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How to Cre8time with a Little Help from Michaels

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Since you’re reading a crafty blog, you probably know that March in National Craft Month. You might not know that the Craft Hobby Association has launched a new project, Cre8time, which is all about getting people to take time to create for themselves and rediscover the joy of crafting.

They’re also hosting a Crea8time Blogger Challenge with a little help from Michaels Stores, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it!

It’s a relatively simple challenge: craft for an hour a day every day for eight days straight. In exchange, participating bloggers got Michaels gift cards to buy some goodies to help us recharge our creative batteries.

My Craft Haul

I should start by saying that I went way over budget. I haven’t been to a Michaels in years, since the closest one is about an hour away from my house, so I really wanted to stock up on some goodies.

Here’s a look at some of the stuff I got.cre8time craft challenge

Mostly there’s stuff for mixed media projects, some fabric paint, cross stitch supplies, a heat gun and a few candlemaking goodies.

I decided I really wanted to use this challenge to work on some crafts I’ve either never done before or haven’t done in a long time, so there will be stitching, candle making and maybe some card-making, too!

You may notice there’s nothing yarn-related here at all. That was intentional. Knitting is my job and I wanted this experiment to be about crafting in other ways. (Don’t worry, I’ll keep writing about knitting this week, too.)

I did buy one yarn-craft thing, actually, that’s been on my wish list for a long time.martha stewart loom

That’s the Martha Stewart Crafts Knit & Weave Loom Kit. I’m so excited to give it a try, and I’m sure I’ll have a bit of a review for you all once I’ve gotten a chance to play with it.

I’m going to start my creative journey tomorrow and would love it if you would join me!

In the meantime, check out this slightly dramatic but still powerful video from the folks at Cre8time to learn a little bit more about what it’s all about. What would you create with more time?

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Comments

  2. I try to craft daily, but don’t often have a whole hour to devote to “making”. I’ve been a hat binge lately, and have knit on either a hat or sock just about every day this past week.

Have you read?

Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF – A Romantic 1950s Bridal Shawl

There are some vintage knitting patterns that feel like they belong in a hat box with tissue paper, silk gloves, and a very dramatic lipstick. This Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from the CraftGossipStore has exactly that sort of old-school glamour.

It is a restored vintage knitting pattern for a delicate triangular lace stole with long fringe, designed to drape softly over the shoulders. The look is very 1950s evening wrap, but it also works beautifully for modern bridal styling, boho wedding outfits, vintage-inspired photo shoots, costume wardrobes, or anyone who likes a little romantic drama in their handmade accessories.

You can find the pattern here: Vintage Knitted Lace Stole Pattern PDF from CraftGossipStore.

What I like about this pattern is that it has that lovely “special occasion” feeling without being locked into one use. Yes, it would make a beautiful handmade bridal shawl, especially in cream, ivory, soft white, champagne, or pale blush. But it could also be stunning worn over a simple black dress, used as a vintage-style evening wrap, or made as an heirloom gift for someone who loves classic lace knitting.

The finished stole measures approximately 60 inches across the top and 43 inches along each side, so it has enough width to sit nicely around the shoulders while still keeping that airy lace look. The triangular shape gives it a graceful drape, and the fringe adds movement without making the design feel too heavy.

This is a digital PDF pattern, so no finished stole will be posted out. After purchase, the file is available as an instant download through Etsy, which is always handy if you are in that dangerous “I need a new project immediately” mood. We have all been there. Usually surrounded by yarn we already own, naturally.

The pattern is best suited to confident beginners through intermediate knitters who are comfortable following row-by-row instructions and working basic lace techniques such as increasing, decreasing, slipping stitches, and keeping track of rows. Like many vintage knitting patterns, the instructions may be more concise than modern patterns, so a little patience and a good row counter will be your friend here.

The original pattern calls for fine crochet cotton or thread and No. 11 knitting needles, but as with any vintage pattern, modern substitutions may require some swatching. I know swatching is not the most thrilling part of knitting, but with lace it really does help. A small test piece will show you the fabric, drape, and openness of the stitch pattern before you commit to the full stole.

If you are knitting this for a wedding, photo shoot, formal event, or gift, I would choose the yarn carefully. A smooth cotton thread will give it that crisp vintage lace look, while a softer fine yarn could make it feel more modern and romantic. A light wool blend, silk blend, bamboo blend, or fine cotton could all give different results, so think about whether you want structure, softness, sheen, or drape.

For supplies, you’ll want suitable fine yarn or thread, knitting needles, a tapestry needle, scissors, measuring tape, and something to help track your rows. Mary Maxim is a good place to browse classic yarns and knitting supplies, while Amazon can be handy for stitch counters, blocking mats, lace blocking wires, and pattern folders if you like to keep your printable PDFs organised.

One thing I would not skip with this project is blocking. Lace rarely looks its best straight off the needles. Blocking opens up the stitch pattern, evens out the fabric, and helps the stole sit beautifully across the shoulders. If you are making this as a bridal wrap, blocking is what takes it from “I knitted a lace triangle” to “oh, this looks properly elegant.”

This pattern would be a lovely choice for knitters who enjoy vintage accessories, wedding knitting, heirloom-style projects, and lightweight wraps. It has enough detail to feel special, but the finished piece is still wearable and versatile. That is the sweet spot with vintage patterns — beautiful, but not so precious that it never leaves the wardrobe.

If you have a soft spot for romantic lace, fringe, vintage fashion, or handmade bridal accessories, this is a gorgeous little pattern to tuck into your knitting queue.