Have you heard of Magpie Patterns? I came across this great collection of knitting, sewing, crochet and embroidery patterns through their blog, Crafty Bird.  They’re based in Portland, Oregon (as so many good things are!) and some patterns are printed and mailed, and others are downloads. I really enjoyed browsing Magpie’s collection of handpicked designs. Some designers I knew, but more were new to me! Here are just a few.

Kalea and Malia by Kids Tricots (Images courtesy Kids Tricots)

Kids Tricots is the work of French knit designer Muriel Agator (Ravelry link). Magpie carries six of her English patterns. These are some seriously cute kids’ knits. I’m glad my friends are giving me plenty of little people to knit for!

Hooded Cardigan and Floral Wrap by She's Crafty Handknits (Images courtesy She's Crafty Handknits)

New Zealand-based Hadley Fierlinger (Ravelry link) is the designer behind She’s Crafty Handknits. More adorable knits for little people! Hadley designs beautiful baby knits and is the author of Vintage Knits for Modern Babies. One of my absolute favourites has to be the Floral Wrap (above right). The next baby girl in my life will definitely be getting one!

Pasha and Elizabeth by Jane Richmond Designs (Images courtesy Jane Richmond)

Canadian designer Jane Richmond has designed some perfect slouchy hats and chunky scarves. I have a skein of Burly Spun that has her Autumn toque written all over it. Jane also has some really cute, and seamless (hurrah), baby patterns as well.

My dear friend Phil sent me the book Softies for my birthday. It includes designs for many, many cute toys to sew, knit or crochet. The book came with a request to please make one for him, whichever one I think suits him best. I settled on the Arno Cat by Suzie Fry almost immediately. The Arno screams “Phil!” with its playful expression and kind, shiny eyes. I’m also pretty sure it can make a mean potato gnocchi, just like the real Phil.

I picked up the fabric at last year’s Not Just a Yardage Sale at the Textile Museum of Canada. Jane might have been just a wee bit troubled when I fell head over heels for two Brunschwig & Fils Forefathers fat quarters. I had no idea what to do with them, until now – John Adams on the frontside, J. Madison on the back.