Pattern Review: Twig and Tale Patterns

Twig and Tale hands down make my favorite patterns. First, because they embrace the layer functionality of pdfs, and so each size is on a separate layer meaning you only print one size at a time, and never have to worry about cutting on the wrong line. For this alone they should get five shiny, gold stars, a dance of glee, and every other pattern maker should follow in their footsteps.

But no, they don’t stop there, not only are their patterns dead simple to cut out, their instructions are brilliant, too. Ever step is laid out for the beginner, and the more difficult steps even have a video showing you what to do. The first time I sewed a Twig and Tale pattern, I had never sewn a piece of clothing before, and my past sewing experience was basically making a single pillow case. I had to FaceTime my mom twice to get help threading my machine, that is how much of a newbie I was, and yet, my Evergreen bonnet and my Pathfinder vest both turned out amazing.

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Summer Capsule Wardrobe for a Toddler #1

Here’s a peek at how the sewing for Kai’s Summer Capsule Wardrobe is going. I made a Twig + Tale Evergreen Bonnet and Pixie Shorts from a 100% wool blazer. The blazer was a great thrift find. It was a size 16 so there was lots of material and it was Pendleton wool so it was great quality.

I did felt the wool before cutting (an extra long hot cycle in the washer and a fully dry hot cycle in the dryer). This was my first time sewing clothing with a sewing machine and I think it went really well. The Twig + Tale patterns were really easy to follow and had embedded video for some of the tricker things incase you were confused.

I think it’s off to great start!

Wednesday: The Kite Fold

Today is the third day of the flats and handwashing challenge at Cloth Diaper Revival. 

Around here we like to be lazy, and so padfolding is a go to. It’s fast, it’s easy, and with a wiggly toddler that often trumps trimness or elegance. When Kai is in a cooperative mood, however, the Kite fold is my favorite fold.

I couldn’t get Kai to cooperate today, so here’s Bobo Bear in a kite folded hemp jersey flat. 

Monday: Why are you taking the Flats and Handwashing Challenge?

Today is the first day of the flats and handwashing diaper challenge hosted by Cloth Diaper Revival. 

I think most of you know by now that I love cloth diapers. Last year we did the flats and handwashing challenge while doing a thousand mile road trip. It was REALLY a challenge. This year I’m hoping to see what a normal daily routine might look like when handwashing.


We use flats and covers on a regular basis, so that bit isn’t much of a challenge. They’re easy, especially since I usually pad fold these days, they’re effective, and they’re a system I can use and only use natural fibers. (Last year we used bamboo flats, this year we’re mostly using hemp). 


I’ve also voluntarily handwashed last year and while camping before, so that part isn’t new either, but this is the first time I’ll be handwashing at home where the lure of the washer is ever present. Let the challenge begin!

Instagram Giveaway: Rox + Rumble Woolsters!

(We have a winner, @pampskat!) The  weather has finally turned cold here in the South, and it looks like it might be winter for a whole month or two. Cooler weather means more woolie wearing time, which is an exciting thing at House Craftsman.

Even better, Rox +Rumble’s Winter line came out recently. It’s full of great new colors in both double-layer slim pants and knit and purl pants. As I shared my excitement about the new pants with Rox + Rumble’s Mom in Charge, Megan, we hatched a plot to help you join in the fun, too. This Craftsman Life in conjunction with Rox + Rumble is giving away a pair of Woolsters!

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