granny Squares

March 15, 2025 By

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.

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Mini Wallet in Quick to Stitch to Crochet 2025

March 5, 2025 By

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.

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Bunny Photo Prop in Crochet World Spring 2025

March 1, 2025 By

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

Filed Under: Baby, Crochet, Hat, Publications, Yarnitect Tagged With: , , ,

Snowflake Bucket Tote – CW Winter 2024

December 12, 2024 By

Our latest design, the Snowflake Bucket Tote, is featured in Crochet World 2024 Winter issue. This crochet bag is a great way to store your current crochet project. The crochet pattern features a cinch-closed lining which will keep your project easily accessible yet off limits to tiny tots and fur babies.

The Snowflake Bucket Tote is stitched in corded yarn which offers both stability and flexibility. However, heavy purse handles can still weigh the project down. If more structure is needed to help the project bag maintain its bucket shape, add heavy stabilizer or plastic canvas between the crocheted bag and the lining.

The Snowflake Bucket Tote features a snowflake applique which is sewn to the front of the bag. Add it or not. Stitch up a different applique and use this tote all year long. This crochet bag design would make an awesome beach tote, too.

Lion Brand Yarn: Let’s Get Cozy Lazy Days

As mentioned, Lion Brand Yarn Let’s Get Cozy Lazy Days yarn is a tubular, chainette style yarn. It looks like corded yarn but it’s not stiff like macrame yarns. It’s soft and drapey yet strong and durable…perfect for making bags. Last I checked, it comes in 14 colors. If you haven’t crocheted or knitted with it, I highly recommend it.

  • 100% Polyester
  • 100 g / 3.5 oz
  • 179 yd / 164 m
  • Machine Wash and Dry
  • #144-150BC wind chime, #144-107N bluebell

Crochet World Magazine Winter 2024

Crochet World Winter 2024 will keep you busy stitching project for friends, family and yourself! There are wearable items, home decor, accessories, afghans, toys and more. We have a few patterns featured in the Winter 2024 issue of Crochet World, check it out:

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