Spring Dress Pattern for Girls

Spring Dress Pattern for Girls

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on February 15, 2017 | Leave a comment

I have been a big fan of Violette Field Threads patterns and tutorials for a couple years now…I have sewed up several (many?) of their patterns and they are so inspiring and well done.

I love that they include real pictures for each step of the pattern. The pictures make it very easy to follow and their steps are so clearly laid out. They always include just the right amount of instructions. Each pattern usually has one or two new things that I get to learn as I make the dress. The directions are always so helpful and I feel so proud at the end because I learned something new.

The Maisie dress and top pattern has a beautiful scoop back neckline and sleeve plackets that give it a vintage feel. It has such a beautiful, classic look that you could make it in any fabric for any occasion, even a solid color would be beautiful. This is the dress that really taught me about zippers. I’m not afraid of zippers now and actually prefer them over button holes. I bought a big bag of zippers and have converted several dresses from buttons to zippers…it’s pretty easy! My girls like zippers too – they can zip each other up when they get dressed…much faster than buttons.

I love to make bias tape using a method shared by Dana of Made Everyday. If you have never made bias tape before or are not a fan, she makes it really fun! I found her video tutorial to be very inspiring. One tip for these dresses – be sure to use the size 18 bias tape maker. It is the perfect width for these sleeve plackets. I have tried making it with the size 25 and because it made wider bias tape, my sleeves did not come out as neatly. I have plans to make some more bias tape from the extra fabric that I had left over. I’d love to make some matching hair bows or even just save it for a future project.

For these dresses, I used Rifle Paper Co’s Les Fleurs fabric line, manufactured by Cotton and Steel. I might have been hoarding this fabric since last fall when I was one of the first to buy it…this collection is so pretty and I wanted to find just the right dress to make with it. The floral print is Rosa in Periwinkle and the blue print is called Queen Anne in Pale Blue. I thought these prints were perfect for the Maisie dress pattern. The fabric quaility is excellent…on the thicker side for cotton, very durable, and doesn’t wrinkle too easily.

These would be perfect Easter dresses, or for any spring ocassion. The pattern comes with instructions to make a top as well, which I have also tried…adorable! So go grab your Maisie pattern and make a pretty dress for your favorite girl. And be sure to tell me about it! Tag me on Instagram or leave a comment below, I would love to see it!

*Some of the links above in this post are affiliate links.

T-shirt Dress Pattern by Brindille & Twig

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on February 11, 2017 | Leave a comment

I have been a big fan of Brindille & Twig for quite awhile now. Melissa makes adorable sewing patterns for baby and little kids. I just love using knit fabrics to sew for this age. My daughters are five and eight and really started loving my sewing creations when I started using more knits.

I have several Brindille & Twig patterns and they are my go-to patterns for baby gifts. They are so easy to use, with just the right amount of instructions. The sizing is always spot on and I know that every time I use one of these patterns, it’s going to come out great!

I used the T-Shirt Dress Pattern to make these dresses for my daughters. They love the long sleeves and my oldest even commented how she liked the tightness of these sleeves…not too loose. The pattern is very easy to follow. It includes instructions for sewing with and without a serger. I always use a zigzag stitch with knits if I can’t use my serger.

I love that my girls can be comfortable but still adorable in these gorgeous knits by Art Gallery Fabrics.

This dress is made using Paradis Sweet in Knit from Bari J’s Joie de Vivre collection. I think I could use every single print in this entire collection, Bari J’s work is just stunning.

The next dress below is also made from gorgeous fabric designed by Bari J. This is Bougainvillea Evergreen in Knit from her Sage collection. I think I could find something to made with every print from this collection as well! The color combinations are really uniqe and spot on with current trends. And you can see the influence of her palette painting technique in many of them.

I think the simplicity of this dress pattern really shows off the beauty of these fabrics. Simple accesories such as a handmade cowl or scarf are a fun finishing touch. I will have to write out this infinity scarf pattern for a future blog post so you can crochet your own.

Thanks for looking! Who would you sew the T-shirt dress pattern for?

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for all my latest sewing inspiration.

Women’s Waterfall Raglan by Chalk and Notch Patterns

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on February 6, 2017 | Leave a comment

Last week I had a chance to make several new tops for myself using the Women’s Waterfall Raglan pattern by Chalk and Notch.

This pattern is so versatile, you can make a top or a dress, and the sleeves come in short, 3/4, and long sleeves. You can also add a little pocket if you want…so many options. I could see myself making a 3/4 sleeve dress for spring in several colors. This is a great go-to pattern!

The pattern is beautifully written…there are links in the table of contents and a header on every page with links to take you right to the page you need. This saved me so much time and made it very easy to find directions without scrolling through page after page. The directions are thorough, so a novice sewer can learn how to sew with knits, make ruffles and pockets, and sew on a neckband. At the same time, it’s also easy for an experienced sewer to scan each page and find the directions you want. I also loved the abbreviated sewing tutorial on page 14, which is basically a quick and dirty cheat sheet with the steps summarized for those of us who don’t need thorough directions, just a quick reminder of what order to do everything in.

One of my favorite parts of making this top was discovering some new knit fabrics to work with. The one pictured is called Charcoal 2Tone 100% rayon jersey from Stylish Fabrics. I love the drape of this fabric…not too floppy so it’s fairly easy to work with, especially if you have a serger. It also doesn’t stretch as you sew it, which can be an issue with some thin, flowy knits. I would definitely use this fabric again since it comes in lots of colors…thinking about that spring dress that I want to make…

Stylish Fabric has generously offered a 15% discount on your next fabric purchase to all my readers! Use coupon code JEN at checkout. (P.S. Their prices are already really good!)

Let me know if you decide to make this pattern…I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram and be sure to follow me there for sneak peaks at all my sewing adventures!

Crochet for Beginners: Rocky Ridge Scarf Video Course

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on February 3, 2017 | Leave a comment

Today I’m happy to announce my second video course on Skillshare! If you joined me for my first course, The Weekend Throw, we had a great time making a super cozy and quick blanket from thick wool yarn. In today’s class, I teach you how to make this warm and cozy scarf that is full of texture and style. The best part is that it is easier to make than it looks. If you are new to crochet or just want to brush up on your skills, this class is for you!

All you really need to know how to do is chain and double crochet, but even if you don’t know how to do either of those, not to fear! I will walk you through each step of the way.

This class is great for a beginner who is familiar with chaining and double crochet and is ready to learn something new. The scarf is made up of all double crochets, I just show you how to place the stitches in some new ways to make a completely different look.

This scarf is made from my favorite super bulky yarn, so it works up quickly…because instant gratification is kind of what I love.

The class is on Skillshare, which is a great site for video courses on all kinds of crafty things…and MUCH more! It costs a small monthy fee to sign up for premium courses such as mine, and I feel it is definitely worth it. The Rocky Ridge Scarf course comes with a free PDF with all the information you need to make child and adult sizes.

Rocky Ridge Scarf Tools and Materials:

Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick (approximately 2 skeins for child size and 3 skeins for adult size)
Size N crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
Scarf pattern (free with your premium enrollment in the video course)

So hop on over to the course and check it out! Let me know in the comments below if you decide to sign up and be sure to tag me on Instagram @tealandfinch with your photos. I would LOVE to see your scarf!

*Some of the links above in this post are affiliate links.

Plum Creek Cowl Crochet Pattern

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on January 28, 2017 | Leave a comment

I am so excited to bring to you the Plum Creek Cowl, my newest crochet pattern. When I found this beautiful basketweave stitch (see how-to video below), I just knew I had to try it with super bulky yarn. This stitch pattern creates such a textured yet simple design that elevates any crochet piece to something special. Plus, there is some overlapping in the stitches, so it provides extra warmth. The best part is that this stitch is so easy to do…if you can double crochet, you can work this stitch. But if not, no worries, I have created a video tutorial for you below!

Tools & Materials:

Purchase the cowl pattern in all sizes for $5:
I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool…This is one of my favorite super bulky yarns. It is soft and flexible, not as stiff as some bulky yarns can be, so it’s perfect for a project like this.
Size N crochet hook I like large crochet hooks like this Clover one that have more of a rounded point because it doesn’t snag in the yarn as much. But if you have another favorite, go for it!
Yarn needle
Scissors

*Some of the links above in this post are affiliate links.

The pattern comes with sizing and instructions for toddler, child, youth, and adult x-small, small, medium, and large. I am always available to answer any questions you have via e-mail given in the pattern.

You can watch the basketweave stitch video tutorial for FREE here below and then purchase the cowl pattern in all sizes for $5:

I hope you enjoy and happy crocheting!

Be sure to share your photos by tagging me on Instagram @tealandfinch. I would LOVE to see them!

Crochet Pillow Cover Free Pattern

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on January 25, 2017 | 14 Comments

I’m so happy to share with you this new Crochet Pillow Cover Free Pattern!

I just love the look of crocheted or knitted pillow covers… They add so much texture and warmth to a sofa or bed. I’ve been wanting one of my own for a long time, so of course I had to make one myself. I used super bulky yarn and some wooden buttons for a natural look and I just love how it turned out!

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I get a small portion of the sale from products you may purchase.

(*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a small portion of the sale if you decide to make a purchase. )

Don’t you just love the texture this stitch pattern creates? And it’s really easy to crochet! You only need to know how to single and double crochet.

I’ll show you how to make the pillow cover in any size. So whether you get a new pillow insert or just want to cover a pillow you already have, you can make this custom to fit!

You’ll need:

Pillow in any size (new or repurpose an old one!)
Super bulky yarn…I used Knit Picks Tuff Puff (11 skeins for my 20″ pillow). But you could also use Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick. I love this yarn and it comes in so many colors! The amount you would need depends on the size of your pillow.
Size N crochet hook
Buttons…I love to use wooden coconut shell buttons for most of my crochet projects. But you can use any buttons that suit your decor. I have found that 1-1.5″ buttons work well for this pillow cover. I tried 2″ buttons and they were too big to fit through the holes.
Yarn needle
Scissors
Sewing needle and thread to match the buttons

Okay, so here’s the pattern. It’s very simple!

Begin with your N hook and make a chain the width of your pillow minus about 2″. Count your stitches and be sure you have an ODD number. You’ll need an odd number for the upcoming pattern to work. So if you have an even number, just add one or take one out, either one should work.

Abbreviations used in this pattern and their UK equivalents:

sc: single crochet (dc in UK)
dc: double crochet (tr in UK)

Row 1: Chain 2 more stitches and then insert your hook in the third chain from your hook. *Sc, dc in the same stitch, skip one stitch, and repeat from * until you have 2 chains left. Skip one and sc in the last stitch. Ch 2 and turn. (ch 2 counts as the first stitch in the next row.)

Row 2: Skip one and *sc, dc, in the same stitch, skip one and repeat from * until you have one stitch remaining, sc, ch 2 and turn.

Repeat row 2 for several rows and then place your work on top of your pillow to check that the width is correct. It should stretch slightly and reach just to the side seams on either side of your pillow. You want it to be nice and snug but not so tight that the holes are opening between the stitches.

Continue your rows until your rectangle is long enough to go around the front and back of your pillow, plus about a 6″ overlap for the envelope enclosure. Cut yarn and weave in loose ends.

Lay your pillow cover flat and fold up the front over the back so that the envelope enclosure is sticking out at the top. Use a long piece of yarn and your yarn needle and whip stitch to sew the side seams. Insert your pillow inside the cover and decide where you want to position your buttons. Sew your buttons on the front of your pillow cover. Use the open stitches of the envelope flap as your button holes.

You’re all done! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to share a picture of your finished cover and tag @tealandfinch on Instagram. I’d LOVE to see it!

Happy Crocheting!

Cozy Weekend Throw Free Crochet Pattern

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on January 7, 2017 | Leave a comment

Today I’m excited to share how to crochet a cozy weekend throw!

I designed this blanket to be a quick project with plenty of instant gratification. If you are making the baby size or the throw, you can even make it in a weekend! We use super bulky yarn and a stitch that covers a lot of ground with each row.

I just love how warm and cozy this blanket is since it’s made with Knit Picks Tuff Puff. I have loved Knit Picks ever since I discovered their website about five years ago. I used a lot of their yarn for my business when I crocheted newborn hats and photo props.

I have been admiring Tuff Puff for months and spent some time thinking of what would be the perfect project for this yarn. The wool in the yarn gives a lot of warmth to this cozy weekend throw even with its loose, open stitches. Plus, this yarn is single ply wool, which gives the blanket a unique, on trend texture.

And here is the pattern:

Tools & Materials

~Super bulky yarn (see table below for approximate amounts)
~N/10mm crochet hook
~yarn or tapestry needle
~scissors
~yardstick or ruler

Gauge

9sc = 4″

Common Blanket Sizes

The chart below gives you all the information you need to make this blanket in many sizes, from baby blanket to bedspread.

Blanket type	Dimensions in Inches	Approximate Yards Needed of Super Bulky Yarn*	Skeins of Tuff Puff by Knit Picks
Baby stroller	30×35	396	9
Crib	36×52	666	16
toddler	42×52	792	18
throw	50×65	1,155	27
twin	70×90	2,244	51
double/full	85×108	3,262	75
king	110×108	13,814	97

*You can use any brand of super bulky yarn. I’ve calculated the yardage based on my crochet gauge just to give an approximate amount, but yours may be slightly different.

Begin the blanket by chaining the number of stitches to achieve the length that you want (minus about 2” for stretch). Then work your rows to achieve the width:

Row 1: Treble crochet in 4^th chain from hook and in each stitch across, turn.

Row 2 and remaining rows: Chain 4, skip first stitch. Treble crochet in the front loop only of each stitch, ending with treble crochet in the top of ch 4, turn.

Finish off and weave in ends.

Tassels

Lay four 8” long loops
Insert into corner stitch and fold in half
Tie with yarn
Clip and snip ends to make them even

That’s it!

And once you get started, don’t forget to share photos of your blanket and work in progress. We would LOVE to have you join us and see what you create! And feel free to ask questions…I’d be happy to help!

You might also like to learn how to crochet this fun boho wall hanging. It makes a great gift for a friend or for yourself to decorate your home or office! Read more about it in this blog post.

Free Crochet Beanie Pattern

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on January 1, 2017 | Leave a comment

Whether you’re new to crochet or just want a quick, simple project, this is for you. I LOVE how quickly this hat whips up…hello instant gratification! Using bulky yarn or two skeins of worsted held together makes this hat fast AND cozy warm.

If you really want a warm hat, choose a yarn with a little bit of wool, or better yet, baby alpaca. Baby alpaca is the softest and least scratchy, I find. And it’s beautiful…

This pattern uses mostly single crochets. The ribbing is made with front and back post double crochets. If you’ve never tried this stitch pattern, you’re going to love it! It’s easy and fun and makes the nicest, stretchy ribbing for crochet. Don’t worry if you’ve never done front and back post stitches before, I give you step by step photos below to walk you through it.

Let’s get started!

Gauge: 7 sc 4”

Materials:
~Any bulky weight yarn OR two strands of worsted held together (I used two skeins of Coffee Beenz yarn by Plymouth Yarn Company color 9204.)
~U.S. size N/10mm crochet hook
~A 6” square scrap of faux fur…I used a scrap of Tissavel by Shannon Fabrics for these photos, but I have also bought a 10″ square of faux fur from Incredible Cat on Etsy.
~Polyester fiberfill for your pom
~A long scrap of worsted weight yarn or regular sewing thread for sewing on your pom
~yarn needle
~stitch marker (or a scrap of yarn in another color to mark your rounds)

Symbols and terminology used:

Ch: chain
dc: double crochet
fpdc: front post double crochet (see helpful photos in the pattern below)
bpdc: back post double crochet (see helpful photos in the pattern below)
Front post and back post double crochets are used to form a stretchy rib stitch for the edge of the hat. You will simply perform your dc around the post of the dc in the previous round instead of in the st as you normally would. For fp (front post) you’ll loop behind the post (so the st will show on the front of the hat) and for bp (back post) you’ll loop in front of the post (so the st will show on the back of the hat).
inc (increase): 2 sc in the next st
sl st: slip stitch
sc: single crochet

Sizing: Designed to fit most adults with a 20-22” head circumference

Directions:

Using two strands of worsted weight yarn held together or a single strand of bulky weight yarn:

Form a magic loop or ch3 and join to form a loop.

Round 1: 6sc in loop, pull on the short yarn tail to form a tight circle

Round 2: 2Sc in each st (mark the first st in this round with your st marker and move it up to mark the beginning of each round as you go) (12sc)

Round 3: *sc, inc, repeat from * around (18sc)

Round 4: *2sc, inc, repeat from * around (24sc)

Round 5: *3sc, inc, repeat from * around (30sc)

Round 6: *4sc, inc, repeat from * around (36sc)

Rounds 7-16: sc (continue to move your stitch marker up as you go)

Round 17: ch 1, dc in each st around

Round 18: *fpdc, bpdc, repeat from * around (see photos below)

For fp (front post) you’ll loop behind the post (so the st will show on the front of the hat) and for bp (back post) you’ll loop in front of the post (so the st will show on the back of the hat).

Round 19:repeat round 18 (Do fpdc on the fpdc and bpdc on bpdc from last round to form ribbing.)
You can repeat rounds 18 and 19 again if you like wider ribbing or your hat needs to be a little bigger.

Join with a sl st to beginning of round.

Tie off. Weave in loose ends.

Making and attaching the pom:

Cut your fur into a 6” diameter circle. Use your yarn needle and a scrap of worsted weight yarn to sew all along the outer edge of the fur. (You may need to use regular sewing thread and needle depending on the type of backing your faux fur has. )

Don’t knot the yarn at the beginning, just leave about a 6” tail.

When you get back to the beginning, pull both ends of the yarn to gather the pom into a ball and form a little bag. Insert the fiber fill stuffing before tying it closed completely. Leave a long tail when you cut your yarn. Use the tail to sew the pom firmly to the top of the hat. If it wobbles, add a few stitches further out from the center to stabilize it. Tie off and weave in loose ends.

All Done! Congratulations!

Be sure to share a photo of your hat and tag me @tealandfinch on Instagram…I’d love to see it!

*Some of the links above in this post are affiliate links.

Heart Mittens Crochet Pattern

by Jen Dwyer | Posted on December 28, 2016 | Leave a comment

Today I’m excited to share the heart mittens crochet pattern by Teal & Finch! Just in time to get your Valentine’s Day craft on… Of course, these adorable mittens aren’t JUST for Valentine’s Day…my daughters love wearing them all winter long.

They actually have several pairs in different colors…

I created this pattern with the beginner in mind. Technically, it’s more of an intermediate pattern with an introduction to color stranding. I love this technique for carrying one color yarn behind another when you are switching back and forth between colors. By carrying the color instead of cutting it, you’ll have fewer yarn tails to sew in and your project will be neater, overall.

I include several photos to help you along the way…and once you learn this technique, you’ll want to use it in all your projects! It’s super easy once you get the hang of it and makes switching colors so fun.

Materials needed:

any worsted weight yarn: For the bright pink mittens with white hearts, I used Malabrigo worsted “strawberry fields” that I’ve had in my stash for several years. I haven’t been able to find it again online, but you could also use Red Heart worsted yarn in perfect pink and white for a similar look.
size J crochet hook
yarn needle
stitch marker (or yarn scrap)
and don’t forget your pattern

So hop on over to the Heart Mittens Crochet Pattern and start crocheting!

Purchase the Heart Mittens Crochet pattern on Ravelry.

Purchase the Heart Mittens Crochet pattern on Etsy.

Who will you make your heart mittens for? Let me know in the comments below. And when you’re finished, tag me in your photo on Instagram, I’d LOVE to see them.

*Some of the links above in this post are affiliate links.