Recycle Old Clothes Into Something New

This is a Follow Up To: So They Don't Drive You Insane



In this post I'm going to tell you some ways in which you can recycle your winter clothes into summer clothes. There is one thing you need to know about turning you long sleeve shirts into short sleeve ones. The back of the sleeve is always shorter.


1. Make a sleeveless shirt. Remove the sleeves from a shirt. Turn the edges of the armhole over twice and stitch a narrow hem. Add lace to the neckline or armholes.

2. Make a short sleeve shirt. Cut and hem long sleeves into short sleeves. Try cutting sleeves to three-quarters of the original length. Add a cuff, lace or small ruffle of contrasting color to the hemline of the sleeve.

3. Shorten a shirt. Cut and gather the hemline. Place a buttonhole at the front or side of the hemline for a colorful drawstring. Tie the drawstring into a bow or double knot.

4. Make a vest. Remove the sleeves from a zippered sweatshirt. Finish the edges of the armhole if desired. Recycle the fabric into pockets for the inside or outside of the vest. Try inserting a pouched pocket along the side seams.

5. Make a jacket. Cut and hem a coat. Recycle the fabric into pockets or a belt for a different coat. Gather the hemline or add a cuffed waistband. Change the buttons.

6. Make shorts or capri pants. Cut and hem pants. Try fraying the hemline or rolling it into a cuff. Add a small bow or fabric flower to the outside of the cuff.

7. Make something new. Change a pair of pants into a cute summer skirt. Recycle fabric into a bikini, tube top or halter top.

8. Make loungewear or pajamas. Remove collars, sleeves or pant leg elastics from comfy, soft garments. Leave hemlines unfinished.

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Designing Hats

This is a Follow Up To: So They Don't Drive You Insane

Hey below is an article on how to design a hat, a straw hat to be exact. Their are other ways to design a hat, but since it's summer I decided to post a straw hat guide.


You can create a custom-made straw hat by using simple techniques and tools that have been adopted from the days of the pioneers. All you need is good quality rye straw, a darning needle, doubled twine string, an upholstery needle, and grosgrain ribbon.

The first step is...

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Designing sandals

Follow Up To: So They Don't Drive You Insane

This instructional video shows you how to make sandals out of old jeans. The finished product doesn't look to bad either check it out.

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Make Your Own Play Dough

Kool-Aid Play Dough

Below is a recipe to make your own play dough enjoy.

2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup salt
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups boiling water
2 packages unsweetened Kool-Aid

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil and water. Wearing gloves, knead for 10 minutes. Store in zip lock bag in refrigerator.

Notes:

1. Your hands may smell of the Kool-Aid flavor even with gloves.
2. Kool-Aid is a powdered drink mix sold in North America. Parents just add sugar and water to make the drink. The powder has both flavoring and color which makes it great for this craft.

This more or less a follow up to the clay molding activity. That I mentioned in the last post. After you have made the play dough. You should try completing some of the activities in this book it's very fun.

Create Anything With Clay

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So They Don't Drive You Insane

The summer break can get very boring for children. They love being out of school, but daytime TV can drive them crazy, not to mention the fact that they got tired of playing with all their new holiday toys about 2 days after the holiday. So how do you keep kids busy during the holiday break? Well you could always give them chores to do....I'm only kidding. One of the best ways to keep kids busy during the holiday break is crafts. Crafts take a lot of time and keep kids interested in what they are doing. Before they know it, it will be time for them to go back to school.

Here are some off the top of my head. That will keep you and the kids busy. Some of them can get a little messy lol.

Description
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Clay modeling
+
Acrylic painting| ages 10+|
+ Finger painting

Simple sewing projects (Id say around age 8 with supervision)
+
Designing sandals and hats
+
T-shirt painting for this if you wanna try with younger childen you can. Just dip their hand in some paint and press it on a shirt. Just make sure you clean their hands afterward' s cause you child will to eat it.
+
Make some wind chimes. (very easy to make)
+
Key Charms you know those little things that go key rings.
+
Turn your winter clothes in to summer clothes. A snip here and a snip there with some scissors, and you can add some nice additions to your wardrobe.

There's a whole lot more stuff you can do. Also I'll be explaining how to do some of this stuff in later articles.

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Making Gel Candles for Fun & Profit

Candle making is by no means a dangerous affair and is often an activity that is fun for all the family however people should follow some very basic safety precautions.


Making Gel Candles for Fun & Profit
By: A Graf
____________________________________________________________________
There are a few items you will need to gather before you can start making your gel candles. The most basic are supply containers, gels, pans, wicks, and of course, your kitchen range. Below is a detailed list of the items you will need, and most of these items are available at your local craft and variety stores.

Containers: It's best to use a heat resistant glass, but there are also many types of glass and acrylics.

Materials: Gel Wax, Paraffin when specified in a recipe, candle scent, candle dye, wick, wick clip, and wick base.

Supplies: Craft sticks, knife, spoon, candy thermometer, pliers, small sauce pan, double boiler for paraffin when used, cooking oil spray, non-stick cookie sheet, ice cream scoop, ice pick, Potato peeler for the dye, stove burner, small deep metal pans, and molds.

Wicks & Clips: Use large bleached wicks. Gel candles burn longer than paraffin candles so a large wick is required for the additional burn time. Do not use wire wicks these will leave debris in the gel. Use a metal base clip and crimp it to one end of the wick with pliers or use a small washer.

Dyes & Scents: Candles dyes are great to use because their color is translucent. Crayons can also be used if the proper dyes are not available at your local stores. Candle dyes come in different forms, from wax squares, to liquids and powders. You can mix colors to form additional colors. Scents are fun to add to make the candle fragrant. Scents come in the form of oil based liquids, pellets and wax solids. You add scent before pouring the candle this avoids evaporation.

Additives & Release Agents: If using paraffin, add stearic acid to increase the hardness and raise the melting point. Use spray cooking oil or silicone spray to aid in the release of the molds.

Submerged Objects: In order to submerge objects in your gel candles they must be resistant to burning and melting. Items that work well are buttons, marbles, toys and jewels. Do not use highly flammable items. Some objects will float so you may have to add the items as the gel cools and thickens. This is where the craft sticks or knife comes in handy. You can push items down that float to the top.

Heating Wax: Paraffin should be heated to 130 degrees F to 140 degrees F. The melting point of gel wax is between 160 degrees and 170 degrees F. If you are melting Paraffin you should always use a double boiler. Gel wax can be heated directly on the burner set at a medium to low heat. Tip: Tear gel into small pieces to control the amount of bubbles.

CAUTION: Always be careful when melting wax. It is highly flammable. Make sure your area is well ventilated. Never leave unattended or around young children without supervision.

Clean Up: Use dish soap and hot water to clean utensils, counter tops and tools. Run paraffin under hot water then under soapy water. You can scrape wax off counter tops, or use small amounts of turpentine to aid in removal (be sure to test first).

Once you learn to create your candles create a business plan and decide on what market to target for your product. You could do theme candles such as weddings, birthdays, etc. Possbily decide on making recipe candles, or whatever great ideas you may have.

Then discover where to sell your candles such as craft shows, sell them on ebay, create your own web site, take them to work, set up trade shows, contact local gift shops and talk with others about selling or starting a new business.

Resources for Candle making/Selling: The Ultimate Gel Candle Book

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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Make Your Own Wedding Favors

I find that sometimes things you make yourself, can be better or even more valuable. To the people you give them to. Than a product you may purchase from a store. The article below shows you how to make one of those things. Have fun making them.



Save Some Money: Make Your Own Wedding Favors
By: Lesley_Anne Graham
____________________________________________________________________
Not only is it a nice touch, but if you have time to make your own simple wedding favors, you can save money that you desperately need for flowers, food, or your honeymoon.




A great wedding favor to make yourself is molded chocolate. With options from lollipops to delicate multicolored shells, dark chocolate to white chocolates you can dye to match your wedding colors, these edible favors are a winner for every age.

To make your own chocolate wedding favors, follow these steps:

Chocolate Wedding Favors

1. Equipment:

Microwave or double boiler to melt chocolates
Plastic bowls and spoons

Candy molds – plastic or coated metal are fine, but nonstick is critical

Small cellophane bags

Small squeeze bottle

Plastic gloves designed for handling food

Candy thermometer

2. Ingredients:
____________________________________________________________________
Molding chocolate like Merckens Chocolate or Wilton Candy Melts. For best results, buy this at a specialty cooking store and ask the store clerk to help you determine how much to purchase.

Lollipop sticks

Luster dust, or pearl dust, to add shimmer to your chocolate

Small paint brush (for the luster dust)

Oil-based flavorings

Decorative ribbons or other decorations to impress in the chocolate

3. Steps:
____________________________________________________________________
Select your molds. Melt the chocolates in a double boiler or microwave (the double boiler is better because of a consistent melt, but you will need to keep an eye on it.) Water goes in the outer pot, the chocolate sits in the inner. Try not to bring the water to a boil, and do not let any water mix with your chocolate. Stir chocolate until it is melted.

In the double boiler method, you can melt about two pounds of chocolate at a time.

When using the microwave method, melt a half-pound at a time. Place in microwave at about 600 watts for 1 minute, then stir. Return to microwave for 15 seconds at a time until completely melted.

If you want to add a flavor, do it now; no more than 20-25 drops per pound should work.

Next, fill a squeeze bottle with chocolate. Squeeze chocolate into each mold crevice carefully to eradicate air bubbles. Tap mold on counter to eliminate remaining air bubbles; pop the stubborn ones with a toothpick. Fill molds to the top, and insert lollipop stick if you wish. Place mold in freezer for about five minutes, or until the chocolate pulls away from the mold. Remove favors from mold and place on a sheet of wax paper to rest; make sure none of them touch the others.


4. Decorating Your Wedding Chocolates:
____________________________________________________________________
Shimmer can be added by coating your chocolates with luster dust. Dip a brush in water or another clear liquid, then in the dust. Brush powder on for a solid-looking shimmer. Put chocolates in cellophane bags and close by tying with a pretty ribbon. These ribbons can be personalized with name and wedding date, and you can even find miniature roses at many home décor stores to slip into the ribbon.

5. Cost:

The more chocolates you make with the same molds, the lower the cost per chocolate goes. In general, you can make about a hundred chocolates for $30. Larger molds and more elaborate decorations can make costs rise to $1 per chocolate.


------------------------------------------

Lesley-Ann Graham runs WeddingTrix.com - a valuable wedding planning resource with articles, tips and advice to help you plan your perfect wedding. The Bride, Groom, Best Man, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen can find it all at.

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Safety First

OK people safety is number one. I don't want anybody getting hurt while using craft knives saws or anything else, you may need to craft and/or practice some of the crafts featured in this blog. Here's a article that talks about some of the potential risks you take.

Some artists and craftspeople might assume that all arts materials are safe to work with, based on the simple fact that the materials are readily available. However, some of these materials can pose a hazard if you do not follow all of the safety instructions on the product label.

It is impossible to list all of the potential hazards associated with every arts and crafts material. However, the following examples highlight some things that could be harmful:

* If you draw or paint, you might inhale dust from dry pigments or fumes from the chemical solvents used to clean brushes. Spray paints can produce mists that are harmful when inhaled. Many of these products are also flammable.

* Some photo-processing solutions used in developers, fixers, stop baths and
intensifiers can irritate skin, be poisonous if ingested and may produce dangerous fumes.

* In jewelery-making and enameling, you could inhale dusts or fumes during soldering, pickling, casting or finishing.

* In stained glass work, you could inhale lead fumes when soldering glass pieces together or you could be exposed to lead when handling lead came or leaded solders. You could also inhale hazardous fumes when using acid fluxes during soldering, or do serious damage to your lungs by breathing in powdered glass when using an electric glass grinder.

* In woodworking, you could seriously damage your lungs by inhaling wood dust over and over again. Some of the solvents and adhesives used in stripping, gluing and finishing can also harm your health.

* Some materials that are safe when used on their own can produce hazardous fumes or materials when they are mixed with bleaches, acids, solvents, household cleaners or other substances.

Don't let this article scare you though, just remember Safety first.

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Is There a Close Relationship Between Art and Sport?

portrait figures sports La Diaphane

From a very early age we are encouraged to draw and paint. Using self expression to free ourselves through painting and drawing, supplies our developing and inventive minds with one of its main sources of early learning and personal expressive nourishment. I loved art as a youngster and remember, with great fondness, "escaping" the formal structure of school classes during every period of art!

Through participation in sporting activities, I discovered the outlet I needed to express myself and release the artistic side of my personality. As a "Shortstop" or "Outfielder," my position allowed me to play Softball with inventiveness and flair and my young leadership qualities were recognized as I was made team captain.

I used to enjoy and appreciate the individual qualities, widely varying techniques and artistic expression, displayed by all of my friends, in both art and sport. I found that I had an ability to associate most paintings to the artist and realized that, in the main, there was a close relationship between the art work and the artist's personality and character.

To summarize, I feel that there is a close relationship between art and sport and that both activities provide extremely rewarding sources of intuitive and artistic expression.

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Neck Tie Fathers Day Card

Here's something cool you and your kid can make for daddy this fathers day. Bare with me as I am using my Sloppy Diagrams again in this tutorial.

Materials

• 1 Piece of 4 x 4 two sided paper (for tie)
• 1 Piece of 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 if that's to small try 5 1/2 x 4 1/2 for shirt
• Pair of Scissors
  

Step #1: Start by folding your 4 x 4 two sided piece of paper into a triangle.




Step #2: Open the triangle back up and use the center fold as a guide so you can fold each corner into the center.

Step 3#: You should now have sort of a cone shaped piece of paper then flip it over to it front side.



Step 4#: Now that you have flipped onto its front side the side with the colors showing. Lets make the front knot of the neck tie. Fold the top down about 3/4 of the way.



Step #5: Then take the point and fold it back up not to the top but about halfway.



Step 6#: Now you see where the tip ended up after the fold you that as a guide and fold the paper up.



Step #7: After that all you have to do is. Flip it over again and repeat step #2 and you should have your necktie.
________________________________________
Next Make A Simple Shirt For Your Neck Tie
________________________________________

No Sloppy Diagrams for this it's just tooo easy.

Step #1: Grab your 5 1/2 x 4 1/2 two sided paper. Fold it an inch of the way down.

Step #2: Now open it up make a cut on each side leaving about 1 1/2 in.

Step #3: Then fold each side into the middle.



The image above is what a finished product should look like with a little more work. Have fun making one of these.

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Rapid Fire Marshmallow Shooter

What's better than a Marshmallow Shooter? A Rapid Fire Marshmallow Shooter! Check out the video.

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Marshmallow Shooter

Ever just get the urge to shoot marshmallow's at things. You may not have but your kid probably has. I present to you the idea a marshmallow shooter. The best thing is I'm gonna tell you exactly how to make one. Followed by a video that's gonna show you how to make a better one. Let's get started shall we.

Materials

• A 10ft 1/2 inch PVC Pipe
• A Saw doesn't really matter what kind
• Measuring Tape
• Two 90 Degree Elbows(smooth)
• Two T's
• Two Caps
• A Marker(to mark off measurements)
• Sandpaper
  

Making The Marshmallow Shooter
_____________________________
Step #1: Make four 3in pieces so take you measuring tape out hook it at the beginning of you 10ft PVC and make a mark at every 3in, 3|6|9|12|.

Step #2: Now it's time for you to cut and sand down the burs around the edge and the inside of your pipes.

Step #3: On to the measuring and cutting two 5in pieces take you measuring tape out hook it at the beginning of you 10ft PVC and make a mark at every 5in, 5|10|. After you've done that, Just repeat step #2.

Step #4: Make one 7in cut and repeat step #2.

Step #5: Layout all you materials you should have four 3in two 5in and last but not least one 7in.

Step #6: Now it's time for the two 90 degree elbows, the two T's and two caps. Your gonna use them to connect all the pieces, like in the sloppy diagram below. It's the best I could lol.

And that's the tutorial hope it helped. Have fun shooting marshmallow's.

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Things To Do When Your Bored And On A Budget

* Do things like: Give each other a $10 or $15 limit. Then go to a market or some other place where cheap stuff is sold. See who can get the coolest stuff. Then we see who can get the highest price on EBay for it! So you actually MAKE money!

* Organize a "old stuff" party (I think there's a proper name for it) everyone brings a bag of stuff they no longer want (clothes, kitchen stuff, shoes etc). Clear a big space in the lounge room and dump all the stuff in the middle. Get hold of some quiz questions and take turns asking each other questions, when you get a question right, you get to pick from the pile! or... you could ditch the quiz questions and have a free for all grab-fest!

* Browse the web for ideas for whatever your latest interest is

* Make up a treasure map - A piece of cardboard with all pictures and words of all the things you want in life. (It's said they come true)

* Try some scrap booking.

* Write down or make some record of some of the amazing thoughts in your head.
* You might be surprised at just how profound you really are.
* Or at how many good ideas you actually have.

* Play a game such as
* Eye spy
* Or organize a scavenger hunt for your kid/kids

* Glow sticks\rings - Use your imagination, there are plenty of things you can do with these.

* Get creative with some art. Paint, draw, charcoal, craft – anything.

* Magic Eye can be a lot of fun. Look at some 3d pictures

*Put on some music. Have a dance maybe, see how you feel
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These are some of the things I do. You gotta have a little imagination for some of them though. Things like the first are good ways for making money, you'd be surprised how much some stuff sales for on EBay.

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Kirigami??? What's that

Kirigami is kinda like origami but with a Craft Knife. The video below will help you to better understand.

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Matching Hooded Sweater For Cute Bunny

As promised here the pattern for the matching cute bunny hooded sweater. I was gonna put some bunny ears on the hood but, I dunno might be to much.

Hooded sweater{Matches The Cute Bunny}

Measurements
__________________
To fit ages |0-3 |3-6 |6-9 |9-12 |12-24 |months

Actual Measurements
__________________
Chest| 48 ||53|| 57|| 62|| 66| cm

Length To Shoulder| 24|| 26|| 28|| 30|| 34| cm

Sleeve Length| 14 ||16 ||18 ||20|| 22| cm

Materials
__________________
4(4:5:5:6) 50g balls of Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran in pale blue
Pair of 5mm knitting needles

Tension
__________________
18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm square over st st using 5mm needles.

Abbreviations
__________________
see the Abbreviations post

Back
__________________
With 5mm needles cast on 46(50:54:58:62) sts.
Beg with a k row work in st st until back measures
24(26:28:30:34) cm from cast on edge, ending with a p row.

Shape shoulders
__________________
Cast off 13(14:15:16:17) sts at beg of next 2 rows.
Cast off rem 20(22:24:26:28) sts.

Front
__________________
Work exactly as given for back until 16 rows less than back to shoulder have been worked
Divide for front opening
Next row (right side) K23(25:27:29:31) sts,
turn and work on these sts only for first side of front, leave
sts on a spare needle
Next row P to end
Next row K21(23:25:27:29), m1, k2
Next row P to end
Next row K21(23:25:27:29), m1, k3.
Next row P to end.
Cont to inc one st as set on 5 foll right side rows, 30(32:34:36:38)
P 1 row.

Shape Shoulder
__________________
Next row (right side) Cast off 13(14:15:16:17) sts,
k a further 7(8:9:10:11) sts, m1, k to end.
Next row P18(19:20:21:22) sts, leave these sts on a holder.
With right side facing, join yarn to rem sts on-spare
needle, k to end.
Next row p to end
Next row k2, m1, k 21(23:25:27:29) sts
Next row p to end
Next row k3, m1, k 21(23:25:27:29) sts
Cont to inc st as set on 6 foll right side rows, 31(33:35:37:39) sts.
Next row (WS) cast off 13(14:15:16:17) sts, P to end.

Hood
__________________
Next row(right side) [K10, m1, k8(9:10:11:12)] across sts of right, cast on 38(40:42:44:46) sts for back then [k8(9:10:11:12) m1, k10] across sts of left front,76(80:84:88:92) sts.
Beg with a p row, work a further 35(37:39:41:43) rows in st st.
Cast off

Sleeves
__________________
With 5mm needles, cast on 30(32:34:36:38) sts.
Beg with a k row, work 8(8:10:10:12) rows in st st.
Inc row K3, m1 k to last 3 sts, m1 k3.
Beg with a p row, work 3 rows in st st.
Rep the last 4 rows until there are 42(46:50:54:58) sts.
Cont straight until sleeve measures 16(18:20:22:24)cm from cast on edge, enough with a p row.
Cast off.

To Finish
__________________
Join shoulder seams. With centre of cast off edge of sleeve to shoulder, sew on sleeves. Join side and sleeve seam. With right sides together fold hood in half and join cast off edges. Join cast on edge of hood to cast off sts of back neck.

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Moon Bottle Cover

Another pattern for your viewing pleasure. This time it's a cute bottle cover.


Moon Bottle Cover

Materials
______________
Size of cover 22 x 39cm (8 1/2 x 15 1/2 in)

Rowan RYC Cashsoft DK and Cashsoft Baby DK

A DK Grey (518) 2 x 50g/ 1 3/4 oz

B DK Lime green (509) 1 x 50g/ 1 3/4 oz

C Baby DK Pale green (804) 1 x 50g/ 1 3/4 oz

D DK Organge (510) 1 x 50g/ 1 3/4 oz

Needles
1 pair each of 31/4 mm (US 3) and 4mm (US 6) needles

Buttons
3

Tension
_____________
22 sts and 30 rows = 10cm (4in) square measured over
stocking stitch using 4mm (US 6) needles.

Getting Started

Lower Back
_______________
Using 4mm (US 6) needles and yarn A, cast on 27 sts.
Beg with a K row, work in st st as follows: Work 1 row. Cast on 6 sts at beg of next next 2 rows, 39 sts.
Inc 1 st at each end of next 4 rows, then on foll alt row, ending with WS facing for next row, 49 sts. **
Work 43 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.
Change to 3 1/4mm (US 3) needles.
Next row (RS) K1, *P1, K1, rep from * to end.
Next row P1, *K1, P1, rep from * to end.
These 2 rows form rib.
Work in rib for a further 4 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.
Next row (RS) Rid 9, (cast off 3 sts, rib until there are 11 sts on
right needle after cast off) twice, cast off 3 sts, rib to end.
Next row Rib to end, casting on 3 sts over thos cast off on previous row.
Work in rid for a further 6 rows, ending with RS facing for next row. Cast off in rib.

Front
____________
Work as given for lower back to **.
work 9 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.
Using the intarsia technique, work next 54 rows.
Which is worked entirely in st st beg with row 11 (a K row)
and end at row 64. Break off contrasts and cont using yarn A only.
Work 2 rows.

Shape Top
______________
Dec 1 st at each end of next 4 rows. 41 sts
Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows, 35 sts.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 3 rows, then on fall alt row, 27 sts.
Work 1 row, ending with RS facing for next row.
Change to 3 1/4mm (US 3) needles.
Beg with a Krow, work in st st as follows: Work 2 rows
Inc 1 st at each end of next 4 rows, ending with RS facing for next row, 35 sts.
Cast on 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows, 41 sts.
Inc 1 st at each end of next 4 rows, 49 sts.
Work 8 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.
Change to 31/4mm (US 3) needles.
Work in rib as given for lower back for 14 rows, ending with RS facing for next row.
Cast off in rib.

Making Up
Press pieces carefully on WS, using a warm iron over a damp cloth.

Embroidery
______________
Using yarn D make a 5cm (2in) long tassel and attach to top of hat section of motif as in photograph. Using the picture above as a guide. Use yarns C and D, embroider stars in sky. For each small star, work three straight stitches and secure at centre with a cross stitch. Using yarn C, work french knots at ends of these straight stitches.

Overlap last 14 rows of front over last 14 rows of back and sew along side edges. Fold in half across centre of narrow robbed section, matching cast-on edges and sew front to back along all edges. Sew on buttons.

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Cute Bunny Rabbit

Back again presenting another baby craft

Cute Bunny Rabbit
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Measurements
Approximately 28cm, excluding ears

Materials

• Two 50g balls of Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran in Duck Egg
• Small amount of cream yarn for pom-pom tail
• Pair of 3 1/4 knitting needles
• Washable polyester toy stuffing
• Grey embroidery wool for features

--------------

Tension

23 sts and 32 rows to 10cm square over st st using
3 1/4mm needles

Abbreviations
______________
m1L= inserting left needle from front, lift stand
between sts and k into back of it so base of made st
slants to the left

m1R= inserting left needle from the back, lift stand
between sts and k into front of it so base of made st
slants to the right

Face
_______________
With 3 1/4mm needles cast on 9 sts.
1st row: (right side) Kfb, k6, kfb, kl.
2nd row: and every wrong side row P.
3rd row: Kfb, k4, m1R, k1, m1L, k3, kfb, k1, 15 sts.
5th row: Kfb, k6, m1R, k1, m1L, k5, kfb, k1, 19 sts.
7th row: Kfb, k8, m1R, k1, m1L, k7, kfb, k1, 23 sts.
9th row: Kfb, k9, m1R, k3, m1L, k8, kfb, k1, 27 sts.
11th row: Kfb, k10, m1R, k5, m1L, k9, kfb, k1, 31 sts.
13th row: K11, k2tog, k5, skpo, k11, 29 sts.
15th row: K10, k2tog, k5, skpo, k10, 27 sts.
17th row: K1, k2tog, k6, k2tog, k5, skpo, k6, skpo, k1, 23 sts.
19th row: K1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k5, skpo, k2, skpo, k1, 19 sts.
21st row: K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k5, skpo, k2, skpo, k1, 15 sts.
21st row: K1, [k2tog] twice, k5, [skpo] twice, k1, 11 sts.
P 1 row.
Cast off.

Back
Gusset
With 3 1/4mm needles, cast on 22 sts. Beg with a k row, work 6 rows in st st. Cont in st st, dec one st at each end of next 8 rows, 6 sts. Cast off.

Back
With right side facing. pick up and k42 sts around shaped edge of gusset. Beg with a p row, work 15 rows in st st.

Dec row(right side)
K1, [k2tog] 10 times, [skpo] 10 times k1, 22 sts. Beg with a p row, work 11 rows in st st

Shape Armholes
Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows, 18 sts.

Dec row (right side)
K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, skpo, k1, 16 sts. Work 5 rows in st st.

Shape Shoulders
Cast off 3 sts at beg of next 2 rows, 10 sts. Work 2 rows in st st.

Shape Back of head
Inc row (right side) Kfb, k to last, 2 sts, kfb, k1, 12 sts, Cont in st st, inc in this way at each end of next 3 right side rows, 18 sts. Work 5 rows in st st. Dec one st at each en of the next row and 4 foll right side rows, 18 sts. cast off.

Front
With 3 1/4mm needles, cast on 22 sts. Beg with a k row, work 16 rows, st st. Dec on st at each end of next row, 20 sts. Work 11 rows in st st.

Shape Armholes
Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows, 16 sts.

Dec row (right side) K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, skpo, k1, 14 sts. Work 5 rows in st st.

Shape Shoulders
Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows, 10 sts.

Dec row (right side) K1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, skpo, k1, 8 sts. Work 2 rows in st st. Cast off.

Legs
With 3 1/4mm needles, cast on 5 sts. 1st row (right side) [ktb] 4 times, k1 9 sts.
P 1 row. Inc one st at each end of next row and roll 2 right side rows, 15 sts. Work 17 rows in st st.

Shape Thighs
1st row (right side) K6, [kfb] twice, k7, 17 sts. Working one more st before and sfter incs, inc 2 sts in this way at centre of next 5 right side rows, 27 sts. Work 9 rows in st st **.

Next row (right side) K11, skpo, k1, k2rog, k11, 25 sts, P 1 row.
Next row (right side0 K10, skpo, k1, k2rog, k10, 23 sts, P 1 row. Cast off.

Arms
Work as given for Legs to **. Shape top Cast off 2 sts at beg of next 2 rows. 11 sts. Dec one st at each end of next row. 9 sts.
P 1 row.
Cast off.

Ears
With 3 1/4mm needles, cast on 7 sts

1st row (right side) kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1, 9sts.
2nd row K1, p to last st, k1. Cont in st st with k1 edge sts, inc one st at each end of next 3 right side rows. 15 sts. Work 31 rows straight.

Dec row (right side) K2, skpo, k to last 4 sts, k2tog,
k2. 13 sts.
Dec in this way at each end of next 2 right side rows,
9 sts. Work 1 row. Cast off.

To Finish
______________
Join inside leg seams. Stuff legs. Flatten tops of legs and slip stitch closed. Join back to front at side seams. Sew legs to cast on edge of front, then to cast on edge of back join arm seams. stuff arms. stuff body to armholes. join arm seams. stuff arms. Stuff body to armholes. join shoulder and set in arms. Add more stuffing to body through neck hole. Fold cast on edge of face in half and join for chin seam. Join face to back of the head, leaving a gap at the top. Stuff face. Roll cast off edges of ears and set ears into gap at top of head, closing seam between ears. Add more stuffing to head, Join face to neck. Using Grey embroidery thread and face shaping as a guide to placing features, embroider nose, mouth and eyes, pulling thread through head to indent eyes slightly. Make a pom-pom from cream yarn and sew on for tail.

Well finally finished with this one, its a really nice finished product. If it's to plain you can always just rework the pattern to suit your own sense of style. Oh yeah I have a nice matching hooded sweater pattern for this that I will be posting soon. So look out for that in the mean time have fun making this

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Note [Knitting Abbreviations]

If you don't already know em I suggest you learn them. This list is incomplete but is relevant for the tutorials that I post. For a full list go to KnittingHelp(dot)com. Another tutorial is in the works so look out for it ;).


Notes: Knitting Abbreviations
**.........Repeat
alt........alternate
beg......beginning
cont.....continue
dec......decrease
foll.......following
inc.......increase
k...........knit
kfb........knit into front and back of next st
m1........make one by picking up the loop lying between st just worked and next stand working into back of it.
patt.....pattern
p..........purl
pfb......purl into front and back of next st
psso.....pass slipped st over
rem......remaining
rep........repeat
skpo.....slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over
sl............slip
st(s)......stitch(es)
st st.........stocking stitch
tbl...........through back loop
tog......together
yf.......yarn forward
yon......yarn over needle
yrn......yarn round needle

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Ugh Leftover Yarn

I’m one of those people that gets angry about not having enough yarn to complete a project so. I always buy a bit more than what I need. Since I'm a few miles away from the the shops. Because I like experimenting with different types of yarn, I tend to have bits and pieces left over. I usually use them to make small doilies or similar small projects but now have run out of people to give my doilies to!

What do you do with your left over yarn?? Do you save it, throw it away, use it to make something small? I searched and found 6 Good Ideas.

But I am open to more suggestions ; ).

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Embroidered Raglan Sweater [Baby Craft]

Size 1 (3-6 months)
To Fit Chest: 46cm||Width: 55cm||Length: 24.5cm||Sleeve: 16cm
Size 2 (6-9 months)
To Fit Chest: 52cm||Width: 58cm||Length: 28.5cm||Sleeve: 31cm
Size 3 (9-12 months)
To Fit Chest: 52cm||Width: 61cm||Length: 31.5cm||Sleeve: 21cm


Tension
18 stitches and 25 rows to 10cm square measured over stocking
stitch on 4mm needles. Always work a tension swatch and change needles accordingly if
necessary.

Materials
Any medium-weight or dk yarn, such as
Rowan Hand knit DK Cotton

A (red) 5(5:5) x 50g balls

B (pink) 1(1:1) x 50g balls
Oddments of yarn for embroidery1 pair each of 3.75mm and 4mm knitting needles. Large sewing needle 3 small buttons, different colors and designs.

Tech Tips
The only special techniques required are increasing and decreasing and knitting through the
back of the loops for the full fashioning detail. When knitting fully-fashioned garment,
work the increases and decreases 3 stitches in from the outside edge.

Knitting the back and front
With 3.75mm needles and yarn B, cast on 53 (57:63) stitches. Change to 4mm needles and yarn A and continue in stocking stitch - one row knit, one row purl alternately - until work measures 13 (15: 17)cm from cast-on edge, ending with a wrong side row.

Shape raglan
Cast off 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows. Decrease 1 stitch at each end of next and every alternate row until 19 (21:23) stitches remain. Cast off.
Knitting the sleeves
With 3.75mm needles and yarn B, cast on 33 (35:37) stitches. Change to 4mm needles and yarn A and continue in stocking stitch, increasing 1 stitch at each end of 5th and every following 6th (8th:6th) row until 45 (47:53) stitches remain. Continue without shaping until work measures 16(19:21)cm from cast edge.

Shape raglan
Cast off 2 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows. decrease 1 stitch at each end of next and every alternate row until 11 (11:13) stitches remain. Cast off.

Making up sweater
Sew any yarn ends. Lay out all finished pieces. Press gently with a steam iron, taking care not to flatten the rib. Join both sleeves to back raglan seams and left sleeve to front raglan seam.

Knitting button band
With 3.75mm needles and yarn A, and with right side facing, pick up and knit 32(34:38) stitches up right sleeve raglan, 10(10:12) stitches across sleeve top, 19 (21:23) stitches across front, and 32 (34:38) stitches down front raglan, 122(130:146) stitches.

Make button holes
Knit 8 (8:9) stitches, * with yarn forward knit 2 together, knit 8(9:10), repeat from * with yarn forward knit 2 together, knit to end. Change to yarn B and knit 1 row.


Note

• Pattern #1: Is Stem Stitch
• Pattern #2: Is Satin Stitch
• Pattern #3: Is Running Stitch
• Pattern #4: Is French Knot
  

Embroidering the sweater
Using oddments of yarn, embroider simple running stitch around each edge of the sweater, up the sides and around the cuffs. Using the embroidery template as a guide, copy the flower motif using simple stem stitch, running stitch, satin stitch and french knots. Alternatively work a design of your own to personalize you garment.

Finishing the sweater
Sew buttons onto shoulder bands to align with button holders. Join side and sleeve seams.

That was a monster lol. I'm gonna need to recover after this one. Have fun making it, Lord knows I had fun writting it (not really) lol.

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Homemade Floam™ Instruction

Found this guide on how to make your own Floam™ it's pretty cool.

Children have been clamoring for Floam™, a micro-beaded modeling clay that has been heavily and attractively advertised. Unfortunately, people who have ordered Floam™ report long delays and deceptive business practices. Instead, make your own Floam™-like clay in whatever quantities and colors you like.

We found several anonymous recipes online. My husband Keith Golden tried three different recipes, then refined the best one. The result is virtually identical to Floam™ (except for smelling better). My major contribution was tracking down the polystyrene beads. (Note that the text on this site is covered by a Creative Commons license permitting reproduction with attribution for non-commercial purposes.)

Ingredients

• 2 tsp. borax (available in laundry aisle at your grocery store)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup white glue (we used Elmer's)
• 1/4 cup water
• food coloring (otherwise it will look like cottage cheese)
• an air-tight plastic bag (for mixing and storage)
• 5/3 cups of polystyrene beads (we used 2/3 cups micro-beads and 1 cup bean bag filler)

Floam™ is made with polystyrene (aka Styrofoam™) beads ranging in size from about 1 mm to 1/8 inch in diameter. You can make an approximation of the beads at home by grating polystyrene cups, packing material etc., although we did not try this. We bought two different types of beads:

• Micro-beads (about 1 mm in diameter), which we found at a Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts store. We had to call several stores before finding one that sold them. They can be ordered from Roseann's Dolls.
• 1/8" beads, sometimes called "milk bottle filler" or "bean bag filler", which we bought on eBay but you can also buy through Roseann's Dolls.

Instructions

1. Dissolve 2 tsp. borax completely in 1/2 cup (4 oz.) water. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl mix 1/4 cup (2 oz.) white glue and 1/4 cup (2 oz.) water. Optionally add food coloring.
3. Pour the glue solution into the air-tight bag. Then add 3 tbsp. (9 tsp.) of the borax/water solution to the glue solution. Do not mix them yet. You will have some borax/water solution left for another batch.
4. Add the polystyrene beads.
5. Seal bag and knead by hand until thoroughly mixed. Let stand about 15 minutes, and then knead a few minutes more.

This should produce a hard clay well suited for sculpting; for a more malleable clay, use fewer beads and optionally less of the borax solution.

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Decoupage Ideas

I'm back again with some more info on Decoupage. I found some good sites with a bunch more ideas and articles that might interest those who are into Decoupage artwork. These sites are in no specific order.

Site #1: Make your Own Baby Crafts. This site has number of useful articles you might want to take a look at. The link above is one of those and, it's about how to make a baby craft using the art of Decoupage.





Site #2: DiY Network. Another good site features a lot of do it yourself projects. It features ideas for fun Decoupage projects. Clicking the link above will send you directly to the Decoupage tutorial section of the site.



Site #3: Michaels.com. Operates specialty retail stores which provide a large assortment of general crafts, home decor items, picture framing materials and services, art and hobby supplies, party supplies, silk and dried flowers, wearable art, and seasonal and holiday merchandise. The above sends you to a tutorial. It shows you how to make the what is featured in the image on the right.


Site #4: Flickr.com. Well you all know what Flickr is I assume. So no real explanation except it leads to a very interesting photo. I think anyone who is interested in Decoupage should have a look at it.

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Decoupage: I Got The Materials Now What!?

|Prelude|: As with all art you will need to have an idea.

Step 1|First Things First: Prepare your surface you should start by making sure it's clean. Then paint and seal it.

Step 2|What Comes Next?: Cut out your pictures using your Craft knife, or School Scissors for your kid.

Step 3|Uhuh Now What?: Now you will want to arrange the pictures in an order that you like. Just for reference from my own experience. The first arrangement is always subject to change. Nothing is really set in stone until you add the glue. Then it's still not set in stone it's set in glue so..... anyway. The images you like can go any which way you want. On to the next step.

Step 4|Arrangement Got It What Else?: Alright now you add the glue to the backs of your pictures be careful though you don't want the ink running. Especially if your using pics from a magazine. I won't really go into the steps to prevent ink bleeding right now. Just don't add to much glue. Make sure you add a bit to the surface your adding the images to also.

Step 5|Anything Else?: Now it's time to stick your picture to your surface. Use a Brayer or your handy dandy Popsicle stick. Oh yeah if it's a larger picture start from the center and work you way out.

Step 6|Alright it's Starting to Look Good: Continue step #4 and #5. Until you have no more images you want to add, or you run out whichever comes first. Then it's to the coating process. Try This: dilute your Elmer’s or other PVA glue. With a little bit of water so it goes on smoothly. The color blue seems to run more than others so watch for that. Make sure to let it dry a completely.

Step 7|Ok I'm Done Right?: Wrong. You'll have to keep adding coats of glue or another sealer (polyurethane, acrylic spray, etc. ) . Keep adding coats until the edges of the pictures are smooth.

OK guide's over have fun!

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Decoupage Have You Heard Of It?

Decoupage could definitely be used to make custom, unique and interesting baby crafts. You could use this technique on everything from furniture to wipes containers, to storage bins and boxes. Make cute picture frames. You could even make clothing obviously that would take a degree of skill, but this is a very easy craft to learn. Craft your own stuff and sell it online I know some people who do. Most just sell at local markets, but enough of that.

Let me give you a quick run through on what Decoupage is first. Then I'm gonna give you a few examples of exactly what you can do with it. Alright here goes.

First let me start by saying this is so easy a 4 year old could do it (hint hint). Now on to the things you would need to start.

White Glue - To glue stuff. What else are you gonna do with it?

Popsicle Stick - Smooth the wrinkles out and get rid of excess glue.

Cotton Swab - Your makeshift paintbrush spread the glue around with it.

Wet Rag - For cleaning.

Decoupage Medium - Glue/Seal is what this tool does. I doubt you would have one of these just lying around your house, lucky for you they can be found at almost any craft store.

Brayer - Does the same thing as the Popsicle stick except it rolls, more convenient than a Popsicle stick.

Foam or Small Paint Brush - Spread and apply decoupage medium with this.

Craft Knife - Used to cut out detailed pictures. If your kid is gonna be participating you could just give your little boy/girl a pair of School Scissors.

Sealer - Use your decoupage medium or glue as a final coat if your gonna do this the simplest way possible. If not you could try Acrylic.

The name of each item is a link to it's picture so, if you need to know what the items look like. Just click the name. I did not put any links to obvious pictures.

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How To Crochet

I found this extensive guide on how to crochet. This guide is nothing short of amazing and should be useful for anyone who wants to learn how to crochet. It can be difficult starting out with no one to guide you through, but if you don't know anyone in your life that crochets, or that can teach you how then this guide is on of many that are very helpful.

Here is the link How To Crochet. Oh yeah you can also just click the picture above.

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Recycled Phone Book Pencil Holder

Now there some creativity. The funny this is I have actually folded a book to look like that. When I was bored, but I never would have thought to make a pencil holder out of it. That's just one of the things you can do with a book you dislike or may have wasted your money on.

Here's the link to the Recycled Phone Book Pencil Holder Tutorial.

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Rowan Wool Cotton

This Download Has Been Removed Cause I Don't Want To get Sued

I found this lovely magazine just searching for new ideas and things to crochet. I thought I should share since It's a very good magazine. It looks dated but the patterns are very stylish, and the instructions are easy to follow. So If you know Rowan then you should know that this is quality stuff, and if you don't know Rowan I suggest you check out their site Knit Rowan.
You can also click the image to take directly to thier site.

The download IS another Pdf. So if you haven't got a pdf reader by now. I suggest you get one cause the majority of the patterns, guides and stuff. That is going to be posted here on Baby Crafts are going to be in that file format. Just go to Google and type in Pdf reader and it will come up with a bunch of results. Almost all pdf readers are free so pick one.


The download is 8.06 megabytes so it's way smaller than the last one. So even those with slow internet connection should be able to get it in an timely manner, and enjoy reading it so um... here it is .

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Not A Baby Craft But Very Cool

Are ya feeling lucky, punk?

Simply Amazing one of the coolest crochet's I've had the pleasure to see. This gorgeous piece of artwork belongs to Inger Carina. (She's not a big fan of guns btw)

Neither am I but good art is good art an self expression is what drives good crocheting. Look at the juxtaposition I just love it! Well you know what I think. How about telling me how you feel about it.

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Baby Crafts Eeyore Crochet[Download Removed]

This Download Has Been Removed Cause I Don't Want To get Sued

Here's another project this time it's an Eeyore doll you know from "Winnie The Pooh". Even if you don't know, it's still very cute and stylish. So check it out, make it and give it to someone you love for a gift or just a random present.

Hint: Makes a great gift for toddlers or daughters of all ages.

It's a PDF file so your gonna have to download it. To view the information simply get a program like Foxit Reader it's free and it's great.

Let me warn you it's a very detailed tutorial and it's 45.32 mb. I would've just typed it myself but who really want's to type 45mb worth of pdf not me. I have a fairly fast internet connection and most people should have at least broadband or dsl by now. If you are in the category who doesn't just comment, and I'll try to figure out a why to get the tutorial to you in a faster more quicker manner.

Without further or do here is the Eeyore Crochet .

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Cute Baby Bib

Make your little guy’s feedings a little more formal with this super sweet bib with a necktie applique. Get a load of the little collar! Charity from Just Tutes! is going to show you just how to make one. Go to the tutorial.

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Baby Crafts Main Focus

Hello! Let me welcome you to Baby Crafts! This blog is first and foremost focused on crafting and crocheting for your child. However old they may be from hats to PJ's. We have tutorials for them all some are out sourced and some are directly from yours truly.

Along with other crocheting ideas, and free patterns Baby Crafts is just the name. The main focus is this blog will be filled with all types of crafts, unique guides and fun activities, to help you save that extra money while raising and still providing for your child. For example you might want to check out this article here on WEBMD, to get a few facts and tips on on how to just that.

It's hard to raise a child, and with the economy the way it is just makes it even harder. Not saying that me blogging is going to be the answer to all your problems. I just want to offer help to those in need of it. If you've managed to read this far then there is nothing left to say, but I hope you enjoy your stay here at Baby Crafts.

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