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These towel dresses, made by Retro Mermaid Shop, have got to be the cutest thing for days at the beach, lake or pool. Hand made with vintage towels, they are unique as they are functional. Your beach days are about to get a whole lot easier. And they are the perfect pairing for my corduroy bucket hats!
Corduroy bucket hats are the perfect year round sun hat, and now available in 6 different colors for babies, kids, and adults at Blue Corduroy on Etsy
You can thank me later! xo Emily
A handy zipper bag for a million and one uses. These guys are cute and sturdy. I have one for my knitting/crochet accessories: scissors, needles, hooks, ruler. One for my surf essentials: sunscreen, surf wax, ear plugs, and a comb. One for travel: make up, toothbrush, jewelry....I'm telling you, there's nothing these guys can't do!
What will you put in yours?
And here's a bonus...You can even match your patchwork zip pouch with your corduroy bucket hat!
xo Emily
p.s. Fall just seems like the perfect time for these patchwork zip pouches! Grab yours here.
Blue Corduroy sun hat modeled by @ashley.neelands
Invest in a wide brim sun hat! A hat with good sun coverage is worth it's weight in gold. Not only does this wide brim work to shade your face, but your chest, shoulders and upper back will thank you too.
Read moreHow cute are these mommy and mini matching bucket hats! Ready to up your beach day hat game? Head on over to the shop to find your new favorite hat, and why not find a matching one for your little while you're at it!
Linen Bucket hats from newborn to adult sizes in a variety of colors just made summer that much better!
Hello Sunshine...
Winter in California this year has actually felt a lot more like summer, and I'm not complaining!
In celebration of all this sunshine, it just felt like the perfect time to fill the shop with a colorful assortment of linen bucket hats for babies and kids.
I made these hats from a linen/cotton blend fabric, they are totally washable, and only get better with time.
After polling my Instagram followers, my suspisions were true...chin straps are a must! These buckets come with chin straps that close with a snap.
Sizes newborn to kid, in a variety of neutrals and spring colors, this is my invitation to stock up on your sunny day necessities now :)
These corduroy bucket hats have been such a big hit in my shop that I figured it was time to add a couple fresh colors for fall! Welcome Sky Blue and Mustard Yellow, along with everybody's favorites Tan and Olive.
But guess what else??
I also made them in baby and kid sizes too! Now the whole fam can have their very own Blue Corduroy corduroy bucket hat!
photo by @sarahtreed
Some people have the gift of giving gifts. They show their love for you by buying gifts, and they are really good at knowing what gifts will light you up! I’m not one of those people. I struggle with knowing what gift to buy for each individual and am always second guessing whether they will like it or not. I often wait to the very last minute, and then panic buy something.
This year is going to be different. This year I’m buying gifts that show my love in a different way. Gifts that show love with intention. Intention for quality is better than quantity. Intention for spending my money either locally or in small businesses.
Here’s a few ideas for you, all in one photo. Items that are either handmade or from small businesses that any girls would love to open as a gift!
Knit headbands from me at Blue Cordruoy // Dresses on two bigger girls from Alice and Ames // Dress in middle from Vivie and Ash // Pink boots from Baby shop // Rust Bobble sweater from June Bee Baby
“Maxima”, worsted weight pure merino wool by Manos Del Uruguay in color Jelly Bean.
WIP (Work In Progress), the process of knitting: Pollen hat by Andrea Mowry in Mano’s Maxima yarn.
Pollen Hat by Andrea Mowry, stitch detail with Manos Maxima yarn.
Finished Object (FO), one of the many reasons to be a knitter.
The first element of knitting is the collecting of the materials. Yarn stashes and needle collections are no joke! Some people even stop at this first element of knitting and never seem to progress on to the actual act of knitting. They choose, however, to increase their collection of yarn as true connoisseurs of fiber.
The second element is the process of knitting. The sitting for hours, rhythmically clicking your needles together, fondling the yarn and solving the puzzle of the pattern. This is the part of knitting that can be so relaxing and calming. It’s where all your other cares fall away and it’s just you and your project. This is where I love to be. It’s not even as important to me what I’m making, as long as I’m making.
Not everyone knits for that relaxed state of mind though. The third element to knitting is the tangible finished product. Some people knit because they really need a sweater that fits just right, or a gift that needs to be given. They don’t necessarily love the process of knitting, but the finished product is worth the effort for them.
Pattern: Pollen Hat by Andrea Mowry
Yarn: Maxima in color Jelly Bean by Manos Del Uruguay.
Happy Knitting!
xo Emily
Not only is a knit scarf the best at keeping your neck warm on a cold day, it makes a fabulous gift for just about anyone, you can always use a new one, plus they are so fun to make! There’s an infinity of options including scarf length, width, yarn gauge, stitch pattern, and finishing touches.
As a knitter, I love to make scarves as a practical way to learn new stitch patterns. You get all the practice you need, with a usable product/gift at the end of your journey. For extra cable stitch practice you may want to visit this blog post on How to Make a Cable Knit Swatch.
by Emily Waechtler
Yarn: 300 gr/225 yds Bulky Weight (CYCA #5)
Suggested Yarn: Trendsetter Yarns “Me”, 100% superwash wool, 100gr/75yds, 3 skeins Floral Turquoise Waters
Needles: US size 15 (straight or circular used as straight)
Notions: Chunky cable needle, tapestry needle, scissors.
Gauge: Not important for this pattern.
Finished Measurements: Approx. 6 in/15 cm wide and 60 in/152 cm long.
Cast on 24 sts
Row 1 (RS): K3, p3, k12, p3, k3
Row 2: K6, p12, k6
Row 3: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3
Row 4: K6, p12, k6
Row 5: K3, p3, C8F, k4, p3, k3
Row 6: K6, p12, k6
Row 7: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3
Row 8: k6, p12, k6
Row 9: K3, p3, k4, C8R, p3, k3
Row 10 to 1 in. before desired length: repeat rows 2-9
3rd to last Row: K6, p12, k6
2nd to last Row: K3, p3, k12, p3, k3
Last Row: k6, p12, k6
Finishing: Bind off. Weave in all ends. Add tassels or fringe if desired.
sts = stitches
k = knit
p = purl
RS = right side of work
CN = Cable needle
C8F = Put 4 sts on CN and hold to front, k4, k4 from CN
C8R = Put 4 sts on CN and hold to rear, k4, k4 from CN
Looking for more free patterns to make? Check out these patterns!
Are you on Ravelry? Come find me at Blue Corduroy.
Happy Knitting!
xo Emily
At the tail end of 2019 I knit my first pair of socks. It was the one project I’d never done before, and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. After working in the yarn shop these past few months, I’ve noticed people either LOVE making socks and are sock making machines, or they HATE it.
A sock project is 100% portable. I’ve hiked down steep cliffs to the beach with my sock project bag, I’ve slipped them into my purse in the DMV, I can even knit them while waiting in line at the store.
I’m one of those knitters who really likes working a project more than once. I find that the first time through is just a warm up and a way to practice new techniques, whereas the second sock in the pair I can get in the rhythm and really master those new techniques.
Who can’t use a pair of knit socks? These make perfect gifts for EVERYONE with feet.
Even though the needles and yarn are tiny, they really are a quick knit project that you can finish in a weekend or space out through a whole week. No daunting months long project here.
There are so many methods and techniques used to making socks that you really won’t get bored trying all the endless sock patterns available, and you’ll always be learning something new.
Starting this year, I am challenging myself to keep a log of all my personal finished knits (not all the knits I make for customers in my Etsy shop) in my “project” tab in my Blue Corduroy Ravelry account. You’ll see these socks and be able to see all the pattern and yarn details as well as my notes from making them.
Pattern: Instant Winter Socks (toe-up) by Sarah M. Goodwin
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock, 100g/300m sport weight, 1 skein.
I’m not one for writing up a list of New Year’s resolutions, and I’ve never picked a “word of the year” before. Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE the beginning of a new year, fresh starts, and getting back on track with good habits.
But this year a word just came to me. And it feels so right.
This word comes from my struggles in getting my rhythm back in my small hand made business and life habits in general after our move this last summer. My habits at the old house weren’t falling back into place at our new house.
I have been wanting to take my creative business down a different road for many years now and was feeling stuck on how to get out of the comfort zone I had been in making and selling baby hats. I love making hats, which is why it has been hard to head down a different path.
I think of the roots as being the life force of a plant. Without healthy, solid roots, the plant is not going to thrive. But you can’t see the roots, they are underground, behind the scenes.
I’ll still be sharing, I’ll still be creating, I’ll still be showing up. Things may not even look different from the outside. Just know, that a lot of growth is happening in the roots.
I’m no good at planning ahead to knit gifts for my loved ones at Christmas. It’s usually a last minute panic, sometime mid-November. This list of ten free knit patterns is perfect for those of you who, like me, need a great pattern that’s quick and easy, yet super cute and gift-able! I suggest getting your list of gift recipients out and writing down who’s getting what from this collection of quick knits. Plan a weekend at most for each of these projects, and some make up even as quick as an hour or two.
These bulky weight Quick Franca Mitts from Manos Del Uruguay, a women’s cooperative in Uruguay, are a great beginner project. They knit up so quick in Manos’ chunky Franca yarn, or any yarn that gives you a gauge of 10 sts per 4"/10cm with US 13-15 needles. You’re basically just knitting a rectangle and seaming the side, leaving room for your thumb to poke out. A great gift for my teenage nieces!
These Grandma’s Knit Slippers bring back all the feels of when my Grandma would make them for us! Nothing says love like hand made slippers. These start out with an easy garter stitch, and then change to a ribbed stitch up at the toe. All the shaping is made with seaming, so things stay pretty quick and easy. Great for beginners! My daughter made a pair of these in 2 days, and plans to make more for gifts for cousins and aunts and uncles!
I love a project that’s quick, yet not boring, and this Cable Knit Headband meets all the requirements! It’s a free pattern on Ravelry, and if you don’t already have a free account on Ravelry, it’s time to sign up! You’ll have access to thousands of patterns, many of them free, and a priceless community of knitters and crocheters. This headband has a garter stitch on the edges to keep the edges lying flat and then a basic and fun cable running down the middle. After I make a few more for myself, all the ladies on my list will get one of these!
When it’s hygge season and you need more cozy, this Chunky Knit Throw Pillow saves the day! You can use any color or combo of colors to match any decor. It’s basically a hand knit hug that keeps on giving! Grab your giant needles and get started! A great gift for my bachelor uncle.
Ever been intimidated by knitting socks? This Festive Christmas Stocking is your chance to practice sock making without all the hard parts, like turning heals. The reindeer is adorable, but you could also make this in a solid color, stripes, or embroider any motif you like. Plus, knitting stockings really puts you in that holiday spirit. Make a matching set for your whole family, or for any new members.
Look no further, you’ve just found the Perfect Throw Blanket! Thick and quick, but hand made and full of style points. Truly works up in a weekend. Plan on more yarn than you think you’ll need for those tassels, but it’s oh so worth it. My brother needs this for his new house.
I always wanted to learn how to weave a basket. But I never knew I could KNIT a basket! There’s 101 uses for a basket, just think of all the possibilities with sizes and colors. My husband may get a few of these for Christmas, places to put all the things he’s always loosing.
Scarves are winters alternative to necklaces, am I right? So you basically can’t have too many. The Golden Hour Scarf is not only a winter wardrobe staple, but it’s fun to make. This pretty texture is really a simple ribbing with a few yarn overs, repeat. But I’m really in it for the tassels! I have a few aunties who could use another scarf.
Your classic ribbed knit beanie, the Nina Hat from Manos del Uruguay. Makes up so fast in chunky yarn (gauge 13 sts = 4” with US size 11). Perfect for guys and gals. Pom pom is optional. Just grab their favorite color and get knitting! Don’t know what to get your brother in law? You just found it.
Yes, they’re back in style. Scrunchies forever! The only thing that makes this Knit Scrunchie pattern better is the fantastic yarn from Knit Collage! Go drool over all that yarn hand spun in India, then grab this pattern and get started. The perfect stocking stuffers for all the girls!
One of my favorite things about anything knit is the texture. I LOVE a chunky, cozy, complex, and inviting texture.
Cable knits totally fill this need of mine.
There’s just something fascinating about creating a rich and intricate texture by manipulating loops of yarn, using only the two basic stitches of knit and purl. Because any knit stitch pattern is really only using knits or purls in different combinations to produce endless textures and shapes. Knowing this, I find myself no longer intimidated by trying complex stitch patterns. If I know how to knit and purl, then I’ll know how to do any pattern thrown at me!
A fun way to practice new techniques is by making swatches. A swatch is just a small sampling of knit “fabric”. By making a small swatch (I recommend knitting up a 6” by 6” square) you save yourself from having to make an entire product to test and try something new. There are numerous advantages to making swatches:
practicing new stitch patterns
testing your gauge for a new pattern
warming up to new yarn and/or needles
playing with color combinations
This basic cable stitch is a fun way to prove to yourself that you can do more complicated stitches than stockinette or garter. I challenge you to make a swatch and see for yourself!
Cast on a multiple of 5 plus 1 on straight needles. (Enough to make at least a 6” row in the yarn and needles of your choice)
Row 1: *P1, K4*, repeat between *‘s, ending K1
Row 2: *K1, P4*, repeat between *‘s, ending P1
Row 3: *P1, as if to purl, slip the next 2 sts to a cable needle and hold at the front of the work, K the next 2 sts, K the 2 sts from the cable needle*, repeat between *’s across, ending P1
Row 4: same as row 2
Repeat these four rows 6” more for a swatch of your cable pattern stitch!
This video here on Youtube shows how to use a cable needle. One thing to point out though, is that she puts her cable needle with stitches to the back of her work, and in this little swatch practice I’ve written here, in row 3 it says to put your cable needle to the front of your work. Both ways work! But if you experiment with doing them both ways, you will notice that it affects which way your “twist” goes.
Let me know if you give this a try! I’d love to hear what you think and cheer you on!
xo Emily
Want to try some of my FREE PATTERNS?
Want to try another fun swatch? Here’s the Bubble Stitch.
Ready to knit a sweater? These sweater kits are great for beginners!
Whoever came up with the idea of knit kits was a genius! I mean, everything you need, to make something amazing, mailed right to your door has got to be one of the best ideas ever!
I’ve used a few of these kits from Wool and the Gang (color block baby sweater, and personalized Christmas stocking) and can tell you from experience, they don’t disappoint!
Included in the kit is the accurate weight yarn to use for the pattern in your choice of colors, a clearly written pattern, beautiful wooden needles, tapestry needle, and a few extra fun tidbits like stickers and a sew in label.
The kit I used this time is called the Party in the Cardi Sweater using Shiny Happy Cotton yarn in the color “Malibu”. This cotton is a great summer weight fiber and comes in so many color choices that you’ll find it hard to choose.
The whole sweater is knit up from 5 different rectangular pieces, which means you can knit away almost mindlessly without having to count stitches all day long. That also means it’s a great pattern for beginner knitters, especially if you’ve never made a sweater before. If you can knit a rectangle, than you can knit this sweater!
You may have to learn a new stitch to make this kit. But as you know, all knitting stitches are made up of some form or combination of knit and purl, you can do this!
This particular stitch is the Fishnet Stitch, which has a great airy texture, and makes the perfect summer cardigan. It’s also one of those stitches that feels so appropriate to work on while you’re knitting in public at the beach.
As with any thing else in life, the more you do it, the better you get. The more I knit, the more I realize I don’t know, and the more motivated I am to push myself to learn even more.
At first I got a bit discouraged when the “alteration” I made to this pattern didn’t work out. Originally I thought I wanted to make this sweater more of a crop top then a longer draping cardigan. But my measurements were wrong, and my crop top was WAY too short. This isn’t the first time I’ve made something I wasn’t happy with: “Giving a New Meaning to Finished”. And I quickly devised a plan to save the project!
I ended up adding more length to my cropped version of the sweater by picking up stitches along the bottom edge and working the same fishnet stitch until I was happy with the length. Then, because its summer and because I couldn’t help myself, I added some fun little fringe to finish it off.
If I were to work this pattern again, I would stick with the original length in the Wool and the Gang pattern, but I still think I would add that fringe at the bottom, it’s one of my favorite parts!
Then, to celebrate the finishing of knitting a sweater, it’s always fun to twirl around and show it off!
Video by my daughter Ruby :)
xo Emily
This simple Heirloom Bonnet Crochet Pattern I made years ago is the best quick bonnet pattern for beginners or advanced crocheters. Quick litlle projects are easy to carry along in your beach bag and don’t require too much focused attention, so you can let your mind daydream while watching the waves roll in.
Cotton yarn is my go to for sunny beach day projects because it doesn’t over heat you while your working in the sun like wool tends to do. No one wants a big wool afghan blanket draped over them when it’s 80 degrees out!
I decided this hand painted cotton yarn from Wool and the Gang in color Aperol Orange would be a fun yarn to work up while sitting on the beach. Those colors are fabulous!
The more I crochet and knit, the more I understand how important test swatching for gauge really is. Without making a test swatch before you begin your project, your really just gambling that the project will be the size you hope it to be. One persons stitches are never exactly the same as another’s.
Gauge defined: “Stitches per inch times the desired number of inches will determine the size”
make it on the needles and yarn you will be using for the project
use the same pattern stitch specified
make sure you’re relaxed
must be at least 4” wide
don’t try to count the stitches within the swatch, instead, divide the total number of stitches in the swatch by the width of the piece.
Once you’ve got your pattern, your yarn, the right needles to get the right gauge, you’re ready to hit the beach and start your relaxing weekend baby hat crochet project!
I love this pattern for many reasons, one of them being the simple stitches used to make a functional and cute product. It starts with a magic circle, continues in the round with single crochet, and then the main body of the hat is worked up quickly with a double crochet stitch. The ribbed edging is made by working a version of the double crochet stitch called a “front” or “back post stitch”, which is where you work the double crochet around the post of the double crochet stitch from the previous row, either from the front or from the rear.
Looking for some help with your crochet skills? Check out my Crochet Lessons series!
You may want to try these fun FREE patterns for crochet and knitting!
Have fun crocheting at the beach!
xo Emily
“He rocked his hat camping too! I was really thankful to have something he could get wet and still keep wearing because we hung out in these hot springs all day. Thanks!” ~another happy customer
It would be a shame to feel like you couldn’t let your little ones play all day without sacrificing their delicate skin to the sun. With the proper gear, your adventurous babes can play until they’ve had their fill!
Camping with kids is so much fun! Especially when you remember the essentials, like plenty of water and snacks, comfy sleeping pads, and your sun hats!
Find your perfect hand made wide brim sun hat in an assortment of colors in my shop!
Also, check out my Pinterest Board Outdoor Nature Baby for some great hacks tips and tricks for camping with baby.
photos by Natalie from Happy Anything
New chicks, easter eggs, fresh wildflowers, blue skies, fresh veggies from the garden, all these spring favorites make me think of pretty pastel colors and new life!
Pastels and spring go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Not only are these pretty shades of fabric perfect for spring outfits, but the cotton is so light and airy, the perfect thing on a sunny afternoon for babies first spring!
These are going to be baby sunbonnets with ruffle brims, for the girls. I always prewash my fabrics before sewing. Then it needs to be ironed. Next I’m ready to cut the shapes out. These ruffles need to be gathered before I sew them to the bonnet. Then I add white cotton lining to the inside of the bonnet, chin straps, done and ready for springtime fun!
Coming Soon!!!
xo Emily
Come visit my shop for other bonnets and sun hats for sunny days ahead! Sign up for my newsletter and get 15% off your first purchase.
I know my last post was style inspiration from small shops for your toddlers, but I couldn’t resist sharing another version of inspiration, this time for the babies!
Spring is such a fun time to get dressed in happy colors and prints. I also can truly appreciate those chunky baby thighs better in the warmer months, as they don’t get covered up as much!
The small shops represented here truly are trend setters in handmade baby style. I hope that this introduction will put them on your radar for future products your baby will need.
Get the look: Spring Baby Bonnet by Blue Corduroy // “Little Love” top by London Lou and Co. // Denim Bloomers by Ruby and Ma // Knee high socks by Little Light Feet // Leather Shoes by Starry Knight Design
Happy Spring Shopping!
xo Emily
Nothing says spring like a big floppy hat and a comfy romper. Add the right accessories and you’re all set!
Once you shop small you’ll really notice the difference in quality and style as compared to bigger box stores. These goods are made to last and will become favorites you’re excited to pass down to the next generation.
Daisy Floppy Sun Hat via Blue Corduroy // Romper via The Paisley House // Bracelets via Weave Tassy Co. // Wooden Camera via Indie Owl Wooden Toys // Fluffy Bunny via Winks and Wildflowers
photos by @kindred_indigo
Homegrown Knot Co. crochets gorgeous sweaters for all ages, and I love how she made this gender neutral one with the option for a monogram.
The bonnet is made by myself and is fully customizable from color, size, pom pom, and baby’s name initial.
When Homegrown Knot Co. and I realized we were making these monogrammed options in our shops, we knew they would look so cute together too!
The sweater is totally gender neutral in the best earthy color combo. The bonnet can be made totally gender neutral or you can choose other color options as well.
These pieces would make such great baby shower gifts or special additions to a coming home outfit. And what toddler doesn’t just love seeing the letters of their name, it makes them feel so important and big!
You’ll find links to both our shops below.
xo Emily
