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Crafty Topics
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Free crochet patterns for adult and childrens apparel and accessories. All of the patterns on my site are my original creations. I truly enjoy making hat patterns and feel confident there's a crochet hat pattern for every member of the family. New free crochet patterns are added as they are developed with the newest patterns on top.
http://patbythehook.blogdrive.com/
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Crafty Tip
Using a smaller or larger crochet hook will allow you to change the size of the finished item if it's a bit too big or too small.
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Make a lightweight, soft doggy coat from your old sweatpants! This simple and no-sew project will help to keep your small dog warm and fashionable. Designed for Dachshunds and officially called a Wiener Wrap, this project would work well for any small dog.
Be sure to visit the rest of this site to learn more about Southern California Dachshund Rescue and other great information about owning a Dachshund.
http://www.delgadog.com/faq/faq_wienerwrap.htm
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Crafty Tip
Don't have any sweats you can use? Visit your local thrift store where you should be able to find a nice variety of colors and sizes.
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Free paper piecing patterns, applique shapes and even a nice selection of free border patterns can be found here. Many of the quilt blocks are pieced together showing how the blocks could be assembled into a finished quilt. Scans of actual fabric are used to better illustrate how the finished blocks will look. Along with what must be hundreds of paper pieced quilt patterns are more traditionally pieced block patterns. We even have a section of blocks designed for children to make.
http://www.quilterscache.com
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Crafty Tip
If you are new to quilting and paper piecing, start with patterns that use fewer and bigger pieces for your first project. Once you get the hang of paper piecing you can work on more intricate designs or even begin creating your own patterns.
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A collection of 4 free thread crochet flower patterns Patterns are for a lily, iris, rose, and tulip.
Editor's Note: There are only a few patterns here, but they are the prettiest crochet flower patterns we've seen.
http://www.geocities.com/jabberjavw
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Crafty Tip
A bit of fabric covered craft wire is the trick to shaping the flowers and could be used for any crochet project requiring shaping.
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4 placemats, 2 neckties, and in 10 easy steps you can have your own backpack!
http://www.craftygal.com
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Crafty Tip
Seek out placemats with a nice border and substantial weight that have some batting in them. It will make your backpack have a more decorative look as well as being more sturdy.
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A complete one-stop-shop for all of your bag making needs. We have lovely fabrics, handles, beautiful bag patterns, and loads of hard-to-find metal accessories. We also provide lots of free advice and even a couple of free bag making projects; also, have a look in our Inspiration Gallery for some ideas to get you started. Our prices are hard to beat and our delivery super fast.
http://www.u-handbag.com
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Crafty Tip
When choosing interfacing for your bags choose one that is lighter in weight than you fabric, this way any creases made in the fabric (due to normal wear) will not show.
Bonus Handbag-Making Tips
If you haven't tried using metal accessories before; try them! Most of them require no tools (so they are quick and simple to apply) and they are an instant way to make your bags look really professional.
If your bags have a tendency to sag (when you don't want them to) try sewing polyester boning into the seams of your bags. Polyester boning is used extensively in corset making but it is amazingly handy for bags making! It's easy to sew and cut, and it is very inexpensive too!
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Learn the knotting techniques used in the art of Macrame, including Chinese and Celtic knots. Create a variety of handcrafted items and Micro-Macrame jewelry using the free patterns available on this site. New patterns are added regularly.
http://www.free-macrame-patterns.com
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Crafty Tip
When using leather to make jewelry, you cannot put pins through, or you will damage the material. Use the Cross-Pin technique instead:
Put 2 pins on either side of the strand of leather. Make sure they both lean towards the cord, and they cross.
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This website is devoted to the art/craft of découpage. There are free instructions and advice for you to learn more about this fascinating and rewarding hobby. Learn how to decoupage on virtually any surface.
http://www.decoupage-online.com/
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Crafty Tip
While découpage is a scissor-oriented craft and purists will tell you must cut out, it is OK to use paper punches, quilling strips and stickers to embellish your work. It is NOT advisable to use these for competition work because it is most often against the rules. Check the rules first. But as far as gifts or sale items are concerned, use them if you want.
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Original handmade purses, accessories, crafts made of vintage kimonos, and more! The things which make your style a little more cute and unique. All items are shipped directly from Japan. Shop abroad at chic36!!
http://chic36.web.fc2.com
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Crafty Tip
Anything can be materials for crafts. You only need your inspiration and enthusiasm. Got an old-fashioned cloth? You can change it into a one of a kind craft. There's no worthless things in the world.
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Find an embroidered straw placemat, some coordinating fabric, a zipper and something for handles, and you are only a few stitches away from making this fun summer purse. Easy to follow and fully illustrated instructions will show you how to make a gusset for your placemat purse and the conversation that follows should answer all of your questions.
http://www.craftster.org/forum/
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Crafty Tip
When measuring the folded placemat to determine the size of your gusset, use several clothes pins to secure the placemat while you measure.
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