Craft Test Dummies

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. [...]

Ever wanted to add oomph to your fabric?  How about a quick and easy way to stiffen fabric with no ironing required?  Phoomph for fabric might just be for you.  I was sent some Phoomph to run through the CTD wringer so lets put it to the test.  Here is what the Coats and Clark [...]

  Every great once in a while I see something online and I think, “that is super cute” and I have to make it. Even if it’s not within the usual realm of my work. I mean, who says I have to stick with mixed media and jewelry making EVERY day? So when my Facebook [...]

I love all of the new formulas of Mod Podge and being able to run them through the wringer.  The fabric Mod Podge formula was no exception.  I was eager to dive into my bottle and really see what the benefits of this product are. The manufacturer’s website had this to say about the product: [...]

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 [...]

 Today’s guest is Carla Macklin, co-owner and designer of Clever Charlotte, a company that designs and sells clothing patterns for “modern children.” She’s immensely talented and is the most talented sewist I’ve ever met. Oh, and she’s my cousin-in-law, too- which meas that when we have family get-togethers, Carla and I compare notes on blogging [...]

From the DMC website: Go 3D with Color Infusions Memory Thread – Shape it. Tack it. You’re done. Memory Thread is a soft fiber wrapped copper wire that you can use to embellish all types of needlework and craft projects. Memory Thread is colorfast, fade resistant and acid free. Memory Thread is available in 28 [...]

  I’m kind of crazy about the new Extra Small Kanzashi Flower Maker Templates from Clover USA. I mean, I loved the large and small templates but I’m a sucker for anything miniature or extra small. I noticed that Haley is also a fan of them and mentioned them in her CHA Winter 2013: Haley’s [...]

‘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 [...]

Last year when I attended the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo here in Cleveland, I saw a lot of the same-old-same-old. However, there is one booth- one designer, really- who speaks to me year after year. I love Laura Murray Designs and her focus on surface design. (She’s where I first learned about foiling on [...]

Adhesives are one of a crafter’s best friends- we need glues for everything from paper to fabric and everything in between! Liquid Fusion from Aleene’s claims to be 2 ounces of “pure muscle” by the description on their site.  Let’s put that claim to the test. The description straight from their site is as follows: [...]

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 [...]

I’ve been away from scrapbooking for a while…years, really.  And while I’ve been making a valid attempt to return to the craft, I have yet to complete any scrapbooks.  But that didn’t stop me from being intrigued by today’s new product, ScrapBands.  These stretchy bands – which come in plenty of decorative designs or in [...]

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 [...]

The Knook by Leisure Arts is a system for creating knitted fabric using a crochet hook and a silky cord instead of a second needle. From The Knook page: • Learning to knit is easy with the Knook and our step-by-step instructions! Great for beginners! • One tool—a new & unique specialized bamboo crochet hook—replaces [...]

Sencils are the new stickers. For the longest time, stencils were boring, dated, and passe. But recently, new, improved, and totally hip stencils have been hitting the market. I was lucky that iStencils.com contacted me to try out their line- they are SO cool! Here’s a little bit about iStencils from the website: We have [...]

I love some sparkle and shine on both my paper and fabric projects. And nothing beats some rhinestones to add that “pop” of dazzle! But sometimes the idea of getting out the hot-fix iron is irritating. (Not to mention having to crawl under my craft table to access the outlet.) So I was really eager [...]

My daughter has just joined a “Daisy” troop, and I know that crafting will be a big part of the troops’ activities. The challenge is always trying to find something that everyone can do, pretty much independently, but is still open-ended and creative while cohesive to the group as a whole! Pretty tall order, right? [...]

I come from a long line of crafty ladies- needlepoint, cross-stitch, sewing, quilting, and knitting and crocheting were all activities my mom and grandmothers participated in. Somewhere along the line, though, I forgot to sit down with one of them and ask them to teach me to crochet properly. As a result, I wield a [...]

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 [...]

Fabric Paper by DCWV (Die Cuts with a View)  was on display at CHA Winter 2012, and all of us on TeamCTD got a little giddy. Fabric? That acts like paper? That’s ADHESIVE??? *Squee!* So let’s see how it works in real life! Ready? So first, let’s see how it’s described by the manufacturer: Newest [...]

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 intrigued by dyeing fabric. I quilt, and I was told once by a prominent quilter that once I started dyeing my own fabrics, I would be hooked and never go back. Sometimes, though, you need to dye fabric for a more practical reason- to hide a stain or restore color to denim. For all [...]

I am a super-novice knitter and crocheter. I can make a mean dishcloth and slightly-wonky scarf, and not much else. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t love- and use- yarn in my crafting. I mean, who doesn’t need a pom-pom wreath or some eyelash-fringe on an art quilt? So I decided to share my [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]