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DIY Kraft Notebook Gifts

by Brandy Burke September 14, 2024

Just in time for gifting season, I’m sharing these adorable Custom DIY Kraft Notebook Gifts that you can make for friends, family, even to tuck in as teacher’s gifts.

I think they are absolutely adorable and by adding some pretty pens, a little crochet bow clips, and maybe a coffee mug, you’d have a complete gift.

How to Make Custom DIY Kraft Notebooks

These little notebook gifts come together so quickly and have an unlimited number of ways that you can customize them. That said, I’m sharing the step by steps that I used to create my versions and several alternatives and custom notebook cover ideas that you could use for your own. These are totally up to you!

Supplies Needed

Various pom ribbons and kraft notebooks on a black tile background

You can really use whatever supplies you have on hand – that said, if you’re in a little craft haul mood, here are the items I use and some alternatives I found when creating this project.

      • Kraft Notebooks
            • Alt: Any notebooks or composition books will work. Here are some mini notebooks, too.

            • I also think you could try the flip up notebooks for this project. If you do, please let me know how it goes.

        • Pom Pom Fringe
              • Alt: You could use lace, ribbon, tulle, or whatever you have on hand

          • Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
                • Alt: You could try a liquid glue

            • Cricut, Vinyl, transfer Tape
                  • Alt: Try letter stickers, decorative stickers, washi tape, or stamps

              • Ruler

              • Pencil

            How to Make Your Own Kraft Notebook – Step-by-Step

            I like to add the fringe to the inside back cover of my notebook. You could add it to the inside front cover instead or, in addition to, if you wanted to. I prefer adding it to the back so that I don’t see it every time I open the book.

            Drawing a line inside a custom kraft notebook with a ruler and a pencil

            Step 1: Start by drawing a line about the width of the trim (minus pompoms or lace) using a ruler and a pencil in the back of the book

            black hot glue gun adding hot glue inside the back cover of a kraft notebook

            Step 2: Next, add hot glue down the line and inside of the area

            Laying lace ribbon on top of hot glue in the back cover of a DIY Kraft Notebook Cover

            Step 3: Add your trim as nearly as possible.

            Extra glue being added to the top and the bottom of the DIY Notebooks Lace

            Pay special attention to the top and bottom ends to get them good and glued on so that they’ll hold up.

            Words cut out with a Cricut Machine are being placed on the front cover of the kraft notebook project

            Step 4: Embellish your front cover of your custom diy kraft notebook and enjoy!

            Alternative Craft Notebook Embellishment Options

                • Diecuts

                • Punched out words or letters

                • acrylic paint

                • label machine labels

                • Stenciling

              Notebook Ideas

                  • Gratitude Journal

                  • Name Journal

                  • Bible / Prayer Journal

                  • Monthly Planner

                  • Memory keeper

                  • Song Lyric Journal

                  • Snarky Work Journal (Meetings that could have been emails)

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                Crochet Patterns

                Crochet Bucket Hat

                by Brandy Burke September 13, 2024

                Not long ago, I strung together a year’s worth of cotton yarn scraps to create what I think is the most magnificent scrap yarn crochet bucket hat ever. I actually created 4 of them – that’s what happens when you save 15 ounces of yarn scraps!

                I am an etsy affiliate - any paid pattern link on this website that you click on and make a purchase will result in my earning a small commission. Thank you for supporting my work.

                Turns out, it was a big hit, and many of you are actually searching for great crochet bucket hat patterns – so I’m sharing all of the bucket hat patterns I considered when creating my scrap crochet bucket hat – and I’ll tell you the bucket hat tutorial I ultimately chose.

                Are Crochet Bucket Hats Good for Beginners?

                Most crochet bucket hats require that you be able to create a magic ring and crochet in the round. This means that most hat patterns start at intermediate crochet level. This doesn’t mean a beginner can’t do it, but it will require more time and research on stitches to complete your project.

                What’s so Great about Bucket Hats?

                These cute little hats, shaped like a bucket with a brim, are also sometime referred to as crochet sun hats. They are typically light weight with a thick brim to keep the sun off of your face and neck. Though you could wear a bucket hat in any season, they’re the most popular in the summer time where you’ll find them being worn at lakes, beaches, camping, boating, and working in the garden.

                Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns

                You’ll find hundreds, possibly even thousands of crochet bucket hat patterns on the internet in all the various places you typically go to find them – it can take time to weed through all of them to find the one you want to create, and frankly, to find ones you can read because there’s no standard for writing patterns. During my time with my scrap yarn project, I researched patterns more than I needed to because I’m so indecisive, so I’m dropping them here, with notes so you can easily find the one you’re interested in.

                What are the Best Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns for Women?

                5 Women's Bucket hats in a grid

                There are so so many options. I ultimately went with the one from ChristinaaCreates (in the first spot below) with a few tweaks for my own head and brim, but these were the others that were my favorite women’s crochet bucket hat patterns (so far)!

                1. Crochet Sunshine Bucket Hat Pattern by ChristinaaCreates 
                2. Adjustable Ribbed Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern by ShopDaisyAndDime 
                3. Checkered Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern by JaneHShop 
                4. Crochet Granny Square Bucket Hat by The Easy Design 
                5. Reel Time Bucket Hat Pattern by KathysCrochetCloset 
                6. Easy Bucket Hat by CandyYarnShop 

                Do Men Wear Crochet Bucket Hats?

                Men in unisex bucket hats in a grid

                Men do wear bucket hats – all the time, actually. So I was surprised when I couldn’t find many (or actually any that I liked) specifically for men. I asked my husband if he’d wear one and he reminded me that he does wear bucket hats, not crochet ones…yet, but he does have some cotton ones that we bought at the store which are pretty essential for his bald head and love of the outdoors. However, though liminted, I did find these two that are considered unisex summer hats in my search to consider. 

                1. Striped Unisex Bucket Hat by HandyLittleMe 
                2. Striped Bucket Hat by marsombrero 

                Kid’s Crochet Bucket Hat Tutorials

                Kid's Bucket Hats in a grid

                Kids of all ages look great in sun hats too. I do not currently have any children in my life to make these for but I have bookmarked them for the day. The ones I bookmarked are for younger children. Most of the adult style hats come in teenager and up so they fall into those categories.

                1. Chloe Crochet Bucket Hat Pattern by PrettyDarnAdorable 
                2. Animal Bucket Hat for Kids by FairyCrafter 
                3. Basic Kids Bucket Hat by PunkCrochetier 

                Free Crochet Bucket Hat Patterns

                You’ll find free patterns and tutorials all over the internet too – check Ravelry, Pinterest or even a quick google search . My favorite free crochet bucket hat pattern can be found here.

                I’m also working on my own idea that will be shared in the near future. I don’t really know what that means in terms of time, but hopefully before next season.

                What Kind of Yarn is Best for Summer Hats?

                You want to choose a yarn that absorbs moisture, is light and is sturdy but has a good drape and can be washed…a lot. That’s a lot to ask of a skein of yarn. Refer to the suggestions in your pattern, but soft cotton yarns are usually a good choice.

                • Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn
                • Caron All Day Cotton Yarn
                • Paintbox Cotton Yarn

                Hobby Lobby, Joann, and Michaels also have their own versions of cotton or cotton mercanized yarns to consider for your projects.

                I’d avoid dishie type cotton yarns like Sugar and Creme projects because they are scratchy against the skin and a little harder to work with on more intricate stitches. I’d stick with dishcloths and  crochet potholders for that.

                You could also opt for a bamboo/cotton mix or a cotton blend, just be sure you can stand it against your skin while the sun is beating down on you. Not too scratchy, not to thick, not too heavy. Read your yarn label and give it a little smoosh (I avoid buying yarn online for patterns I’m going to wear directly on my skin unless I’ve used it before and am familiar with it.)

                If you’ve tried any of these patterns or have your own favorite be sure to let the community know in the comments below – and tell us what you love about it, too!

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                KnittingYarn Crafts

                Loom Knit Pumpkins Tutorial

                by Brandy Burke September 11, 2024

                Here’s a step-by step Loom Knit Pumpkins Tutorial with Video to help you create adorable yarn pumpkins for the entire season.

                It’s full on pumpkin season at the Burke household and I am so charmed by the loom knit pumpkins that I’m sharing with you today!

                If you know me, you know that Fall and especially Halloween are not my thing. Never have been. So I’m doing my best this year to change that by creating Halloween Crochet projects that are more my style (cute and colorful, not scary and orange). So far, it’s working out great.

                I’m sharing an entire Halloween Series on Youtube you should check out if you also want to create some cute stuff for your Halloween mantle. I recently shared my yarn pumpkins made just from wrapping yarn that I think you’ll love too.

                Until then, I think you’ll love these little charming loom knit pumpkins. You can make them in any color you wish, even stripe them. They are simple and sweet.

                https://youtu.be/n1CXHdulj5c

                Loom Knit Pumpkin Supplies on a black brick background

                Loom Knit Pumpkins Supplies

                    • Knitting Loom and loom hook

                    • Bulky yarn – I used Hometown

                    • Yarn Needle – I recommend a metal one cause you’re really going to be tugging hard

                    • Stuffing

                    • Brown Kraft Packing Paper (save yours from Amazon or see Stem Alternatives Below)

                  How to Make Loom Knit Pumpkins

                  Start by creating a slip knot with a long tail and placing it over your anchor peg.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 1 , add a slip knot to loom

                  Next begin to E wrap around each peg.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 2 , e wrap your loom

                  To E Wrap, wrap your yarn clockwise around the first peg to the right of your slip knot/anchor peg. Continue to wrap in this fashion around all of the loops. Keep your tension taut but not tight. If it’s too tight you won’t be able to pull the loops over the peg. Keep this in mind as you wrap. If this is your first time using a knitting loom, it could take a few rows before you really get the hang of it, and it’s a little fumbly to hold at first, but stick with it because the results really are worth the practice.

                  Once this is complete, push down all of the yarn on your loom

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 3 , push all loops down

                  Now make a second pass of E wraps on your loom. Stop at the last peg.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 4 turn over loops

                  Many people start with the first peg when flipping their loops but I like to start with the last peg because then I don’t have to hold my yarn tail the whole time.

                  Insert your turning hook into the groove of the last peg and underneath the bottom loop and pull this loop over the top loop and off of the peg. You should now, again, only have one loop remaining on that peg.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 5 turn over loops

                  Continue to do this all the way around until you get to the last peg that you’ve already turned. Begin e wrapping again, starting with the first peg (the one to the right of the anchor peg).

                  Do this for as many rows as you wish. I’m using a 5 inch knitting loom, and putting on about 15 rows which creates the cutest little pumpkins – like the ones they used to give away at school. Remember that?

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 6 knitting getting longer

                  Taking your Pumpkins off the Knitting Loom

                  When you’ve knit as many rows as you wish, cut your yarn leaving a very long tail – 15-18 inches for a small pumpkin, longer for a larger one. Thread the tail through your yarn needle.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 7, remove loops with needle

                  Going from bottom to top, insert your needle into the groove of your first peg, pull the needle up and the yarn all the way through the loop. Repeat this on all of your loops, all the way around.

                  Now take your turning hook and turn the loops completely off of your loom. They are all secure because the yarn has been placed through the loop.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 8 remove loops with loop turner

                  Turning your Loom Knit into a Pumpkin

                  Take the long thread from your slip knot and pull it through a yarn needle. Pull your yarn through each of the bottom loops of your yarn pumpkin.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 9 cinch

                  Draw the pumpkin closed tightly and using your needle, go back through the cinched circle you’ve created. Then tie a knot and shove the remaining yarn ends through the pumpkin and cut them off.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 10 repeat

                  Repeat the process of placing the yarn through each of the stitches around the top of your pumpkin and cinch it.

                  Stuff your pumpkin with poly-fil but don’t overstuff. This make it easier to work with but it also keeps the filling from showing through on your pumpkin.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 11 stuff

                  Take the yarn back through the center of the pumpkin from top to bottom catching the bottom stitches and then back up through the top of the pumpkin. Pull tightly as this is what takes your work from a ball to a pumpkin. Do not tie off – continue to the next section.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 12 cinch together

                  Creating Segments on your Loom Knit Pumpkin

                  Take your yarn from the top to the bottom of the pumpkin on the outside of the pumpkin this time. Thread your yarn up through the bottom and pull tightly. You have made your first segment. You may have to adjust this slightly with your finger to get it where you want it before moving on.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 12 add segments

                  Repeat this as many times as you wish (but don’t over segment, on a small or medium pumpkin I do 4 or 5 segments.

                  Tie off tightly when finished.

                  Adding a Stem to Your Knit Pumpkin

                  For my stem, I took left over brown kraft packing paper from my Amazon orders and Cut a square with rounded corners on the top. How much paper you cut is entirely dependent upon how large you made your pumpkin.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 13 kraft paper cutting

                  Twist your paper tightly creating a stem, I folded mine over and it turned out absolutely perfect.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 14 twist paper into a stem

                  Use a hot glue gun to secure the stem to the top of your pumpkin.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 15 add stem with hot glue

                  Now you can marvel at how incredible your work is and how fun and easy these are to make.

                  Loom Knit Pumpkin step 16 finished pumpkin

                  Stem Alternatives

                  If you don’t have packing paper there are several options you could use instead

                      • Chenille Stems

                      • Cinnamon Sticks

                      • Dowel Rod (paint it brown or leave it natural)

                      • Wine Corks

                    • Twigs

                     

                    Ways to Use

                    Your Loom Knit Pumpkins are adorable on their own, and most looms come in a set of multiple sizes allowing you to make an arrangenent or larger and smaller pumpkins. They can also be added to a wreath or smaller pumpkins made on a loom in floral arrangements and centerpieces.

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                    Yarn Crafts

                    Yarn Pumpkins Tutorial

                    by Brandy Burke September 9, 2024

                    Here’s a great way to use up scrap yarn and create fun little colorful decor for the fall season – simple yarn pumpkins.
                    Creating yarn pumpkins is simple – the activity is suitable for ages 10-100+. Use them as mantle, table, or shelf decorations or give them as gifts for the season along with my free Halloween Crochet Printable Care Cards.

                    Supplies needed for yarn pumpkins laid out on a table

                    Supplies:

                    • Scrap yarn in your favorite colors (it doesn’t have to be fall colors – have fun with it!)
                    • Cardboard
                    • Scissors
                    • Brown Paper (or see twig alternatives)
                    • hot glue gun
                    • Optional decor (see optional decor)

                    Yarn Pumpkin Video Tutorial

                    How to Create the Yarn Pumpkin

                    Take a 2″ piece of cardboard and wrap yarn around it to your desired thickness. The more yarn, the thicker pumpkin you’ll have. After playing around with it a few times, you’ll determine your desired number of wraps.

                    yarn pumpkins step 1 - yarn wrapped around cardboard

                    Take a strand of yarn and thread it around the top of the yarn wrapping and tie tight (like you would to create a tassle)

                    Do the same thing with the bottom of the pumpkin and trim the extra off of the knot

                    Steps 2 and 3 of making yarn pumpkins - yarn wrapped around cardboard and tied at both ends

                    Slide the yarn wrapping off of the cardboard and fluff gently with your hands (it just needs a little smoosh – the imperfections is what makes this such a fun craft).

                    Yarn removed from cardboard and shaped into a pumpkin

                    How to Create the Yarn Pumpkins Stem

                    Take a 1/4″ slip of brown or kraft cardstock and roll it up, adding hot glue intermittently to keep everything together

                    A brown stem created with a 1/4 inch piece of kraft paper

                    Add glue to the top of your pumpkin and attach the stem

                    Stem Alternatives:

                    If you want to add a dash more interest to your project (or you don’t happen to have brown or kraft cardstock laying around) you could use one of these alternatives:

                    • Glitter paper
                    • cinnamon stick
                    • twig from your lawn
                    • dowel rod (painted or not)
                    • chenille stem

                    Embellishing your Yarn Pumpkin

                    If you’re going for something a little more, you could embellish your yarn pumpkin to create a work of art (or a jackolantern) – some ideas are:

                    • Paper rose
                    • wiggly eyes
                    • felt face cut outs
                    • plastic spiders
                    • gemstones

                    If you’re interested in making more pumpkins from yarn, check out the pom pumpkins tutorial and the Loom knit pumpkins tutorial.

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                    Craft OrganizationLook

                    Craft Room Tour

                    by Brandy Burke September 7, 2024

                    I finally shared my paper and yarn craft room tour after years of procrastination. While my craft room isn’t large or otherwise special, it’s important to me to share it because of the craft storage solutions I’ve discovered along the way. I know throughout building out my crafting space, I refered to many other bloggers recommendations and tips, so I know how helpful posts like this can be.

                    Watch My Craft Room Tour on Youtube

                    About My Craft Room

                    My craft room is a 12X12(ish) bedroom in our home. For years, it was my oldest daughter’s bedroom. She moved off to college in 2014, only coming home for holidays. In 2015 she got her own apartment and the room became vacant. My heart hurt and so I left everything as it was, like a shrine to her. It wasn’t until 2018 that I finally started to wiggle into the space, creating a duel office/crafting space combo. At the end of 2019 – the day after Christmas, actually, my husband and I went to The Container Store and my craft room began to come to life.

                    I opted not to use any ikea furniture in my craft room because there isn’t an ikea convenient to me. It would take a 3 hour drive and the rental of a truck. No thanks.

                    Shop My Craft Room

                    I’ve gathered up links to all of the things featured in my craftroom tour so you can easily review them against your needs. You’ll find my craft room tour shopping list here.

                    My shelving units are all custom elfa from the container store – I started with just two little sections and added to it as finances allowed. It’s really simple to get your own custom elfa craft room storage – you just measure the space you’re working with and take a photo and pop into your nearest container store. For a long time I had the same rep and would just email her what I wanted, she’d build it out and I’d click purchase!

                    You can hang all of the shelving yourself but I have no experience with that as we always paid for the professional installation. I do not trust my luck with heavy things.

                    My Top Craft Room Tips

                    1. It’s okay to start slow and build out your solutions gradually. My space took almost 8 years to get to where it is today. Prior to that, some twenty years ago, I had a little desk in the corner of our dining room.
                    2. Get the things that inspire you out of drawers and on the wall. Things that are in drawers become collections so if you want to use and appreciate your supplies, get them out in the open where you can see them. Keep utilities in the drawer, like stamp platforms, hole punches, etc. Ink pads, markers, and paints that are in your eye range will get used. That’s what we want, right?
                    3. Pick storage solutions that give you room to grow. Don’t purchase a storage bin that’s just big enough for your current stash. Give yourself a little wiggle room otherwise the first unexpected good deal or gift from a friend will now render your storage solution unsuccessful.
                    4. I realize not everyone can do this – but if you work with paint, I highly recommend forgoing expensive flooring. In fact, I ripped out all of the carpet in my craft room one day because I hate to stop and clean up paint – the concrete floors give me their blessing in spilling paint and just walking away.
                    5. Lighting, lighting, lighting. I still struggle with overhead lighting but my under cabinet lighting has been infinitely helpful as. I craft.

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                    Crochet Tips

                    My Best Yarn Hacks

                    by Brandy Burke September 6, 2024

                    I’ve been playing with yarn for a long time which means I’ve collected a lot of great tips and yarn hacks along the way. Here are my favorite tips and full list of resources to deep dive into ones that you’re interested in.

                    Yarn Bowl Tips

                    • Yarn Bowl Alternatives Blog post
                    • Yarn Bowl Video
                    • 2 litr bottle yarn bowl

                    Threading the Needle

                    • Needle Threading Tips Video
                    • My favorite Weaving Needles

                    Yarn Winding

                    • Make your own yarn wall blog post
                    • Yarn Wall FAQ Video
                    • My Yarn Winder on Amazon
                    • How to use a nostepinne full video
                    • My Nostepinne on Amazon
                    • How to wind yarn on a cardboard tube short video
                    • How to wind a center pull ball on your fingers short video
                    • Yarn Winding on Cardboard or Fingers Long Video

                    Keeping Yarn Tidy

                    • Metal hair clips I use on Amazon
                    • Reasons why I cake my yarn short video
                    • Using panty hose to keep yarn from unraveling short video

                    Projects

                    • Work in Progress Storage Video
                    • Work in Progress Free Printable
                    • Load a project cart short video
                    • Sort squares and clip them video

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                    Crochet PrintablesFreebies

                    Halloween Crochet Printable

                    by Brandy Burke September 5, 2024

                    Working on some spooky makes this Halloween season? I have the perfect free printable for my email subscribers – Halloween Crochet Care Printables to include with your scary gifts.

                    Think Amigurumi, spooky scarves in green and purple or orange and black – crochet trick or treat bags – anything you can make for Halloween can probably use a care instruction card to go along with it – and I’ve got you covered!

                    These print ten to a page and when you subscribe, you get access to all of my other freebies as well!

                    Enter your information below to be granted access to this free printable care card and all of my other freebies!

                    Subscribe For instant Freebies AND stay updated!

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                    6 moss stitch blanket patterns
                    CrochetCrochet Patterns

                    Moss Stitch Blanket Patterns

                    by Brandy Burke September 4, 2024

                    The moss stitch is hands down my favorite crochet stitch. Made up of single crochets and chain 1s, it’s a suitable project for beginners and advanced crocheters alike. It’s really easy to let your mind relax while doing this simple stitch and it makes up the most fabulous woven fabric feel which is why it is also sometimes referred to as the linen stitch.

                    The moss stitch works great to create blankets, washcloths, potholders, scarves, shaws, headbands and bags. While working on my latest moss stitch blanket, I saved so many linen stitch blanket patterns that you’ll find below.

                    I am an affiliate - that means if you click on a link on this website and make a purchase, I may receive a very small commission. Thank you for supporting my work.
                    1. Marble Moss Stitch Blanket by hardknotlifecrochet – great choice of yarn color from this pattern creator
                    2. C2C Crochet Moss Stitch Rectangle Blanket by HookedbyRobinCrochet – I’ve never moss stitched in C2C so I am incredibly curious about this pattern!
                    3. Winter Solstice Infinity Moss Stitch Blanket by by RubyGraceInspiration – this blanket is the moss stitch in the round and is a good elevation from the basic moss stitch blanket. I’m inspired to give it a try
                    4. Moss Stitch Crochet Blanket by MasonJarYarnDesigns – the color choices are incredible! This pattern uses 12 different colors.
                    5. Crochet Speckled Moss Stitch Baby Blanket  by daisyfarmcrafts – the white row in between the color rows really makes this pattern pop.
                    6. Maggy Moss stitch Crochet Blanket by JensWebOfYarn – simple and straight forward with stitch diagrams provided

                    How to Do the Moss Stitch

                    The moss stitch is a simple repeat of chain 1, skip 1 – you can check out my how to do the moss stitch tutorial below. It’s repetitive, doesn’t require counting after the first two rows, and works up super quickly. Also be sure to check out my scrap yarn moss stitch magic loop towel which is one of my new favorite ways to incorporate the moss stitch in my work.

                    Moss Stitch Tutorial Video

                    I created a very large moss stitch blanket intending to enter it into the fair but ultimately, I couldn’t part with it – I still took the time to share a moss stitch video tutorial with it for you.

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                    Yarn Crafts

                    DIY Colorful Yarn Wall Hanging

                    by Brandy Burke September 1, 2024

                    I have a cozy little corner in my office with a rocking glider from the late 90s. This rocking glider rocked my children through many nights, and later, when I had a home daycare, it rocked many many other children too. It’s special to me and after many years of sitting in storage, my dad fixed it (it cricked) and painted it white at my request. Though repainted, you can still see the cute little teeth marks where my kiddos cut their first teeth while I tirelessly rocked them.

                    This little corner was blank, except for this chair. I knew I wanted to sit here more, to craft my own projects but also to share videos with you – it desperately needed a colorful backdrop.

                    So I set out to create one and captured some of the steps to create a colorful yarn wall hanging for you here on my blog.

                    If you want more details or to spend a little time with me, you can catch it on Youtube:

                    Yarn Hanging Materials:

                    I am an affiliate. That means if you click on a link on this website and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting my work.
                    • 24″ Dowel Rod (or size of your choice) I chose a 3/4 inch dowel
                    • Adhesive Curtain Rod Holders
                    • Acrylic yarn in various colors, weights and textures (mine was all 4s and 5s)
                    • Tapestry Needle
                    • Scissors
                    • Measuring Tape
                    • Glue gun (optional)

                    How to Add Your Yarn to a Wall Hanging

                    Adding yarn to a dowel rod to create a yarn hanging in simple. You can either work on your yarn art while it’s laying on a surface in front of you or while it’s already on the wall. I opted to hang my rod first and then add yarn as I knew it would knot up or potentially fall off the dowel if I tried to work on it at my craft table.

                    • Wrap the loop at the center over the top and behind the dowel rod.
                    • Start by folding all of your strands together in half.
                    • Pull the strands down through the loop created
                    • Pull the yarn snuggly, use your fingers to tidy up and straighten the yarn

                    How to make a yarn Hanging

                    There are so many color combinations you can use for your yarn hanging – I chose to lean a little rainbow but I think this would be beautful monochromatic or in various shades of the same color even! You could add pompoms, tassels, crochet flowers, or other embellishments or even do macrame if you have that skill (I do not)

                    * Anywhere you see a * indicates that it is simply various strands of yarn without any braiding or additional decor. I used white to add some balance to all of the bright colors.

                    A: Take 15 strands of yarn and fold them in half. Take three strands from one side and create a long braid. Loosely drape your braid around your yarn strands. Secure at the bottom with a knot, hot glue, or a small clear rubber band.

                    B: This yarn is just yarn strands draped but the yarn varies in thickness and texture. Look for yarns like this that have interest and character, then you won’t need to do anything else to make it lovely.

                    C: I cut 27 strands of medium worsted weight yarn #4 and added it to my dowel rod (this creates a total of 54 strands. Create 6 bundles of 9 strands of yarn. Seperate 9 strands into 3 sets of 3 and create braids. At the end, you’ll have 6 braids. End by tying a knot around the bottom of the bundle of braids or by wrapping yarn or a clear rubber band around it.

                    D: Cut 22 strands of yarn and add to your wall hanging dowel rod. Separate into two sections and lightly twist together. End by tying a knot around the bottom of the bundle of braids or by wrapping yarn or a clear rubber band around it.

                    E: Cut 25 strands of yarn and add to your dowel rod. Create 3-5 small tassels using a 3″ piece of cardboard or a tassel maker. Use your tapestry needle and the front most center strand of yarn and add the tassels one by one. I didn’t need to tie a knot (I started to but it wasn’t necessary) after I positioned where I want them, they remained in place.

                    F: is a home spun bulky weight yarn – I needed fewer strands of this yarn (12). It added a lot of texture and interest. You could consider seperating the yarn so that it hangs a little crinkly.

                    G: Take 27 strands of yarn and add to your dowel rod. Using another strand of yarn (same or contrast color) tie the yarn around all strands of yarn and then slowly and evenly wrap the yarn – I wrapped 12 times. Thread the yarn through the back side of all the wraps and pull snuggly. Cut the yarn. Do this as many times as you wish down the length of your yarn. I opted for 5 times.

                    H: Cut 25 strands of yarn and add to your yarn hanging. Take the front three pieces and create a long braid. Using the method for G, wrap yarn around the bottom of the braid and all strands to secure.

                    I: Cut 36 strands of yarn and add to your project. Separate the strands into three groups of 12. Braid the strands together. Using the method from G, wrap yarn tightly around the bottom to secure.

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                    Crochet

                    How to Crochet the Moss Stitch

                    by Brandy Burke July 20, 2024

                    I have been working for some time on my scrappy crochet moss stitch blanket – it’s 210 chains wide and 280(ish) rows long. It’s a doozy – but it’s easy to work on because it just requires two stitches – the single crochet and the chain stitch. Yep- that means anyone can do the moss stitch – beginners and advanced crocheters both have the skills needed to create this beautiful fabric like stitch. Watch today’s video for the step by step moss stitch process.

                    How many stitches does the Moss Stitch Start With?

                    The moss stitch is a two stitch pattern and needs to have an even number of stitches to start.

                    Crochet Moss Stitch Directions

                    Row 1

                    • Start with an even number of stitches
                    • Single crochet in the 4th chain from hook
                    • Chain 1
                    • Skip the next chain
                    • Single Crochet in the next chain
                    • Chain 1
                    • Skip the next chain
                    • Single Crochet in the next chain
                    • Repeat until the end of the chain.
                    • At the end, chain 2 and then turn your work.
                    • To start the next row, chain two and turn your work

                    Row 2

                    • Single Crochet in the 1st chain 1 space from the previous row
                    • Chain 1
                    • Single Crochet in the next chain 1 space

                    Repeat row two until you’re blanket is the desired size.

                    What projects can I use the moss stitch in?

                    The moss stitch creates a really nice, thick, soft fabric – that’s why it’s often also referred to as the linen stitch. This stitch can be used with most any project – blankets, scarves, kitchen towels, dish towels, sweaters. The most important part is that the start of the pattern have an even number of stitches.

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