Because there’s always room for one more project, one more inspiring article or one more new piece of fiber artwork…

• Do want to do something with all those leftover plastic bags?  Craft has a great list of different projects to crochet, stitch and more.
• Create an enchanting Japanese “Sarubobo” softy with Mairuru’s step-by-step instructions.

• Are you going to be in Chicago in July?  “Chic Chicago” is a fabulous exhibition of dozens of couture garments, dating from the mid 1860s through to the current day.
• Sew Take A Hike has a great tip for transforming the standard slipper Omnigrid ruler into an “Omnigrip” ruler - without having to buy a new ruler!

Happy Crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

I just don’t seem to be as interested in really fussy, detailed sewing during the summer time.

Maybe it’s the distraction of all the interesting things happening outside, but I definitely prefer simpler, faster projects.

This skirt/dress pattern from Fabric.com fills the bill perfectly!

The “Nancy” dress is a simple convertible pattern that can go from skirt to dress, just by unfolding the yoga-style waistband.

Even better?  It’s free!  That’s right, you can download the pattern and make it yourself - no charge

image: Fabric.com

I love making bags… but that’s not a secret

My ears perked up when I got my weekly email from Quilting Arts Magazine, offering free patterns for seven of their popular quilted bags!

I’ve used their patterns for quilted bags before - in fact, I made three of them last Christmas.  I was tickled pink with how they turned out - I just need some free time so I can make one for myself too.

If you want to get your own free patterns, just click here and follow the instructions.  You’ll need to join their website, and provide an email address.

image: C Findlay-Harder

Because there’s always room for one more project, one more inspiring article or one more new piece of fiber artwork…

• SouleMama is giving away some yummy goodies - including patterns and fabric!

• The Purl Bee has some great ideas for Mother’s Day gifts for your crafty mom.

• Indie Tutes has directions for sewing a cute little block softy , perfect for little ones.

• I drink several cups of tea daily, so when I saw this paper-pieced teapot from Pink Penguin my ears perked up!

• Sew Mama Sew has an easily-customized pattern for a spring top, including a formula to adjust the pattern for any size.

Happy Crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

Because there’s always room for one more project, one more inspiring article or one more new piece of fiber artwork…

• Need some inspiration for your own sewing room?  Join the Yahoo Group "Your Sewing Room " and check out all the amazing sewing rooms from around the world.
• The Paris Hilton craft collection is coming to a craft store near you.  Does this really need any further comment?
• Win a hand-embroidered dress for a Blythe doll - and support a good cause.
• Martha Stewart has a great how-to for making a tote embellished with bias tape.

Happy Crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

Are you looking for a new craft or sewing project, but just aren’t sure what you want to do?

Then check out The Long Thread’s collection of the Top 100 Tutorials of 2008!

With projects like reversible baby booties, fabric skittles (the game, not the candy!) and a 5 minute skirt, there’s sure to be something to spark your creativity.

Need new roman shades for your house?  There’s a pattern!

Do your kids want new lunch bags - hey, there is a pattern for that too

image: Stock.xchg

I love trying out new techniques, playing with patterns and having as much fun as I can with fabric as possible!

I first saw Creature Comforts’  great tutorial for making charming little roses from paper a while back, but I didn’t think about making them in fabric when I first saw it.  After all, most fabric won’t behave like paper will.

Felt however…  It’s sturdy, won’t fray and comes in a rainbow of colors!

I dug through my stash and found a couple of suitably rose-colored fabrics and got to work.  The flowers make up in minutes, and you can either glue or hand-stitch the ends together (which ever is easier for you.

I think these would make a lovely accent on lots of different projects - and they’re so fast to make up, you can make a dozen or more in one sitting!

image: © C Findlay-Harder

b5media’s Lifestyle channel bloggers are a crafty - and romantic bunch!  Check out some of these great ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts for the whole family!

• Junk Creation has 10 different ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts and activities.
• Junk Creation also has an awesome tutorial for make-your-own candy message hearts!
• Layers Upon Layers has pretty mixed-media art ideas to give as gifts for your special someone.
• These heart-themed pieces of jewelry are sure to make some smile on Valentine’s Day from Jewelry & Beading.
• Tree Hugging Family has some great eco-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas for your kids.
• Tree Hugging Family also has some fun recipes, activities and crafts for the whole family.
• Want to make your own Valentine’s Day cards this year?  Play Library has found a bunch of free printables online.
• And don’t forget that I’ve got free Valentine’s Day crafts for kids, as well as free patterns for cross-stitch, hand-sewn and machine sewn Valentine’s crafts.

image: Stock.xchg

Martha Stewart has a great little free tutorial, using lace to create this delicate & feminine “Blossoming Brooch“:

The tutorial calls for flat, un-gathered lace, but I’d love to try it out using sheer organza ribbon or even scalloped ribbon.  Ooh… what about using variegated ribbon?  Too many ideas, not enough time

image: Martha Stewart

Are you making crafts for Valentine’s Day?

Did you know that there are lots of free patterns and tutorials for Valentine’s Day crafts, sewing projects and even cross stitch charts in the Tangled Thread archives?  I decided to make things easier for you and have got a bunch of the patterns for you here:

♥ Three patterns for hearts & roses cross stitch.

♥ Try sewing your own lingerie for Valentine’s Day.

♥ Here are two of my easy hand-embroidered felt “Heart Felt” cards.

♥ This is another Heart Felt card - this time it’s accented with French knots.

♥ I made these cute little embroidered felt “Sweethearts” last year for Valentine’s Day, here’s part one, part two and part three of the tutorial.

♥ Here’s a pattern for a free heart cross stitch bookmark.

♥ This project is for my machine sewing friends - Heart Softies!  Here’s part one and part two.

Happy crafting!

image: Stock.xchg