May Craft Challenge Winners!

The voting was close the whole way through for a couple of our entries.  Looks like the Movie Organizer from Ashlea just edged out the Flower Fairy from Lynda.  All of the projects were so amazing this month! 

Ashlea wins a prize pack from our May sponsor, the Lincoln Handmade Etsy Team.  She also wins a free month of the craft challenge!

I still have to pick a winner from the blog posts.  So many people blogged about their challenge experience.  Here is a list so you can go and check them all out!

Lynda's Flower Fairy

Julie's Creativity Tote 

I'd Rather Be Crafting's Flower Hair Clips

Jenn's Spring Clipboard

A Crooked Crown's Posie Pal

Ashlea's Movie Organizer

Crafterella's Purse with Beaded Handle

Spool {}'s Slippers

Life in Pot's Mother's Day Memory Hanger

The winner this month is Spool!  She'll get a free month of the craft challenge as well.

I'm going to keep the June packets up for sale until I'm ready to go and finalize all of my purchases.  That will be later today sometime.  If you haven't signed up for next month and would like to, HURRY! 

May Craft Challenge Voting

Time to vote for your favorite May Craft Challenge entry! Voting will close on Friday, May 29th right before I go to bed. I'll announce the winners on Saturday.

Here is what everyone started off with in their May packets.

paper, fabric, wire, buttons, and silk flowers

The rules state that you can add whatever other items you want to your project but you need to use at least a small amount of EACH item from the packet.

REMINDER

• You have until Saturday morning to sign up for June's craft challenge. You can purchase your packets in my Etsy shop.
  

May Craft Challenge Reminder

Your craft challenge entries are due today!  I think my "harsh" words on the instruction sheet worked because a record number of you finished early!  You even inspired me to get mine finished before the deadline.  It took me a couple of tries to get something that worked, but here is what I came up with. 

This is just a little wall hanging I made for my daughter.  I used the middle part of the silk flower as the sun.  My fancy stitches on my sewing machine came in handy for my flower stems.  And, the paper was stitched on as grass. 

My first attempt was to have this in an embroidery hoop and using the wire as the stems.  This was a bad idea and now I'm wishing I took some pictures before I ripped it apart. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else creates this month!  If you don't have your pictures uploaded to the flickr group yet, make sure you do that.  If you've emailed them to me already, that's fine too. 

Remember: you are competing for a prize pack from the Lincoln Handmade Etsy team.  This will be full of handmade goodies that you're sure to love! 

Voting starts tomorrow and will only run through Friday night.  I'll announce winners on Saturday.

If you'd like to participate in next month's challenge or buy a longer subscription (at a discount!), you can purchase those in the etsy shop. 

Make. Knee Length Skirt From Old Pants

Last week Julie blogged about making over some denim capris into a skirt.  That very day I was wearing some khaki pants that didn't fit me that well and I was inspired!  Over the weekend, I made them into a cute knee length skirt.

These were low waisted pants.  Not a fan, but they were cheap when I needed some casual khaki pants.  It finally got to the point that I hated the way they felt in the waist and crotch areas.  So, I would rarely wear them.  By turning them into a skirt, I get rid of the whole crotch issue and I can wear them where I want to on my waist! 

This project is pretty straight forward.  You cut up the inside seams of the pant legs and then seam them back together, front to front and back to back.  The tricky part is cutting off the extras from the crotch and the butt. 

Here you can see how the extra fabric for the butt sticks out.  I just cut that part off so I could have a straight seam up the back.  Do the same for the extra fabric in the front. 

After you do that, all that is left is sewing it up and putting a hem along the bottom. 

What a great way to make something new out of something I was ready to give away!  Now I have a khaki skirt that I love.

Make. Spring Ruffled Top / Skirt

I wanted to try out this pattern from Sew, Mama Sew.  It is for a Spring Ruffled Top.  I love the way these tops look but I should realize that these don't look good on me!  No matter how much I am drawn to these patterns, I need to run away! 

This does have a happy ending, though.  I made it into a skirt!  Here is what happened:

This is a picture of the top (without the straps attached) on my duct tape dress form.  As you can see, instead of flattering, it makes a mockery of my big chestedness.  Don't get me started on the pleats in the back!  Those gave me a humback to no end.  Seriously.  Not flattering for me. 

When I was done trying it on, I decided that it looked pretty cute off the dress form and might make a nice skirt.  I wondered if it would fit me.  It did!  It is a little loose in the waist but not enough that I needed to take in in. 

All I needed to do was add some fabric to the bottom to make it a little longer.  I had already cut out the fabric for the straps so I had those ready to go.  I added that around the bottom of the top skirt and it was finished!  This was one happy mistake and the bonus?  It was made from FREE FABRIC!  I can see myself making a lot more skirts now. 

Have you ever had a craft FAIL turn into success? 

Stuff I Like. Red, White & Blue Edition

This week I was inspired by the colors red, white and blue.  Lots of cute things this week that I hope you love! 

*this etsy mini has since been replaced by a screen shot*

Make. Fabric Covered Embroidery Hoop

Here is a good 2 minute craft project.  I've been wanting to spruce up my craft room a bit but I wanted to do something, you know, crafty.  This idea is not new or novel.  It's not even difficult. 

Get some fabric and some embroidery hoops.  Put your fabric in the hoops.  Hang them up on the wall.

You can change out the fabric whenever you want. 

Tip:  you can usually find embroidery hoops at garage sales.  Keep an eye out this summer.

Make. Drunken Argyle Sweater Vest in Progress

I've been working on this sweater vest for my husband for a long time.  It is the Drunken Argyle pattern from Knitty.  I finally gave myself a deadline.  I will have this vest finished in time for Father's day.  Here's how my progress has gone over the years.

Finished the back in April 2007 (picture taken today)

I can't find the exact date that I started this project but I'm sure it was late 2006 or early 2007.  It's been a while. 

I'm using Knit Picks Essentials sock yarn on size 3 needles.  Good thing my husband only needs a size small.  Otherwise, it might have taken me 6 years to finish it! 

This pattern isn't for the faint of heart.  You have to use a chart because the pattern is not repeating so every row is different.  That's the only reason it has taken me this long.  I can only work on it when my husband is home to take care of the kids.  It also isn't a very portable project.  I can't just toss it in my bag and take it to knitting group.  It requires a little more focus than that.

May 2007

In this picture you can see my chart.  I use a Knit Picks magnetic chart holder.  This is a lifesaver.  I started out just using post it notes but those weren't reliable as they would shift.  I've been happy with the chart holder.  Here's a little tip if you're working with a chart:  color it!  There are symbols on the chart denoting which color you need to use but I didn't want to waste brain power trying to remember that the + squares= black and the - squares = green.  I just used some colored pencils and colored in the the blocks and that has helped so much.

March 2008

Not much progress, eh?  I put the project away for much of 2007 and dusted it off again in March 2008.  I worked quite a bit on it and took another break.  I got it out again last week and have been working on it a little more.

Today

I'm a few inches past the armholes and a few more inches away from the v-neck.  I'm sure it will go quickly once I reach that point since I will have fewer stitches to knit. 

Do you think I'll be able to finish it by Father's Day?

Learn. How to Use Flickr

Some of you may know that I use a Flickr group as a gallery for this website.  You can go there and see projects from readers, my projects, craft challenge pictures, and there is even a space to have group discussions.  Anytime you want to access the flickr group, you can click on the SHARE icon in my sidebar.  It will take you right there.  I've had a few people ask me how it works and how they can use it to post their craft challenge entries (due May 27th, by the way!).  I hope this post can help. 

Flickr is a free photo sharing site that has some great built in tools.  I use these for organizing my blog photos, as well as my personal photos.  When you sign in, you'll want to start uploading your photos or videos. 

You click on choose photos and videos and then follow the instructions. 

There are also some great uploading tools you can find if you click on the Flickr Tools page.  You can upload from your email and they have desktop uploaders as well.  I use Flickr Uploadr for Windows.  It is a great application that I can pull up anytime I'm taking the pictures off of my camera.  I don't have to get online or anything.  From that application I can also name, tag, and describe my photos.

This is the screen that will come up from the web based application if you upload a picture.  It is still not right side up but this is easily fixed as soon as it is saved to flickr. 

This is where you give your picture a title, description, and tags.  You can also add it to a set.  I keep a set for projects, family, and some other things.  Tags are descriptive words that can help you find your pictures in the future.  If they consist of more than one word, you'll want to put them in quotes.  I always tag my photos with the year they were taken.  Sample tags for this photo might include: 2009, projects, christynelson.net, skirt, sewing.

One of the options you have when you save your pictures to flickr, is the chance to edit them in Picnick.  If you don't have some other photo editing software you like to use, this is one of the best free applications I've seen.  You can add text to your photos, crop, fix red eyes, and much more.

This screen shot shows what it looks like once you have saved your picture to flickr. You have options to edit, delete, and rotate.  You can also set flickr up so you can blog directly from there.  You can make any picture a blog post along with your own commentary.

 

You can also send to a group.  Joining groups is a great way to meet new bloggers and other crafters.  Of course, I recommend you join my group!  If you participate in the craft challenge you can send your pictures directly to the group with a few clicks. 

To the right is the screenshot of my group's homepage.  Any group member can add their crafty pictures there.  There is also a spot for discussion.  We've kind of been neglecting that area but I'd love to see it get a little more action! 

I've only barely scratched the surface here with what you can do with Flickr.  I hope you take the time to see what it can do for you!

Stuff I Like. Chalkboard Vinyl and Chalk Markers.

When I was in Kansas City this past weekend, I went to Paper Source.  I love that store.  I have been on the lookout for some chalkboard vinyl but haven't been able to find something that I like that can be repositioned.  I found some vinyl chalkboard tiles at Paper Source that fit the bill and were in the price range I was expecting (around $20). 

The package included 4 squares (9" x 12" each).  I used two of those for my kitchen menu (still a work in progress).  The kids love this and helped me fill in the first few days.  They picked out their breakfast choices and threw out some dinner ideas. 

The salesperson at Paper Source was a pro.  She totally used her powers of persuasion to sell me some Marvy Bistro Chalk Markers.  I paid $12.95 for them and even though I found them cheaper online later, I don't care!  I'm so glad I got them.  They write like a dream and don't leave that chalky dust all over the place.  You can use them on windows, mirrors, and whiteboards, too.  They go on smoothly and wipe off well.  They also have a myriad of craft applications!  I can cover chipboard or use them on other kinds of embellishments.  I'm really looking forward to seeing what kinds of things I can come up with for these markers. 

I also still need to decide where to put the other two chalkboard tiles.  Good thing I can reposition them if I change my mind!

Stuff I Like. Chicks Who Click

Today I am at a conference in Kansas City. It is Chicks Who Click and I just happen to be one of the presenters. This week's etsy features were inspired by Chicks Who Click! Hope you like them.

Plus, how cute is the little chick pirate? Love it.

This etsy mini has since been replaced with a screenshot.

Make. Mini Patchfolio

I've had the mini patchfolio pattern as a favorite in my bookmarks for some time now.  But, I couldn't justify the $12 price tag for a pattern.  However, just a few days ago I decided that I loved it so much that I needed to have it.  I bought the small books pattern that includes three different projects. 

First off, let me just say that the patterns are well written and beautiful.  I ordered it on a Wednesday morning and by Thursday morning the pattern had arrived in the mail.  Granted, it was just coming a few states away but to have a one day turnaround was amazing to me! 

These patchfolios are meant for the jr. legal pads you can find at office supply stores.  Part of the reason I wanted this pattern is because I have two packs of these (about 24 pads) hanging around my house and I thought they would make cute teacher gifts.

I made this one to match the bag I made back in February.   It just so happens to match the belt I made, too.  The other patchfolio I made using red gingham.  I thought that would be a good choice for a generic gift sometime.  Living in Nebraska, you can never go wrong with something red.

The craft apple patterns are now licensed to allow for sales.  You can make up a batch or two and sell them at craft fairs or in your etsy shops.  They are quick enough to make and take less than 3 fat quarters to make.  In fact, I might place some in my shop once I get the technique down a little better.  All in all, this pattern gets a thumbs up from me!

Learn. How to Turn a Dress Into a Skirt.

Yesterday I was cleaning up some clothes and came across a dress of my daughter's that was a little too small.  It was still in good shape so I thought I might chop it up and make it into a skirt.

Chances are, if you have a little girl, you have a dress like this one lying around.  It is just a knit dress with a tiered bottom.  Perfect for turning into a skirt! 

The first thing I did was measure some elastic against my daughter's waist.  I know this probably isn't the most precise way to figure out the measurement, but it is the quickest!  It's just elastic, right?  No need for precision. 

Once I had the elastic cut to her size, I cut the dress at the armpits.  This left a few inches of fabric above the beginning of the tiers.  This is what will now be my elastic casing.

My most clever moment of the evening came when I realized that I could sew the raw edge to the seam from the beginning tier!  This would mean that you wouldn't be able to see any of my sewing! 

I folded the top inside to the seam and then pinched it together.   Actually, my husband folded it for the picture.  Anyway, you'll take that to your sewing machine and zig zag all the way around being careful to leave a 1-2 inch opening so you can thread your elastic through.

 

Place safety pin on one end of your elastic and thread it through the opening.  Be careful not to twist the elastic and make sure the other end doesn't go through the hole.  When it is all the way around, stitch the elastic to itself, slide it up into the casing, and stitch the opening closed. 

Now all that's left is to take pictures of the finished product!  This was the most difficult part.  You can catch a glimpse of blurry little hands that can't wait to get a hold of their "new" skirt!   

I think she likes it! 

For Sale. Retired Stampin' Up Stamp Sets

In the great craft room cleanup, I've got quite a load of retired Stampin' Up stamp sets that need new homes.  Before I take the time and effort to list them all on etsy or ebay, I thought I'd post the list here to see if there are any takers.  I will certainly discount if you want to purchase multiple sets.  Comment here or email me to claim your sets. 

Each set is in a varying degree of use.  Some are new and unmounted (NUM).  Others are barely used but mounted.  Some are well worn and stained but not to the point of taking away from their usefulness.  If asked, I will provide pictures of specific sets you might be interested in.  Otherwise, I'll be linking to various images online. 

Shape Ups $5                                              You Are My Sunshine $15

Event Full $10                                            Double Line Doodles $20

Fun Filled $10                                             Amazing to Zany $35

Bodacious Bouquet  comes with Classy Brass Template for dry embossing $40

Retro Alphabet (lowercase) $25                   Checked Frame (no clamshell) $5

Chore Chart comes with lots of copies of the monthly calendars $40

Big Blossom $8                                               Baby Firsts $10

Birthday Whimsy $12                                 Friendship Blooms (NUM) $15

Lots of Thoughts $8                                     Love Matters $10

Polka Dots and Paisley $8                          So Many Scallops  $8

Tag Time $15                                                  Time Well Spent (NUM) $20

Terrific Tags (no clamshell) $5

Make. Miniature Garden

I'll admit that I'm pretty good at crafting.  Even with the occasional FAIL here or there, I can hold my own.  Gardening?  Not so much.   I'd love to be the kind of person that can garden.  I've had a container garden in the past.  In fact, I might even try it again.  I'll just have lower expectations. 

Janit is the owner of Two Green Thumbs Miniature Garden Center.  Her product got me so excited that I knew I had to try it*.  It's a crafty garden so I thought I might be able to handle it.  I was mostly right. 

Here is one of the kits all decked out (photo from twogreenthumbs.com) and ready to go.  The product arrives ready to be planted in a container (or the ground).  There is everything you need to make your little garden paradise.  What really drew me in was the ability to add on cute little accessories.  You can add mini garden gnomes, patio furniture, or even ponds!

As you can see from the first picture in this post, my garden doesn't look as good as it could. I feel kind of bad posting this review because my execution was lacking.  I have nothing but great things to say about the product.  I just wish I had been able to make mine a little more cute. 

Having said that, it really didn't turn out too badly.  I love looking at it and the kids really enjoy taking care of it.  My daughter takes some of her little toys out there to play on the miniature patio. 

From start to finish, the garden takes a couple of weeks.  You need to plant your mini shrubs and then you'll want to make your patio.  The actual work doesn't take too long (and is quite therapeutic) but the concrete needs to cure so you'll need to let that happen for some time.   I had some ill-timed rainy weather so I needed to make sure my patio was covered and safe from the elements.  I think this had something to do with the dead spot you might have noticed on the very top of one of my little shrubs.   I also messed a little too much with my patio and it turned out bumpy.  I do have enough materials that I can rip it out and try again.

At any rate, I totally recommend the miniature gardens and hope that some of you will try one out.  I'd love to see some pictures of them if you do. 

*product provided

Learn. How to Make a Circular Knitting Needle Holder.

This morning I was doing some finishing touches on my craft closet.  I have this baggie full of knitting odds and ends and I realized that my circular knitting needles are always a mess.  Apparently there was nothing as important to me in that moment than to make a circular knitting needle holder.  So, I did.

I'd seen some store bought holders, as well as some homemade, and had a good idea of how to make one.  However, I hadn't seen any with pockets.  I wanted mine to have a few pockets on front to hold some crochet hooks, double pointed needles, and some other knitting odds and ends. 

Once I had the vision in my mind, I went to my closet and picked out some fabric.  The white fabric with yarn balls was a given.  I also lucked out in the fabric stash giveaway to find a coordinating print with all of the matching colors.  The pom-pom fringe was an afterthought and a leftover from one of the craft challenges.

I made this up as I went along but I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.  If you try out the pattern, I'd love to see your pictures at my flickr group!

Circular Knitting Needle Holder Pattern

Supplies:  one 9" X 21" piece of fabric

two 5" X 6" pieces of coordinating fabric for the pockets

Clothes hanger

Pom pom trim (optional)

thread

sewing machine

1. Iron over each side of the pocket sized pieces of fabric approximately 1/3". 

2. Top stitch the top of the pockets.

3.  Secure to the bottom half of your long piece of fabric using pins.  Stitch into place along the sides and bottom. 

4.  Iron over each raw edge of the long fabric approximately 1/3".  Stitch around all edges as close to the edge as possible.

5.  Secure pom pom trim to the bottom edges of the long fabric.  Stitch across and do this for both of the bottom edges of the fabric.

6. Fold the long fabric through the plastic hanger.  Making sure it is folded over evenly, stitch as closely as possible to the hanger.

7.   Now you'll want to mark out where you want your knitting needle channels to be.  Mine are approximately 1 1/2" apart.  Mark them with pins. 

8.  Stitch across the width.  Take care not to stitch over the pockets.  When you get to a pocket, raise your pressure foot, slide your work to the other side, and continue on. 

9.  Trim all the little bits of thread and it is ready to use!

10.  Divide your circular knitting needles by size and thread them through the channels.  Hang up the holder in your closet or on your wall!

Stuff I Like. Travel Related Items from Etsy

Summer is almost here and I'm already in vacation mode.  I love traveling and I was thinking I could share some things that might make your summer trips a little more enjoyable and carefree. 

My favorite find?  A collapsible hula hoop.  Instant fun on the go! 

This etsy mini has since been replaced with a screen shot.

 

Craft Editor Position

Many of you know that I've been the Mom Crafts editor over at Type-A-Mom.  I started there almost a year ago writing a few articles and then becoming the Trying to Conceive editor.  I also did a stint as a managing mom editor for a while but had to let that go once this website and the craft challenge started to take off.  Now that I'm starting to work on Toolulu, there really isn't time for me to put the energy I know the Mom Crafts section deserves. 

The Mom Crafts editor position isn't listed yet as available but they will be accepting applications soon.  If you would like to have an opportunity to get published on a major site, you can find out more information at the Hiring Mom Editors page.  I know this might be just the kind of thing some of you are looking for!  Good luck!

Fabric Storage and Color Mastery

I thought you might want to see the solution I've come up with for how to store my fabric.  I recently "inherited" a large supply of fabric and wanted to get it organized so I can start to use it and see what I have. 

I was inspired by the book, Color Mastery: 10 Principles for Creating Stunning Quilts by Maria Peagler.  I've been reading the book for just over a month, studying and trying to do the lessons. Go figure that I was having a hard time.  I couldn't do the first lesson (the way I wanted to) without having a better handle on my fabric.  Plus, it just makes sense to have them grouped by color. 

The first lesson in the book is to create a color journal.  I have my journal ready to go and I can't wait to start filling it up!  I have so many ideas for projects but choosing colors and fabric is the most difficult part for me.  I'm glad I have this book to hold my hand through the process.  You'll hear more about this book in the weeks to come as I start to tackle some big-ish projects (and some smaller ones) using her methods.

The best part of my newly organized fabric stash is that all of the pieces are folded so uniformly.  I love it!  I folded it just like the Happy Zombie.  It makes me super happy to have everything in there like that. 

But wait!  Let's zoom that picture out a bit.  Did I mention it is a work in progress?

Learn. How to Make a Duct Tape Dress Form.

As you can tell from the dress form, I've got my fair share of bosom.  Finding clothes that fit me on the rack is almost impossible.  What fits on top never fits on bottom.  Just one of those burdens I bear.  But, I realize I'm not alone.  We all have our little body quirks that make it difficult to fit into clothes. 

I'm making a sweater for myself and I thought it would be a good idea to make a dress form so I can "try it on" as I go.  I've had a tutorial bookmarked for a while now but there was also one in the book, Custom Knits.  I showed my husband the pictures, he got some duct tape and scissors, and I was taped up for an afternoon.

You'll want to put on a t-shirt that you don't mind cutting up and never using again.   In hindsight, I wish I would have selected a shirt that had longer sleeves and came down lower over my hips.  It wasn't totally critical because it is really the upper part of my body I have a hard time fitting. 

Get someone to help you.  Someone that you don't mind feeling you up.  It can get a little cosy.  My husband did a great job wrapping me up.  As you can see, he started around the waist and moved up.  Once you get to the curvy bits, you have to build up your duct tape layers to make it work.  All in all, we used a whole giant roll of duct tape and did three layers.

Once you are finished, have your partner cut you out of it by making one straight cut up the center of your back. 

These next few steps were the most difficult, in my opinion.  You'll need to tape the back together and stuff it.  I taped over the arm openings and added a hanger to the top before closing it up.  You'll want to have some stuffing in there already to help you fill it out.  I used A LOT of old newspaper for mine. 

Stuff it as tight as you can.  You'll want to make sure to fill up all the crevices and spaces so it is as much like your body as possible.  Once it is stuffed as much as possible, cut a piece of cardboard to fit into the bottom and tape that into place. 

Your dress form is now ready for a name!  You can also cover it with something more attractive than duct tape, or just dress it up!  Mine is now being used to hold some of my aprons. 

If you make your own dress form, I'd love to see the pictures!  You can share them at our flickr group. 

Stuff I Like. Garage Sale Finds and a Bedroom Redesign.

A neighbor had a garage sale.  I drove by not planning to stop.  Then I saw something totally awesome.  This is made out of carpet and plywood.  It is almost 4 feet tall and over 5 feet wide.  I absolutely fell in love with it and knew I had to have it.  It is now MINE, all MINE! 

I actually used this in a room redesign (I use the redesign term loosely) for my son.  His bedroom was kind of a cluttered mess and he didn't spend a lot of time in there.  I wanted to make him a place where he could go and play and take a break.  So, we reorganized his room a bit.

This is what the room looked like before.  We had a computer desk in there and the bed was in the corner.  That wall to the left is where we hung the US carpet map. 

We moved the bed and took the computer out of there (it didn't work anymore).  Now there is so much more room to play.

  Here is the after shot of that same corner.  The bed is now along that back wall where the computer used to be.  I put our awesome OU Sooner bean bag in the corner and made that corner into a little reading nook. 

I think he really likes it and I do, too!

I entered this before and after into a design challenge over at Fresh Nest Designs.   Why don't you go and check out what everyone else did?  I hope this wasn't too amateurish for the challenge but I'd appreciate a vote or two, as well.  Thanks! 

May Craft Challenge Packets

The May craft challenge packets are now on their way!  After I printed out the instruction sheet and read what I wrote, I realized there is one section where it sounds a little harsh.   I wrote that people should finish early so they make sure to have them done by the deadline.  I just want to clarify that participating in the challenge is OPTIONAL and I didn't mean for it to sound like I'm commanding you all to finish early and make the deadline.  My intention was to let you know that you don't have to wait until the day they are due to turn them in. 

Anyway, let's talk about what is inside them!  Chances are you haven't received it yet.  If you'd like it to be a surprise, you better close your browser. 

 

This month I was inspired by FLOWERS!  You had to know that was coming, right?  April showers bring May flowers.  This month's packet includes: 

1. daisy silk flowers

2. floral stem wire

3. brightly colored flower buttons

4. floral scrapbook paper

5. blue cotton fabric squares

If you would like to participate in future challenges, you can read more about them here and purchase your challenge packet from my etsy shop.