Craft Test Dummies

One of my favorite things about crochet is how quickly a project can take shape—especially if you’re using taller stitches. Because crochet projects can be much closer to instant-gratification than knitting, you’ll often find me with a hook in my hand instead of needles. The only problem is, since crochet projects generally require more yarn [...]

Since winter CHA, I’ve been working my way through the list of new products from Clover USA, and I’ve finally arrived at the simple, handy Pin ‘n Stow. The Pin ‘n Stow is exactly what it looks like: an adjustable magnetic bracelet that’s made to hold pins while you’re sewing, quilting, or doing appliqué work. [...]

At CHA this winter, Clover USA had a ton of exciting new products, but Nancy’s Hobo Tote Collection Trace ‘n Create Bag Template was definitely one of my favorites. For me, working on this review couldn’t have come at a better time. My current handbags were all starting to look pretty rough, and I really [...]

I’m pretty handy with a crochet hook, and Tunisian crochet (also known as afghan crochet) has been at the top of my must-try list for months. So, when I spotted the Boye Artisan Tools CrochetMaster Plus Crochet Hook Set in the Simplicity booth at both CHA and VOGUEknitting LIVE, it was love at first (and [...]

The iLoveToCreate booth is always one of my favorites at CHA, and the CHA Winter 2013 was definitely no exception. The booth was bursting with so much color and joy that I couldn’t resist taking a little break from walking the show floor to snap some photos to share with you guys. Get ready to [...]

On Sunday morning, I attended the Clover USA media breakfast at CHA Winter 2013. Much to my excitement, I saw a ton of great sewing-related products that made my fabric-loving heart very happy indeed! Here are a few items that caught my eye: Remember the slap bracelets from the 90s? Well, the Pin ‘n Stow [...]

‘Tis the season to be crafting, so in the spirit of celebrating the holidays with handmade goodness, I tried out Christmas Woolens, a lovely traditional felt ornament kit from Rachel’s of Greenfield! I came across this kit while browsing booths at CHA last winter, and the muted colors and thoughtful details stopped me in my [...]

For this review, I tried out a fun and surprisingly modern Self-Finishing Needlepoint Coaster Kit in the knotwork pattern from Jenny Henry Designs. Consider yourself warned: this is definitely NOT the kind of plastic canvas project that your grandma gave you as a kid! According to the Jenny Henry Designs Etsy Shop: This kit contains [...]

Today, I’m reviewing Neenah EPC™ Film – Environmentally Preferable Cuttable Film. Neenah EPC™ Film is marketed as a greener alternative to more traditional vinyl heat transfer sheets, and it can be used as a substitute for vinyl heat transfer film in just about any project. It’s available in both multi and single color packs, and [...]

I definitely know a thing or two about keeping a craft room neat and tidy, so these Kwik Sew organizer patterns are right up my alley. And, since September is National Sewing Month, it’s the perfect time for a sewing pattern review! The fine folks at Kwik Sew gave me several organizer patterns to try [...]

Sewing has always been my craft of choice, and I incorporate stitching into everything from clothing and home décor to paper projects. So, when I got the opportunity to review the Martha Stewart Crafts Pierce and Stitch Starter Kit from EK Success Brands, I couldn’t wait to try out the specialized tools—especially the piercing mat [...]

As many of you know, I specialize in fabric and yarn crafts here at Craft Test Dummies. So, while I was walking the show floor at CHA Summer 2012 last week, I kept a special eye out for new and exciting products for the pins, needles, and hooks crowd. Here’s what I saw: Knitting, Crochet, [...]

At any trade show, hundreds of booths compete for attention, but only a few really have what it takes to draw you in. At CHA Summer 2012, the booth that most caught my eye was definitely HandBEHG Felts! Even in the harsh show floor lighting, the rich, vibrant colors stopped me in my tracks, and [...]

Yesterday, I got to spend a little time hanging out as a guest host in the iLoveToCreate Creativity Lounge on the CHA Summer 2012 show floor, chatting with fellow crafters and making fun flower brooch accessories. The vibe in the lounge was fun and easygoing, giving weary CHA attendees a chance to grab a sip [...]

Today, I’m reviewing a selection of Sullivans embroidery flosses, including standard embroidery floss, pearl cotton, and metallic floss. While Sullivans might not be as well known as some other embroidery floss brands on the market, I was immediately drawn to the rich color, consistent texture, and lustrous appearance of the skeins—especially the pearl cotton. I [...]

I’ve wanted to try out a set of metal stamps from the first moment I saw what they could do. Luckily, the fine folks at ImpressArt shared my enthusiasm, and when I ran into them at CHA, they generously provided a full set of letters and numbers for me to review. In case you’re not [...]

Even though it’s technically designed with diapers in mind, and I definitely don’t have any rugrats of my own running around, I couldn’t wait to review the Babyville Boutiqueâ„¢ line from Prym Consumer USA! I may not be a mom, but the promise of breathable, waterproof fabric still sets my heart all aflutter, and polka [...]

If you’re looking to add a little extra shine to your needlework and sewing projects, you’ll definitely want to check out this LED Sewing Kit from Becky at Sternlab.org. Even if you don’t have previous experience with creating circuits, don’t worry—the kits are easy to use and yield great results. Before I started this review, [...]

I’m a fabric and fiber crafter at heart, and CHA Winter 2012 certainly did not disappoint. Between demos and events, I hit the aisles to check out what was new in the crafting world, keeping an eye out for exciting developments in the fabric, needle, and yarn arts. Per usual, I saw way more great [...]

On Monday, I attended the Lion Brand Yarn Winter 2012 CHA Fashion Show, and it rocked my fiber-loving socks off! Not only did I get to have a catwalk photo op with the lovely Vanna White, I also scored a prime seat right near the action, and was completely blown away by the talent of [...]

When I received a sample of the LB Collection® Wool Stainless Steel Yarn from Lion Brand Yarn, I immediately fell in love with the packaging and presentation. Plus, with such an odd name, I couldn’t wait to try it out and see what it could do (and how it would treat my hands). After testing [...]

When the lovely folks at Lion Brand Yarn sent me the Martha Stewart Crafts™ and Lion Brand Yarn® Knit & Weave Loom Kit—and a giant box of yarn to use while I was trying it out—I was both very excited and completely overwhelmed. With more than thirty configurations for creating square, rectangle, circle, and oval [...]

If you have a sewing enthusiast or fabric crafter on your holiday gift list, you’ll definitely want to stick around! For this review, I tested the Clover 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge and the Clover Seams Right, which are both products from their partnership with Nancy Zieman. I loved trying out both of these tools, and think [...]

When I first saw the Leese Design Neo Stitch Cross-Stitch iPhone Case, I was absolutely giddy with excitement. The idea of being able to cross-stitch a custom case for my phone was almost too much for my little embroidery-loving heart. But, before I got too excited, I knew that I would need to create a [...]

Reviewing the book Crafting With Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to Make with Your Cat resulted in, hands down, two of the most bizarre projects that I’ve ever made. Strangely enough, they also ended up being two of the cutest. Keep on reading and you’ll see what I mean! Crafting With Cat Hair: Cute Handicrafts to [...]

From the moment I saw the Clover Wonder Clips in action at CHA, I’ve been dying to get my hands on a set and try them out. And, as luck would have it, they arrived just in time for me to get started on a very large project with slippery fabric, and I’ve been using [...]

To wrap up National Sewing Month, I was really excited to try out the Spellbinders Grand Calibur and some of the new Edgeabilities and Shapeabilities dies, as well as some of the classic Nestabilities shapes for fabric-specific uses. (Keep in mind, this machine and these dies were designed with paper crafting in mind.) To be [...]

With thanks once again to the generous folks in the Westcott Brand booth at CHA who sent me home with a suitcase full of scissors, here is part two of my Westcott Titanium Bonded Craft Scissors review. As promised in my post on Friday, this time I’ll be covering the scissors with small and detail [...]

While Jenny and I were at CHA this year, we stopped into the Westcott Brand booth, and I somehow managed to leave with just about every pair of scissors they had! This is the first of two reviews, and I will be covering only the Westcott Titanium Bonded Craft Scissors with larger blades in this [...]

When Jenny handed me these Clover Kanzashi Flower Makers at CHA, I knew that I’d be reviewing them during National Sewing Month, but I had no idea how great the timing would be! As it turns out, a few weeks later, my husband was nominated for an Emmy, and I suddenly found myself making my [...]