With the new year comes the possibility for reinvention. Forget losing those last 10(or 20) pounds and focus your New Year's resolutions on updating your crafting repertoire. Whether your new skill involves knitting a fresh pattern or giving stencils a chance, there's a plethora of perfect projects for beginners or the more experienced looking for fast and easy crafts.

Fun, easy crafts to make this year:
Sew a simple and stylish tote bag
A book bag, a knitting tote, a gym carryall, a catch-all for the car -- the possibilities are endless with this easy pattern.





Easy-knit afghan
This bright blanket is made from colourful knitted squares that are quick to make and portable, too.





Floor Cushions
These soft and comfy portable seats have many uses, from chair cushions and pet beds to cozy spots for napping children.





Raspberry toque: A crocheted hat
This super-cute, cosy and quick-to-make toque is crocheted in a wool/acrylic/mohair blend yarn. Make one for all your friends!





Photo gallery: How to make festive snow folk
This inexpensive and portable holiday craft is perfect for low-key, fireside chats with friends and family. Needle felting is also called "dry felting," and is a method of sculpting loose unspun wool (called roving), using a barbed felting needle that locks or felts the fibres together.



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