Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

TEMPTING ADS

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I purchased the latest two issues of Interweave Crochet Magazine at my LYS last night.  I just love this magazine.  There were some ads that were so appealing looking that I decided to visit the websites to see exactly what they had to offer crocheters.  Here’s what I found:

This beauty if from purlbee.com, but most of their goodies seem to be knitted (boo hoo):

Joelle's Giant Granny Square

Joelle's Giant Granny Square

Add this site to your faves for buttons. It takes you to two button manufacturers (they also have yarn and hooks). This set of irresistable hearts is from buttonmad.com:

buttonmad.com via accessoriesunlimitedinc.com

buttonmad.com via accessoriesunlimitedinc.com

Hard to hold onto the one’s credit card with all these scrumptious goodies available at the touch of a key.

Elann.com offers many wonderful yarns and some free patterns (among other things).  This ethereal little shawl is one of their free crochet patterns:

elann.com superplum capelet free pattern

elann.com superplum capelet free pattern

I never expected to find information like this through an ad in a magazine, but if you’ve ever thought of yourself as a potential crochet designer, you gotta check out this extensive article at www.crochetasylum.com:
http://crochetasylum.com/cart/page.html?chapter=0&id=10

Doesn’t hurt that they also sell, among lots of crochet ‘hardware’, these appealing hook holders – each one is unique:

http://crochetasylum.com/cart/felted-wool-hook-rollup-custom-no-two-alike-p-23.html

http://crochetasylum.com/cart/felted-wool-hook-rollup-custom-no-two-alike-p-23.html

Finally – for today – I’ll leave you with this sample of a Universal Yarns product. I had this stuff in my hands last night at the LYS. It’s luscious stuff. If I’d been able to see it swatched, I’d have bought several balls. I wasn’t familiar with Universal Yarns until yesterday! Glad this ad took me to their site so I’ll know what to look for at the LYS next time.

Universal Yarns Classic Worsted Impressions - Color 'Camouflage'
Universal Yarns Classic Worsted Impressions – Color ‘Camouflage’  www.universalyarns.com

I’ll have more Tempting Ads details soon.

Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.