EvinOK
Skip to content
  • Brunch Cork
  • Travel
    • Ireland
    • Continental Europe
    • USA
    • American in Ireland
  • Recipes
    • Recipes By Ingredient
    • Breakfast | Brunch
    • Lunch | Dinner
    • Snacks
    • Dessert
  • Crafts & DIY
    • Knitting | Crochet
    • Knitting for Premature Babies
    • Knitting Tutorials
    • Make Do and Mend
    • Painting | Drawing
    • Photography
    • Sewing | Refashion
    • Thrifting
    • Tutorials | Patterns
    • Upcycling
  • Knitting Books & Patterns
    • My Knit Designs
    • Shop on LoveCrafts
    • Shop on Ravelry
    • My Knitting Books
    • Bake Knit Sew by Evin Bail O’Keeffe
    • Ultraviolet Knits by Evin Bail O’Keeffe
    • These Islands by Sara Breitenfeldt
    • Travel-inspired Knits by Michael Harrigan
  • About
    • Contact
    • My Writing Portfolio
    • My Life
gifts wrapped in brown paper with red and white string. Tag says 'Made in Santa's Workshop'

Gift Ideas for a Handmade Christmas

by Evin // November 28, 2023 // No Comments
I am making nearly all of my gifts this year and isn’t as crazy as you may imagine. You could knit, sew, paint, or carve your loved ones something special. It doesn’t have to be exactly like something out of... Continue reading →
Homemade jam in jars with labels and dates. This batch is Strawberry-Rhubarb and dated August '21. A small stamp on the label likely signifies the farm or maker. Photo by Max Goncharov

8 Thoughtful [But Not Too Personal] Gifts That Don’t Break Your Budget

by Evin // November 21, 2023 // No Comments
From office gift exchanges to something to bring when going to a holiday party at a friend’s home, there is a necessary place for thoughtful [but not too personal] gifts that don’t break your budget. I mean, you can’t always... Continue reading →
Cranberry Tart photo by Jennifer Pallian

Homemade Cranberry Tart for Your Holiday Dessert

by Evin // November 14, 2023 // No Comments
A cranberry tart is a creative choice for a holiday dessert because it combines the traditional flavors of the season with a unique and eye-catching presentation. Cranberries are often associated with the holiday season, and their tart and slightly sweet... Continue reading →
Gift Ideas and Gift Wrapping | EvinOK

List of Gift Ideas for Me To Treat Myself

by Evin // November 13, 2023 // No Comments
With my birthday and Christmas approaching, I am making a list of my personal wish list items. This is a bit of a tradition and just for my family. Which now that I write it, it hits me that I... Continue reading →
gifts wrapped in brown paper with red and white string. Tag says 'Made in Santa's Workshop'

A Random List of Holiday Gift Ideas

by Evin // November 10, 2023 // No Comments
Each year, I feel like I move further away from wanting material goods and ease more into wanting sleep, recharging experiences, and replacement items for things that wore out. I don’t know if that’s sad or lovely, but I am... Continue reading →
Circular wood knitting needles with sage green yarn in a bowl alongside a knit lace shawl on a wood table with a journal.

How to Choose a Gift for a Knitter

by Evin // November 7, 2023 // No Comments
I’ve posted many times with gift ideas, knitting care package inspiration, Knitmas gifts, knitter care package advice, examples of knitter gifts I’ve given, and creative thoughtfulness suggestions, so why not once more? This post, however, is more focused on choosing... Continue reading →

Natural Ways to Ward Off Spiders and Insects

by Evin // October 31, 2023 // 2 Comments
As the seasons change, unwanted guests like spiders and insects often find their way into our homes. We have an old house which was peppered with spiders when we moved in. No other bugs, just spiders. Usually, I don’t intervene... Continue reading →
Journal calendar open to October. Photo by Estee Janssens

Bullet Journaling Doesn’t Have to Be Pretty

by Evin // October 24, 2023 // No Comments
When a friend suggested I start a bullet journal almost a year ago to keep track of everything I had going on amidst my grief and busy life, I thought there was no way I had the time for that.... Continue reading →
Ghost shaped sugar cookies

How to Bake Classic Sugar Cookies

by Evin // October 19, 2023 // No Comments
Who doesn’t love the crisp outer edge of a sugar cookie with the subtle sweetness. And from a practical standpoint, Santa needs a midnight snack when he swings by, right? I have many cookie recipes on my blog, so what’s... Continue reading →
Needlework crafted mini pumpkins with a tiny string of star lights. Photo by Abigail Baines

From Pumpkins to Raven Feathers: 50 Halloween Knitting and Crochet Patterns

by Evin // October 17, 2023 // No Comments
Knitting can be a very comforting and relaxing activity, especially in cold weather when you might be spending more time indoors with the autumn chill in the air. Wrapping yourself in a warm and soft knitted blanket or wearing a... Continue reading →
A sunny side up egg on spread avocado atop toast on a white plate.

Easy Breakfast to Start the Day

by Evin // October 10, 2023 // No Comments
I love sunny side up eggs for breakfast. As I work through a list of basic meals to teach my kids, I thought I’d share them here as well. To kick things off, how about starting your day with sunny... Continue reading →
LEGO bricks

How to Clean LEGO Bricks and Why LEGO is Useful for Stress Management, Play Therapy, and Language Learning

by Evin // October 10, 2023 // No Comments
When most people think of LEGO, they envision colorful plastic bricks used for building toys and creative play. From ages three to 99, LEGO bricks and pieces are a favorite for creative play. However, LEGO has proven to be far... Continue reading →
Jake Ryan in a sweater vest

How to Knit a Sweater Vest with 90s Vibes & Movie Style Inspiration

by Evin // October 5, 2023 // No Comments
As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold and the air takes on a crisp chill, it’s time to rediscover the joy of layering. One of the most versatile and charming pieces to add to your autumn/winter wardrobe... Continue reading →
An assortment of mini skeins on a striped sheet

Making Use of Mini Skeins

by Evin // October 3, 2023 // No Comments
Mini skeins are small skeins of yarn that are often used for knitting and crocheting projects. They come in a variety of colors and can be used to create stripes, gradients, and other colorwork designs. You probably have some hanging... Continue reading →
homemade peach cobbler with canned fruit

How to Make Peach Cobbler with Canned Fruit

by Evin // September 28, 2023 // No Comments
As autumn’s chill settles in, there’s something comforting about the thought of a warm, fruity dessert filling your home with its sweet aroma. One such delightful treat is peach cobbler, a classic American dessert that has its roots deep in... Continue reading →
Banana Bread by Whitney Wright

Banana Bread Just Like Grandma Makes

by Evin // September 26, 2023 // No Comments
Banana bread has a comforting, homey feel that many people associate with childhood memories or warm, cozy afternoons. It’s a combination of sweet, ripe bananas with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg creates a delicious and comforting flavor that many... Continue reading →
Toile fabric Lavender Sachets by Doug Caldwell

Handmade Lavender Sachets

by Evin // September 19, 2023 // No Comments
Winter is coming and I love tucking my summer apparel away with a scented lavender sachet. These are also lovely for putting with stored yarn. In addition to its lovely scent, Lavender wards off moths! If there were a knitting... Continue reading →
Mural of a face with plants coming out of the top of the head. Photo by ashkan forouzani

8 Tips to Include ‘Me Time’ in a Busy Routine

by Evin // September 12, 2023 // No Comments
Self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy mind and body, especially for busy parents who often put their own needs last. We’ve heard it all before, but we truly need to put on our own oxygen masks first. Let’s face... Continue reading →

Everything I Love for My Kids’ Birthdays

by Evin // September 7, 2023 // No Comments
I’ve celebrated my two kids’ birthdays in small and big ways, so I’ve compiled a list of all the things I’ve found useful or fab. Essentially this is a big list of everything I love for my kids’ birthdays. I’ll... Continue reading →
Closet view by burgess milner

6 Reasons I Love Second-hand Clothes

by Evin // September 5, 2023 // No Comments
Last September, over on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, I shared daily videos of me sporting second-hand clothing in outfits. I am not doing it this year, but those posts are still up to enjoy and be inspired. 6 Reasons I... Continue reading →
« Older posts
Newer posts »

Search to Find

Specific Topics

Let’s Connect

Brunch CorkEvinBail on Instagram EvinBail on TikTok EvinOK on Pinterest EvinOK designs and art on CafePress Evin Bail O'Keeffe knitwear designs on LoveCrafts My Designs on Ravelry My Books on BookshopOrg Anchor and Bee PublishingEvin on LinkedIn

Posts You Love Today

  • How to Knit a Sweater Vest with 90s Vibes & Movie Style Inspiration
    How to Knit a Sweater Vest with 90s Vibes & Movie Style Inspiration
  • Knitting Socks with a Contrasting Heel and Yarn Combo Sets
    Knitting Socks with a Contrasting Heel and Yarn Combo Sets
  • Comprehensive List of Patterns to Use with Mini Skeins, Scraps & Yarn Calendar Sets
    Comprehensive List of Patterns to Use with Mini Skeins, Scraps & Yarn Calendar Sets
  • Free Knitting Patterns for Premature Babies
    Free Knitting Patterns for Premature Babies
  • 40+ Places to Brunch in Cork City, Ireland
    40+ Places to Brunch in Cork City, Ireland

My Books

Ultraviolet Knits Bake Knit Sew These Islands
I Worked Consistently and Thoughtfully to Earn My Awards and I'm Proud of That blog awards ireland2017 Blog Awards Ireland Winner 2016 Blog Awards Ireland Finalist 2017 Blog Awards Ireland Winner 2013 Blog Awards Ireland Finalist blog awards ireland

Buy My Books & Knitting Patterns

Evin Bail O'Keeffe's Books from Politics and Prose Evin Bail O'Keeffe's Books from Bookshop.org Evin Bail O'Keeffe Print Books at Waterstones Evin Bail O'Keeffe's Books from iMusic Denmark Evin Bail O'Keeffe Print Knitting Books from Anchor and Bee Evin Bail O'Keeffe Knitting Patterns on LoveCrafts website Evin Bail O'Keeffe Knitting Patterns on Ravelry's website

Give Back

The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp Barretstown Camp Every Child Is Your Child Ireland Black Girls Code Jeffrey Modell Foundation Little Star Foundation

800+ posts in 11 years

A photo of Evin O'Keeffe Cork, Ireland
Irish Businesses, Yarn Dyers, and Recipes
Free Knitting Patterns for Premature and Low Birth Weight Babies
Mini Skein Knitting Patterns
Shawl Knitting
Baby Knits
Family Craft Activities
EvinOK on Facebook

Shiny & New

  • How to Plan Your Next Visit to Milan, Italy March 18, 2025
  • Authentic Irish 8-Course Menu for St. Patrick’s Day March 15, 2025
  • The Best Home Tools to Support Executive Functioning & ADHD January 15, 2025

Tell Me More

  • Evin on Every Button You Could Need at The Cork Button Company
  • Holly Keller on Every Button You Could Need at The Cork Button Company
  • Evin on Natural Ways to Ward Off Spiders and Insects

Categories

Follow me

Search

Pages

  • About
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Contact
    • My Writing Portfolio
  • All About Bake Knit Sew: A Recipe and Craft Project Annual by Evin Bail O’Keeffe
  • Be Featured
  • Gift Ideas
  • My Knitting Books
  • Patterns | Tutorials
  • Publications
  • Recipes By Ingredient
  • Brunch Cork
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Knitting Books & Patterns
  • About
Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Sugar & Spice by WebTuts.