I have never been one who can predict trends, and even when I hear about trends for crafting I don’t always believe them. When I heard ducks and geese were going to be big this year I didn’t totally believe … Read More...
No-line coloring is one of the most popular cardmaking techniques because it creates a soft, hand-painted look without harsh outlines. Traditionally, this technique is done with pale ink and rubber stamps — but digital stamps make it even easier because … Read More...
I have a weakness for handmade pumpkins. Real pumpkins are lovely, of course, but the crochet variety has one enormous advantage — nobody discovers one quietly decomposing on the back of the sideboard three weeks after Halloween.
Crochet pumpkins are … Read More...
Doesn’t Janet’s amazing floral card look like a quilt? She called this card a Floral Fancy Fold and is it so floral and so fancy with several scored and folded panels, some that tuck behind, held in place by the … Read More...
Digital scrapbooking is having one of those lovely full-circle moments. What began years ago with downloaded clip art, chunky desktop software and carefully arranged photo grids has returned with a much fresher look-and this time, we can create the whole … Read More...
Fall is a great time to learn about and observe the birds in your area, but you can do this any time of year. Whether you’re watching from a backyard or a playground, you’re sure to find a few birds … Read More...
It’s a common complaint among women and femme dressing folk that our clothes do not include enough (and enough useful) pockets. And even if your clothes do have good pockets, there’s always a chance that you’d rather have another pocket … Read More...
There is something ridiculously satisfying about pulling a tray of homemade granola from the oven.
Maybe it is the smell of toasted oats and cinnamon. Maybe it is the fact that you can finally make a batch with exactly … Read More...
The fireplace mantel is one of my favourite places to decorate for Halloween. It gives you enough room to create a proper little scene, but it is still contained enough that you don’t end up finding plastic spiders in the … Read More...
If you’ve ever finished quilting a beautiful project… only to find faint blue lines still staring back at you…
You know the panic.
Marking tools are one of those quilting notions we don’t think much about — until something doesn’t … Read More...
There is something wonderfully cheerful about a crochet project that uses up scraps, works up quickly, and then actually does something once it is finished. This free crochet wind spinner pattern from CraftBits is exactly that kind of make — … Read More...
Kathleen printed out her single photo very large, which obviously helps the pic to stand out but she balanced it on either side for a even proportion. Down one side is her typed journaling and the other is a tall … Read More...
If you’ve ever wanted to make a wearable piece of art, Natasha Smart’s Wet Felted Scarf Tutorial on YouTube is a must-watch. This isn’t your average wool scarf — it’s a tactile, flowing creation that perfectly blends texture, color, and … Read More...
Tired of your old and drab throw pillows that came with your couch, or maybe yours didn’t come with any and you would like some! Then I have the sewing project for you.
How to Sew a Throw pillow. … Read More...
Whether you’re stitching up apples for back to school or just because you love fall, these apple cross stitch patterns look like lots of fun to stitch.
These teensy apples still bring a lot of detail even as each one … Read More...
This Support Chicken sewing pattern is such a cheerful little project, and honestly, it is hard not to smile at it. Part plush toy, part comfort buddy, and part silly handmade gift, this chicken has exactly the kind of quirky … Read More...
Stretch bead bracelets are one of the easiest jewelry making projects for beginners, and they are wonderfully satisfying because you can finish one in a single sitting. No clasp, no crimp beads, no complicated wirework — just beads, stretchy cord … Read More...
If you’ve ever looked at Brazilian embroidery and thought, well that’s a bit fancy in the best possible way, you’re not wrong. This dimensional style is all about glossy rayon thread, raised stitches, and flowers that seem to bloom right … Read More...
A
n itchy, flaky scalp seems as though it should be simple to fix. Wash it, moisturise it, perhaps give it a good scrub and carry on with your day.
Unfortunately, scalps can be rather dramatic little things.
The same … Read More...
Oh, this one has proper old-Hollywood winter charm.
The Pembroke Coat is a vintage knitted coat pattern that instantly made me think of crisp winter walks, leather gloves, polished boots, and the sort of coat your grandmother would have casually … Read More...
Charlene’s wonderful card has two fabulous Summery drinks that used techniques that give the glasses a realistic look. She die cut them from colored cardstocks and then added darker inking along the edges for dimension, used white gel pen for … Read More...
There’s just something magical about scrapbooking in autumn. Even if you’re nowhere near crunchy leaves and pumpkin patches, the colours, textures, and cosy vibes of fall somehow sneak their way into our craft rooms. I always find myself reaching for … Read More...
Johnny Appleseed Day is sometimes celebrated on Sept. 26 because that is John Chapman’s birthday, but even if you’re just doing an apple unit study for fall it’s a great time to talk about Johnny Appleseed.
And that’s the place … Read More...
We’re a big Studio Ghibli household, and while they are sometimes very protective of their copyrights (as evidenced by the number of patterns on Ravelry that were removed from the service when it received a takedown notice back in 2021), … Read More...
Tapestry crochet is one of those techniques that looks far more complicated than it actually is. You see a beautifully crisp geometric design, a little mountain landscape or a bold retro motif worked directly into the crochet fabric and immediately … Read More...
For years, beginner quilters have been given one very sensible piece of advice: use quilting cotton.
It is stable, predictable, easy to cut and generally willing to behave itself.
That is still excellent advice for a first quilt. However, once … Read More...
If you’ve ever fallen down a late-night Pinterest rabbit hole, you’ve probably seen someone suggest boiling polymer clay instead of baking it. At first glance, it sounds clever—no oven needed, just a pot of water and a stove. But does … Read More...
There is something deeply satisfying about making a room look polished without handing over half your paycheck to do it. I think most of us have had that moment where we spot a tray, vase, basket, or candle holder in … Read More...
I’ve become much more interested in knowing what is actually in the food I’m eating.
Not in an obsessive, everything-must-be-made-from-scratch sort of way. I still have convenience foods in my pantry and I’m certainly not standing around churning my … Read More...
Ever stumbled upon a piece of decor that instantly transports you back in time? That’s exactly how I felt when I came across Cindy’s tutorial on transforming a vintage milk can into the most delightful outdoor side table. It’s … Read More...
If you’re working on camping, hiking or outdoor adventure scrapbook layouts you’ll want to download this FREE collection of journaling and project life cards. There’s 8 different designs with trees, woodgrain backgrounds, lines for journaling, a tent, campfire, words, plaid, … Read More...
Quilts have always carried more than warmth.
They preserve scraps from dresses worn thin, shirts belonging to people we love and fabrics that instantly return us to another season of life. But quilts can also carry anger, grief, memory, defiance … Read More...
If you’ve ever stood in the bathroom reading the tiny ingredient list on the back of a toothpaste tube and wondered whether you could simply make your own, you certainly aren’t alone.
Homemade toothpaste is one of those wonderfully old-fashioned … Read More...
There is something about a dachshund that seems almost designed for crochet. That ridiculously long body, those tiny little legs, floppy ears and the unmistakable sausage-dog silhouette translate beautifully into yarn.
And apparently I’m not the only one who … Read More...
Christmas crochet in 2026 is looking wonderfully nostalgic, colourful and handmade.
After years of very polished, matching Christmas décor, we are seeing a return to decorations that look collected rather than purchased in one frantic afternoon. Think crocheted baubles, little … Read More...
If you have been seeing beautifully finished knitted hats, sweater necklines and cuffs that seem to flow magically over the edge without an obvious cast-on row, there is a very good chance you are looking at an Italian cast on… Read More...
Pottery is a craft that thrives on tradition, passed down from one potter’s wheel to the next. In this video, Rajiv Surendra visits legendary potter Guy Wolff to share four pottery hacks that every clay enthusiast should know. These aren’t … Read More...
The Gambia, officially the Republic of the Gambia, is a west African that is geographically the smallest country in continental Africa, with an area of 4,400 square miles, or 11,300 square kilometers. Let’s learn more about The Gambia!
The Gambia
… Read More...
There’s something especially meaningful about sewing for babies — and comfort items sit right at the top of that list. The Comfort Blanket 2-in-1 sewing pattern stood out because it’s designed to become that item. The one that gets carried … Read More...
If you’ve been seeing golden, crispy nests of shredded pastry filled with gooey cheese and showered in pistachios all over your social feeds lately, chances are you’ve stumbled across kunafa.
Also spelled knafeh, kanafeh, konafa or künefe, this … Read More...
There are some recipes I’m perfectly happy to spend all afternoon making.
Ketchup is not one of them.
If I’m making homemade ketchup, I want something that tastes properly tomatoey, has that familiar sweet-and-tangy flavour, actually sticks to a chip … Read More...
Bath bombs are one of those crafts that look ridiculously easy in a thirty-second video.
Mix the powders, spray in a little liquid, press everything into a shiny metal mould and reveal a perfect pastel sphere.
In reality, one half … Read More...
There are some knitting projects where the wrong side really doesn’t matter. A sweater? Fine. A cushion cover? Nobody is peeking around the back unless they’re being particularly nosy.
But scarves, blankets, shawls and wraps are a completely different story.… Read More...
Sometimes the silliest crochet projects are the ones people remember most, and Emotional Support Oh Poo definitely falls into that category. This quirky little amigurumi pattern is equal parts gag gift and oddly adorable desk buddy, which is probably why … Read More...
Who wouldn’t love to receive this stunning floral card in the mail for their birthday!? Yana’s beautiful design is a tri fold with extra flaps, folds and opening for a unique interactive experience. The front of the card has a … Read More...
There are so many fun things to try, especially yarn crafts, which are quick and simple to make! Sometimes younger children lack the patience for time-consuming crafts, so finding something quick is ideal.
Yarn is versatile and can be used … Read More...
I feel like I’ve written about TeaJeigh Designs before but I think maybe it’s just because I have shared this shop’s patterns a few times before that it feels familiar. But it’s worth a look so let’s take a peek … Read More...
If you’ve ever admired those beautifully textured felt scarves that look light as air but still cozy and warm, chances are they were made using the nuno felting technique. This week’s Free Felting Tutorial Friday comes from Ruth Lane, who … Read More...
If you’ve been looking for a free fall leaves embroidery pattern to add to a sweater, cardigan, or lightweight knit, the DMC Buds pattern is a lovely little find. DMC lists this as an easy embroidery pattern, and the … Read More...
There was a time when the words patchwork sewing immediately brought to mind neatly matched squares, carefully pressed seams and a quilt spread across the spare bed. Lovely, certainly, but not necessarily something you would wear to lunch.
That has … Read More...
This free knitting pattern falls in the category of cute but maybe not essential, as well as a nice way to use some yarn left over from another project.
The Briggs St. Fruit Hammock from Mycah Knits is beginner friendly … Read More...
Andrea used the Fun Times collection from Simple Stories to create this fabulous mini Travel Tag album. She even found a cute tiny plastic suitcase to fit it inside of, decorating the outside with a few chipboard elements and a … Read More...
There is something deeply satisfying about turning a stretched-out T-shirt into something sturdy, useful and genuinely lovely. You know the shirts I mean—the ones that have gone slightly wonky around the neckline, acquired a mysterious cooking stain or survived so … Read More...
If summer 2026 has an unofficial dessert dip, I’m giving the title to Strawberry Cheesecake Dip.
It has all the things the internet loves in a recipe: four ingredients, no oven, almost no washing up and the ability to … Read More...
There is something wonderfully irresistible about a quilt with texture.
Not just ordinary quilting texture, either. I mean padded flowers, raised geometric shapes, softly stuffed lettering and quilted motifs that seem to lift right off the fabric.
Trapunto quilting has … Read More...
This Winterberry Mug Cozy is such a sweet little project, and honestly it ticks a lot of boxes for me. It is a free crochet mug cozy pattern by Michelle Moore of MJ’s Off The Hook Designs, updated March 15, … Read More...
When it’s hot outside it’s fun to do any kinds of activities that involve ice, water or anything cold. Check out my water and ice activities here, and read on for sensory and science experiments using and inspired by … Read More...
We have all had a fake tan moment that started with confidence and ended with orange knuckles, patchy elbows, or feet that look like they have been dipped in tea. That is exactly why this CraftBits project is such a … Read More...
Shadow knitting squares are such a clever way to learn illusion knitting without jumping straight into one enormous hidden-image blanket.
Instead of casting on hundreds of stitches and hoping your colour contrast works, you can start with one small square. … Read More...
Faux postage has been very popular in card making and paper crafting recently with lots of stamps, dies and papers that help you create faux postcards, postage stamps and cancelations for fun designs that work with a variety of styles … Read More...
The cross stitcher behind the blog Sirious Stitches is quite into biscornu.
If you’re not, a quick primer: biscornu are three-dimensional cross-stitched objects with eight points, often with an indention in the middle that makes them look a bit like … Read More...
Bubble skirts are back, and this time they are not being saved for flower girls, dance costumes or the more adventurous corners of our wardrobes.
The modern bubble hem skirt—also called a puffball skirt—can be soft and wearable, especially when … Read More...
There is something wonderfully dangerous about a good pair of handmade earrings at a craft market. They sit there on the table looking sweet and harmless, and before you know it, someone has popped “just one pair” into their basket … Read More...
When I discovered Kate Atherley’s book Circular Knitting for Beginners and Beyond, I wasn’t sure there was enough to say about circular knitting to fill a book. It’s a pretty short book (144 pages) and includes 10 patterns to … Read More...
Paige took it to the next level filling and over lapping her scallops down more than one half of her page. She used a border punch and different pattern papers for her scallops and notice how she created a rainbow … Read More...
If you’ve been searching for the perfect crochet top to take you from sunny afternoons to warm summer evenings, the Sunburst Tank from Knit Picks is a winner. This breezy tank is simple, stylish, and has just the right amount … Read More...
If you have ever walked through a Christmas craft fair and thought, “I could make that,” then this is your friendly reminder to start now.
Not in a frantic, glue-gun-at-midnight sort of way. Not with ribbon stuck to your sleeve … Read More...
There is something about a bowl of tiny wool strawberries that makes me unreasonably happy.
They are bright, cheerful and forgiving enough for a beginner, yet they still teach several of the skills you will use in more advanced needle-felting … Read More...
Sunflower machine embroidery is one of those categories that always feels cheerful, useful, and easy to stitch into everyday projects. A single bloom looks lovely on a tea towel or tote, while fuller sunflower motifs work beautifully on cushion covers, … Read More...
Lots of Americans seem to think that May 5 is Mexican Independence Day, but that holiday actually falls on Sept. 16.
May 5 is the celebration of the Battle of Puebla, in which the Mexicans defeated the French in 1862. … Read More...
Zig zag quilts have been around for decades, but modern quilting has completely reinvented them.
Gone are the busy calicos and tightly packed traditional layouts (although we still love those too). Today’s modern zig zag quilts lean into negative space, … Read More...
If you are in the mood for a quick crochet hat with a lot of personality, the Colorful Maker Hat from Lion Brand is a fun one to look at. It is described as a cozy statement piece with a … Read More...
There is something wonderfully comforting about a piece of handmade textile art hanging on the wall. Perhaps it is the softness, the slightly uneven tufts or simply the fact that yarn instantly makes a room feel warmer. Whatever the reason, … Read More...
There is something rather wonderful about a homemade sugar scrub—the scent, the pretty jar and that deliciously grainy texture that makes an ordinary shower feel like a small luxury. Traditional oil-and-sugar scrubs certainly have their place, but they can also … Read More...
This tote-ally lovely card from Mindy combines two different die sets, one is a floral set and the other is a fun large tote that she filled with the flowers. I love the pink and coral color combo, it works … Read More...
Looking for a lightweight, stylish, and oh-so-practical tote to take with you everywhere this season? The Pancake Crochet Market Bag might just become your go-to favorite. Whether you’re heading to the farmers market to grab some fresh produce, packing snacks … Read More...
These backpack cross stitch patterns aren’t like the backpacks you would use for school, but they might inspire you to go on a different sort of adventure, and pack your sense of humor.
When it comes to funny cross stitch, … Read More...
Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns!
I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy … Read More...
Let’s be honest, walking past a Lush store without wandering inside for a sniff is practically impossible.
There is something about those towering piles of colourful bath bombs, wobbly shower jellies and sweet-smelling massage bars that makes an ordinary Tuesday … Read More...
If your recycling bin always seems to be full of shipping boxes, cereal boxes, cardboard tubes, and random packaging, you are definitely not alone. Cardboard is one of the easiest recycled craft supplies to collect because it turns up in … Read More...
Cupcakes never go out of style. They’re the little black dress of the baking world—simple, versatile, and always a hit at parties. But give them a twist of creamy Biscoff frosting, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that feels modern, … Read More...
Some crochet projects are made simply because we need a warm hat. Some are made because we need a quick gift, a stash-busting project, or something easy to work on while watching television. And then there are crochet projects that … Read More...
As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the … Read More...
This one is pure baby-gift sweetness. The Honey Baby Bear Applique Machine Embroidery Design from BabyEmbroideryShop is a digital download on Etsy, and it’s marked as a Bestseller on the listing. Etsy also shows the shop with a 5 out … Read More...
I was a teen in the 80’s so this totally rad Boombox shaped mini album from Traci really speaks to me! She created a rectangle shaped black acrylic album with rounded corners, adding buttons and a handle on the top … Read More...
There are ordinary baby buntings, and then there are baby buntings that turn a tiny newborn into the sweetest little star you have ever seen.
This free baby star bunting crochet pattern creates a five-pointed, hooded cocoon with a practical … Read More...
Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to … Read More...
Peyote stitch rings are the sort of tiny beadwork project that makes you feel wildly productive without needing a full weekend, a giant bead mat, or the emotional strength required to commit to a wide cuff bracelet. They are small, … Read More...
Sewing Pattern Saturday is my way of spotlighting independent Etsy designers who are creating sewing patterns that are clever, wearable, and genuinely useful. These are honest reviews written from a real sewist’s perspective, focusing on how the pattern works in … Read More...
If you’re a dog lover — and let’s be honest, most crafters are — Labradoodles are hard to resist. All that fluffy, curly fur, the permanently happy face, and that gentle, goofy personality… they make the perfect subject for handmade … Read More...
Fingering-weight yarn is beautiful, economical and wonderfully versatile, but I’ll be the first to admit that it doesn’t immediately spring to mind when someone says “quick knitting project.” Fine yarn and tiny needles can make us picture complicated lace shawls, … Read More...
Line dancing fashion has changed quite a bit from the matching shirts and heavily fringed waistcoats many of us remember. Today’s modern line dancers are mixing traditional western details with comfortable jeans, flowing layers, vintage-inspired crochet and practical accessories that … Read More...
First Impressions While Flipping Through the Book
Some quilting books feel calm and minimal. Others feel like opening a box of bright fabric scraps that instantly makes you want to start sewing.
That was my first reaction when I started … Read More...
It’s Christmas in July and it’s time for all of us card makers to get started early making all those cards for the Holidays! To help you get going here’s a collection of 55 different Christmas, Winter and Holiday digital … Read More...
If you’ve ever found yourself wildly scratching at a mozzie bite during family BBQs, camping trips, or while doing the washing line dash at dusk, you’re not alone. For years I kept a tube of store-bought anti-itch cream in the … Read More...
Oh this one is FUN.
This week’s Freebie Friday – Junk Journal Images is for anyone who loves a little grit, a little nostalgia, and a whole lot of personality layered into their pages.
We’ve stepped away from florals and … Read More...
If you’re creating Summer, outdoors, camping or rustic scrapbook layouts then you’ll want to download the Campfire Stories font. This FREE download has two fonts, one upper case and one lower case with a more scripty look, along with … Read More...
Vintage teacups have a terrible habit of following me home from op shops.
One pretty floral cup becomes three, three becomes an entire shelf, and before long you are wondering whether anyone genuinely needs fourteen mismatched saucers. The answer is … Read More...
Shadow knitting dishcloths are the perfect little “aha!” project.
They are small, useful, quick compared with scarves or blankets, and they let you test the whole illusion knitting idea without committing to six feet of scarf or a full baby … Read More...
Growing Up Ladybug and How to Become a Butterfly are both by Stepanka Sekaninova and illustrated by Linh Dao, and they came out at the same time and are on similar themes, so let’s look at them together.
Growing Up … Read More...
