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Archive: Patterns

April 23, 2012

How-To: Lace Dress Pattern

This lace dress from Kate at See Kate Sew is just too cute! The ruffle collar contrasts perfectly with the delicate lace in the dress, and the effect is pretty, but not too formal.

Want to make your own? You can download a PDF of the pattern on See Kate Sew!

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March 29, 2012

Create Free Cross-Stitch Patterns from Images with MyPhotoStitch.com

As someone who painstakingly designs cross-stitch patterns in Illustrator, I almost feel like I'm doing something wrong by telling you about MyPhotoStitches.com. But, when I saw it on on StitchPunk this morning, I new I had to try it out. Then, once I did, I knew I had to share it with you guys!

The idea is simple: You upload an image, then MyPhotoStitch.com will generate a free cross-stitch pattern based on the colors it finds. You can use the simple form to make a quick pattern, or you can use the advanced form to make more specific adjustments like cloth size selection, image enhancement, and color maximums and minimums.

I wanted to try something simple to start out, so I uploaded my three-color blog icon. When I clicked submit, the site generated my pattern, and I was able to download a PDF that included a pixelated image with suggested floss colors (matched to DMC numbers) and a detailed pattern grid in multiple sections. This is the first section of the resulting pattern. There are a few extra colors around the edges, but my icon is completely recognizable. Pretty great, right?

I think that MyPhotoStitch.com is a valuable resource for generating quick-and-dirty patterns while stitching on the fly, and it definitely simplifies the pattern-making process for more complex images, like family photos. It's very easy to use, so I think it's a great option for crafters who want to stitch a specific pattern, but don't have the time and/or skills to take on a large-scale design project.

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January 26, 2012

Project: Smitten Softspot Knitted Heart

By Lauren O'Farrell
All images copyright Lauren O'Farrell

Mushy love stuff ahoy! It's nearly Valentine's Day - the time of the year when you bellow, "I HEART YOU!" with something handmade. Fancy stitching something squishy to profess your undying amour? Then it's about time you met the Smitten Softspot, a handmade heart that only has eyes for its owner. Awwwwww.

This kooky little knit was originally created for Knit the City's "Hubbub of Hearts" yarnstorm in February 2011. Knit the City is London's most infamous sneaky stitching collective, and there are persistent rumors that I may be Deadly Knitshade, founder of the graffiti group and author of the Knit the City book.

While I couldn't possibly confirm or deny this, I can share this pattern from one of KTC's most daring feats: a string of handmade hearts that were hung from the bow of the statue in the middle of Piccadilly Circus, one of London's busiest tourist areas. The bow was roughly 26 feet above the ground and the yarnstorm (that's what us UK knitters call a graffiti knitting installation) took place in broad daylight with a couple of hundred passers-by milling about.

Of course, you don't need to hang your Smitten Softspot from great heights. You can give him away, leave him somewhere for a random stranger to feel the love, or just keep him to yourself. I won't tell.

Warning: Cannot be used as an alternative to human heart in transplant or sacrifice situations. It's just not gory enough.

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January 16, 2012

How-To: Crochet Amigurumi Baby Hat

I can't stand how cute this baby is! And the teddy bear crochet hat, too. Jane at Jennyandteddy gives us this adorable amigurumi pattern and says that even a crochet beginner can whip one out in no time.

January 13, 2012

How-To: Travel Checkers

Tanya from Grand Revival Design recently published her new book, Sew What You Love: The Easiest, Prettiest Projects Ever. To celebrate, she stopped by Sew, Mama, Sew! to talk about the book and share her adorable travel checkers pattern, which you can download for free on the site!

January 2, 2012

How-To: Knitted Mushroom Wrist Warmers

These knitted mushroom wrist warmers from Adrian at Hello Yarn definitely speak to my inner funky forest sprite! Ready to get your colorwork on? Head over to the site to download the free pattern.

[Via Pinterest]

December 22, 2011

Sketchy Cats Embroidery Pattern

As a special holiday treat, Heidi from Speckless shared this adorable kitty embroidery pattern with her readers. Head on over to her site to download it for yourself!

December 16, 2011

How-To: Modify a Dress Pattern to Make a Skirt

We've all seen a cute dress pattern, fallen in love with the flattering cut, and then thought, "I'd wear that all the time—if it were a skirt." Once again, Caitlin at The Coletterie comes to the rescue with a new tutorial for modifying a dress pattern to make only a skirt. I love the ladies at The Coletterie—they always come up with great tutorials that make pattern alteration actually make sense!

How-To: Felted Rainbow Pouch

Have a colorful little one who just can't leave home without her treasures in tow? She'll love this felted rainbow pouch from Michelle at Wee Folk Art! Head over to the site to see the simple knitting pattern and felting instructions.

December 7, 2011

How-To: Amigurumi Crocheted Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

When I saw this tiny crocheted Rudolph from Cult of Crochet, the cuteness was so overwhelming that I actually squeaked out loud. Need a teeny reindeer of your own? Head over to the site to see step-by-step instructions!

[Via Pinterest]

November 17, 2011

How-To: Tiny Crocheted Pear Pendant

If you need a little taste of warmer weather to carry along with you this winter, Heidi from Speckless has just the thing. Head over to her site to get the complete pattern and instructions for making her darling crocheted pear pendant. The mini pear looks great as a necklace, but they might also make fun ornaments for an offbeat Christmas tree. Partridge in a pear tree, anyone?

November 15, 2011

Pattern: Becoming Jane Sweater

Whether or not you're a Jane Austen fan, here's a free crochet pattern for this elegant Becoming Jane Sweater that is excerpted from the book, Austentatious Crochet: 36 Contemporary Designs from the World of Jane Austen. Alice from Future Girl also reviews the book, which she says not only contains crochet patterns, but is also filled with quotes from Austen's books, as well as other "Austen-y goodness."

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