The Avengers 2: Age of Ultron hit the big screens last month, and having seen it twice and read through all the online reviews, we think it’s finally time to sit down and make our own little versions of the team.

Here are 5 different ways you can knit or crochet your own Avengers:

1. Crochet finger puppets, Crochetbot | Click here for The Hulk, Iron Man or Captain America

 
Is there any better way to stage your own Avengers action sequence than having the characters literally at your fingertips? These very sweet mini heroes suggest not.

 2. Captain America beanie hat, Crafterchick | Download the pattern here

Inspired by Captain America’s blue face mask, this simple crochet beanie is a fab way to display your inner geek to the world. Just hope that it doesn’t attract trouble!

3. Avengers dice, Ravelry | Download the pattern here

© Andrea “Trooperschaf”

You could play an existing Avengers dice game or you could cut the cost and maximize the creativity by knitting your own dice and making up your own rules!

4. Thor Doll, Tumblr | Download pattern here

Yes, we know: Thor is mighty. However, you might find it hard to take him seriously when faced with this adorkable pocket-sized version. Take him anywhere and have your own demi-god wherever you go.

5. Crochet Iron Man gloves, Ravelry| Download pattern here

© Louie’s Loops

While an actual Iron Man suit may be a little outside of our ability range, it doesn’t mean we should miss out on Tony Stark’s style completely. Crochet yourself or a friend these fingerless gloves to be atleast part-way suited up.

EXTRA: Loki Doll, Tumblr| Download pattern here

He didn’t make an appearance in the film this time round, but that doesn’t mean Loki should be forgotten. Besides, this miniature version of him is adorable and you’ll need someone to battle against your crochet Thor!

Let us know how you get on by posting photos of your creations in the comments below! Practice makes perfect, so how much practice will it take for us to get this good?

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]]> 19979 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/go-how-to-survive-the-spring-knitting-and-stitching-show/ Sat, 07 Mar 2015 10:19:17 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19891 How to prepare yourself for the mammoth experience that is the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at Kensington Olympia. Hint: not like Jillian did.

The post Go – How to survive the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show first appeared on Dork Adore.

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Je t’adore, Ich Liebe Knit…

As you may have guessed from a glance at our Craft section, Team Dork Adore are a bunch of avid makers (myself included; I’m a papercrafter/knitter). So when we got the chance to send one of us to The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at Kensington Olympia, we jumped on it. I braved the first day crowds (and the two hour commute) and… well, found myself woefully unprepared for just about everything.

So, if you’re heading to Kensington Olympia for the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show this weekend (it’s on until Sunday evening, so plenty of time) here’s my quick and dirty list of tips on how to make the best of it without feeling overwhelmed.

Sadly, I don’t remember the name of the stand. But this crosstitch will probably linger in my memories forever…

Have a look at the exhibitors list on the website before you go.

This will give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of crafts represented, places to stop at and have a nosy and places to most definitely get your wallet out for. Make a note of stands that you like the sound of, along with the number of the stand so you know what to look out for. It will also help you to make your day at the show a bit more streamlined – and prevent you from walking around in circles too much.

If you’re on the look-out for stock and equipment, make a shopping list.

Again, for the purpose of making your day more streamlined, if you’re coming to the show with the aim to get some good stock and equipment in for your crafty business, make a shopping list. And don’t be afraid to ask about prices so you know if you’re getting a good deal – a lot of stands are offering things at reduced show prices. And in the spirit of shopping…

At the Button Studio stand (G92) – fun with buttons, straight from Ireland

Decide on a budget/get some cash out in advance.

Some stands do have a card machine, but it always pays to have some cash with you – so get some out before you get to Olympia (which does have an on-premises cash machine, but was in the process of getting fixed when I was there, so hopefully by the time you read this it will be in fine fettle again). Also, it pays to have a budget. There are so many wonderful exhibitors displaying their goods that you and your wallet can easily dissolve into a money-related black hole – so knowing you’re on a budget helps you decide what you really need and what you can do without for the time being. You can always write down the details of a company or take a business card with you and save for later.

Get some cake. Stat.

The exhibition hall (the show takes place on the first floor of Olympia Central) has a couple of great opportunities to sit down with some class food. Central Kitchen, which is on the right when you come out of the lifts, will most likely be packed but there are a few stands dotted around the place which allow you to rest your feet with a sandwich or a slice of artisanal cake – get thee to TK’s Artisan Bakery in the West Hall for a regular tea/filter coffee with a muffin/cake slice for £3.50 after 3pm.

At the Inspiration Station, a familiar face…

Check out some of the cool features and competitions.

Enjoy the crochet jungle, check out the knitted farm competition, sign yourself up for one of the many workshops going on and, essentially, just have a lot of fun getting involved. A couple of the workshops are most likely to already be sold out, but there’s still plenty of opportunity to pick up a new skill, whether you’re a beginner, advanced or can practically do it in your sleep (…)

Marvel at some of the more… peculiar stuff on offer.

Ever wanted to knit your own mini-Kama Sutra? No? Well, should you ever feel the urge, apparently there’s a book to help…

The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show is on at Kensington Olympia this weekend. Get tickets here or on the door and save a quid for the cloakroom if you don’t want to carry your jacket around.

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]]> 19891 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/the-latest-crochet-and-knitting-books-for-spring/ Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:18:44 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19811 New Year, new selection of amazing craft books to sink your needles into! Knitting and Crochet paradise awaits!

The post The Latest Crochet and Knitting Books for Spring first appeared on Dork Adore.

]]> Resolved to make more STUFF this year? Let us help you with a round-up of the most recent crafty books for the new year.

(We’ve also found some free patterns from the books, so check those out too!)

Knit Your Own Farm

by Sally Muir and Joanna Osbourne

The latest book from the craft duo responsible for the excellent Best In Show series, Knit Your Own Farm is the perfect book for spring.

There are also some free patterns available online from the Knitting & Stitching Show (with some great prizes for the best knitted farm):

• Free Cow Knitting Pattern

• Free Sheep Knitting Pattern

• Free Pig Knitting Pattern

• Free Lamb Knitting Pattern

Hooked on Crochet

by Ruth Maddock

Ruth runs Lupin & Rose, craft shop in Bromyard, Herefordshire, where she designs patterns for magazines and runs craft workshops.

Her latest book, Hooked on Crochet, is a book for beginners. It features 25 fashion-led patterns that increase in complexity until you’ve mastered all the basic stitches and techniques you’ll need to set you on the path to long-term crochet addiction.

Ruth has a selection of Free Knitting and Crochet Patterns on her website.

You can order her book from Amazon or from her shop website. Her publisher also has a preview if you want to check out a few pages.

 

Beginner’s Guide to Crochet

By Sarah Shrimpton

Beginner’s Guide to Crochet isn’t out until April (you can pre-order it from Amazon) but if Sarah’s craft blog, Annaboo’s House, is anything to go by, this is going to be a beautiful book.

There are some free patterns on her website (you have to spend time browsing as they’re not always tagged), including a cute Crochet Cat Door Stop Pattern and an Ultimate Cowl/Snood Pattern.

Sarah gets extra points for providing some of the patterns on her blog with Japanese-style international pattern charts.

They’re so much easier to understand and follow than written instructions – so let’s hope there are some in her book too!

 

Crafting a Colourful Home

By Kristin Nicholas

Left to my own devices, our house would look like the Cbeebies set. Luckily, my natural inclination to paint everything a bright colour is checked by the (mostly) sane grown up I share the house with.

Which is why, Kristin’s book caught my eye immediately, featuring “21 step-by-step projects to make your home cozy and bright including colourful sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, painting, crafting and more.”

Heaven!

Order from Kirstin’s website or buy on Amazon.

 

Beanies and Bobble Hats – 36 Quick and Stylish Knits

By Fiona Goble

I tried to webstalk Fiona before writing this piece, but she seems to have let her Knittle.com site wander off the web and her blog hasn’t been updated for a while (no judgment from me there). There are plenty of patterns available on her Ravelry page, however.

Fiona’s latest book follows on from her previous book Scarves and Cowls – 36 Quick and Stylish Knits. And let’s not forget her opus, Knit Your Own Zombie.

She sounds like a lady with a dork heart.

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]]> 19811 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/diy-chrismas-present-tutorials-round-up/ Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:16:44 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19379 The Dork Adore countdown to Christmas begins here, with this crafty round-up of DIY handmade Christmas present tutorials.

The post DIY Chrismas Present Tutorials Round-up first appeared on Dork Adore.

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Alright. We’ve all been pretty much in denial for about two months straight now, but it’s time to face up to the facts: Christmas is exactly a month away. Yep, the season to be jolly starts right here. And because we do love our readers, Team Dork Adore has made it their mission to guide you through the coming month (and a couple of days) with all you need to make this Christmas period your best one yet.

And if you’re aching to get your craft on and turn this Christmas into a handmade one, then there’s no better way of starting than with this round-up of DIY homemade Christmas present ideas.

DIY iPad Case

First up, Oh So Lovely Vintage has a great tutorial for a DIY iPad case. If you know a fellow techy is in dire need of a cosy case for their iPad (or netbook, or – with some adjustments to the sizing in the pattern – smartphone), this is a simple pattern with a very pretty result.

You can experiment with the colours of the felt and the buttons, if you don’t want to stick to grey and yellow.

You will need a sewing machine to make this case, but you don’t have to be a whiz on it – it only requires very basic stitches.

iPhone Tripod

eat.sleep.MAKE have this wonderful tutorial to make your own geeky iPhone tripod. All you need is a couple of plastic dinosaurs. Oh, and caulking, a suction cup and a paint brush, because a plastic dino alone won’t work (obviously).

Beware though – for the project to work your dino has to be hollow on the inside. As you’re cutting the dino in half to inject the caulking into the back, it absolutely has to be hollow. But a hollow plastic dinosaur aren’t too hard to find – eBay has you covered.

DIY Gold Geode Ring

Found on SwellMayde (excellent word play, there): a do-it-yourself gold gilded geode ring. That may sound a bit complicated, but there are actually only four steps in the entire tutorial, and they are pretty easy.

If you’re currently blinking at your screen thinking “but where in God’s name do I get a geode from?”, there are a couple of useful links in the tutorial which will help you along the way. The result will be quite spectacular, and it’s a nice piece of statement jewelry to gift to someone for Christmas.

Homemade Camera Strap

If you’ve got an aspiring phtographer amongst your loved ones, DesignLoveFest has a tutorial for a homemade camera strap that will take you about 45 minutes to make.

It even includes a little GIF which shows you how to get the geometric pattern on the strap just right. Of course you can experiment with it – why not make a couple of them (and one for yourself, even).

Animal Memo Holder

Sugar and Cloth have a tutorial for a present that’s ideal for the busy bees amongst us: an animal memo holder.

Again, using plastic toy animals, which appears to be a big trend at the moment (as they are incredibly versatile in their use). This requires a bit of drilling, but it’s only a little hole which will hold the dowel rod used in the project.

Button Bookmarks

I Heart Naptime (what a coincidence, me too) have these simple and adorable button bookmarks, which are a great mini-gift to give alongside a book.

All you need are paperclips, a selection of nice buttons, hot glue and felt. It can not actually be easier.

Peppermint Oreos

And finally, also from I Heart Naptime, a recipe for homemade peppermint oreos. Because who doesn’t love getting baked goods as a present?

Peppermint and chocolate go well together, and it’s a suitably festive flavour. Plus, if you can’t get enough of the mint-choc combination, Jamielyn (who runs the blog) has got your back – there’s a list of links at the top of the post which will lead you to plenty more mint-choc recipes.

Plus, she also does a quick explanation of how to make a festive jar to keep your cookies in.

Places to get your materials from

• Hobbycraft
• Amazon
• eBay
• ASDA
• The Range

Check out our Crafts tag for more craft and DIY inspiration. And keep reading Dork Adore for more Christmas inspiration.

More Geek Christmas

(c) Mollie Makes

Pantone Baubles

Death Star Tree Topper

Geek Sock Patterns

Doctor Who Mittens

Dr Zoidberg mitten pattern

Mario Mushroom Baubles

Doctor Who Baubles

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]]> 19379 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/craft-books-for-beginners-knitting/ Tue, 28 Oct 2014 16:00:17 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19280 If you want to learn how to knit, but can't tell your garter from your moss stitch, these books should be able to help you on your way.

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If you’ve recently been inspired to pick up a pair of needles and a ball of yarn so you can learn how to knit, then I applaud you on your decision. Knitting is my absolute favourite craft, and I’ve been teaching myself on and off for the past two years – it’s been, at times, both frustrating and the most fun I’ve ever had.

There are a tonne of ways to learn how to knit, from videos on YouTube to joining a knitting group (which is what I did) to spending an afternoon learning from your nan. The great thing about it is that you pick the way that fits you the best.

And if you’re keen on learning how to know your purls from your mosses with the help from a book, here are a couple of excellent recommendations – all picked on the basis that they won’t confuse you into putting your needles back down again.

A Little Course in Knitting (Dorian Kindersley Publishers Ltd)

Dorian Kindersley craft books are an absolute essential. There’s at least one for every craft, and you can pick whichever you like depending on your skill level. A Little Course in Knitting is a must-have, as it starts you off gently and explains everything you need to know (the motto of A Little Course in…  is “nothing is assumed and everything is explained”) to help you on your way. There are over 30 projects in there, and you work your way through them as you learn new techniques.

A Little Course in Knitting is £7.99 at Waterstones online

 

First Time Knitting: Step-by-Step Basics and Easy Projects (Carri Hammett)

This book is divided into five sections, starting with a basics section which first takes you through the specifics of yarn and tools before arming you with the techniques to make both a garter stitch and two coloured yarn scarf. From there, it builds onto the basic technique, teaching you about texture, shaping, knitting in the round and putting individual pieces together to make one item.

The book includes nine projects, each incorporating the skills you’ve learned in that chapter. It’s got clear and full colour pictures and clear, no-messing-around language. It’s also perfect if you’ve not picked up your needles in a while and need a quick refresher.

First Time Knitting: Step-by-Step basics and Easy Projects is available for £11.73 from Amazon.

Knitty Gritty: Knitting for the Absolute Beginner (Aneeta Patel)

The first of two books, Knitty Gritty was written and developed by Aneeta Patel, who also runs Knitting SOS. The book is aimed at getting new knitters to the point of “beyond the scarf” and it does so in a refreshingly jargon-free way. There are of course plenty of practise projects along with the explained techniques, from the bare bones basics to things like cabling, eyelets and so forth.

As a side note, if you’re ever finding yourself in a knitting pickle, Knitting SOS is (and I kid you not) a free service for knitters in need of emergency advice. You can call or email Aneeta and take advantage of her 30-something years of knitting experience (in case you need a boost) or attend one of the Knitting SOS monthly workshops. How’s that for awesome?

Knitty Gritty: Knitting for the Absolute Beginner (£13.49)  is available at Waterstones

Purls of Wisdom: The Book of Knitting (Jenny Lord)

This one comes with my personal seal of approval (as well as India Knight’s, who is quoted on the cover). If you’re ever confused about things like how to do a particular stitch, or how to knit on circular needles, Jenny explains in a way that will make you nod your head in approval. The patterns are clear, you won’t get lost in a sea of jargon and the results will make you feel a bit like a legend. Plus, the book itself is absolutely stunning. Well worth having in your craft library.

Purls of Wisdom: The Book of Knitting (£13.59) at Waterstones

Knit Step by Step (Vikki Haffenden, Frederica Patmore)

In the same vein as A Little Course in Knitting, Knit Step by Step takes you through all the basics like yarn types, tools and stitches. 150 techniques and stitch patterns are included, beautifully and clearly photographed so you can distinguish ever detail. The book also includes 10 projects you can attempt with the techniques you’ve learned. It is a very similar book to A Little Course, down to it also being published by DK – yet it’s another take on beginners knitting and very much worth getting if you want to build upon your knowledge from that book.

Knit Step by Step (£10.39) is available at Waterstones

 Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook (Debbie Stoller)

The Grand Daddy of modern knitting handbooks, Stitch ‘n Bitch is a book filled to the brim with passion for the craft. It may be a little harder to follow, considering the use of American knitting terms, but nonetheless, it’s one of the best books written on the subject and I encourage everyone who wants to learn how to knit to ask a copy for Christmas.

Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook (£8.70) is available at Waterstones

 

Check out our Craft tag for more craft inspiration!

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]]> 19280 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/sarah-duck-patterns-free-knitting-and-crochet-round-up/ http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/sarah-duck-patterns-free-knitting-and-crochet-round-up/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:00:37 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19210 It's a mega pattern round up of everyone's favourite hipster kid's show (quack).

The post Sarah & Duck Patterns – Free Knitting and Crochet round up first appeared on Dork Adore.

]]> Sarah and Duck is one of my personal favourite Cbeebies creations so it was about time I did a round up of the best patterns.

It’s a show that feels like it was made by hipsters for their groovy little hipster children. It’s charming, sweet and funny: Sarah and Duck really are the coolest things to grace the children’s channel.

Duck and his sleepy-voiced friend haven’t been around all that long, but there are already some pretty nifty patterns out there for lovers of whimsy.

Sarah & Duck Pattern Round up

 

Happy Berry Crochet – Sarah & Duck

Happy Berry proprietress, Laura Ecclestone has put together a pair of patterns that have as much charm as the animated characters themselves. And then she’s very kindly put them on her blog for anyone to use. Nice work, Laura!

BBC – Sarah’s Hat

This is a knitting pattern (see below for the crochet version). It’s via the venerable Beeb itself. Thanks Aunty!

Crochet Duck Pattern by Jo Clark

This is Jo’s first pattern which is pretty impressive. My first pattern was something a little more… well… it was a mat. But we can’t all be brilliant crochet artists. Luckily, the ones that are often share their patterns for free, just as Jo has done here. Thanks Jo!

Sarah & Duck Patterns – Tatie Soft Toys

OK so these aren’t technically free patterns, but at £1.75 for each pattern on Etsy, you can’t really complain. Tatie’s done the pair and they are both very slick. Tatie’s done a selection of Abney and Teal characters as well, in case you need even more hipster whimsy in your life.

Sarah’s hat Crochet Pattern – Zara Khan

This is a really cute present for any day dreamer in your life. And really, what child *wouldn’t* want to be Sarah? Her best friend is a duck and she’s on first name terms with the moon.

That’s all I’ve managed to find so far. Let me know if you spot any. I’d especially like to see a patter for Scarf Lady and the Moon.

More Patterns

Clanger Pattern

Octonauts Patterns

Shaun the Sheep

Lemmings Pattern

Moomin Patterns

Totoro Patterns

Adventure Time

Despicable Me

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]]> http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/sarah-duck-patterns-free-knitting-and-crochet-round-up/feed/ 2 19210 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/free-crochet-patterns-for-halloween-some-of-our-favourite-crafty-projects/ http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/free-crochet-patterns-for-halloween-some-of-our-favourite-crafty-projects/#comments Sun, 12 Oct 2014 13:20:16 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19142 Katie's been giving herself palpitations with these scary patterns that make her face her own mortality. On a Sunday.

The post Free Crochet patterns for Halloween – some of our favourite crafty projects first appeared on Dork Adore.

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I’ve done it again. Whenever I start hunting down the best crochet patterns for an article like this I can feel my blood pressure start to go up.

There are SO MANY amazing patterns out there! I get palpitations just thinking about how I’ll find time to make them all. I’ve got so many other things to do, like watch Doctor Who from the very beginning and do a fourth full run through of Twin Peaks.

Luckily, craft and TV are natural bedfellows – assuming you accept that much of your evening will be spent gawping at the TV while you hold your crochet, immobile and the rest will be spent frogging the cock ups you did while distracted by TV.

Free Amigurumi Crochet Patterns for Halloween

From top left to right.

Crochet Pumpkin Harvest Hat by Cathy Kurtz

Years ago I saw a tea cosy just like this in a tasteful Sunday supplement. It cost about £100. I spent ages trying to find out what the raised ribbed stitch was (in the days before the internet was full of crafty types).

Well now I finally know – it’s called Front Post Double Crochet (or I guess Front Post Treble if you’re using English stitches). I’m touched that you were all here with me when I learned that. Beautiful pattern by Cathy Kurtz – thanks Cathy!

Pattern for Two Ghosts Amigurumi

Ahooka Amigurumi lives up to its promise of Geekiness and Stitches with an extremely cute Casper-ish ghost pattern. It’s available in two sizes so you can make the big ghost its own baby. Weird? Maybe! Cute? Most definitely.

Halloween Ghost Crochet Pattern – Kara

Another ghost pattern but this time it’s more Pac-Man than Casper. It’s a nice, simple one, so a great one for novices in the creepy crochet arena.

Yarny Monsters Pattern by Sharon Ojala

Most of the designs for this monster mob came from drawings by Sharon Ojala’s daughter. Cute! Although let’s hope they’re not like Amelia Pond’s drawings of the Raggedy Man. We don’t want these fellas turning up at her house when she’s 25. That would take the shine off her day.

Mr. Creeper the Spider – Sonja van der Wijk

Sonja van der Wijk makes truly beautiful animal crochet patterns. She was kind enough to create this one as a freebie for aracnophiles everywhere.

If you want to make Mr Creeper even creepier, give him a host of beady eyes instead of just the pair. That’s a free tip from me to you right there.

By the way, if Mr Creeper is this big, I’d hate to see how massive Mrs Creeper is. Especially after this long summer.

Digging Your Own Grave – Shove Mink

This cheery “antigurumi” scene is available for free from Shove Mink over on her Croshame blog. “Putting the fun back into funeral.”

This one involves popcorn stitch AND reverse popcorn stitch. One of my all time favourite crochet moves.

Pumpkin Chupa Chups Lollipop Covers/ Sucker Covers – Esther Leavitt

More learning just happened, people. This is shaping up to be a good day. Apparently Americans call lollipops suckers? Really? Seems a bit strange.

Anyway, this free pattern by Esther Leavitt could be put to other uses, including bottle top covers and – for the more sophisticated among you – Ferrero Rocher chocolate covers to give to your dinner party guests. Classy.

Craft Foxes Crochet Zombiebot Amigurumi

The Craft Foxes crew have modified the Crobots pattern by Nelly Pailloux to create a zombie version in time for Halloween. Aww, the little fella looks kind of cute, come here little.. ARGH IT ATE MY FACE OFF. AIEEEE!

Thanks to everyone who made these amazing patterns. If you want more free patterns check out:

• Spooky and Fun Halloween Craft Ideas
• Free Halloween Amigurumi Patterns
• My Skull & Crossbone Jolly Roger Pattern

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]]> http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/free-crochet-patterns-for-halloween-some-of-our-favourite-crafty-projects/feed/ 1 19142 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/halloween-crafts-with-etsy/ http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/halloween-crafts-with-etsy/#comments Sat, 11 Oct 2014 16:14:08 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19126 If you want more Halloween craft inspiration, come take a little stroll through Etsy's plethora of Halloween patterns.

The post Halloween crafts with Etsy – A spooky round-up first appeared on Dork Adore.

]]> Thought we were all out of Halloween craft ideas after our last round-up?

Guess again, because we’ve got plenty more Halloween makes up our sleeves – this time with a little help from Etsy, because we love supporting the handmade community.

There are plenty (and I do mean plenty) of excellent Halloween-related things to buy on Etsy, so this round-up is just a little spooky taster.

Halloween Felties Garland

(c) Noialand

Noia Land sells this PDF pattern for a Halloween felties garland (£4.48).

The finished garland would be made up out of owl, cauldron, broom, tomstone, witch hat, bat and pumpkin felties – which you can also make and use as individual felt brooches.

The PDF includes step-by-step photo instructions on how to make the entire thing, a materials and supplies list and full size pattern pieces which you don’t have to enlarge. Just print them out as they are.

If you like Noia Land’s style of patterns, and you love working with felt, there’s a separate Halloween section of the shop in which you can get plenty more cool patterns, such as this Wolfman and this (super cute) Black Lagoon creature.

Who would have thought that super cute and Black Lagoon creature would ever work in the same sentence, ey?

Mr Fox Mandrake

(c) Mr. Fox

Raring to get your crochet hook out in time for Halloween? There are plenty of Halloween amigurumi patterns on Etsy, such as this amazing Mandrake pattern (£3.07) from Mr.Fox. I also love their pattern for this Mr Bunnyford, who looks a bit like a distant cousin of the Killer Rabbit from Monty Python and the Holy Grail…

Every Halloween celebration needs a bit of Tim Burton-at-his-best magic. This PFD download for a set of amigurumi The Nightmare Before Christmas (which he wrote and produced, but not directed as he was busy doing a little movie called Batman Returns) characters (£4.16, from rabbizdesign) seems very fitting.

The pattern includes Jack Skellington, Sally and Zero – and I heartily recommend listening to the movie soundtrack while making these.

Creepy Kitten in Pumpkin Patch

Simply Collectible

If you’re a crocheter who sells their makes, this creepy kitten in a pumpkin patch pattern (£4.47) is an idea addition to your Halloween stock – just make sure you link back to (and fully credit) Simply Collectable, who designed and sells the pattern.

Amigurumi Bats

(c) TheItsyBitsySpider

TheItsyBitsySpider – not the one who went up the water spout, of course – has an amazing Halloween pattern section, which you will have to pace yourself for because you’ll want to buy and make ALL THE THINGS. If only I could do crochet; I’d be buying the pattern for these adorable little amigurumi bats (£3.20) in a heartbeat.

Creepy Cross Stitch

(c) kattuna

With these folks, every night is Halloween – cross stitch yourself an Addams Family family portrait, with this pattern (£6.39) from YouMakeMeSewHappy. And if you’re keen for more Halloween cross stitch action, and you happen to be a classic horror lover, kattuna has patterns for both a Dracula and a Frankenstein’s creature cross stitch (both £2.24).

And finally, I couldn’t resist putting this one in because it’s both creepy and romantic – Frankenstein’s creature and his bride, united in this PDF cross stitch pattern  from Beta Stitch by LadyBeta (£1.92). Because even monsters need a mate.

Check out Etsy’s Halloween tag for more inspiration– Check out Dork Adore’s Halloween tag

 

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]]> http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/halloween-crafts-with-etsy/feed/ 1 19126 http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/spooky-and-fun-halloween-craft-ideas/ http://www.dorkadore.com/geekcraft/spooky-and-fun-halloween-craft-ideas/#comments Mon, 29 Sep 2014 09:09:42 +0000 http://www.dorkadore.com/?p=19043 The scariest month of the year is coming up and we've got a round-up of Halloween-themed craft ideas.

The post Spooky and fun Halloween craft ideas first appeared on Dork Adore.

]]> Autumn is in the air, leaves are tumbling down from the trees and it’s getting colder every day.

Truly, the time is right to sit down, get your craft stuff out and get to making. If you need inspiration for your makes, then look no further than the scariest day of the year (which is only a month away) – Halloween.

Halloween provides you with an endless number of creepy, horrifying and cool craft ideas – and because we love you, we’ve made you a little inspiration list to get you started.

BOO!

Porch Spider Web

(c) Lowe’s

American home improvement store Lowe’s has a couple of Halloween craft ideas on their website, including this Halloween spider web (above) – which just requires staples and black friction tape.

If you want to give your front porch (or anywhere around the house, really) an instantly spooky vibe, that’s the way to go.

(c) PinkRayGun

Pumpkin Templates

Halloween wouldn’t be Halloween without pumpkins, of course. PinkRayGun’s got an entire tag dedicated to geeky Halloween pumpkin carving templates.

Want to carve out the SHIELD logo, a Silence from Doctor Who or Slimer from Ghostbusters?

Get your free template and start carving that pumpkin. (Fun fact – there’s also a stencil that will let you decorate your pumpkin with the face of Steve Jobs.)

Gleeful Things – Dog Bandanas

Crochet designer Julie runs a blog called Gleeful Things, and she’s got quite a few free Halloween DIY projects on there. Have a go at this beginner amigurumi pattern, which will make you a cyclops candy corn (Candy-Clops).

If you want your pets to get in on the Halloween action, these reversible dog bandanas – which you can adapt for any occasion-  are awesome. They slip over the dog collar, so you don’t have to worry about them falling off.

Julie also has a tutorial for these cool Halloween jar luminaries, which you can make lots of and dot them around the house to turn the fright factor up to eleven.

And finally, Brenda Ponnay from the Alpha Mom blog plays right into one of the biggest trends of the moment and serves up these Minecraft Creeper Jack O’Lanterns. The twist is that she’s made them with not just green pumpkins, but all kinds of green vegetables.

Alpha Mom’s got a pretty good Halloween crafts tag as well, which is full of costume ideas for your kids. Handy if your small ones are crying out for a Frozen-themed Halloween costume and you have no clue how to get started.

Also, check out my Halloween amigurumi post from last year, or read through our entire Halloween tag for more Halloween ideas!

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