News (Proprietary)
Morro Bay welcomes a new local yarn shop
10+ hour, 17+ min ago (177+ words) Morro Bay just welcomed a new addition to the community, the Morro Bay Yarn Shop. The business celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, November 29, with snacks, refreshments, and gifts for its guests. The shop features yarns from countries like Spain, Portugal, Denmark, and the U.S., as well as locally sourced fibers from Outlaw Valley Ranch. Business owner, Rae Odom, brings her love of teaching and fiber arts together, creating a cozy, welcoming space for crafters of all levels. Odem shared, "People were here 30 minutes early, which is really awesome. And we've had an enormous past. And it's also good to see the community come out. It's just way beyond what I could have expected. I'm feeling my heart is very full." Along with a wide yarn selection, the shop will also offer group classes and private lessons, making it easy for…...
Turn Your Empty Toilet Paper Rolls Into Adorable DIY Christmas Decor
15+ hour, 31+ min ago (306+ words) Selena is a freelance writer and digital marketer with over eight years of experience creating content across the lifestyle, wellness, and home industries. Her work includes SEO blog writing, print publication writing, and digital storytelling. Turn Your Empty Toilet Paper Rolls Into Adorable DIY Christmas Decor Don't be so quick to toss your toilet paper rolls out! As most DIY fanatics know, there are various ways to reuse toilet paper rolls around the house. Instead of buying new decor for Christmas, why not craft some instead? You can easily create adorable mini winter hats filled with a chocolate ball to use as decor on a tablescape or side table, or even as a special stocking stuffer. You probably already have most of the necessary materials. With a little patience, you'll be able to craft this creative Christmas decoration. For this…...
Oversized Pink Christmas Bauble DIY (Made from a Plastic Punch Bowl)
22+ hour, 11+ min ago (362+ words) If you're looking for a show-stopping holiday centerpiece, this mannequin head Christmas decoration is a fabulous way to add glam, sparkle, and a little humor to your d'cor. It's part vintage kitsch, part modern glam, and entirely unforgettable. Think of it as a conversation starter that can sit on your entryway table, dining buffet, or even as a quirky Christmas party decoration. This project is easy to customize with your favorite colors'go traditional red and green, elegant gold and silver, or soft pastels for a whimsical look. If you're using a plain mannequin head, give it a quick wipe down. Optional: paint the face white for a stylized retro look, or leave it skin-tone for a more natural base. Before gluing, lay out your ornaments on the table. Start with the biggest baubles, then fill in with smaller ones. You…...
Upcycle Tomato Paste Tubes into a Charming Christmas Garland – A Fun DIY Craft
22+ hour, 11+ min ago (299+ words) Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure I was especially drawn to the felted wool decorations and repurposed paper star lanterns. They're elegant yet approachable'perfect for crafters of all levels. And the best part? You don't need to buy tons of new materials. This book champions using sustainable materials, which makes it ideal if you're looking to lower your holiday footprint while still making your home feel warm and festive. Whether you're crafting with kids, looking to slow down this season, or trying to cut back on wasteful holiday habits, this book offers a gentle, inspiring way to reconnect with the natural world and your own creativity. It's not just about making things'it's about making memories and making a difference, one recycled ornament at a time. So if you're ready to bring more heart, handmade charm, and environmental mindfulness…...
How To Turn Wrapping Paper Scraps Into Beautifully Layered Christmas Garland
1+ day, 11+ min ago (570+ words) Buffy is a writer for Static Media who has published articles on brand sites like Mashed, Foodie, The Takeout, Chowhound, and now, House Digest. She has worked in the media industry since 1999, contributing to outlets like Der Spiegel Online (Berlin, Germany), USA Today Travel, AZ Central, CBS Radio, and more. How To Turn Wrapping Paper Scraps Into Beautifully Layered Christmas Garland We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Christmas garlands come in many forms, from fragrant boughs of pine to strings of decorative beads, adorned with bright, poppy colors. If you're an old-school crafter, you can probably also remember decorating with garland chains made from old wrapping paper scraps or construction paper. Due to their design, the links of the chain resemble hearts, making the DIY garland a pretty and festive complement to the other ropes of…...
Learn to knit with chunky yarn
1+ day, 10+ hour ago (399+ words) For those with two left thumbs, fiber arts might seem like an impossible craft. Crocheting, knitting, sewing, embroidering, weaving and quilting all require a certain degree of hand-eye coordination. Enter hand-knitting using chunky yarn, a textile pursuit that just might be within reach for the less dexterous. Chunky knits have become a trend in recent years, with plenty of viral videos on social media, though it's difficult to pinpoint their origin. Regardless of when hand-knitting with chunky yarn began, it arguably offers an easier entry to knitting than manipulating a pair of metal needles. LaShondra Jarvis, 49, of Smithtown, said she was seeking ways to fill her time. She took a class in chunky yarn hand-knitting " and was instantly hooked. "My brain just shut off during the session," said Jarvis, a recent widow with children transitioning into adulthood. "I had finally…...
Canada’s first-ever crochet cafe comes to B.C.
1+ day, 13+ hour ago (1072+ words) Published 4:00 pm Friday, November 28, 2025 Beatriz is the owner of The Knotty Brew, which is the first crochet cafe in Canada. (Brandon Tucker/Abbotsford News) The Knotty Brew is the first crochet cafe in Canada, with only a handful of similar businesses existing around the world. (Brandon Tucker/Abbotsford News) Crocheting and coffee are the heart of Abbotsford's newest business, which is set to open on Sunday (Nov. 30). The Knotty Brew is a unique creation from the mind of Beatriz, who goes by Bea and is taking a big leap from her former career as a teacher. This cafe combines a love for caffeine and crocheting, with these crafters being one of the fastest-growing communities. According to a 2025 report by research company Technavio, the worldwide crocheting and knitting market is expected to grow by more than $10 billion (US) between 2024 and 2028. With…...
30 Cute Christmas Things to Hand Sew
1+ day, 14+ hour ago (616+ words) You know those lovely old wooden spools of thread at the bottom of your grandma's sewing box? You can make a lovely personalized Christmas ornament with them. Make a scroll of your favorite Christmas song lyrics and stick them to the spool to make a unique ornament for your tree. Not only are these ornaments a great way to recycle old supplies, but they also add a rustic, handmade touch to your holiday decor. It's such an easy and fun project that anyone can do, and it's a perfect craft for all skill levels. Plus, they make the cutest little gift additions. If you're looking to craft something unique this season, I highly recommend giving this Wooden Thread Spool Ornament project a go. Check out the full tutorial on Pillar Box Blue here: Wooden Thread Spool Ornament. Enjoy crafting! From…...
Book Review: Mosaic Chart Directory for Knitting and Crochet
1+ day, 19+ hour ago (721+ words) This is one of those projects where I don't even know what to say about it other than it's stunning and amazing and I don't know if I would have the skill for it but if I made it I would definitely show it off to everyone who came to my house ever again." The houseplant blanket from Sarabeth Hall has a beautiful allover colorwork pattern of monstera and other tropical plant leaves. Which would be cool enough, but it's also double knit, for double thickness, reversible fabric that looks good no matter how it's casually tossed around the house, and lots of squishy warmth." It was designed to be a baby blanket, but I could see it being used as a little lap blanket or throw, too. I mean, if I knit this I would definitely want to keep…...
Half Square Triangle Quilt Block with Aurora Sisneros – Quilting
1+ day, 22+ hour ago (484+ words) Join Aurora Sisneros in this transformative online class and learn how to master the versatile half square triangle quilt block, opening the door to a world of creative quilting opportunities! As you progress through the class, Aurora will share her seam allowance trick, ensuring precise and polished block assembly every time. Dive into the quilt sandwich process, exploring techniques for layering and basting your quilt with confidence. Then, embark on the exciting journey of binding your quilt, adding the perfect finishing touch to your masterpiece. With Aurora's guidance, you'll not only learn how to create stunning half square triangle blocks but also gain the knowledge and inspiration to design an array of unique quilt layouts. Whether you're a beginner quilter or a seasoned enthusiast, this class offers something for everyone, empowering you to unleash your creativity and craft beautiful quilts…...