10 Crafty Blogs We Love

To kick off How-To Month, we thought we'd start by singling out some of the bloggers who have inspired us with their fearless approach to home improvement projects. The list ranges from expert sewers to hackers to all-around Renaissance people who are equally comfortable wielding a hammer or a spatula.

The Purl Bee: If you love fabric, you'll love this blog. Written by the ladies at Soho fabric shop Purl, the blog includes beautifully photographed images of their wares and meticulously detailed instructions for patchwork, crochet and embroidery projects.

not martha: Megan Reardon describes herself as someone "making attempts at cooking, knitting and homemaking, and keeping track of lessons learned the hard way." Written in a funny, approachable voice, her blog has a great archive of how-to projects.

maya*made: Maya Donenfeld's blog won the Apartment Therapy 2009 Homies Award in our "green home" category. The "make" section of her blog is a great resource for simple, doable craft projects.

Ikea Hacker: Another big winner in the 2009 Homies, Ikea Hacker earned the "best home tech" award. It's a great read if you're looking for ways to customize your Billy bookcase or Lack shelf.

Dollar Store Crafts: In 2008, Heather Mann founded this site, which features projects that can be made with materials from your local Dollar Store. Categories divide the projects into $1, $5, and $10 or more.

Design*Sponge: The DIY section of Grace Bonney's popular blog is full of simple, good-looking projects by d*s contributors and readers.

How About Orange: Jessica Jones is skilled crafter and fabric designer who posts tutorials of her projects on her smart and funny blog.

Nest: Brooklyn-based Meg Allen Cole hosts a web show called Decor it Yourself and posts DIY ideas on her blog.

Sweet Paul: Born in Oslo, stylist Paul Lowe now lives and works in New York. Every time we check his blog, we're floored by the beautiful photos and sheer creativity of his projects.

Making it Lovely: Nicole Balch and her husband Brandon bought an Oak Park bungalow and have been transforming it into their own homey Shangri-La. Check out her "crafty and handy projects" archive for ideas.

Did we miss your favorite craft or how-to blog? This list is just a beginning—add your must-reads in the comments.

Photo: New Year's Garland from the Purl Bee

Comments (21)

It's Erin at YAY! DIY. Check us out at: yaydiy.com

We blog about everything from cooking, to crafting, to card-making, to furniture redos. Looking forward to checking out those on your list we haven't!

I love the Making It Lovely blog! So inspiring. I look around at my house that's so in transition and realize that it's the finishing touches that will make it a home. I love her fearless use of color!

Thank you so much for including my blog, Nest. I adore Apartment Therapy and am very happy to be included with such delightful and creative blogs.

My apologies: I included How About Orange which you already have on your list!

I love all of the sites you have listed! Most of them have inspired me on my own crafty blog The How-To Gal! I'd love for you to swing by!

Love the blogs you have chosen. I do a lot of very cheap renovation posts at http://marleyandlockyer.blogspot.com like how to paint floors, renovate a bathroom with NO budget etc etc.
Ness xx