What do a crocheted ladybug blanket, a bumblebee cardigan and butterfly hat all have in common?  They're just part of the adorable collection of crochet for babies and kids in Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks.  We love the cuddly cute designs so much that we invited today's guest blogger, Michele Maks, to talk about her fabulous designs in Cute as a Bug. Welcome Michele!

Oh, how I love to crochet for little ones!

Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks

Hi! I’m Michele Maks, the designer of all the cute crochetwear in Cute as a Bug. Don’t you just love to stitch projects that are as cute and fun as the small people you are stitching for? 

Crochet Star-Struck Hat in Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks

While you'll find crocheted ladybug, butterfly and bumblebee items in Cute as a Bug, you'll also find this adorable Star-Struck set which I happen to think is also cute as a bug! What's not to love about these stars and stripes?

Crochet Star-Struck Cardigan in Cute as a Bug

Whether you are stitching for a girl or boy, cute and quick and easy is the way to go!

I think this colorful crochet butterfly is a great example!  In Cute as a Bug you'll also find a matching hat and blanket for this adorable sweater.

Crochet Butterfly Cardigan from Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks

And this crochet blanket coordinates with the ladybug and bumblebee sets, not only making it super cute, but practical too!

In Cute as a Bug, you'll find: blankets,

Crochet Ladybug Blanket from Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks

sweaters,

Crochet Star-Struck Sweater from Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks

and hats – oh, my!

Crochet Ladybug Hat and Cardigan from Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks

No Cute as a Bug crochet book for babies and kids would be complete without a bumblebee set to round it out.  This sweater and hat are perfect for both a boy and a girl! Like all the sets in the book, you'll find instructions for sizes ranging from 6 months to four years so babies and kids of many ages can join in on the Cute as a Bug fun!

Crochet Bumbleboee Hat and Cardigan from Cute as a Bug by Michele Maks

Cute as a bug in a rug; play school will be abuzz about these handmade wardrobe winners!

Instead of purchasing gifts this year, use your plastic canvas crafting skills to create something personal and unique for the boy in your life. There are tons of great plastic canvas gift ideas for kids, from play sets to small games and other fun trinkets. Make the perfect plastic canvas gifts this year with these fun patterns.

1. A Portable Castle: Create a fun plastic canvas portable playhouse set and his imagination will run free. This fun castle will really come to life when he adds his favorite toy people and animals. Plus, it's easy to pack up and take anywhere - perfect for traveling. The boy on your list will love this plastic canvas gift from Portable Playhouse Sets.

2. A Set Of Plastic Canvas Dinosaurs: Young boys will spend hours pretending they're in "the land before time" with these playful dinosaur characters. These toys can even make learning fun by sparking a child's interest in prehistoric wonders. Create this great gift for boys and get started now with the Super Dinosaurs ePattern.

3. A Fishing Game: The boys on your list will love to go fishing with this fun plastic canvas toy. Create several numbered fish, a fishing rod, and a small pool for a fishing game kids will love! Everyone will be impressed by this unique plastic canvas toy from Gifts Galore.

4. A Camouflage Set: Here are two neat projects a boy will treasure! Stitched with variegated yarn in camouflage colors, the Keep Out sign can be posted on a door to ensure his privacy. And the matching storage box is just the right size for holding his toy soldiers, prized baseball cards, or anything else he wants to keep top secret. Get started on this great boy gift now with the Camouflage Collection ePattern.

5. A Plastic Canvas Game: The boy on your list in for a "toad-ally" good time with this amphibious friend! Create the whimsical plastic canvas board and accompanied game pieces that can be strung on a ribbon for safekeeping. Kids will love this "ribbiting" game for trips and rainy days. Create this great gift now with the Tic-Tac-Toad ePattern.

6. A Sporty Storage Box: Boys who loves sports will have a ball with this plastic canvas case for trading cards or other trinkets! Openings on the back of the lid make it perfect for displaying favorite cards or special pictures. Start this great gift for boys now with the ePattern.

Need more gift ideas? Check out our Plastic Canvas Gift Giving Guide.

This season, use your knitting skills to create the perfect, cozy gifts - even for teenage guys! We know how hard it can be to shop for guys, but we have great gift ideas for any young man. Whether he loves sports or is addicted to technology, you will find the perfect gift to knit him!

1. A Sporty Knit Blanket: This sports-themed knit blanket is perfect for hard-to-please teen guys. Whether he loves playing sports or just watching them, this blanket will become a favorite of his. Start on this unique knit now with School Colors.

2. An Edgy Headband & Armband: This knit set will be perfect for him to wear to class or to jog on those chilly mornings. Choose which design fits his personality best - a skull, peace sign, or flames. Then knit a matching armband to hold his phone or music player! He will love these knit gifts from Awesome Knits For Guys & Chicks.

3. A Knit Blanket With Sleeves: Inspired by those popular fleece cover-ups sold on TV, this cozy blanket will be perfect for teen guys who prefer to spend the night on the couch. The sleeves will allow his hands to be free for texting or gaming while he stays warm. Surprise him with this unique gift with the Big Book Of Loom Knitting.

4. A Cozy Knit Set: This stylish knit beanie and scarf are the perfect gift for a teen guy. The neutral colors keep it simple, while the knit cables are sure to keep him warm on cold days! Knit this great gift now with Hats & More.

5. A Knit Sleeve For His Tech: This tablet cozy is perfect for teen guy who always seems to have the latest tech gear. It is great for protecting his tablet, eReader, or small laptop. He will love how the soft yarn protects the screen from damage. Knit it in his favorite color now for a great gift with Beginner-Friendly Knitting.

6. A Stadium Blanket With Handles: This blanket is great for the teen guy who is always on the go with sporting events. Whether he is tailgating or watching a game, this portable blanket is great for any occasion! Knit it in his school colors or his favorite teams colors for a gift he will cherish. Get started on this great gift with University Knits.

7. A Warm Pair Of Socks: Knit a great pair of socks for the teen guy on your list. Use cozy yarn to keep his feet warm and fun colors to show off his unique personality. Great for lounging around or wearing to class. Start knitting this gift now with Campus Knits.

Need more gift ideas? Check out our Gifts To Knit.

Quilt and sew gifts boys will love!  Put your quilting and sewing skills to use this year to create the perfect gifts for all the young boys in your group of friends and family! There's something to make for any boy, regardless of age or interests. Whether he likes cars and racing, fishing and exploring, or imaginative play, you can create the perfect gift for him this season!

1. A Fun Dinosaur Quilt: Let his imagination run wild with this fun quilt, featuring his favorite herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores! Great to throw over his bed or hang on the wall. Good news for you - this great quilt is easy and quick to make! Start on the perfect gift for a young boy with Best of Fons & Porter: Beginner Friendly Quilts.

2. A Whimsical Turtle Backpack: You can't find backpacks like this in store - he will be so excited to take it school and show to all his friends! This fun animal backpack will also be great for sleepovers and weekend trips! Send him to school with the cutest backpack with Woodland Creatures Backpacks.

3. A Set Of Fun Sock Puppets: Sew these fun sock puppets for him and watch with delight when he opens them and puts on a show for everyone in the room. Or enlist his help to make them super special! A great project to bond over, and a great gift. Don't wait - you can start on this gift now with the ePattern!

4. A Racing Themed Quilt: Perfect for the kid who loves cars and racing! Make him this unique quilt to throw on his bed or hang on his wall. Start on this great gift for young boys now with Man Cave Quilts.

5. Fun Fish Pillows: A future oceanographer (or anyone little boy who loves fishing) will be enchanted with these flashy fleece pillows. Choose his favorite colors to make them super special! Great to pile on the bed - and great for pillow fights! Create great gifts for the boy on your list now with this ePattern.

6. A Dog Themed Bed Set: Any boy who loves dogs will love this bed set!  Great for cuddling up on after a long day of playing together. Start on this great gift now with Room By Room Quilts. 

7. A Firetruck Pillow: What little boy wouldn't love this fun fire truck pillow? Featuring red ticking fabric and bright primary fleece accents, it's sure to be a hit with the future fireman in your family. Start on this great gift idea now with the ePattern.

Need More Great Gift Ideas?

Are you looking to quilt or sew gifts for teenage boys? When it comes to gift giving, teen guys are always some of the hardest people to please, whether you're buying or making a gift. These unique quilting and sewing designs are here to save the day! Use these unexpected designs to create the perfect gift for any teen guy, whether he likes music, sports, cars, or art.

1. An Unexpected Quilt: To create the perfect quilt for a teen guy, choose edgy and unique patterns to suit his interest. This musical quilt is perfect for the teen guy who will not put down the guitar. Also great as a wall hanging! Create gifts teen guys will love with Best of Fons & Porter Easy Collection.

2. Route 66 Pillows:  Everyone loves pillows, and teen guys who are into cars will be eager to add these to their rooms.  These unique pillows are sewn with black and white denim for an unexpected and masculine twist. Bonus: You can get started on this great gift for teen guys today with the ePattern.

3. A Personalized T-Shirt Quilt:  Teenagers love the idea of having a t-shirt quilt full of their favorite memories, plus it's a great way for you to spend time with the teenage guy in your life! Bond over choosing t-shirts filled with memories to use as fabric - shirts from sporting events, school, concerts, summer camp, or a combination of all these.  The result will be to create a very special gift and fun time spent together! Get started today with T-Shirt Quilts.

4. An artsy pillow:  The artistic teen guy will love this abstract, fun pillow. Choose bold, exciting patterns to create a perfectly unique pillow for him.  Great to add to the bed, and one day take to college! Create fun teen gifts for teen guys now with Quilt Blocks Go Wild.

5. A sporty quilt:   Teen guys who love watching or playing football will love this football themed quilt. Great to take on the go to games or throw over the couch to decorate. Create guy-friendly quilts to gift this season with Man Cave Quilts.

Need More Great Gift Ideas?