handmade by stefanie

I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but I really haven't been promoting the affiliate programs I'm signed up for lately, and that is mostly because I feel like the main site I am an affiliate for, Craftsy, is everywhere - and people are a little fatigued with the 24/4 promotion. Also, I'm guessing most of you have probably hit a wall for how many classes you can sign up for and only watch half of, which is pretty much where I'm at right now! I hope you don't mistake this for me knocking Craftsy - I still very much love the website and do refer back to the many classes I've taken quite a bit. However, I do have a fair number of classes I've purchased and have get to find the time to watch, and that's kind of a bummer. I keep telling myself - SOMEDAY! - but then that day never comes. Having said that, I simply couldn't say no to a full free month of Creativebug. This weekend only, they are generously offering myself and all of you dear readers a Cre...

Click here to check out the Craftsy flash sale! There are plenty of classes on sale for less than $20 (many of which I've already reviewed , so you already know how great they are) - whether you knit, crochet, bake, or sew, you're sure to find a class you'll love. A couple of my top class picks for this weekend's sale are: But be sure to click here to see everything that's on sale: Craftsy Flash Sale October 12th & 13th - Up to 63% Off Your Favorite Classes!

It's been a while since I shared my latest Craftsy crush - regrettably, I've been too busy to sit down and watch any of the 10+ fabulous classes for which I'm registered. It's nice to know, however, that they're there for whenever I do  have time:  I have lifetime, unlimited access and can watch from any device with an internet connection.  Craftsy is kicking off a weeklong Saleabration today, offering up to 75% off online classes, fabric and yarn! Woo hoo!  If you're wondering what classes to sign up for, you can click here to read some of my Craftsy Class Reviews . There are so many interesting classes (and yarns!) on sale, that I'll be sharing a few of my latest Craftsy crushes throughout the week! Today's theme is skillbuilding classes for knitters of all persuasions! Classes Knit Lab: In the Round with Stefanie Japel , $9.99 (great for beginners) Circular Knit Lab with Stefanie Japel , $9.99 (great for beginners) Knit Sock W...

I was excited to sign up for Crochet: Beyond Rectangles with Linda Permann so that I could build upon my crochet skills gleaned from Vicki Howell's Crochet Lab and Stacey Trock's Woodland Animals . Now that I've become comfortable with the basics, I'm ready to take things to the next level. Crochet: Beyond Rectangles uses an easy-to-make baby sweater to help students learn how to shape, sew, and read patterns and crochet charts. All of these skills apply to any garment, but the smaller scale of a baby sweater is the perfect way to move beyond scarves and other beginner-type projects without becoming overwhelmed. This project-based class features 12 video lessons in all. I found the pattern reading section to be quite helpful, as it covered written instructions, abbreviations, stitch diagrams and how to use schematics. For those that are new to the world of yarn, the lesson on choosing yarn and gauge swatching will help you on your way - not only will Linda gi...

Here's a new Craftsy class that has piqued my curiousity: Beyond Basic Broomstick Lace with Jennifer Hansen . The broomstick lace technique uses a knitting needle and a crochet hook to create lacy, airy stitches, creating beautiful fabrics and edgings quickly. This makes it an easy-to-learn technique for knitters and crocheters alike, though knitters will benefit from knowing the basics of crochet to make a smooth transition. You may recognize Jennifer from  Stitch Diva Studios ; in this new class, she covers the history of broomstick lace (also called 'jiffy lace'), which dates back to the 1800s. Beginning with the fundamentals, Jennifer allows students to get comfortable using the needle and crochet hook together before kicking it up a notch with more advanced instruction. In this class, you'll begin with a broomstick lace eyeglasses case and graduate to a broomstick lace cardigan. Jennifer will show you how to work broomstick lace short rows and in the round, h...