Autumn Craftcore 🍂🍁
Cozy season has finally arrived in Chicago. Also, we're on Substack!
Oh hey there! Welcome to the Chicago Craft Club’s official Substack, and to our very first post. I thought it would be fitting to open things up with an ode to my favorite season. A time where all things are pumpkin spice, Chicago’s grasp on blazing heat starts to weaken, and we’re all ready to break out the good yarn from storage.
Myself and the staff have gathered some of our favorite fall picks and some of our org’s updates. We’re really excited to share them with you.
For your calendar 🗓️
Please check out the Eventbrites for more info on how to RSVP. If there isn’t an Eventbrite linked, there will be soon. You can always see any upcoming events on our website or Instagram. 🤍
September
Second Shift BYOC1 and Yarn Swap, Wednesday 9/13
Manning Library BYOC, Tuesday 9/19
Second Shift BYOC, Wednesday 9/27
October
Pilot Project Brewing BYOC, Saturday 10/14
Spooky Crafting at the Brewed, Tuesday 10/24
Crochet 101 at Second Shift, Sunday 10/22
Manning Library BYOC, Thursday 10/26
more information on October meetups to be announced soon!
Pattern picks ✂️
Crochet
Patchy Sweater Pattern from CoolyarnsByPheak on Etsy
This looks like the perfect & simple cozy sweater pattern as the colder months roll in.
FREE: The Ultimate Crochet Granny Square Balaclava from HayHayCrochet
I used this pattern last year to make a granny square balaclava. It was so fun, easy to follow, and the result was fantastic. I really like how it’s more of a general guide so you can use any granny square design you’d like.
Knitting
Chunky V-Neck Vest Pattern from ShopVickyKnits on Etsy
Thick & cozy. I’ve also heard Wool & the Gang yarn is awesome, so this seems like the perfect pattern if you’ve been meaning to try it.
FREE: the IT Girl Scarf from Alexa Kari & Material Grrrlz Magazine
The pattern is available for free in the first issue of Material Grrrlz, linked above. I am obsessed with this scarf. I may have to bust out my knitting needles again for this one.
Sewing
ST Side Tie Top from StephTimePatterns on Etsy
Love the quilting on this pattern! I can see this as an awesome layering piece over a bell sleeve blouse or dress.
FREE: West End Jacket from Peppermint Magazine
What’s fall in Chicago without a light jacket? Stand out from the sea of sherpa-lined denim Levi’s2 with this.
Cross stitch & alpha patterns
Staff fall favorites 🎃
Laura
Is reverse seasonal depression a thing? If so, I have it. My serotonin levels are all time high now that it is getting cooler, the candles are coming out, and pumpkin overload is here. My favorite artists happen to make the perfect autumn backdrop, so sharing some of my top picks with you.
Mary
Every Fall I must do my yearly viewing of Over The Garden Wall. It perfectly sets the tone for the season and is just too cute. I highly recommend pairing the viewing with a yummy chilly topped with tons of cheese!
Breezy
It’s time for pre-hibernation, and what better prep is there than to acquire the coziest blanket you can find? A few days ago, I realized I needed one. I scoured the internet for one until I realized that a true DIY diva would just make one. Thus, Laura, our lovely friend Jay, and myself set off to Joann in a moment of fury and made fleece tie blankets. One of the best decisions of my life.
Leah
I started Gilmore Girls last fall and there is no way I can’t watch it again this year. This show is full of small town comforts, Jared Padalecki, and beautiful fall scenery. Truly such a cozy show. If I’m in the mood for a laugh, What We Do in the Shadows never fails. I love the Halloween vibes of the show, while jam packed with so much humor.
Fall is also the beginning of soup season, so it would be unfair of me to not share the world’s easiest soup recipe. I keep all the ingredients in my pantry so I can always make this in a pinch. Pair it with some warm bread and you will not be disappointed.
A cozy recipe: sweet potato & lentil curry 🥘
It’s vegan & delicious! Recipe is my own. 🤓
Equipment
1 large pot with lid, or dutch oven
1 medium sized bowl
Slotted spoon or slotted frying spatula
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, diced
6 cloves of garlic, chopped (or pressed!)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for frying
4 tsp of garam masala (ground from whole spices, if you can)
2 tsp turmeric
1 can of coconut cream
6 oz (1 small can) of tomato paste
3 small to medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 cups of green lentils
3 1/3 cups of water or low sodium broth (I use a 2:1 combo of vegetable broth and water)
2-3 handfulls of baby spinach
Optional mix & match toppings - cilantro, parsley, green onion, avocado, greek yogurt, lime, fresh cracked black pepper.
Method
Preheat your dutch oven over medium heat.
Add your cubed sweet potatoes in the pot, and fry until sides are golden brown. Stir occasionally. This should take about 5-6 minutes.
Remove sweet potatoes from the pot with your slotted utensil, and set them aside in the medium sized bowl.
Drizzle a little more olive oil in the bottom, just enough to coat the bottom when swirled. Add the diced onion, garlic, and a few cranks of salt and black pepper. Fry until onions are translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally.
Add the spices, plus another 1 tsp of salt. Mix and fry for around 20 seconds, constantly stirring slowly.
Add the cubed sweet potato, coconut cream, tomato paste, chopped carrots, lentils, and water/broth. Mix together until homogeneous.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium/high heat, stirring occasionally. The goal is that the tomato paste, cream, and other ingredients blend into the water.
Once it is at a slow boil, mix one last time and add the spinach on top. Cover with the lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5-6 minutes.
Mix a few times to incorporate the spinach into the curry.
Serve hot with your selected garnishes, and enjoy!
To Store
Store up to 5 days in air tight containers in the fridge.
This is also great to freeze as meal prep! You can thaw in the microwave with ‘defrost’, or leave it in the fridge for a few days before heating.
Enjoy the autumn wonder and all of the creations it may bring, crafters! Talk to you again soon.
Bring-Your-Own-Craft
No hate to this jacket. I will probably wear mine in my grave.