Every year my daughter’s school does a holiday market where the kids (I think it’s either first or second grade that does it) make the things they sell and the proceeds go toward holiday gifts and food for those in … Read More...
Christmas Tree Knitting Patterns
This is one of those posts that’s hard to title because it’s about knits that are shaped like Christmas trees, some of which are ornaments and some of which are bigger. But if you’re looking to knit some little Christmas … Read More...
Fun Ideas for Personalized Cross Stitch Gifts
It’s gift giving season, and it can be fun to make gifts for others, whether cross stitched or otherwise. I have a huge cross stitch project I’ve been “working” on for my daughter that is definitely not going to be … Read More...
Pinecone Learning Activities for Kids
In the winter there aren’t as many natural materials to work with and learn about in a lot of the world. But if you live where there are deciduous trees, you’ll always be able to find pinecones, so let’s do … Read More...
Stitch a Sweet Santa with this Cross Stitch Pattern
I’m going to start this one by admitting I have no idea why this pattern is called a tiered tray tidbits cross stitch chart. This designer, Stitching Housewives, has a whole section on their storefront with more than 100 designs … Read More...
A Knit Blanket for Green Thumbs, Or Black Thumbs
This is one of those projects where I don’t even know what to say about it other than it’s stunning and amazing and I don’t know if I would have the skill for it but if I made it I … Read More...
Book Review: The Kwanzaa Story
Kwanzaa is a modern holiday that was designed deliberately to provide African Americans in the United States (and Blacks around the world) a deeper connection to African culture. The first celebration began on Dec. 26, 1966, and was inspired by … Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Pixell Patterns
If you like colorful cross stitch patterns, pop culture references and a bit of (sometimes adult themed) snark, Pixell Patterns might just be the storefront for you.
This Etsy shop based in Portland is full of patterns inspired by pop … Read More...
Book Review: Mosaic Chart Directory for Knitting and Crochet
I’m a big fan of mosaic knitting, which is a way to make colorwork designs in two colors while knitting with only one strand of yarn at a time. You slip the stitches that show as the second color, and … Read More...
Learning about Denmark for Kids
When I write these nations of the world posts, I start by Googling the country, which usually leads me first to Wikipedia for basic facts. But the official website for the country came up just below, and I love the … Read More...
Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments
If you want to have a craft-filled tree, one great way to do that is to cover it with cross stitch ornaments. These little projects are usually pretty quick to stitch and fit into small hoops you can nestle into … Read More...
Christmas Amigurumi Knitting Patterns
A few years ago I did a post full of knit elves and gnomes to knit for Christmas, but there are a lot more options when it comes to Christmas knit amigurumi. Use these little characters as seasonal decor, … Read More...
Stitch a Pretty Poinsettia for Christmas
Poinsettias are a classic plant around Christmas thanks to their bright red and green coloring (though there are other shades, too). Did you know the English name for the plant comes from Joel Roberts Pontisett, who was the United States … Read More...
Fun Facts about Christmas Trees and Christmas Tree Crafts
This time of year Christmas trees are starting to pop up all over (if they haven’t already been up for a month!) so it feels like a good time to share some trivia and fun facts about Christmas trees. Share … Read More...
Knit a Simple Striped Blanket
It takes a pretty special person to be worthy of a knit blanket as a gift. Other than babies, my daughter is the only one to have gotten one from me. But with a simple and relatively fast pattern like … Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Needle Minder Lair
As you might guess from the name of this Etsy shop, Needle Minder Lair sells a lot of different kinds of needle minders. We’ll get to that, but they also have a nice collection of cross stitch patterns, too, so … Read More...
Winter Solstice Activities and Crafts for Kids
The winter solstice happens on Dec. 21 (as I write this in 2025, anyway) in the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s sort of the real beginning of the holiday season. It marks the beginning of the coldest season, but it’s also … Read More...
Knit a Fun Hat with Tons of Colorful Brioche
We have established that I’m trying to bring more whimsy into the world with my work and my life and the things that I share here. I know not everyone goes for the wild or offbeat designs, but I hope … Read More...
Christmas Gnome Cross Stitch Patterns
Gnomes are a fan favorite all year long, but they’re especially welcome in winter and during the holiday season. Check out these winter and Christmas gnome cross stitch patterns and stitch your new favorite holiday character!
I love this winter … Read More...
An Array of Knit Christmas Ornaments
I was sure this was going to be the year I was going to knit a bunch of Christmas ornaments. And I guess it still could be, but at the time of this writing I’ve only done one, a cute… Read More...