Every now and then I come across a shop I want to promote just because their patterns are colorful and cheerful. That’s what caught my eye when I found Tidy Patterns, an Etsy shop based in Switzerland that showcases the … Read More...
Knit a Stack of Nesting Cats
I know I just shared a bunch of cat knitting patterns not all that long ago, but I saw these the other day and, in the spirit of whimsy, just had to share them.
The Matryoshkats pattern from Mochimochi Land … Read More...
Spiderweb Crafts for Kids – Halloween Activity
There are so many ways to go when it to comes Halloween crafts for kids to make, I was feeling a little overwhelmed at how to narrow it down into a post that made sense. So instead of trying to … Read More...
Tips to Make Cross Stitch More of a Habit
This is the cross stitch page, so of course I’m talking specifically about cross stitch here, but these ideas for making cross stitch more of a habit really work for any craft or hobby that you want to deliberately spend … Read More...
Use Your Stash on this Stranded Knit Sweater
I am known to be a big fan of stash busting projects (I even have a whole little ebook about it!) so when I saw the Stowaway pattern from Wool & Pine I knew I had to share it, and … Read More...
Nightmare Before Christmas Cross Stitch Patterns
It’s time to head to Halloweentown and stitch up some fun Nightmare Before Christmas cross stitch patterns!
Even if you’re new to cross stitch you can make this simple Jack Skellington cross stitch pattern from StitchNSkulls. Because the fabric … Read More...
Playdough Learning Activities
Playdough is a classic kid’s toy, and it is so great for learning and developing motor skills. It gives you another way to introduce material, from forming letters and numbers to learning colors and just making fun pieces of art. … Read More...
Take it Easy with a Bulky, Textured Sweater
If you’re looking for a sweater that embodies afternoons sitting by the fire, reading and knitting with a favorite warm beverage at hand, it might just be the Easy-Going Sweater from Bernat.
It’s worked in chunky roving yarn, with … Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Stitch Riot Designs
For cross stitch projects with a ton of pop culture references, check out Stitch Riot Designs on Etsy. This Oklahoma-based designer sells charts that are heavy on TV show and movie references, music-themed projects and snarky quotes.
You can get … Read More...
Spider Knitting Patterns
Spooky season begins in my house on Sept. 1, so you know all the knit pumpkins are out and I’m thinking about new ways to add yarn to our fall decor. How about some knit spiders? They can hang out … Read More...
Book Review: Spooky Stories Aloud
When my daughter was younger it seems like spooky stories were an all-year thing, with “The Ghost and Jenny Jemima” a regular feature. Whether you’re looking for a readaloud for the classroom or home, Spooky Poems Aloud is a fun … Read More...
Everything You Need to Know about Cross Stitch Fabrics
I have been writing about cross stitch here for a long time, and I’m done cross stitch now and then throughout my life, but I’m by no means an expert. So it’s great for me to have this gig where … Read More...
Knit a Lacy Hat for Fall
Last year the Washington Post did a story looking at data from Ravelry that revealed that knitters tend to start knitting hats in August and scarves in September. I’m not quite sure I’m ready for either yet, but if you’re … Read More...
Learn Coding without Computers
National Coding Week begins Sept. 14, so it’s a great time to teach your kids a little bit about coding. Of course there are all sorts of online resources to learn how to code, but it’s also fun, especially when … Read More...
Learn about Bermuda for Kids
Bermuda is a country whose name many recognize from its infamous triangle said to swallow boats and airplanes without a trace. While that’s a myth of course, Bermuda is a lovely country full of fun things to learn.
Bermuda Basics
… Read More...Beetlejuice Cross Stitch Patterns
With the release of the new Beetlejuice movie and Halloween sneaking up on us, it seems like a good time to share some Beetlejuice cross stitch patterns.
At the most basic there’s the Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice pattern from Brianna Lentz… Read More...
Strategies for Using All Your Yarn
I make my interest in using your yarn stash pretty clear (I mean, I have actually written an ebook about it), and one great way to use your stash is to make sure that you use as much of the … Read More...
Tips for Teaching Kids to Sew
I’ve had a lot of fun through the years teaching kids (including my own) how to sew, whether that’s sewing by hand or on a sewing machine, decorative stitching or more practical projects.
September is National Sewing Month, so I … Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Durene J Cross Stitch
I feel like I have shared a lot of British designer Durene J Cross Stitch’s patterns before, so it seemed like high time to share their Etsy shop as a designer spotlight.
When I think of Durene’s designs, I think … Read More...
Knit a Blanket that Looks Like a Quilt
I’ve been seeing a lot of knitting projects lately — whether they are new or older — that include elements that look like quilt blocks and I am here for it. My aunt is a quilter but I’ve never been … Read More...