Vintage Dress Making

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size:  70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 169283

If you've been following this account over the years, you would know that besides jigsaw puzzling, I'm an avid crafter and usually enter my cross stitch and embroidery into the town's local annual show. Because of this, I also enjoy doing puzzles that feature elements of my different passions, and so the above one was no exception.

While I have not attempted dressmaking (as yet) I loved the design of the above Ravensburger puzzle. 

The vibrant colours, busy design and pretty little details made the above puzzle a joy to do. 

Do you have other hobbies besides doing jigsaw puzzles? Do you try and find puzzles that feature cross-over designs with this hobby?

Vintage Knitting & Crochet

Brand: Ravensburger

Pieces: 1000
Size:  70cm x 50cm

Product Code: 176205

Autumn is here and the days are starting to get a little cooler, which is why I have decided to post the above puzzle image- colourful wool and knits seemed like the perfect choice.

I loved the bright and vibrant colours in this design, as well as the throwbacks to vintage knitting patterns and retro photography. Even though knitting and crocheting are crafts I have yet to master, I am still fascinated by the process and would love to one day sit down and teach myself properly. I have attempted both a few times but other projects have always come along and I've set the learning aside to do those instead. One day! 

Is there a particular craft or hobby you enjoy doing besides jigsaw puzzles? Have you found a cross-over where you can do a jigsaw puzzle based on that craft or hobby? Let me know!

Colorful Yarn

Brand: Puzzlebug

Pieces: 500
Size:  46cm x 28cm

Product Code: -

If you've been following this blog for a while (or even if you haven't), you'd probably be aware that I have many other hobbies besides building puzzles, such as crafting, reading, collecting (and much more). Because of this, I don't s[end as much time as I'd like doing puzzles, but it also means that my interest in certain themes of puzzles is vast.

The above puzzle was a cheap quality one that appealed because of its subject matter- I love crafts and am an avid cross stitcher. Although the image depicts wool or yarn rather than threads, I was still drawn to it, and have decided to post it today because I am currently stitching madly to complete something for my local show. This is just a short reprieve until I pick up my needle again in a few minutes!

Despite the price of the Puzzlebug puzzles (and the cheaper quality) they still have designs that appeal to me and the above one was no exception. You can usually find a random design to suit the mood you're in.

Well, back to it. After all this show business is over, I'll be jumping right back into puzzling... Until then... 

Tools For Creative Success

Brand: Galison

Pieces: 1000
Size: 68.58cm x 50.8cm

Product Code: -

I have to admit, I'm a huge stationery fan. Just the act of going into a store (even if it's just Officeworks) and seeing/ buying all the crisp new notebooks, colourful pens and fresh art supplies gets me excited. Haha so lame but true.

That's why I can't help but be attracted to puzzle designs such as the one above. I love designs like this normally, but to see them with a stationery theme makes them all the more enticing. 

The above puzzle was a pleasure to do- the colour palette is a gorgeous mix of pastels and brights, and the pieces fit snugly together. Even the layout of the illustrations is pleasing to the eye. 

Do you have a particular theme that draws your attention and makes you want to buy it?

Vivid Origami

Brand: Crown

Pieces: 1000
Size: 60.5cm x 45.5cm

Product Code: -

Are you much of a crafter? Do you have hobbies outside of jigsaw puzzling that you enjoy doing? I personally enjoy cross stitching and embroidery and have dabbled in many other crafts over the years, including jewellery making (beading and silversmithing), papercraft and other miscellaneous activities. 

That's why I thought I'd put up this puzzle today, featuring origami and paper folding. I love the intricacies of the artform, and how one sheet of paper can be folded into absolutely anything! I especially love this image by Aimee Stewart (which I think has also been released by other puzzle companies, although possibly under different names). 

This puzzle was fun to do and so colourful- I really enjoy piecing together her designs. It was part of a fantasy series that Crown puzzles released, although I don't think the other designs jumped out at me quite so much. Regardless, I probably ended up buying them too, just to have the whole collection! 

Needles And Such

Brand: MB Puzzle 

Pieces: 1000
Size: 50.8cm x 68.58cm
Product Code:  -

Yesterday (Friday 30 July) was World Embroidery Day so I thought it would be fitting to put up the above puzzle which features needles, thread and other embroidery materials! I have done a lot of embroidery over the years (mostly cross stitch though) and I love the fact that there is a day dedicated to commemorating such a fun and beautiful craft.

The above puzzle (with artwork by Angela Anderson) was a bit more challenging to do than I previously expected, probably because of the repeating motifs throughout the design, but I really enjoyed it regardless. The colours were vibrant and the design was busy (but not too busy if you know what I mean). The quality of the pieces was good for a cheaper brand puzzle. 

What hobbies do you do that have been commemorated by a special day? Have you seen puzzles around that are representative of your hobby?