GIVEAWAY! Embellished Project Planner: Everything You Need to Dream, Plan and Organize 12 Projects!
This delightful planner is designed especially for embroiderers so that you can track multiple projects throughout the year―because let’s face it, who doesn’t have lots of projects going at once?! Each day this week you can enter to win a copy of this book published by C&T Publishing. See more on Christen’s interview on Create Whimsy.
In The Spotlight!
At Create Whimsy, we share the stories of makers. Learn about their creative journeys, inspirations and more! Browse all of our Spotlight Stories.
Spotlight: Karolina Merska, Pajaki Artist
Artist Karolina Merska takes the traditional Polish folk art of pajaki and transforms bright papers and modern materials into contemporary art mobiles. Karolina's work sparks joy from every angle, introducing…
Spotlight: Barbara Schneider, Fiber Artist
Fiber artist Barbara Schneider sees details that most of us overlook in the natural world, then translates what she sees into cloth so that we can see it, too. Her…
Spotlight: Emma Herian, Fiber Artist
With creative parents as role models and cheerleaders, as well as a teacher who allowed her to knit on pencils during story time, it's no surprise that fiber artist Emma…
Spotlight: Nancy Cain, Bead Artist
Every piece of bead art that Nancy Cain designs is creatively engineered to achieve her vision for a sculptural piece with inherent structure. Math Brain and Art Brain have worked…
Spotlight: Wen Redmond, Mixed Media Artist
Pioneering 21st century processes in the field of fiber art, mixed media artist Wen Redmond combines stitch with digital manipulation of images printed on unusual substrates. The result is ethereal,…
Spotlight: Becky Goldsmith, Quilt Author, Designer and Teacher
As the designer of countless books and patterns, Becky Goldsmith does it all in quilting. Piecing and appliqué, hand and machine sewing, cotton and wool, precise and whimsical - and…Trending Now
Best Pattern for Making a Baby Bandana Bib
Bandana bibs for babies are popular, and some fit better than others. I took two favorites to design this baby bandana bib pattern, that combines the popular bandana style with…
Step-by-Step Guide to Sashiko Stitching
Sometimes I want to get a project done really fast, but lately I have picked up a hand stitching project when I want to unwind. The slow, meditative process of…
How to Make a Jelly Roll Rug
I had seen and admired the beautiful and colorful pictures and wanted to try to make a jelly roll rug for myself! I picked a bright jelly roll of Jen…
How to Dye Fabric with Tea
Dying fabric with tea makes a lovely patina for an aged look to a basic fabric. Tea dying does not create a major change in the color of the textile,…
Organize Your Threads – 10 Great Ideas!
Here are 10 great ideas for organizing your threads! Includes systems for sewing thread, embroidery floss and sewing machine bobbins.
10 Best Fabric Storage Ideas
Ready for your MSM (Master of Stash Management) degree? Check out this collection of fabric storage ideas to make the best use of your studio space.
Best Threads for Hand Embroidery
The thread you choose for hand embroidery can change the look of your project. Matte or shiny? Thick or thin? smooth or nubby? Cotton, silk, wool or metallic?
What Is Kumihimo?
Kumihimo is a popular craft for jewelry makers and fiber artists. The ancient braid is easy to learn with modern tools that make the projects very portable.
How to Make Fabric Baskets and Bowls
I've made and given many washable baskets and bowls as gifts. Choose fabric to match the recipient's home. Just wrap, coil and zigzag stitch to the right size.Latest Stories on Create Whimsy
Half Square Triangles Four (4) At a Time
Half Square Triangles (HST) are popular in traditional, modern and contemporary quilts. There are several ways to make these basic quilting blocks, one at at time, two at a time,…Spotlight: Karolina Merska, Pajaki Artist
Artist Karolina Merska takes the traditional Polish folk art of pajaki and transforms bright papers and modern materials into contemporary art mobiles. Karolina's work sparks joy from every angle, introducing…Spotlight: Barbara Schneider, Fiber Artist
Fiber artist Barbara Schneider sees details that most of us overlook in the natural world, then translates what she sees into cloth so that we can see it, too. Her…
How to Face a Quilt
There are many different ways to face a quilt, but this is my favorite technique. This method reduces bulk in the corners, and the stay stitching makes a nice clean…
How to Make Half Square Triangles Eight (8) at a Time
When you need lots of identical half square triangles (HST) and want them fast, make eight at a time! With this easy and quick method, you can mass produce blocks,…Spotlight: Emma Herian, Fiber Artist
With creative parents as role models and cheerleaders, as well as a teacher who allowed her to knit on pencils during story time, it's no surprise that fiber artist Emma…
Half Square Triangles Two at a Time
Half square triangle quilt blocks, also referred to as HSTs, are used in traditional, modern and contemporary quilts. They can be made in any size, and there are a variety…Spotlight: Nancy Cain, Bead Artist
Every piece of bead art that Nancy Cain designs is creatively engineered to achieve her vision for a sculptural piece with inherent structure. Math Brain and Art Brain have worked…
No Waste Flying Geese Quilt Block
The flying geese quilt block is used in hundreds of traditional patchwork quilt blocks and is perfect for quilt borders. You see it in both traditional and modern quilts. What…Spotlight: Wen Redmond, Mixed Media Artist
Pioneering 21st century processes in the field of fiber art, mixed media artist Wen Redmond combines stitch with digital manipulation of images printed on unusual substrates. The result is ethereal,…
How to Embroider the Lazy Daisy Stitch
As the name implies, the Lazy Daisy Stitch is an easy and fun way to embroider simple flower petals, leaves and raindrops. Scattered stitches fill spaces.
Spotlight: Emma Varnam, Crochet Designer
With a desire to encourage children to smile and hug, Emma Varnam designs crocheted soft toys and cuddly critters that invite interactive play. Her animal patterns will inspire you to…Spotlight: Becky Goldsmith, Quilt Author, Designer and Teacher
As the designer of countless books and patterns, Becky Goldsmith does it all in quilting. Piecing and appliqué, hand and machine sewing, cotton and wool, precise and whimsical - and…
How to Press Your Seams in Quilting?
We asked some of our favorite quilters: "When it comes to pressing seam allowances, people can be set in their ways. (See what we did there??) Which camp are you…
Spotlight: Mandy Pattullo, Textile Artist
Trained as a surface designer, but dedicated to hand stitch, textile artist Mandy Pattullo is inspired by old, worn fabrics. Old quilts, bits of used clothing, discarded fabric scraps and…
Spotlight: Maggie Meister, Bead Artist
Inspired by architecture, ancient mosaics and historical jewelry, Maggie Meister's museum quality beadwork includes structural components and gemstone accents that look impossible to recreate. But Maggie's unique approach to building…
Spotlight: Rose Parr, Healthy Quilter
Show of hands, please - do you ever get so involved in a project that you lose track of time and sit or stand in one position for too long?…
Spotlight: Leni Wiener, Fabric Collage Artist
People--and how they communicate without saying a word--fascinate artist Leni Wiener. Through fabric collage she captures gestures and attitudes that express the human condition without a word being spoken. Leni…
Spotlight: Joyce Pruysers-Emmink & Peter Emmink, Ivy Cottage Fusion Arts
Joyce Pruysers-Emmink and Peter Emmink of Ivy Cottage Fusion Arts are two glass artists working in different styles while sharing studio space (and life) - and they make it work!…