I think there's something comforting, satisfying and encouraging about a small crochet project. It's not the kind you start with a long list of expectations… but the kind you pick up almost absentmindedly. A few stitches here, a few rows there. No pressure. No deadlines. Just the gentle rhythm of making. And yet, these small projects often turn out to matter far more than we expect. I've designed and made numerous small crochet patterns - as you can see in the photo above - and I've learned all this from experience. Occasionally, I design larger items, but I'm more drawn to the smaller ones. Here are my thoughts on why.

1. A Gentle Way Back to Your Hook if You Feel Overwhelm

We probably all have those moments: A larger project sits waiting — half-finished, slightly heavy with expectation. You want to continue… but not today. Not quite. This is where small projects come in. As they usually don't ask for much, they don't overwhelm. They simply invite you back. A small motif, a simple charm, a quick make you can hold in your hands from start to finish — it reminds you why you loved crochet in the first place. And often, that's all it takes to find your rhythm again. This is so true for me, when I'm working on a larger piece, like a shawl, I need to start a small project as well as I'm not used to longer-term projects and am a rather slow crocheter and that feeling of "I shouldn't have started this" can overwhelm me easily. I need to finish something to keep me motivated, which brings me to the following:

2. The Quiet Satisfaction of Finishing

There is something deeply satisfying about finishing something. Not weeks from now. Not "eventually." But today. Small projects definitely give me that feeling — the gentle sense of completion, the moment where I sit back and think, I made this. And that feeling always builds momentum for me. One finished piece often leads to another. And before I know it, my creative energy has increased without force or pressure. Can you relate to that?

One finished piece often leads to another. And before you know it, your creative energy has increased without force or pressure.

It's easy to think of small projects as less important. But somehow, they often carry more meaning than, " Oh this is just something I quickly worked up." A small handmade charm attached to your project bag; a tiny gift made just for someone; a detail that becomes part of your everyday life, these are the pieces that stay close. The ones you see often. The ones that become part of your routine. And because of that, they matter.
I've attached my Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm to the bag I always carry with me and it has become part of it. I love how the charm stands out from the black of the bag and I often get very nice remarks about it. It's not just something insignificant, it's full of joy.

Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm on Etsy and Ravelry

Large projects tend to come with commitment — to colours, to yarn, to money invested,  to time. Small projects are different as they don't eat up much yarn, money and time.  And they give you space to experiment with new colour combinations from your stash, a different kind of yarn you would normally not use for the small project you've chosen. Or perhaps a stitch you've been curious about. There's a freedom in knowing that if it doesn't quite turn out as expected, it's perfectly alright. You've only spent a little time… and you've learned something along the way. I would really like to invite you to experiment as you'll never know what it may bring. Often we want, or at least I want hahaha, the first try to be perfect, but that only brings frustration. Letting go of expectations, allowing yourself to doodle with yarn, as I always call it, is not only a way to discover something new, but it's also very calming. Which brings me to:

5. Making, Simply for the Joy of It

Perhaps most importantly, small projects bring us back to something very simple: making, just for the sake of making. No pressure to be productive. No expectation of a grand result. No underlying wish to learn something new. Just the soft rhythm of yarn and hook, and the pleasure of creating something with your hands. Try to involve all of your senses to feel the full crochet experience. And really… that's where the magic has always been. 

I think these are the details that elevate our everyday life — small touches that make something feel just a little more special, a little more ours.

6. Perfect for Gifting - Without the Pressure

We all love the idea of handmade gifts. But let's be honest — a full blanket or garment isn't always realistic. Small projects make gifting feel joyful again. They're thoughtful without being overwhelming to create. Personal without requiring weeks of planning. And often, they feel more intimate — a small piece made just for someone, chosen with care. My BFF has several of my small designs and she always says that they are small treasures and she treats them that way as well! They're displayed for everyone to see and that's so fulfilling. And this perfectly leads to number 7.

Burma Peacock Feather Bookmark or Applique on Etsy and Ravelry

7. A Different Kind of Luxury

There is a kind of luxury in small handmade things. Not in their size, but in their presence. These are the details that elevate everyday life — small touches that make something feel just a little more special. There is a kind of luxury in small handmade things. Not in their size, but in their presence — on a shelf, in the palm of your hand. A delicate charm. A textured motif worked in careful rounds. A piece that feels considered and intentional, because you sat with it and gave it your full attention before sending it out into the world. I think these are the details that elevate our everyday life — small touches that make something feel just a little more special, a little more ours. Not grand gestures, but gentle ones. 

Small projects hold something rather special

• They bring you back to your hook after overwhelm.
• They restore your rhythm.
• They are meaningful.
• They are perfect for gift giving.
• They are easy to finish.
• They bring satisfaction.
• They let you experiment.
• They add beauty to everyday moments.
• And sometimes, they're exactly what you need.

Small crochet projects may seem simple — but they hold something rather special. So never underestimate your small, simple makes; they matter way more than you think.

Barhin Peacock Feather Earrings or Applique on Etsy and Ravelry

Love,

Christa xx

I would love to know what small crochet projects bring you :) Leave a comment if you'd like to share.

The Cushlet Pin and Needle Cushion Set on Etsy and Ravelry

There's something really wonderful about a handmade object that sits on your (craft) table every single day — small, beautiful, and made with your own hands. It's not just about function — although, of course, keeping your pins and needles safe and easy to reach is very handy. It's also about the little moments of joy that come from having something beautiful and handmade right on your work table. Something you made yourself, chose with care, or was gifted to you that catches your eye every single time you sit down to create.

The Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set

I've always had a soft spot for small crochet projects that bring both practicality and charm to my curio craft room. There's a particular pleasure in making something that's genuinely useful and joyful to look at — where neither quality is an afterthought. That's exactly what drew me to designing the Cushlet Set: a pair of coordinating pin and needle cushions, each in their own little size, meant to sit together on your craft table like the best of friends ;) 

The Cushlet Set and The Peacock Feather Pin Cushion patterns are available on Etsy & Ravelry

Why a crocheted cushion, specifically?

You might wonder why crochet, when there are so many ways to make a pin cushion. Fabric, felt, a repurposed tin… all perfectly fine. But crochet brings something different to the table. It's the texture, for one thing — that satisfying density that holds a pin firmly without fuss. But it's also the creative possibilities that open up the moment you pick up your hook.

The way a simple stitch pattern can form crisp, clean shapes, or form lots of texture. The way a single round of a contrasting colour can completely change the feeling of a design. And then there are the embellishments — a tiny crocheted flower, an embroidered butterfly, a vintage button, a crocheted peacock feather — that turn a small practical object into something with real style: romatic, naturecore, vintage granny, or boho.

The Peacock Feather Pin Cushion with Appliques that can be layed out in many different ways.

The joy of a small project

There's something I find deeply satisfying about a project I can finish in an afternoon. Not because I'm in a hurry — I'm rarely in a hurry when I crochet. To be honest, I couldn't even if I wanted to as I'm a very sloooooow crocheter— but because there's a particular pleasure in that complete arc from the first stitch on to fastening off the final round or row, all in one sitting. You can try a colour you've been curious about. You can experiment with an embellishment you've never used before. And at the end of the afternoon, you have something finished and beautiful sitting on your table.

Pin and needle cushions are exactly that kind of project. Small enough to feel manageable, detailed enough to feel satisfying. And because they're so small, they're a wonderful place to use up yarn you love but don't have much of — that single skein in an unusual colourway, or the remnant from a bigger project that you couldn't bear to throw away.

I've made several versions of the Cushlet Set and my Peacock Feather Pin Cushion now in different colour combinations, and each one has felt like its own little world. There's something about the scale that makes you pay attention to details you might rush past on a bigger project.

Why the Cushlet Set makes such a lovely gift

"There's something about the scale that makes you pay attention to details you might rush past on a bigger project."

The Cushlet Needle Cushion

Making space for the small and beautiful
Crocheted pin and needle cushions are small, yes. But they carry a lot of warmth and personality, and they remind me that even the tiniest handmade item can bring pleasure, creativity, and a touch of magic into everyday life. Sometimes it's the little things on your work table — the ones you made yourself or were gifted, the ones that make you smile — that matter most.

If you haven't tried making one yet, I'd love for you to discover that joy for yourself. The Cushlet Set and the Peacock Feather Pin Cushion are lovely places to start — two sizes to play with, simple enough for an afternoon, and as open to decoration and personalisation as you want it to be. Whether you make it for yourself or as a gift for someone special, I think you'll find it hard to stop at just one. 😊

The Cushlet Set                                      Peacock Feather Pin Cushion

Love,

Christa xx

 

Have you ever found yourself reaching for fidget objects without even thinking about it, especially in moments of restlessness, focus, or overwhelm. Having something small to hold or move in your hands can help channel nervous energy, making it easier to concentrate or simply feel more at ease. It gives your mind a gentle anchor—something repetitive and soothing that doesn’t demand attention, but softly supports it. For many, it’s a way to self-regulate, to stay present, or to find a bit of calm in a busy or overstimulating moment. Such a simple thing, really… and yet surprisingly effective.

You may already have seen the pattern for the Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm that I released just a couple of days ago. You can attach it to a bag, a basket or tote and if you want to learn about all the possibilities for this charm, see my previous post here.
It has a lusciously textured arch and when I first attached it to the purse I take with me every day, I found myself fidgeting with it often. So that's when the idea for a comfort charm popped up. The texture - small raised bobbles - and the curved shape invite touch and the overall shape fits naturally in your hand. 

                                                     Find the pattern on Etsy & Ravelry

I find that little crochet pieces, especially textured ones, naturally become comfort charms. There are many names for it though, like a mindfulness charm, a calming talisman, or a soothing pocket charm. Without even realising it, you might trace the stitches of your comfort charm, follow the gentle ridges, or simply hold it for a moment of calm. It’s such a simple thing, but it can be grounding in the loveliest way. A small pause in a busy day. And when it’s something you’ve made yourself, it carries just a little extra soothing, doesn’t it?

Do you use your crochet pieces as comfort objects? I'd be curious to know.

Love, Christa xx

The Pattern

Here's what to expect from the pattern.

Skill-wise, I would describe this pattern as adventurous beginner to intermediate. If you’re comfortable with chains, single crochet and double crochet, you’ll feel right at home.

I’ve written the instructions in clear bullet points so you can see exactly where you are at any moment. There’s also a detailed photo tutorial for every step.

As always, you’ll find a US to UK terms conversion table included, and the pattern is available in Dutch too.

For my samples, I used my trusted Scheepjes Catona because it gives such lovely crisp definition — perfect for small shapes that need to hold their form. But you can also dive into your stash (I'm sure you'll have quite a bit stored ;) and use what you have in there. Any fingering to sport-weight yarn that hasn't too loose a drape should work well.

I’d truly love for you to make your own Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm and see how your personal style transforms it. That’s always the magic part, isn't it?

To summarise, the pattern includes:

• Clear written instructions in bullet-point format

• A detailed step-by-step photo tutorial

• Yarn & colour details (Scheepjes Catona)

• US to UK crochet terms conversion table

• Dutch version available for download as well

Happy crocheting,

Christa 💜

Ready for pinning! If you'd like to support my crochet business, I'd really appreciate it if you could pin this image to one of your Pinterest boards :) It would mean a lot to me. Thank you!

The yarn I used
I made the Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm using Scheepjes Catona and Catona Shine with a lovely metallic thread. Catona is available in 150 beautiful colours and Catona Shine in 20 variations - see the shade cards below. The exact colours I used are listed in the pattern. Below you'll find links to online shops that carry this yarn in case you'd like to have a look.

Where to shop for Scheepjes Catona, Catona Shine and other yarns
Scheepjes yarns are available from WoolWarehouse (International shipping) and Caro’s Atelier (The Netherlands, International Shipping). If you purchase yarn through the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!*

Click on the link and it will take you to the shops where you can search for the yarn you’d like:

UK Wool Warehouse: http://shrsl.com/17owu

NL Caro’s Atelier:

https://caros-atelier.webshopapp.com/tracking/tradetracker/redirect/?tt=27390_12_296927_&r=%2F

Or shop at other Scheepjes stockists.

*Affiliate links.
The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these affiliate links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Thank you to Scheepjes for providing the yarn for this project.

The title of this post starts with "Dangle and Shine" because I'd love to show you the dangle options :) that is, what you can attach it to and also how you can make it shine - or add some glitter, literally.

Yesterday, I published the pattern and I've had so many wonderful reactions to it, so I thought let's list all the options for this whimsical and OOAK peacock feather charm. 

                                                   Crochet Pattern available on Etsy & Ravelry

Please come and join my Facebook Group TheCurioCraftsRoom Community for a 20% discount code for the Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm before 4 May 2026

Dangle
Let's talk about "Dangle" first. Perhaps the most obvious option is to clip it to your favourite bag. That was the first thing I did. But have you thought of attaching it to a project bag? I think adding a handmade charm gives so much extra joy. I personally try to make project bags as attractive as possible because that gives me a feeling of real satisfaction.

Project Bag Charm

Staying with bags, the charm can also have a very practical usage. For example, you could clip it to a suitcase when traveling by plane so that you can easily recognise yours rolling around the luggage carousel. Especially when you have a black suitcase, it can easily "disappear" in a sea of black suitcases :)

The Iridesca Charm also look very decorative around your home. Imagine it dangling from a drawer knob or key, cabinet handles or wall hooks. If you have storage baskets visibly stacked, think of attaching a charm to those.
And what about letting the charm dangle from your car's rear-view mirror (if it doesn't obstruct the view).

The charm is also perfect for gift giving. In itself it would make a lovely gift, but you could also tag it to a gift, especially a handmade one. Or instead of a bow around your gift box, attach the charm.

Attach it to a gift box with some cellotape underneath.

Shine
Now we get to the glittery bit :) I think crochet peacock feathers ask for some glitter and shine. Do you agree? It's not always easy to find good glitter yarn, especially when you want the base yarn to be cotton. I always use 100% mercerised cotton for my peacock feather designs; the yarn I have is Scheepjes Catona. And now there is also Scheepjes Catona Shine! It's a limited range, but there are some good peacock colours in there. The glitter comes in gold, silver and rainbow. 
I've selected just a few colours for the shine to give the charm something extra special, but not be overwhelmingly bling bling.

Here you can see the glitter in the Catona Shine yarn I used. It has lovely subtle gold and silver specks and there are even colours that have rainbow specks, but I didn't use those for my charms.

I hope this has inspired you to create a few charms and embellish whatever you want!
Happy crocheting,
Christa xx

Crochet pattern available on Etsy & Ravelry

Please come and join my Facebook Group TheCurioCraftsRoom Community for a 20% discount code for the Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm before 4 May 2026

The Pattern

Here's what to expect from the pattern.

Skill-wise, I would describe this pattern as adventurous beginner to intermediate. If you’re comfortable with chains, single crochet and double crochet, you’ll feel right at home.

I’ve written the instructions in clear bullet points so you can see exactly where you are at any moment. There’s also a detailed photo tutorial for every step.

As always, you’ll find a US to UK terms conversion table included, and the pattern is available in Dutch too.

For my samples, I used my trusted Scheepjes Catona because it gives such lovely crisp definition — perfect for small shapes that need to hold their form. But you can also dive into your stash (I'm sure you'll have quite a bit stored ;) and use what you have in there. Any fingering to sport-weight yarn that hasn't too loose a drape should work well.

I’d truly love for you to make your own Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm and see how your personal style transforms it. That’s always the magic part, isn't it?

To summarise, the pattern includes:

• Clear written instructions in bullet-point format

• A detailed step-by-step photo tutorial

• Yarn & colour details (Scheepjes Catona and Catona Shine)

• US to UK crochet terms conversion table

• Dutch version available for download as well

Happy crocheting,

Christa 💜

This image is ready for pinning. if you'd like to support my crochet business, you could pin this image to one of your Pinterest boards. That would mean so much for my business. Thank you!

The yarn I used
I made the Iridesca Peacock Feather Charm using Scheepjes Catona and Catona Shine with a lovely metallic thread. Catona is available in 150 beautiful colours and Catona Shine in 20 variations - see the shade cards below. The exact colours I used are listed in the pattern. Below you'll find links to online shops that carry this yarn in case you'd like to have a look.

Where to shop for Scheepjes Catona, Catona Shine and other yarns
Scheepjes yarns are available from WoolWarehouse (International shipping) and Caro’s Atelier (The Netherlands, International Shipping). If you purchase yarn through the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!*

Click on the link and it will take you to the shops where you can search for the yarn you’d like:

UK Wool Warehouse: http://shrsl.com/17owu

NL Caro’s Atelier:

https://caros-atelier.webshopapp.com/tracking/tradetracker/redirect/?tt=27390_12_296927_&r=%2F

Or shop at other Scheepjes stockists.

*Affiliate links.
The affiliate links in this post support giveaways, free patterns, discounts and the running of this blog. By purchasing yarn through these affiliate links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Thank you to Scheepjes for providing the yarn for this project.

Stash Buster Magic: Using Leftover Yarn in the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set

I don’t know about you, but I always seem to have a little - or not so little - pile of yarn leftovers lurking in my CurioCraftsRoom corner. I just can't throw away those tiny balls, thinking they may come in handy sometime. But unless I set the intention that I want to make something with them, they'll just stay there. 

That’s where the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set comes in perfectly. These small, cozy cushions are just the right size for using up leftover yarn, and the simple base shape makes it easy to combine different colors and textures in a way that feels intentional rather than haphazard. So I set the intention to only use leftovers. And guess what, I had enough to complete five matching sets. These cushions don't ask for a lot of yarn and I'm happy that my stash has shrunk a little. Such a shame to use new balls if you have all these odd balls lying around.

The needle cushion is so cute and small that you only need a few yards of each colour. And of course you can use as many colours as you like; you don't have to coordinate them as I did.

One of my favorite things to do is mix and match colors. You can use complementary shades for a subtle, elegant look, or contrast brights for a playful, cheerful set. I like to pick yarns that remind me of a memory — a soft pastel from a blanket, a deep teal from a previous shawl — and see how they work together. It’s like giving each cushion a little story of its own.

Textures are another fun way to play. A smooth, crisp yarn like Scheepjes Catona works beautifully for these cushions and I used it for all of them as I have lots of odd balls. But you can use any sport weight yarn you like. Or perhaps you have yarn that holds different thicknesses or is variegated. There are pleny of ways to experiment with the cushlets.

Because the Cushlet Set comes in two sizes (diameters 14cm and 11.5cm), you can experiment even more: maybe the larger pin cushion is in soft pastels, and the smaller needle cushion is a bright, bold contrast. Or try alternating textures between the two. Each set becomes unique, reflecting the yarns you already have and the personal touches you add.

I love seeing how much creativity a small project like this can spark. Using leftover yarn makes the process playful, sustainable, and rewarding — and at the end, you have a pair of cushions that are both functional and beautiful, ready to brighten up your craft space or become a heartfelt gift for a friend.

So next time you glance at your stash, pick out some leftovers and give them a purpose — the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set is the perfect little project to turn scraps into something lovely.

                                                Available on Etsy & Ravelry

Love,
Christa xx

Here's a ready-to-pin image. I'd really appreciate it if you could pin it to one of your boards if you like this design. That would help so much in promoting my work. Thank you! 

A charming crochet pattern for a matching pin cushion and needle cushion, perfect for decorating in your own unique style

Today I've released a new crochet pattern for two small items that you can embellish in many different ways. I love making small items that are both practical and very decorative. I've got quite a few small items lined up for publication this year and this is the first one: The Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set.

I designed this small crochet project especially for makers who love crocheting, sewing and other fibre crafting. This pattern includes instructions for two coordinating cushions: a larger pin cushion and a smaller needle cushion. Together they make a charming set for your sewing table or craft room.

Decorate the cushlets in your personal style
One of the special features of the Cushlet design is how easy it is to personalize. The cushions form a simple and elegant base that can be decorated in many different ways and in the pattern I show you three of these ways: A simple star, French knots and of course peacock eye stitches. These are all embroidered on using the same yarn I used to make the cushions. Of course there so many more options besides embroidery: for example, you could add a crochet flower or leaf or small and cute buttons along the sides. Or keep them beautifully minimal.

Stash Busters and Gift Ideas

Because the cushions are small (diameter 14cm and 11.5cm), they are also wonderful quick crochet projects and perfect for using leftover yarn. They don't eat up much yarn and look gorgeous in all kinds of colour combinations, so dive into your stash to find those oddments to create a lovely and practical pin cushion plus needle cushion :) for your craft nook or for someone else's of course. They'd make such thoughtful handmade gifts for crochet or sewing enthusiasts and you can embellish them to their tastes.

If you enjoy creative details and customizable projects, the Cushlet Pin & Needle Cushion Set is a lovely pattern to explore.

Available on Etsy & Ravelry

Please come and join my Facebook Group TheCurioCraftsRoom Community for a 20% discount code for the Cushlet Set

I made the Cushlet Set using Scheepjes Catona, which is available in over a hundred colours. The exact colours I used are listed in the pattern. Below you'll find links to online shops that carry this yarn in case you'd like to look in to it.

Where to shop for Scheepjes Catona and other yarns
Scheepjes yarns are available from WoolWarehouse (International shipping) and Caro’s Atelier (The Netherlands, International Shipping). If you purchase yarn through the affiliate links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!*