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 44.
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Click on the images to go to the posts.
2011
This is a super simple bookmarks, very easy to make, and a nice addition if you’re giving a book as a gift. You can embroider it, or just use a really pretty fabric.
2012
Before I discovered my favorite fusible adhesive, I used freezer paper applique for all my quilts. This video shows how to applique points – the trickiest shape for that kind of applique.
2013
One of my two non-applique quilt patterns! This one is super easy (no matching seams), fat-quarter friendly, and a fun way to showcase your favorite fabrics.
2014
Unbreakable ornament pattern! This one has lots of little details that are fun to stitch.
2015
This post has everything you need to know about what eyes are safe for baby toys.
2016
Couching is a method of sewing 3-dimensional “stuff” (cord, braid, beads, string, yarn, etc.) to the surface of fabric. You can do it by hand, but in this post I show you how to do it using a basic sewing machine. It’s a fun way to add texture to quilt blocks!
2017
Make a witch costume for your Dress Up Bunch dolls – or – if it’s after Halloween – use the same pattern to make a princess dress.
2018
I’m so sorry to say the words “stocking stuffer” in the same week as Halloween, but these cute little monsters are perfect for that. They stitch up fast, are a great way to use up scraps, are easy enough for beginners, and have the most pleasantly beanie filling. And the pattern is free!
2019
Another free crochet pattern! This one makes an adorable little pumpkin. Leave off the googly eyes and it’s a sweet decoration to put at a Thanksgiving place setting.
2020
I’m so dang proud of this pattern! Not only does it have instructions for 15 parts you can mix and match to create your own monsters – the samples for those parts are color-coded to help you see how pieces are shaped. Increase rows are in one color, decrease rows are in another, and straight rows are in a third color. That makes it really easy to see how you can add or change rows to make a similar piece that’s skinnier, wider, longer, or shorter. If you’re interested in eventually designing your own patterns, this is a great intro.
2021
More fun experimenting with drawing animals who are doing more than just smiling at us. 😂
2022
Adrian Alligator (aka Casey Crocodile) has a fun, toothy grin.
2023
This little piggie has the most enormous kissable nose!
