FREE Shrug, Owl, Boot Cuff Patterns + More for Last-Minute Gifts

The holidays approach, whether you like it or not. If you're stuck with last-minute gifts to make, try one of these free patterns from Craftsy. They're free, and if you have some random skeins of yarn in your stash, you can start stitching right away!

 All finished with your handmade holiday gifts? High five! Save these for projects in the new year -- or to get a jump start on next year's holiday gifts. (Hahaha, yeah, right!)

Quick DIY Glitter Pine Cone Mason Jar Centerpieces

Tis the season for glitter and pine cones! I love both of those things, don't you?

I've been working on holiday DIYs lately that take days and even weeks. These holiday DIYs are eating up my time, and eating up my money. So I was in the mood for a DIY that I could do in one day for free.

Our yard is littered with pine cones this time of year, so Alex and I spent a few minutes gathering them to make this festive glitter pine cone mason jar centerpiece.

Family Tree Embroidery Wedding Gift + Kitty Cuteness

Alex and I have been to a lot of weddings this year, but I only crafted a handmade gift for one of them. Sorry, all you other married people, but Kristen was the only one who asked me to be a bridesmaid and therefore earned her DIY gift.

You have to be careful who you give DIY gifts too, because some people would rather get a toaster than a handmade gift. They will spit on your handmade goodness, even though it took you hours and hours to make it. I knew this was not the case with Kristen and Rob.

Pattern: Custom Family Tree Embroidery Pattern by Cozyblue

Let's Talk Crochet!

Do you have a question about crochet? Or want to join in on making really lame crochet jokes? Join me on Craftsy's Facebook Crocheting Club tomorrow night from 7pm - 8pm EST to talk everything crochet! Get the details here.

Carson's Bear Birthday Hat

My nephew celebrated his 7th birthday last month, and I wanted to make him something fun that he could wear this winter.

I found this Bashful Bear Hat on Red Heart, but the hat was designed for a 4 year old. I was worried the whole bear face might be a little too much for Carson, who is already embarrassed by things like his mom. This might be my last chance to make him something cute before he's embarrassed by me, too!

Pattern: Bashful Bear Hat (Free Pattern)

Yarn: Vanna's Choice in Chocolate Brown

Rowan Pure Wool Superwash in Toffee

If Carson doesn't like, Alex said he'll claim it.

Beaker Muppets Halloween Costume

When Halloween rolls around, I always think about my favorite Halloween costume I've created as an adult: Beaker from the Muppets.

Flashback to 2009: I was living in Brooklyn with my roommate Heidi. (You can tell how tiny the bathroom was just based on these photos.) My friend Jessica dressed up as Bunsen Honeydew and we hit the streets of Brooklyn.

Before we left, I took some pretty ridiculous photos.

Unfortunately, I had more fun taking these photos than I did walking around Brooklyn. We spent part of the night posing for photos, but I spent the rest of the night getting punched in the head by drunk people.

I spent an entire day making this costume. I vaguely remember calling in sick to my job at Martha Stewart to finish it, which is a pretty good reason to call in sick there. Right?

Here's a no-details breakdown of how I created the Beaker head:

Eyes: I glued white felt around two small Styrofoam balls, then glued black felt circles onto each one.

Nose: I cut two pieces of orange felt into the shape of Beaker's nose, then stuffed it with PolyFill.

Head: The head is made out of foam sheet that is wrapped around a Styrofoam disk. The only issue with it is that it lost its stability and swayed back and forth. If I ever wore this again, I'd like to find a way to make the head more stable.

The foam was then wrapped with felt that I hand-dyed myself.

Hair: I bought a cheap red feather boa at Michael's and glued it in a spiral on the top of the head.

What's the most awesome Halloween costume you've ever made?

Try Creativebug for FREE and DIY Your Halloween!

Have you tried Creativebug yet? I am hooked. Sometimes I don't even make the projects; I just sit and watch the gorgeous videos as I drool over the yarn, fabric, or just the technique. (Is that weird?)

It's a good time to try Creativebug if you haven't already! You can get your first month FREE by using the code HALLOWEEN when you sign up.

Here's a peek at some of the new Halloween classes you can take with your free code. Click on the image to see more details.