Archives: Week Fourteen

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the fourteenth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

How to sew Stretch Fabrics on a Regular Sewing Machine - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

It’s easier than you think, and makes an exceptionally cuddly stuffed animal.

2012

***Included in Week 14 Sale***

Lots of pretty birds. This is still one of my bestselling patterns!

2013

How to Turn Any Quilt Block into a PIllow

This is a great way to try out my patterns to see if you like them and the methods I use.

2014

Warren the Charity Bear - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

My most popular free pattern. I designed this one especially for charitable giving, so it has lots of mix & match options to play around with and make each bear different.

2015

Itty Bitty Sleepy Bunny - a free beanie bunny softie pattern from Shiny Happy World

An adorable little bunny with beanbag filling.

2016

How to Square and Trim Finished Quilt Blocks

I always make my quilt blocks a little bigger than they need to be, then I crop them to size right before I sew them all together. I love having that extra wiggle room to make mistakes!

2017

Using fabric Markers and paints for Small Eyes - a Product Review from Shiny Happy World

Sometimes the eyes are just too small to applique easily. One option is fabric paint and markers. I tested lots of different brands and share the results here.

2018

Make a Felt Garland using any Christmas ornament pattern - a tutorial from Shiny Happy World

Get extra use out of your favorite felt Christmas ornament pattern by making a garland.

2019

***eligible for Week 14 sale***

A cute monster with warty little picot bumps – and a pocket mouth!

2020

Seems like this FREE pattern would be more appropriate for New Years than April, right? Well – I started it in week one and finished it in week 14. 😂

2021

***Included in Week 14 Sale***

Sometimes it’s so much fun to make the same little thing over and over in rainbow colors. 🥰

2022

stack of folded fabric in a range of skin tones - text reads People Colors

I don’t sell this fabric bundle anymore, but I do share tips for choosing colors for dolls and people – including a list of suggested Kona Cotton colors to use.

2023

It’s not one of my bestselling fabric designs, but it’s one of my favorites. 🥰

2024

I made this cute bunny collage for the free device wallpaper for April. You can still get it! All my old wallpapers are available without their calendars. There are TONS to choose from!

 

Archives: Week Thirteen

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the thirteenth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

Carrot Full of Candy - free pattern

A cute cloth version of those little cellophane carrots you can fill with candy.

2012

Tin Can Carrier - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

This is SUCH a fun project! There’s a pineapple juice can in there, so any rocks (or other hard things) collected land with a very satisfying thunk. My daughter loved this thing when she was little. 😁

2013

Flora the Felt Bird - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

This little felt bird is so beautiful! And super easy to stitch!

2014

How to Applique with Fusible Adhesive - all the steps - video tutorial

A video tutorial showing ALL the steps.

2015

three stacked bunny faces made with the free Mix & Match Bunnies applique pattern from Shiny Happy World

Make a whole fluffle of bunnies with this FREE pattern!

2016

Quilt As You Go - everything you need to know in one handy place

Everything you need to know about my particular method for Quilt As You Go and applique.

2017

How to Crochet the Second Round on Amigurumi - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World and FreshStitches

Starting the second round of an amigurumi can be a little bit tricky. This post will get you over that hump – and then it’s smooth sailing.

2018

bowl of colorful crocheted Easter eggs made with a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

An easy project for beginners – and a great way to use up yarn scraps!

2019

***eligible for Week 13 sale***

My daughter’s favorite crochet pattern. She’s made so many of these little guys!

2020

Remember when everyone was sewing masks? My daughter made and donated over 1000 of these!

2021

I drew this silly green giraffe for a screen wallpaper. I make a new one every month, but did you know you can still get all the old designs? There are TONS to choose from!

2022

***Included in Week 13 Sale***

I designed this pattern after I watched Turning Red. Red pandas are so cute!!!

2023

I love that stripey tail!!!

2024

A BIG new embroidery project! This cat surrounded by embroidered flowers is in an 18 inch hoop!

Ten Happy Things – the Floral Edition.

 

Archives: Week Twelve

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the twelfth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

How I organize my embroidery thread

Over a decade later and this is still how I organize all my thread. That’s a storage system that works.

2012

***Included in the Week 12 Sale***

People have stitched these on so many things – baby onesies, bibs, blankets, burp cloths – and those are just the things that start with B!

2013

How to Give Your Softies Flat Feet and Flat Bottoms

The tutorial includes instructions for using a sewing machine (best for bigger softies) and also hand sewing (best for little felt softies).

2014

Bertie Bunny - an adorable bunny pattern from Shiny Happy World
***Included in Week 12 Sale***

A cuddly bunny with adorable kissable toes

2015

How to Single Crochet 3 Together - video tutorial from FreshStitches and Shiny Happy World

An extreme decrease. 😁

2016

Little Chick with Big Feet - a super easy and cute Easter embroidery pattern free from Shiny Happy World

Stitch an itty bitty chick – with or without the applique.

2017

Free Embroidery Files for Machine-Stitched Eyes - from Shiny Happy World

If you have an embroidery machine – this is the post for you! Free files for satin stitched ovals in many sizes – formatted for most embroidery machines.

2018

How to Build a Design Wall (or Flannel Board or Bulletin Board) - a tutorial from Shiny Happy World

All made with easy-to-find supplies from any home improvement store.

2019

***eligible for Week 12 sale***

A super easy pattern, great for beginners.

2020

***included in Week 12 sale***

A set of sweet printable bears.

2021

***eligible for Week 12 sale***

A sweet little house wren – bird #47 in my 100 Days Project in 2021. That project ended up becoming the Backyard Birds mix & match pattern!

2022

I can’t believe I waited so long to buy a light box! They’re really inexpensive and make positioning applique pieces so dang easy! (The post includes a link to the one I bought.)

2023

I tried a 100 Day project that fizzled out – but I do love the ones like this that I drew in a style inspired by mid-century modern design. I may revisit these someday.

2024

A cute cow – you can make it with or without the horns, spots, and eyelashes. 🙂

 

Archives: Week Eleven

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the eleventh week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

Hee hee! I love this little guy!

2012

How Many Strands of Embroidery Thread Should I Use?

One of my most frequently asked questions.

2013

How to Whipstitch Felt Edges - video

My favorite stitch for sewing felt pieces together.

2014

Easter Eggstras - Free Pattern for Easter accessories for toys from Shiny Happy World

Make some bunny ears and fancy eggs for all your stuffed toys!

2015

triangle kangaroo and baby from Shiny Happy World

A free pattern for some fun baby toys made entirely of triangles.

2016

Easter Craft Ideas - make a pretty embroidered felt egg with this free pattern

One of my very favorite free patterns – a gorgeous stitched Easter egg.

2017

Quilting from the Center Out to the Edges - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

I always start quilting in the middle and then work my way out – but that means something different depending on whether you’re machine or hand quilting. In this video I explain both options.

2018

Make a Quilt Block with Soft 3D Parts - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

This is the same technique and materials I use for softies – adapted to use in quilt blocks!

2019

***eligible for Week 11 sale***

An adorable chubby penguin.

2020

***included in Week 11 sale***

A sweet giraffe.

2021

***eligible for Week 11 sale***

Adorable mix & match bunnies with many moods.

2022

An assortment of fabric squares with quilting lines printed on them. Text reads: Printed Quilt Blocks - Fabric Bundles

The quilting lines are printed right on the blocks, and they’re in color-coordinated bundles. An easy peasy way to get started!

2023

Just one of the options in the lush Moths and Butterflies collection. The same design is available in every color of the rainbow, and scales that will work for everything from bedding to baby clothes.

2024

An adorable paper collage version of Beckham Bear and a discussion of covers.

 

Archives: Week Ten

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the tenth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

Stuffed Toy Snakes - an easy sewing tutorial from Shiny Happy World

One of my most popular free patterns – this one is especially great for kids learning to use a sewing machine.

2012

How to Transfer and Stabilize an Embroidery Pattern - with my very favorite product, Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy

My very favorite product for hand embroidery.

2013

How to Blanket Stitch with No Knots - video

So neat and tidy.

2014

How to Sew a Button Joint - an easy video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

Perfect for making little felt critters.

2015

Several ways to make this work.

2016

Easy doll clothes patterns - tutorials for a free shirt, shorts and skirt

A free pattern for a simple outfit for your Dress Up Bunch dolls.

2017

How to Assemble a Quilt that Uses an Alternate Grid - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

Change the layout of a basic quilt by adding half-blocks.

2018

How to Give Your Softe Stand-Up ears That Are Still Soft - a tutorial from Shiny Happy World

Perfect for bunnies, elephants, and more.

2019

***eligible for Week 10 sale***

One of my favorite crochet patterns.

2020

***included in Week 10 sale***

I love returning to a favorite pattern and making multiples in a rainbow of colors!

2021

***eligible for Week 10 sale***

A white-breasted nuthatch for my 100 Birds project, which became the Backyard Birds pattern.

2022

My favorite Quilt As You Go designs all gathered up in one handy place.

2023

***included in Week 10 sale***

Pretty printable posies.

2024

I finished a new quilt! Cheater fabric, all hand stitched with Big Stitch Quilting.

Archives: Week Nine

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the ninth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

Bartholomew Bunny - an easy softie pattern from Shiny Happy World
***included in Week 9 sale***

One of my easiest softie patterns.

2012

How to Enlarge or Reduce a Digital Pattern

That dog pattern is originally 2 inches tall.

2013

How to Attach a Folded Ear to Two Rounds - tutorial from Shiny Happy World and FreshStitches

For adorable animal ears.

2014

How to Needle Sculpt Softie Toes - video

It’s easier than you think.

2015

What Kind of Eyes Should I Use - Tips for choosing eyes for sewn and crocheted softies from Shiny Happy World

Crocheted? Plastic? Felt? Embroidered? Buttons?

2016

How to Frame Embroidery - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

No glue needed.

2017

Spring Fling - reversible doll dress with eggs and basket
***included in Week 9 sale***

Reversible dress, two applique designs. and sweet felt eggs.

2018

Howie the Penguin - free crochet amigurumi pattern from Shiny Happy World and FreshStitches

A free pattern.

2019

Duke the Dog - an adorable crochet amigurumi pattern from Shiny Happy World
***eligible for Week 9 sale***

An adorable hound dog.

2020

Learning to use Procreate on my iPad.

2021

***eligible for Week 9 sale***

A red-winged blackbird for my 100 Birds project, which became the Backyard Birds pattern.

2022

***included in Week 9 sale***

Sweet snail.

2023

***included in Week 9 sale***

A handsome fellow.

2024

Happy Little Clouds fabric! (Yes – every time I say the name I’m channeling Bob Ross.)

Archives: Week Eight

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the eighth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

How to Ladder Stitch - video tutorial

My favorite way to sew up the stuffing hole in softies – and I also use it for a lot of mending projects.

2012

How to Read a Crochet Pattern - from Shiny Happy World and FreshStitches

Step by step in plain English.

2013

Sylvester - a free embroidery pattern from Shiny Happy World

I love this cutie.

2014

Monster tissue case - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

With adorable rickrack teeth.

2015

Stitch Love by the awesome Mollie Johanson

A book review.

2016

Hand Quilting - how to quilt all the way to the edge

Hand quilting tips.

2017

Bedtime pattern set - pajamas, pillow, pillowcase and quilt
***included in Week 8 sale***

Everything a rag doll needs for bedtime.

2018

How to Crochet the Second Round on Amigurumi - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World and FreshStitches

Making the jump to Round 2 of your crochet can be tricky.

2019

artcic chill pattern cover
***eligible for Week 8 sale***

Adorable arctic animals.

2020

***included in Week 8 sale***

I never thought I’d say this, but that’s an adorable rat.

2021

***eligible for Week 8 sale***

A goldfinch for my 100 Birds project, which became the Backyard Birds pattern.

2022

Before I switched to a new fabric for all my quilts, I had to test it.

2023

Adorable bunny fabric in a rainbow of colors – this just shows two of my favorites.

2024

***eligible for Week 8 sale***

Mix & match fun!

Archives: Week Seven

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the seventh week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

How to Stitch a French Knot - embroidery video

One of my very favorite stitches – once I figured out the trick.

2012

What are the different kinds of sewing needles?

They’re not all the same.

2013

Vicks-Scented Rice Bag - to ease a cough and sniffles without having to use the sticky stuff - a tutorial from Shiny Happy World

One of my favorite projects ever.

2014

How to Crochet a Picot Stitch - tutorial from Shiny Happy World and FreshStitches

A sweet edge treatment.

2015

A free pattern – perfect for working with a collection of coordinated fabrics.

2016

Dress Up Bunch Doll Raincoat Pattern
***included in Week 7 sale***

Make a cute raincoat (and boots!) for a Dress Up Bunch doll.

2017

A book review.

2018

How to Single Crochet - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World and FreshStitches

The basic stitch for all amigurumi.

2019

***eligible for Week 7 sale***

These are a GREAT pattern for beginners.

2020

My favorite quilt from Quilt Con 2020. Not my work, but I wish it was.

2021

pair of lovebirds - applique pattern
***eligible for Week 7 sale***

Pretty, pretty lovebirds.

2022

This is the collection I use for all animals in realistic colors.

2023

***eligible for Week 7 sale***

A sweet set of bears – printable art.

2024

Cute applique beaver face.
***included in Week 7 sale***

Love those giant buck teeth!

Archives: Week Six

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the sixth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

How to Stitch a Lazy Daisy - embroidery video

Perfect for flower petals, raindrops, and more.

2012

Tips and Tricks for Embroidering Felt

All my best tips in one post.

2013

A handy skill for lots of projects.

2014

Zen Stitching - How to Embroider a Mandala with No Pattern (Shiny Happy World)

A free tutorial.

2015

You otter be my Valentine - a free pattern

The envelope is a cute little pocket.

2016

Big Stitch Quilting - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

My favorite way to hand quilt.

2017

***eligible for Week 6 sale***

Pretty little hand-stitched hearts.

2018

How to Attach Amigurumi Arms and legs with Single Crochet - video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

A super secure attachment.

2019

Parliament of Owls - an easy applique quilt pattern from Shiny Happy World
***eligible for Week 6 sale***

Change their look just by changing the angle of the eyelids.

2020

A fun drawing project to learn how to use my iPad.

2021

***eligible for Week 6 sale***

Nadya made an adorable pair of Dalton Dogs.

2022

Curious about why I started using Spoonflower fabric?

2023

***eligible for Week 6 sale***

Pretty, pretty flowers – printable art.

2024

It took me YEARS to draw an otter I was happy with. I’m so glad I waited, because I love this guy!

Archives: Week Five

Let’s tiptoe down memory lane to see what I was doing during the fifth week of every year since the start of Shiny Happy World. 🙂 Click on the images to go to the posts.

Want this round-up delivered to your inbox every Friday? Click here to sign up for the Shiny Happy World newsletter!

2011

Five Stones Game - a free pattern

Simple craft project – and a fun game!

2012

Tips for Crocheting Dog Toys - from Shiny Happy World

Fun!

2013

Tips for Crocheting Teeny Tiny Antennae - from Shiny Happy World

Use these tips for any skinny tubes.

2014

A basic intro.

2015

Baby Bear Booties - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

One of my favorite free patterns.

2016

Baby Bib Pattern - adorable and free from Shiny Happy World

Combine this free bib pattern with any applique pattern for an adorable gift!

2017

Big Stitch Polkadot Coasters - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

Round and round with simple hand stitching. It’s my meditation.

2018

Free Hearts Crochet Pattern - from Shiny Happy World

Crochet a simple little heart to add to any softie.

2019

***eligible for Week 5 sale***

A groovy lion.

2020

Merrick Monster crochet pattern
***eligible for Week 5 sale***

A cute monster with a pocket mouth.

2021

***eligible for Week 5 sale***

An adorable Pip the Cat made by Holly.

2022

***eligible for Week 5 sale***

So handsome.

2023

Cute groundhog popping out of his burrow - appliqued on brown fabric on a green zigzag background. Text reads: Griffith Groundhog - easy applique pattern
***eligible for Week 5 sale***

Will he see his shadow?

2024

A free pattern for waves that you can add to any animal applique block – or use on their own.