Mini Review

Since I mentioned the felt kit that My Guy got me, I thought I should give a little review in case any of ya'll might be interested.
The best part of this kit, is that all the patterns come from crafters across the web-o-verse. The websites of the pattern makers are all listed in the back of the little book. The worst part of the kit is that the book is really stiff and hard to deal with as an instruction book, I had to kinda break the spine, and I still had to use a stickie note to hold the pages open.
I didn't mean to spoil a gift by finding out how much it cost, but when I saw the price when I looked up the link, I thought that it was just about right. There are nice supplies, and the book has some good patterns, and some not-so-good, like any pattern-type book.
This is a super kit for someone who's interested in working with felt and has never tried it. Because of it's inexpensive-ness, and cool patterns collected from web crafters, it's also a great kit for someone who already works with felt.

Review: Crafty Pod

Let me start this review with a confession: Crafty Pod is my absolute favorite pod cast. There I said it.
First of all, our Pod host, Sister Diane has a wonderful voice, very calming to listen to, and professional sounding. She creates a biweekly podcast, that is usually right around 15-20 minutes, a perfect length to be able to listen in one break at work, and listen to over again anytime for an extra pick-me-up. They may be short but they are packed with so much information, interview bits, links, projects, ideas, that you can hardly believe it was that short. There are always bonuses on the site, and she's recently added a regular blog, so there are great posts of extra things that didn't make it onto the podcast. She's covered everything from buttons to felt, and has great podcasts of things to make for your cubicle, when you're sick, or on vacation.
Go LISTEN
P.S. The extra added bonus of the podcast? The adorible music. Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom!

Review: Craft Sanity

There are four podcasts that I never miss: Penn Jillette's radio show, CraftyPod, Never Not Funny, and Craft Sanity. Possibly an odd selection, but I guess that kinda reflects my personality.
Craft Sanity is an in-deapth podcast, hosted by journalist and crafter, Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood. Each episode, she talks with a famous crafter, and I say talks with instead of interviews, because she definately adds her own perspective to each show. She is curious about everything, and asks wonderful thought provoking questions. Listening, I really feel like I'm getting to know the crafter personally, as well as getting to know Jennifer. Hearing other people's stories of how they got where they are is very inspiring to me, especially on those days when I'm feeling too old. (little funny quirk of the show, Jennifer always tells you everyone's age) And we get to find out all sorts of interesting side stories, too, which is what reminded me to write this post. Author Jessica Vitkus had awesome stories of behind-the-scenes at The Daily Show, which is one of my never miss TV shows. And on the latest podcast, which I just listened to last night, with cross stitcher Heather Holland-Daly, I learned that the head animator for South Park went to college here in Nebraska (he's good friends with Heather's husband who went to school here, too). Small world! Most guests provide a free project, and some bring a copy of their book for Jennifer to give away to her listeners.
If you're new to podcasts, and an hour (or more) seems like a big committment, look through the archives and start with a subject that particularly interests you. I find now, that even if the subject matter is not one that I would normally want to listen to, the interviewing and stories make it all interesting.
My rating on the Craft Sanity Podcast: Four Stars and Three Hugs! I would definately not be as sane as I am today without this wonderful show.