For free, quarterly, seasonal knitting patterns, check out Knitty. Don’t forget to check back every now and again for the bonus patterns!
The Purlbee has the most gorgeous toadstool baby rattle pattern. Relatively simple knitting so long as you can wield dpns, but even if you can’t they’re worth checking out just for the pretty-factor.
Sewing
Heather Bailey has made the pattern for her cute patchwork pincushions available for free on her website.
Write, Mama. Write has a fabulous collection of tutorials and things to make, including a section on handmade holidays: 30 days of gifts to sew
Beautiful, simple baby clothes from Marie Claire idées. The site’s in French, but the patterns look fairly easy to put together (even easier if you actually speak French, I suspect). Print the pattern on A4 paper, then enlarge by the given percentage.
Fabric loveliness and inspiration in general is always on the menu at Grand Revival Designs. So nice!
And since we’re talking about embroidery, Primrose Design has a great “Stitch School” (look for it in the sidebar), with clear explanations and step-by-step photos of every stitch you’ll ever need.
Joyful Abode has a fantastic tutorial for Indian shisha (mirror) embroidery. I always wondered how that was done!
Gift Wrapping
Real Simple has six creative wrapping ideas, including using tea towels and hair ties (they didn’t suggest using them together, but I’m sure you could).
What would gift wrapping be without Martha Stewart? My personal favourite is the Japanese newspaper wrap, although I’m also loving the idea of attaching bells to everything.
