Free Pattern Everyday - Learning to Knit with a Loom

Spool Knitting Tutorial

When I was a little girl I was presented with a square wooden block with a hole in the center and four nails driven in around the opening. It was not a thread spool but a blue wooden component of a child's stacking game. This object was my first introduction to knitting. There were no "needles" with yarn cast on. Instead it was a mini knitting-in-the-round machine for creating lengths of round knit cord. Today you can buy looms similar to this 19th century prototype. But if you want the real deal, download this tutorial with instructions to make the cord and tassels for drapery tie backs, or any application you can contrive. And don't despair if you have no wooden thread spool. Any plastic or compressed styrofoam spool can be adapted by drilling four small holes into the top of the spool,  and heating the pointed end of a small nail under a flame and insert into the drilled holes. Voila! A 21st Century version of a 19th Century spool knitter. Download HERE.

Free Patterns Everyday - Vintage Strawberry Pin Cushion Pattern

19th Century Strawberry Pin Cushion Pattern

The 19th Century woman didn't stray far from her sewing. Whether it was embroidering a cushion or a hankie, making or mending a dress, or decorating a hat, her pins and needles were always within reach. These lovely little strawberry pin cushions are easy to make with sawdust stuffing. A 12 inch diameter circle of fabric makes three pin cushions. Perfect as is or team up with a thimble and spool of thread as a gift for someone you know who sews. Download this easy to make pattern HERE.

Free Pattern Friday - Vintage Pumpkin Pincushion Pattern

The pincushion is one of the most essential tools a seamstress possesses. Magnetic pin holders may catch pins with ease but for pin retrieval, nothing beats the pin cushion. We all know the red tomato shaped pincushion, stuffed tightly with sawdust or roving, with the attached emery filled strawberry for sharpening pins. This form dates to the Victorian era when it was thought that placing a tomato on the mantel would bring prosperity to the home. Now, in honor of the approaching All Hallows Eve, you can make these pumpkin shaped pin cushions originally published in the October 1964 issue of Workbasket Magazine. If you are really daring you can transform your pumpkin into a jack-o'-lantern with a Sharpie pen and a pair of google eyes. This easy to follow pattern and instructions show you how. Download HERE.
Courtesy of CynicalGirl on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Easy Faux Fur Crop Tops

Easy Pullover Crop Tops

Easy to make faux fur pullover crop tops. A little folding, a little stitching and a little bias tape binding and you are ready for an evening on the town. Download this easy to follow charted pattern HERE.

Free Pattern Friday - Easy Pullover Ponchos

Easy Pullover Poncho Pattern

In about an hour you can make this hippie skippy fringed poncho. All you need is a 45" square piece of fabric, bias tape and fringe trim and you are hip to make the scene. Courtesy of AdeleBeeAnnPatterns on Goodsmiths. Download Pattern HERE.

Free Pattern Friday - Four Bears Stuffed Toys

Four Bears Stuffed Toys Pattern

You will love these adorable stuffed bears designed by Joan Russell for Women's Day Magazine in November of 1963. Sew mama and baby Koala bears, Circus bear or Honey bear. These classic plushies will become your favorite gift to make for the little ones in your life. Download pattern HERE. Prints on 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper. 

Courtesy of AdeleBeeAnnPattens on Goodsmiths.

Free Pattern Friday - Grab Bag Purse

The Grab Bag Purse

It's that 70's purse. You know. The shoulder bag of scrap fabric that was so easy to make. It went everywhere your ratty jeans and jean jacket went. Concerts... Happenings... Don't remember? Take a little trip down memory lane with this easy to make boho hobo bag.  Download HERE.