Krystal is the maker and designer behind Eco-Minded Stitches. She and her family reside in Michigan. She is a stay-at-home mom to her two daughters. When she’s not crocheting he also enjoys baking, reading, gardening, dark chocolate and bubbly water. She learned to crochet on a short weekend trip out of state in 2015. Since then, Krystal has been perfecting her crochet stitches and techniques. She enjoys making items for the home to support sustainable living.
Krystal of EcoMinded Stitches
Krystal’s Inspiration
I designed this while one day doing dishes. I knew I wanted texture yet simple stitches. I also knew I wanted something to fit in my hands and be effective with the dishes as well.
A raised stitch came to mind and that is how the name came about. At that moment in time I didn’t know the name of the stitch because I hadn’t worked with it much before so I researched raised stitches and settled on a cluster stitch for this project. Since I was working in the bubbles when this idea struck me I also knew I had to include that in the name as well.
Bubbles and Clusters it is!
The Design
Y’all know how much I enjoy eco friendly materials and reducing waste inside the home so this project is perfect! Shhh…there’s a trick to this pattern. NO CHAINS. YES! You read that right. NO CHAINS. Turning only. As an experienced crocheter this idea had never occurred to me. After consulting a more experienced crocheter than I she introduced me to the idea. I was hesitant at first however, it all worked out in the end. THANK YOU!
The Yarn
I made this with Lily Sugar N Cream worsted weight cotton. I enjoy these brands of cotton as they are easily found at local craft stores such as Michael’s or JoAnn’s. Walmart has a brand called Peaches and Cream cotton yarn too! I enjoy these brands because they are so readily available and are cost effective.
Depending on what type of yarn you used to make this project you could gift this as a spa set or trio as well. Softer cotton yarn brands such as Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton and Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton are excellent choices. These brands are also readily available at local craft stores such as JoAnns and Michael’s.
I used the color called overcast in Lily Sugar N Cream cotton yarn to make this for my kitchen. I decided on an I- 5.5mm hook as well. This is a quick project. I completed my sample in 35 minutes or so.
The stitches used in this pattern are chain, cluster stitch, double crochet, half double crochet and single crochet. I have explained how the cluster stitch works within the pattern so you are able to complete this project with ease. I have also had this pattern tested by other designers and experienced crocheters to make extra sure that it’s readable and legible.
Availability
You can purchase this pattern on Ravelry and Etsy.
I am so excited to be participating in Trista’s very first ever blog hop!
I enjoy designing patterns that fit everyone’s lifestyle and others enjoy making.
I would love to see what you have created! Be sure to use the hashtag #ecomindedstitches and tag me @eco.minded.stitches on Instagram.
***Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you ***
The Mountainside Cowl is the second pattern from the Mountainside Collection. Designs in the collection include a hat, cowl, wrist warmers (fingerless gloves), and a cup cozy.
– Approximately 250 yards of #6 weight yarn – M/9.00 mm crochet hook – Yarn needle – Scissors – Measuring tape
Stitches Used
Ch – Chain Cl(s) – Cluster(s) Dc – Double Crochet Hdc – Half Double Crochet Sl St – Slip Stitch St(s) – Stich(es) YO – Yarn Over
Stitch Definition
Cl(s) – Cluster(s): [The Cl is comprised of a Dc and Hdc together.]
YO, insert hook into next St, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through first 2 loops on hook, YO, insert hook into SAME St, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through all 4 loops on hook. Cluster Completed.
Pattern Notes
When doing the Ch 1, pull up the loop a little higher than you normally would. This helps to not have the first cluster tight and have the seam noticeable.
Availability
An ad-free pdf is available to purchase on Ravelry.
The Pattern
LOOSELY Ch 51.
Round 1.) Cl into 2nd Ch from the hook and each Ch across. Join with a Sl St to 1st Cl. (50)
Round 2.) Turn, Ch 1, Cl in 1st Cl and each Cl around. Join with a Sl St to the 1st Cl. (50)
I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs that you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or email me at Crochetsbytrista@gmail.com.
If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review. I want to know what you think.
Welcome to the 2020 Gift Giving Blog Hop hosted by myself Trista of Crochets By Trista.
With the holiday season approaching I wanted to host a blog hop featuring Quick & Easy Gift Ideas. Patterns that can be finished in just a few hours because there are some days where we’re thinking, “?, I need a gift for ____ by TOMORROW!!!!”
For the 1st three weeks of November, myself and 19 other designers are offering a FREE download for just one day each.
How It Works
Each day a new pattern will be available to download for free.
The link to the designers’ pages will be listed below, along with links to their shops and social media accounts.
To get your FREE PDF download, click the image that says “Click Here to Download This Pattern For Free” on the designer’s page. You will then enter the code “GIFTS2020” to get your download.
Look for this image on the designer’s page to get your FREE pdf download.
Useful Information
The code is only available for 24 hours. Be sure to check back daily to get the featured pattern of the day.
All patterns will be listed chronologically. I know its a pain to scroll down, but I want you to see all the other featured designs and designers too.
Featured designers include:
I like to support other crochet businesses when I can and that’s what hosting this blog hop is all about; community over competition.
Ways you can help include: give each designer a follow on social media, subscribe to their email list (get the inside scoop of future releases), pin the post/link to Pinterest. All these things only take seconds and are no cost to you.
Day 1
To kick off the Crochets By Trista 2020 Gift Giving Blog Hop I’m offering the Mountainside Hat as the featured download. This hat will be available for the duration of the blog hop.
Made using super bulky weight yarn this hat is really warm and comfy. You can find the pattern HERE or by clicking the image below.
USE CODE “GIFTS2020” AT CHECKOUT FOR THE FREE PDF DOWNLOAD.
Winding Staircase Cup Cozy Pattern by Kailey Cali Crochet.
This cup cozy can be made in two sizes; the small measures 5”x11” at its widest point, and the large measures 6”x12” at its widest point. Add the optional picot border to add that little something extra too.
The Back-Country Beanie by Through The Loop Yarn Craft is a cozy and warm beanie for sure. Made with super bulky weight yarn and available in 4 sizes, ranging from toddler to an adult large, this is a perfect gift idea for anyone. The best part is that Ashley has a photo tutorial on how to seam the beanie!!!!
While over on TTLYC’s page check out all her patterns and stitch tutorials too! She makes the complicated stitches easy to follow and understand.
Hannah Earwarmer and Cowl Set designed by Sunflower Cottage Crochet
The earwarmer pattern is available in 5, yes, FIVE sizes; and the cowl has 3! There are even a links for video tutorials on how to do the stitches in the Hannah Earwarmer and Cowl Set.
The Hannah Earwarmer and Cowl Set have such a great texture and the color choices are endless!
Make sure to read the post to find out a secret about the Hannah set.
These fingerless gloves would make the perfect gift for any of your friends and family who always have cold hands but still need to function. I know a few friends of mine who have been interested in a few pairs of fingerless gloves that aren’t too bulky.
It is hard to count money or hand out food at a drive-thru with gloves or mittens getting in your way. Maybe think about donating a pair of two to your favorite coffee shop worker to let them know you appreciate them and want them to stay warm.
This beautiful earwarmer pattern is made using DK weight yarn and is available in 3 sizes. Using a series of puff stitches and stitch techniques this earwarmer has a whole lot of a texture.
If you don’t follow Michelle of Two Brothers Blankets yet, make sure that you do! She has so many easy to follow garment designs that are perfect for any time of year.
Today’s featured pattern is from up and coming designer Christine of Rows.Of.Crochet with her Which Way to 2021 Earwarmer.
This Tunisian Crochet earwarmer is made using worsted weight yarn. It is a quick project that is great not only as gifts but for any local markets you may be doing this fall.
Sign up for Rows.Of.Crochets’s newsletter to learn about future pattern releases and enjoy all she has to offer to the crochet world, she’s capable of achieving greatness!
Today’s featured pattern is the Velvet Twist Messy Bun Hat by Straight Hooked.
This hat uses Bernat Velvet yarn and a no-break elastic hair tie. I’m blown away by how stunning the stitches twist to form the texture. This definitely on my list of items to make this winter.
I suggest looking at all the other designs that Straight Hooked has to offer while on her site.
***This pattern download is NOT through Ravelry but the Straight Hooked website. You NEED to go through the process of check-out to enter the discount code to receive the download for free.***
Who knew you could get a pair of mitten out of one skein of yarn; Courtney from Creations By Courtney that’s who! Get these stunning Lemon Peel Mittens today!
This mitten pattern comes in 3 sizes, (you’ll need more than one skein of yarn for the large) and is easy to follow. I know you must be thinking that mittens might be a little intimidating, but I just know that you’re capable of doing making them.
Today’s featured pattern is the Bubbles & Clusters Mini by EcoMinded Stitches.
Krystal is one of my crochet besties and was one of the people that pushed me to host this blog hop. She has two guest blog post here. The first is the XOXO Eco-Mini, and the second is today’s pattern the Bubbles & Clusters Mini.
Today’s featured design is the Simple Shells Cowl from Kickin’ Crochet. It’s a super quick cowl project that only takes one ball of yarn.
There are even instructions on how you can adjust the size and height (which will take more than one ball). Mary also has a video tutorial on her blog!
The 2-Hour Christmas Cowl from Lakeview Cottage Kids.
This cowl will really keep you warm and cozy during the winter months. You’ll probably spend more time sewing on the buttons and weaving in the ends than it will take to make the entire cowl.
Christmas Cheer Cactus from Green Fox Farms Designs.
How cute is this cactus?!?!?! It is absolutely adorable and I’m pretty sure any little ones you might have in your life are going to steal it from you.
Sunday November 15th pattern is the CB Infinity from Knottie Hooks.
***This pattern download is NOT through Ravelry but the Knottie Hooks website. You NEED to go through the process of check-out to enter the discount code to receive the download for free.***
After reading how to make the gorgeous texture of this infinity scarf click the “download pdf” button to add it to your cart.
Today’s featured pattern is the Espresso Chip Coffee Cozy from Ambassador Crochet.
This is a great idea for a gift. Simply fill a basket with coffee, a reusable mug (or two), and the Espresso Chip Coffee Cozy; perfect for any coffee lover.
I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs that you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or crochetsbytrista@gmail.com.
***Post contains affiliate links – which means if you make a purchase from the links below, I will get a small percentage of the sales at no additional cost to you ***
The Mountainside Hat is the first pattern from the Mountainside Collection. Designs in the collection include a hat, cowl, wrist warmers (fingerless gloves), and a cup cozy.
The Mountainside Hat can be made as a traditional hat or a messy bun style.
– Approximately 100 yards of #6 weight yarn – M/9.00 mm crochet hook – Yarn needle – Scissors – Measuring tape – Pompom (optional) – Elastic hair tie (for messy bun style)
Stitches Used
Ch – Chain Cl(s) – Cluster(s) Dc – Double Crochet Hdc – Half Double Crochet Mc – Magic Circle Sc – Single Crochet Sl St – Slip Stitch St(s) – Stich(es) YO – Yarn Over
Gauge and Final Measurements
Gauge: 5 Cl x 5 rows = 4″ square
Final Measurements: 8″ tall x 11″ wide
Stitch Definition
Cl(s) – Cluster(s): [The Cl is comprised of a Dc and Hdc together.]
YO, insert hook into next St, YO and pull up a loop, YO, pull through first 2 loops on hook, YO, insert hook into SAME St, YO and pull up a loop, YO and pull through all 4 loops on hook. Cluster Completed.
Pattern Notes
When doing the Ch 1, pull up the loop a little higher than you normally would. This helps to not have the first cluster tight and have the seam noticeable.
Availability
Find out how you can get your Mountainside Hat pattern for free HERE.
An ad-free pdf is available to purchase on Ravelry.
The Pattern
In MC or around an elastic hairband.
1.) Ch1, 6Cls. Sl St into 1st Cl. (6)
2.) Turn, Ch1, 2Cl in 1st Cl, and each Cl around. Sl St into 1st Cl. (12)
3.) Turn, Ch 1, Cl in 1St Cl, 2Cls in the next Cl, Cl in next Cl, 2Cls in next St, repeat around. Sl St into 1st Cl. (18)
4.) Turn, Ch 1, Cl in 1st Cl, Cl in next Cl, 2Cls in next Cl, Cl in next 2 Cls, 2Cl in next St, repeat around. Sl St into 1st Cl. (24)
5.) Turn, Ch 1, Cl in 1st Cl, Cl in next 2 Cls, 2Cls in next Cl, Cl in next 3 Cls, 2Cls in next Cl, repeat around. Sl St into 1st Cl. (30)
6.) Turn, Ch 1, Cl in 1st Cl and each Cl around. Sl St into 1st Cl. (30)
Repeat round 6 until approximately 7” tall or desired height.
I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs that you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or email me at crochetsbytrista@gmail.com.
If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review. I want to know what you think.
Want a matching set? Click here for the Mountainside Hat!
I wanted to showcase a few of my crochet maker colleagues and their businesses. With many craft fairs being cancelled this year I wanted to help out in any way I could.
Each of the featured makers specialize in different items that will be great as gifts for your friends and family (or yourself ?). A lot of the items are ready to ship so you can get your shopping done sooner. Custom orders are also an option but check with the maker on more details.
Creative Snugglies
Christina Ryan is the owner and toy creator who helps family and friends find handmade, soft, and unique toys to give to their young loved ones. Creative Snugglies provide high-quality cuddly toys for young children. Christina makes and sells snuggly toys for both girls and boys.
Christina loves meeting customers at craft fairs/markets. She also enjoys watching children pick out a toy and play with it the entire time while their parents continue shopping. Of course in this strange unprecedented time of Covid, Christina is not doing in person shows; however she is participating in virtual Craft Fairs/Events.
Christina’s favorite toys are her mermaids, unicorns, and dinosaurs. Go to her FB page and let her know which one you like the most!
EcoMinded Stitches
Krystal is a crochet maker and designer that focuses her business on sustainability. She uses cotton and cotton blend yarn to create items for an Eco-friendly home.
Krystal enjoys making and designing items for the home to support the environment. Sharing these makes with the community is important to her to make the planet a better place for all. From dish cloths to mug rugs Krystal enjoys the impact she is making in her own home and the environment.
EcoMinded Stitches items can be purchased on Etsy.
Sign up for her email newsletter HERE to learn tips and tricks to become more eco-friendly in your own home.
Krystal’s favorite items to make are small quick items such as her Eco Mug Rug and XOXO Eco-Mini.
Eco Mug Rug
XOXO Eco-Mini
Eco Duo Trivit
Handy Dancy Eco-Cloth
J2 Craftworks LLC
Julie Dales and Joni Beatrice of Bloomington, IN, are the two ‘J’s in J2 Craftworks LLC. Their passion for creating beautiful, useful crocheted items for everyday life blossomed into a business last year. Julie crochets, and Joni adds labels, hardware, and straps.
They make gorgeous bucket bags — including their officially licensed Indiana University bags — crossbody cell-phone bags, baskets, earrings, reusable facial scrubbies, hair scrunchies, and more.
Amanda is a creator who has been crocheting for 20 years. She specializes in high-quality, hand-crafted accessories for you and your home, from winter wear to kitchen towels to decorative items.
The name of her business, Life in Crochet, is both a reflection of the role of crochet in her personal life, as well as her desire to enhance all areas of your life with beauty through crochet.
Jan is the woman behind Avalons Designs and Printables. While working on her crochet and knit designs she couldn’t find a planner that fit her crafting needs. Jan then decided to start designing her own printables and digital planners for other crafters too. These planners and printables are perfect for any hobbyist or business owner.
Get your Avalons Designs printables and planners on Etsy.
I’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to contact me. Let me know what you’re working on or designs that you’d like to see in the future. Use the links above or crochetsbytrista@gmail.com
If you’ve purchased my designs in the past, leave a review. I want to know what you think.
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