Anastasia Blaes

Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads

Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Sometimes you just need a hat in a hurry. Maybe you need a quick gift, maybe you promised somebody you’d knit them something and you forgot, or maybe it just started snowing a lot and it’s cold.
Crochet: Purse / Handbag
Haunted by the Curse of the Missing Airpods? This Jack O’ Lantern Airpods Case with surely cast its spell over you!
Crochet: Accessories - Other
Boo! You don’t need to hold a seance to make this super cute and useful ghost charm that doubles as a pouch, perfect for storing airpods, lipgloss, etc.--all those small items that tend to get lost in your bag. It just takes single crochet and a couple of minutes of your spare time. You go, ghoul!
Knitting: Tee, Skirt
This adorable raglan top and skirt outfit is perfect for your sweet girl to enjoy summer in.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
With slight a-line shaping and a wide shallow scoop neck, this tunic flatters all ages and body types. The front features a textured lace center panel that is easy to knit and feminine without being fussy. Wear it with a skirt during a day at the office, then with leggings for dinner and clubbing.
Crochet: Cup / Mug
Crochet this super cute cozy in a second using aran weight yarn.
Knitting: Ankle Sock
Easy fun ankle socks to wear over your tights. Short row heel, super quick lacy eyelet pattern. Heel and sole are stockinette stitch so they’re comfortable inside your Doc Martens.
Knitting: Cup / Mug
Twist Rib knit cozy with heart motif is a reusable alternative to those cardboard sleeves. Cozy protects hand from hot cups while keeping coffee warm. Sized for small (aka Starbucks “tall”) coffees, it makes a great gift, especially if you tuck a gift card to your favorite coffee/tea shoppe inside.
Knitting: Food Cozy
Dress up your table with a wine bottle sweater! Easy knit and purl basketweave pattern knit seamlessly in the round makes for a quick knit and minimal finishing. Slip it over that inexpensive bottle of table wine for a perfect party centerpiece or a fun gift. Perfect for redirection conversations at the holiday table!
Knitting: Hanging Ornament
Just in time for the holidays, a super quick Christmas tree ornament in chunky yarn. Seriously, it took me longer to write the pattern than to knit this up. Tree front and back are knitted in nubbly seed stitch, then stitched together and lightly stuffed with fiberfill. An I-cord trunk is the finishing touch. Perfect to trim your tree, or gift ...
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Super cute lace socks to wear with your pumps!
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
Classy socks for your favorite guy in a distinguished herringbone rib pattern. The socks’ construction is traditional, knitted from the top down with a slip stitch heel flap and gusset for comfort and durability. The stitch pattern has considerable stretch, so it will fit most men.
Crochet: Purse / Handbag
Hook yourself a peachy keen basketweave purse! This cute little bag is just the right size for all your essentials, perfect for when you don’t want to schlep a full-size purse. The basketweave stitch is firm enough that I didn’t have to line mine with fabric, yay! Use the smallest crochet hook you can manage.
Crochet: Beanie, Toque
Even beginners can be fashionably ostentatious in the blink of an eye. You only need to know single and half double crochet, so you can grab some aran weight yarn (I chose alpaca), whip this hat up in an hour or two and rock your look in time to hit the clubs.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Brrrr…It’s getting cold out there! Banish those grey skies with cozy fingerless gloves in cheerful sky blue. These fingerless gloves feature a twist stitch chevron pattern on the front, and ribbing on the back. I call the asymmetrical thumb gusset and the stretchy ribbing on the palm a Goldilocks fit: not too loose, not too tight, just right!
Knitting: Washcloth / Dishcloth
A dishtowel and washcloth set knitted in an absorbent textured stitch makes quick work of clean-up duties.
Knitting: Washcloth / Dishcloth, Table Setting - Other
Whip up unique, star-shaped dishcloths in patriotic red, white and blue 100% cotton for Fourth of July, your next cookout, or a thoughtful hostess gift. Knit entirely in the round from the outside in, self-striping yarn forms a pattern that accentuates the star shape, or use a solid yarn in yellow for a whimsical touch. More than just a dishclo...
Knitting: Scarf, Hats - Other
Knit up a hat and scarf set that has universal appeal. The scarf pattern is constructed lengthwise for vertical knit and purl stripes that are designed to flatter, looking as good on the reverse side as they do on the right side. The stripe pattern band is repeated on the hat, which is also reversible. Both patterns are included in the pdf down...
Knitting: Purse / Handbag
The hexagon shape of this purse looks great in a variety of yarn weights and textures, even felting. A modular technique makes it easy to knit and portable, adding on as you go. A foldover flap that closes with an i-cord button, and a gusset that does double duty as a strap add practicality, so you can actually use this purse.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
This beret makes the most of the striping-effect yarn. Using a variation of the scroll stitch,the fabric appears to gently undulate like the petals of a flower, through strategic yarnover increases and decreases.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Where I live in Virginia, crocuses have started to emerge from their wintry blankets of soil, a sure sign that spring is finally on its way.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
The Spirit of the Lake shawl was inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s poem, “Mist.” The shawl’s construction is simple: it begins at the tip and is knitted to the upper edge. Increases occur on each end of every right side row so that the stitch pattern flows organically from tip to top without interruption. Because the shawl is worked bottom to t...
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Inspired by John Donne’s poem, “The Primrose”, these dainty gloves will ward off Winter’s chill with fond hopes of Spring and true love. The gloves begin with a very feminine pleated cuff that is both easy to make and elegant in appearance. The palm of the glove features an asymmetrical thumb gusset for a contoured fit. I chose a yarn with tona...
Knitting: Baby Blanket
The Watermelon Patch blanket is comprised of individual squares. Each square is knitted in the round on circular needles, with miters at four corners decreasing to the center. Since each square is sewn together, there’s a bit of seaming, but this gives you a chance to choose the placement of your squares according to color. The blanket is edged...
Crochet: Purse / Handbag
This purse is a great introduction to the art of felted crochet. Worked entirely in single crochet, the purse features a circular front and back connected by a gusset that does double-duty as a shoulder strap. I chose to crochet my project in two solid colors, but imagine the possibilities. Hand-painted yarn, self-striping yarn…the sky’s the li...
Knitting: Necktie
A quick knit for your sweetheart (or yourself),this retro necktie takes advantage of the tapering effect created by chevron stitch. The necktie is worked in two separate sections for symmetry, then joined at the back of the neck with 3-needle bind-off. Decreases flow organically within the pattern so that the necktie fits nicely under a button-...
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
We were apple-picking when I shot the photo of these fingerless gloves, and I just couldn’t resist the name. The vines are embossed, so they stand out in high relief, and the occasional eyelet on the leaves provides further contrast. An asymmetrical thumb gusset provides a contoured fit. Turn the glove inside out, and you have an entirely diffe...
Knitting: Scarf, Beret, Tam
Looking to warm up? How about some Hot Scotch? This hat and scarf set will knit up quickly in a bulky alpaca that is sinfully soft, giving the modified beret a beautiful drape. A fair-isle band gives the hat posture: it drapes rather than slouches. The bands are easy two-color stranded knitting, a great introduction to the art of fair isle knit...
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These gloves fit wonderfully, due to an asymmetrical thumb gusset whose shape conforms easily to your palm. And--both sides are equally beautiful, so wear them inside out when the mood suits you.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This lace shawl was inspired by old copper filigree. Focus on the construction of the lace pattern itself, and don’t worry about a knitted-on edging; the shawl needs no additional embellishment.
Knitting: Baby Blanket
This is true yarn candy to make for a special little one! I created my Tutti Frutti with a softly textural cotton blend yarn, but the pattern is very adaptable. Try it out in a smooth yarn or even a boucle for a different effect that is equally appealing. Just make sure that you make up gauge, especially for the hat.
Knitting: Beret, Tam
It doesn’t have to be hard to be different! That’s how I feel about the Evergreen Cocktail Hat. A very quick knit that can be completed in an evening, this hat relies on cleverly hidden shaping for its effortless look. Best of all, it takes just one skein of a chunky weight yarn! Make several in different colors to have ready for last minute gi...
Knitting: Tee
An inspired riff on the traditional madras plaid, I created this classic top with a hand-dyed rayon yarn for exquisite colors and fabulous drape. Garter stitch stripes add a subtle touch of pizzazz without gaudiness, and extended sizing makes this a winner for everyone.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This is something easy and special for your little angel. The fingering weight yarn creates a lightweight hat that will keep head and toes warm but not too warm as winter transitions to spring. Easy stockinette stitch makes it a quick knit. Instead of topping the hat with a mundane pompom, an i-cord tassel adds flair. The same i-cord secures th...
Knitting: Potholder, Washcloth / Dishcloth, Towel
This reversible kitchen set is a wonderful wedding or bridal shower gift--as fun to make as it is to give! The recipient will love having a matching set: dishcloth, dishtowel, double-thick oven mitt and skillet handle cover. A girl’s best friend, indeed.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
I call this hat Blue Lightning, because it’s so fast to make! Sized for newborn through adults, your fingers will be moving at the speed of light. This hat makes a great quick baby shower gift, or you can make one for baby and one for Mommy.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Looking out my window onto a world blanketed in white, I crave…color! Satisfy your need to add some color to your world with this quickly knit hat. Deep ribbing enables one size to fit most securely. For fun, instructions include a pompom, but garnish your Hollyberry Cocktail any way you want!
Crochet: Market bag (slouchy)
Looking for a market bag pattern that’s a little different? A little bubbly? A whole lot of fun? Then you’ll love this polka dot market bag.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This is a perfect baby shower gift, so fast and easy to make! Construction is simple, yet unique: a long strip is sewn together to form a circle and stitches are picked up from one side of the strip and knitted in the round to form the hat. For the booties, make a similar strip and pick up stitches, but work back and forth, then seam up the back.
Knitting: Sleeveless Top, Vest
Knit up this flattering vest/top in a textured ridge stitch that is both interesting and easy to memorize. Front and back are knit separately from the bottom up, then seamed together. Armholes and vee neckline are edged by picking up stitches with a 16” circular needle and purling one round for a simple, but professional finish.
Knitting: Pullover, Tee
Fitted knit tee is adorned with a pretty bluebell lace border at sleeves and bottom hem. The slightly scooped neckline is finished with a simple single crochet edge. Front, back and set-in sleeves are knit separately from the bottom up, then seamed together.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
A flickering candlelight lace motif casts a warm glow over this shawl and its wearer. The shawl’s center panel is composed of a variation of the old Candle Flame stitch pattern. A coordinating knitted-on diamond border accents the laciness of the Center Panel, and a knitted-on open lace edging provides the perfect finishing touch. Make sure you...
Knitting: Baby Blanket, Hats - Other
Circular Blankets make wonderful nursing blankets, but let’s face it, working them in the round is a pain. Instead, try the Cloud Nine Nursing Blanket, which achieves its circular shape through short rows worked back and forth. Bobbles are a fun touch (fun for knitter to make, and fun for baby to play with), and a knitted-on scalloped edging ad...
Knitting: Baby Blanket
Easy and satisfying, make this blanket square by square, then sew together for fabulous results that look far more intricate than they really are. We created ours in a soft, organic dk weight cotton that will feel great against baby’s skin.
Knitting: Onesies
Cute little baby onesie in machine washable 100% corn! Sized 0-12 months
Knitting: Baby Blanket
This is a really fun, portable project. Knit the inside of the square first in a bright, cheerful color, then pick up and knit stitches around the edges, just as you would knit a log cabin square, to “frame” it. This is a great stashbuster for hand-dyed dk or sport-weight yarns. Sew together and it’s ready for baby!
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These fingerless gloves are really fun to knit! The reversible cable looks great worn either right side showing or inside out, and it’s so easy to do, you’ll feel like you’re a superhero knitter. So activate your Wonder Twin powers and enjoy!
Knitting: Scarf
Have a couple of skeins of fun yarn but not sure what to do with it? Try a Margarita!
Knitting: Belt
Go west with this cabled belt slung around your hips! This is a great project for knitters looking to try out a more complex cable by itself without all shaping that accompanies a cabled sweater or other garment.
Knitting: Tee
Create the perfect storm with this easy to make tee. Knit all the round, there’s no finishing work--just weave in the ends and it’s ready to wear! This is a great pattern for first-time sweater knitters.
Knitting: Baby Blanket
Searching for a easy and fun baby blanket? Look no further! Fresh n Fruity is composed of mitered squares knitted up in easy garter stitch. Whip up each square in no time, then sew them together using the Assembly diagram. The blanket looks complex, but we know it was easy as pie!
Knitting: Scarf
Want to give him a scarf he’ll actually wear? Make him a Scotch and Soda scarf, a single malt scarf with cabled bubbles!
Knitting: Market bag (slouchy)
This is a great fun eco-friendly bag, knit in 100% corn yarn! Knit it in easy garter stitch, alternating size 13 (9 mm) and size 6 (4 mm) needles to create a lacy look without the effort of lace. We made ours in stripes for maximum impact, but it would look great in one color, too!
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This stole is reminiscent of the late Princess of Monaco. This stole will never wilt under pressure--it will float gracefully and elegantly around you in the muggiest weather, just like its namesake. We think she would have approved.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
This sock reminds me of amber Linsmore scotch, tinged with a hint of smokiness. The Linsmore cable is much easier than it looks. After a repeat or two, you will have it memorized. I placed the cable on the front and the back of the sock, so the sock looks good both coming and going. Even with two cables, the sock is thin enough that I can still...
Knitting: Booties, Beanie, Toque
Bring baby home from the hospital in this delicious hat and bootie set. Butterscotch Morsel is knit in soothing Luscious cotton and the most luxurious plush yarn available. From the little i-cord pompom on top of the hat, to the delicately turned heel on the teeny bootie socks, thoughtful details make Butterscotch Morsel the perfect baby shower...
Crochet: Belt
Create a chain reaction when you make this crocheted, felted belt for yourself. A great project for a new crocheter, add each “link” onto your belt as you go until you have reached your desired length, then toss in the wash to felt. We used Tilli Tomas Flurries, which is embellished with beads and adds a couture touch.
Knitting: Ankle Sock, Beanie, Toque
Sweets for the sweet! This little hat and sock set makes the most of a fiber with beautiful drape. The “frosting layers” are picot hems that are knitted right on to each other, so finishing is minimal. The socks feature a turned hem with a ribbed cuff so that the socks fit snugly. For convenience and precision, pattern sizes are listed in head ...
Knitting: Sleeveless Top
This corset-style camisole is knit entirely in the round; the only seaming you’ll have to do is sewing the straps to the back! Ribbing along sides and back creates a form-fitting shape as a gently increasing stockinette stitch panel in the front sculpts the bustline without changing stitch count. Add some flirty fringe to the bottom and get rea...
Knitting: Necktie
Does he really need another scarf? Instead, make him an easy necktie with hand-knitted retro flair. Use a silk yarn for understated elegance that’s just right for the office. This pattern works well with most dk yarns, but I would avoid cotton or viscose because of their tendency to grow as they are used.
Crochet: Purse / Handbag
You don’t have to be an expert crocheter to make this little Jackie-O style bag! Single crochet and a hand-dyed yarn will do all the work for you. Add a 7” zipper to close the opening and step out in style!
Knitting: Scarf
Great summer scarf if you make it in a nice silk or bamboo yarn.