Craftzine.com blog: October 2006 Archive

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Archives: October 2006

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October 3, 2006

Recycle theme for Pincushion Challenge

From last months Pincushion challenge comes a crop of some very inspiring work based on the theme of Recycle. Pictured here is a bird pincushion wristlet from Natalie of keeping me in stitches and a mini-recyling center pin cushion by Daria of glittergoods. [ via ] Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2006 02:08 PM
Recycle, Sewing | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

CRAFT Book-A-Day Tuesday: Time to Weave by Jane Patrick

Time to Weave by Jane Patrick
Book Site - Link.
Web Site - Link.

Jane Patrick's book, "Time to Weave" features a wide array of weaving projects that cover everything from using recycled goods to creating art for your home. Jane goes over the basic fundamentals of how to use a loom as well as the supplies you'll need to get started. What's also great is that most of the projects in the book don't require the use of a loom and are very approachable. The book is chock full of inspiring projects that are beautiful and simple to make. Plus, thanks to Jane, weaving looks like a fun and addictive craft. Get yourself started right away by making your own custom weave cards, grocery bag baskets, tile wraps, and more.

As part of National Spinning and Weaving week, we'll cover weaving today by getting a chance to find out more about Jane Patrick and her love of weaving.

Janepatrick

Nat: Please tell me a little bit about your crafty background.

Jane: I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. As a kid I became known as the family "putzer" because I was always making things. My earliest projects involving textiles were embroidered monogram hankies for my grandfathers and father. (You can certainly see my progress over the years--I probably continued this tradition much longer than any of them needed new hankies.) Later, I spent many hours in my room drawing and painting. However, I was never really good at realistic art and always found making useful objects more satisfying. Perhaps this is what influenced my path to textile crafts, and specifically weaving. It is the creating with my hands that I yearn for.

Nat: Where did you learn the art of weaving?

Jane: I really came to the textile crafts as an exchange student in Iceland. As part of our year-long program we could attend a month of home economics school. My turn came in the spring and I spent a month in what I still consider paradise. All I did every day all day long was knit, sew, stitch, crochet...and finally weave. Actually, I didn't really learn to weave in Iceland, but it is where I first wove. They had finished weaving for the year, but I when I saw the room full of looms, I must have begged convincingly because the textile art teacher let me weave off all the warps left on the looms. I had no idea what I was doing, but from that moment I knew I was hooked.

It wasn't until I moved to Boulder several years later that I took my first beginning weaving classes and then I spent every available moment weaving. (Actually, my weaving teacher was Deborah Chandler of "Learning to Weave" fame. So I had a pretty great teacher!)

Nat: In you new book, "Time to Weave", you cover a wide array of weaving projects from recycling paper grocery bags to make baskets to weaving paper yarn around tiles to create art. What was your inspiration to write this book?

Jane: I wanted to make a book that would get people excited about weaving. I wanted weaving to be approachable. I wanted weaving to be affordable. Sometimes I think the impression is that weaving is too hard or too expensive or requires too much equipment, or even that weaving is too old-fashioned. I wanted to present engaging ideas that would inspire people to weave--get new people weaving and even get people who do weave excited again.

Nat: Can you tell me about a project from the book that was particularly fun to make and why.

Jane: The projects that were in the end were the most fun for me, yet they were also the hardest. The fun part was when I figured out a design problem; the hard part was getting there. One of the challenges in designing the projects for my book was to make cool stuff that was easy to make. This seems simple, but to design within strict guidelines can be challenging. Often "easy" is hard.

One example is the Sticks and String Coaster. The design problem was, how can I create a sturdy, simply-designed coaster without using a loom? I tried twining, but I found it too cumbersome for this project. I made a trip to the hardware store and found some stout string and balsa wood slats used for model airplane building. I liked the character of the materials, but I didn't know how to make them into a thing that worked. This is when I went to books and researched ancient techniques -- where I found the looping technique for this mat. It solved my design parameters, and I loved my final solution of how to secure the ends. I initially used little black rubber bands used for hair braids. But after several months I realized that the rubber was breaking down quickly and would soon completely disintegrate. I then turned to shrink tubing used in electrical work and cut strips that I shrank with a hair dryer. The black "ties" not only secure the string ends, they add a little zip to the design. This example is pretty much how working on projects for the book progressed.

Nat: Can you share with us a special weaving tip?

Jane: I think my advice applies to anyone creating with their hands, and that is to keep going, to work through problems, and look at your work with a critical eye. I truly believe that a lot of creativity is just a matter of hard work. Work hard at what you love.

Nat: What other weaving projects are you working on this fall?

Jane: I'm really excited about starting another book. This book will use a loom, specifically the rigid heddle loom (it is versatile, affordable, and portable). Though this new book is not a sequel to Time to Weave, I do hope it will appeal to crafters who have maybe been inspired by Time to Weave to explore weaving further. My goal is to use traditional and unexpected materials and techniques to create irresistible and engaging designs.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2006 12:19 PM
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Jack-O-Lantern stencil patterns

There are lots of great stencils for you to carve a perfect Jack-O-Lantern this halloween like this Crazy Cat. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2006 11:06 AM
Holiday projects | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

Make roses out of Maple leaves

As the Fall leaves cover the sidewalk, here's a great recycling project for you. With this tutorial you can learn how to fold roses out of Maple leaves. The autumn colors look great for decor and they don't need any watering. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2006 10:30 AM
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Laptop Sleeve from Old Pants

Melissa says, "A complete tutorial for turning a pair of old corduroys and a sweatshirt into a lined sleeve for a 12" iBook or Powerbook. Great step-by-step instructions (with photos!) and a brilliant recycling idea." Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2006 09:51 AM
Recycle, Sewing, Tech Accessories | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

HOW TO - Make Cuff Bracelets

Here's a full tutorial on how to make easy button snap cuffs that are 2 sided. We love the one with Ms. Pac-Man! Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2006 08:32 AM
Sewing | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 2, 2006

Crochet kitty hat

From Crochetville.org, here's a pattern to crochet a kitty hat! Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 06:30 PM
Crochet, Patterns | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Pressed penny bracelet

Ansley has been collecting pressed pennies for ages and put them together to create a modern day charm bracelet. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 05:02 PM
Jewelry | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

HOW TO - Build a Rubiks Cube costume

From the MAKE Blog:
Fred sent in this great Rubiks cube costume along with how to make your own, he writes - "I made this for my Halloween costume last year, and figured people might be interested in doing it themselves for this season. " - Link.

More: Costume projects and more - Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 04:25 PM
Holiday projects | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

HOW TO - Make paper

B. Zedan says, "A step-by-step tutorial on making paper in your kitchen, no fancy press required. Lots of notes on the photos for advice and help. I made this tutorial a year ago and since I've had people from all over tell me they used it to make paper for the first time (and they've made some lovely sheets). That sort of thing is terribly exciting to me, I think paper is the best addiction ever." Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 03:25 PM
Paper Crafts | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

HOW TO - Repair knitwear

Here's a great Knitty article on techniques for repairing knitwear fixes (seams coming undone, pulls, tears and holes). Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 02:39 PM
Knitting | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

CRAFT Book-A-Day Monday: Spin to Knit by Shannon Okey

Spin to Knit by Shannon Okey
Book Site - Link.
Knitgrrl Web Site - Link.

If you've always been curious on how to spin your own yarn, there's no better book than "Spin to Knit" by Shannon Okey (aka Knitgrrl) to introduce you to this new world. Shannon breaks things down and explains the basics such as fibers 101, all the equipment (drop spindle or spinning wheel), and the steps to achieve the best looking yarn. There are great features on other yarn spinners as well as a bevy of patterns for you to knit from your self-spun yarn. She also helps you take your yarn to the next level going over color and embellishments such as beads, thread, and more. Overall this is a fantastic book that will jump start you into the amazing world of yarn spinning.

In honor of National Spinning and Weaving Week, we talked to Shannon about her new book, tips on spinning, and her new projects for fall.

Spintoknit 2

Nat: You are known as Knitgrrl and we love all your Knitgrrl books. How did you get interested in spinning yarn?

Shannon: On a dare. No, really. If you dig back into the Knitty.com archives, you'll see that I wrote their first two spinning-related articles (here and here). Take a look at this one. You'll see my friend Lee wearing the sweater featured in Spin to Knit's introduction. He'd just sold his house and was about to take a year-long trip around the world. He asked me how long it would take to knit him a sweater...a year? two? I laughed and said I could probably spin and knit one in less time than that... and the game was on. (It took a little under a month, by the way). But the joke was on me -- when I sent it to him, somewhere off the coast of Scotland, he had a massive allergic reaction and had to send it back. That photo caused at least a few day's worth of itching! So it's mine now.

Fun fact: something else I learned as a result of a dare was DOS. But I think spinning's more practical these days!

Nat: Tell us more about your book Spin to Knit and why you decided to write this book? Which patterns are your favorites?

Shannon: I was talking to Interweave Press about writing a book based on my alt-fibers class (the same one I taught last year at Maker Faire!) when they brought it up. From the first email asking if I'd like to write it to me sending them a proposal and outline: 45 minutes! So I guess you could say I was interested...

Shannon: My favorite patterns? Come on, that's like asking me to pick my favorite child. I love them all equally but in different ways. However, if pressed, I think I'd say the Laurabelle Swedish Heart shrug. It's named after my (Swedish) grandmother and it looks like a paper Swedish heart. (Learn how to make the paper version here!) I can't wait to have a some down time, because I think the next one I knit is going to be from much, much lighter-weight yarn. I suspect it will be even more beautiful, but I didn't have time to knit two when we were doing the book.

Nat: What are the essentials I need for yarn spinning to start right away?

Shannon: You can spin with a cotton ball and your hands, if you want to be really low-tech! But to produce enough yarn to actually knit something, you need either a spindle or a wheel and some fiber. I recommend starting with wool because it's very forgiving. Your spindle or wheel doesn't have to be fancy -- there are lots of different price options. As long as it helps you twist the fiber, you're good.

Nat: Do you have a special tip with spinning you can share?

Shannon: Stock up on all the little bits that fall on the floor as you spin. You can re-card them together and make some really wild multicolor yarns later on!

Nat: I know you also love spinning natural fibers such as those from plants and pet hair. When did you realize you could spin these kinds of elements?

Shannon: My best friend is vegetarian (she used to be vegan), and allergic to more things than I can count. When I heard about soysilk, I immediately ordered some fiber to make her a holiday gift. That was my first exposure to plant fiber spinning. The first time I spun dog hair for an actual project was on an episode of Knitty Gritty (it hasn't aired yet, so keep your TiVos peeled). We made some very meta dog outfits with it. But the actual first time I spun dog hair was in 2003 -- you can read about it here. Double-ply Pekinese! Look for the swatch in the spring issue of CRAFT, I wrote an article on unusual spinning fibers and dog hair's only one of them.

Nat: What kind of knitting or craft projects are you working on now for fall?

Shannon: Lots of different stuff -- a national chain asked me to work on some kits for them, I'm finishing up the final photos for AlterNation, (it's a sewing book I wrote with my friend Alexandra Underhill), a few knitting and felting projects for friends' books, getting ready to launch Crochet Style and Felt Frenzy (which come out in late winter/early spring), and knitting lots and lots of swatches for my next book. I also need to start making things for Bazaar Bizarre, because I'll be at both the Boston and Cleveland shows, and work on my project for Seamless. It never slows down at Knitgrrl HQ!

Some photos of Shannon's work:

Natasha-Overdye-1
Fiber I dyed, and Natasha Fialkov of luxefibre.com overdyed.

Tentacle-1

Felted shibori project i'm working on ('cause knittin' and spinnin' just isn't enough).

You can catch Shannon for the rest of the week on her blog tour. Here's the schedule. - Link.
Also, don't miss Shannon and Kim Werker of Get Hooked real life book tour. - Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 12:45 PM
Interviews | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Vintage Halloween Flickr group

There's a great flickr group I'm a member of that has great vintage images of Halloween from the 1800's-1960's. Photos are of halloween decorations, photographs, costumes and more! Pictured here is a postcard from 1910. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 10:45 AM
Holiday projects, Vintage | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

HOW TO - Make devil horns

Cat Morley has a cool tutorial on how to make cute sparkly devil horns that are perfect for Halloween. Link.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 2, 2006 09:30 AM
Holiday projects, Sewing | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

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