The heart and soul of Shiny Happy World is in the archives. There are hundreds of free patterns and tutorials and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the information. Every Friday I share just a manageable sliver – a peek at what was happening during the same week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. This is Week 25.
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Click on the images to go to the posts.
2011
For years I was afraid of zippers and buttons, so I only made clothing with elastic openings. I still like to use it for doll clothes, so there are no frustrating fasteners for little fingers. In this post I show you everything you need to know – what kind of elastic to use, how to pre-stretch it, and more.
2012
One of my favorite embroidery patterns. 😂
2013
One of my free felt bird patterns. She’s so pretty!
2014
Everything you need to know (and all your questions answered) about one of my very favorite tools. I use this for almost all my embroidery AND felt projects.
2015
I reviewed this terrific book about English Paper Piecing. Nutshell version: It’s perfect.
2016
A sweet little gardening outfit for the Dress Up Bunch dolls! The pattern includes the dress (with an optional belt), apron, and “straw” hat.
2017
Have you ever tried to learn how to make amigurumi and gave up because the very first step (usually a magic ring) was so dang complicated? I hear you! The sloppy slip knot is an absolute game changer. When I learned how to do it I thought I must be doing it wrong because it was just so easy. Nope!
2018
One of my favorite patterns for baby showers – quick and easy enough to make in an afternoon.
2019
One of my favorite setting variations for my quilts. It adds such a playful touch!
2020
I drew this Asian elephant as part of my 100 Day project – and loved her so much that she became the Ellen Elephant applique pattern.
2021
When I started making SVG files for my patterns, it changed the way I needed to design my template pieces – which changed how they were cut out and assembled. This post has a SUPER detailed video showing every detail of my new process. There’s a time stamp guide so you can skip to the parts you need most.
2022
The Wild Flowers pattern! This is one of my very earliest patterns, and in 2022 I updated it to include SVG files and made a brand new sample.
2023
I was playing around with ditsy flower patterns for fabric and decided to make some chunky bees. I love these guys!
2024
One pattern to make many mustelids – ermines, ferrets, mink, weasels, stoats, fishers, and more!