1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse

There is a new, must see book, out right now which serves as an amazing jump start if your brain is feeling a little slow in the creativity department. 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse features 1000 images of objects made from recycled material made by artists from all over the world, and includes many Etsy artists, including yours truly, TheBrokenPlate. There just so happens to be an article in the Storque this week, written by the author Garth Johnson about the book. Go check it out! What are some of your favorite objects in the book?

There's a Squid in My Shower!

There is a squid. In my shower. And there are a bunch of other ocean creatures, too. My daughter's new favorite book came with tub and shower cling-ons which makes local illustrator Kevin Sherry's must-have kid's book even more awesome.


I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean is perfect for your big kid and all those soon-to-be parents who are totally overwhelmed with everything baby and just need a quick reminder of all the cool things to come. Available at The Children's Bookstore

P.S. No! I'm the biggest thing in the ocean!

Hot Off the Press—Stitch Magazine

I don’t know about you, but the craft-related magazines I see most often are not a good fit for me. They are either too simple or too difficult or too kitschy or too tacky or too…..whatever. But now, there’s a new magazine called Stitch, put out by Quliting Arts Magazine, that’s just right.



First of all, the articles are great. The cover article profiles 5 great skirts with cool detail that sets them apart and will inspire you to make your own innovations.

Stitch puts a huge emphasis on buying handmade, in that the magazine includes several lists of handmade sewing-related gifts, cool indie pattern companies, and profiles of great sewing sites.

This issue also has an article about sewing with sustainable fabrics and a bunch of gifts to make that you would actually like receive, like these:



I’m not sure when this special issue will come out again, if at all, but we could sure use more Stitch!

Post written by BennyAndHeidi

Book Review: Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel

I am a knitter with middling skills, but every time I try to find something to knit more involved than a rectangle, I get unmotivated by all the patterns I see for shapeless baggy sweaters and dowdy-looking sweater vests—you know, the ones that smell like mothballs right off the page. I wanted a book that would inspire me by including patterns that are modern but still accessible.


I came across this book, Fitted Knits and decided this was a knitting style I could get behind! Stefanie includes great designs for knitted tees, cardigans, vests, dresses, and much more—all of them with a tailored, flattering line. I got started right away on a v-neck and can’t wait to begin my next project, which will be this cap-sleeved tee. Look at the great neckline detail!


Once I get up my nerve, I hope to work my way up to pieces like this dress, which is marked “challenging”, due to the lacy detail on the hemline and neckline.


Check out this book if you need similar inspiration!

Post written by BennyAndHeidi

I Sew Knits

And so can you. Of course you can!



I resisted buying Sew U: Home Stretch by Wendy Mullin and Eviana Hartman for a long time because I already know how to sew knits. Actually, I've never bought an instructional book on sewing before, ever. Until yesterday. I convinced myself that I could stand to use the included patterns to make myself something cool for a change.

Was it worth it? Sure. If you don't sew regularly, this would be a good place to start. Wendy assures you that sewing knits really isn't that tricky, and so will I. But it does take practice. Get this book and experiment, and don't even worry about completing a project until you've played scientist with your fabric and your machine. Make charts with fabric samples and thread tensions. Be stubborn and you will figure it out.

She recommends a serger, and I have to say, I really, really want a serger (Hello, Santa? Are you listening?) But I have sewed hundreds of tees and dresses and more with my conventional sewing machine with no problem. It takes a little more time and a lot more finesse to sew knits this way, but it's totally possible.

If you already know how to sew knits, you might appreciate the variation of patterns and ideas for garment reconstruction. Regardless of your level of experience, it's always helpful to explore other artists' styles and methods to help develop your own distinct style.