Textile yarns are becoming a big trend in crafts. But what are they? Usually made from offcuts and leftovers from the textile and fashion industry, textile yarns can give your makes a unique spin. … [Read more...]
Make Claire’s cowl from the Outlander trailer
Outlander, a historical/fantasy/romance drama series based on the books by Diana Gabaldon, has yet to make it over to the UK (get on it, Channel 4!). But it's already been a success in the States, with Starz (the channel on which it airs) ordering a second series (based on the second book in the … [Read more...]
A free dancing Groot crochet pattern to make your day
The undisputed star of Guardians of the Galaxy (highest grossing movie of the summer, fact fans) is without a doubt Vin Diesel's character, Groot. A colossal tree-like humanoid with a very limited vocabulary, Groot is basically the Giving Tree on steroids. Kind, big-hearted and able to make plants … [Read more...]
What’s the most fun a person can have with a sheet of plastic?
To me, nothing reminds me more of arts and crafts time at school than making things in shrink plastic. The satisfaction of covering the sheet of plastic in your own designs and then seeing it shrink in the oven is one that I have actually yet to recreate in my adult life. It's one of the most … [Read more...]
Five reasons why I love Mollie Makes
A couple of years ago, Emma Cossey confessed she'd fallen hard for The Simple Life - a beautiful magazine focussing on the slow life movement and the little things in life. Coincidentally, it's from the same company behind my current magazine crush. Yes, readers of Dork Adore, I am head over heels … [Read more...]
Free Studio Ghibli craft patterns round-up
The world of Studio Ghibli is a wondefully magic one, full of forest spirits, witches and fish-girls. And, as you can imagine, the creatures of Ghibli lend themselves very well to being transformed into craft patterns. You get one guess as to who the firm favourite is - indeed, there are plenty of … [Read more...]
Fun and creative ways to use Loom Bands
Fun fact: it is (almost) impossible to go shopping these days without seeing Loom Bands on sale. You may think I'm being a bit OTT here, but go out and see for yourself. They are everywhere, having exploded as this summer's big Kids Trend Thing. Also, much like Pokémon cards, Tamagotchis and … [Read more...]
The best YouTube craft tutorial channels
As a crafter, one of the things you'll keep hearing is that YouTube is a brilliant teacher. It's got plenty of channels dedicated to teaching you just how to do a treble-crochet, or intarsia knitting or how to needle felt a kitten without injuring your fingers. So, because we do love our crafters … [Read more...]
Adventure Time crochet patterns
If you've not heard of Cartoon Network's brilliantly bonkers Adventure Time, then I suggest you catch up because you are missing out. And if you're already a convert, then oh my glob, you're definitely going to love these Adventure Time amigurumi patterns. Yes, now you, too, can crochet yourself … [Read more...]
Handmade Valentine’s Day Presents – A Romantic Round-Up
Oh, you didn't think I was going to leave Valentine's Day unmentioned, did you? Yes, the universal day of love and affection (and Hallmark cards) is not far off. But if you're a bit weary of the prospect of having to go and pound the high street pavements for a present and a card, fear … [Read more...]