Archives: Week Seventeen

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

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2011

Mini Tote Bag pattern - free from Shiny Happy World

A handy little tote bag. You can use it with any of my applique patterns – just reduce the size.

2012

Triangle Tote Bags - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

Another fun little bag!

2013

cover image of a large pink flower for the free Pretty Posy applique pattern from Shiny Happy World

A free – SUPER simple – flower applique pattern. Make this with any fabrics in your stash, though I do love striped stems. 😁

2014

How to Make a Topsy Turvy Doll from Any Rag Doll Pattern - a free tutorial from Shiny Happy World

This is a free tutorial to make a fun topsy-turvy doll out of any of the Dress Up Bunch doll patterns.

2015

Donating Handmade Toys and Quilts

Lots of great suggestions for where (and how) to donate your handmade toys and quilts.

2016

Raining Rainbows - free embroidery pattern from Shiny Happy World

A terrific free embroidery pattern for beginners. It uses just one stitch – the easiest there is!

2017

Easy Eye Options for Applique - a tutorial from Shiny Happy World

Sometimes you just don’t want to applique teeny tiny eyes. This post has LOTS of alternatives.

2018

How to Make a Quilt Label - tutorial from Shiny Happy World

Shrink down one of the blocks from your pattern, embroider it, and use it for a label. This post shows how.

2019

Scallops are great edges on skirts and fairy wings, and also make edges for hair!

2020

I drew this tree frog as part of my 100 Days project in 2020. I loved him so much I turned him into the Troy the Tree Frog applique pattern.

2021

A handy post with lots of extra information – and a downloadable shopping list to take with you to the fabric store!

2022

***Included in Week 17 Sale***

I was getting lots of requests for specific dog breeds – this was the first half of my response. 😁

2023

Cute forest-themed fabric collection available in this shady purple and also in a deep forest green color palette.

2024

Thoughts on living life at a walking pace and taking time to notice the flowers.

 

Archives: Week Sixteen

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

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2011

Goody Bags - free sewing pattern from Shiny Happy World

Great little reusable gift bags or party favor bags!

2012

Because big buggy eyes should really be round. 😁

2013

Does Sulky Sticky Fabri-solvy work on wool felt? YES! It's fabulous!

Nutshell answer: YES! But definitely read the post for all the details. 😁

2014

Fancy Felt Coffee Sleeve - a free pattern from Shiny Happy World

One of my favorite free felt projects.

2015

Evolution of a Sleeping Bag - a process post

A little peek behind the scenes at the design process.

2016

Tips for Quilting a Cuddle Fleece Back - video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

The first time I used cuddle fleece for the back of one of my quilts, my daughter came to me and said, “Mommy. [insert pause for dramatic effect] You should never use anything else on the back of your quilts.” I haven’t. 😁

2017

How to Add Sashing to a Quilt As You You Quilt - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

It’s easy to add sashing and borders to a Quilt As You Go quilt.

2018

How to Applique Dark Eyes on Dark Faces - tutorial from Shiny Happy World

This is a question I get all the time – for making both quilts and stuffed animals. This post shows a few different ways to do it.

2019

One of my favorite settings – and you can use it with any of my square-block patterns, no resizing needed.

2020

A walrus I drew as part of my 100 Day Project in 2020.

2021

A velvet-fronted nuthatch from my 100 Days 100 Birds project.

2022

My very favorite color collection. I use these fabrics ALL THE TIME.

2023

***Included in Week 16 Sale***

One of my bestselling patterns, updated with a couple of new animals and SVG files for use with electric cutting machines.

2024

An adorable opossum.

 

Archives: Week Fifteen

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

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2011

How to Sew Napped Fabrics - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

Velvet and corduroy can make such fun projects – but they creep like crazy when you sew them. Here’s how to counter the creeping. 🙂

2012

***Included in Week 15 Sale***

This is one of the very first amigurumi I ever made. I still love it!

2013

***Included in Week 15 Sale***

I love this little weirdo.

2014

It could be a cardinal, a blue jay, a cedar waxwing, a tufted titmouse. Just change the colors!

2015

How to Count the Number of Stitches in a Round of Crochet - a tutorial from FreshStitches and Shiny Happy World

A necessary skill for making amigurumi – and not at all tricky once you know how to do it.

2016

Fun Faux Fur Makes Extra Awesome Rag Doll Hair - tips from Shiny Happy World

This makes SUCH fun dolls!

2017

Dinosaurs - an easy applique quilt pattern from Shiny Happy World
***Included in Week 15 Sale***

Everyone loves dinosaurs, right?

2018

Play with Your Layouts - Multiple Possibilities for One Quilt Pattern - a video tutorial from Shiny Happy World

All of my quilt patterns show a sample layout – but that’s always just a suggestion! This post shows lots of layout possibilities you can use with any of my patterns.

2019

***eligible for Week 15 sale***

Such a cutie!

2020

***Included in Week 15 Sale***

I love this guy’s grumpy face. It’s like he’s saying, “Hey! The bird feeder needs filling!”

2021

***Included in Week 15 Sale***

A sweet Mama and Baby – with time to make it before Mother’s Day. 🥰

2022

Some of my silly monsters on a notebook.

2023

All the fabrics I used to make my Woodland Critters quilt sample – and also an easy peasy cheater version of my pattern.

2024

Driving across the country to move from North Carolina to Oregon, I designed this fun fabric featuring the snow-capped mountains I saw along the way.

 

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!