#creativebug

[amingledyarn]

Hi, sorry if you know about it already, or don't find it interesting, but ComplicatedKnots on youtube have a playlist of free crochet patterns that are pretty cute. Haven't tried to do them yet but theres some i definitely plan to try once i actually get around to learning how to crochet!

Thanks! I'll definitely check them out. I welcome any recommendations for pattern sources 😏

[cottagecore-raccoon]

Reasons to Make a Library Card

(A list written by someone who has worked at a public library in the states for a year now)

Books/Traditional Materials: As you've likely heard many times before, libraries are a great place to get free books (normal and large print), DVDs, CDs, magazines, and audiobooks

E-Library: With your library card, you will also be to access Ebooks on websites like Hoopla and Libby. Library streaming services like Kanopy will also allow you to watch movies and tv shows for free! On top of these websites, libraries pay for subscriptions to databases like Creativebug that have tutorials for learning new crafts

Programming: Making new friends can be difficult, and finding fun things to do is expensive! Libraries offer fun programs for people to do activities (like crafts, yoga, dancing, and book clubs) and meet new friends! Most programs are free, and many libraries don't require you to have a library card to participate. Have a program you'd like to do but don't see on the website calendar? Many libraries are happy to take suggestions!

Free Wifi: In addition to free wifi and computers offered in the building, the library where I work also offers mobile hotspots patrons can check out for free wifi on the go. These devices are quite popular, so you may need to wait on a list, but they are a great resource for people who otherwise may not have access to the internet

Other Resources: Passes to local museums, video games (my library has a switch game collection), educational materials for all ages, and more!

You making a library card and using these resources helps libraries stay open and get the funding they need! Please use libraries, they're there for you!

[newlyy]

Earnestly saying “oh interesting” out loud while watching this knitting tutorial because Creativebug Studios has such good insights

[thespoonieknitter]

btw. if u do decide to learn crochet (totally fair if u dont) DO NOT start with the magic circle. do not do that. i know u wanna make the cute little guys we all wanna make the cute little guys but i am grabbing you by the shoulders and shaking you DO NOT START WITH THE MAGIC CIRCLE. ok i love you

got it, boss 🫡🫡 i vaguely remember trying to learn it the first time around but i barely knew the basics so the yt videos were confusing as hell and i finally said "fuck it, let's try knitting" jdjfndndjd

but this time around i'm using a daily practice thing taught by Twinkie Chan on Creativebug (i get it for free thru my library 🙏🏻) where she basically teaches you the basic stitches and then how to make sample swatches, so I'm sticking to those for a while 💖 (also, all of the videos have a mirrored version so i can see how to do it left-handed!!!) i love you too 💕💕

[jayliketheletter]

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A post shared by Jay (@south.forthewinter)

"Nonlinear" 2024

This quilt top was inspired by @heidi.parkes story quilt top daily practice on @creativebug

I feel much more connected with my creative intuition after following Heidi's prompts and process. I've always struggled to name my feelings, or to even slow my thinking down enough to understand them. Many of my responses to the daily prompts were rooted in these unexplored feelings, As I created slowly with my hands, I was able to embody and begin to understand these feelings and myself.

Healing is nonlinear.

Learning, creating, and communicating are nonlinear.

Following a nonlinear path is not easy, there is no clear map, no obvious signs. But when you embrace the imperfections and accept the uncertainty, sometimes beautiful things happen.

[magicalgirlmascot]

public libraries have so much shit y'all

fuck audible, see if your library has overdrive/libby or hoopla, or pressreader for magazines and newspapers

want to watch something but don't want to pay for streaming? see if your library has hoopla or kanopy, or medici.tv if you're interested in classical concerts and operas and stuff, and in canada some libraries have a partnership with cbc so you can watch their shows online free

skillshare? nah fuck that go see if your library has gale courses, creativebug, or something similar

does your library not have what you're looking for? ask if they do interlibrary loan! some places will even loan out video games!

many libraries now have some kind of makerspace with stuff like 3D printers, cricut machines, button makers, laser cutters, sewing machines, scanning services...

the one I worked at over the summer had park passes for both provincial parks and local conservation areas, a machine for digitizing old slides, a seed library, and free boot grippers for seniors in the winter months, and that was at a very very small town library

not to mention programs, workshops, book clubs, movie screenings, concerts, poetry readings, and so much more, which are all FREE (or at cost of materials if required). and quiet spaces where you can spread out and work on stuff, and free wifi, and public access computers, and a nice temperature controlled climate where you don't have to buy anything to stay. and that's not even getting into what you can actually borrow from the place

some of this stuff you don't even have to leave your house for please go see what your local library has available for you

[geneeste]

And you can get access to all kinds of apps through your library! Many of the options I’ve seen are for TV and movies (Kanopy), magazines (RBDigital or Flipster), CreativeBug for learning crafts, access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda, great for professional development), and good language learning apps (like Mango), just to name a few!

Ok, I've seen this sentiment before, but the amount of Kindle Unlimited ads I've been seeing is forcing me to repeat it-

Kindle Unlimited is offering two free months of unlimited ebooks. As a trial. Which will then become a paid subscription.

Your local library is offering unlimited ebooks all the time. Forever. No contracts, no predatory practices, no tracking of how long you spend on each particular page in the hopes that information about your habits can be sold for a profit.

Use your library. They want so badly to give you all of the things for free.

[writer-at-the-table]

CreativeBug videos are very soothing watches

[karapaints]

Sketchbook owl.

Was watching a live session on Creativebug with Zoe Persico & her color theory work is freaking amazing.

[bevanne46]

Take Your Skills to the Next Level with Hundreds of Sewing & Quilting Classes

Our sewing and quilting classes are perfect for everyone from beginners to experts. Experience the joy of making with on-demand video classes taught by top artists and designers. Start your free trial today!

A Few of Our Favorite Creativebug Classes

Stamped and Sewn Backpack Arounna Khounnoraj of Bookhou shows you how a few rectangles of canvas can turn into a gorgeous everyday bag.

Story Quilt Top: A Daily Practice This daily practice in hand-stitching has something for artists of all mediums. Learn techniques and artistic concepts that relate to a story-telling quilt.

Folk Flower Block Learn how to piece a background, fussy cut fabric, and reverse applique the flower and leaves using a sewing machine.

Patchwork Learning Journey All quilts begin with patchwork blocks. We've rounded up the essential classes to show you how to patchwork like a pro.

Quilting 101 Journey Learn the anatomy of a quilt and the tools and terms used by quilt makers. Begin with the basic skills of patchwork and how to select, cut and piece your fabric.

[writer-at-the-table]

I use my BPL e-card to access CreativeBug video classes!

[bookclub4m]

Episode 185 - Crafts & Crafting

This episode we’re discussing the non-fiction genre of Crafts and Crafting! We talk about art vs craft, makerspaces vs crafting spaces, the challenges of trying new crafts, academic crafting, and more!

You can download the podcast directly, find it on Libsyn, or get it through Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast delivery system.

In this episode

Anna Ferri | Meghan Whyte | Matthew Murray | Jam Edwards

Things We Read (or tried to…)

Paper + Craft: 25 Charming Gifts, Accents, and Accessories to Make from Paper by Minhee Cho, Truman Cho, and Randi Brookman Harris

Re-Creative: 50 Projects for Turning Found Items Into Contemporary Design by Steve Dodds

Trash Origami: 25 Paper Folding Projects Reusing Everyday Materials by Michael G. LaFosse and Richard L. Alexander

Crafting Change: Handmade Activism, Past and Present by Jessica Vitkus

Hand Lettering: Creative Alphabets for Any Occasion by Thy Doan Graves

Mastering Hand-Lettering: Your Practical Guide to Creating and Styling the Alphabet by Mye De Leon

Creepy Cross-Stitch: 25 Spooky Projects to Haunt Your Halls by Lindsay Swearingen

A Crochet World of Creepy Creatures and Cryptids: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Adorable Monsters, Mythical Beings and More by Rikki Gustafson

Chonky Amigurumi: How to Crochet Amazing Critters & Creatures with Chunky Yarn by Sarah Csiacsek

Simple Hand Sewing: 35 slow stitching and mindful mending projects by Laura Strutt

Boro & Sashiko, Harmonious Imperfection: The Art of Japanese Mending & Stitching by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby and Jason Mullett-Bowlsby

Wilderness Knits for the Home by Linka Neumann

Other Media We Mentioned

Two Point Hospital (Wikipedia)

Two Point Campus (Wikipedia)

Links, Articles, and Things

Fuse beads (Wikipedia)

Jam’s Tiger Millionaire costume (and their trophy)

Tiger Millionaire (Steven Universe Wiki)

The cross stitch Matthew finished the night before recording

Bone folder (Wikipedia)

Fourth Doctor (the one with the scarf) (Wikipedia)

Creativebug (see if your library provides access)

Creepy halloween mask template

Granny square (Wikipedia)

Creepypasta (Wikipedia)

15 Crafts and Crafting books by BIPOC Authors

Every month Book Club for Masochists: A Readers’ Advisory Podcasts chooses a genre at random and we read and discuss books from that genre. We also put together book lists for each episode/genre that feature works by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour) authors. All of the lists can be found here.

Weaving in the Peruvian Highlands: Dreaming Patterns, Weaving Memories by Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez

The Embroidered Garden: Stitching through the Seasons of a Flower Garden by Kazuko Aoki

asowacikanisa: A Guide to Small Metis Bags by Amy Briley and Gregory Scofield

Knitting for Radical Self-Care: A Modern Guide by Brandi Cheyenne Harper

This Long Thread: Women of Color on Craft, Community, and Connection by Jen Hewett

Print, Pattern, Sew: Block-Printing Basics + Simple Sewing Projects for an Inspired Wardrobe by Jen Hewett 

Embroidered Animals: Wild and Woolly Creatures to Stitch and Sew by Yumiko Higuchi

Super Easy Amigurumi: Crochet Cute Animals by Mitsuki Hoshi

Mini Knitted Woodland by Sachiyo Ishii

The Art of Mi'kmaw Basketry by edited by shalan joudry and Holly Brown Bear

Embroidery: A Modern Guide to Botanical Embroidery by Arounna Khounnoraj

Visible Mending: A Modern Guide to Darning, Stitching and Patching the Clothes You Love by Arounna Khounnoraj

The Tunisian Crochet Handbook: A Beginner's Guide by Toni Lipsey

Literary Yarns: Crochet Projects Inspired by Classic Books by Cindy Wang

The Auntie Sewing Squad Guide to Mask Making, Radical Care, and Racial Justice by Kristina Wong

Give us feedback!

Fill out the form to ask for a recommendation or suggest a genre or title for us to read!

Check out our Tumblr, follow us on Instagram, join our Facebook Group, or send us an email!

Join us again on Tuesday, December 5th we’ll be talking about the genre of Suspense Fiction!

Then on Tuesday, December 19th it’s time for our Favourite Reads of 2023!

[pocketyarnlings]

Learn to Crochet Online - Beginner Crochet Classes and Advanced Amigurumi Design Courses

​​Are you looking for free online crochet classes to start, or perhaps you are on the other spectrum and you want to level up to become an amigurumi designer? Here I decided to put together a list of useful online resources to help you in your crocheting journey, whether you are a beginner or an advanced crocheter.  

Most for the beginner crochet classes are free, whether forever or in a trial form, while the advanced lessons tend to be paid. Do comment below and let me know if there have been other useful resources you found on your own that others would benefit from, so I can list them down here!  

*This blog post may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase through my link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.*

Table of Contents Show

Beginner Online Crochet Classes 

If you're new to crochet and eager to learn the basics or enhance your skills, these beginner crochet classes are perfect for you. Led by experienced instructors and available online, these classes offer step-by-step guidance, clear instructions, and helpful tips to get you started on your crochet journey.  

Whether you prefer video tutorials or structured courses, these beginner-friendly resources will empower you to master the foundational techniques and create beautiful crochet projects with confidence. They all have different teaching styles (including me) so find someone you feel is easy to follow and get inspiration from them! 

Crocheting 101 by Louie from Club Crochet

This online class is designed for absolute beginners and covers the basics of crochet. Louie guides you through essential techniques, such as making chains, single crochet stitches, and double crochet stitches. The class also includes step-by-step instructions for completing a beginner-friendly project. There are many videos inside as well but you would have to sign up for an account, which is totally worth it as it is free forever. He does have a pattern membership for $5/ month which is paid but you do not have to pay to access the beginner classes. Also his beginner kit to go along with his classes is available here.

Absolute Beginners Crochet Lessons by Bella Coco 

Sarah-Jayne, also known as Bella Coco, provides clear and easy-to-follow video instructions for various crochet stitches, techniques, and projects. Her channel covers a wide range of topics, including basic stitches, pattern reading, and more advanced techniques as you progress in your crochet journey. Bella Coco's tutorials are known for their clarity and friendly teaching style, making them ideal for beginners. You can move onto more complex tutorials after learning the basics, also all free forever.  

Crochet for Beginners by Mikey from The Crochet Crowd on YouTube 

Mikey's video series is a comprehensive resource for those new to crochet. He takes you through the fundamental stitches, explains how to read patterns, and offers tips and tricks for successful crocheting. The videos are accessible on YouTube and cover a wide range of beginner-friendly projects. Also, he has an extensive library on more complex crochet stitches as well for when you are ready for more! All available for free forever on youtube. 

Beginner Crochet by Creativebug  

Creativebug offers an online crochet class for beginners taught by expert instructors. The class covers the basics, including how to hold the hook, make stitches, and read patterns. It also includes project ideas and troubleshooting tips to help you build your skills.  

Creativebug offers a 60-day free trial for you to try out the lessons, which is way more than enough time to test out all the beginner classes. To top it all off, if you choose to continue the subscription (Unlimited for $7.95/ month or Unlimited Plus for $9.95/ month or 40% discount for annual payment), you can get access to crochet classes and other crafting classes like paper craft, sewing, quilting, knitting, jewellery and more.  

Learn to Crochet with Ellen Gormley from Annie's Catalog 

Ellen Gormley, an experienced crochet instructor, teaches this online course designed for beginners. She provides step-by-step instructions for essential techniques, demonstrates common stitches, and introduces various crochet projects. The course includes downloadable patterns and additional resources to support your learning journey and is available from a reputable source, Annie’s Catalog. The trial period is shorter than for Creativebug above which is just 15 days, but it might be worth checking out and looking around. They also have other classes on knitting, quilting and sewing if you are crafty all around.  

Crochet Basics Mini Course 

This is my own little humble mini course I thought to just mention here. It’s fairly simple and does not involve any complex trials. If you are keen to check out my teaching style, all you have to do is sign up here and you will receive an email course daily for 5 days, with simple pattern instructions, an accompanying video and some step-by-step pictorial instructions for all the basic crochet equipment and crochet stitches you need to get started. Of course, if you prefer browsing around and figure out what you need to know, then simply go to the beginner section of this blog and I also have you covered.  

In conclusion, these beginner crochet classes offer a range of resources and instructions to help you get started with crochet. Whether you prefer video tutorials or structured online courses, these classes provide the guidance and knowledge needed to learn the basics of crochet and begin creating your own projects. So grab your hook, yarn, and enthusiasm, and dive into the wonderful world of crochet through these beginner crochet classes. Next I will be going through advanced amigurumi design courses for when you are ready! 

If you found this article useful, remember to pin the image above to Pinterest so that others may find it and benefit from reading it too!

Advanced Amigurumi Design Courses 

The world of amigurumi design offers endless possibilities for creating adorable and unique crochet dolls and creatures. These advanced amigurumi design courses are perfect for those who want to take their skills to the next level and delve into the art of designing their own amigurumi creations.  

Each course provides valuable insights, techniques, and guidance from experienced instructors, with a slightly different angle for a seemingly similar subject matter, allowing you to explore the intricate world of amigurumi design and unleash your creativity. 

Domestika's Amigurumi Design and Creation by Príncipe del Crochet 

This course on Domestika, taught by Príncipe del Crochet, focuses on the design and creation of amigurumi dolls. In this course, you will learn how to design and make your own amigurumi. Also see how to read crochet patterns and put together simple and complex shapes to create a specific character, with finishing details. It is usually priced at $80 but they regularly run discounts that make it $10 only. He has had many students and many great testimonials but be prepared that it is not voiced in English. However, they do include English subtitles, although some crocheters would not prefer this.  

Amigurumi: Design Your Own Monster by Fresh Stitches 

Taught by Stacey Trock from Fresh Stitches, this course delves into the world of designing your own amigurumi monsters. It covers the entire design process, including sketching, choosing yarns, creating unique features, combining bodies and parts and adding expressions. The course also offers tips on bringing your amigurumi monsters to life and she has had over 10,000 students enrolled. This course is hosted on Craftsy and includes video lessons, costing approximately $40. 

Amigurumi Design Lab by Garknuten  

Garknuten's Amigurumi Design Lab is a comprehensive course that explores various aspects of amigurumi design. She only opens up once a year and is priced at $297 to limited enrollment and close supervision with her.  

It also includes a full design course for designing, creating and writing your own amigurumi patterns. In addition, there are pin templates for pinterest, a photo workshop and pattern templates, so generally geared to amigurumi designers who likely want to sell their patterns in the future.  

Next-Level Amigurumi Design by Hooked By Kati

This course by Hooked By Kati is relatively new (still in beta phase but I believe the course will launch in August 2023) and is designed for amigurumi enthusiasts who want to take their designing skills to the next level. It covers advanced techniques for creating complex shapes, merging, branching and bringing them all together, also at the same time, help you cultivate your own unique signature creative style. Price when it launches to be confirmed.  

Amigurumi Doll Shaping Course by Pocket Yarnlings 

Decided to throw in this mention of my own amigurumi design course. When I first came out with it, I named it “Amigurumi Shaping School” then I realised that it was not appropriately named because most of the techniques inside were used to make doll shapes and detailing. So, I decided to rename it “Amigurumi Doll Shaping Course”, which is a better reflection of what it is. It is a course for you to confidently crochet your first bespoke doll for the child in your life in just 6 weeks, without the hours of guesswork. It is pretty comprehensive and covers amigurumi designing for doll head shapes, hairstyles, facial detailing, limb bends, body shapes and clothing! 

On the other hand, if dolls are not your thing and you just want some a head start on making basic amigurumi shapes and bringing them together, I would highly recommend my best-selling “Amigurumi Shaping Toolbox”. Also, if you join in my VIP email list, you will get regular emails with discounts to both and all of my amigurumi courses. I am also thinking about making a course on crocheting amigurumi animals so if there is anything in particular you would like to learn about, please remember to comment and let me know below! 

In conclusion, these courses offer advanced instruction and techniques for aspiring amigurumi designers. They provide valuable insights, tips, and hands-on practice to help you create intricate and unique amigurumi designs, whether it's dolls, monsters, or other imaginative creatures. So, get started on your next amigurumi! 

Related Resources

30 must-have Gift Ideas for Crocheters under $50

Best Amigurumi Crochet Kits for Beginners and Experts Alike

Best Amigurumi Books: A Comprehensive List for Both Beginner and Advanced Crocheters

Yarn Weight Chart for Crocheting: Ultimate Comprehensive Detailed Guide 

Crochet Hook Size Chart for Amigurumi: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know

[heycrystalsmithart]

A few supplies waiting for me in the studio...

[capesandshapes]

A bunch of libraries also have access to:

Mango: language learning that's not duolingo

Creativebug: arts and crafts tutorials

Chilton auto repair: HOW TO FIX YOUR CAR (I fixed a hybrid with their help!)

Novelistplus: find readalikes for your favorite books and authors!

As a former librarian I'm actually required to remind you that many libraries that subscribe to Libby are opted into a program that lets you subscribe and access magazines for free with no wait

And that this is actually a really fun, low cost way to not only access news and larger cultural magazines, but also to get free patterns for many different crafts that you can screenshot if need be and that lower the financial barriers to entry for trying new things

From my experience working in both academic and public libraries, many libraries are use it or lose it funding-- I have to say this because a lot of patrons feel guilty for how much they use the library and how often they're using it funny enough, but the worst thing you can do for libraries is not try out new features and not use what's already given to you as much as possible.

The numbers that come as a result of your patronage are how most libraries justify their continued existence in times of financial hardship, which sucks but, go check out some magazines on Libby!

[amystewartauthor]

The winter solstice is tomorrow, and then the days will start to get gradually, imperceptibly longer, and I can’t wait. It’s crazy to think that tomorrow is only the beginning of winter. Doesn’t it feel like it’s been winter forever already? But it also means, with absolute certainty, that spring is on the way too. It’s nice to be able to count on THAT, at least. This is my first foray into acrylic ink—I was very inspired by the work of @missydunaway and her wonderful classes on @creativebug. I’m not at all sure that I need a whole other medium, but I do love the way you can build up layers of luminous color without disturbing the layers below. And, you know, there’s nothing better than coming home with a load of new art supplies 🎨 . . . #acrylicink #fwacrylicink #dalerrowney #dalerrowneyinks #sketchbook #illustratedjournal #illustrateddiary #drawyourday #drawyourlife #sketchbookart #sketchbookpage #landscapeillustration #landscapepainting #landscapesketch #pdxartist #pdxartists #creativebug (at Portland, Oregon) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXttAYbPPSZ/?utm_medium=tumblr