Category: Uncategorized

  • 12 Days of Christmas: Designer Roundup

    12 Days of Christmas: Designer Roundup

    For Day 4 in my 12 Days of Christmas, I’m stepping outside of the Yarn + Chai walls for a bit!

    I spent some time this morning exploring the blogs of several designers that I admire, and it was so fun. As a designer myself, creating new patterns is my full time job and I very, very rarely get the chance to make something that someone else designed. There is so much beauty and creativity out there! And there’s more than enough room for all of it.

    So with that said, for Day 4 I want to introduce you to some other blogs that I love, and share my favorite pattern from their collections. If you’ve been looking for modern patterns for a while, you’ll probably recognize these designers or their work, but if you’re new to the craft, you definitely don’t want to miss out on them! If you love my patterns, I think you’ll love theirs, too. Be sure to take a look around their blogs… you might find a new designer to add to your favorites list.


    The Snowbound Pullover
    by Make & Do Crew

    You’ll find no shortage of beautiful wearables on Jess’ blog! This one caught my attention because it’s crocheted top-down, yoke style. I have yet to try that method myself!


    Fleece Teddy + Bunny by All About Ami

    This adorable pair of furry friends stood out right away because of the simple, timeless look they have. So precious. And you’re sure to love all of the gorgeous photography on Stephanie’s blog!


    Sherpa Coat by Mama In A Stitch

    A sherpa coat? Yes please! Jessica has a ton of cute wearables on her blog, and if you’re a knitter (even a beginning knitter!) there are plenty of patterns for your needles, too!


    Braided Beanie by Cute As A Button Crochet

    Using different textures in a project and keeping it modern is a delicate balance, and Esther does it really well. I love this beanie pattern and I spy some SC in FLO, a stitch I’m loving myself right now!


    Snowy Mountains Baby Blanket by Daisy Farm Crafts

    Tiffany and Hannah are the mother-daughter duo behind Daisy Farm Crafts and the huge library of blanket patterns it has! I’m absolutely in love with the design and colors in the Snowy Mountains Baby Blanket.


    Which of these designers were you already a fan of? Did you discover anyone new, or find a gorgeous pattern to add to your list? I’d love to know!

    Click here to return to the 12 Days of Christmas.

  • 12 Days of Christmas: Chai Latte Mix

    12 Days of Christmas: Chai Latte Mix

    For Day 2 of my 12 Days of Christmas, I’m giving you a pattern of a different kind. Because what is a recipe, really, but a pattern for how to create something delicious?

    It’s probably obvious that I love chai. (And since I have an international audience, let me clarify — I love masala chai! Here in the States, we just call it chai.)

    Whether it’s hot, over ice, or frozen, this blend of spices always seems to hit the spot for me.

    One of my absolute favorite treats, though, has long been the vanilla chai latte. Perfect for a cold winter evening of crocheting in front of the fireplace, a chai latte combines classic chai spices with the comforting texture of steamed milk.

    It can cost a pretty penny to run to the coffee shop all the time for my favorite treat, so I’ve started making my own chai powder mix at home, and I’m sharing my recipe with you!

    It’s so simple, and totally customizable to your preferred tastes. (For instance, a lot of other recipes call for ginger, but unless it’s in gingerbread form, I’m really not a fan… so I leave that flavor out.)

    After some trial and error, here’s the blend I’ve settled on:

    After adding everything to a mixing bowl, it’s just a matter of stirring it up really well. That’s it!

    Isn’t it pretty!?

    You can also add the blend to a food processor, in order to get all those spices really fine and well blended. The finer they are, the better they’ll dissolve and the fewer you’ll find at the bottom of your mug.

    Add a couple of tablespoons to a mug of hot water (or use your Keurig!) and enjoy. For an even milkier taste, use hot milk in place of the water. (The dry blend includes powdered milk, so you’ll get some milkiness even if you use water.)

    Scroll down for the recipe!


    Chai Latte Mix

    INGREDIENTS

    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 3/4 cup instant tea
    • 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
    • 1/2 cup powdered vanilla creamer
    • 1/4 cup malt powder
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

    INSTRUCTIONS

    Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir until blended. (Optional: add to a food processor to grind mix into a finer powder.)

    To use: Add 2 tablespoons to a mug of hot water or milk.

    Enjoy!

    Click here to return to the 12 Days of Christmas homepage.

  • 12 Days of Christmas: Handmade Holidays Gift List

    12 Days of Christmas: Handmade Holidays Gift List

    Day 1 in my 12 Days of Christmas is this free printable for a Handmade Holidays Gift List!

    I use a list like this each Christmas to keep track of what I’m crocheting for different family members. There’s a checkbox for having your supplies ready (do you need to raid your stash, or hit up the yarn store?), completing the item, and having it wrapped and ready to give. I include that last checkbox because I have a tendency to underestimate how long it’s actually going to take me to wrap things, and that extra needed time can really catch me off guard during those last couple days before Christmas.

    I hope this free downloadable PDF will be helpful to you as you create a Handmade Holiday for the ones you love!

    Click here to download the Handmade Holidays Gift List PDF.

    Click here to return to the 12 Days of Christmas!

  • 12 Days of Christmas

    12 Days of Christmas

    It’s December. I can hardly wrap my head around this.

    The month of December gives me mixed feelings. I have a deep love for the Christmas season and it gives me so much joy, but I also know how quickly it will go. Am I the only one who starts mourning the passing of Christmas before it’s even here? I’m so conflicted!

    Anyways, I wanted to do something special for you this year. I’ve put together twelve days of things that will, I hope, bring you a little joy. Each day holds a surprise: maybe a new pattern, or something to help you get organized, or maybe just something to bring a smile to your face.

    There aren’t any gimmicks here, just twelve days of fun little surprises. My 12 Days of Christmas!

    Come back each day (through 12/12/21) to see what’s new. If you miss a day or two, or you’re coming to this page long after Christmas 2021, no worries… it’s all here for you!

    Merry Christmas, dear yarnie friends!

    The 1st Day of Christmas:

    Handmade Holidays Gift List (Printable)

    Click here to keep all of your handmade gift plans organized with this simple printable!

    The 2nd Day of Christmas:

    Chai Latte Mix (Recipe)

    Click here to make your own version of one of my favorite yummy treats!

    Three crocheted ear warmers

    The 3rd Day of Christmas:

    Chunky Twisted Earwarmer (Pattern)

    Click here for a great last-minute gift idea!

    The 4th Day of Christmas:

    Designer Roundup

    If you love Yarn + Chai patterns, I think you’ll go crazy for these designers, too!
    (Photo via Jess Coppom at makeanddocrew.com)

    The 5th Day of Christmas:

    Mobile Phone Wallpaper

    Click here to get something pretty for your phone!

    The 6th Day of Christmas:

    Yarn Ball Gift Tags

    Click here and choose between gift tags for your printer or gift tags for your cutting machine… there’s something for everyone!

    The 7th Day of Christmas:

    The Rhylee Scarf (Pattern)

    Click here for this cute, beginner-friendly pattern!

    The 8th Day of Christmas:

    “Please Excuse the Mess” Printable

    Click here to download this cute (and honest) printable!

    The 9th Day of Christmas:

    DIY Christmas Tree Gift Tags

    Click here to make these easy gift tags with cardstock and yarn!

    The 10th Day of Christmas:

    Oldies But Goodies

    Click here to take a trip down my memory lane of printables!

    The 11th Day of Christmas:

    DIY Gift Card Holder

    Click here to make these cute gift card holders!

    The 12th Day of Christmas:

    Maisy’s Holiday Dog Scarf (pattern)

    Click here for the new pattern… and use coupon code “MAISY” to grab the ad-free PDF version for FREE!

  • Handmade Holidays: Free Printable Checklist

    Handmade Holidays: Free Printable Checklist

    Need a little help organizing you handmade gift list?

    I’ve got you covered!

    I always start to panic a little once Thanksgiving is over, because there’s nothing else really standing between me and Christmas. But organizing my gifting plans onto paper always helps!

    So, I made a checklist for myself. I thought you might be able to use it, too.

    This simple, clean checklist includes the name of the recipient and the gift you plan to make for them, as well as checkboxes for:

    • Supplies Readyย (I like to know if I already have what I need on hand, or if another shopping trip is required.)
    • Completeย (don’t check until those ends are woven in…)
    • Wrapped & Readyย (that’s when it’sย reallyย done!)

    If this is something you think you can use, download it for free right now!

    Enjoy!

  • Mug Rug

    Mug Rug

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    This project is part of the Yarn Stash Challenge. For more great ideas, or to join the fun, visit theย Yarn Stash Challengeย blog post!

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    A set of coasters is a quick, easy project, and it’s a great stashbuster, too! One of my favorite styles of coaster is known as a “mug rug” because it looks just like a tiny rug. How cute is that?

    The Process

    All you need for this pattern are several skeins of the same yarn weight. I used 5 skeins of #3 yarn and chose shades of blue, tan and ivory, with some white furry yarn thrown in there too.

    After I choose my yarn, I simply crocheted rows of SC, fastening off and changing colors every row. I added fringe to the sides, pulling the row ends through with the added fringe to keep everything secure. Then I trimmed the fringe. Done!

    I’ll write out the actual pattern below, but feel free to adjust it to make it your own!

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Prefer a PDF?

    This pattern can be completed using the 100% free version right here on this page. However, many people prefer the convenience of a printable, ad-free PDF.

    All-Access Passholders get the ad-free version of this and all of my other blog patterns. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if I do say so myself! Learn more about it here or continuing scrolling for the free version.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Mug Rug

    View on Ravelry

    Difficulty:ย Easy

    Finished Size: 5.5″ wide x 4.25″ tall (excludes fringe)

    Yarn:ย #3 weight yarn in 5 different colors. Feel free to mix textures, brands, and fibers. You’ll only need about 30 yards combined. (See Notes for my specific yarn choices.)

    Hooks: F (4.0mm)

    Gauge:ย 4 SC x 5.5 rows = 1″

    You’ll also need:ย Scotch tape

    Terms and Abbreviations:
    ST/STS
    ย (stitch/stitches)
    CHย (chain)
    SCย (single crochet)

    Notes:
    (1) This pattern is writtenย in American Standard Terms.
    (2)ย The specific yarns I used in my samples are:

    • COLOR A: Loops & Threads Coastal Cotton (in “Indigo”)
    • COLOR B: Yarn Bee Warm & Cozy (in “Oat”)
    • COLOR C: Yarn Bee Cloud 9 (in “Cream”)
    • COLOR D: Lion Brand Jeans (in “Brand New”)
    • COLOR E: Baby Bee Sweet Delight (in “Toy Elephant Marled”)

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    The Pattern

    The first thing you’ll want to do (if you’re following my color sequence) is label your yarns A, B, C, D, E so you know which goes where in the pattern. Follow this pattern:

    CH + Row 1:ย A
    Row 2:ย B
    Row 3:ย C
    Row 4:ย D
    Row 5:ย A
    Row 6:ย E
    Row 7:ย A
    Row 8:ย D
    Row 9:ย A
    Row 10:ย B
    Row 11:ย A
    Row 12:ย D
    Row 13:ย A
    Row 14:ย E
    Row 15:ย A
    Row 16:ย D
    Row 17:ย A
    Row 18:ย B
    Row 19:ย A
    Row 20: D
    Row 21:ย C
    Row 22:ย E
    Row 23:ย A

    – – –

    To Begin:ย With COLOR A, CH23.

    Row 1:ย SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. Switch to next color; fasten off. (22)

    Rows 2-22: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. Switch to next color; fasten off. (22)

    Row 23: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. Fasten off. (22)

    Here’s what we have so far:

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Fringe
    Attach fringe using these instructions and the photo below:

    1. Insert hook in between the first two yarn tails. Cut a small strand of yarn that matches one of them and wrap it around the hook.
    2. Pull new yarn through to create a small loop.
    3. Take the 2 tails of the new yarnย and the yarn ends on either side of your loop in your hand. You should have 4 strands.
    4. Pull all four strands down through the loop.
    5. Tighten the knot using the two tails of the new yarn.Repeat instructions 1-5, moving down both sides of the mug rug until all ends have been combined into fringe, then move on to #6.
    6. Lay mug rug flat and smooth out the fringe so that it isn’t tangled. Tape ย it down with a piece of scotch tape wherever you want to cut it, then cut along the tape to get rid of the excess yarn.

    Done!

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Don’t forget to share your finished project!

    Share it on FB, in our FB group, in other groups, on Instagram… wherever you want to spread joy! Be sure to hashtag #yarnstashchallenge and tag me @yarnandchai.design so I can see it, too!

  • Special Gifts for Special Teachers

    Special Gifts for Special Teachers


    Teachers have always been at the top of my list of awesome people, but never more so than this year. Over the last two months I’ve watched my sons’ teachers pull off miracles, juggling a completely unfamiliar method of teaching with caring for their own families and mental health. Several people have said to me, “I can’t imagine being in your position and doing this quarantine with young children.” And my response is always, “and can you imagine doing this with young children and being a teacher!?”

    So this year, it’s more important than ever that we remember to say “thank you” to the superstar men and women who help educate and love on our kids. If you need some ideas for end-of-the-school-year gifts, here are some free patterns from my blog that are quick to make and bound to be cherished!

    The Mosaic Basket

    Fill it with candy, mini hand sanitizers, gift cards… there are so many possibilities for this practical and beautiful gift.

    View Pattern

    Mini Beach Bag Gift Card Holder

    Bring a little bit of the beach to your favorite teacher! This adorable pattern includes a printable insert for the cute summertime items peeking out of it.

    View Pattern

    Hook & Needle Basket

    Forget the hooks… fill this simple basket with high-quality, pre-sharpened pencils, and you’ll have discovered the way to an elementary teacher’s heart.

    View Pattern

    Mug Rugs

    Most teachers I know run on coffee… so give them a gift they’ll use every day! Mug rugs are so simple, you’ll be able to whip up a set of four or more in no time.

    View Pattern

    Desktop Succulent

    Teachers already have enough to take care of… so this impossible-to-kill succulent will be the perfect thing to brighten up their desk!

    View Pattern


    Ad-Free PDF Versions

    All of the patterns above are FREE on my blog, but if you want the convenience of printable, ad-free PDFs, you can get them right here with the All-Access Pass!

    Here’s to all the awesome teachers out there!

  • The Yarn Stash Challenge

    The Yarn Stash Challenge

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    You’ll find the projects for the Yarn Stash Challenge right here as they are added!
    Scroll down for details about this fun event.

    Challenge #1: Yarn Wall Hanging
    Challenge #2: Desktop Succulent
    Challenge #3: Yarn-Wrapped Bottles
    Challenge #4:ย Mug Rugs

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Hey friends!

    Chances are, you’re stuck at home right now. If you’re like me and crocheting provides you with a sense of calm in a crazy world, it can be tough to think about not wandering any yarn aisles for who knows how long.

    So I, like many of you, have been looking to my current yarn stash for ideas.

    To be honest, my yarn stash is not that big. I get overwhelmed easily, so I tend to “de-stash” every so often to keep things simple. But when I really stop and think about it, there are lots of things I can do with the yarn I have!

    So with that in mind, I’ve decided it’s time for a Yarn Stash Challenge. And I would love for YOU to join me!

    Here’s How It Works

    A few times a week (at least that’s the goal), I’ll post a project idea that you can probably complete with the yarn you already have. It might be a crochet pattern, or it might be another creative yarn craft, but either way, it’ll be fun and doable. There’s no time limit, and no real rules; just have fun! When you’re done with yours, be sure to post it in our Facebook group so we can all admire it together!

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Click here to join the Yarn + Chai Facebook Group.

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    Besides posting in the group, I would love for you to spread the fun by posting in your other Facebook groups, on your regular FB page or Instagram, or anywhere else you think it might brighten someone’s day. Be sure to hashtag #yarnstashchallenge and tag me @yarnandchai.design, too!

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    #yarnstashchallenge ย  ย  ย | ย  ย  ย @yarnandchai.design

    – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

    We’re In This Together

    I hope this challenge provides you with something fun to do as we wait this out. And in the process, you’ll have opportunities to add some beauty to your home, or joy to someone else’s life. I’m excited and I hope you are too!

  • Baskets!

    Baskets!

    You want to know what a fun, easy, quick project is in the dead heat of summer?

    Baskets!

    I’ve never published basket patterns before now, and I’ll tell you why. It’s because I didย not like making them. I’d made one back in the day (which still graces my dining room), but I didn’t enjoy the process because my hands justย achedย all the way through. Using crazy thick yarn with an unnaturally tiny hook is a recipe for wrist issues, and so the idea of ever making a basket again was not really an option for me.

    Until I decided there had to be a better way!

    And once I figured out how to make beautiful baskets without killing my hands, I went a little crazy and ended up designing 4 patterns. I think you’ll love this method — not only does it save you the pain, but it produces professional-grade baskets that are significantly sturdier than any crocheted baskets I’ve seen, and it all comes down to the addition of one thing – plastic canvas! (Seems obvious now, right?)

    As usual, my patterns are 100% free on the blog; but if you prefer the ad-free PDF versions, you can grab the All Access Pass, which includes all four of these patterns and every single other pattern in my library!

    So, scroll down, click the basket that strikes your fancy, and get ready to make a piece of beautiful decor that will last for years to come.

    Nautical Basket

    Mosaic Basket (with full video tutorial!)

    Mini Nesting Baskets

    Hook & Needle Basket

  • Midwife Blanket (Swedish)

    Mรถnstret รคr รถversatt av Elin Mรคenpรครค (mrsmaenpaa.wordpress.com)

     

    The Midwife Blanket (Svensk รถversรคttning)

    Lรคgg upp: 118 lm

    Varv 1: St i 6:e lm fr. nรฅlen. (1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 lm, st i nรคsta lm) till slutet. 4 lm. Vรคnd.

    Varv 2: Hoppa รถver 2 fรถrsta m, st i nรคsta 15 m, รคven i lm frรฅn fรถregรฅende varv. (1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 m, st i nรคsta 15 m) 6 gรฅnger till. 1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 m, st i nรคsta maska (som รคr frรฅn de 4 lm frรฅn fรถregรฅende varv). 4 lm. Vรคnd.

    Varv 3: Hoppa รถver 2 fรถrsta m, st i nรคsta 6 m, 3 lm, hoppa รถver 3 m, st i nรคsta 6 m. (1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 m, st i nรคsta 6 m. 3 lm, hoppa รถver 3 m, st i nรคsta 6 m,) 6 gรฅnger till. 1 lm, st i nรคsta m, (som รคr frรฅn de 4 lm frรฅn fรถregรฅende varv). 4 lm. Vรคnd.

    Varv 4: Hoppa รถver 2 fรถrsta m, st i nรคsta 4 m, 3 lm, hoppa รถver 3 m, 1 SMYGMASKA i nรคsta maska, 3 lm, hoppa รถver nรคsta 3 m, st i nรคsta 4 m. (1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 m, st i nรคsta 4 m, 3 lm, hoppa รถver 3 m, 1 SMYGMASKA i nรคsta m, 3 lm, hoppa รถver nรคsta 3 m, st i nรคsta 4 m) 6 gรฅnger till. 1 lm, st i nรคsta m, (som รคr frรฅn de 4 lm frรฅn fรถregรฅende varv). 4 lm. Vรคnd.

    Varv 5: Hoppa รถver 2 fรถrsta m, st i nรคsta 6 m, (glรถm inte att inkludera lm frรฅn fรถreg. varv!), 3 lm, hoppa รถver 3 m, st i nรคsta 6 m, (1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 m, st i nรคsta 6 m, 3 lm, hoppa รถver 3 m, st i nรคsta 6 m) 6 gรฅnger till. 1 lm, st i nรคsta m, (som รคr frรฅn de 4 lm i fรถregรฅende varv). 4 lm. Vรคnd.

    Varv 6: Hoppa รถver 2 fรถrsta m, st i nรคsta 15 m, (1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 m, st i nรคsta 15 m) 6 gรฅnger till. 1 lm, st i nรคsta m (som รคr frรฅn de 4 lm i fรถregรฅende varv). 4 lm. Vรคnd.

    Varv 7: Hoppa รถver 2 fรถrsta m, st i nรคsta m, (1 lm, hoppa รถver 1 m, st i nรคsta m) till slutet. 4 lm. Vรคnd.

    Du har nu slutfรถrt en rad med rektangler. Fรถr att fortsรคtta pรฅ filten, repetera varv 2-7, 10 gรฅnger till eller sรฅ mรฅnga gรฅnger du vill fรถr att fรฅ รถnskad lรคngd. Nรคr du avslutar ditt sista varv, skippa de 4 lm och fortsรคtt till “Kantbรฅrd”.

    Kantbรฅrd:

    1 lm, 1 fm+1 st i fรถrsta lmb. St i m som avskiljer de tvรฅ lmb. 1 st + 1 fm i 2:a lmb. Det hรคr รคr en “udd”. (Hoppa รถver nรคsta m som avskiljer lmb, 1 fm + 1 st i lmb, St i nรคsta m som avskiljer lmb. 1 st + 1 fm i 2:a lmb.) Repetera () runt hela filten. (Jag lade till en st i hรถrnen).