Friday, November 30, 2012

Tutorial - How to Draft a Simple Top


Simple top to layer under a cardigan for the winter months

Top Tutorial at Portialawrie Blog

"Firstly, forgive the top of my head being lopped off in this photo. I've been experimenting with pin curls and hadn't got round to taking them out when I took this picture. Secondly, yes Karen, you do recognise this fabric! Purchased at the Fabric Fandango, and mindful of Karen's warning about how much it creases (oooooh how it creases!!) I thought it would be perfect for a simple project like this so as to keep future ironing as easy as possible! Now, back to the subject in hand....pattern drafting. My toile for the Top Draftalong is FINALLY finished!!!! (More on that to follow) Which means that the design drafting element of the draftalong is imminent, and not a moment too soon in my view".... Read more

Tutorial Exchange - How to Tie the Perfect Bow

Adorn your presents with a pretty bow

Ribbon Tutorial at The Chilly Dog Blog

"I recently received a beautiful spool of holiday ribbon from Abakhan Fabrics, Hobby and Home. It was part of a the tutorial exchange program on Totally Tutorials. Thank you to both for providing me with a great material to work with.  I knew exactly what I wanted to make with my ribbon from Abakhan before I even received it, the perfect holiday bow. You can use it to adorn presents, wreaths and more".... Read more

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make an Advent Calendar

In a nontraditional Christmas color palette

Advent Calendar Tutorial at My Poppet Blog

"I remember with great fondness the little cardboard Advent Calendar my sister and I had as children. It was a little village scene where the tiny doors and windows opened up to reveal a new picture every day. It didn’t contain treats, but my sister and I would still fight over who was opening the doors. I’m sure mum still has it somewhere, the glitter has probably all fallen off though.  With Emma getting older, I thought it would be fun to start our own little Advent Christmas traditions".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Tiered Dress

Sweet knit dress for a little girl

Dress Tutorial at Blooms and Bugs Blog

"Normally, The Little One is very indifferent when it comes to my sewing for her. I often have to offer some bribes to get her to try that new dress I just finished, or a pair of pants I made for her. Every once in a while I get lucky. Once I was browsing sewingmamas.com forums and somebody "Sew n Show"ed this pieced knit dress with a big cake on the front. And that was it, my daughter fell really hard for that dress, she wouldn't let me turn off my computer until I made her a similar one. I just had no choice but to start sewing a similar dress, even though I didn't know the techniques used to make the dress. I emailed the lady who had sewn the dress asking her the part that I didn't understand, but my daughter wasn't willing to wait. So I just made the dress the way I knew. I did get a response from the mama who made the dress originally and now I know how to do it right".... Read more

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Tutorial Exchange - How to Make a Christmas Cushion

I like the mixed media look to this little decoration

Cushion Tutorial at Craft Lee Blog

"Hi folks !  Its beginning to feel a lot like ......  Christmas decoration making time !!! yayy!  Well I'm been super busy with my lovely crochet snowflakes over the past week  (think I may even be able to crochet them in my sleep at this stage!)  and I love them soooo much thought I might just come up with an idea or two  to use them in other festive ways.  I've also been scheming of ways to use the ribbon I received from the lovely people  at Abakhan through the tutorial exchange at Totally Tutorials.  So here's a little tutorial I put together this morning"... Read more

Tutorial - How to Knit a Coffee Cozy

This pattern looks simple enough for a beginner

Knit CozyTutorial at Nantucket Knitter Blog

"I had been looking for a coffee cup cozy pattern for fingering sock weight yarn for long while, and couldn’t find one. So, easiest solution – make one up! This cozy should fit small through large size cups".... Read more

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make Tissue Paper Flowers

Quick and Simple Decorations

Flower Tutorial at SeaSamAmb Blog

"I decided for Maria's Baptism I wanted to do as much as possible myself, including the boubounieres, decorations, and decorating of the box. So I scoured the internet for ideas and finally just came up with an idea of making simple tissue paper flowers that I can tape to the box/luggage. Tutorials  I found were too complicated and a lot of them took too much time. Something I do NOT have! So here is my tutorial on (simple) tissue paper flowers".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Geode Necklace

Read more to learn how she uses a makeup container and aquarium rocks

GeodeTutorial at Shades of Tangerine Blog

"My favorite subject in elementary school was probably geology.  I love rocks and I REALLY love that geology inspired designs have been popping up in high fashion.  While browsing Chanel's website, I stumbled across these gorgeous geode pieces and had an epiphany: I could make one of these".... Read more

Monday, November 26, 2012

Tutorial Exchange - How to Make a Festive Hair Accessory

Using ribbon from Abakhan

Hair Slide Tutorial at Time to Craft Blog

"When Totally Tutorials posted up that their latest Tutorial Exchange was ribbons, how could I resist.  I LOVE RIBBONS!  So many ideas went through my mind, as I turned the reel of ribbons over in my hands.  It took a very wet and dark day to finally make my mind up.  A riot of curls on a hair slide to brighten up a winter day".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Phone Case

Padded Case for your Phone

Phone Case Tutorial at Leonie's Creations Blog

"Last weekend I made this phone cover. It is a bit fluffy so it protects you precious phone well from scratches a if you drop it (not from too high of course :) !) The example is for an iPhone but you can adjust the size to fit your own phone size. It is made in a few simple steps and can be hand sewn as well since the seams are short. It will take about 1 hour to make when you are hand sewing (20 minutes with the sewing machine). Have fun".... Read more

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make Photo Cubes

A great Christmas gift for Grandparents

Photo Block Tutorial at Measured by the Heart Blog

"My mom personally requested two of these blocks for her desk at work.  She wanted pictures off all her grandkids and the blocks don’t take up too much space.  These blocks started out as a fence post from the good ol Home Depot".... Read more

 Note: Post is from my unposted Christmas Tutorials file

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Stuffed Cat Toy

You could even make a Calico cat

Cat Tutorial at Leonie's Creations Blog

"I have made this stuffed toy and I called her Kitty the Cat! I used 2 different types of fabrics for this and some felt for the face elements. It is a nice gift for a friend or a child and very unique too! It takes about 45 minutes to make this".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Sisal Coasters

You need: sisal, hot glue and scissors

Coaster Tutorial at The Space Between Blog

"You’d think I’m gearing up to host a dinner party around here.  I’m coming up with 5 inexpensive ideas to keep in mind when tablescaping.  And reminding you of the name card holders I made last year.  And even making new ones for this year.  And now, I’m making do it yourself coasters".... Read more

Friday, November 23, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Ruffled Infinity Scarf

Tutorial includes several ways of wearing your scarf

Scarf Tutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom Blog

"I estimate that 94.9% of the tops in my wardrobe are V neck.  I really like the way a deep V looks on me and the style is not really a problem until winter time.  I keep our heat turned really low and to help stay warm I usually wear scarves to cover my exposed neckline.  (IMO if you are complaining about being cold, go put on a sweatshirt/sweatpants instead of sitting there in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt.  And yes, this comment is directed at one person in particular, not that he'll ever read it, but he has heard in many many times".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Hippo from a Hoodie

Make a jumbo soft toy

Hippo Tutorial at We Lived Happily Ever After Blog

"You see a lot of "sock animals" and I thought, "why not something bigger, like a hoodie?"  So meet Hoodie the Hippo".... Read more

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Drawstring Backpack


English directions are printed in Italic

Backpack Tutorial at Happy in Red Blog

"The holidays are coming: Christmas, Sinterklaas and I have lots of kids bday parties coming up. So gifts are needed. These fully lined drawstring backpacks are very easy to make and they make a fun gift. They're great to take to school, preschool, gym or swimming lessons. They're steardy too and oh so cute. Just follow this tutorial and you'll have one ready in no time".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Apricot Jam

A little lime and lemon keep it from being too sweet

Apricot Jam Tutorial at CraftLee Blog

"Its a dull and dark rainy day here in Cork City so I've brightened up my morning with some great nespresso coffee,  warm buttery toast and sunny home made apricot jam for breakfast. I made this jam during the summer holidays and when the winter starts to close in I open a pot of fruity goodness it brings me straight back to those long sunny fruitful days".... Read more

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make Super Easy Pocket Pies

I would like to try the cherry one, yumm!

Pocket Pie Tutorial at Crafty Journal Blog

"Make super quick, super easy pocket pies with uncooked flour tortillas. Since the ingredients in these tortillas are almost the same as in pie crust, I thought they would work as the pie crusts. They are already rolled out in a circle and are quite sturdy to handle.  You can fill them with anything: fruit, meat, vegetables, cheese, or whatever else appeals to you. These super easy pocket pies bake beautifully. When we suspiciously taste tested our apple pocket pies, certain they would taste like tortillas, they were delicious".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Hoodie Scarf

How cute is this!

Hoodie Scarf Tutorial at Suburbia Soup Blog

"You can feel it in the air... the change of temperature, the smell of wet earth and the sound of crispy fallen leaves on the ground. Fall is here and will soon give way to winter's grip. With fall approaching and in the midst of KCWC, I wanted to make something to keep my girls cozy. So while I was poking around the KCWC Community Board on Pinterest".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Wrap Thanksgiving Leftovers

Package leftovers for your guests with style

Tag Tutorial at Make the Best of Everything Blog

"My husband and I have been married for 6 years.  For 5 of these years we have hosted Thanksgiving at our house  We usually have about 15-20 people, and I have ALWAYS worked on little crafts and games to make the day special for our guests. One year I made homemade napkin rings.  Another year, I learned how to formally fold everyone's Thanksgiving napkin. Every year I have printed out formal menus.   Also, since we do have a crowd, I always come up with some sort of " I am Thankful" game to use as an ice breaker.  Fun times".... Read more

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Dried Flower Glass Necklace

Magnify a delicate dried flower under glass

Necklace Tutorial at Artsy Tartsy Blog

"Create a circle template for your felt by tracing around the glass cabachon with a pencil onto a piece of paper".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Doll Quilt

Any little girl would like this little doll quilt

Baby Doll Quilt Tutorial at Cherished Bliss Blog

"I am addicted to quilting! It’s true…. I totally blame Ashley at Mommy by Day Crafter by Night and her quilt a long! I made my first real quilt following her quilt a long and made this zig zag quilt, now I’m hooked".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Ballerina Skirt

Make this in any size

Ballerina Skirt Tutorial at Sisters, Sisters Blog

"Ok here it is finally, the Ballerina Skirt tutorial! In case you missed the previous post about the skirt (here). This skirt is made out of curtains and a left over white knit shirt. Seriously, it was such an easy skirt to make and it is SUPER comfortable".... Read more

Monday, November 19, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Thanksgiving Wreath

This beautiful wreath took just over an hour to make

Wreath Tutorial at Make Life Lovely Blog

"Okay, here's what you'll need to make the wreath.  I punched the paper with a scalloped circle punch, but you could use a regular circle punch as well.  The scalloped paper with words on it were from a book I bought for this project at the dollar store, and the scrapbook paper I already had.  I browsed through my collection for patterned paper that had oranges, yellows. reds, browns, and creams to go with the fall theme of the wreath.  You could use patterned or solid paper, but I liked the look of the patterned paper the best".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Paper Umbrellas

A video tutorial

Umbrella Tutorial at Origami Maniacs Blog

"How to make beautiful origami Japanese umbrellas".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Thanksgiving Napkin Rings

Recycle a cardboard tube for the base

Rings Tutorial at Make It Easy Crafts Blog

"These napkin rings are quick, easy, and inexpensive to create and they match the previous tutorial --Thanksgiving turkey silverware pockets. The fun part is that they are also dimensional with the turkeys standing at attention.  They will surely get the attention of your guests as well".... Read more

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Gingerbread Man Finger Puppet

Simple design for fun playtime character

Finger Puppet Tutorial at Cheer Your Child's Day Blog

"Gingerbread can run?? lol .... certainly not the original cookies, but finger puppets for storytelling, thispuppet is enough to play in your child's little finger Shhh ..... well you know there are stories click here The Gingerbread Man .... Let's try".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Recycle Jeans into a Coin Purse

Rugged and practical

Coin Purse Tutorial at Simple Living Blog

"I made a money pouch for my son Jack today!  You could also call it a purse but for a young boy who's 10 it sounds better saying a money pouch. If I said it was a purse he may not be happy to use it, thinking that's what girls use. Any one who has children will know you need the right words some times. This is really a continuation from my last post, about recycling jeans. I made this today out of old jean legs that were cut off. Jack can take it in his  school bag when he takes money to school for what ever reason. It took me about 10 minutes to make so quick and simple and cost was nothing".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Refashion a Skirt into Slouchy Shorts

Comfortable and fashionable

Refashion Tutorial at Green Issues Blog

"Yay! I finally got the hand sewing done.  My original piece of clothing was an elasticated circle skirt with a row of buttons going down the front. It's been with me since forever and I love the print but it was time for a change.  I was thinking of using it as lining but that would be a waste, wouldn't it?  The good thing about this refashion was I didn't have to measure out my waste  waist, there was no need to tuck in any fabric and no need for zips" Read more

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Girl's Peasant Dress

Several variations are included in this tutorial
 
Peasant DressTutorial at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom Blog

"I love Peasant Dresses!  They are one of the simplest dresses to make. There are so many different ways to change up the look of a simple peasant dress, from various lengths to fabric choices, sleeve options, different hem choices and so many embellishment options to add extra pizazz! To make this pattern, I basically used my pillowcase bodice pattern and with a few tweaks and changes, plus the addition of sleeves, I have created this peasant dress pattern in 3 sizes.  12 to 18 months, 2t to 3t and 4 to 7.  For this particular version I am showcasing here, I wanted to keep the dress simple and let the fabric make the statement".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make an Easy Pasta Dinner

Have an impressive looking pasta on your table in 20 minutes

Easy PastaTutorial at Making Minneapolis Blog

"So I know I promised you guys easy dinner recipes, well I haven't forgotten. This one might be the easiest yet. This is one of those recipes where you might think, it's so simple/boring how could it be good? You will have to trust me and try it for yourself. It is amazing how delicious this dish is. All of the ingredients are showcased in the finished dish, so make sure you use high quality ingredients. That being said you probably have most of these ingredients on hand".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Brooches with Ribbon

Karina has kindly translated her tutorial into English


Ribbon Tutorial at Karina Tulla Blog

Friday, November 16, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make Chicken Vegetable Sticks

Dinner on a Stick

  Recipe Tutorial at Designer Cottage Blog

"Mix all ingredients and make a thick paste, add water slowly until the batter takes the consistency of pancake batter.  Now thread the chicken and vegetable pieces one by one on wooden skewers, dip the skewers in the batter and fry them in oil until golden brown.  Take out and drain excess oil on a paper towel and enjoy".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Tissue Case

Quick and Easy Gift Idea

Tissue CaseTutorial at Monkey Makes Three Blog

"When I first started sewing I went through a phase of making lots of tissue cases. I tried a bunch of different tutorials but I never found one that would fit a whole pack of Kleenex pocket tissues, they were always too small.  So with Christmas coming up I thought it would be a good time to make my own pattern. These would make great little gifts and are really quick to make".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Stuffed Pig

Cute!

Piggy Tutorial at Leonie's Creations Blog

"Meet my new friend, Mister Piggy! Use some spare fabrics to make this little piglet. It takes about 1 hour".... Read more

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make Quilled Flowers

To use in greetings cards, scrapbooking, etc.

Quilling Tutorial at Creative Mind Blog

"Paper quilling is a fun activity, I like making quilling cards & then forwarding these handmade cards to my family & friends.because they mostly expect handmade from me! My today’s post is not a complete card making post actually, Its a mixture of some arrangement & ideas of a quilling card. I haven’t pasted the flowers yet & all these are just random looks".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Cheesy Mushroom Pull Apart Bread

...and Mashed Potatoes and Noodles

Side DishTutorial at Measured by the Heart Blog

"As I was preparing to write this post, I started thinking…What are my favorite Thanksgiving dishes?  Which sides are the yummiest?  Which are the most impressive?  Which 2 sides would I want for Thanksgiving if I could only have 2?  The answer was easy".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Grill Mitt and Towel

It is BBQ weather in Australia

Grill Mitt Tutorial at A Spoonful of Sugar Blog

"Now that the weather is warming up, we are starting to think about eating outdoors and BBQ's in our part of the world. We have spent the past few weekends in the garden - weeding, fertilising  and pruning - so everything looks ready for our summer entertaining. We have a built in BBQ in our alfresco area and we love to eat outside on a hot summer night and enjoy the sea breeze".... Read more

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make Quilted Coasters

Cozy quilted coasters for your home or to give as gifts

CoasterTutorial at My Garden of Loves Blog

"I can't get enough of playing with Half Square Triangles!!  If you look at the pink coaster, err.. hmm.. yes but not too closely please.. thank you.. you will notice that i have quilt using a darning foot! yes.. i finally bought one.. BUT, that might be my first and last attempt at using it, because it broke one of my needle! arghh! so i quilt the turquoise coaster using presser foot instead. anyway, i am trying to sign up for a free motion quilting class at my local quilt shop before my next attempt, BUT, they need to have a certain number of participants before they will start the class, and currently there is only me.. so, guess i will stick to lines quilting for awhile.. Anyway today, i'm going to share a fun and super easy tutorial for a coaster!  They make such great gifts for house warming and as festive gifts and so so easy to whip up".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Do Reverse Applique

I like all the decorative elements included in this fish

Reverse Applique Tutorial at Holloughby Blog

"This week I learned how to reverse applique! It's where you sew on to layers of fabric then cut the top layer away to show what's underneath.  I made this spangly fishy picture with reverse applique!  Want to know how to make one? Your shape doesn't have to be a fish it could be any shape you like".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Polymer Clay Buttons

These really do look like pebbles

Button Tutorial at Handmade Harbour Blog

"This project combines two of my favourite mini-obsessions: pebbles and buttons.  I can't believe I have never done this before now!  I've not worked with polymer clay much before but I think I might want to change that... it feels like it might become quite addictive.  One pack of Fimo makes all these buttons (they're quite thick, so you could make more if you wanted them half the thickness".... Read more

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tutorial Exchange - How to Use Ribbon in a Card

Make a Christmas Card using ribbon

Card Tutorial at Crafting Queen Blog

"My wired edge Christmas ribbon arrived today from ABAKHAN and this is what I made with it.  Kym from Totally Tutorials blog selected me as one of the lucky people to receive a roll of ribbon from ABAKHAN to make a project and post the tutorial. There were so many things you could do with this lovely ribbon. I chose to make this card and here is how I did it".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Messenger Bag

A Nice Big Bag to hold all your goodies

Bag Tutorial at Crazy Little Projects Blog

"I think I have a thing for sewing new bags. I don’t carry a purse, always just a bag of some sort, so maybe that’s why. My bag functions as my diaper bag and my purse all in one. Remember this little sling tote? I loved making that. And this reversible messenger bag? Yes, I like to sew bags. I have more planned still too.  I affectionately refer to my most recent bag as “the dungeon” because it is so large and full of so many random items. (Goggles anyone? How about an old french fry? Soccer sock?) I wanted to try to make a new bag that was less dungeon like-maybe more compartments or maybe a slightly smaller bag. Well, I succeeded in making a cute bag, but I am not sure that it is going to be any less dungeony. Oh well. I still love it".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Thanksgiving Jumper

This little dress has an interchangable tail/ruffle embellishment

Jumper Tutorial at Sewing the Littleheart Collection Blog

"I am planning a little trip with Littleheart, to go see my family in the States. We will be spending Thanksgiving with my sister. A few weeks ago, my sister sent me a picture of a little turkey outfit she got my nephew for the occasion, thinking it might be a little tacky, but I loved the idea of dressing up for Thanksgiving, and told her I would make Littleheart something to match!  The only problem is, we don't celebrate thanksgiving here is Israel, and turkeys don't really have any meaning here. So I thought I better come up with something that could be used after thanksgiving too".... Read more

Monday, November 12, 2012

Tutorial - How to Recycle a Sweater

Create 4 new clothing and accessory items from one sweater

Recycle Tutorial at Awesome Sauce & Asshattery Blog

"Can ya guess what single item of mine I used to create the four groovy kidlet threads pictured above?  Read on to find out".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Twig Weaving

Woven from twigs blown down by Hurricane Sandy

Weaving Tutorial at Ashbee Design blog

"Yesterday, I shared with you the wall hanging I created using a cardboard loom and twigs that littered my yard following Hurricane Sandy. Today, I want to share with you additional photographs and a step-by-step tutorial. I have made many different types of off-loom weaving projects over the years but this is my first with twigs".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Wrist Rest

Cute owl design for a wrist pillow

Wrist RestTutorial at Leonie's Creations Blog

"This owl is a small pillow to put under your wrist when working with the mouse on your computer. It prevents your wrist from rubbing over the desk the whole day. And it looks also funny on your desk! You can make it within 30 min".... Read more

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Tutorial - How to Make a Fall Wreath


This wreath cost $13 in supplies

Wreath Tutorial at Dear Demure Blog

"Hi guys!  It's Fall! It's Fall!! Only my favorite season of all!  I get into a major creative mood in the Fall for which I am thankful, because lately I started to feel like I have burnet out on my blogging a little.  With that said, here's my recent DIY holiday creation, inspiration".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make a Thanksgiving Silverware Pocket

No sewing needed for these table decorations

Pocket Tutorial at Make It Easy Crafts Blog

"This silverware pocket is quick to make, and will add a decorative touch to your holiday table.  In addition, it’s an easy and fun craft for the kids.  The supplies are inexpensive and readily available at craft stores".... Read more

Tutorial - How to Make Zig Zag Placemats

Make a set in holiday fabrics or to give as gifts

Placemat Tutorial at My Garden of Loves Blog

"Today is my birthday!!  So i want to share a fun and easy Placemat tutorial before going out for dinner with Skylar! This is my first birthday celebration with him after our wedding!  I feel so blessed and happy to be married to him".... Read more