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Recycled wool potholders from episode 70

2008-02-18T20:33:05-05:00

From Kristin Nicholas's "Colorful Stitchery" book, download the pdf instructions for recycled wool potholders.

More about episode 70

Fortune cookies from episode 66

2008-01-20T17:13:11-05:00

Hilary Seabolt made my day when she showed me how to make her delightful felt fortune cookies.

These are very cute and super easy to make.

Download the instructions I wrote up (and she took the photos for) after Hilary schooled me in the art of fortune cookie-making here.

Thanks for sharing, Hilary!

More about episode 66

Print making from episode 65

2008-01-13T21:55:51-05:00

This week's project: Download the pdf for Alynn's instructions to carve a block and print your own gift tags. (Note: This project could easily be adapted to make Valentine cards.)

More about episode 65

Ski Beanie from episode 63

2007-11-26T17:13:10-05:00

The folks at Workman publishing were very cool about letting me publish a great men's hat pattern "Ski Beanie" by Terra Jamieson from Stoller's new book. Download that PDF and cast on for your favorite man. I like this pattern and plan to make a couple of these myself.

More about episode 63

Kristin Roach's shower scrub from episode 62

2007-11-18T14:51:23-05:00

Kristin Roach whipped up a fun crochet pattern for a shower scrub for CraftSanity listeners to try out. Download the pdf. Thanks Kristin!

More about episode 62

Lisa Anne Auerbach's "body count" mittens from episode 61

2007-10-07T19:47:27-04:00

This Week's Project: A special thanks to Lisa Anne Auerbach for sharing her "body count" mittens pattern. This pattern can be interpreted as either a protest or memorial depending on the creator's frame of mind. Worked into the design is the number or American soliders killed during the time the mittens are made. So cast on and stitch the most socially conscience pair or mittens you'll every make. Download the pdf.

More about episode 61

Amanda Blake Soule's 3D project from episode 60

2007-09-09T03:47:27-04:00

Download a pdf of a three-dimensional craft project from Amanda Blake Soule's book. Sample more of her book here.

More about episode 60

Anne Landre's text to fabric from episode 59

2007-08-27T11:15:59-04:00

Download Anne Landre's instructions for transferring text to fabric (PDF). It's the technique she used to transfer the names of the soldiers onto the swatches for the Mother's Day Project.

More about episode 59

Carol Duvall's Craft Letter from episode 57

2007-07-26T18:19:47-04:00

PDF download of Carol Duvall's Craft Letter Issue #10, Volume 8 from October 1978. This is one issue of the monthly newsletter she mailed to subscribers across the country.

More about episode 57

Cold Process Soap Making from episode 56

2007-07-11T16:37:32-04:00

Dee Bellini was kind enough to write a Cold Process Soap tutorial, so be sure to check it out. Thanks Dee! Download the PDF.

More about episode 56

Amy Karol's redwork embroidery pattern <br>from episode 55 (and 27)

2007-07-04T11:40:50-04:00

This week's project is Amy Karol's redwork embroidery pattern. Download the PDF and here is a of the finished piece.

Listen to Amy is episode 55 and episode 27

Finger knitting instructions from episode 54

2007-06-09T18:07:41-04:00

This week's project is going to knock your socks off.

I'm very excited about this one because it involves a lovely story and a giant fabric hand.

Julie uses this fabric hand to teach children how to finger knit. How great is that?! I'm telling you Julie really knows how to whip up a great tutorial.

D ownload the pdf Julie's beautifully illustrated "Wandering Henry" finger knitting instructions. It's very cute and kid-friendly so please do check it out. I absolutely love it and bet you will to. Thank you Julie!

More about episode 54

Strings of purls pattern from episode 52

2007-05-18T13:25:30-04:00

Download the strings of purls from Jennifer Stafford. UPDATE: This pattern was available for a limited time and has been taken down at the request of the publisher. Sorry if you missed it.

More about episode 52

Kinky Reggae hat pattern from episode 51

2007-04-21T10:59:26-04:00

Download the Kinky Reggae pdf. It's a free hat pattern from Afya.

More about episode 51

Spring flowers cross stitch project from episode 49

2007-02-08T17:15:04-05:00

This Week's Project: Download the "Spring Flowers" pdf. It's a free cross stitch pattern from Heather.

More about episode 49

Stitched cereal box CD case from episode 48

2007-01-24T14:04:50-05:00

Jessica Vitkus, author of "AlternataCrafts," is sharing her Stitched Cereal Box CD case with us. Download the PDF.

More about episode 48

Wheat paste and paste paper from episode 47

2006-12-20T12:34:35-05:00

Ellen Knudson supplied us with instructions for making Wheat Paste and Paste Paper. Download the pdf. (Thanks Ellen!)

More about episode 47

Santa Baby Ornament from episode 46

2006-12-09T22:34:05-05:00

Santa Baby Ornament
Susan B. Anderson

Size: 3 inches in length
Gauge: 6 stitches per inch (obtaining exact gauge is not necessary)
Materials:
US size 3 set of 4 double-pointed needles
Rowan Handknit Cotton in Bleached #263 and Rossa #215, small amounts of each are needed (any worsted weight yarn will work fine)
Ruler
Sewing needle
White thread
Yarn needle
Scissors

Santa Hat:
With Bleached cast on 24 stitches onto 3 double-pointed needles (8 stitches per needle). Place a marker, and join to knit in the round being careful not to twist the stitches. Using the fourth double-pointed needle to knit onto, knit 2 rounds.
Change to Rossa, and continue knitting each round until hat measures 1 ½ inches from the cast on edge.
Decrease Rounds:
Round 1: On each needle: knit 2 stitches, knit 2 stitches together (6 stitches per needle remain). 18 stitches total remain.
Rounds 2 and 3: knit
Round 4: On each needle: knit 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together (4 stitches per needle remain). 12 stitches total remain.
Rounds 5-8: knit
Round 9: On each needle: knit 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches together, knit 1 stitch (3 stitches per needle remain). 9 stitches total remain.
Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch end. Thread this end onto a yarn needle and pull through the remaining 9 stitches. Pull up tight, and pull the end through to the inside of the hat. Weave in any remaining ends to the inside of the hat.
Bobble:
With Bleached and 2 double-pointed needles used as straight needles, cast on 1 stitch, leaving 2-inch tail.
Row 1: knit in the front and the back of the stitch until 5 stitches are on the right needle.
Row 2: knit
Row 3: purl
Row 4: knit, do not turn, pass the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th stitches over the first stitch and off the needle. (1 stitch remains)
Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle. Stuff the bobble with the 2-inch tail from the cast on stitch. With the tail on the yarn needle gather up the edges of the bobble to form a tiny ball. Attach the bobble to the top point of the hat.

Turn up the white brim of the hat.

With a 6-inch piece of white thread and the sewing needle, pull the thread through the bobble. Tie a knot to join the ends to create a loop for hanging.

More about episode 46

Felt Pillows from episode 45

2006-12-02T13:08:38-05:00

Felt Pillows by Scott Bodenner found on page 85 of "Craftivity". Download the pdf and give some old sweaters a second wind! Thanks Tsia and HarperCollins for letting me post this project.

More about episode 45

Wine sleeve from episode 43

2006-11-17T17:58:13-05:00

"I"m a Sleeve to Wine!" project from "Sew Subversive" courtesy of Taunton Press. Download the pdf.

More about episode 43

Key Ring Necklace from episode 42

2006-11-10T18:18:26-05:00

Key Ring Necklace project instructions from Hannah Rogge's book, "Hardware: Jewelry From A Toolbox" posted courtesy of STC Craft.

More about episode 42

Between the Lines quilt pattern from episode 41

2006-11-03T13:11:00-05:00

A FunQuilts pattern from Weeks Ringle called "Between the Lines."

Download the pdf

More about episode 41

Measuring tape bracelet from episode 40

2006-10-27T13:06:00-04:00

Tape Measure Bracelet
By Janice Taylor, artist and author of "Our Lady of Weight Loss"

If you've got a tape measure lying around the house and the thought of wrapping it around your waist, hips or thighs is just too overwhelming, why not make a groovy, funky, fun bracelet out of it?! I wear mine all the time, and it never ceases to amaze and delight!

Supplies:

* One tape measure (color of your choice, although the red with red nail polish makes a lovely combo).
* Black elastic thread.
* One needle with eye that is large enough to get the elastic thread through.

Instructions:

1) Thread your needle with the black elastic thread and knot it at the end.

2) Place needle at the 1/2 inch mark and sew through, then loop the tape measure to the left and put the needle through at the 1.5 mark (You are putting the needle through at the 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 - inch mark).

3) Then loop to the right - putting the needle through at the next 1/2 inch mark. Keep zig zagging back and forth so the bracelet looks much like a ruffled collar. The needle is going through in the middle of the bracelet, not at the ends.

4) When you get to the end of the tape measure, tie a knot, cut elastic. Tie ends together. The bracelet slips on and off, given its elasticity.

* This project appears on page ** of Janice Taylor's "Our Lady of Weight Loss."

Create your own color story from episode 39

2006-10-20T12:50:00-04:00

Tutorial by Laura Buzard that will help you become a better designer and make color selections with ease.

Download the PDF

More about episode 39

Cell phone charm from episode 37

2006-10-06T02:15:31-04:00

Learn how to make a cell phone charm in this tutorial Natalie wrote for the MAKE blog. A similar project appears in the premier issue of CRAFT.

More about episode 37

Velvet ribbon embroidery project from episode 35

2006-09-22T02:11:40-04:00

A sneak peek inside Melinda Barta's "Hip to Stitch" book. The folks at Interweave Press are letting us post her velvet ribbon embroidery project. This is a simple way to add a special touch to a homemade gift. Enjoy!

Download the pdf

More about episode 35

How-to for haiku from episode 33

2006-09-09T02:08:04-04:00

How to Write Haiku
By Marie Kare, creator of the Sampler

How to Write Haiku.
If you can count to seven,
you can write haiku.

Haiku are poems
They are really fun to write
They rely on "beats."

"Beats" are syllables
There should be seventeen beats
In all your haiku

Five in the first line
Seven in the second line
Five beats in the last.

This is a simple,
non-traditional version --
a western format.

True, traditional
haiku have much more complex
rules of construction

And they're from Japan.
And written in Japanese,
which would make sense, right?

I hope you enjoyed
my haiku how-to haiku.
Arrivederci.

*** Okay. Now that you know what to do, you're ready to enter Marie's contest.

Artist trading card from episode 31

2006-08-23T02:05:18-04:00

Artist Trading Cards
By Rhonda Simmons

Supplies
playing card
homemade paper
bead
grommets
metal heart
glue
hole punch
funky yarn
misc items

There are many things that i love about ATCs. They're small and very diverse depending on the creator. They're quick and perfect for occasions when there isn't time to do large pieces but you want to keep your creative juices flowing.

The only guideline is the size. ATCs are 2.5" by 3.5." Any material can be used as long as the cards are this standard size. Card stock is a very popular inexpensive material.

I love using playing cards, like I did in this particular piece that I created for a friend. I enjoy using broken pieces of sculptures, game pieces, found objects, etc. and incorporating them into creative expressions.

Directions
To make an ATC all you have to do is pick a card from your deck and embellish away. Mix and create what feels righteous to you.

Pocket Weave Sachet from episode 29

2006-08-09T02:00:50-04:00

Jane Patrick's Pocket Weave Sachet that is woven on a piece of cardboard. This is a bonus project you won't find in her book. (Thanks to Jane and all the Interweave staffers who made this possible!)

Download the pdf

More about episode 29

Scarf pattern from episode 28

2006-08-03T01:57:32-04:00

Here's your chance to preview Debbie Stoller's cool book "Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker" courtesy of the folks at Workman Publishing. Enjoy!

Polymer clay buttons from episode 26

2006-07-17T01:48:42-04:00

Polymer Clay Buttons
By Linda Permann, Adorn magazine craft editor

Supplies
* polymer clay in desired colors (I used Sculpey III, just a small amount will do)
* rolling pin (not the one you use for food)
* tiny cookie cutters, film canisters and spools of thread, vintage buttons or other textured materials
* toothpick
* baking pan
* oven

Directions
1. Roll out half a block of polymer clay to about 1/4” thick.

2. Using cookie cutters, cut buttons out of clay. (I found my dog and airplane shapes at a Japanese dollar store- a little large for traditional buttons, but have fun with it!) The end of Gutterman brand thread spools are a great size for cutting out round buttons.

3. Center vintage/textured buttons over clay circles and press into clay, leaving an imprint. Gently remove vintage button. Rubber stamps or fork tongs are also great tools for creating texture. (Clean rubber stamps immediately after use).

4. Poke 2 or 4 holes into the center of each button with a toothpick, smooth out clay on backside of button if necessary.

5. Carefully transfer buttons to baking sheet and bake according to manufacturer’s instructions. Note: Buttons are dryer safe if garment is turned inside out.

Variations: You can also mix two colors of polymer clay and leave the clay swirled to make more colorful buttons, or check out other polymer clay techniques (like millefiore) online for more ideas.

Poo cookies from episode 25

2006-07-12T01:44:21-04:00

Oh Poop! A Cookie Recipe
By Heidi Kenney, creator of the my paper crane

P.S. Heidi recommends that you buy your candy eyes here.

Shibori Scarf tutorial from episode 24

2006-07-04T01:39:16-04:00

Shibori Scarf Felting for Scaredy Cats
By Betz White

Materials
* old wool sweater
* washing machine
* sewing machine
* cotton string
* corks, bottle caps, coins, buttons (Several of one these items, or a mix of all will do.)

1) The first step is to select a sweater. There is a little bit of mystery in felting a pre-made wool garment. You never know how the wool has been treated in manufacturing. Besides trial and error, I have a not-too scientific process for this. This sweater is a fine gauge lambswool. It's a Men's size so it's nice and big! I hacked off a sleeve to test felt to be sure that I would get a good result before trying the shibori techniques. I just sent the sleeve through the washer (on hot) and dryer (on low) with some other laundry. Afterward, I compared the felted (actually "fulled") sleeve to the unwashed one. It shrunk about 4". Like I said, not very scientific, but my guess was that it would work for shibori.

2) Next I cut the sweater into 4 rectangles and straight stitched on a sewing machine. Each rectangle measured about 9"x16".

3)This is the time consuming part. Tie cotton string tightly around buttons, corks, super balls, soda bottle caps, whatever is interesting. I used a bunch of corks that were sliced into 1/4" thick "buttons". I tied off about 29 sections. The wool will shrink everywhere except where it is tied off. Be sure to use COTTON string because it has a high wet strength and it won't felt!

4)Put the scarf in a lingerie bag. Felt in the washer by using hot water and a little detergent. Put some jeans in the load for some added friction. Stop when you get the desired result. Dry slightly in the dryer on low then air dry. Use a seam ripper to cut the string and remove objects after it is all the way dry. Be patient (it's hard!) it may need to sit overnight to dry completely.

5) Ta da! Finished scarf. The total width shrunk about 1", the length shrunk about 12"! (from 64" to 52")

This tutorial was first published on Betz White's blog on May 6, 2006.

Herbal tea bath from episode 23

2006-06-26T01:36:35-04:00

HERBAL BATH TEA
By Gayla Trail

What You Need:

Cotton muslin or pre-made resealable tea bags (large size).
Ribbon or string
An assortment of herbs and essential oils (optional)
Optional -- rolled oats, epsom salts, sea salt.
Cellophane bags, cellophane roll, other packaging.

Instructions:

This is such a simple but satisfying gift to make. I have been making them for years and always receive compliments and requests. I often give three of them in conjunction with other bath/spa products (also homemade), or give one or two with other gifts. I make lots because everyone likes them and I can fire off a large batch in one night. As an additional savings use herbs grown in your garden. I use my own home-grown sage, basil, rosemary, mint, calendula and lavender (flowers and leaves).

To make the bags you will first require some cotton muslin. Other cotton fabrics can be used but I prefer this kind the most because it is dirt cheap ($2.00 and change for a yard or cheaper if you buy scraps from the ends bin), unbleached, and has an open weave while remaining sturdy and rigid. In the past I have purchased ribbon (I'll explain its use later), but this year I found some nice seam binding tape in earth tones for a very good price (29 cents a yard). If you don't want to sew you can purchase special large-sized, sealable tea bags made especially for this purpose. They are relatively cheap to buy and can be sealed with an iron. However, I guarantee you that even the most inexperienced sewer can make this. Keep in mind that it is going to be used a few times and thrown out. Precision is not necessary. No one will be grading you on your ability to achieve a perfect square because the bag will be wet and soggy before the recipient has a chance to inspect the merchandise.

1. Start by cutting the fabric into squares. Any size is fine but I usually cut mine into 6" squares because that is the thickness of my ruler and it's faster.

2. Cut a 12" length of ribbon or string. Butcher cord or just about any strong string you have on hand can be used. This will be used to hang the bag over the faucet so it must be strong enough to bear the weight of a bag of wet bag of herbs.

3. Lay out a piece of fabric. Lay the string/ribbon on top in a u-shape with the U formed inside the square. The object is to sew the ribbon inside the bag so that when you turn the bag inside out, you can hold the ribbon like a handle. Place the other piece of fabric on top and secure with a few pins.

4. Sew around the square, being sure to leave a small opening to pour the herbs through. Turn your bag inside out through the hole, push out the corner and iron flat.

5. To fill the bag, take a piece of scrap paper and form a cone with it. Insert this into the hole and use it as a funnel through which to pour your herb mix.

6. Sew the seam shut with matching thread.

7. Herb bags can be packaged in cellophane to retain freshness and the potency of the smell longer. Or you can give as is. Be sure to include the ingredients and instructions for use (Hang over faucet when filling tub. Hang to dry and reuse up to 3 times) with each one.

Herb Mix Recipes:

Every year my recipes are different but they are always based on what I think are the three things people want out of a bath; to heal, to revitalize or to relax. As a result I mix my herbs accordingly. I always add a few extra ingredients aside from herbs to each bag. I add rolled oats (coarsely ground in the blender first) for moisturizing and soothing, epsom salts for muscle relaxation and celtic sea salt (as opposed to table salt) for its healing properties. Powdered milk or citrus peel can also be added. I have listed this year's recipes below and a listing of other potential ingredients at the side.

Please Note: When using herbs be sure your recipient doesn't have an allergy. Chamomile for instance is a common allergen to those with ragweed sensitivities. Also note that some herbs should not be given to pregnant women. Although you will not be drinking this 'tea', your skin is a semi-permeable membrane and anything that comes into contact with the skin will have an effect.

Soothing: Calendula petals, eucalyptus leaves, lemon balm, rolled oats, espsom salts, celtic sea salt.

Relaxing: Rose petals, lavender leaves, white sage, rolled oats, epsom salts, celtic sea salt.

Stimulating: Mint leaves, lemon grass, rolled oats, epsom salts, celtic sea salts, a dash of lemon grass and mint essential oils.

* This project was first published at YouGrowGirl.com.

Sock pattern from episode 22

2006-06-20T18:38:34-04:00

This week's project is a sock pattern from Brenda inspired by the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

More about episode 22

Rustic knitting needles from episode 21

2006-06-13T01:30:18-04:00

Rustic Knitting Needles
By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

I made a pair of these about four years ago out of branches from the two cottonwood trees in my backyard. We moved since then so I no longer get to sit in my swing and knit under the swaying branches that used to shade our backyard. But in these simple needles I have the memory of those lovely trees.

These needles are intended to be natural and imperfect, so they're not practical for any project that requires a precise gauge. They work just fine for scarves or felted bags that can be any random size.

This project could be fun to do while sitting by a camp fire or while waiting for the sunset during your next beach vacation. Just think, every time you pick up your homemade needles, you'll have tangible memories of the place you found the sticks or the great vacation spot where you made them.

These rustic needles actually look cool as a decoration. So you can make a pair, then knit a small swatch to leave out on the coffee table as an interactive conversation piece.

Materials:
2 twigs about the same diameter, or one long twig cut in half
whittling knife or sharp pocket knife
sand paper
hand saw or sharp garden snips to cut twigs to equal size
white candle or other clear wax

Instructions:

1) First, find some twigs (the straighter the better) and cut them to the desired length.

2) Use your knife to strip off the bark.

3) Carve pointy tips. Depending on the size of the twigs, you may be able to sharpen them in a pencil sharpener.

4) Sand smooth with sand paper, rub with wax and cast on.

Enjoy!

Art sampler from episode 20

2006-06-03T01:27:53-04:00

The Art Sampler
By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

I once thought of myself as a traditional crafter. I used to always knit and crochet with yarn, and sew and stitch on fabric.

Then I learned to break the rules and have since seized the creative license to make art with everything.

Before I graduated from Central Michigan University with a journalism degree, I took then-visiting artist Katherine Shaughnessy's fiber art class. As a class we studied traditional crafts while incorporating those techniques into the creation of art with nontraditional materials. Now I knit and crochet with fabric and wire. I weave newspaper and type on fabric.

These artistic expressions my seem impractical, and that's okay. The point is to experiment and test materials to stretch your creative mind beyond the limits of tradition. I recently paged through the binder of 4 x 6" samples that I created in Katherine's class back in 1998. At the time I was a fish-out-of-water journalism major learning to swim in the art department. It was an absolute blast to test out the materials and see what emerged.

My binder contains numerous samples including:

- knitted swatches of the ink-stained string that was used to bundle my college newspaper
- dried flowers on vinyl coated with decoupage medium
- magazine collages covered with plastic wrap and painted with wax
- baked bananas glued to brown paper covered with a decoupage matte finish. (I can't explain this one : )
- a paper doily embroidered with cotton thread to a piece of fabric
- potpourri seeds on cardboard coated with decoupage medium
- a piece of a cracked yellow road stripe that I found on the side of a campus street and glued to black fabric
- a piece of brown paper bag with a curious hole burned through it
- a hand quilted mini-quilt (my favorite sample)

If some of this stuff sounds bizarre, it's because it is. The idea is to push yourself to try combinations of materials and hopefully create something really fantastic that you can refer back to later.

Here's what you need to make a binder of your own interesting samples:

Materials: Gather up all your art and craft supplies and use what you have around your home. If you get into this sampling exercise, head over to your local hardware store and add some goodies to your collection of supplies. Here's a general list to get you started:

You'll need:
a 3-ring binder
plastic sleeves (to store and label your samples)
masking tape or address labels to label stick to the plastic sleeves to label your work

Any combination of the following materials:
glue
starch
crayons
wax
decoupage medium
fabric scraps
old magazines, newspapers
wax paper
tea bags or Kool-Aid (for dying)
string
yarn
wire
clear vinyl
needle & thread
embroidery floss
knitting needles & or crochet hooks
scissors
wire mesh and any other goodies you can find at your local hardware store.
various found objects

Instructions:

Sit down and make as many 4x6" samples as you can by combining your materials in any way that strikes you. As you work continue to ask yourself what would happen if you combine material x with material y and create to find out.

The key is to take notes along the way so you can recreate your sample in a larger piece at a later date if you desire. For each sample, note all the materials you used and where you found them.

Here are some more ideas to get you started:

- dye fabric scraps or paper with tea bags
- make a paper quilt with wire and bead embellishments
- layer string or yarn on a piece of wax paper and apply starch to form a sturdy swatch

Keep adding to your sample book and keep it handy so you can page through when you're looking for inspiration for you next art project.

Have fun!

Kids pants from episode 19

2006-05-29T01:23:16-04:00

How to make easy kids pants
By Kathreen Ricketson, creator of whipup.net

I am always being asked how I can whip up 20 kids pants in a day. Its easy I say. They say "I could never do it". I say anyone can. Here are the instructions. First cut a pattern from a pair of well worn favorite pants. If the pants are for a child under 7 - then the front and back can be the same.

This is what the pattern should look like. Take the pants and turn them inside out and follow the line. If you are unsure about this method, then buy a simple pattern for kids pants and alter it a little so it looks something like this...

cut it out in the fabric x2 for 2 legs.

If the fabric is plain - then to make the pants more interesting add a cuff in a bright contrasting fabric, here I have used a striped cord. Simply cut a lenght the same width as the pattern.

If you are adding a cuff, sew the cuff onto the bottom of the pants first.

Here's a look at the cuff sewn on the pants.

Now sew the two pieces of fabric together - sewing the crotch sections first.

When the crotch sections are sewn together it should look like this.

turn it over to look like this. Sew the inside legs together starting at the crotch and sewing down the legs.

Then over lock the top and bottoms

Fold the cuff in and sew it wide so it can be turned up. If you're not using a cuff then turn a wide hem so it can be turned up.

Here's a pile of pants ready to be threaded with elastic.

Sew on pockets. These could also be done before the pants are put together.

Some pockets I sewed a design on ready to go on the pants

If not putting on a cuff, then an opportunity exists for some decoration, ribbon or lace looks nice on girls pants.

Now to thread the elastic. Measure out about 1.5 times the width across the front of pants.

Thread it through the top hem in the gap you have left using a large safety pin

At the end sew the elastic together and finish sewing the top down.

This project was originally posed by on Kathreen's blog April 6, 2005

8-foot tubular hat pattern from episode 18

2006-05-22T01:19:48-04:00

Get Connected: A Tubular Hat for Two
By Lindsay Obermeyer

Materials:
16” circular needles in size 13
Or one circular knitting frame for an adult hat
Tapestry needle
Your entire stash of bulky yarn, plus a few skeins you just had to have from your favorite yarn store

Gauge:
3 stitches to the inch

Instructions:
Cast on 60 stitches. Join circle and begin knitting. Switch colors and textures as desired. When length is over eight feet, bind off stitches. You will now have a long tube that works as a hat for two! For extra fun and giggles, try skating with your best friend while wearing the hat.

Crochet coaster pattern from episode 17

2006-05-14T01:16:18-04:00

CraftSanity Coasters
By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, CraftSanity producer

Degree of Difficulty: Easy

Materials:
* Size G/6 , 4 mm crochet hook

* I used Lyon Brand Cotton-Ease, but you can use any worsted weight cotton of your choice. (Sugar'n Cream cotton works well, too.)

Finished Size: about 4.25" in diameter

Note: Rows 1-3 are all worked in the same direction.

Instructions:

Ch. 6, slip st. to form ring

Rnd 1: ch 3, dc 11 stitches into ring, slip stitch to top of ch 3 (12 sts.)

Rnd 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in every stitch all the way around, slip stitch to top of ch 3 (24 sts.)

Rnd. 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc into next dc * 2 dc into next dc, dc into next dc, repeat from * slip stitch to top of ch 3 (36 sts.)

Rnd 4: working in the opposite direction; ch 3, dc in same st, dc into next * 2 dc into next dc, dc into next dc, repeat from * slip stitch to top of ch 3. Break off yarn. (54 sts.)

Rnd 5: With contrasting color, 1 sc in each stitch all the way around. Break off yarn and weave in ends.

Etched Glass project from episode 16

2006-05-08T01:14:02-04:00

Easy Etched Glass
By Leah Kramer, Craftster founder
 

Materials

- glass object
- masking tape
- adhesive vinyl letters
- sponge paint brush
- etching cream
- rubber gloves
- sink

Instructions

1. Press the adhesive vinyl letters firmly onto the glass spelling out whatever you want.

2. Using the masking tape, create a box around the letters.

3. Put on the rubber gloves and apply the etching cream using the sponge brush.

4. Leave the etching cream on for as long as the instructions on the etching cream container indicates. (Five minutes or so.)

5. Rinse it off thoroughly (keep the gloves on for this step!) and then peel off the letters and tape.

Pentagon Dishcloth from episode 15

2006-05-01T01:09:43-04:00

Pentagon Dishcloth
© 2005 Drew Emborsky, The Crochet Dude

Finished size: Approximately 9”
Materials: Worsted Weight Cotton
Crochet Hook, Size H [5.00mm]

Special instructions: Treble Cluster (trbcl) – *yo twice, insert hook and pull up yarn, yo and pull through two loops twice* three times, yo and pull through remaining loops.

Ch 5, slip st to first ch to form ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 7, working in ring *trbcl , ch 3, tr, ch 3 * four times. Trbcl, ch 3, slip st to 4th ch of beginning ch 7. (5 trbcl & 5 tr)

Rnd 2: Slip st into space. Ch 1, sc in same space, * ch 5, sc in next space* around. Ch 3, dc to beginning sc. (10 ch 5 loops)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same loop. * Ch 5, (trbcl, ch 3, trbcl) in next loop. Ch 5, sc in next loop * four times. Ch 5, (trbcl, ch 3, trbcl) in next loop. Ch 2, dc in beginning sc. (10 trbcl)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same loop. (Ch 5, sc in next loop) twice. * Ch 5 sc in same loop. (Ch 5, sc in next loop) three times * four times. Ch 5 sc in same loop. Ch 2, dc in beginning sc. (20 ch 5 loops)

Rnd 5: Ch 3 (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in same loop. (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each loop around. Slip st to top of beginning ch 3. (80 dc)

Rnd 6: Slip st in next st and into ch 2 space. Ch 3 (dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in same space. (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in each space around. Slip st to top of beginning ch 3. (80 dc) Fasten off.

Three Glue Magnets from episode 14

2006-04-22T01:02:15-04:00

Sister Diane's Three Glue Magnets
By Diane Gilleland
CraftyPod Producer

This project was part of a show called “All About Glue.” These magnets use three -- count ‘em -- three different kinds of glue. And they’re addictive fun to make.

What You’ll Need:

- A base for each magnet you’re making. You might use bottle caps, or old Scrabble
tiles, or small pieces of sturdy cardstock, or mosaic tiles, or anything.

- A sheet of lightweight cardstock, with a smooth (but not glossy) surface.

- A pencil, and some scissors, and an old paintbrush.

- Small, round magnets, good and strong.

- Some collage goodies, for collaging onto your magnet bases. You might use magazine
cut-outs, scraps of lovely paper, words you love, old photos, etc.

- Glue #1: A glue stick.

- Glue #2: E6000 (or, silcone sealer, or superglue)

- Glue #3: Mod Podge (or, water-based craft glue)

How To Make It:

1. Put your cardstock down on your work surface. Now, take your magnet base, and lay it on top of the cardstock. Trace around the base with a pencil. Cut out the cardstock on your trace lines. This little piece will be your tiny collage surface.

2. Rummage through your collage stuff, and make a wonderful little piece of art on that little bit of cardstock. Use the glue stick to glue all your images and words down.

3. Now, take your E6000 (or silicone sealer, or superglue), and glue your little collage down to your magnet base. Apply that glue thinly, so it won’t ooze out all over the place when you press the two pieces together. (Oozing glue can be non-fun.)

4. Use the very same glue to stick a magnet onto the back of your magnet base. Give the whole thing plenty of drying time -- this kind of glue appreciates 24 hours’ rest.

5. When your magnet is completely dry, get your Mod Podge out. (Or, take your craft glue, squirt some into an old dish, and dilute it with water until you can spread it with a brush.) Brush this glue all over the top and sides of your magnet. It will look very milky at first, but will dry nice and clear.

6. Just repeat this process for as many magnets as you’d like to make.

Wonder Under foil surface design technique <br>from episode 12

2006-04-09T00:59:23-04:00

Melanie Testa's Wonder Under Foil Surface Design Technique

Thanks Melanie for taking the time to share the instructions and pictures!

You will need:

*A coffee grinder (you will not be able to use this to grind coffee again)
*Wonder Under
*Baggie to store the grinds in
*Iron and Press cloth
*Foil (look under "Products")
*Fabric

Instructions

Peel Wonder Under from the protective paper sheet, tear into palm sized bits. Place in grinder, fill as much as possible. Grind. Place this batch into a baggie and continue grinding to your hearts content, too much is never enough! You may want to sparkle up several yards of cloth, who knows!

Texture of Ground Wonder Under

Protect the Foil with a Press Cloth
You don't want to touch the foil with the hot iron.

Iron Fabric.

Sprinkle Wonder Under onto fabric. You may start sparingly and continue to layer until you are satisfied or you can go for the gusto. Your choice.

Place foil, colored side up onto the fabric and sprinkled Wonder Under. Iron with press cloth. Allow this to cool completely! This is a very important step. If you rush, the foil will not adhere to the cloth.

Remove the Foil

Enjoy!

Indian Summer Jacket from episode 11

2006-04-03T00:53:46-04:00

Leigh Radford's pattern for the Indian Summer Jacket first published in Fall 2004 issue of Interweave Knits magazine.

Download the pdf

More about episode 11

Recipe for a Graffiti Knitting Crew from episode 10

2006-03-27T00:51:15-05:00

Recipe for a Graffiti Knitting Crew
by AKrylik

Ingredients:

1 whole bored knitter
1 whole overactive imagination
1 pair knitting needles (any size)
1 houseful leftover, scrap or inexpensive yarn

Cooking Instructions:

Multiply ingredients according to size of crew desired. Combine all ingredients onto one large sofa, simmer over low heat for one long evening. Knit rectangular shapes off all sizes. Remove from sofa (Careful - Hot!). Garnish with tags and serve immediately (Goes great with doorknobs, car antennas, stop sign poles and park benches!).

Serves: The Masses

Dis-Cards from episode 9

2006-03-20T00:45:30-05:00

Dis-Cards

By Denyse Schmidt

Knitted Babe pattern from episode 8

2006-03-13T00:40:50-05:00

A free pattern for a funky, Knitted Babe dress and accessories from Claire Garland.

Download the pdf

More about episode 8

Embellished Bottlecap Magents from episode 7

2006-03-05T00:36:33-05:00

The Crafty Chica's Embellished Bottlecap Magents
By Kathy Cano Murillo

Supplies:
Bottlecaps (dollar bin at Target)
Assorted papers/pictures
White craft glue
Acrylic paint
Envirotex Lite
Chopstick
Straw
Sturdy magnet, adhesive (I like e6000)
Wax paper

Directions:

Use the white craft glue to affix a "background" piece of paper (I used a Spanish dictionary page) on the top of the bottlecap.

Now glue on a picture that you have cut out. Apply a thin coat of white craft glue and let dry.

Apply a thin border of acrylicpaint around the edge and let dry.

Mix Envirotex Lite according to package directions.

Use the chopstick to apply the coating to the top of the bottlecap, thoroughly covering the image and the border of paint.

Line a table with wax paper and set the bottlecaps to cure.

If there are gas bubbles, gently blow through the straw to pop them. They will harden in 24 hours.

Glue magnet on back.

Headline madness postcard art from episode 6

2006-02-28T00:28:31-05:00

Headline Madness Postcard Art
By Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

Supplies:
women's magazines
scissors
glue stick
4x6-inch index cards
clear decoupage medium
paint brush

Directions:
1- Tear and clip out headlines and oddball phrases. If you think the headlines in some popular women's magazines are ridiculous, just imagine how crazy they sound when they're taken out of context.

2- Find an image or series of images to glue onto the index card. (Skip this if you want to cover your index card with wall to wall headlines.)

3- Glue your headlines and text clippings over the image you glued to the index card.

4- Paint over the entire surface with clear decoupage medium and put it aside to dry.

5- Scan your postcard into your computer and e-mail it off to a friend. Or, if you prefer, mail it with a stamp the old fashion way. If you decided to share your art via e-mail, you can place you're original art in a plexiglass frame and hang it on the wall.

Cut and paste away!

Note: If you make a postcard I'd love to see it. Send your artwork to me along with your name, age, city and country of residence. I'll post the responses on my blog and link to yours.

© 2006 Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

Spirit doll from episode 5

2006-02-18T00:24:19-05:00

Reclaim Your Creative Spirit with Violette Clark's Spirit Doll Pattern

Materials:
Cotton muslin
Fimo
Watercolor paper
Acrylic paints
Composition gold leaf
Feathers
Beads
Copper wire
Fiberfill
Glitter
White glue
Mod podge
Fine tip Sharpie felt pen

Create a delightful spirit doll to help you connect with the divine and bring more creativity into your life. Each doll has a crystal and piece of sweet grass embedded within, imbuing it with positive energy.

Directions:
Step 1: Create a paper pattern of a simple shaped doll. Cut two identical pieces from fabric.

Step 2. Sew the two pieces together leaving an opening for stuffing. Turn inside out and stuff remembering to insert a piece of sweet grass and a special crystal. Stitch opening closed.

Step 3. Randomly paint your doll with acrylic paints. Brush mod podge over entire surface and embellish with gold leaf. Randomly sprinkle glitter on the doll.

Step 4. Cut circle from muslin and paint a face using acrylics and accenting with sharpie felt pens.

Step 5. Glue feathers onto doll shape. Glue face on top of the feathers.

Step 6. Shape a tiny doll, vegetable or whatever is appropriate out of fimo, bake according to package directions. Paint with acrylic paints. Seal with a coating of Mod Podge. Adhere to doll.

Step 7. On a scrap piece of torn water color paper randomly paint a design, add gold leaf and cut out gold star or heart which has been embellished with glitter. Attach a tiny feather. Glue to doll.

Step 8. Outline the face with white glue and sprinkle glitter on. You can also finish the face off with black dimensional paint if you prefer it over glitter.

Step 9. Further embellish the face by gluing on a string of beads.

Step 10. Spiral a length of wire and string on a few beads. Attach to the doll body with a couple of sewing stitches.

Now meditate on your doll and envision imbuing it with certain attributes whether it be greater creativity, abundance, good health or love. Place the doll in an area of honor that will remind you daily of what you are attracting into your life!

This pattern was used courtesy of Violette Clark. Thanks Violette!

Anti Craft Valentine's Day surprise from episode 4

2006-02-12T00:13:21-05:00

An Anti Craft Valentine's Day surprise from Renée Rigdon and Zabet Stewart from the Anti Craft.

Download the pdf

More about episode 4

Eyeball With Nerve Endings from episode 1

2006-01-23T23:53:15-05:00

Regina Rioux Gonzalez was kind enough to share her Eyeball With Nerve Endings pattern with us. The pattern will be featured in the 2007 Pattern-A-Day-Calendar, so look for that next year.

Download the pdf

More about episode 1