A tonal yarn, at least by my definition, is a ball or skein that is all one color, but includes subtle (or maybe even not that subtle) variations of light and dark throughout the ball. It might have little sections … Read More...
Fall Printable Books for Kids
I love little printable books for kids. There seem to be books on just about every theme you can think of that people have made, and they allow kids to practice a little bit of vocabulary/reading, number recognition, color recognition … Read More...
A Simple Lace and Cable Stitch Pattern
My love for learning new stitch patterns is well documented (I even just recently wrote a book review about a fun new book full of knitting stitch patterns, The New Knitting Stitch Dictionary).
Lilia Craft Party likes learning about, … Read More...
Acorn Learning Activities
There are so many fun objects that can be used as inspiration for learning activities in the fall. We’ve covered apples and pumpkins; another favorite is acorns. The squirrels in our neighborhood have been super busy so it must be … Read More...
Batty Socks to Knit for Halloween
I know we’re getting a little down to the wire for knitting wearables for Halloween, but I couldn’t resist sharing these socks, which you might still have time to knit.
The I’m Batty for Halloween socks from Stone Knits on … Read More...
Review: Enchanted Garden Cross Stitch
Crafting and gardening seem to go together, and a lot of designers use flowers in their designs because they also enjoy growing them.
Gail Bussi is a cross stitch designer and an avid gardener, and she combined her two loves … Read More...
Dig into Knitty’s Deep Fall Issue
I don’t always post about Knitty’s new issues, but it’s been a while and they have some news so it’s worth taking a look at the latest issue.
There are actually a couple of projects in this one that I … Read More...
Review: Super Fun Art Activities for Kids
If you’re looking for new art activities to do with kids in the classroom or at home, Super Fun Art Activities for Kids by Susan Schwake is a fun place to start.
The book focuses on experiments with drawing, painting, … Read More...
Haunted House Pincushion Cross Stitch Pattern
I told myself I was done sharing Halloween cross stitch patterns, because I wanted to give you all plenty of time to finish them before it’s actually time.
But.
Then I saw this amazing 3D haunted house pincushion cross stitch … Read More...
Review: Knitted Animal Toys
If you’re new to knit amigurumi and want to make some cute, long-legged animals for yourself or a little one in your life, Knitted Animal Toys by Louise Crowther is a fun place to start.
The animals are 16 inches … Read More...
Halloween Toys to Knit
I love knitting pumpkins and other fall and Halloween decor, but one thing that’s extra fun to knit this time of year, especially if you have little kids, is Halloween dolls and toys. These are fun to tuck into Halloween … Read More...
Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day
I can’t really figure out why, but the second Tuesday in October is celebrated annually as Ada Lovelace Day, a day to recognize the accomplishments of women in STEM and encourage women and girls to explore STEM careers. (It’s definitely … Read More...
Stitch a Sweater with Stripes of Color and Texture
One of the best ways to use a special ball of yarn that’s been hanging out in your stash that you’re not sure what to do with is to incorporate it into a bigger project via color blocking or stripes.… Read More...
Cross Stitch Patterns to Welcome Fall
OK, I know I’m a little late to the season on these, but honestly, it’s only just now starting to feel like fall where I live and I’m ready to welcome it with open arms and all the crafts, even … Read More...
Celebrate I Love Yarn Day by Teaching Someone to Knit
Did you know there’s a holiday completely devoted to yarn?
It’s I Love Yarn Day, which is celebrated this year (2023) on October 14. It’s a day to celebrate all the things we love about yarn and the fiber arts, … Read More...
Get Primitive Style Cross Stitch Patterns from Scattered Seeds Samplers
I don’t know if I know what the real definition of primitive cross stitch is, but to me it means patterns that look old-fashioned, like colonial American-era samplers stitched on muslin or Bible quotes stitched alongside flowers and animals.
So … Read More...
Knit a Simple Cropped Cardigan with Poufy Sleeves
I think it’s the colors, but this cardigan knitting pattern reminds me a little bit of a school uniform, only clearly a lot more fun.
The Samara from Berroco was designed by Åsa Buchta and uses bulky yarn. It’s mostly … Read More...
Get into the Season with Drawing Spooky Chibi
I can’t honestly call this a book review because I wrote this book, so of course I think it’s great. But if you’ve got a kiddo who likes to draw, Drawing Spooky Chibi is a fun book to help them … Read More...
Join Me at the Holiday Crafts Summit
Are you ready for holiday crafting? I’ve been doing a lot for Halloween lately so I haven’t given much thought to the winter holidays, but they will be here quicker than we imagine.
If you’re ready to get started on … Read More...
Review: Festive Christmas Stockings
Crafted Christmas stockings are, like, the pinnacle of craftiness. You know there’s a hard-core maker in the family when everyone has a handmade stocking (in my family it was my grandma; my mom has since taken up the tradition of … Read More...