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Crafty Topics
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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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Simple and quick stationary organizer made with one placemat. Keep all your writing materials in one convenient place. Great to use when traveling.
Editor's Note: This site has a handful of craft ideas, but the main purpose of the site is to share the history of the Scottish Highlands & Islands, Scottish Borders, Central Scotland and the Scots who lived there. There are several free and complete books on the site and many beautiful pictures of Scotland.
http://www.electricscotland.com
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Crafty Tip
You can use a ribbon to hold your organizer closed; but if you plan on traveling with your placemat organizer, a bit of velcro will be both flatter and more durable.
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Be inspired by the amazing friendship bracelet patterns on this website. Don't miss the Gallery where the site owner shares his own friendship bracelets and those of visitors to his site. Are you a designer of friendship bracelets or would just like to be? Stefan has created a wonderful friendship bracelet pattern generator that will have you creating your own patterns in minutes. There's also an active forum to exchange ideas with other crafters.
http://www.steffe.se/fb/index.php
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Crafty Tip
When braiding the ends of your bracelet consider using more than three strands in each braid for a different look.
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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.
Editor's Note: The site is no longer being updated and most of the photos are no longer online but the patterns themselves are still available.
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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An ever-growing selection of everyday and holiday Hardanger projects for every skill level. Stitchers have also shared their favorite tips and techniques on creating beautiful Hardanger embroidery.
http://www.nordicneedle.com/free/index.shtml
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Crafty Tip
Beginning embroiderers should avoid dark colored fabric as the stitches are more difficult to see than on light fabrics.
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Modern fabrics with a touch of yesteryear are the basis for the shoulder bag purses, cigar box purses, clutches, wristlets, doggie scarves and hair accessories we make. Inspired by the hot rod, rockabilly, and 1950's greaser scene all of our products make a fashion statement that's fun and funky, yet practical.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7o71l/id21.html
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Crafty Tip
Instead of using cardboard to make a tote or messenger bag stiff and keep shape, use a piece of plastic canvas. That way, when the bag gets dirty, it can be washed.
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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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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 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.reocities.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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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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