10 Free Knit Patterns for Hand Made Gifts for Everyone on Your List

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.

Bulky Hand Warmers

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!

Slippers Like Grandma Used to Make

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!

Cable Knit Headband

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!

Chunky Knit Throw Pillow

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.

Hand Knit Reindeer Stocking

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.

Bulky Tassel Blanket

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.

Hand Knit Basket

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.

Tassel Golden Hour Scarf

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.

Basic Chunky Beanie

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.

Knit Hair Scrunchie

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!

Now it’s your turn. Do you know who you’re going to knit what? Once you decide what your knitting, then you can gather your supplies, grab your cup of coffee and turn on your favorite movie. Happy Knitting!

xo Emily

Valentines Style for Baby

What better way to celebrate Baby’s first Valentines Day than to shower her with handmade love! From her head to her toes, she’ll be feeling the love! Follow the links below how to get these beautiful items for your baby.

Pink Striped Baby Bonnet for a cozy Valentines Day by BlueCorduroy

Your baby will stay cozy and warm in this beautiful hand knit bonnet by Blue Corduroy. Made with Knit Collage Daisy Chain yarn, each stripe is full of visual treasures woven right into the yarn, like, daisies, tinsel, lace, and vintage sari’s.

Heart Bibs by Billy Bibs, what a great way to party in style.

I don’t know about you, but when I celebrate Valentine’s Day, there’s most certainly chocolate involved! These heart shaped bibs from Billy Bibs are the perfect party feast accessory!

Make a sweater yourself with this beautiful Cleire Cardigan from Ravelry

Perhaps you’d rather make her a sweater yourself? Ravelry has a whole library of amazing patterns to choose from, like this beautiful boho inspired Cardigan, the Cleire Cardigan.

The sweetest Rose Gold or Pink Leather Slippers by Starry Knight Designs.

No holiday outfit is complete without party shoes! How sweet are these rose gold or pink carnation leather ballet bow flats from Starry Knight Design?

How fun to celebrate her first Valentine’s Day with the prettiest of all hand made accessories, whether you made them or someone else did, either way, they’re made with love.

Happy Valentines Day!

xo Emily

How to BE in 2019

Don't you just love a fresh start?! This year I opted out of my normal goal setting "to do" list and instead wrote a list of "to be's" for myself.  It was a list mostly made up of adjectives, a lot of which already describe me, but that I want to intentionally turn up the volume.  

Obviously, creativity was near the top of the list, as was peace, simplicity, faith, self-discipline, and generosity.  I think by focusing on being these adjectives, I will be extra aware of what isn't fitting into this intentional lifestyle, things that can creep up without me realizing, things like fear, doubt, and laziness.  

This year it's all about who I want to BE, not what I want to DO.

Because I want to BE a more creative person, I'm already exploding with new project ideas, things to make, patterns to design and I can't wait to share them with you!

Obviously one of these new projects is going to involve this amazing Daisy Chain yarn from Knit Collage. Does it not just scream CREATIVITY!?

How do you like to mentally prepare for a new year? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know!

xo Emily

Who Would You Make a Personalized Knit Christmas Stocking For?

I’ve told you before how much fun it is to work up one of Wool and the Gang’s knitting and crochet kits when I made this sweater. Well, this Christmas stocking was no exception! Part of Wool and the Gang’s new line of personalized knits, this stocking was designed to be unique!

Wool and the Gang’s Crazy Sexy Wool is so luxurious to work with, nice and chunky and soft, and works up super quick. I must say I struggled with deciding which colors to use, they’re all so beautiful, but this Eucalyptus Blue had to come home with me.

Once the stocking is made, it’s time to embroider on top of the stocking your personalized letter. The pattern has a chart of all the letters, so that you don’t have to be a genius mathematician to get the size and shape of your letters right. Embroidering on top of your finished work is such a simple way to “cheat” on knitting a color work piece, because you don’t have to knit it INTO your work, but ON TOP of your finished piece.

Everyone in my family, exept Simon the Cat, already has a favorite stocking. And even though we don’t give our favorite purr machine gifts for Christmas, this cozy stocking is a gift in itself! I knew he would know exactly what to do with it…SNUGGLE!

xo Emily

p.s. Come find me on Instagram for more Works in Progress, and glimpses of Simon the Cat! @emily_bluecorduroy

Let Me Knit that Red Pixie Bonnet for You

‘Tis the Season

...for cozy knitting, hot chocolate, too many cookies, cold red noses, decorating Christmas trees, gathering with loved ones, wrapping gifts, and often times...feeling way to busy.
 
 If you need one less thing on your to-do list, let me make that baby bonnet for you, there's lots to choose from in the shop, like this classic red pixie bonnet!

Every year I feel like I get better and better at saying no to the busy-ness, and yes to enjoying every bit of this season. At first, you may feel like you're missing out on whatever it is you said "no" to.

But soon you'll realize that saying "no" to something, means saying "yes" to something else...like a walk in the forest with your kids, time to sit in your favorite chair knitting, or making a long list of the blessings in your life!

xo Emily

p.s. Looking for some more winter outfit inspiration for your baby? I’ve got a bunch of ideas saved on my Winter Baby Style Pinterest Board, click on over and give it a follow!

Holiday Style for Baby in RED

Red is such a classic festive color. If you’re wearing red during the holiday, then your ready for any celebration and full of cheer. I’ve got a great assortment of red bonnets in the shop to get your jolly little baby holiday ready!

From top right: Tomato Red Corduroy, Sherpa Lined Brim Bonnet // Brick Red Chunky Knit Bonnet // Vintage Berry Polyester, Sherpa Lined Bonnet // Dark Red Pixie Bonnet

xo Emily

Get ANY bonnet with 15% off by signing up for my newsletter! All new subscribers get 15% off their first purchase and get to be the first to know about new products and specials!

Cyber Week Sale on Etsy

15% off and FREE shipping*,

Dang! That’s a good deal!

Sale starts today through November 26th, 2018. This is a great time to get your bonnet, scarf, and sun hat shopping done for the holidays. Head on over to BlueCorduroy.etsy.com

No coupon code necessary, discount is already calculated for you. *Free shipping on domestic orders only.

Exclusive Early Valentine's Sale in the Shop!

Don't you just LOVE a sale!?
 

I'm celebrating Valentine's Day early with an exclusive SALE just for my newsletter subscribers on February 7, 2018 only! But it's not too late to get in on the action!

Sign up for my newsletter today! [be the first to hear about new designs and get exclusive access to discounts like this one!] and once your 30% off coupon code is delivered head on over to Blue Corduroy and pick out your favorite bonnets, beanies, and sun hats!!!

I'm making a new collection of spring bonnets and sun hats, so this is your last chance to get a lot of the designs in my shop before they're gone for good.  Have fun shopping!

And don't worry if you're late to the party and you missed this sale.  Every new subscriber to my newsletter gets 15% off their first purchase, and once you're on the list, you surely won't miss the next SALE!

xo Emily

Shop Small! Free Ship-Giving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday laughing and eating with friends! And I sure hope you took the time to relax and enjoy the day too! I'm so thankful for all the support of buyers like you who prefer to shop small, supporting local families, and choosing more time with your loved ones.

In honor of Thanks and Giving, I am giving you a coupon for free shipping! Use the code below in my Etsy shop now through Monday 11/27! 

FREESHIPGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving!  xo Emily

Be the first to know when coupons and sales happen! Sign up for the Blue Corduroy Newsletterand get 15% off your next purchase!

15 Favorite Baby Safe Sunscreens and How to Pick the Best One

You guys go play outside often.  You have babies and kids of all ages.  And you're very conscientious of the food you eat and the products you use on your precious family.  That's why I asked YOU for your sunscreen recommendations!  

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) says the safest way to prevent skin cancer is to stay covered up! Wear a sun hat, sunglasses, shirt, and find some shade.  But we all know getting in the direct sun can't be avoided all together, and heck, I crave getting those rays directly on my skin (for short periods of time) it just feels so good!

Three things to look for in a Sunscreen

1. Look for sunscreens that have Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Oxide as the active ingredient. These are MINERAL SUNSCREENS and they rate high in the EWG ratings. "They are stable in sunlight, offer a good balance between protection from the two types of ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB) and don’t often contain potentially harmful additives."

2. Spf 30-50 offers adequate protection, even for those people most sensitive to sunburns.  EWG research has found that an SPF rating higher than 50 can be misleading.

3. You want a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB sun rays.

Three things we should be avoiding in a Sunscreen 

1. As handy as SPRAY SUNSCREENS can be with squirmy little bodies, they are actually not as effective as lotions.  Most people don't get enough actually on the skin, and there is a risk of inhaling the sunscreen which is harmful for your lungs.

2. Similarly, the experts say that people who use STICK SUNSCREENS are often not getting enough of the sunscreen onto the skin to adequately protect against burning. 

3. Harmful ingredients. Here are 3 ingredients you want to avoid:

Retinyl Palmitate is a form of Vitamin A and can harm your skin.

Oxybenzone is a hormone disruptor and allergen.

Methyliosthiazolinones (MI) was named skin allergen of the year in 2013 by the The American Contact Dermatitis Society.

Your 15 Favorite Sunscreens 

 BADGER spf 30, mineral based, pediatrician approved. Water resistant.

HONEST spf 50, mineral based, ideal for babies and sensitive skin. Water resistant.

ALBA spf 30, mineral based, fragrance free. Water resistant.

BEAUTY COUNTER spf 30, mineral based, good for the whole family. Water resistant.

BABYGANICS spf 50, mineral based, oraganic ingredients.  Water resistant.

SUNBUM spf 30, mineral based, naturally sourced ingredients.  Water resistant.

THINKBABY spf 50, mineral based, passes Whole Foods premium care requirements. Water resistant.

SURFACE PRODUCTS spf 30, mineral based, hypoallergenic. Water resistant.

BLUE LIZARD BABY spf 30, mineral based, Australian made. Bottle changes color in the sun!

AIRBONNE spf 30, mineral based, made with vitamins and botanicals. Water resistant.

CALIFORNIA BABY spf 30, mineral based, award winning. Water resistant.

NO-AD spf 50, mineral based, Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended. Water resistant.

NEUTRAGENA BABY spf 60, mineral based, won't sting eyes. Water resistant.

ALL GOOD PRODUCTS spf 30, mineral based, made with organic chamomile. Water resistant.

COCO BEE NATURALS  spf 30, mineral based, only 3 ingredients. Water resistant.

I was so surprised and pleased to see the numerous readers who use strictly oils with or without mixing them with zinc oxide as a natural sun protection.  There were so many variations that I plan on doing a bit of research and sharing a list of these options soon!

If this subject interests you and you like to get all the scientific details, I highly suggest browsing the  Environmental Working Group website.  It is so informative and quite interesting.  You can also download their 2017 Guide to Safer Sunscreens.

For those days you accidentally stay out longer in the sun than you intended, or forgot a spot with your sunscreen you may want to try out one of these soothing Natural Sunburn Relief Rememdies.

Early life sunburns are worse in the skin cancer battle.  We really want to make sure we're protecting our kids and avoiding sunburns. So grab a hat and some sunscreen and go find your adventure!

Sign up for my newsletter for 15% off your next purchase from my Etsy shop and be the first to know about new product releases!

30% off Cyber Monday Sale Today Only

Have anyone on your list who needs a cozy handmade hat? I've got hats for the whole family! Today is your last chance to snag Blue Corduroy goodies at 30% off!

Use coupon code THANKU30 in my shop today only.

I'm so thankful for every hat I make and sell!
xo Emily

Valentine Nature Crafts for Kids

Here's a list of some fun valentine themed crafts for nature lovers and crafters of all ages.  Even the most simple idea here can feel like relaxing soul therapy for the advanced crafters out there, or a great way to get little hands involved in the season.  Follow the links to find the directions (photo credit to link below)  For more crafty ideas, follow my Crafty Pinterest Board.

Fruit Loop or Cheerio bird feeder hearts, how simple and fun! From Sweet and Simple Living.

These fairy wands are just darling!  Made from a twig or a piece of driftwood.  Let's do Something Crafty tells you how.

February is a perfect time to treat the birds!  I just love these heart shaped bird feeders.  Find out how to make them at Intimate Weddings.  We made these a couple years ago and they're just darling!

For the very beginner seamstress, or a fun group activity, this heart garland sure is cute!  Directions over at Made by Rae.

These string hearts look like a great way to decorate the window!  DIY at Family Chic.

I love this idea of taking a nature walk and finding all the naturally occurring hearts.  Read more at Fireflies and Mudpies.

These nature valentines are the perfect alternative to more sugary treats.  Get inspired at Wilder Child.

For the kid (or adult!) with a bit of sewing experience, these hearts by Blair are fabulous! Find how to make these at Wisecraft Handmade.

Heart String Art, find out how at Love and Cupcakes. These look like they could decorate your room all year long!

Painted heart rocks, via Color Me Katie.  The possibilites are endless with paint and rocks my friends!

Simple Macrame Orange Bird Feeder

We did a lot of nature crafting this winter.  Not only for our Nature Pals, but also to satisfy our own crafting addiction. These orange macrame bird feeders were one of my favorite parts of a natural holiday decoration installment the girls and I did in our local elfin oak forest.  

After we cut the orange in half, and scooped out the yummy stuff we cut 8 equally length strings.  I didn't measure, but maybe an arms length.

We tied them all together at the bottom, then sectioned the strings out in pairs into four different sides (north, south, east, west).  Those pairs, we tied into knots, about an inch away from the very bottom knot.

Next, we divided the pairs of string into new pairs, pairing neighbors strings together.  And then tied those into knots about an inch or inch and a half up from previous knot.

Then we slipped in the orange half filled with bird seed into the newly formed string cradle and tied another knot with all 8 strings at the top so that we could hang it on a tree.  A very simple macrame project that our neighborhood birds have been happy to snack from.

Along with our orange macrame bird seed holder, we dried some citrus slices and strung up some festive cranberries.  The birds seemed to love the bird seed and cranberries best!

I gathered most my inspiration from my "crafty" and "Christmas" board on Pinterest, and even highlighted a few in my post of "Ten Nature Winter Crafts for the Family".

**Note: We went back after about a week and grabbed anything not eaten yet so as not to litter our nature walk.**

Keep in touch! I'd love to see what you create! You can find me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy we're always in nature up to something fun!

Sign up for my Newsletter to save 15% off your next purchase and be the first to now about fun new projects!

xo Emily

Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

I asked my 13 year old daughter Ruby to share a gift wrap idea post with us.  She has her own Esty shop called Ruby by the Sea, and is an amazing photographer (she takes most of my product photos) Thanks for sharing Ruby!

Since I was 7 years old I've enjoyed giving Christmas presents to my family.  This is the first year I'll have enough money to give real gifts (as in not a set of 30 self-made finger knitted necklaces!), and I would really love to have those real gifts packaged pretty.

Here are 10 Christmas wrapping ideas that I hope inspire you too.

Simple brown paper decorated with a cute stamp!

Below are two stamps I love on Etsy...

Bee Stamp from Nora Jane Etsy Shop.Tree stamp by Talk to the Sun

How about re-using the old road maps you haven't needed since Google Maps came around?

Cute & simple.  I love how the brown paper and twine make the antlers pop!  I saw an antler stamp at the craft store the other day... might have to invest in that! (found via We Lived Happily Ever After)

I will definitely have to try this! Feathers and stamped brown tags.

Brown paper with white polka dots, twine, and a doily.  Isn't this just beautiful?!( Found via Pinterest.)

Click here for the DIY via Love That Party

Simple white paper and string and a sprig of rosemary!  This would be pretty with any greenery... perhaps eucalyptus?

A colorful assortment trims.

So now you need a gift tag?  1) cut out a little pear shape from a scrap of fabric and glue it to a square of brown paper 2) Make the scrap of fabric look like a little bird by adding details with a fine tipped black pen. Found here.

Or click here to download these free printable gift tags!

Quite a few of these ideas are featuring brown paper.  If you don't have any on hand, I find that an inside out paper grocery bag works great!

Did you try any of these packaging ideas?  I'd love to see what you came up with!

For more, visit my Pinterest board, Gift Wrapping.

Win a Zipper Pouch this Weekend!

Someone is going to win this zip pouch this weekend!  

Tonight my insiders find out how to get a chance to win one of these zip pouches, are you on the list? Extra bonus to signing up is 15% off your next purchase! 

Follow this newsletter sign up link, or just leave your email address in the comments below.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with cozy cheer!

xo emily

Ten Nature Winter Crafts for the Family

I'd be crazy if I said we were going to do ALL these crafts this holiday season!  They are all so inspiring and festive though, I know whichever ones we do end up making are going to give us so much satisfaction.  We do have a fun plan for early December where we are going to need a few of these crafts to pull it off.  Can't wait to show you what that is!

image via Sense and Simplicity blog

There's nothing I love better than crafting with supplies on hand.  These twig stars use a variety of random parts and pieces, looks like you could incorporate what you find on a walk around the neighborhood.

image via Katy Elliot blog

Cinnamon and applesauce make up the dough for these ornaments.  I can just imagine the way the house would smell while making these!

image via Eclectically Vintage

Orange and clove pomanders were almost my favorite thing to make as a kid.  Super easy, and super festive!

Macrame Orange Bird Feeder via Blue Corduroy

What?  Feed the birds from an orange?  yes please.

image via sortra.com

This blog post from sortra.com has 36 ideas of what you can do with pinecones.  We love to paint pinecones!  And this year I'm really in the mood for sparkely pine cones!

image via HGTVgardens.com

More ways to feed the birds.  Yes, we love to feed the birds, and yes, we have a plan brewing, I'll tell you all about it in a few weeks!

image via The Little Corner Tumblr

More glitter, more nature.  I figure if we stick with just a couple elements in our holiday making, then everything will look good together.

image via Garden Mama blog

These sure look like fun, and think of the endless ways you could decorate that clay.  Perhaps a great gift idea too!

image via View Along the Way

I've never been much of a wreath maker, but this simple box tree and closet hangar wreath might be easy enough for the girls and I to make ourselves.

image via 3squeezes

Yarn and sticks.  They were meant to go together.  Great for monogrammed ornaments, or gift tags.

You'll find some more seasonal craft inspiration at The Crafty Crow. She always has something fun going on over there for all ages!

If you have preschool age kids, Jess at Scrumdilly-do! is full of hands on fun ideas.

And I'm always adding to my Christmas and Crafty Pinterest boards.

Keep in touch! I'd love to see what you create! You can find me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy we're always in nature up to something fun!

Sign up for my Newsletter to save 15% off your next purchase and be the first to now about fun new projects!

xo Emily