Create: Burp Cloths from Upcycled Materials

by Evin // June 8, 2021 // 3 Comments

Until you burp a baby regularly, I don’t think the concept of a good burp cloth even enters into your mind. At least it didn’t with me. Then I visited my nephews and was exposed to the strengths and pitfalls... Continue reading →

Let’s Make Paper Snowflakes

by Evin // January 7, 2021 // No Comments

It’s a beautiful snow day here in Cork, so I wanted to share a classic tutorial for making paper snowflakes. This is one of my favorite quick crafts and a good way for younger children to practice scissor skills. Quick crafts... Continue reading →

Squishy Free Knitting Pattern: Miller and June Baby Blanket

by Evin // November 13, 2018 // 3 Comments

When I was pregnant with my first son, I couldn’t do math without extreme concentration which, in turn, made me even more tired. So I avoided math entirely. And that included knitting math. No patterns to try to follow and... Continue reading →

Tips for Photographing Architecture

by Evin // August 8, 2017 // No Comments

With all the traveling I’ve been enjoying this summer (and in my lifetime), I’m sharing some of my go-to tips for photographing architecture and examples of each from my own portfolio. And, for me, travel is lifelong education for my... Continue reading →

Lengthening a Denim Dress

by Evin // July 6, 2017 // 2 Comments

When the spring 2017 line came out at Gap several months ago, I was delighted to find a simple denim popover dress. It was a great everyday dress since it was casual, comfortable, machine washable, and as denim it goes with... Continue reading →

Homemade Coffee Coconut Sugar Scrub

by Evin // June 27, 2017 // No Comments

There is nothing quite like the allure of a spa day. Peace, tranquility, nicely scented things on our skin, and pampering ourselves to feel rejuvenated and relaxed. As a mom of two, all those things are rare on a daily... Continue reading →

Make Your Own Harry Potter Potions Kit evinok

Create Your Own Harry Potter Potions Kit

by Evin // February 12, 2016 // 2 Comments

This is a guest post by Katie, author of Curdled Like Cheese. She and I have known each all our lives (and our parents before us), so I’m so excited to share her post with you. Seriously, this is SO inspiring.... Continue reading →

Advice for Photographing Craft, Knitting, Food from award-winning craft blogger, Evin of EvinOK.com

How to Photograph Craft Projects & Food

by Evin // September 2, 2015 // 3 Comments

I’m often asked how I capture the brilliant colors of yarn in my stash, mouth-watering goodness of something I’ve baked, textures of knitted items, or glimmer of a piece of jewellery I’m repairing. I’m always flattered and appreciative for the... Continue reading →

How to Decide If It’s Time to Finish or Frog a Stalled Project.

by Evin // July 29, 2015 // 3 Comments

Not all knitting projects work out and some just stall or hibernate. Like a broken down car, I kick the tires and wonder if it’s worth sticking with it or perhaps it’s time to move on to something new, maybe... Continue reading →

Creating the Perfect Care Package for a Knitter

by Evin // November 17, 2014 // 3 Comments

Knitmas is approaching and my annual anonymous gift parcel is about to be sent off and many care packages sent out regularly as my favourite hobby. I’ve considered what makes an ideal care package for a knitter and I wanted to share all... Continue reading →

Crayon Case with Initial Applique

by Evin // June 22, 2014 // 1 Comment

This is a post about a project I made three years ago for my nephew. The stitches are uneven because the machine was new, the oilcloth was thick, the needle wasn’t up to the task, and the sewing machine’s tension... Continue reading →

Editing Store-bought Knitwear

by Evin // October 7, 2013 // 5 Comments

There it was, a charming gray jumper dress on sale in Dunnes on Patrick’s Street. The cables on the front were classic and I loved the button-up cowl neck, but the length was so very wrong for me. If I... Continue reading →

Ballyhoura Baby Blanket Free Knitting Pattern | EvinOK

Free Knitting Pattern Resources

by Evin // April 23, 2013 // 4 Comments

Whether you are frugal or frivolous with your money, a free knitting pattern offers an opportunity to create something with the expense being only the yarn and your time. If it fails miserably, you unravel (or frog it, as the... Continue reading →

Dyeing Roving Wool & Knitting Yarn with Kool-Aid

by Evin // April 17, 2013 // 2 Comments

You may remember Kool-Aid as the happy-go-lucky red pitcher sloshing around commercials of your childhood – or you may not be familiar with the beverage at all, but did you know you can use Kool-Aid powder packets to dye wool? Yes, I... Continue reading →

Upcycled Cork Nautical Keychain

by Evin // April 15, 2013 // No Comments

Upcycled Cork Keychain Time: 5-10 minutes, depending on whether you use gold paint a wait-to-dry time is also needed Supplies: an eye-screw leftover champagne or wine cork Paintbrush (optional) Gold paint (optional) keyring Instructions: 1. Screw the eye-screw into... Continue reading →

Krist Kindl – Experiment in Loving

by Evin // March 29, 2013 // 1 Comment

Being filled with inner love and joy is a gift. Where is comes from is subject to much debate, but where it goes is a simple enough discussion. Sharing your love with the world is a great gift and as... Continue reading →

Homemade Blackberry-Apple Quick Jam

by Evin // March 28, 2013 // No Comments

Until last year, I had never tried to make quick-preserved lemons or pickles or anything that isn’t eaten immediately then I started learning more and more about cooking from Chefess Kate. She encouraged me with her easy yet traditional approach... Continue reading →

No-Sew Statement Tea Cosy

by Evin // March 27, 2013 // No Comments

It’s elevenses and time for that mid-morning cuppa so why not also treat yourself to a cheerful tea cosy to keep your teapot warm? Here’s an easy no-sew way to customize any cloth tea cosy, like the kinds readily available... Continue reading →

Free Knitting Pattern: One Size Fits Most Cupcake Tea Cosy – Knitmas 2011

by Evin // February 25, 2013 // 3 Comments

When I was looking for a handmade Knitmas gift for a friend who desired a tea cosy, I only encountered sized patterns for specific-shaped teapots. This was to be a surprise present though so I couldn’t ask her, “Could you... Continue reading →

Free Knitting Patterns for Premature Babies

by Evin // February 4, 2013 // 44 Comments

There is nothing like showing up in this world tinier than your parents anticipated and being left wearing baggy baby clothes as a result. Let’s face it, when a baby is early or low birth weight, very often it is... Continue reading →