Book Review: First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch

Book cover of First Time Embroidery and Cross Stitch

First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch The Absolute Beginner’s Guide – Learn By Doing * Step-by-Step Basics + Projects by Linda Wyszynski Publisher’s Description: Learning how to embroider and cross stitch has never been simpler! Like having a personal instructor at your side, this beginner’s guide teaches everything you need to know about a variety of … Read more

Must-Have Items to Pack for Your Cruise

Graphic of cruise ship with caption, What to Bring on Your Cruise

Must-Have Items to Pack for Your Cruise You’ve booked a cruise, now what? Start a packing list and gather the things you won’t be able to get onboard–or won’t want to pay premium prices for! Bringing Your Electronics Electronic Organizer Travel USB Cable Accessories Bag/Case,Waterproof for Power Bank. USB C Travel Power Strip, Flat Plug … Read more

Book Review: Conscious Crafts: Quilting by Elli Beaven

multicolored quilt being sewn

Conscious Crafts: Quilting: 20 mindful makes to reconnect head, heart & hands Elli Beaven Publisher ‏ : ‎ Leaping Hare Press (August 10, 2021) Language ‏ : ‎ English Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 144 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0711257450 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0711257450 Conscious Crafts: Quilting by Elli Beaven is a delightful exploration … Read more

Things to Do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U. P.)–Recommendations from a Frugal Couple without Kids

Lake of the Clouds

I’m a native troll (from the Lower Peninsula, a.k.a. under the bridge) but vacationed at least once a year in the UP for years, usually in May or October. Some things are closed for the season in those months, but it’s still possible to have a nice time. My all-time favorites: Fayette Historic Townsite / … Read more

Sewing 101 Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily Through Step-by-Step Instruction | Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry

pin cushion on white surface

Sewing 101: Master Basic Skills and Techniques Easily Through Step-by-Step Instruction Quarto Publishing Group – Quarry This book is an excellent first sewing manual for learners. It presents just enough information to get started without overwhelming the reader. The projects are simple but practical. I think readers will be especially happy to make their own … Read more

Free Vintage Sewing Book: The Mary Frances Sewing Book; Or, Adventures Among the Thimble People

mary frances sewing book character list

The Mary Frances Sewing Book; Or, Adventures Among the Thimble People by Jane Eayre Fryer In the world of children’s literature, there is a unique series that has been sadly forgotten by many. “The Mary Frances Sewing Book: Adventures Among the Thimble People” by Jane Eayre Fryer is the first of a series of books … Read more

Make Money Online: Paid Viewpoint, Rakuten, Respondent, Qmee, Microsoft Bing Rewards (updated 2022)

One of the things I admire most about the “Greatest Generation” (besides their amazing fashion sense, of course) is their frugality, their “make-do-and-mend” approach to money and possessions. They knew that banks fail, economies go through major depressions, and it’s better to have a coffee can full of money buried in the yard in case … Read more

Book Review: A Modern Guide to Textured Crochet by Lee Sartori

A Modern Guide to Textured Crochet: A Collection of Wonderfully Tactile Stitches Lee Sartori Random House / Interweave, 2021. 128 pages From the publisher: A colorful and contemporary collection of stitches, crochet techniques, and projects for creating rich and appealing texture in your work Crocheters looking for more texture, depth, and contemporary design will delight … Read more

Food | Drink | Entertaining

flat lay photography of sliced apples, sausages, chips and brown sauce

Food. Drink. Entertaining. I collect recipes that I’ll never make and patterns I’ll never have time to sew. It’s a compulsion. My hard drive is always getting full, as are my email inboxes and bookshelves. Want to follow along? My collection on Pinterest is always being updated. | Or check out the Dining category…

The Vintage Archive

white and teal metal motel signage

Do you ever feel that you were born into the wrong decade? We do, too. Few things are more inspiring to us than the aesthetics of the past. Follow this archive for a look into all things vintage, retro, atomic, and Googie. | Cross-posted to PolyArchive.

Restore Leather and Silver with Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing

Alberto VO5 lifehacks

Old School Hair Product = Lifehack So this is something I learned years ago in a Hints From Heloise binder that my mother had: there is an old school hairstyling product buried on the bottom shelf of your grocery aisle that is super useful around the house: Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing. It’s in a little … Read more

10 Laundry Tips and Tricks

10 Laundry Tips and Tricks

10 Laundry Tips and Tricks What’s the point in having great clothes and household items if you can’t keep them in good condition? Here are some of the laundry tips, tricks, and best products I’ve come across. You don’t need fabric softener or dryer sheets. Who tells you that you need them? People that sell … Read more

BOOK REVIEW: Sew Cute Quilts and Gifts | Atsuko Matsuyama

Book Review: Sew Cute Quilts and Gifts by Atsuko Matsuyama Zakka Workshop Publication Date: November 1, 2019 I have been looking for beginner sewing resources to share with others, and this book has inspired me beyond measure! There are some really cute and creative ideas here, and most don’t require a lot of fabric or … Read more

Free PDF Sewing Pattern: Retro Overnight Bag by The Crafty Kitty, via Birch Organic Fabric

Today I stumbled across this adorable pattern and fabric on the Birch Organic Fabric site, and I just had to share it! The designer is Stephanie of The Crafty Kitty, and the fabric is Serengeti by Jay-Cyn Designs. Click the picture below to download the pattern and instructions!