Cover Image gemma jones This just in! Forget the turkey, dressing and holiday rush for now - it's time to get inspired with all the crafty wonder of MixTape.Issue 11 of MixTape is now available and it's a larger and more colorful issue than ever before - just in time for your holiday crafting. While your there, check out the HANDMADE NATION DVD, a Documentary By Faythe LevineI have to go grab my issue and get inspired...and maybe a piece of pumpkin pie on the way through the kitchen.Happy ha... Read Full Story

Cold rainy days call for hot drinks and a fun project. Here are a couple of slouch hats I crocheted this morning for Christmas gifts. This is a quick and easy pattern to make and I even started a nice warm scarf to go with the blue one based on the basic pattern. These also make wonderful hats for charity (always check the orgs guidelines for yarn and pattern requirements first) I found this pattern at PatternsByDot. (Be sure to read Dot's terms of use) The yarns I used were Jiffy from LionB... Read Full Story

This weekend we went to see the latest Twilight Saga installment, New Moon. I enjoyed it and you'll find no complaints here, however, I am not a Twilight aficionado, like my step daughter, Michelle. I found some fun sites filled with Twilight inspired crafts and I thought you might like to visit them too.Craft ContestTwilight Amigurumi by April DravenTwilight Crochet Dolls from DeadCraft Craftzine Alice Wrist WarmersYou can also do a search on Ravelry.com, Etsy and other crafts sites like Cra... Read Full Story

Slouch Hat Project for the weekend is complete!Modeled by Roxy. See Are You a Slouch for more details on the pattern.Hope your weekend was crafty.Marg (just in from the KrisKringle Craft Show)hjpcrsd26g Read Full Story

There's a New Moon in your future. Yes, the time is getting close, my friends in Twilight. I was inspired to create this romantic pattern for the shop. Here's the link to Delicate Desire Fingerless Gloves Pattern Inspired by Bella Swan.Let the desire begin...Marghjpcrsd26g Read Full Story

This week I rec'd an email from my husband's daughter, Michelle requesting a slouch hat for a special Christmas gift. I was in a panic! Where could I find the perfect slouch hat pattern for her. I did an online search and came up with this lovely pattern by Sarah Sutherland. It's young, soft and perfect for winter.The pattern is rated easy and includes using short rows, but there are very clear directions for you in case this is something you've never tried.I substituted a nice yarn from WEBS... Read Full Story

The obsession with project bags continues today with the Maya Floral Bag from Lantern Moon. Colorful, well designed and perfect for portable projects - the measurements are 7"h x 5.5"w x 5.5"d. I think we have a winner! These bags make a knitty gift for yourself or a friend during the holidays. Maybe even fill the bag with their fav yarn - an even more perfect gift!The only thing I can say is, you're going to have a tough time deciding on a color - they are all beautiful. I'm leaning toward t... Read Full Story

Crochet Square Monster #70743AD from LionBrandYarn.com, free pattern download.This is a Modified Version It's Monday, the sun is out and time for a new project. Here's a quick and easy crochet project for you this week from the friendly folks at LionBrandYarn.com. This monsterific toy is made with LB fun fur yarn in turquoise and bright blue, plus LB Wool-Ease, chocolate brown and LB Microspun in buttercup. The one pictured above is a modified version that I finished this morning for a toy ... Read Full Story

As long as I can remember, I've managed to have a "sacred" and organized crafting area, even as a kid. Art and craft classes in school always required us to clean our space after the session was over and this habit stuck with me through the years. It doesn't matter how small the area, table, or closet...we need our special crafting space and we need to organize it. After this last move, I had a little trouble organizing and basically ignored my office space for about 2 months and felt guilty ... Read Full Story

My latest Etsy goodie are these adorable stitch markers from ScaryMerry on Etsy.Today's a hodge podge day of working on reorganizing the office and having wandering thoughts, usually knitting related, in a continuous loop in my brain. While I was organizing, I came across this wonderful article from a few years agon on BBC about some knitters in Devon who banded together and created a wonderful 25 ft knitted Christmas tree. Read all about it...you will be amazed, inspired, and it will defini... Read Full Story