CRAFT PodcastArchive: CRAFT Podcast

November 26, 2008

Hazel and Maude Potholders from AlterKnits Felt - CRAFT Pattern Podcast

CraftPod89_AltFelt.jpg

AlterKnits Felt by Leigh Radford (Stewart, Tabori & Chang)
Buy the Book ($24.95)

As the season grows colder, this is the perfect book to snuggle up with. AlterKnits Felt features 30 beautiful projects made from fuzzy felted knits. You'll learn to knit and then felt your projects, or how to felt pre-existing knits to use as raw materials for a wide variety of goodies. The key idea here is variety. I love that the book offers patterns for everything from jewelry (like the I-Cord Wrap Bracelet and Rings) and accessories (such as the Full Circle Purse) to cozy items for the home--the Reverse Appliqué rug is a notable standout. The skill range involved is nicely varied as well, making AlterKnits Felt a safe bet for crafters at any level who are looking to experiment with texture and color.

One lucky Craftzine readers will win a copy AlterKnits Felt! Just leave a comment on this post by 12pm PST on Thurday, November 27 telling us why you need this book. Please make sure your e-mail address is included in your profile so we can contact you if you win.

AltKnitsFeltMore.jpg

Aaaand guess what? This week's CRAFT Pattern Podcast features an excerpt from AlterKnits Felt: the Hazel and Maude Potholders. Download our free PDF to learn how to knit and felt these retro-inspired potholders (which would make a great holiday gift, hint hint!).

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Posted by Jenny Ryan | Nov 26, 2008 12:00 PM
CRAFT Podcast, Patterns | Permalink | Email Entry | TrackBack

November 25, 2008

Twitchie Scorpion


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes | mov | 3g2

SANY0322.JPG

I made this scorpion toy with a Twitchie Robot Kit. I'm really afraid of scorpions where I live in Arizona, so I thought a friendly toy would help me get used to them. I made his plush body from some fabric I had around, aiming to make him look like an Arizona bark scorpion, which are tan/yellowish/translucent. Watch the video for build details, and here's a list of materials I used:

  • Twitchie Robot Kit
  • 3 pieces of scrap wood
  • 1 drywall screw for non-driven front leg
  • hot glue
  • fabric for plush body
  • plush stuffing
  • thread & embroidery floss

Twitchie is Arduino powered and comes pre-programmed, so it's an excellent kit for beginners in robotics, because no programming is required! You can download and modify the code if you want, and it's pretty light on the soldering, too. I'd recommend Twitchie for young makers (boys & girls, too!) interested in robotics or moving plush toys. If you have an idea for what I should name my new friend, let me know in the comments! All I've come up with so far is "Scott."

Music in the video is "At the Crack of Noon" by Shuutobi.


Makershedsmall
Mktet2-3
Twitchie Robot Kit

More build photos:

SANY0282.JPG

SANY0293.JPG

Posted by Becky Stern | Nov 25, 2008 01:00 PM
Amigurumi and Toys, CRAFT Podcast, Kids, Sewing, Video | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

November 21, 2008

Mini Monsters at Maker Faire Austin - CRAFT Video Podcast


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes | mov | 3g2

I caught up with craftzine blogger and Austin local Rachel Hobson at Maker Faire Austin 2008, where she gave a demo on making the Mini Monsters from CRAFT:06. These fun little creatures, invented by Moxie, are unique and full of the personality you give them. This is a very kid-friendly project, and you can buy the Mini Monster Kit in the Maker Shed. Don't forget that all craft kits are 10% off until the end of November using promo code CRAFTER.

moxiemonsterkit.jpg

Posted by Becky Stern | Nov 21, 2008 11:00 AM
101, Amigurumi and Toys, CRAFT Podcast, Kids, Sewing | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

November 14, 2008

Monogrammed Stocking from Stitched in Time - CRAFT Pattern Podcast & Giveaway

CraftPod88.jpg

Stitched in Time by Alicia Paulson (Potter Craft)
Buy the Book ($22.95)

Posie Gets Cozy blogger Alicia Paulson has a brand new book out this week, and it's really a sight to behold. As with her blog, the projects and the photography are a feast for the eyes--and being able to carry this beauty around with you, settling down to really take your time digging into each chapter with a cup of tea, is such a wonderful luxury. Stitched in Time is full of 30 beautiful projects destined to become instant heirlooms--you'll find everything from sweet dolls for the young ones in your life to household pretties like quilted photo frames, plus several special occasion items like frothy fabric wedding party corsages. It's all about using your own creativity and adding thoughtful, personal touches that turn "simple" into "special".

See more sneak peeks from Stitched in Time on Alicia's blog! Also--don't miss her first book signing event, happening this Sunday at Powell's Books in Portland, OR!

Sunday, November 16, 7:30pm
@ Powell's Books
1005 W. Burnside,
Portland, OR 97209

Not one, but FOUR lucky Craftzine readers will each win a copy Stitched in Time! Just leave a comment on this post by 12pm PST on Saturday, November 15 telling us why you need this book. Please make sure your e-mail address is included in your profile so we can contact you if you win.

That's not all! Stitch up a cozy stocking of your very own by downloading our CRAFT Pattern Podcast, featuring an excerpt from Stitched in Time. Learn to make your very own cozy stocking (complete with button monogram!) in plenty of time for the holidays.

EDIT: Please note, we've just heard the PDF pattern should actually be enlarged 250%, not 200% as is printed.
Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Posted by Jenny Ryan | Nov 14, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Patterns | Permalink | Email Entry | TrackBack

November 7, 2008

CRAFT: 09 Preview the Green Issue - CRAFT Video Podcast


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes | mov | 3g2

Here's a video tour of CRAFT Magazine issue 9. Check out the special Green Craft section with 21 projects with an eco-groove. Learn to fuse recycled plastic bags to make a tote bag and hat, make folded fabric gift wraps, and even learn the basics of hydroponic gardening! Make a secret stash box from vintage books and add LEDs to light up your embroidery. Even learn how to use Google's free 3D modeling software, Sketchup! View the complete table of contents.

Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine

Craftzine readers can now get $5 off a yearly subscription by entering the code MCRAFT. That's just $29.95 for 4 quarterly issues!

More:

CRAFT: 09 on Newsstands Today!

Posted by Becky Stern | Nov 7, 2008 11:00 AM
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October 31, 2008

Bunny Pencil Case from Zakka Sewing - CRAFT Pattern Podcast & Giveaway

PatternPod_Zakka.jpg

Zakka Sewing by Therese Laskey & Chika Mori (Stewart Tabori & Chang)
Buy the Book ($24.95)

If you've ever wished you could understand the patterns in those wonderful Japanese craft books, you're going to love Zakka Sewing, the new book from Therese Laskey and Chika Mori. "Zakka" means "household goods" in Japanese, and the term has become synonymous with simple yet beautiful hand-sewn items that are both attractive and useful. Zakka Sewing is the first English-language book to explore this culture and its traditions, presenting 25 one-of-a-kind patterns from Japan's best zakka creators. Projects range from a squirrel-shaped teapot cozy to simple felt flower coasters, and you can even learn to stitch up a pair of cozy slippers. The variety and quality of the projects will have you coming back to the book again and again!

One lucky Craftzine reader will win a copy Zakka Sewing! Just leave a comment on this post by 12pm PST on Saturday, November 1 telling us why you need this book. (Please make sure your e-mail address is included in your profile so we can contact you if you win.)

Get your feet wet in the world of Japanese crafts by downloading our CRAFT Pattern Podcast, featuring an excerpt from Zakka Sewing. Learn to make your very own bunny pencil case, a handy and cute zippered pouch complete with ears and a tail.

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Posted by Jenny Ryan | Oct 31, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Japanese Crafts, Patterns | Permalink | Email Entry | TrackBack

October 24, 2008

Fabric Wall Art - CRAFT Video Podcast

In this week's video, we take a visit to the new fabric store Whiz Bang Fabrics in San Francisco where owner Helen Fawcett shows us how to make some cool fabric wall art.

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes


craftpodcast_whizbangfabrics.jpg
You can see more photos in my Flickr set of the store and finished fabric wall art.

And if you live in the Bay Area, CA and love fabric, don't miss a chance to check out this great store. You'll be in craft heaven with their amazing variety of prints and patterns.

WhizBang Fabrics (@ Active Space)
3150 18th Street, Suite 113 (on Treat @ 18th),
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-621-2849

Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm
Sunday Noon - 5pm

Whiz Bang Fabrics is also having a sale!
Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, November 2
25 - 50% off ALL fabric, trim, notions and patterns

amy butler, joel dewberry, anna maria horner, kokka, fiskars cutting tools, gutermann thread, favorite things patterns and much more!


++ mention the CRAFT podcast and get an additional 10% off

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 24, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Fabric, Home and Garden, Video | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email Entry | TrackBack

October 17, 2008

Geek Chic Argyle Vest from Picture Perfect Knits - CRAFT Pattern Podcast

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Get preppy by knitting up this cute Geek Chic Argyle Vest from the new book, Picture Perfect Knits: Step-by-Step Intarsia with More than 50 Inspiring Patterns by Laura Birek. You can also improvise and use the argyle intarsia pattern for other knitting projects as well!

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 17, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Knitting, Patterns | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

October 10, 2008

Get Crafty at Maker Faire Austin - CRAFT Video Podcast

Maker Faire Austin is happening soon, the weekend of October 18-19 at the Travis County Expo Center in Austin, TX. Find out all about the crafty activities in store for you and your family in this week's podcast.

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 10, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Events, Maker Faire, Video | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

October 3, 2008

Easy Cake Stand - CRAFT Video Podcast

Crafter Sonya Nimri of Sonya Style and author of Beadalicious has an easy cake stand project you can make with your own dinnerware. It's a great recycle project to dress up your baked goods!


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Oct 3, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, General, Recycle | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

September 26, 2008

Mushroom Mittens - CRAFT Pattern Podcast

craftpodcast_mushroommittens.jpg Make these Super Mario Brothers inspired 1-up Mushroom Mittens by Swedish knitter Kamilla Svanlund of mittens.se. You can also make the gloves in a hip fingerless version!

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 26, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Knitting, Patterns | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

September 19, 2008

Casting Resin Rings - CRAFT Video Podcast


MP4 version | Download the HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

In this video I walk through the process of making rings out of clear polyester resin, a type of moldable plastic. I show you everything from mold-making to embedments. I used this same technique to make my RFID rings, which are clear plastic containing unique microchips useful for electronics projects where you want to identify a specific person wearing one. Thanks to Townsend Atelier for the sample of Knead-a-Mold, a welcomed (and much easier to work with) alternative to pourable silicone for mold-making.

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Materials:

  • clear casting resin and hardener - Michael's or other craft store
  • plastic cups
  • wooden or plastic mixing sticks
  • silicone mold-making material - Townsend Atelier Knead-a-Mold or Polytek TinSil
  • measuring cup (if using Knead-a-Mold) or high accuracy scale (if using TinSil)
  • original from which to make a mold, mine was 3D printed
  • turpentine for cleaning up unhardened resin mess
  • nitrile or latex gloves
  • dremel (small rotary tool) or sandpaper for touchups

Safety precautions:

  • Pourable silicone and craft resins emit fumes that are bad for you. Work outside or in a very well ventilated area or use a respirator, which is not the same thing as a dust mask. If you're pregnant, wait until you are no longer so before attempting this project.
  • Craft resin is bad for your skin; wear gloves even if you don't think you'll spill.
  • Keep your kids and pets away from your work table.
  • Read and understand all info in the MSDS sheet that comes with these materials

Posted by Becky Stern | Sep 19, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry

September 12, 2008

Power Station Hat - CRAFT Pattern Podcast

craftpodcast_powerstationhat.jpg

Get ready for fall and knit the Power Station Hat by Knitgrrl Shannon Okey. This pattern is featured in her fabulous spinning/knitting book, Spin to Knit. This simple to knit hat features overtwisted singles that cause the stockinette stitches to angle in various directions. Shannon will be demonstrating how to knit this hat in Season 2 of Knitting Daily TV.

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 12, 2008 10:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Fashion, Knitting, Patterns | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

September 5, 2008

Refashion a Headband - CRAFT Video Podcast


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

Crafter Sonya Nimri of Sonya Style and author of Beadalicious shows you how to refashion a pearl necklace into a more stylish beaded pearl headband. It's a great quick project to make for friends!

Watch more videos and check out more craft projects by Sonya on her web site.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Sep 5, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Jewelry, Video | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email Entry | TrackBack

August 29, 2008

Amigurumi Pup from Tiny Yarn Animals - CRAFT Pattern Podcast

craftpodcast_pup.jpg Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Crochet this cute pup from Tamie Snow's new book, Tiny Yarn Animals: Amigurumi Friends to Make and Enjoy. It's the perfect little friend to make this weekend from your yarn stash!

When you're done with your little pup, add it to the Roxycraft Gallery on Flickr.

Related:
Book Review & Giveaway - Tiny Yarn Animals: Amigurumi Friends to Make and Enjoy

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Aug 29, 2008 11:00 AM
Amigurumi and Toys, CRAFT Podcast, Crochet | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

August 22, 2008

Learn How To Weave with Paper Index Cards - CRAFT Video Podcast


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

Join weaver Travis Meinolf of actionweaver.com as he shows you how to make a loom from paper index cards as well as the basics of weaving 101 in this CRAFT Video Podcast. Travis is featured in the current Weaving issue of CRAFT: 08.

Loomtempalte
Use this template on his site to trace onto your paper index card.



Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine
Craftzine readers can now get $5 off a yearly subscription by entering the code MCRAFT. That's just $29.95 for 4 quarterly issues!

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Aug 22, 2008 11:00 AM
101, CRAFT Podcast, Video, Weaving | Permalink | Comments (5) | Email Entry | TrackBack

August 15, 2008

Craft Leftovers: Seedy Diner Placemat - CRAFT Pattern Podcast


Craftpodcast Seedydinerplacemat
Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes

Kristin Roach of Craft Leftovers has a great pattern for her Seedy Diner Placemat. Knit this up in seed stitch using your old yarn stash. It's the perfect quick project for the weekend!

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Aug 15, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Knitting, Patterns | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

August 8, 2008

CRAFT: 08 Preview the Weaving Issue - CRAFT Video Podcast


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

Take a little video tour inside the new issue of CRAFT: 08, our Weaving issue where you'll learn the basics of weaving from using a paper loom to making your own! The summer issue celebrates the season by featuring fun projects from sewing a ruffle dress to making your own cold-brew coffee. View the complete table of contents.


Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine
Craftzine readers can now get $5 off a yearly subscription by entering the code MCRAFT. That's just $29.95 for 4 quarterly issues!

Related:

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Aug 8, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Video, Weaving | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

August 1, 2008

A Visit with Hello Lucky - CRAFT Video Podcast


Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes

I got a chance to visit Eunice and Shauna of Hello Lucky, a letter press studio in San Francisco. Hello Lucky is known for their beautiful letter pressed cards that also have a whimsical sense of humor. The ladies took me on a tour of the studio where I learned the letter press printing process as well has how they create their designs. The Hello Lucky studio is peppered with vintage furniture and decor. See the rest of my visit in my Flickr photos.

Stop by the Hello Lucky blog for lots of design inspiration!


Hellolucky

If you are in the San Francisco/Bay Area, visit the Hello Lucky studio shop!

Hello Lucky
977 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
phone: (888) 552-3724
hellolucky.com

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Aug 1, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Paper Crafts, Printing, Video | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email Entry | TrackBack

July 25, 2008

Craft Leftovers: Lainie's Tote - CRAFT Pattern Podcast

Craftpodcast Lainestote
Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes


Get this pattern to sew up a cute kid-sized market bag with Kristin Roach of Craft Leftovers' pattern for Lainie's Tote. Use up your fabric stash and tie it all together with some vintage buttons for decor.

Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu | Jul 25, 2008 11:00 AM
CRAFT Podcast, Kids, Recycle, Sewing | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email Entry | TrackBack

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itunes_p.jpg Hazel and Maude Potholders from AlterKnits Felt - CRAFT Pattern Podcast AlterKnits Felt by Leigh Radford (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) Buy the Book ($24.95) As the season grows colder, this is the perfect book to snuggle up with. AlterKnits Felt features 30 beautiful projects made from fuzzy felted knits. You'll... More...

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