Circular knitting machines are a lot of fun, and one of the best ways I have found to use them is to make seasonal decor and toys. I guess that’s because these are the kinds of projects that I don’t … Read More...
Book Review: Secret Stories of Lost Beasts
There are plenty of animals that used to exist on Earth that seem like they aren’t real, but they once were. Kids who love dinosaurs and other ancient creatures will enjoy Secret Stories of Lost Beasts: A Field Guide … Read More...
Lesson Plans – Moss and Lichen Unit Study
I guess moss and lichen are more things that you see in the spring than in the summer, but there are some deep shady parts of our yard that stay mossy all year, and summer is a fine time to … Read More...
All About Stitching on Perforated Paper
I recently wrote a post on my blog about using a stitchable journal cover and I mentioned that you can make your own stitched cover for a journal by using perforated paper instead of buying a stitchable notebook.
I have … Read More...
Knit a Garter Stitch Blanket with a Twist
When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting … Read More...
Knitting Market Bag Patterns
There are certain things that just make sense to knit at this time of year, and market bags are one of them. We tend to use our canvas bags more often in the summer with trips to the farmer’s market … Read More...
LEGO Scavenger Hunt — Fun Indoor Activity for Kids
This time of year (summer where I live) I’m often looking for fun activities that can be done indoors because it’s hot outside.
This LEGO scavenger hunt is a fun idea you can do with a single kid or a … Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Happy Cross Stitchers
If you love patterns for frogs and sardines, animals, food, flowers and more, Happy Cross Stitchers has got you covered. With more than 1,600 patterns as of this writing, you’re almost guaranteed to find something you like.
I don’t know … Read More...
Book Review: Cable Knitting Stitch Dictionary
Stitch dictionaries are a fun way to learn new-to-you knitting stitch patterns or to take a deep dive into a particular technique. Debbie Tomkies offers 100 cable stitch designs and thoughts on how to incorporate them into projects in her … Read More...
Cross Stitch Some Funky Chickens
I’m primarily a knitter, and in the knitting world the “emotional support chicken” has been a big trend probably for a couple of years now (I don’t know how long something has to be popular before you can stop calling … Read More...
Ice Cream Themed Learning Activities
It’s summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and one of the key components of summer for me is ice cream. Use ice cream as a theme in the classroom or at home to make summer learning more fun.
Modern Preschool has … Read More...
Learn about Colombia for Kids
The Republic of Colombia is a nation whose mainland is in South America but that also has islands that are part of North America, which is kind of fun. Let’s learn more about this country that has borders on both … Read More...
Reasons to Love Small Cross Stitch Designs
This post is inspired by a post I saw over at Caterpillar Cross Stitch about why small cross stitch patterns are great, but I can tell you my own stories of cross stitching woes, too.
I have always been a … Read More...
Knit a Glasses Holder for Your Bedside Table
Not too long ago I was seeing a crochet pattern for a glasses holder shaped like a bear all over the Internet. It was super cute, and also useful as a place to put your glasses on your bedside table … Read More...
Fun Outdoor Games for Fourth of July and Summer Events
I’ve written a lot about different Fourth of July activities and crafts over the years (see links below) but one thing I haven’t touched on much is the Fourth of July party. A backyard hangout and barbecue is a classic … Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Crystal Feather Crafts
If you like landscapes, animals and floral cross stitch patterns with a big does of cuteness, odds are good you’ll find something you want to stitch at Crystal Feather Crafts. This Etsy shop has more than 200 patterns with a … Read More...
Knit a Fish Pouch, for Reasons
I can’t resist a pattern that’s both useful and a little silly, and that’s exactly how I feel about the Rybka pouch pattern from the delightfully named Rat and Sea Witch.
I know you’re going to ask, because I did, … Read More...
Book Review: Rise Up!
It might seem weird to feature a book about protest movements around the Fourth of July, but as Rise Up! Powerful Protests in American History reminds us, protest is patriotic and part of the very fabric of American life from … Read More...
Patriotic Cross Stitch Patterns
Summer is the time of patriotic holidays in the United States, so it’s a great time to stitch up some red, white and blue cross stitch projects for the Fourth of July or just for summer decor.
Summer T-Shirt Knitting Patterns
Knitters are always looking for ways to continue to knit and to wear their knits even when it’s hot outside, so there are tots of great T0shirt knitting patterns to choose from. I love knitting short-sleeved shirts because they feel … Read More...