Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

We need your help to keep CraftGossip Alive

by

help-craftgossip

Since last year, traffic to CraftGossip.com has dropped by almost 100%. And most of this traffic has gone away from us via Google. Because Google thinks we are a SPAM site because we don’t provide long blog posts.

The problem is that CraftGossip is a review site – we find nearly 40 great craft ideas daily. Writing long reviews of almost self describing articles is not going to work for anyone – not for us and not for you.

But we like what we do. We like writing short snappy reviews with one image and a quick link to our great find. And if we change that, we will no longer be useful to our audience.

So that is why – we are putting this appeal to our existing loyal audience. Help us stay afloat by telling Google that we are a legitimate site that provides real value.

You can do this by the following ways.

1. Click here and fill the short form and tell Google that we are a valuable site.

2. If you’re on Twitter – tweet to Matt Cutts (Google’ rep) and tell him that CraftGossip should not be penalized for doing what it does best.

3. Please share this post with as many of your Facebook friends as you can. The more people fill out that form and/or Tweet to Matt Cutts – the better our chances.

Thank You!

From all the editors at CraftGossip.

Comments

  4. Done. This is the one thing I do read every single day! Thanks for organizing things for me – it makes it easier for me to focus on what interests me most that day. Your service is priceless.

  5. Done. I’d be lost without this site, and my RSS feed list would be a packed mess. Plus this site gives me info on crafts I don’t do (and thus wouldn’t subscribe to sites about) which can be inspiring and has already encouraged me to try new things. I hope your campaign works, I really do!

  6. and that other comment I am sure is part of the issue – people are reading in feeds and readers, using RSS etc. Traffic tends to drop.

  7. I’ve filled the form in too. I’ve just googled “craft tutorials” and Craft Gossip appears on the third page.

  10. Done! Now, question: would you like me to say something on my blog about this, too? Like others here, I check you guys out daily, sometimes multiple times per day- yours is one of my longest-surviving RSS feeds (I delete stuff a LOT), and you help me survive my work days…let me know, if you think it would help!

    – Heather R., The Real Leopardstripes

  14. I just found out about your website through Pinterest and checked out your website. I love it and have submitted my letter on your behalf to google. You just gained one more fan. Hope things work out in your tabor. I will also mention on my blog.
    With smiles

    Laine

  17. Thanks for bringing this to our attention! Hopefully we’re able to make an impact. It’s one of the best things in my reader/RSS.

  20. You’re my most valuable site for crafting information. I let Google know I preferred your format for ease of reading and navigation.

  23. Done!! I have learned so much from your daily updates. You have expanded my crafting world into areas that I would never have ever even known existed without this site. I love it and read it everyday!!

  24. Done and done! Like many of the others who have already commented, and like I told Google, Craftgossip is one of my very few (and my favorite) sources for information. And your newsletter really is the one email I make sure to read every day!! Thank you for being here for us all!!

  27. Done!!!
    This is my every day go to site and |I love it I have found CraftGossip in my Spam box more than once and I always click on ‘NOT SPAM’ to bring it back to my inbox. I find that Google is too quick to label a site as Spam. This is not the only site to suffer this action. Now I know there is somewhere to let them know what I think, I will be going there again.
    What made me laugh was that when I linked here to this blog about Google and Spam, there was a link popped up to download Google Chrome…

  28. Done. You take the time to weed out the crap. I PREFER your content selections of quality over those that amass content simply for quantity. Keep fighting!

  33. Done. This is really just awful. Maybe no one from Google has actually been to this site. It clearly is not a source of spam – ever.

    This is one of the few sites that I visit every single day.

  37. Done, & glad to! I so hope C.G. doesn’t go away. It’s a great, happy ‘meeting place’ of creativity! 🙂

  38. Done!! I need you guys!!! You are our go-to site. Full of valuable information. We dont know what we would do without you!!! Lots of love and support

  39. Both filled out the form and tweeted Matt Cutts. I never tweet so that should tell you how valuable you guys are to me. And I’ll make sure not just to read the email you send me but also visit the website.

  40. Done! I love this site and have found so many creative things to try not just for me but for my friends and family as well.

  41. I have noticed that over the last couple of days if I click on the link to read more of the article I get an error message and cannot get to the article. This is from my email, not from your website. I use gmail which is controlled by Google. I hope this gets fixed.

  42. I also tweeted and filled out the survey! I’m going to post this to FB next! I really hope I don’t lose Craft Gossip! I love reading it everyday!!

  50. Done!! Told them how valuable I find the site. I read it daily and use the ideas often, and I told ’em so!

  52. Okey dokey, I posted. I told them I use you every single day and that, if I didn’t get Craft Gossip, there would be tons of other sites who would never find their audience.I hope we’re helping you out!

  53. Your website has been invaluable to me, I find inspiration from it from other craft directions, design ideas for my craft and jewellery workshops and I have learnt a lot of new skills recently by clicking on links I would not have found without you! Thank you for your work, I have told google all about it and hope it will help your ranking! http://felt.co.nz/shop/silverschool

  55. I have been enjoying your site for several years now and have been to “Fork and Talk” twice. (I loved it by the way) I submitted my form to Google and also posted this on Facebook. I hope it helps you out.

  56. Done. I love your work! Thank you for this site. I have told google all about it. Hope you do well!

  69. I’ve had a VERY busy few weeks and haven’t been able to get to my CraftGossip. I just spent a wonderful few hours with my coffee and laptop going over all my recent emails from CraftGossip. I visited several sites, downloaded different a few projects, and read several blogs (some of which I bookmarked). I love CraftGossip….and I told Google so!! Thanks CraftGossip!!!

  72. done. I don’t know what I would do without my daily CraftGossip newsletter… I even save them when I’m on vacation or too busy to go through them and read them (in order!) when I return 🙂

  74. tweeted and completed the form with great enthusiasm. i gave a sparkling endorsement of craftgossip as a resource for teaching, blogging and as a crafter. I told them (and it is true) that craftgossip is the only subscription I do not delete ever, regardless of how many work and personal messages are swelling my emailbox. i hope it helps!

  81. Filled out the brief form, today (9/23/13) — hope it helps. Craft Gossip is a valuable site for hobbyists and professionals!

  82. Done & Done
    perhaps put the link to google before you have to click on “read more” for this article since it is important?

  83. Well, i posted in the google comment form and liked you on my facebook page…i let them know that grass roots movements are important and made google what they are today…hope they don’t forget that. Thanks for this great site…i love coming here…maybe not every day but very very often.

  84. DONE…….! Would do it twice if it would help…..For all the enjoyment your site has given me that is the very least that I can do. Keep us posted as to how it has turned out…

  86. done, because I love scrolling through the ideas every day… but, I just googled ‘craft blog’ and ‘craft ideas’ – you’re on the first page, upper half, for each. For ‘craft tutorials’ and ‘cool crafts’, you’re on the third page. You’re on the second page for ‘diy ideas’. You’re not doing horrible, considering the wealth of ideas out there…

  89. I gave them a piece of my mind!! All good of course. You just let your beloved fans know again if they bother you again and we will let them have it (pow, bang, zoinck) sorry had to just hit something. I just HATE when something good is just going along with the flow and then BIG sonebody comes along and tries to take it away. Thank you Craftgossip for everyday making my life alittle more cheerful!!

  90. Done. Cant believe it needs doing though. CG is a great site. Full of inspiration/ideas. Best out there.

  93. Done. I missed this post originally and just finding it. Any update, feedback or response to our messages yet? I hope that our efforts help. I LOVE this site and read the entire newsletter every day. It is an inspiration to me and helps me so much in my crochet & yarn business. Keep up the AWESOME work y’all!! God bless you.

Have you read?

Shadow And Illusion Knitting Scarf Patterns That Reveal A Hidden Design

Shadow knitting, also called illusion knitting, is one of those clever knitting techniques that looks far more complicated than it usually is. Most illusion knitting scarf patterns are worked with simple knit and purl stitches, two contrasting yarn colors, and a chart that creates raised areas in the fabric. When the scarf is viewed straight on, it often looks like stripes. When viewed from an angle, the hidden picture or lettering appears. Very sneaky. Very satisfying.

These shadow knit scarf patterns are especially fun if you like projects with a little “show and tell” moment. They make wonderful gifts for book lovers, music lovers, fantasy fans, animal lovers, and anyone who enjoys a scarf with a secret.

LotR Illusion Scarf

This free illusion scarf pattern is a gorgeous choice for Lord of the Rings fans, with hidden One Ring-inspired script that appears when the scarf is viewed from an angle. It has that wonderful “you have to see it in person” quality that makes shadow knitting so addictive. I’d call this one best for a knitter who is comfortable following charts and doesn’t mind a project that asks for attention. It would make an incredible handmade gift for a fantasy reader who already owns more mugs than cupboard space.

Butterfly Illusion Scarf

This free scarf pattern by Sarah Roth hides a butterfly motif inside what first appears to be a simple two-color striped scarf. It is a lovely option if you want an illusion knitting project that feels softer and less geeky than some of the fandom-based designs. The hidden butterfly makes it especially nice for spring gifting, nature lovers, or anyone who likes a scarf with a little graceful surprise. It uses the classic illusion knitting effect where the image appears only when the piece is viewed from an angle.

Dolphin Illusion Scarf

Another free Sarah Roth design, this dolphin scarf has a hidden ocean-themed motif that appears as the angle changes. It is a fun one for beach lovers, coastal gift baskets, or that person who has a soft spot for anything sea-themed. The pattern uses worsted-weight yarn, which makes it more approachable than a very fine-gauge scarf and gives the finished piece a cozy everyday feel. This is a nice pick if you want a shadow knitting scarf that still feels cheerful and wearable.

Mark’s Skull Illusion Shadow Scarf

If your knitting basket likes to wander over to the slightly spooky side, this skull illusion scarf is a good one to look at. The pattern is worked in worsted-weight yarn and creates a hidden skull design using the shadow knitting technique. It would be a fun scarf for Halloween, goth styling, pirate-loving kids, or adults who like their handmade accessories with a bit of attitude. I like that it still has a classic scarf shape, so it is wearable without being costume-y.

Shadow Knit Piano shadow Scarf

This free piano scarf pattern is such a clever use of shadow knitting, especially for music teachers, pianists, choir directors, or anyone who lives with sheet music piled beside the kettle. The design is worked as a long rectangular scarf and uses the illusion technique to create a piano-themed visual effect. It is one of those handmade gifts that feels very personal without needing initials or names added. If your household is anything like mine, this is the sort of project that would disappear into someone’s “please make me one too” list very quickly.

Shadow Knit Greek Key Scarf

This free Greek Key scarf pattern is a great option if you want illusion knitting without a novelty image. The pattern uses shadow knitting to create a Greek Key design along the length of the scarf, and it includes fringe at the ends for a more traditional scarf finish. It has a smart, geometric look, which makes it very wearable for men or women. I’d choose two high-contrast colors for this one so the hidden design really earns its moment.

Double Heart Knit shadow Illusion Scarf

This free heart illusion scarf is a sweet one for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, handmade Christmas gifts, or just because you happen to have red and cream yarn staring at you from the stash. The hidden double-heart design gives it a romantic feel without being too frilly. It would be a good first illusion scarf if you want something giftable and not overly intimidating. The design has that lovely “secret message” feel that makes handmade scarves so much more personal.

Knit Illusion Scarf

Mae Dickson’s Knit Illusion Scarf is a more classic shadow knitting option, worked in aran or worsted-weight yarns such as Malabrigo Worsted or Rios. The pattern uses garter stitch gauge information, which makes it feel like a practical project rather than a fussy showpiece. This is a good choice if you want the effect of illusion knitting but prefer a scarf that feels modern and wearable rather than heavily themed. It would be lovely in two tonal shades if you want the reveal to be subtle rather than shouty.

Illusion shadow Scarf

This Illusion Scarf by Faith Schmidt was published through Knit Picks and uses worsted-weight yarn. It is a good pattern to include if your readers are looking for a straightforward scarf project using accessible yarn and familiar materials. The listing suggests Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted, which is exactly the sort of sturdy yarn many knitters already know and trust. This one feels like a sensible step into illusion knitting without needing to go full fandom or novelty.

Ravenclaw shadow Illusion Scarf

This free Ravenclaw illusion scarf is one for the Harry Potter fans, with hidden lettering that reveals the house name when the scarf is viewed at an angle. It is worked as a charted illusion knitting project and would be perfect in house colors, of course. This is a fun handmade gift idea for teens, book club friends, or anyone who still secretly knows which house they belong to. The magic theme suits the hidden-image technique rather beautifully.

Hufflepuff Illusion Scarf

The Hufflepuff version is another free illusion scarf pattern from Tera W., designed to reveal the house name as the scarf moves. It is a nice option for knitters who want a fandom project that is still useful and wearable. Yellow and black can be bold, so I’d be tempted to soften the palette slightly if making it for everyday wear, unless the recipient is fully committed to the house colors. Either way, the reveal effect is the whole charm here.

Dark Mark Illusion Scarf

This Dark Mark Illusion Scarf is a moodier option, with a hidden Dark Mark motif at one end and the spell “Morsmordre” at the other. The pattern is described as garter-based and worked in highly contrasting shades, with the hidden images created by breaks in the garter stitch using knits and purls. This one is definitely more dramatic, so it suits Halloween knitting, villain-loving readers, or anyone who enjoys a scarf with a wink of mischief. Fringe is optional, but honestly, it feels like the sort of scarf that can handle a bit of theatre.

Serenity Illusion Scarf

This free illusion scarf reveals Chinese characters for the word “serenity,” which gives it a thoughtful and slightly meditative feel. The designer notes that the motif can be repeated along the scarf or placed at each end, giving knitters some flexibility with how much hidden detail they want to include. It is a lovely choice for someone who wants a meaningful scarf rather than a novelty design. I’d keep the colors elegant and high contrast so the reveal stays crisp.

Green Lantern Scarf

This free shadow knit scarf is designed around the Green Lantern theme and is described as a way to learn the shadow knitting technique. It is a good pick for comic book fans or for knitters who like a graphic, bold scarf. The listing tags it as illusion knitting and a unisex rectangle scarf, which makes it practical as well as fun. This would be a great one for using strong contrast yarns so the hidden motif has proper superhero impact.

Optical Illusion Scarf

This newer Optical Illusion Scarf has a different feel from the hidden-picture scarves because it uses a narrow double-knit style with a 70s-inspired two-color pattern. It is a paid pattern, but it’s worth mentioning for knitters who want a more fashion-forward illusion scarf rather than a charted image reveal. The design is unisex and has that retro graphic look that would be gorgeous in mustard and brown, teal and cream, or black and ivory. Very groovy without being costume-party groovy.

Tips For Knitting A Shadow Or Illusion Scarf

The biggest trick with illusion knitting is contrast. If your two yarn colors are too close, the hidden design can get a little shy and refuse to show up properly. Choose one light and one dark shade, especially for your first scarf.

Tension also matters. Many shadow knitting designs work best with a fairly even gauge because the raised purl sections are doing the visual work. If your tension changes a lot, the image may still appear, but it can look a bit wobbly. Ask me how I know.

Blocking can help tidy the finished scarf, but don’t flatten it to death. The texture is what creates the illusion, so gentle blocking is better than aggressive stretching.

And one last thing: take progress photos from an angle, not straight above. Straight-on photos often make these scarves look like plain stripes, which is deeply unfair after all that counting.