Magpie & Cake recommends Knitting Help's abbreviations explained page, which includes some videos, yay.

I really like the knitted goods at Wing NYC, via Mighty Goods.

Knitgrrl has a new book coming out called Alternation: Transform. Embellish. Customize, and it's got it's own website - Alternationbook.com.

Making a fabric heart garland for Valentine's Day, at One Hour Craft.

A recommendation for the Fiskars SewSharp Scissors Sharpener at Cool Tools.

I continue to appreciate that the people on the Craftster forums keep up their own indexes, like this ultimate purses, bags and wallets tutorials index which lead me to reversible cut out handle bag, clutch clutch clutch tutorial, classy peated iridescent clutch, cut out handle tutorial (this is how I prefer to do cut out handles, it's like a bound button hole), slouchy hobo bag, nintendo messenger bag, cosmetics bag, and the monster purse.

I received the Craftivity book a while back and it promptly got buried under a pile of magazines and catalogs. I unearthed it last week and I regret it taking me so long to get to it because the book is amazing.

It is divided into parts based on material: Yarn & String, Fabric & Thread, Paper & Plastic, Glass & Ceramics, Wood & Metal, and Lost & Found. Each part starts with the basics - how to knit, spin, crochet and embroider, Kool Aid dye yarn, silkscreen and basics of wood working. All these are things you can find online but I get a cozy feeling knowing it's all gathered here in this book for me. The projects in each part start with the easy and work up to Craft Master level, projects include knitting a hammock, wall murals and a lit up display shelf. Each project is clearly explained from the origin of the idea through to clear instructions, and everything is photographed beautifully.

I feel refreshed and inspired after paging through the book and I'm looking forward to a bunch of the projects I'd like to do -- I must have a pom-pom rug for my bedroom. Other projects which caught my eye are the felted flower brooch, turning t-shirts into underwear, graffiti rubber doormat, a nice sturdy bed frame, embroidered screen door and moss graffiti.

Craftivity: 40 Projects for the DIY Lifestyle by Tsia Carson, founder of Supernaturale.

Microwaving sponges might not kill germs (via TMN), and it just be a little dangerous (also).