How to Knit Cables for Beginners

Learning how to knit cables has been one of the highlights of my knitting experience. Cables are a detail that look complicated but when broken down into bite sized pieces are not only manageable, but downright fun.

My latest bunny is wearing a gorgeous ruby colored cable knit sweater designed by Julie Williams of Little Cotton Rabbits. I think there’s something incredibly charming about a toy wearing clothing that I would love to own myself. The rich color and the intricate details create a look that is sophisticated and adorable all at the same time. Who says you can’t be classy AND cute?

Continue reading →

Knitting a Vintage Nurse Bunny

Nursing is one of the MOST under appreciated professions. Knitting a vintage nurse bunny makes such a unique gift or a wonderful addition to your own handmade toy collection. This is my interpretation of the original idea from the talented Suzanne from Suzy Marie Knits and with her permission I’m showing you how I made mine.

Have you ever stumbled upon a project and knew in that instant that you HAD to make it and exactly who it would be for? That’s exactly what happened when I saw Suzy Marie Knit‘s vintage nurse bunny on her Instagram account. If you haven’t seen her amazing work you definitely need to check her out. She has a gift for creativity and whimsy that regularly inspires me by her beautiful creations.

Continue reading →

Reopening My Etsy Shop

My Etsy shop has been on vacation mode for almost a year. Fear and self doubt were the primary reasons for my hiatus, but I am determined to overcome that this year. I am reopening my Etsy shop, but things will be a little different (and hopefully a whole lot better) in 2020.

2019 was NOT my year for Etsy profits. In fact, I made one sale. That’s right folks, one whopping sale, and on the second to last day of the year. Now in my defense, I also wasn’t trying to sell for reasons I will explain in just a moment. But for 2020 I’m shifting my focus and reopening my Etsy shop.

Continue reading →

Handmade Toys for Christmas

This season is all about handmade toys for Christmas. It took months of planning and focus. But don’t be fooled into thinking I’m an elf stuck in Santa’s sweatshop. To make up for all the work I put into this year’s gifts, I outsourced a lot of other things I traditionally do. I am also sharing a fun handmade fail from Christmas past.

This is the Christmas I will tell my grandchildren about. I will likely embellish the story a bit. The tale will go a little something like this:

Dear sweet little grandchildren, way back in 2019 I orchestrated a most glorious handmade Christmas (now by this point in my life I will have an English accent). I went out into the rolling hills and found a pristine lamb. It graciously offered me its wool knowing the honorable way it would be used. After shearing the sweet little sheep, I spun the wool and knitted up hundreds of handmade toys for Christmas for everyone in our quaint little village.

Can you imagine their delight at my story? No? Neither can I. They will most likely respond with, “Grandma, you’re telling lies.” At that point I will abandon my storytelling and grab a spiked eggnog.

Continue reading →

Must Have Amigurumi Books

Amigurumi books are a steal. If you take into consideration the price of individual patterns on Ravelry and Etsy, books are a bargain. I’m sharing my favorite, must have amigurumi books that every enthusiast should have in their library.

I love books. There is something special about holding them in your hands and flipping back and forth through their pages. I like the way they smell and how they fit in your hands. My amigurumi books are written in, have smudges on the pages and are well worn. To me, that’s a sign of a good book. It looks used. It reminds me of my favorite cookbooks that are covered in sauce stains and dog ears.

Continue reading →

Simple Holiday Handmade Gift Tags

These simple holiday handmade gift tags will make gift giving extra special this Christmas season. Armed with a hot glue gun and a few materials you likely have on hand, you can create one of a kind tags for every occasion.

My mother-in-law taught me that packaging is part of the gift. She is a true southern belle and is an expert at making simple things beautiful. Elegant wrapping paper, gorgeous bows and handmade gift tags turn ordinary presents into special moments.

Continue reading →

Yarn Giveaway!

Who loves a giveaway? Meeeeeeee!! I am teaming up with Love Crafts Knitting to give one lucky winner 5 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino yarn! Eeeeeeek!! I am so excited, if you can’t tell! The yarn giveaway will run December 9 – 15th, 2019. The winner will be randomly selected, is open worldwide, and is in no way affiliated with Instagram or YouTube.

Continue reading →

Craft Room Makeover: Before and After

A craft room makeover can be a daunting process, but with a little planning it can become your dream space. I’m sharing the before, during and after process of my own craft room makeover and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out!

Now don’t judge me. This is a little embarrassing. I am so excited to share my brand new craft room makeover with you all, but I need to be honest. It didn’t always look presentable. This poor room has been a dumping ground for quite some time. While I’m super excited how it all turned out, I thought it was more honest (and helpful) to share the before shots as well, not just the after.

Continue reading →

Easy Owl Pom Pom Ornaments

These super easy owl pom pom ornaments will be a wonderful addition to your holiday decorations! With some scrap yarn and a little imagination you will whip up these cuties in no time flat!

When Jenna at A_Cute_Design asked if I would like a set of her brand new laser cut wooden ornaments I thought, yes please! I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with them but I loved the rustic natural look. The idea for a woodland creature came to mind and the easy owl pom pom ornament was born.

Since I am a naturally impatient crafter I wanted something that could be whipped up in an afternoon. I did purchase some of the supplies but the bulk I already had on hand. This project is a great reason to use up that scrap yarn you’ve been holding onto! So heat up your glue guns and let’s get crafting!

Continue reading →

How to Grow on Instagram for Makers

As makers we have a tremendous opportunity to grow on Instagram. Having a larger presence can open doors that we never dreamed possible, but only if we are willing to work for it. At Blissdom I learned what to do and how to do it, and I’m sharing it all with you!

I underestimated the influence of Instagram for quite some time. I viewed it as a place to share what I was creating and to connect with other makers. While that is a noble use of that platform, I severely underestimated its potential. When a few unsolicited opportunities came my way unexpectedly, my eyes were opened. Instagram isn’t just a fluffy place to share photos of my cat (of course I do that too), it is a powerful vehicle to connect you to the world and all that it has to offer.

Continue reading →