I always enjoy checking out Hannah Handmakes’ podcast, in part because I know I couldn’t talk about cross stitch for so long as consistently and well as she does, but also because she comes up with interesting topics that are … Read More...
Combine Garter and Lace for a Fun Shawl
I know it’s too early to be thinking about warm weather in the northern hemisphere as I write this, but something about this Luxurious Knit Shawl from Yarnspirations has me in the mind of spring.
It’s probably that pretty green … Read More...
Joann Sale Approved; All Stores to Close
News broke over the weekend that the auction of Joann’s assets revealed the winning bidder to be an LLC established by GA Group, which planned to liquidate and close all stores. The bankruptcy court had a hearing on the sale … Read More...
Mardi Gras Classroom Party Ideas
What’s not to love about a holiday involving beads and cake? Bring some Mardi Gras fun to the classroom with these Mardi Gras themed classroom party/activity ideas.
Of course for a Mardi Gras party you’ll need some masks. Keep it … Read More...
Knit Yourself a Puzzle Cube
I say this a lot, but I love it when people knit things that surprise me, make me think or make me laugh. This one kind of does all three! It’s not a new pattern but I think it’s worth … Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Dizzy Digital Craft Co
I plan out my posts ahead of time and sometimes leave myself notes in my planner about why I wanted to write about a particular thing. My note for today’s designer, Dizzy Digital Craft Co, says “Ramadan and cats.”
By … Read More...
Learn about Cameroon for Kids
Officially the Republic of Cameroon, this country in Central Africa borders Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo. It also has a coastline on the Gulf of Guinea and is a crossroads of … Read More...
Mardi Gras Cross Stitch Patterns
If you’re from Louisiana or just love celebrating Mardi Gras/Carnival season, these Mardi Gras cross stitch patterns are for you.
First off has to be these good enough to eat Mardi Gras cupcakes. The design is from Laser Arts Designs… Read More...
Bring Some Texture to Your Sweater Knitting
I generally think of adding color as a way to add interest to a sweater. You can easily throw in stripes or a bit of Fair Isle patterning, even on a sweater that’s meant to be plain, to make it … Read More...
How to Rip Out Cross Stitch Mistakes
I’ve recently been doing more embroidery than usual, and while I do tend to be rather intuitive when I stitch rather than planning it out too much or caring if all the stitches are perfect, there was a particular section … Read More...
Learning to Knit? Try a Garter Stitch Washcloth
I used to always teach people how to knit by giving them bulky yarn, teach the knit cast on and have them knit a scarf (like this garter stitch scarf). That’s still a great first project, but I acknowledge … Read More...
St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids
It’s just about time to get out all your green (and rainbow colored!) craft supplies and start making St. Patrick’s Day crafts. Here are a few ideas to get you started, whether you’re making with one kid or a classroom.… Read More...
Designer Spotlight: Needle Treasures Nook
If you like your cross stitch with a bit of a rustic look, you’ll want to check out the Etsy shop Needle Treasures Nook. This shop is based in Bulgaria and does a lot of projects shown as pillows, though … Read More...
Book Review: Two Needles, Many Knits
When I first picked up Quayln Stark’s Two Needles, Many Knits I assumed it was a book that was all patterns using straight knitting needles. It’s not, but it is full of easy to follow knitting instructions and simple patterns … Read More...
Weather Observation in the Classroom
Whenever the weather would get even a tiny bit warmer in the spring, my daughter and I used to start looking for signs of spring like buds on the trees, grass turning green, the first bugs and little wildflowers.
One … Read More...
Small St. Patrick’s Day Cross Stitch Patterns
There are cross stitch patterns of all sizes and for all skill levels of most kinds of motifs you’d want to make, and while there are plenty of detailed projects to make for St. Patrick’s Day, sometimes you don’t have … Read More...
Book Review: Shining Bright, Shining Black
Kids and adults alike need more stories of Black excellence all year long, but especially during Black History Month it’s a great time to focus on current and historical figures whose stories should be shared.
Hexagon Knitting Patterns
Knitting squares, rectangles and triangles can get boring after a while, so why not throw in some different shapes, like hexagons?
I started thinking about hexagons because of Amy Gunderson’s Rainbow Remnants cowl (see it on Ravelry), which uses … Read More...
St. Patrick’s Day Math Activities
I have written a lot of St. Patrick’s Day posts over the years (see for example, St. Patrick’s Day STEM, leprechaun traps, class party games, shamrock learning activities and printables, just to name a few) but it … Read More...
Joann Bankruptcy Updates
The filings have been flying in the Joann bankruptcy case, and I’ve got another update for you. Earlier this week I told you about the company asking the bankruptcy court for permission to close around 500 of their 800 retail … Read More...