As I shared my paintings with others, I was inspired to create a little story book with fun rhyming stories to go along with the paintings. It was meant to be a gift of a single book for my great nephew and niece, but the book morphed into a bigger project of a proper published book, which I am thrilled to share with you here now.

UPDATE: Due to printing issues with Amazon’s POD service, my book is now permanently unavailable.

I do have a few copies available that can be ordered directly from me. The cost will be 12.00 CND per book, plus shipping. Email me at pfentie@gmail.com if you would like a copy. I do plan to have gift cards and prints available as well, but the book is permanently off the shelf now.

Initially, I tried to make the book using a picture book format from my local photo lab. It was awkward and impossible to format. So I decided to used Amazon KDP Select to self publish this book because it was the easiest and most affordable way to make a nice enough book for the kids. As a result, the book is available for anyone who wants to buy it.

The above paintings are what I started playing around with. This was in November of 2024. They were playful and whimsical, but I soon found another style of quirky houses which quickly became a style I loved to create.

By early 2025, I was creating this style of whimsical and enchanting water color paintings. The book, Who Lives in This House? : The Village of Cobble Hill, is made from nine paintings and includes fun rhyming stories for each house to help the children imagine who might live there. The last of the nine paintings does not have a story, but invites the child to make up their own story.

I have also written instructions on how to make the last two pages of the book into a pocket where they can safely keep their own written stories (with the help of an adult). I will also have gift cards available to purchase at some point. I’m still trying to figure out the logistics of that without doing Etsy or having an on-line store website.

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I made this motif using one color of yarn, but you could use any combination of colors by fastening off after any round and adding a new color for the next round. I will have another tutorial showing how to make this motif into a market bag, and if you are interested in that project, I recommend using a cotton yarn because it is nice and strong. If you want to make a pillow, blanket or any other project with this large crocheted square motif, you can use any yarn you desire.

Supply List

• Bernat Handicrafter cotton yarn (or equivalent number 4 medium-weight yarn) – 52 yds (48 m)
  • color is Sky, or Robins Egg or Mod Blue
• G-6 (4 mm) crochet hook
• Darning needle
• Stitch markers (optional)

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

I did try to write a pattern for this project, but unfortunately, my cognition is still very much uncooperative, and I simply can’t write patterns at this time. So there is just the video at the bottom of this post. It is very comprehensive and shows you step-by-step how to crochet every round of this large crocheted square motif. The video tutorial is a bit long because each of the thirteen rounds is different. If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series to learn all the basics of crochet.

The first seven rounds of the large crocheted square motif are crocheted in a circular pattern and then we begin to square the motif off starting at round eight. This is where the stitch markers are handy, but not required.

The finished motif will require blocking when you are done, and I have a video tutorial below that demonstrates how to do that. I like using the hand-steamer as it is very convenient, works quickly and does a very nice job.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial for the Large Crocheted Square Motif, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and choose “all notifications” so you don’t miss out on the upcoming market bag tutorial. Have fun and be creative!

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I have to apologize for several boo-boos while narrating the video tutorial, but I did place written corrections where I’ve made those mistakes. My brain function is still challenged these days, however, I am making a bit of progress, which I am grateful for! If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series to learn all the basics of crochet.

These easy crocheted earrings are super quick and fun to make. You can add beads as shown above, or sew seed beads in a decorative design. I did make a pendant from my prototype piece as it was a bit bigger than the final earrings which is shown in one of the pictures below. When talking about the supplies required for this project, I did get the size of crochet threads mixed up. The correct sizing is in the supply list below.

Supply List

• Number 10 cotton thread in color(s) of your choice
• 1.75 mm crochet hook
• Darning needle
• Scissors
• Small pins and foam board (to starch finished earrings)
• 30 ml (6 tsp) water and 20 ml (4 tsp) sugar for starch (see video tutorial below)
• 2 shepherd hooks
• 2 headpins
• 2 small beads
• Round nose plyers
• Flat nose plyers
• Wire cutters

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

Demonstrating how to crochet a pattern using tiny crochet cotton on camera is very difficult for the viewer to see, so I used a number four medium weight yarn in the tutorial to demonstrate the stitch pattern. This worked so much better for the visual demonstration.

The Written Pattern

Begin with a magic ring or ch 4 and sl st to make a ring. If you do a magic ring, I recommend creating a knot before daring in the tail end to prevent the center from coming undone.

Round one: ch 1, 1 hdc into the ring 16 times. Join with a sl st into the first hdc.

Round two: ch 3 (counts as the first hdc, ch 1), [hdc, ch 2, hdc, ch 1] into the 1st st (first point made), hdc, ch 1 into the next st, 7 times, [hdc, ch 2, hdc, ch 1] into the next st (second point made), hdc ch 1 into the next st 6 times. Join with a sl st into the 2nd ch of beg ch3.

Round 3: 1 sc, ch 3 in 1st ch1 sp, [sc, ch 6, sc, ch 3] in ch2 sp (point), 1 sc, ch 3 in next ch1 sp 9 times, [sc, ch 6, sc, ch 3] in ch2 sp (point), 1 sc, ch 3 in next ch1 sp 8 times. Join with a sl st in the 1st sc. Fasten off.

This video tutorial shows how to make a sugar starch for crocheted items. The recipe calls for 50% each water and sugar, but I find that blend a little thick. I recommend using the portions written in the supply list which I also talk about in the video for the easy crocheted earrings, so make sure to check that out for starching recommendations specifically for the earrings. You can see in the image above how I sewed an accent bead into the center of the pendent motif. It would be very easy to add more beads to create more embellishment on both the pendent and earring motifs.

See the above tutorial on how to make a sugar starch, but use the proportions of sugar and water recommended in the supply list.

Once the motifs have been starched and are nice and dry, you can make the bead embellishments and add the shepherd hooks, which I demonstrate in the video for the easy crocheted earrings (however, I now recommend making the loops larger than demonstrated so the bead can dangle more freely). You can add a simple jump ring to the top of the pendent motif and put it on a necklace chain, or perhaps make a pretty Boho Necklace from one of my older tutorials.

In the above tutorial, I mention these coasters and hot pad set. Check it out!

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I do not have a written pattern for this project, but the video tutorial demonstrates everything you need to know for these lovely crocheted fitted slippers. It is a rather long video, but I made sure not to include every step!

The yarns I used are thrift store finds, but I will link some similar products down below. The fiber is wool and is approximately a number 5 bulky yarn. Because these slippers are made to fit a specific length of foot, the stitch count will be different for each size. Therefore, you can use any weight yarn you like, but I would not go any smaller than a number 4 medium (or worsted) weight yarn.

Supply List

(Based on a women’s size 6.5 shoe…see chart below for size comparisons)

• Number 5 bulky yarn (click on county of choice to see availability near you)
  • Variegated color = 115-120 yards
  • Solid color = 38-40 yards
• 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Darning needs
• Stitch markers

The pattern requires four sole pieces and I used a complimentary color for two of them. You could use the complimentary color for all four pieces or make the slippers all in one color. The choice is up to you!

The way the sole pieces crochet up, there is actually a left and right sole. I show in the tutorial how you can make a reverse sole, so when the two pieces are joined together they fit perfectly with wrong sides facing in and the right sides facing out. This is not essential, but is a nice little detail for a better fit.

The soles for the crocheted fitted slippers are slip-stitched together before the top of the slipper is created. Extra padding could be inserted between the two pieces to create even more comfort!

As to top of the slipper pattern is crocheted, we use reducing stitches to close up to toe. Stitch markers are very helpful to keep track of where to reduce the stitches. The video tutorial shows you every step you need to know to crochet these slippers.

Once you’ve completed the pattern, you can stop there and have a regular slipper, or you can continue adding rounds to create a cuff-style slipper.

These are by far the most comfortable slippers I’ve ever had! I have a lot of pain in my feet and these are so wonderful. I hope you enjoy the video tutorial for these crocheted fitted slippers (see below). I am still creating very little content at this time due to ongoing health issues. I do appreciate the continued support on my YouTube channel as this does provide some financial stability.

I know that some of you who follow me have chronic health conditions as well, and if you are reading this, I’d love to share this very informative interview with Dr. David Clarke on how chronic conditions happen and what can be done to heal. This interview with Dr. Howard Schubiner is also very informative!

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In this tutorial, I am using the scarf made with the straight granny stitch (see video below) along with the the stitch pattern from the comfort blanketed for pet rescue centers for the hood (video tutorial is also below…). You can use any scarf pattern you like along with any stitch pattern for the hood. If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series.

I will show you how to crochet a nice crab stitch around the face of the hood as a way to finish of the selvedge edge that faces out at the front of the hood. I will also show how you can make the hood section with the foundation chain stitch facing out at the front of the hood, thus eliminating the need for the crab stitch.

Click here to go to my entire playlist on YouTube for crocheted scarfs and shawls.

You can use any yarn you like, I am using the Mainstays number four medium-weight acrylic yarn from Walmart. The color I’m using is called Polo Stripe but doesn’t appear to be available in the USA. Here is a similar color in this line. It is however, available at Walmart Canada, along with some other fun color choices.

Above is the video tutorial for the scarf pattern I used in this tutorial for the Hooded Crocheted Scarf.

Above is the video tutorial for the stitch pattern I used for the hood of the scarf. It is a basic double crochet pattern with a couple of little tricks to make the fabric especially nice. You can make the hood any size you like using this stitch pattern.

This tutorial would make a fabulous Hooded Crocheted Scarf. You could do it in two different ways…either make the hood from the half-double crochet stitch pattern or use the granny squares. Both ways would be amazing!

Use the ideas and techniques in this video tutorial on the Hooded Crocheted Scarf to create your own design. Use any stitch pattern for the scarf and then something different for the hood. So long as you use a cohesive color scheme, it will look fabulous! Be creative and have fun.

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I am using tan as a neutral color, but you could use any neutral you like such as cream, black or grey. You could also work without a neutral and just use up all your scrap yarn in a random design. If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series.

When I create patterns, I make a lot of test pieces. As a result, I had quite a stash of partially made pieces and test swatches. It was a big ugly mess!

I sorted the mess out and kept any granny squares I had, reducing some of them to two rounds. I had quite a few with two rounds and some with just one round. I decided to use these in my design and created two panels for each end of the scarf, using nine squares of two rounds each. I unraveled all the other samples and used them for the center panel of the scarf, which I made using the half double crochet v-stitch. All the yarn is a number 4 medium-weight yarn.

I give these details in the video tutorial, including the hook sizes I use for the center panel which was a 5 mm (I-9) for the foundation chain and row one, then a 4 mm (H-6) for the v-stitch pattern.

The result was a very fun and funky ‘scrappy scarf’. In the video tutorial below for this project, I show you how I used a variety of elements to create this Crocheted Stash Buster Scarf along with a few extra tips. All the tutorials I refer to can be found in this blog post. I also have an entire playlist on my YouTube channel with several scarf patterns. You could use any of those tutorials for a stash buster scarf as well!

This is the tutorial on how to crochet a basic granny square. You can do two rounds, as I did, or make larger squares…it’s up to you! Be creative and playful!

I used the half double crochet v-stitch for the center section, but you could use any stitch pattern you like. I have another stitch pattern at the bottom of this blog for the straight granny square stitch that would be perfect with the granny squares!

You can join your scrap pieces of yarn together using the magic knot, which I show how to do in the video above, or you can join as you go which I demonstrate in the Crocheted Stash Buster Scarf tutorial.

I use the whip stitch to join the granny squares together and to sew the granny square panels to the center panel of the scarf, but you can use any joining technique you like.

If you want to add tassels to your scarf, check out the video above “Super Easy Crocheted Scarf for Beginners” and go to the 14:40 mark to see how tassels are done. This scarf pattern also uses the half-double crochet v-stitch pattern.

The above tutorial for the Granny Stitch in rows would be so perfect to use in this project. I love that crochet is so flexible. You can take the ideas I share here and make your own pattern for a scarf, using your stash of scrap yarn.

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This project is suited for beginners as Granny Squares are one of the easiest crochet projects to begin with. If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series to learn all the basics of crochet.

I used the medium size Granny Square Christmas Trees to create a garland to go with the Granny Square Christmas Stockings I made last year. I mixed up the colors a bit to make each tree slightly different.

The medium and large trees are made using a number 4 medium-weight yarn, and the smaller trees are made using a number 10 crochet cotton, and embroidery floss. See below for more details on the supplies.

Supply List for the Medium and Large Trees

• Number 4 medium-weight yarn (I used the following, but use whatever you like)
  • Craftsmart – Off White
  • Red Heart Soft – Wine
  • Bernat Premium – Evergreen
  • Bernat Super Value – Forest Green
• Crochet Hook Size 4.5 mm (7 US)
• Scissors
• Darning Needle
• Assorted buttons 11mm to 15mm (for gift bag/pillow)
• Fabric, stuffing, and thread (for pillow)

Supply List for Small Trees

• Number 10 crochet cotton, colors of your own choice with a 1.75 mm crochet hook
• Embroidery Floss, colors of your own choice with a 2 mm crochet hook

To make the Gift Bag/Pillow, you simply continue to repeat round 4 of the Tog Granny Square pattern for as many rounds as you like. I did an additional seven rounds for a total of eleven rounds for this project. In the video tutorial, I show you how to add buttons at the back to create an opening to place your soft gift items in or the pillow form. I also show a slightly different way to create the trunk for the Large Granny Square Christmas Tree.

Above is the link directly to my YouTube tutorial for the Small Tog Granny Square. See below for a link to my entire playlist for Granny Square Projects.

For my entire Granny Square Playlist, click here!

To see how to make and hand sew a pillow form, go to 3:00 in the video tutorial above (just click on it) for the round pin cushion.

If you like the stocking using the same Small Tog Granny Square, check out the tutorial above!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial for the Granny Square Christmas Tree ~ 3 Ways and crochet up a storm of lovely handmade Christmas Gifts this year. Do check out my last video on “Lots of Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas” as well (which includes a little health update). Happy Holidays!

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But in this post, I have so many great ideas and tutorials for wonderful Christmas gifts, so do scroll down! For most of the projects, there will be a link directly to the blog post where you will find the supply list, related resources, and often, the written pattern. There is always a video tutorial at the bottom of the post. Lately, I have not been able to write patterns, but many of these projects do have written patterns. Click on each image to take you to that project. Have fun!

This Christmas stocking is made using granny squares, and while I take you through the process, step-by-step, I offer a unique twist on this project. I show you how to make a lining for it. While crocheted stocking are lovely and can be made using a variety of patterns, they are not very sturdy! Lining them makes the fabric nice and strong, so it can be practical and hold lots of great goodies!

Slippers have to be one of the best and easiest crocheted gift items ever! In this tutorial, I show you how to make two versions of the same pattern and technique. You can change it up by turning the fabric in different directions or add a cozy cuff around the ankle section. This is a super fun project!

This granny square pouch is so quick and easy to make and can be done using any granny square pattern you like! This would make a perfect gift to wrap a gift, especially if you used Christmas colors for the project.

Because I have Lots of Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas for scarves, cowls, hat, and headbands, I just put a link to my entire playlist on YouTube. There are so many great projects to choose from, so I thought that was the best way to share them. In that case, the blog post with related information will be in the description box below each video. Click on “… more” below the videos to open this up.

Click here to go to the entire hat and scarf playlist on YouTube

The cup cozies and dishcloths are perfect stocking stuffers. Because they are very quick to crochet, they also make great projects to sell at craft fairs. People often ask permission to use my patterns to make items to sell and I always say yes! If course, this does not include selling the pattern itself, but anything you make with my patterns is yours to sell.

Crocheted snowflakes are simply so pretty! I have three different patterns above and these make great gift tags, additions to stockings, perfect as a whole set, or to make for your own Christmas décor.

Instead of coal in a stocking, how about some really fun crochet covered rocks! These are so easy to create and can be made in sets using single or multiple color schemes.

Crocheted bracelets are fun and very easy to make. Whether using fine wire or crochet cotton, these bracelets are made using a simple chain stitch. They are great projects for beginners, especially the ones made with crochet cotton. These bracelets are great to see at craft fairs.

I do indeed have Lots of Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas, and most of them are crochet projects, but I do have a few other creative gift ideas. The bath bombs are more like ‘bath dissolves’ because they are made without citric acid. That ingredient can irritate the skin of some people, so this is a nice gentle blend.

The lotion bars are super easy and fun to make and are a lovely gift to give, or to make for craft fairs. The dot-painted Christmas card is a lovely gift to make for those special people in your life.

Click on the images above to go to the tutorials or click here for The Bath Bombs, The Lotion Bars, or The Dot Painted Christmas Tree Card.

I hope you find some creative inspiration here for handmade Christmas gifts. Your friends and family will surely enjoy the love and care you put into making something special just for them. Happy Holidays!

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This blanket is 18″ by 24″, which is a specific size that my local cat rescue center requested. They like this size because it can be used both as a comfy, cozy blanket or folded in half to be a 18″ by 12″ comfort pad. I do have a tutorial for a comfort pad pattern here, because those are often requested as well. If you are new to crochet, make sure to check out my Beginner Crochet Series here.

I don’t have a written pattern for this project, as my cognitive health is still challenged, and writing patterns is very difficult. But this is an easy and straight forward pattern using a double crochet stitch. I do have a couple of little tricks that help to make this a very nice blanket. The step-by-step video tutorial is at the bottom of this page.

I don’t have a supply list because it will depend on what size blanket your local shelters request. This pattern is easy to adjust to any size you like and you can use any yarn you like as well. You can see above, I did one using scrap yarn, and another with light and dark purple. If you want to use scrap yarn, I have a tutorial on how to do a magic knot here, which is a great way to join all your pieces of yarn together.

This Crocheted Comfort Blanket for Pet Rescue Centers is an enjoyable project. I like to make them because I find this hobby very relaxing and sometimes want to do “mindless” crocheting. I like simple patterns, random colors and I like using up bits and bobs of yarn. In my last tutorial for comfort pads, some people commented that cats might get their claws caught in the material. I can assure you this is not an issue! Check out the video below for a very inspiring story that debunks that idea.

Most of all, I love making these cozy comfort blankets and pads to give a little bit of love to animals who might be feeling stressed or lonely as they wait for adoption. So, get out your crochet hooks and yarn and spread a little love!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial on Crocheted Comfort Blanket for Pet Rescue Centers.

If you are interested in crocheting comfort mats, you can check out my video tutorial below!

Sharing is caring! Click on the social share button at the top of the blog and choose an image from below to share on social media.

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I’m using a Conair hand-steamer. This may be in some of my older patterns as an affiliate link and I’m not sure if those are still in effect, so here is a new one: Conair Hand-Steamer

I’ve found it to be a great product and use it on all my crochet work (and other things too!)

Some (but perhaps not all) of the links in this blog are affiliate links to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This page contains some affiliate links. Please see my policy page for details. I look for the best possible option for your convenience, however, I encourage you to support your local shops!

You can see what a difference blocking makes in the image above. Some people block their work by wetting or washing it and then laying it flat to dry on a blocking board using pins or pegs. I’ve never used these items, so I can’t really comment, but he video tutorial will show you step-by-step how to use a hand-steamer for crocheted motifs.

The motif I am blocking in this tutorial is the Denim Rose Granny Square as shown in the video above. In that tutorial, I am using a number 4-medium-weight yarn with a 4mm crochet hook. The squares I am making in the blocking tutorial are made with a number 1-fine-weight yarn, and a 2.5mm crochet hook. I’ve also made a slight modification in the pattern by starting the first round with a half-double-crochet stitch, rather than a single crochet stitch. I think I will be making a sweater with these squares…but I’m not sure yet! Stay tuned

This is a quick and simple tutorial… enjoy!

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