For the last couple of years, I have been working on a series of new designs for oh so cute toys and dolls woven on the Potholder loom.
I absolutely love the Potholder Loom.
It’s a loom that is seriously under appreciated.
Many people were introduced to the potholder loom when they were children.
They began weaving with loops of nylon or cotton that were offcuts from the sock industry.
This has tended to fix the idea in people’s minds that loopers are what potholder looms are all about.
No no no no no no no no!
Luckily, I didn’t have a potholder loom when I …read more

If your cat or kitten is your best friend, you want to make something for her/him for Christmas, right? Fortunately, you can whip up a crochet gift rather quickly. Here are some ideas for the furry feline in your life — and all of these patterns are free: 
Crochet chicken (or other bird) – Perfect for stuffing with catnip
Kitty sweater – Because what cat doesn’t just love to wear clothes?
Catnip mouse – More catnip
Snuggle tubbie – Although meant to provide a safe and comfortable place for shelter animals, this is great for any pet  
Octo-puss toy – Great for using up scraps
Want more kitty? Be sure to hop over to …read more

Have you caught the link yet for the fun fur crocheted monster dolls on the Lion Brand site? Very cute!
I’d love to know who designed them! Lion Brand doesn’t share that info, and I know lots of people would REALLY like it if they did. Well, whoever the designer is, they hit the cute button right on the mark.
Here’s the link: Monster dolls 

I have loved pom pom makers since I was a kid.

The blue pom pom makers on the left are ones that I have had since I was knee high to a grasshopper.
The red/blue/yellow ones are  new Lion Brand pom pom makers and the tan/red ones are Susan Bates.
Pom poms are a classic trim or embellishment. But!
They don’t have to just be mild mannered trims.
I often design and make wild and wonderful dolls with them:

Like this one that I made with recycled/reclaimed objects for hands/feet and head.  The head for this doll is a bamboo tea whisk.
Thumbs up for pom pom …read more

I am a wuss. Or is that ‘woos’?
I can’t stand the thought of writing a negative review of a tool or gadget or yarn or whatever.  I think: ‘How would the person who put all kinds of energy into creating this FEEL if I said I thought it stank?’
So…. I usually only write about things I really like. That way,  can avoid the uncomfortable feeling of ‘erg…. that’s gotta hurt….’
But, today I am going to talk about a gadget that doesn’t work for me. I figure, it’s probably older than I am, so its designer isn’t likely  to  be giving …read more