My Earth Day Tradition: Two (Temporarily) Free Towel Patterns
UPDATE: The towel patterns are no longer available for free but can be purchased here.
Happy Earth Day! For the 6th year in a row, I’m celebrating this special day with my favorite tradition - the release of two special towel patterns, free for three days only! Every year I get so excited to add these patterns to my stack of eco-friendly designs and to be able to offer them to all of you for free for a limited time! Scroll down to find the new Silver Lake and Eagle Rock Towel patterns for free through Monday, April 24th, 2023 at 11:59pm EST, after which they will return to normal pricing and join my Purposeful Patterns initiative whereby $1 from the sale of each pattern will be donated to Ocean Conservancy.
While I believe every day should be Earth Day, I think having a dedicated day where we can all reflect on our impact and outline changes we can make in our every day lives to serve this planet is very important. As many of us know, the textile and fashion industries are a major factor in the destruction of our Earth as as part of that community, I think about my own impact a lot.
Completely overhauling one’s life and scrutinizing every little choice can be very overwhelming and often not helpful. It’s all about the small changes you can implement and continue to stack up that will make the biggest changes. We do have a lot of power as individuals to make a dent in the problem - use less plastic, use less water, make more informed purchasing choices, eating less meat, etc.
When it comes to the yarn industry, just like the fashion industry, there are a lot of discussions on sustainable and eco-friendly fibers. Acrylic often gets a bad rap for releasing microplastics into waterways, but there are other benefits to it such as accessibility, affordability, and the fact that it causes less allergies. Many “eco-friendly” yarns are actually problematic as well. Did you know, for instance, that it takes up to 2700 liters of water to produce one cotton shirt, or that wool production is linked to several harmful impacts on the planet? It’s a complicated and layered conversation, and it seems that most choices come at an expense.
One thing that frustrates me is when I see people getting attacked for their yarn choices as if it’s the end of the world. Of course every decision matters, but you could easily have someone who uses acrylic yarn who also recycles, makes their own clothes, shops organic, donates to charities that advocate for the planet, etc - and you could have someone who only uses natural fibers but who over-consumes, drives a heavily polluting car, leaves trash on the beach, etc, etc. These topics are not as black and white as they seem, and I try to remind myself of this while I try to make better choices where I can and when I can.
Aside from these towels, I love a reusable hand-knit or crocheted bag! I truly take these things with me everywhere I go, and they feel even more special knowing that I made them myself. Here are some of my faves:
A free version of this pattern can be found on my blog here.
Bold mitered squares get arranged in a magical way to form this rounded bottom tote perfect for a stroll through your favorite beach town.
Shop the full kit here.
SIZES
One size
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Length: 15”/38cm
Width: 15”/38cm
Strap Length: 16”/41cm
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy
SKILLS
Single crochet
Double crochet
Treble crochet
Sc2tog
Seaming
Slip stitch
All Two of Wands patterns are written in standard US terms.
SELLING FINISHED ITEMS
Small batch sales of finished pieces made from this pattern are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically.
HELP
Join the Crew of Wands Facebook group to connect with other makers of Two of Wands patterns for help with techniques and pattern related questions.
Wander through the market in style with the Gardenia Market Tote! This net bag embellished with chubby puff stitch flowers is a fresh and feminine take on the classic mesh grocery bag and will have heads turning everywhere you go.
Shop the full kit here.
SIZES
One size
FINISHED DIMENSIONS
Width: 16”/41cm
Length: 17”/43cm
Straps: 18”/46cm
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Intermediate
SKILLS
Double crochet filet
Puff stitches
Puff stitch 3 together
Standing puff stitches
Puff stitch clusters
Half double crochet
Single crochet
Working flat and in the round
Following a stitch chart (optional)
All Two of Wands patterns are written in standard US terms.
SELLING FINISHED ITEMS
Small batch sales of finished pieces made from this pattern are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
The pattern and photographs of this design are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically.
HELP
Join the Crew of Wands Facebook group to connect with other makers of Two of Wands patterns for help with techniques and pattern related questions.
You can find a free version of this pattern on the blog here.
+ DESCRIPTION
This mesh bag set is the ultimate duo in accessories! A roomy tote for market scores, beach day essentials, or picnic must-haves in addition to a chic bottle bag to ensure you are always hydrated make the perfect pair this season. These quick projects are stylish, quick, and functional – the best combo!
This pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company using their 24/7 Cotton yarn. To purchase a kit please visit their site here.
+ SKILLS
This is an intermediate level crochet pattern and the techniques involved are single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and chaining and skipping stitches.
+ SIZING
Tote Bag:
A Width laying flat: 21”/53.5cm
B Length: 15”/38cm
C Depth: 7”/18cm
D Strap length: 15”/38cm
Bottle Bag:
A Circumference: 10”/25.5cm
B Length (adjustable): 7”/18cm
C Strap length: 50”/127cm
*A link to download the pattern will be sent upon payment completion. This link will expire after 24 hrs.
All patterns are written in standard US terms.
The patterns and photographs of items on this site are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These patterns files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically. Small batch sales of finished pieces made from these patterns are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
You can find a free version of this pattern on the blog here.
+ DESCRIPTION
Go green (or mauve!) this spring and shop in style with the Thistle Market Bag. This knit tote is durable and stretchy and the perfect companion to take to the market. Elegant and functional, you’ll never want to leave home without it!
This pattern is part of a collaboration with LoveKnitting using their MillaMia Naturally Soft Cotton yarn. To purchase the yarn please visit their site here.
+ SKILLS
This is an intermediate level knitting pattern and the techniques involved are the knit and purl stitches, K2tog, SSK, and S2KP decreases, the yarn over increase, working flat and in the round, picking up and knitting stitches, and working an attached i-cord. For video tutorials of each technique visit the LoveKnitting site here
All patterns are written in standard US terms.
+ SIZING
Width: 13”/33cm
Length: 16”/41cm
Strap Length: 20”/51cm
*A link to download the pattern will be sent upon payment completion. This link will expire after 24 hrs.
The pattern and photographs of this garment are the property of Two of Wands. This pattern and design are subject to copyright, and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not distribute or sell this pattern or any items created using the directions in this pattern without consent. For more information, please visit the policies here.
This year the inspiration for my Earth Day towels was really just modern interior design. I have been seeing checkerboard patterns everywhere - maybe they’re the new chevron? Haha. But seriously, from rugs to bath towels to ceramics, the checker is definitely having it’s moment.
Read about the inspo behind the previous four years' towels here:
2018: Alsace and Marseille Tea Towels
2019: Barrow and Waverly Hand Towels
2020: Brimfield and Berkshire Dishcloths
2021: Bistro and Mercantile Kitchen Cloths
2022: Cottage and Cabin Cloths
As per tradition, these patterns will be available for free here on the blog for three days from 4/22/23 through 4/24/23. Starting on 4/25/22, they will only be available for purchase as printer-friendly, ad-free PDFs. The PDFs are part of my "Purposeful Patterns" initiative, whereby $1 from the sale of each pattern will be donated to a worthy cause.
This year I chose to support Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit organization with a mission to work with us to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. According to their site,
“The ocean is at the center of who we are. Even if you’ve never seen the ocean, you’re touched by it every single day. It produces half the air you and I breathe every day, the food we eat and the water we drink.
Our ocean faces many threats like the onslaught of ocean trash, overfishing and ocean acidification. The road to change lies at the intersection of effective strategy, robust science and many, many supporters like you.”
Giving back through my Purposeful Patterns initiative is another small way I aim to make a positive impact, and I love taking the time to learn about incredible organizations like Ocean Conservancy.
Please enjoy the following patterns !
The Silver Lake Towel
This of-the-moment checker pattern is the perfect addition to the sophisticated, modern kitchen. With low contrast colors it offers a subtle yet refined vibe that would be perfect as a gift for any host or hostess.
Purchase the printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
The Eagle Rock Towel
This low contrast checker pattern produces a subtle yet refined look for the modern kitchen. Quick to work up, it makes for the perfect hostess or housewarming gift.
Purchase the printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.
Don't forget to share your projects made using Two of Wands patterns on Instagram with the hashtag #crewofwands so your post will get featured on my site and you'll be in the running for monthly pattern giveaways!
Join the Crew of Wands Facebook group to connect with other makers of Two of Wands patterns for help with techniques and pattern related questions.
The patterns and photographs of items on this site are the property of Two of Wands and are for personal, non-commercial use only. These patterns files are protected by US copyright, and you may not distribute or sell them electronically or physically. Small batch sales of finished pieces made from these patterns are permitted, but seller must use their own photographs and credit must be given to Two of Wands as the designer.
