• Blog,  Knitting,  Knitting & Crochet

    Brown Trout Beanie- Knitting Pattern

    Happy summer Makers! Hannah here with an extra special pattern this month–one created in partnership with my talented husband Mark Ollenburger, who also knits! We’re the designers, knitwear bloggers, and makers behind Bears Den Essentials (@bearsdenessentials). One of the first complicated techniques I taught Mark when he learned how to knit was fair isle. He loved it so much that he wanted to create a pattern celebrating one of our favorite pastimes, fly fishing! Inspired by the colorful scales of one of our local river residents, the Brown Trout Beanie…

  • Blog,  Knitting

    Summer Party Bag- Knitting Pattern

    Everyone always needs a bag that is fun and functional! Knitters can use this colorful cotton bag to put a knitting project in, store small balls of leftover yarns, or as a shopping bag for a trip to the LYS. But you don’t have to be a knitter to actually use this bag! It makes a great gift for a special someone. This practical pouch can also be used at the farmers market, the beach (throw wet swimsuits in it after a day in the sun!), or to hold snacks for a…

  • Blog,  Knitting

    Pretty Little Headband- Knitting Pattern

    Making one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones is one of the best parts about being a knitter. Anyone that knows you well enough and knows your passion for the craft would be a welcome recipient for such a special present.   The Pretty Little Headband is a really fun and fairly quick brioche project that will have you wanting to knit one out of every color under the Unicorn Tails rainbow!   Brioche increases and decreases are required to make the pattern on this headband. If you know the basics of…

  • Blog,  Knitting

    Spring Awakening Shawl- Knitting Pattern

    Happy Spring Knitters! Hannah here, the knitwear designer, blogger, and maker behind Bears Den Essentials (@bearsdenessentials) with a lovely pattern that you can knit up in time for Mother’s Day. Knit with the lovely colors of Lion Brand’s Hue + Me Yarn, this shawl uses a combination of stockinette stitch and lacework to create a textured look without being too busy.  I love spring in Montana because all of the colors and textures of the landscape start to re-emerge after a long winter of snow-covered vistas. As a big fan…

  • Blog,  Knitting

    Spring Is Here Shawlette- Knitting Pattern

    There is something about this time of year that always seems to be magical.   Maybe it’s the slow lift of dreary cold after a long winter. Maybe it’s the shedding of winter layers as the warm sun heats the earth. Or maybe it’s simply the sound of birds chirping in the mornings singing that spring is finally here!   Whatever it is, spring seems to be a season that is loved by many. Even knitters can find joy in the slightly warmer weather.   Spring-colored yarns are a warm…

  • Blog,  Knitting

    Be My Valentine Baggie- Knitting Pattern

    What could be better than receiving a baggie full of chocolates from someone you love? How about a baggie that you knit just for them full of chocolates?!   The Be My Valentine Baggie is a quick knit and the perfect little candy caddy for someone special in your life. Maybe your child’s teacher or a soccer coach? Or maybe you want to show your office co-workers how much you love working with them! Long after the chocolates are gone, this baggie will continue to remind them of your appreciation…