project // felt kawaii emoji peach keyring

Know what would be perfectly peachy? Adorning your keychain with a fuzzy felt peach! Since this month's Jam of the Month is peach jam, I thought it would be fun to make a little felt peach with a kawaii face. And a keyring seemed the perfect way to use this fruity friend!

Now, I know that in the world of emojis, a peach can be, um...questionable. But I'm choosing to make this a very sweet and innocent peach. Your own keyring can represent whatever you choose. Ha!

You might also be thinking that felt for a keychain could be a bad choice. You'd be wrong, just like I was years ago. I bought the book Cute Stuff by Aronzi Aronzo, and it showed how to make felt keychains. I figured I was making an item that wouldn't last long, but it was cute for now. No joke, my mom used that embroidered felt keychain for YEARS. Yes, it looked worn, but it held on. So don't be afraid to make this little gal.

Now, be a peach and grab some felt so you can get started!



Here's what you need:

Wool Blend Felt in Peach and Green
Scissors
Peach and Black Embroidery Floss
Pink or Red Crayons
Needle
Keyring
Stuffing

DOWNLOAD THE PEACH KEY RING PATTERN PDF



Use the pattern to cut out two peach pieces and a rectangle from peach felt. Cut out one leaf from green felt.

I like to use freezer paper to accurately cut out my pieces, but you can use a regular paper pattern.



Use three strands of black embroidery floss to stitch the face on one peach shape. You can freehand this if you want, or trace the face on tracing paper (or the freezer paper), then stitch through the paper and tear it away when you're done.



Use a crayon to lightly add peachy cheeks if you want to make your peach extra kawaii. Be sure to test this on a scrap of peach felt first.

I didn't love the way the pink looked on its own, so I added a bit of red over it.



Place the two peach pieces together and stitch around the outside, starting near the bottom. Use three strands of peach embroidery floss.



When you get near the top, pause your peach stitching. Fold the felt rectangle over the keyring and place it between the layers. Place the leaf over that. Be sure that they are tucked down between the layers enough to catch them when you continue stitching.

Stitch through all the layers at the top of the peach. Try to get several stitches through the leaf and the tab of felt. If you need to, you can even go back and add stitches in between the running stitches.



When you get near the bottom, pause again. This time add a tiny bit of stuffing in the peach. It doesn't take much!

Finish stitching to close it up, and you're done!



This little peach is ready to hold your keys or just hang out on a zipper pull or tote bag handle. You could even add a tiny crown to make it a princess peach (any Mario fans reading this?)!



I also just had a realization. You could use this to hold your spare key. That way it would help you get out of a peach jam!

pattern // peach jam cross stitch chart

Special delivery for all my Jam of the Month Club cross stitchers! This month you get your free cross stitch chart before the embroidery pattern comes out. Just because.

I'm absolutely crazy about this peach jam and the colors in it. If you're stitching these as individual designs or the ever-filling shelves, I think you'll love this bright and cheery jar too.

DOWNLOAD THE PEACH JAM CROSS STITCH CHART

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED SHELF CROSS STITCH CHART

Cross stitch has been creeping into my design work more and more and I'm not mad about it. The only thing is just that I'm really slow about the actual stitching. It's why I'm thrilled that Cross Stitch Crazy has speedy stitchers to help with that part. You can see their amazing work in these two recent patterns I made for issues 258 and 259.




Meanwhile, I'm working on another Halloween chart that I'm stitching myself to share elsewhere and this is as far as I've gotten in three evenings:



I think I had better get busy if I want to finish in time! How about you? Are you a fast or slow stitcher? And if you're speedy, what's your secret?

calendar // august's peach jam

At this very moment, there is a bag of "Georgia Fuzzies" sitting on my kitchen counter. I'm not sure who decided to give fruit such adorable names, but I'm so glad they did. The Georgia Fuzzies peaches won't be turning into peach jam this time around, but that's okay because I already have kawaii cute jars drawn up for this month. Obviously, illustrations and patterns aren't as tasty as the real deal, but they are super sweet.

I'm really into the colors for this month's calendar, and I hope you enjoy them too. They're still screaming "summer", which is nice when back-to-school comes early for so many. At least we can hold onto some of the summer bits!

Now, whether you're heading back to school, sending kids off for first days of school, enjoying the last days of summer, or all those things, spread some peach jam fun on your favorite digital device!

Download the Desktop Wallpaper

Download the iPhone Wallpaper

Download the iPad Wallpaper

Oh, and for a bit of extra fun that I made in the last month or so, and that you really shouldn't miss, check out these projects on other sites. I used some of my favorite colors of Benzie felt for these!



Summer Seashells Pattern for embroidery and applique at The Spruce Crafts.



Pastel Sloth Pencil Toppers at Handmade Charlotte.

What are you planning to make in August?

pattern // strawberry rhubarb cross stitch chart

Who has their cross stitch supplies ready? I hope you do, because I have a Strawberry Rhubarb Jam cross stitch chart for you! And just like all the Jam of the Month patterns, this is a free cross stitch pattern/stitching club. Will it always be free? I'm not sure. But it is right now.

When I'm making embroidery patterns, I love adding some fun angles in the design. If you know anything about cross stitch, and if you're excited about this pattern, you probably do, then you know that slight angles don't always work so well on a grid. At least on a small grid!

This was definitely one of those designs where, because of the size, I needed to make the fruit a little less jaunty than on the embroidery version. It may not be something you ever think about, but I find these kinds of things interesting. It makes it fun to see how I can take my designs in different directions, even when they are mostly the same!

DOWNLOAD THE STRAWBERRY RHUBARB JAM CROSS STITCH CHART

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED SHELF CROSS STITCH CHART

If you're just finding my Jam of the Month patterns for the first time, well...welcome! And thanks! Each month this year I'm releasing a free cross stitch design for a jar of jam, marmalade, etc. They come as individual charts, but you can also make them into a large shelf filled with the jars. You can grab both versions above.

And whether you're new or have been stitching along the whole time, you know I want to see your stitches. Tag me on Instagram (I'm @molliejohanson) or use the hashtag #wildolivestitchingclub.

Oh, and if you want to support my work, I'd love it if you tell your friends about my patterns, share my posts on social media, or buy me a coffee via the link in my sidebar (because I pretty much run on coffee and Jesus!).

pattern // july's jar of strawberry rhubarb jam

My latest Jam of the Month Club embroidery pattern is printed out and attached to my fabric, and I have full intentions of starting the stitching. But I know me and I know you, and I don't want this to wait any longer. Even just a day or two.

And so rather than delaying this post more, I'm sharing the newest free Wild Olive Stitching Club pattern today! With my still unstitched sample!

Like all of the previous jars, I'll be using back stitch for the majority of the design, with my favorite stitches for faces. But I'm also going to use chain stitch for the thick line that is the jar seal. I think that will look perfect there.

DOWNLOAD THE STRAWBERRY RHUBARB JAM EMBROIDERY PATTERN

And in case you missed it, all these jam jars I'm (we're!) stitching will come together in a mini quilt that looks like shelves. I'm equally behind on my EPP for that too, but I'm hoping to carve out some time for progress soon. Because I've seen lots of great progress from folks on Instagram at the #wildolivestitchingclub hashtag!

Okay, now I'm off to try and do some stitching. Not for this just yet, but for something else fun. Why must there be so many projects that I'm excited about?

calendar // july's strawberry rhubarb jam wallpapers

July, July...halfway through the year! It's hard to believe it. But I've been excited for the July calendar wallpaper because I decided to make this jam of the month strawberry rhubarb.

My grandpa always grew rhubarb in the garden and so I have fond memories of all the rhubarb recipes my grandma would make. This seemed like a fitting way to honor Nanny (and Papa!) within this year of canned jams.

So grab a calendar for your favorite device and enjoy this taste of summer!

Download the Desktop Wallpaper

Download the iPhone Wallpaper

Download the iPad Wallpaper

And while we're checking in for a new month, I thought I should share the latest Very Serious Crafts Podcast episode with you! Season 2, episode 13 just dropped today and it's even a strawberry rhubarb kind of color...

Head to Very Serious Crafts to download and listen!

project // cross-stitched crochet pouch

Have you ever cross stitched or embroidered on knit or crochet items? It's such a fun way to combine two crafts, and that means more possibilities! Recently I wrote a tutorial for The Spruce Crafts on how to cross stitch on single crochet. And I didn't want to let my little swatch go to waste, so I made it into a simple pouch.

Of course, not wanting the making of a simple pouch to go to waste, I made it into a tutorial for you. You're welcome. Seriously though, this is pretty easy to figure out on your own if you crochet. But even if you're new to crochet this is simple and a fun way to get started while staying true to your stitching self.



You can make your pouch pretty much any size you want. Mine is just large enough to hold a few craft tools. (Disclaimer: You should only place scissors in your crocheted pouch if you line it with fabric or cap the point of the scissors.) I also think it would be perfect for holding feminine hygiene products!

To make the pouch, you will need:

Yarn in a base color
Yarn in a few more colors
Crochet hook - use the size recommended for the yarn you're using
Tapestry needle
Buttons



First, make a single crochet rectangle that's the size you want for your pouch. I made mine 20 stitches wide and I worked until it measured about 10 inches. Don't end off the yarn just yet.

I kept an active loop while I did the cross stitch because when I was adding the embellishment, I hadn't finalized the size and details of the pouch. But you can wait to add the cross stitch until after the next step.



After you finish the single crochet, it's time to make the buttonhole loops. Decide how far in your want the buttons (or just a single button in the middle) and count the stitches in from the edge. Count how many stitches wide your buttons are.

Slip stitch until you reach the location of the first buttonhole. Chain stitch as many stitches as needed for the button to fit through. Continue slip stitching until you reach the next buttonhole, and repeat.

End off the yarn and weave in the end.



Fold up the bottom edge to figure out the placement for the cross stitching and the buttons. Stitch a design following my tutorial, then sew on the buttons.



Attach yarn to each side and slip stitch to close up the sides of the pouch. End off the yarn and weave in the ends.




And it's a finished pouch! If you want to use your pouch to hold tiny items (like stitch markers or even pointy things that could catch on the yarn), you can sew a fabric liner and stitch it into place. Mine is staying just like this!



So now, a few notes about this project:

• First, I don't have any basic crochet tutorials here on my blog, but I have a bunch at The Spruce Crafts. If you need to learn any of the stitches I mentioned in this post, visit The Spruce's crochet section.

• I used yarn that I had on hand, including Lion Brand BonBons (because they're so cute!). But I'm excited to do more cross stitch on crochet with tapestry yarn, which comes in so many colors and is a beautiful quality. Benzie sent me a bunch to play with!

• And with that tapestry yarn in mind, I've been thinking of making a few Wild Olive-esque patterns that would be small and suitable for cross stitch on crochet. Would that be something you'd be interested in? Tell me in the comments!

pattern // pineapple marmalade cross stitch chart

Hey, cross stitch friends! Are you ready for your version of the Pineapple Marmalade Jam of the Month pattern? I hope so. Because this month's free cross stitch chart is here.

Some of these patterns have taken me a while to set up and post, but I don't know what it is about summer and pineapples that gets me so excited...I just couldn't wait! That summer tropical fruit motivation made it happen.

When I design cross stitch patterns, I try to keep the back stitch to a minimum. This is funny because, in embroidery, back stitch is my favorite! But for this design, it does have a little back stitch to make the markings on the pineapple. If you LOVE to back stitch and want these designs to "pop", you can always outline the jars and some elements like my friend Jess.

DOWNLOAD THE PINEAPPLE MARMALADE CROSS STITCH CHART

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED SHELF CROSS STITCH CHART

With summer designs, I think it's best to go outside for your stitching. (I say this as I have yet to stitch outside at all this year.) Get out in the shade (yes, I'm a shade girl...), breath in the fresh air, and stitch.

If you're stitching the individual designs or a whole shelf, I'd love to see. Bonus points for backyard, porch, poolside, or beach pics! Tag me on Instagram or use the hashtag #wildolivestitchingclub.

pattern // june's jar of pineapple marmalade

Who's ready to make some pineapple marmalade? Because it's time for another Jam of the Month embroidery pattern!

As I typed that, I just realized that this may be the only jam of the month club where you have to make the jam yourself. I'd think that was weird, but you're probably here for the making, so I'm just giving you what you want!

Anyway, this month's jar is filled with embroidered pineapple marmalade, and there's a tiny kawaii pineapple on the jar.

I've been using three strands for all of my stitching for these patterns, and mostly keeping to back stitch plus the faces. This one has two small changes to that plan. First, I used only two strands for the lines on the pineapple and I could have even gone with one strand. Everything else is three strands. And then I also added a bit of satin stitch for the pineapple bits because they're just cute that way!

DOWNLOAD THE PINEAPPLE MARMALADE PATTERN PDF

Stitch this pattern, add it to your growing shelves filled with delicious jams and jellies, and then share it! Tag me on Instagram (@molliejohanson), use the #wildolivestitchingclub hashtag, or send me an email (molliejohanson at gmail dot com).

And for my cross stitch friends, your pattern is coming soon!

calendar // june's pineapple marmalade wallpapers

It's an extra-quick post for today! I'm just dropping in to drop off these new wallpapers for you. For June, it's a pineapple marmalade kind of month.

Grab a calendar and then make a batch to enjoy!

Download the Desktop Wallpaper

Download the iPhone Wallpaper

Download the iPad Wallpaper

project // loved coffee cuff with stencil cutting file

Remind someone (even yourself!) that they are loved with this easy freezer paper-stenciled coffee cuff! It's fast and easy to make, especially with the free SVG cutting file and a cutting machine.

You don't need to have a cutting machine though. You can hand cut the stencil for almost the same effect. Or, use the PDF template as an embroidery pattern and stitch a loved coffee cuff!



You will need:

A basic felt or fabric coffee cuff
Freezer paper
Cutting machine -OR - a pencil and craft knife
Iron
Acrylic paint
Stencil brush or foam paint dauber

DOWNLOAD THE LOVED SVG CUTTING FILE

DOWNLOAD THE LOVED PDF TEMPLATE

For this project, I used the same sleeve base as I did for my Serious Crafter coffee cuff (scroll down in that post to grab the download and simple instructions). But you can use your favorite pattern and just apply my stencil.



Use the SVG cutting file on a cutting machine to cut out a crisp freezer paper stencil. The stencil should face the right way on the non-shiny side.

If you don't have a cutting machine, trace the PDF version of the pattern onto freezer paper. Use a craft knife to carefully cut out the design.



Iron the stencil onto the coffee cuff.



Dab paint onto the stencil and sleeve. Let the first coat of paint dry, then add a second coat.



Peel away the stencil to reveal the design!




I made this design so I could make gifts for some special people. I want them to know that they are loved, and I want you to know the same thing.

You are loved by me. I know we may not have met in real life or even exchanged emails or comments on social media. But I truly care about you.

And bigger than that, you are loved by Jesus. He created you and you have value. You are loved no matter what.

when you enjoy designing patterns of all kinds

My craft portfolio has always been diversified, but I feel it more these days. Especially as move into designing things like my latest knitting project, the Graceful Waves Tunic Sweater.

In one way or another, I've designed projects all my life. It started with wonky sewing projects, Perler bead fails, and a simple scarf idea that still didn't work. As I got older, I've essentially still done all of these things. But now I also make a lot of embroidery and cross stitch pattern, some English paper piecing, and most recently crochet.

Designing a sweater knitting pattern wasn't really in my plan, until I brought home a lovely bundle of yarn from England last summer. And actually, it wasn't until September that my sketch appeared. Still...was I really ready for this? The sketch was simple, so I thought I'd try to make it work.



It wasn't until January that I started swatching and trying out my plan. The first swatch was a mess. I had to figure out a better way. But then I found a classic lace stitch pattern that I loved. It's called Crest of the Wave stitch, which is where the title Graceful Waves Tunic Sweater came from.

And so yeah...I designed a sweater.



Even with the lace hem, this might be the easiest sweater you'll ever knit. You don't have to worry about shaping, there are no sleeves to set in, and the only seams are the shoulders which you graft together.

But the result is an easy-to-wear, easy-to-knit tunic. I love it with jeans, but I have a pencil skirt that I'll be pairing it with soon. It's also light and breezy, so I can find ways to wear it all year.




My favorite parts are the hems (I mean, come on...scalloped lace? I'm a sucker for scallops!) and the shoulders. Those little details just get me and make me feel like I actually designed a thing.



It feels strange at times to share all the knitting and crochet I'm working on these days. I'm supposed to be about the embroidery and such! But I'm simply expanding my needlecrafts, right?

Anyway, that's my story of how designing patterns grew into designing even more patterns. And honestly, there's so much more to come. If you're a knitter or know a knitter, I'd love it if you knit or share the Graceful Waves Tunic Pattern! You can find the FREE pattern at The Spruce Crafts and add it to your queue on Ravelry!

pattern // blueberry jelly cross stitch chart

Hey, cross stitch fans! Your time is here, and the May Jam of the Month Club chart is ready for you to get stitching. The Blueberry Jelly pattern has cute little blueberries with teeny tiny faces, and a fun checked lid.

I'm a super slow cross stitcher, so I decided not to even try and make all the cross stitch versions of these jam jars. But that didn't stop me from grabbing the supplies. Because who can resist a craft supply photo?

Anyway, enjoy the Blueberry Jelly jar, as well as the shelf pattern with this new addition.

DOWNLOAD THE BLUEBERRY JELLY CROSS STITCH CHART

DOWNLOAD THE UPDATED SHELF CROSS STITCH CHART

If you're stitching the individual designs or a whole shelf, I'd love to see! Tag me on Instagram or use the hashtag #wildolivestitchingclub.



And if you're a cross stitch fan, you should also check out Cross Stitch Crazy Magazine! I have a set of kawaii cacti in the latest issue (number 256), plus I did an interview with them for this one too. It was Cross Stitch Crazy that got me designing cross stitch patterns, so I'm especially thankful to them.

pattern // may's jar of blueberry jelly

Fill your shelves with the cutest jars of blueberry jelly with this free kawaii embroidery pattern!

It's May and we're stitching a jar of jolly jelly. I'm really quite smitten with this design...especially the colors. I've been a little behind on my own stitching, so it was fun to finally sit down and just stitch. The funny thing is that it only took about two hours. Why do I put these off?

For those who are new, this is the latest Jam of the Month Club pattern. If you haven't seen the rest of the patterns yet, be sure to check out the EPP shelf mini quilt that holds all the jar patterns, plus January, February, March, and April.

DOWNLOAD THE BLUEBERRY JELLY PATTERN PDF

Have you been stitching along so far? I'd love to see your progress! Tag me on Instagram (@molliejohanson), use the #wildolivestitchingclub hashtag, or send me an email (molliejohanson at gmail dot com).

Need help learning the basics of embroidery? I can help with that!

Okay, now go and stitch a little jar with some super sweet blueberries. I promise they'll make your day berry happy!

calendar // may's blueberry jelly wallpapers

One berry, two berry, pick me a Blueberry!

I remember reading those words many, many times to a little boy I babysat when I was in high school. He LOVED the book Jamberry. And with jars of blueberry jelly lining the shelves this month, it just felt appropriate to quote a classic.

Yes, we're already up to May, and I have thoughts and feeling about it. But rather than focus on the passage of time, before you download a new wallpaper for your favorite device, I have a very important question:

When it comes to blueberry, do you vote jelly, jam, preserves, or some other variation of this? If you're not sure what the differences are, check out this helpful pin that summarizes (it also leads to a yummy-sounding savory jam!).

Download the Desktop Wallpaper

Download the iPhone Wallpaper

Download the iPad Wallpaper