I came across this board game in a little craft shop and just had to hunt it down online, if only to convince myself I wasn’t hallucinating. Not quite sure yet whether it’s a work of genius or a craft obsession run amok, but it sure is stitch-alicious. Here’s the schpiel from their press release: “Stitch-opoly is a fun property trading game you can play to share your love of needlework with friends and family. The object of the game is to become an expert stitcher and build a needlework empire by buying and trading different needlework stitches. You build Needlework Studios and convert them to Shops while making sure you don’t pick the ‘Your Stitching is Not Centred’ game card or you’ll have to go directly to ‘Pull Out Thread’ without passing ‘Start Stitching’ and collecting $200. All the while, players try to make sure they don’t ‘Lose Their Needle’ – because if they do, they’ll lose a turn! Of course it is always fun to be selected ‘Stitcher of the Year’ by the Stitch-opoly Diva of Stitching, Emma Broidery.”

It’s that time of year again for lucky Brisbane dwellers. The Craft & Quilt Fair is on at the Brisbane Exhibition Centre, South Bank starting tomorrow – Wednesday October 22nd to Sunday 26th. It's the biggest one-stop craft shop. Lots to buy. Lots to learn with daily workshops. Lots to admire with displays from fellow craftsters. Tickets are only $16 but there are loads of concessions for groups and multi-day passes etc – for all info on the fair and how to get there head to www.craftfair.com.au.

Ms Mimi & Mr Pong (mimipong) are a creative collaborative currently focusing on conceptual plush. "Hug your Sorrow" tear dolls is their lastest creation. The dolls come in various teardrop shapes in aqua unbrushed fleece – to better absorb your tears. The embroidered tags provide lines to pen down one's sorrow, before giving it a big hug. The tear dolls retail for USD $30 and can be purchased at www.fredflare.com

If you’re partial to the odd bit of seamstressing when the mood hits, and you haven’t already, have a gander at Burda Style Open Source Sewing. There are heaps of free (and very cheap) patterns to download, as well as mods members have made to existing Burda patterns, like this sweet ‘Sidonie’ skirt variation. Plus there’s forums to talk sewing stuff, some how-to’s, and piccies of other people’s creations. Quite apart from anything else, it means you won’t have to battle through hordes of sticky infants, bad fabric and unhelpful sales assistants next time you want a freakin’ pattern!