I recruited the help of Abi, editor of Crafty Crafty for this top ten and she came up with a selection to do us proud. We've split it into two top fives, but there are so many great sites out there we've also got a best of the rest for those sites we couldn't fit in.
Top five crafty sites:
Monster Crochet
Who knows what kinds of thoughts go through Lady Linoleum's brain or what strange dreams inspire her, but we're all grateful that she - and her wonderful, grisly masterpieces - exist in the world. In Monster Crochet, the granny image of crochet it turned on its head with horror-inspired creations such as a blood-dripping chainsaw scarf, felted eyeballs, wearable spider's webs and more. The site is updated regularly, and it never ceases to amaze me just how many ideas this lady has up her sleeve when a new pattern comes through.
Yarn Harlot
Yarn Harlot is a colourful haven on the web for knitting fans everywhere. The site is simply designed and takes the form of a personal blog, in which Stephanie Pearl McGee - author of such books as At Knit's End and the Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks goes on (and on) about knitting.
Practical Polly
Brit knit blogger Practical Polly found internet fame when the blogosphere went crazy for her her Wonder Woman jumper pattern. Having discovered her site, many soon became converts to Practical Polly thanks to her easy style the clear, simple instructions for each project, and her brilliant eye for photography. There's a slight emphasis on retro-stuff here which I personally love, but the content varies from day to day.
Yarnstorm
A five minute browse on Yarnstorm will have you feeling every bit the domestic goddess even if you've never held a knitting needle and any cupcakes in your house were lovingly made by Mr Kipling. The watchword here is 'inspiration', which comes across mainly in the beauty of owner Jane Brocket's photography, which documents her adventures in crochet, embroidery, knitting, cookery and many other domestic indulgences along with inspiring images from nature that just make you want to whip up a quilt on the spot.
Bittersweet Blog
I stumbled across this tasty little blog when looking for vegan cake recipes, but found there was more goodness lurking beneath the vanilla soymilk. The multi-talented Hannah Kaminsky is a great resource for free patterns, epsecially if you go in for cutesy, Japanese style amigurumi and crocheted food. This is one of the most frequently updated crafty blogs I know, and is well worth a look.
Top five vintage picks:
Vintage Trends is the closest thing that you'll get to a jumble sale online, they have tons and tons of vintage finds for you to trawl through. They have a bewildering amount of categories, from hippy dresses to eskimo coats to kimonos, if you want it they'll probably have it.
Drop Your Drawers is a mother and daughter team, Meg sources all the clothes and poses in her garden and her mum Linda takes all the pics. DYD have great vintage picks for trendy indie outfits and at reasonable prices.
It's an oldie but a goodie, the Candy Says website has a a fantastic selection of vintage goodies, it's pretty much the only site of it's kind in the UK and we're honoured.
Plaid Pony Vintage is another cavern-like online store that you waste a large amount of time on, you can almost smell the musty second-hand smell (I like that smell!). They also stock a wide variety of sizes so have no fear of finding only 20-inch waist sizes.
Lastly for a truly vintage experience head to my favourite destination... The Charity Shops! Association of Charity Shops has a website with a useful shop finder which should help you find a great selection of 'vintage' or as we all used to call in the olden days... secondhand.
Best of the rest:
MacCulloch & Wallis, Copacetique, Maki Squarepatch, Kleins, Peppermint Vintage, Vintage Amore, Ninja Vintage