Tag: handmade gifts

  • The benefits of struggle

    The benefits of struggle

    I learned to sew on a Kenmore sewing machine, which I was using up until about 10 years ago when I purchased a Singer model at Joann’s. About a year ago I was offered a great deal on a used Brother sewing machine that had a (basic) embroidery option, which is why I bought it.…

  • Education, training, or just another money grab?

    Education, training, or just another money grab?

    I have been digging into the back story on a popular fiber arts product that went VIRAL after being on Shark Tank. I have been exploring this recent phenomenon and started with their origin story. According to available public information, the founders left high-profile jobs (one at Google UX and the other at Deutsche Bank/Wall…

  • A question of value(s)

    A question of value(s)

    In today’s blog post we explore overpriced designer handbags, the acrylic vs. natural yarn debate, yarn shop snobbery, and the StevenBe controversy.

  • The best things

    The best things

    This past weekend my sister surprised me with a little gift. It was something she made to support a treat I have been getting for myself. I have become a fan of the cold “refresher” drinks that many restaurants are tempting us with this Summer. I love the ones at Starbucks, but admit that at…

  • A birthday day out

    A birthday day out

    This week was my birthday, and I decided to take the day off and just do things I wanted to do with no time pressure or deadlines. I started the day out to breakfast with my parents, which is always nice. It was a rainy day around here so a day spent traveling to stores…

  • Fiber “spice”

    Fiber “spice”

    Today I am taking on the issue of the (sadly, not rare) ANGRY and nasty commenters on social media platforms, specific to fiber arts sites. Part of my shock when I encounter this is likely due to the warm connection I have to crocheting and knitting because my grandmother was the one who got me…

  • Ye olde trinket bag

    Ye olde trinket bag

    … making lovely things out of lengths of string is a magical act (it really is!) 🪄🧶

  • I built a light box

    I built a light box

    Sometimes, we discount experiences, places, and even people, because of how they look at first glance. We sometimes judge things as “less than” because of that first impression, but we should take care to remember that beautiful end results can come from some pretty humble beginnings.

  • Just a little “fix”

    Just a little “fix”

    I watched a video the other evening where Elise Rose (she has a crochet channel on YouTube) did a review on Premier Yarn that can be purchased at Dollar Tree stores. I have passed the yarn bins at Dollar Tree for YEARS – certain that the yarn wasn’t worth my time – but Elise assured…

  • Another rescue

    Another rescue

    Another thrift store “find” and inspiration to try a new (to me) pattern!