These Zip Bags haven't been in the shop for years!

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.

The Three Hobbies of Knitting :: Why Do You Knit?

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.

Knitting can be broken into two different hobbies, actually, make that three, because I just realized that one of the elements doesn’t involve the act of knitting at all. Not everyone is a “knitter” for the same reason, and each reason is a hobby in itself.

The Collection…

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 Process…

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.

The Product…

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.

I believe all of these are valid reasons to call yourself a knitter and of course these can cross over into any fiber art! Crochet, weaving, needlepoint, quilting…they all posses these elements. Where do you fall in this spectrum of knitting hobbies?

Pattern: Pollen Hat by Andrea Mowry

Yarn: Maxima in color Jelly Bean by Manos Del Uruguay.

Happy Knitting!

xo Emily

Chunky Cable Knit Scarf :: a Free Pattern

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.

Cable Stitch Knit Scarf Pattern

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.

Directions

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.

Abbreviations:

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

Toe Up Knit Socks and Why I Love Knitting Them

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.

Here’s why I am officially in the LOVE sock knitting camp:

• 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.

Setting Down New Roots in 2020

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.

My word is ROOTS.

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.

The path isn’t really all that different, but it will require new education, new focus, and some new habits.

This is where my word ROOTS comes in.

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.

This year, what I’m going to be focusing on won’t be visible. But I’m hopeful that the results will be beautiful.

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.

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

How to Make a Simple Cable Knit Swatch

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!

SWATCHING

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

BASIC CABLE STITCH

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!

Knit Kits from Wool and the Gang :: Knitting your own Sweater

Knitting Kits are Brilliant

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 perfect sweater for beginners

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!

The Fishnet Stitch

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.

What to do when things go wrong

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

Giving a New Meaning to Finished

I haven’t taken a real personality test in over 20 years, but I’m pretty familiar with who I am. I’m that person who has a strong desire to finish what I started. Are you one of these? This trait has many rewards, this I know, but would you believe it also has it’s drawbacks?

My younger self (also a seamstress, I’ve been sewing/knitting since before I could ride a bike) could never abandon a project before it was competely finished, even if I knew I didn’t like it, and even at the cost of wasting time finishing. Only once I was completely finished would I release myself from the burden of the project.

I feel like just recently, I’ve crossed a major line of progress in using my “don’t stop until you finish” character by changing what “finished” means to me.

Finished doesn’t have to mean that an actual product was made to completion. It can also mean that the project has served its purpose, and sometimes that happens before it is actually complete.

FINISHED has become more about the PROCESS and less about the PROJECT.

Take this project of knitting a tank top, for example. I’ve knit myself and others many sweaters, but have recently been drawn towards making my own tank top pattern. Once I knit this one far enough to try it on, I realized how much I hated the fit. Rather than getting down on myself for wasting that time and yarn, I counted this project a success since it brought me one step closer to knitting that tank top I dream of, and immediately started unraveling.

And the good news is, there was just enough yarn after I unraveled the whole tank top to knit this baby sweater!

And the even better new is, I enjoyed every stitch along the way!

xo Emily

Looking for a knit or crochet project? I’ve got a growing list of FREE PATTERNS HERE so you too can get lost in the process too!

How to Knit a Bubble Stitch

Knitting this Bubble Stitch is easier than it looks!

For all it’s luscious texture you would think it was an elaborate design for only experts to achieve! You’ll be happy to learn that the majority of the rows of this stitch are a simple stockinette stitch (knit one row, purl one row). The bubble pattern is actually achieved with one out of every six rows using a “knit four down” technique. This technique is way easier to show in a video than explain with words, so don’t forget to watch the video below!

Bubble Stitch Pattern

cast on multiples of 4 plus 3

row 1: Purl

row 2: Knit

row 3: Purl

row 4: Knit

row 5: Purl

***now is the time to add a new color if desired***

row 6: *Knit 3, Knit 4 below*, repeat from *to end of row. (see video below for this “knit four below” technique)

rows 7 to 11: Repeat rows 1-5

***now is the time to add a new color if desired***

row 12: Knit 1, Knit 4 below, *k3, Knit 4 below*, repeat from * to end of row.

repeat rows 1 to 12 as desired.

Be warned, this stitch is addicting!

Looking for some fun patterns to try? Check out my growing list of FREE Patterns here:

As always, I’d love to see your work! Tag me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy and I’ll show your photos in my stories! Enjoy your knitting!

xo Emily

Grandma's Knit Slipper Pattern

I have a FREE pattern for you! I can’t tell you how many of these slippers I made this winter, but it was ALOT! They’re simple to make, and the perfect gift for just about anyone. They’re also a great project if you’re just learning to knit, because you only need to know how to cast on, knit and purl. I taught a handful of girlfriends to knit these slippers this winter and if they can do it I know you can too!

I call this pattern Grandma’s Knit Slipper Pattern because these are the exact slippers my Grandma would knit for us when we were kids. Now I know why she was always making them for us, because they’re so fun to knit and even more fun to give!

The pattern pdf includes a list of materials needed, clear instructions, and photos for each step. I even explain how to figure out what size to make your slippers for a custom fit each time.

Not only does knitting bring you the benefits of relaxation and the joy of creating, but to be able to give hand knit items to others is the icing on the cake and the cherry on top of it all! Join me in bringing back the tradition of hand knit slippers, just like Grandma used to make!

When you do end up making your own Grandma’s Knit Slippers, don’t forget to tag me on instagram @emily_bluecorduroy, because I want to see your works in progress and finished project photos! It’s always so fun to be inspired by what other people are making and putting their own spin on!

xo Emily

p.s. Looking for more free patterns? Check these out!

Take a Tour of my Living Room Sewing Studio

Welcome to my upstairs living room sewing studio! I’m so thankful for this room and I’ll tell you why. I love being able to sew and not be secluded from what the rest of the family is doing. With my studio space right in the middle of our upstairs living space, I don’t have to feel shut away or disconnected from my people.

My husband built me this huge and beautiful sewing desk that fits perfectly into the corner of our a-frame room and has been such a great space for all my fabric and supply storage, cutting and ironing, and of course room for lots of sewing!

Our house is an a-frame, which means this upper room has that awkward triangle ceiling that can be challenging for certain furniture arrangements, and impossible for wall art. But this wall of windows with an ocean view makes up for it all! The natural light up here is amazing. It can heat up, but the curtains I made out of white sheets helps so much when the sun gets too intense in the later afternoon.

My work space is constantly evolving as my projects do. One of my latest improvements to this space is adding all the storage baskets to my sewing desk. It makes this space look much less cluttered, and more cohesive. I found all these at the thrift shop and spent less than $5 each!

I love having all my yarn on an open shelf. For years I kept it in plastic bins, and it was so hard to feel creative when all those colors and textures were hiding behind each other and smushed. This shelf keeps me inspired. I may not keep it super tidy, but even messy ends have a certain charm of their own, don’t you think?

I actually do still keep a plastic bin of yarn under my sewing desk. It’s all the yarn that I no longer am inspired by, or pieces that are too small for a size run of bonnets. I keep this older yarn around for our little friends who come visit. Most of the kids who come to my house know that there is yarn upstairs and a friendly lady (that’s me!) ready to teach the next stitch whenever they ask!

You can see how this space has evolved in these older blog posts…from when we first moved in and I was still sewing on an old fold out table to when my custom sewing desk was brand new.

Thanks for stopping by!

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

4 Easy and Quick Knit and Crochet Baby Bonnet Patterns for You to Make

It’s been a dream of mine for a few years now to have a collection of patterns available for you. This is just the beginning, because in my dream, there’s going to be a lot more where this came from!

Here is a round-up of the baby hat patterns I’ve made this last year and I’ve been so thankful for the wonderful response from all the people who have bought and made these patterns with great success!

Both knit and crochet patterns are available as well as FREE patterns and lessons to get you started!

Crochet Baby Bonnet Patterns

Heirloom Bonnet Crochet Pattern

This simple Heirloom Crochet Bonnet is a great beginning bonnet pattern. Mostly made with single crochet stitches and an easy to read pattern. I highly suggest using Magnolia and Oak Fibers Baby Alpaca yarn, once you do, you’ll never want to crochet with anything else! See this blog post for more details: Simple Crochet Baby Bonnet Pattern Blog post.

Crochet Shell Pixie Bonnet Pattern

Any child who wears bonnets definantly needs a pixie bonnet in their collection! This Crochet Pixie Bonnet pattern is crocheted with a shell stitch that creates a beautiful texture. See this blog post for more details on this pattern: Make Your Own Crochet Baby Pixie Bonnet blog post.

Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern

For those of you who really want to make one of these crochet bonnets, but need to learn still, or want an easier project to warm up with, then grab this FREE Crochet Dishcloth Pattern, and visit my Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons Series. You CAN do this!

I find that I equally love knitting and crocheting. Anything with yarn, people! But I’m well aware that many of you prefer one to the other, or have only learned one so far. For those of you who are knitters…

Knit Baby Bonnet Patterns

Knit Garden Bonnet Pattern

Bonnets are so quick to knit up that they are the perfect project for learning new stitches and techniques. This sweet Garden Baby Bonnet uses a technique called stranded colorwork, where you use two strands of different colored yarn to create a color design. See this blog post for more details: The Garden Lattice Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern.

Knit Checkerboard Bonnet Pattern

Knitting is really just different combinations of Knits and Purls, right? Well this Checkerboard Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern uses knits and purls to create a classic checkerboard texture. For more details you can read: Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern :: A Chunky Checkerboard blog post.

Free Knit Scarf Pattern

Need to warm up your knitting needles? This FREE Scarf Pattern is a great way to get your groove back, and learn a simple new stitch in the process. Complete with video tutorial to help you every step of the way.

I truly hope at least one of these patterns gets you excited and motivated to CREATE! When you finish your project, I’d love to see it! You can tag me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy.

Sign up for my newsletter and get %15 off your next purchase in my shop, including patterns! And be the first to know when new patterns and products are released.

xo Emily

Are You Ready to Knit a Sweater?

Once you learn how to knit a baby sweater, there’ll be no stopping you! Sweaters for all the babies!!!

Knitting a sweater always has felt like the measure of wether you can call yourself an experienced knitter or not. But really, isn’t it all just combinations of knits and purls? There are definitely some perks to knitting a sweater, the obvious being the fact that you now own a handmade quality, custom, wardrobe staple that you will probably have for the rest of your life! Or in this case, you’d be able to pass down a baby sized sweater to your grandchildren’s grandchildren.

Knitting your first sweater can feel a little daunting so buying a kit may make it easier to just dive right in! Wool and the Gang makes all sorts of knitting and crochet kits that include the pattern, yarn, and tools you’ll need to complete your project. No guess work on what size yarn would work best, or time lost gathering needles you don’t have.

This sweet baby sweater kit from Wool and the Gang is called the “Mamma Sweater” and is mainly knit up in the seed stitch which gives it that great texture. I love the bold blocks of color too. Baby sweaters are a great way to start your sweater making skills because they knit up so much quicker! However, you still get the practice of following a more complex pattern, piecing your project together, and probably learning new stitch techniques along the way.

Sweater weather is also a sure sign that it’s bonnet weather too! Hand made goodies from head to toe, what a treat! This Blue Corduroy Sherpa Baby Bonnet in Mustard Corduroy sure looks cute with this color block knit sweater! Bring on the hand made coziness!!!

xo Emily

p.s. Looking for an easier knit to get started with? Try my Golden Hour Scarf pattern with video tutorial to guide you along the way!

p.p.s. Interested in more inspiration and motivation to get knitting? Visit my “How to Knit” Pinterest board!

Looking for more patterns to make? Check these out!

Come to the Beach with Us :: a Video

Take a trip to one of our favorite beaches with us! Ruby takes the camera and catches a few glimpses of our trek to the beach and behind the scenes of our scarf photo shoot on location.

I love this video for so many reason! First of all, this memory of laughing with my daughter. Teens really are special people and I love getting to be a part of the awesome woman she is becoming. Of course, the fact that we love where we live and we can share this special place with you via video is another reason I love this. And getting to combine my two passions, nature and creating, into one visual explosion is beyond thrilling!

You already saw the outtakes to this video, and if you haven’t, it’s worth a good laugh. We really do have a lot of fun together! You can watch it here.

And to get your hands on one of these scarves, you’ll find them in my shop.

Or if you’d rather make your own, I’ve got a free pattern for you here!

xo Emily

Check out the new scarves in the shop here and as always, become a new subscriber to my newsletter and get 15% off your first purchase, and once you're on the list, you’ll be the first to know when new products are added to the shop.

Free Knit Scarf Pattern: The Golden Hour Scarf

I have a free scarf pattern for you!

There’s no better way to learn to knit than to get yourself a simple pattern that pushes your skills just a little bit. This pattern is the perfect project for someone who knows the basics of knits and purls and wants to learn the next step.

It’s also the perfect pattern for all you advanced knitters who need a quick and simple project to work on at the end of a long day, while you zone out in front of Netflix.

Grab your free pattern!

Golden Hour Knit Scarf Pattern

I called this the Golden Hour scarf, because it’s just the thing you’ll be grabbing for, that pretty time of night called “golden hour”, when you rush out the door to watch the sun sink towards the horizon. It’ll be your sunset scarf! Or maybe your more of a sunrise scarf kind of gal? I’m pretty sure this scarf will satisfy in both cases.

There’s a Bonus for You Beginners!

I’ve even added a bonus for any of you who are a little intimidated with reading knit patterns, or with trying new stitches. Included with the free pattern, I’ve included a link to a video tutorial, which walks you through each row and how to do it! It’s like I’m sitting on the couch right next to you!

The Perfect Handmade Gift!

Now is the time to start making a bunch of these, because once you make your own, you’re going to want to make one for every one on your Christmas list!

Grab your FREE pattern here: Golden Hour Knit Scarf Pattern. And if you want to brush up on your crochet skills as well, you can also grab my FREE Crochet Dishcloth Pattern!

Don’t feel like your ready yet to knit your own? That’s okay. You can still have your own Golden Hour Scarf, I’ll make it for you! Head over to the Blue Corduroy shop and pick the color you like best.

xo Emily