What We Made Together: June 2025 Handmade Collective Recap

Wow. Just wow.
This year’s Handmade Collective was beyond our wildest dreams. We were counting down the days with excitement, and it turned out to be everything we hoped for, and so much more.

We’re full of emotion (and more than a few happy tears).
So many beautiful moments - stories shared, inspiration sparked, creativity celebrated. It reminded us just how powerful it is when a community like ours comes together to make, support, and dream side by side.

We're still collecting all the highlights and heartwarming memories, but one thing is clear:
We’re so deeply grateful for YOU.

These events prove that when we unite around a shared love of handmade, magic happens.
Whether you stitched along, cheered from the chat, or soaked it in quietly from your favorite chair, we felt your presence and your passion every step of the way.

Day 1: Stories, Stitches & Sweet Projects

We kicked off the week with a big heart and beautiful intention.
Highlights included:

• Loose Ends shared how they carry unfinished projects across the finish line with compassion and care.

 Read more here.

• Jennifer Long stitched joy into the room with her balloon cover project, perfect for kids and full of purpose.

Read more here.

• Allison Kelley from Sewing by Sarah dazzled us with clever tools and a butterfly collage quilt.

Read more here.

• Chelsea Porter cozied up the crowd with a microwave-safe bowl cozy demo, live from the CutterPillar studio.

Read more here.

• Melodee gave us a guided tour of our favorite CutterPillar tools.
  
  

Giveaways and deals added sparkle throughout the day, and the evening wrapped with an intimate VIP Creators Zoom featuring presenters from the day in a heartful, come-as-you-are conversation that truly set the tone.

Read more about the first day here.

Day 2: Color, Connection & Creative Surprises

If Day 1 was about heart, Day 2 was about play.
From vibrant designs to smart shortcuts, we leaned into joy:

• Mary Beth Temple walked us through sewing a chic Japanese Knot Bag—with a free pattern!

Read more here.

• Amy Smart showed how precuts can unlock endless quilting possibilities with tips that were equal parts practical and playful.

Read more here.

• Tracey Sims stunned with her painterly embroidery and expert use of Zündt Design tools.

Read more here.

• Meags & Me charmed everyone with “Sniff,” a delightfully simple hoop appliqué project you couldn’t help but love.
  
  

Read more here.

Melodee’s demo of the Flex Accessory Kit and Flip & Fold mats was full of insider tips—and exclusive discounts!
And of course, VIPs stepped inside the circle again in that magical after-hours Zoom with today's makers, including Amy, Tracey, and the Meags & Me crew.

Read more about the second day here.

Day 3: Finale, Friendship & Full-Hearted Making

Our final day was a celebration—a culmination of shared joy, learning, and laughter.

• Michele McIntosh wowed us with “Chip the Goldfinch,” a paper-pieced marvel made with 83 shades of Kona Cotton.

Read more here.

• Corey Pearson introduced the QISS system: quilting with purpose, simplicity, and sustainability.

Read more here.

• Stephanie from WonderFil gave us a masterclass in thread knowledge—boosting confidence and inspiring better stitching at every level.
  
  

Read more here.

The day ended with our grand prize giveaway—the ultimate Handmade Collective bundle—and a heartfelt last VIP Creators Zoom that left many feeling more connected than ever before.

Read more about the third day here.

What We’re Taking With Us

Three days. Countless stitches. Infinite inspiration.
What made this event so magical wasn’t just the projects or the prizes—it was you. The chat threads filled with encouragement. The generous sharing. The laughter during demos. The bravery in trying something new.

You showed up with open hearts and busy hands, and we’re so honored to have stitched this moment in time together.

Replay access is still available for those with a Creative or Creator’s Pass, revisit your favorite sessions anytime.

You can also catch highlights and bonus content on our new YouTube channel - Nook & Notion!

And don't forget to check your email for event-only discounts still available this week!

We’ll see you again soon - for more ideas, more making, and more moments like this. Until then, keep creating with joy.