Granny Square Birds of a Feather Vol 2

We are thrilled to introduce Birds of a Feather Volume 2 of our wildly popular Birds of a Feather crochet pattern. This new pattern (written in USA terminology) has 8 more birds and several really awesome features including a lined zipper pouch and a cell phone holder! Each bird is made from 2 granny squares. But now they are so much more than a simple amigurumi pattern. Let me introduce you to the new flock in town.

Granny Square Chicken: Black Breasted Red Phoenix Rooster

Volume 2 has a new granny square chicken crochet pattern: the Black Breasted Red Phoenix Rooster. This rooster is best known for it’s big bushy black tail and long gorgeous red feathers. As you can see from the photo above, we’ve crocheted it in two different styles…a traditional crochet square and a primped and fluffed version. The crochet pattern will teach you how to make both styles.

The tail of the fluffy version pictured above also has a secret. It’s a cell phone holder! WHAT?!

Granny Square Birds: Rubber Duckie, Mallard and Goose

Here’s a fun trio for your desk: duck, duck, goose! A fellow crocheter wrote to asked if we had a rubber duckie pattern in our granny square chicken collection. She is a jeep girl and apparently giving rubber duckies to other jeep lovers is a thing. Well, Melissa, here you go!

After a little trial and error, Deborah created a mallard with the iconic green head and white ringed neck. Not only that, she added the little blue tail feather. It’s amazing how much detail you can get in a small granny square! She did make a note that the mallard is more challenging than the other birds due to all the color changes. There are so many tails, she said she only had to add the tiniest amount of stuffing.

As a last minute addition, we decided we couldn’t have 2 granny square ducks without a goose. So the mother goose was added. As an aside, this would be a cute little bird to gift at a baby shower with a copy of nursery rhymes.

Birds made from 2 granny squares each: black breasted red phoenix, crow / raven, seagull, european robin.

More Granny Square Birds: Crow / Raven, European Robin, and more…

There are 8 birds in this granny square flock. The crow / raven is the easiest bird to make…if you don’t mind working with black yarn! If you’d prefer, you can make it in white to create a white dove. We include yarn colors for that option.

While on a walk one afternoon, we noticed a red-winged blackbird in the cattails along the stream. We love the bright contrast of the red and yellow to the black. If you’re not afraid to crochet in this dark color, this is another really fun and easy bird to make.

We love the little splash of grey that the European Robin has next to it’s chest. This is a gorgeous bird to make with heathered yarns. The flecks in the yarn give the feathers extra depth. And pictured above, this sweet little bird is also a cell phone holder. It’s the one I keep by my desk to hold my phone.

seagull made from two crochet granny squares. One as a zipper pouch with feet attached to zipper pull.

Mine, mine, mine…says the Seagull

The Granny Square Seagull has big personality in this pattern. The knobby knees and dark grey tail really pop next to the white and grey granny squares. We selected the granny square seagull to be a lined zipper pouch and we love how the legs dangle from the zipper pull.

Zipper Pouch and Cell Phone Holder

You’ve met the flock…and we love each and every one. But we are super thrilled to introduce them to you as either a lined zipper pouch or a cell phone holder.

Any of the granny square birds in volume 1 or 2 can be turned into a cell phone holder or a lined zipper pouch. I would venture to say any granny square chicken can be turned into a cell phone holder or zipper pouch so long as it’s the kind of chicken made from 2 granny squares that each measure about 4″ across. However, we recommend our version of the granny square as it has less holes, and will stand up better when stuffed or lined.

Because the lined zipper pouch includes elements of sewing, we turned that into a step-by-step photo tutorial with written instructions. This project is really a lot of fun to make. We sew fabric right to the granny square.

The cell phone holder has lots and lots of photos as well. You’ll be surprised at how simple the design is…yet so practical!

BONUS: Bag Charms and Yarn Weight

If all of that wasn’t enough…we also include instructions for how to turn your granny square birds into bag charms! There are two options in the pattern for securing birds to bags. We have a crochet loop or a strap for a swivel D ring.

Oh, and we talk about different yarn weights and share pictures and pattern adjustments for using various yarn weights from cotton thread to super bulky yarn.

Birds of a Feather, Volume 2 on Etsy

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

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern

Our family loves to play games. We recently learned a few games that make Playing Card Holders essential. Super Samba has you holding 30+ cards at a time and Uno No Mercy has a Draw 10 card! So we created a sewing pattern for the playing card holder.

This playing card holder went through trial and error until we developed this version. It features:

  • 5 rows of pockets (without a center seam).
  • Slightly angled so cards are easy to see.
  • Weighted bottom so the card holder won’t fall over.
  • Velcro for easy set-up and fold away (or snap together option).
  • C-fold closed to protect the pockets
  • All cloth design to be light weight and portable.
  • 10.5” wide x 16.5” long – when lying flat open.
  • 5.5” tall x 3.75” deep x 10.5” wide – when assembled for play
  • 10.5” long x 6” wide – when C-folded closed for storing

Playing Card Holder on Etsy

The Playing Card Holder sewing pattern is a fun and easy step-by-step pattern with lots of photos. It’s available in our Etsy Shop: YarnovationsShop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Upcycle Fabric to Make Playing Card Holders

This is a great project for using remnants and old clothing or bed linens. We made them from sheets, jeans and fabric remnants. Pictured above is an old bed sheet we picked up at a 2nd hand shop. The denim and doily one above was made from old stretch jeans I was using as paint pants. The doily was handed down to me by my aunt. It’s fun to find a use for the family heirloom!

The Playing Card Holder uses less than a yard of fabric, so it’s a fun and affordable way to make custom card holders for your friends and family. And since the design is all fabric, it’s a safe project for young hands or people with disabilities or limited abilities.

Share to Pinterest

Share the love…pin one or more of these images to Pinterest. We’d love for others to learn about this handy playing card holder.

The Sewing Pattern for the Playing Card Holder

The sewing pattern was specifically designed to be “easy” and is made with straight stitches.

There are little tips and tricks sprinkled throughout the pattern. There are photos of several different designs and information on where fabric was sourced.

The pattern has step-by-step written instructions and lots of color photos along the way.

The pattern gives instructions for two different types of closures…velcro or snap.

When open for play, the card holder is a pyramid. It closes and lays flat for easy portability.

Playing Card Holder Sewing Pattern on Etsy

The Playing Card Holder sewing pattern is a fun and easy step-by-step pattern with lots of photos. It’s available in our Etsy Shop: YarnovationsShop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Snowflake Bucket Tote – CW Winter 2024

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:

Triple Tassel Scarf in I Like Knitting

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

So excited to share our latest knitting pattern in I Like Knitting online magazine. This was specifically designed as a beginner friendly knitting pattern. If you can knit and purl, you can make this fun and flirty knit scarf. There are no cables, no increases and no decreases.

The Triple Tassel Scarf measures approximately 80″ long x 8″ wide. So it’s a really fun length for folding, wrapping and styling! The scarf has a different pattern on the right side and wrong side…but both are gorgeous. The crowning glory of this piece is obviously the triple tassels! So…much…fun!

I Like Knitting December 2024

You can find the Triple Tassel Scarf in I Like Knitting December 2024 issue. This exciting magazine includes hats, scarves, socks and more. Lots of fun knits to gift and a cute Christmas stocking, too.

Cascade Yarns Pacific Chunky

Triple Tassel Scarf is made with the fabulous Pacific Chunky by Cascade Yarns. This is a soft cuddly yarn made with 60% Acrylic / 40% Superwash Merino Wool. Besides being soft, this yarn is also machine washable and dryable! Yes! Perfect for winter accessories like scarves.

If you’re new to knitting (or even if you’re not), check out this easy to knit Triple Tassel Scarf in I Like Knitting magazine.

Santa’s Cheers Bottle Cozy – ILC Dec 2024

Photo courtesy “I Like Crochet” magazine.

Merry Christmas! Celebrate the holidays with Santa’s Cheers Bottle Cozy crochet pattern featured in I Like Crochet December 2024. If you’re gifting wine, don’t just put it in a bag, crochet this Santa’s coat wine bottle cozy! It’s sure to be the talk of the table and may even make appearances at family gatherings all winter long. It’s fun, it’s festive and can be stitched in a weekend.

Here’s the skinny on the fat man’s wine bottle cozy crochet pattern:

  • Skill Level: Easy
  • Size: Fits 750 mL bottle: 11″ tall x 11″ around
  • Premier Yarn Anti-Pilling Everyday Worsted Yarn
  • Premier Yarn Little Bunny
  • Time to Stitch: In a Weekend

Premier Anti-Pilling Every Day Worsted

Premier Yarn Anti Pilling Worsted Weight Yarn

This is a fabulous yarn to work with, one of our favorites. We love that it’s anti-pilling and we love that there are over 60 colors in this medium worsted weight yarn (last we checked). We also love that this yarn has a little sheen to it, so the colors really pop.

  • 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic
  • 4 medium worsted weight
  • 100 g / 3.5 oz
  • 180 yd / 165 m
  • OEKO-TEX Certified
  • #100-07 really red, #100-12 black #100-28 mustard

Premier Yarn Little Bunny

What a fun yarn! This soft yarn makes the cutest furry little stitches. We give it two thumbs up. Last we checked, this yarn comes in 21 colors…both solid and multi colored.

  • 100% polyester
  • 100 g / 3.5 oz
  • 109 yd / 100 m
  • Machine wash war, dry flat, do not iron
  • OEKO-TEX Certified
  • #2079-01 white

I Like Crochet December 2024

I Like Crochet magazine December 2024

Check out the I Like Crochet magazine December 20204 issue. It’s super fun … with wearables, home decor, holiday cheer and more. This will keep you in stitches all winter long.

I Like Crochet is an online magazine only with a new publication every other month.

Mini Pouches – Crochet World Winter 2024

More than just cute little animals, these adorable crochet mini pouch critters have pockets for holding ear buds, lip gloss or maybe a dollar or two. Crochet a cat or bear ear bud pocket and attach it to your backpack or hand bag keeping your ear buds within easy reach.

These Mini Pouches are featured in Crochet World Winter 2024. We’ve rated them “easy” but these are a fun project for the confident beginner. We love the expression of the bear with the added embroidery around the eyes. And we’re tickled by the playfulness of the cat with a ball of yarn wrapped around it’s tail.

  • Cat with Mini Ball of Yarn
  • Expressive Bear
  • Measures: 3.5″ across
  • Sirdar Happy Cotton DK Yarn

Sirdar Happy Cotton DK

We love these mini balls of yarn! They are a fun size for crochet projects on-the-go or crochet patterns with lots of colors. We opted for 2 colors plus black for each mini pouch. We also chose lighter weight yarn so we could make smaller accents (eyes, nose, embroidery).

  • 100% cotton
  • DK weight
  • 20 g
  • 47 yd / 43 m
  • Cat: #761 dolly, #753 freckle (1 skein each)
  • Bear: #777 cookie, #772 safari (1 skein each)
  • Embroidery: #775 liquorice (1 skein)

Crochet World 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:

Positive Potato’s Cousin: Sassy Spud with 10 Hats

Positive Potato has a cousin and her name is Sassy Spud. She has lots of hats for various special occasions and several hats just for fun. All total, Sassy Spud has 10 hats and 75+ printable signs. You can attach a permanent sign or create one with elastic so you can change out her greeting.

As an added bonus, there are instructions for putting walking feet on Sassy Spud.

Sassy Spud is quick and easy to make. She measures only 2.75” tall x 1.75” wide x 1.5” deep without a hat. She definitely qualifies as amigurumi…which basically means crochet toy. We designed her with basic stiches and basic techniques. There will be some increases by working 2 single crochet in the same stitch and decreases by single crocheting 2 together. On occasion there will be working in front loop only. The dragon tail has a double crochet cluster. But for the most part, basic crochet skills are all you need to make the crochet potato and hats.

The Sassy Spud Crochet Pattern PDF Download

There are 10 hats for Sassy Spud. And they are all interchangeable. You could sew them on permanently, but they are designed to be changed out. The crochet hats for Sassy Spud include:

  • Birthday Cap
  • Christmas Santa Cap
  • Halloween Witch Hat
  • Easter Bunny Spring Bonnet
  • Pirate / Tricorn Hat
  • Valentine Pom Pom Beanie with Heart
  • Unicorn Beanie
  • Dragon Beanie
  • Straw Hat with Bow
  • Pom Pom Beanie

The pattern for Sassy Spud and her 10 crochet hats are available in our Etsy Shop.

Available now on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

Materials Needed to Make Sassy Spud the Crochet Potato

The materials needed to make Positive Potato’s cousin, Sassy Spud, are pretty minimal: yarn, crochet hook, safety eyes and stuffing. The hats take a extra colors, of course. And since the unicorn hat has a rainbow of colors for it’s mane, you’ll need even more colors when making that crochet hat.

  • Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport, 100% superwash merino wool, 50 g/1.75 oz, 136.5 yds/125 m
    Potato: Extra Crème Café #873, Chocolate #819, Black #815
  • Crochet Hook: F/5/3.75 mm – for 90% of the pattern
  • Crochet Hook: C/2/2.75 mm
  • Crochet Hook: B/1/2.25 mm
  • Navy Beans or Fiber Fill / Stuffing
  • 6 mm safety eyes: 2
  • Stitch Markers: 3
  • 1 mm elastic in white: 12” (optional)
  • Small beads for pirate hat (optional)
  • Fishing wire for beading strand for pirate hat. (optional)
  • Pet comb (optional) for pirate hair
  • Walking Feet Toy (optional) on Amazon

As noted above, we used Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport. We love this yarn because it’s thinner than medium worsted weight yarn and it comes in a wide variety of colors. You can usually find this yarn at independent yarn shops across the USA.

Sassy Spud is Nice and Spicy Nice

Sassy Spud has a tendency to reflect our own personality. Sometimes she can be very nice with sayings such as:

  • YUKON Do It.
  • You’re SPUDtacular.
  • I YAM proud of you.
  • Be Kind.

Sometimes Sassy Spud can be spicy nice. You know…a bit more saucy with sayings such as:

  • Watch This, Hold My Beer.
  • It Could Be Worse.
  • No…You…Didn’t.
  • I Don’t Think So.
  • Whatever
  • Per My Last Email

Because Sassy Spud has hats for various special occasions, she also has seasonal greetings such as:

  • They Say It’s Your Birthday.
  • Happy Halloween to My Favorite Ghoul.
  • Merry Christmas.
  • Happy Festivus.

There are over 75 printable greetings in this Sassy Spud crochet pattern. There are also a couple of blank signs so you can write your own greeting. All printable greetings are rated G and are appropriate for all audience.

Pin Pictures to Pinterest

Positive Potato is fairly reserved and shy. But Sassy Spud is full of personality. She loves to show of her hats. Pin her pictures on Pinterest and share her image on Instagram and Facebook so she can have her moment of fame. She’ll love it!

Buy Sassy Spud Crochet Pattern PDF

Sassy Spud Crochet Pattern PDF is only available as an instant downloadable PDF in one place, Etsy. Get your copy today.

Now available on Etsy.

Buy the pattern on etsy

The pattern is for your eyes only but we encourage you to give away or sell your finished work with credit to Yarnovations.com as the designer.

Cinnamon Roll Coasters

Looking for a yummy treat to crochet? Check out our latest design in Crochet World Spring 2024 for Cinnamon Roll Coasters.

This coaster is crocheted as a spiral where stitches from three balls of yarn chase each other around, creating a delicious-looking cinnamon swirl treat sweet enough to rest your beverage upon.

Crochet World is bigger and better than before. There are sooo many patterns in here now. Do you see what it says across the top of the cover? “34 can’t-put-down Spring Crochet Patterns”. 34! Wow.

We are thrilled that our humble little pattern made it into this fun issue. Pick up your copy of Crochet World Spring 2024 today.

I Like Crochet February 2024 Patterns

Check out the February 2024 issue of “I Like Crochet” online magazine. We have two designs featured inside! Woot.

Pattern 1: Dual Texture Dishie

First is “Dual Texture Dishie”. It’s a fun, quick and easy dishcloth with two textures on the diagonal. This dishie is super fun to stitch. There is a solid section worked in herringbone hdc that is great for scrubbing pots and pans. There’s a filet section that’s ideal for reaching inside glasses and such.

The yarn featured is Universal Yarn, Cotton Supreme. It’s really soft and cozy to crochet with. And you can make a couple dishies from each skein.

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

Pattern 2: Spring Sky Ruffle Pillow

Second is Spring Sky Ruffle Pillow. It’s a fun understated pillow with a whimsical ruffle. The ruffle really steals the show with it’s contrasting edge. The yarn is a little thinner than you’d expect, but it works up surprisingly quick thanks to the extended half double crochet. The project is really relaxing to stitch and really rewarding when the ruffle is complete.

The yearn featured is Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Sport. Their 220 line is fabulous and comes in so many different yarn weights and colors. And it’s machine washable.

Photo courtesy of I Like Crochet magazine.

Check out I Like Crochet Magazine

I Like Crochet” is a beautifully curated magazine that you can access online. They offer a few membership levels. Well worth checking out.

The magazine comes out with a new issue every other month.

Holly Jolly Bed Runner

If you love to decorate for the Christmas season, then you’ll want to add this Holly Jolly Bed Runner to your crochet must-do list!

The Holly Jolly Bed Runner was specifically designed for the new crocheter. I wanted something festive that would also be approachable. It uses basic stitches in long rows which make it simple yet so striking! This is a fun, quick and easy project for Santa loving crocheters of all abilities.

As I said in the magazine intro, this project is meant to be a blanket at the foot of your bed, but it’s so soft and cuddly, you may find yourself wrapping it around your shoulders on a cool winter evening. Premier Serenity Chunky is the perfect yarn for the project. I mean, that gold buckle really pops beautifully against the red and black.

Available Now in Crochet World Winter 2023

The Holly Jolly Bed Runner is available exclusively at Crochet World Magazine. Pick up your copy of Crochet World Winter 2023 today.

Available now in Crochet World 2023 from Annie’s Catalog.

Share the Love, Pin This To Pinterest

Share the Love of the Holiday Season with everyone you meet by pinning one of these pictures to Pinterest.

Above is a picture of the Holly Jolly Bed Runner at my home. It’s pictured on a queen size bed. I was so thrilled with the finished project that I snapped a picture of it on the bed before decorating the rest of the room. I just love how bold and vibrant it is.

Get your copy of Crochet World Winter 2023 to make your own Holly Jolly Bed Runner!