I can’t count the number of times we have been somewhere, and my dog needs water. This is a really easy way to keep your dog satisfied. You can throw it in a purse, or a bag, or just keep it in your car. This portable dog bowl is great for long walks, camping, or many others outdoor activities. Simply add water!
Many people sew to express their creativity side. A way to bring an old garment back to life is to add texture with a built-in decorative stitch from your sewing machine. You might also try using a twin needle for a double row of stitches. Place the decorative stitches on hems, cuffs or around the buttonholes. Your garment will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind outfit.
April 30 is National Hairstyle Appreciation Day! So let your hair down and show your appreciation for the Liberty Spikes, Mohawks, Beehives, Pageboys and yes, even the Mullets! And while you are paying homage to the hairspray that makes many of these fabulous styles possible, stitch this free design on something totally cool for your fave hair stylists! Download this design
The Wall Street Journal recently posted this awesome story about truck drivers who sew. Due to the economy, there’s less freight to haul… and consequentially, more free time on the road. So, many truckers are turning to sewing, knitting and quilting to pass the time… or even dreaming up patterns while they drive. How cute is that?
I recently spent 10 days studying abroad with Kent State in London and Paris. One of the highlights of the trip for me was visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum. It showcases many famous pieces of art but I was especially focused on the fashion collection. The Royal College of Art showcases their senior graduate work there and it was very inspiring to see. The dress I have pictured is my favorite of the entire collection of graduate students. It has lace, and trims applied in almost a patchwork way all over this dress. There are even sections that they used pleating. From an up close perspective the construction was perfect. This dress was absolutely gorgeous.
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a holiday celebrated in Mexico and other Latin countries which honors and celebrates friends and family members. Every year on November 1st and 2nd, All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day, alters are made to honor loved ones in which favorite food and drinks are set out in honor of the deceased. Decorations are bright and vibrant to truly celebrate life and not mourn death. Flowers, candles, brightly colored sugar skulls as well as favorite music is all a part of the festival.
Being that the celebration is such a colorful and beautiful event, there are great craft projects that use the colors and fun sugar skull images of the festival. I have made an easy tote using some fabric featuring the sugar skull image. It is a large tote that would be great for taking books to and from the library or some light grocery shopping. When putting this together don’t be afraid to use bright colors that mix n’ match. The Day of the Dead celebration is all about the vibrancy of life.
Every girl dreams of being a ballerina. This Halloween make her dream come true with this adorable skirt.
This weekend I had the pleasure of attending my first Indie Craft Fair; Strange Folks, in O’Fallon, IL. What is an Indie Craft Fair you ask? It’s the name given to the independent crafters that create unique items and sells them at craft fairs and at on-line gathering like etsy.com. Indie Craft Fairs are part of the handmade movement. I saw alot of very unique items that gave me inspiration and made want to go home and make stuff which I did!
Strange Folk Indie Craft Fair 2009
I am always amazed at the creativity and the out of the box thinking that is expressed in these kinds of fairs. It shows in the items I purchased, 2 old albums that had been molded into chip bowls. Next time and indie craft fair comes to your area, don’t pass it up!
There is a great blog over at Japan Craft Journal featuring some of the coolest crafts from around that great country. Get a quick lesson in Japanese, and check out the amazing fabrics and designs.
