August 11, 2016
by Tammy
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My sister, the Tappingflamingo, was down visiting me in Florida, so of course, that means we had to sneak off and record a podcast. We chat about my so far failed attempt at sewing Blythe doll clothes, her very cool gator jewelry, and show off some knitting and crochet.
August 8, 2016
by Tammy
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Melt Inkjet Decal Images onto Wood
How to melt inkjet decal images onto wood without visible decal edges. Turpentine dissolves Lazertran inkjet carrier film leaving only the decal image.
Connie’s latest addition to her Etsy shop is a sampler fit for a queen, or a princess, or maybe even a prince or two.
Tammy is blowing the dust off her sewing machine in hopes of attempting to sew doll clothes for her Blythe dolls.
Cyndi mixes leather cords and metal links for a cute and easy bracelet tutorial!
Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean reviews Cynthia Newcomer Daniel’s fascinating new book, Modern Beaded Lace Beadweaving Techniques for Stunning Jewelry Designs.
August 2, 2016
by Tammy
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A folding screen card is a cute variation on an accordion fold card. It’s made to resemble an oriental room divider screen. Here are two ways to make one.
Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean reviews a fab new jewelry design book: Cool Copper Cuffs 25 Metal and Wire Projects by Eva M. Sherman !
Beads, sewing supplies, yarn,and more! How do you get your craft space organized so you can actually craft?
Cyndi has collected some more fast and easy projects that won’t make you sweat in the summer heat!
The latest free pattern at Connie Gee’s Designs is the Rainbow Circles chart. It is whole cross-stitch only and could be adapted for any color scheme.
August 1, 2016
by Tammy
7 Comments
After finally getting organized, I managed to get my sewing machine out and on my sewing cabinet. I think it has been about two years or so since I even turned on my sewing machine, so that was the first thing I needed to check. Does it work?
I already had a doll dress cut and ready for sewing. This is from a free pattern on the Waffle Patterns web site. I am not going to do the applique part, but I do plan to line it with the blue fabric shown. It is so freakin’ tiny, yikes!
I turned on the machine, and yeah, we have power! But, before I risked messing up my first little Blythe doll dress, I decided to test it out. And, boy, I’m glad I did. Everything turns on, and I can get it to stitch, but the stitches are uneven, and my reverse button doesn’t work. Something is wrong with the tension. Ugh!
So, the Blythe doll dress is still on hold for a little while. I need to pull out the manual and check to see if this is something I can fix. I can tell that the machine is very stiff feeling, too. When I work the hand wheel, it’s very tight, and I don’t remember it feeling like that in the past. I’m really hoping it’s something I can do myself since, I’m pretty sure, there are no sewing machine repair places close to me. I don’t want to ship off my machine now that I finally have space to sew. I will keep you posted.
July 25, 2016
by Tammy
4 Comments
After chatting some about how I was getting my jewelry making supplies, sewing, and other crafting supplies in order so that I could actually make something, I finally got it together. In this video, I show a before and then an after, from crazy mess to neat as a pin (or almost).
July 25, 2016
by Tammy
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Why Buy When You Can Watch Free?
Eileen explains when to watch free and when you would want to buy a class. Hint: Creative Live classes are up to 50% off until 7/25!
Another super easy garter stitch knit shawl is done! And the yarn was wonderful to work with.
Just a few of Cyndi’s favorite makers are featured in a set of new tutorials!
Recycled Guitar String Bracelets
Recycled guitar strings into bracelets! Most of us are into recycling these days and what better way to keep stuff out of the land fill than to make some beautiful things to wear!
We only have one more section left to go in the Connie Gee’s Designs free SAL. But don’t fret, the new Tiny SAL will be coming soon!
July 23, 2016
by Tammy
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I have been participating in the Wine and Dollies videos with other doll collectors and crafters. In this episode, I talk about my bead organization because I’m trying to find room for my sewing machine, and of course, I have a Cherry Beach Sunset Blythe hanging out with me too. I’m a bit of a chatty Cathy in this video, so get a cup of tea or coffee or wine, and come chill with me.
July 21, 2016
by Tammy
2 Comments
This is a very simple design where you start with three cast-ons, and then you knit and increase on each end so that it grows. I just keep going until I use up almost all of the yarn. Unfortunately, I’m paranoid about not having enough to cast off at the end, so I usually end up with an extra bit more than anticipated.
I think this is about the fourth one of these I have made, and I keep telling myself that I need to make something more difficult and stretch my knitting muscles. However, at the same time, I just want to knit and enjoy the process. Oh, and enjoy the yarn. I did like working with this yarn. It feels soft but isn’t so soft that’s slippery and hard to work with. When I made a mistake and had to rip back or tink, it didn’t tangle. I think I only had one knot issue (of my own making), but otherwise, I never had to break the yarn and weave it in the middle of a row. I was hoping the gradient would look less subtle, but I think my sister will like this. Plus, it’s a good color on her.
July 17, 2016
by Tammy
0 comments
July 17, 2016
by Tammy
0 comments
Decoupage a Glass Plate with Napkins
How to decoupage delicate napkin or tissue paper without wrinkling or tearing. Eileen’s example also covers how to center a decoupage image on a round plate.
Summertime is the right time to try a new technique! Cyndi has plenty to choose from…
Free Pom Pom Quilt Cross Stitch Pattern
The free Pom Pom Quilt pattern lends itself to creativity. I chose “spicy” colors for mine, but you can easily adapt it to a color set of your choice. Or, you could even add beads and metallic thread to give it a little bling and sparkle.
Snap our of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean reviews the super new technique and project book, Guide to Beading with a Loom, by Jamie Cloud Eakin!