handmade by stefanie

I'm so excited to share my newest pattern with you today, which also happens to be my first-ever crochet pattern! Ever since I got into crocheting amigurumi, I've been wanting to create a sister version of my knitted Button Bunnies pattern. After months (and maybe even years) of having this in my design queue, the Crochet Button Bunny is born! I used Maxima and Clasica yarns from Manos Del Uruguay , both of which are single-ply worsted weight yarns, which are ideal for crocheting - no splitting plies as you work. They're dyed in an array of beautiful colors at co-ops in Uruguay, and all Manos yarns are certified Fair Trade , which is pretty cool! Click here to get the FREE pattern on the Knitter's Pride blog!   My other FO this week is another Zoom Loom Turtle , which I made with destash yarn using the instructions from the DJE Handwovens Turtle Critter Kit . These fun kits were designed especially for use with Zoom Loom swatches, and there are several diff...

A few finished projects flew in under my radar, which is a shame since this first one especially would have been timely if I'd shared it on here when it was still fresh.  Presenting Zipper the Easter Bunny , who was knit in a day on March 28th (see what I mean?) by Rav user mimulus .  Oh so adorable! The main color is Plymouth Encore Worsted Tweed with some mystery yarn for the contrast pocket.  Take note for next year, I suppose! (you should also check out mimulus' blog - there is an awesome pattern for a Distinguished Gentleman's Wig awaiting you!) This second finished project was  the March Monthly Mystery Project for Tangled Purls in Salem, OR .  A while back, they contacted me for permission to use my free pattern for the Reversible Cabled Wrist Warmers in a class - and naturally, I said yes!  Then, as is my wont, I completely forgot about it til I came across BlueDragon 's finished project on Ravelry.  Hoping to see more finished wrist w...

Snow is less fun if you have to fly. I just got back to Chicago after a whirlwind weekend in Phoenix, drawing this crazy month of traveling to a close - Kansas City, Orlando, and finally, the TNNA show in Phoenix....I couldn't be more relieved to retire my suitcase to the back of the closet for a while!  Leaving town was a bit of a nail-biter, being that there was a winter storm advisory in Chicago (and elsewhere, for that matter) all day long.  I consider myself lucky that I was only delayed an hour, considering how many flights were canceled that day.  Another perk: I cleared security in less than five minutes (that's even with a pat-down because I didn't want to do those creepy body-scanner cancer machines)!  I don't think I've ever seen the security line as empty as it was last Friday.  While I didn't get to see much of Phoenix, I had a really fantastic time.  Being able to meet many of the people I've been corresponding with via e-mail and twitte...

Mercourier has whipped up another adorable Button Bunny - this medium-size bunny only took a day from start to finish! If you're having any last-minute gifting emergencies, the fastest toy in the midwest is just what you need (and it's not too late to get 20% off your pattern purchase - just enter "GiftCute" at checkout!) Pattern:  Button Bunnies Yarn: The Wool Dispensary Greater Poison in Aerial Ballet (MC) and Georgia Building Castles (CC) Hello there.

Mr. Nubbins by Mercourier I don't want to stress you out by saying how many sleeps we have til xmas or anything, but it's go time!  I'm all about fast gifts I can make in a day (or two), and in the spirit of panicked last-minute knitting projects, I'm offering 20% off ALL of my patterns - just enter "GiftCute" at checkout! Then get ready to Gift Cute for real - because it's Mr. Nubbins to the rescue!  He and his counterpart, Lady Nubbins , are knit out of big 'ol bulky wool and fly off those US#13 needles. Button Bunnies I made all three Button Bunnies in a weekend's time, and you can make the whole trio or just knit one up for gifting purposes.  They're sure to delight no matter what!  Alien Hand Puppets are an adorable quick gift for young nieces and nephews.  If you make some out of cotton or bamboo and embroider eyes instead of using safety eyes, they'll double as fun washcloths for bathtime! Alien Hand Puppet Then ...

The theme of today is Minneapolis.  Why, you ask? Button Bunnies! Reason #1:  The Button Bunny Kits I made in conjunction with The Wool Dispensary will be at the Sweatshop of Love booth at this weekend's No Coast Craft Fair ! Reason #2:  Earlier this week, I was the guest blogger/resident indie rock nerd on the Vegan Craftastic blog!  Click here to check out this fantastic Minneapolitan's blog (is that the proper term for a person who resides in Minneapolis?).  She has invited various guest bloggers to share their top picks for holiday gifting this year.  If you're scratching your head wondering what to get that hard-to-buy person in your family, let one of the many gift guides on the Vegan Craftastic blog point you in the right direction! Everything you need, just add stuffing! I've only been to Minneapolis a handful of times, and it's a lovely city (though unfortunately, we've never had much luck playing shows there for whatever reason -...

...a Zombie Bunny with a pom-pom tail.  NOTHING. (this is my way of saying "Happy Thanksgiving," apparently) Rav user Mercourier - aka my buddy Sam, proprietress extraordinaire of The Wool Dispensary - recently made this zombie bunny who uses its snuggliness to its advantage so it may feast on your brains.  She used the Button Bunnies pattern, The Wool Dispensary Greater Poison in a new mystery colorway for the MC and Riverpoet Fiber and Yarn in "Blood Orange Massacre" for the CC....not to mention pink safety eyes and a cool skull toggle button to great effect! Hope you have a wonderful holiday today - and remember, tomorrow is BUY NOTHING DAY (for real).  On Saturday, be sure to support your LYS and other small businesses, tooo (such as The Wool Dispensary , or perhaps an independent designer whose blog you enjoy reading??)!