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I’m not a big fan of all the hype that surrounds Valentine’s Day. My mum was a florist, so Valentines was a big business day for her but even then I was aware of the enormous hike in prices in the week leading up to it. As a teen, all that angst about not getting…
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2026 brings a blend of sustainability, tactile creativity and a renewed love for handmade detail. Makers and crafters are fed up of seeing AI generated content that looks nothing like the real article. Sustainability continues to be a leading trend but 2026 brings a more refined approach. Crafters are choosing sustainable products such as recycled…
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We got a present for the new year, 2 lovely Shih Tzu boys! Back in November, we applied to be a foster home for Shih Tzu Action Rescue, a northern based group that rehomes and rescues Shih Tzu’s. Just after Christmas we got the call, could we take 2 boys in the New Year and…
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It used to be a common sight to see parents, grandparents, and even children in every household regularly pick up a sewing kit to sew on a button and meticulously darn their own clothes. But these skills are a dying Art It seems despite a growing interest in sustainability, fewer people are able to fix…
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I’ve always loved vintage crochet doilies. From early memories of them on my Nana’s sideboard in the front parlour, to trawling car boots and junk shops and I’ve built up quite a collection. Although, I love them, they are not really my style of decor, but I use them in lots of other ways. They…
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Crochet fidget and emotional support toys are everywhere this year. From beaded hedgehogs to Bee positive toys, patterns abound. Fidget toys are small, handheld objects designed to help with focus, stress relief, and sensory regulation. They are particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and autism, but can be beneficial for anyone needing to manage…
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When you read or hear the word ‘crochet’, your first thought may be of your grandma, or perhaps a scene from a Jane Austen novel. For me, crocheting means self-expression and hours of fun. Crochet has always received plenty of love from a wide range of people, but during the Coronavirus pandemic, it has had…
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Filet crochet is making a major comeback in the fashion world! From high-end runway collections to modern handmade pieces, this delicate and structured crochet technique is everywhere, proving that this classic craft is now a must-have trend. Whether you’re creating a breezy summer top, bag or an elegant home décor piece, filet crochet offers a…
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The rise of the Hexi Cardigan has continued thanks to Jason Momoa gifting one to Jack Black on the release of Minecraft – the movie. The hexi cardigan was on everyone’s to do list last year but it has been around for a ling while ( I made mine in lockdown) but it has seen…
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I’ve been developing my own patterns for a long time now, particularly for toys but I don’t always make a written pattern, particularly for character dolls. My latest patterns under development are mushrooms. This one will have to be written because I’m planning a workshop for these. Writing a pattern is like writing in a…
Confessions of a crafty butterfly
