During the summer in particular it can be so hard to get kids moving. Whether its hot outside or they’re just more interested in a device, a book or something else, they often aren’t getting the amount of physical activity … Read More...
Knit a 4th of July American Trivet Inspired By Captain America
I designed this Captain America placemat/trivet/doll blanket (you’ll see if you click) about five years ago, so it seems more than time to share it again.
This one was really fun to make, working from the outside in in … Read More...
Color Sheets in the Style of MC Escher
Coloring pages are maybe not the most educationally sound activity out there, but if you have a kid who loves to color they can be fun for a little break. And they’re a great thing to have on hand for … Read More...
Make Your Mug More Patriotic with Knitting
I love this simple little pattern for a loom knit coffee cup cozy worked in red, white and blue yarn from This Moment is Good. It’s a project that’s small enough you can still have it done in time for … Read More...
Stitch a Geometric Shawl for Summer and Beyond
There’s something about summer that makes me want to wear — and craft with — brighter colors, so I was definitely attracted to the cheerful color choices in the model of this Geometric Knit Shawl from Michaels.
It calls for … Read More...
Tactile Name Writing Practice
One of the first things we often do when teaching kids to write is to have them learn how to write their name. There are lots of ways to make recognizing and learning the letters of your name more fun, … Read More...
Knit a Mister Rogers Sweater
With the 50th anniversary of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and a new movie about his life coming out this year, interest in the sweater-wearing TV star has never been higher.
If you’d like to knit a Mister Rogers-style sweater for yourself … Read More...
Stitch a Lovely Bug with Cross Stitch and Embrodiery
It had been a while before I checked out the freebie patterns at the DMC website, but I happened past there the other day and checked out some of their free patterns.
This one of a lacewing is really striking, … Read More...
Knittting Pattern- 4th of July American Flag Dishcloth
With Memorial Day and the Fourth of July coming up, it seemed a good time to share a somewhat patriotic knitting project.
The American Flag Knit Dishcloth by Designs by Emily uses alternating rows of knits and purls to make … Read More...
Knit a Bath Mat with Poufy Yarn
A few years ago — probably more than a few, the way my sense of time goes — Red Heart had a yarn called Pomp-a-Doodle, which was basically a string with puffy pom-poms attached to it. When you knit with … Read More...
Another Gorgeous Top to Knit for Summer
I may be slightly obsessed with summer tops to knit right now, thanks to school being out at the end of the week and completely having summer on the brain.
But this one, the Sommer sleeveless top by Mari Chiba, … Read More...
A Cross-Stitched Insult, Monty Python Style
When I was a teenager I loved Monty Python. And I had a group of friends who loved, it, too. Monty Python and the Holy Grail was our favorite, we could recite it, some even acted out part of it … Read More...
Sewing Tools that are Also Great for Knitters
There are lots of times when different crafts cross over, or when tools that might be used for one craft (say, a crochet hook) can be useful for other crafts as well (such as picking up stitches or weaving in … Read More...
A Simple Top for Summer Knitting
Blackwork Embroidery Inspiration
I’ve never done blackwork embroidery before, but it’s such a striking crafty that I’m always intrigued when I see it.
Wandering around Pinterest the other day I found this post from Craftster, showing a blackwork background behind a large E. … Read More...
Another Cross-Stitch Project for the Book Lovers
Last month I shared a cute cross stitch pattern about reading past your bedtime and this one really goes right along with it for me.
Don’t Eat the Paste shares this great design about the problem of having not too … Read More...
Get Yarn Inspired by a Book Cover
Yarn dyers are inspired by many different things, from their favorite movies and TV shows to the colors right outside their doors.
I think this may be the first time, however, that I’ve heard of a yarn bundle being inspired … Read More...
A Little Monday Motivation to Cross Stitch
Some days we just need a reminder to be nicer to our fellow human beings.
No matter how much we would like to do otherwise.
This gentle reminder to try not to murder people comes via a cross stitch pattern … Read More...
Melting Ice for Summer STEAM Fun
Even though it’s not even summer yet, my daughter is already complaining about the heat and wanting to do things that will help her cool down.
We love doing activities that involve water and ice, and this melting ice sculptures … Read More...
Harry Potter Dementor Cross Stitch Pattern
I don’t think Harry Potter stuff will ever get old, so I was happy to see this free cross stitch dementor pattern from Albion Gould.
It’s worked on cool printed fabric, but of course it would be great on regular … Read More...