Bicky's Blog

Take Your Craft Skills to a New Level

1/27/2016

Good Morning!

Hope everyone is keeping warm. We had a little snow here in the Low Country but we'll have some warmer days the rest of this week. Wonder what Mr. Groundhog will say about winter next Tuesday, February 2.

History of Groundhog Day

Since it's so cold, I'm sure many of us crafters are staying indoors and working on projects. How would you like to take your skills to the next level? Every crafter should have dictionaries or "How To" books. Check out the ones I found.

Crochet Stitch Dictionary
on Interweave

Knit Stitch Dictionary
on Interweave

The Beading Answer Book
on Amazon for Kindle or Paperback
(I own this one)

The Quilt Block Bible
on Amazon Paperback

These books are on my wish list!

While you were on Interweave, did you notice they cover many crafts? Go back and look.
Interweave Store

After you have learned new crochet stitches, check out the Free Patterns on Crochet Me (you have to sign up - it's free)

If you looking for new sites to buy yarn, beads or fabric, look no further.

Webs America's yarn Store

expression fiber arts

ArtBeads.com

Fusion Beads

Keepsake Quilting

Fabric Depot

Sign up for their newsletters to receive free patterns and discounts!

I'm off here to work on my project; the Double Layered Braided Cowl. This pattern went viral last week. I'm working this cowl in I Love This Yarn 60/ Aubergine from Hobby Lobby. I'll post a few pics when completed.

Until next time, keep crafting!

I Love Giraffes!

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One Skein Crochet Patterns & Amazing DIY Craft Rooms

1/12/2016

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Happy New Year! It's not to late to say that. I came across a poll of; "At what date in January do you stop saying Happy New Year?". The census was January 10. I think you could say it all month long.

Actually I'll say "Happy Crafting Year"! Well every year is happy crafting for us avid creative people!

Anywhoo, I have some great one skein crochet patterns (free) and awesome DIY craft room ideas to share. I don't dare show a photo of my craft area. For one: it's our dining room and two: it looks like projects exploded on my craft table. So I'll be checking out these craft room ideas as well. I really need to organize my space.

We all have stash yarn or one skein of yarn in one color. Check out these patterns and get started on your holiday gifts early or perhaps birthday gifts throughout the year.

Luscious One Skein Crochet Hat on Moogly (there are links for the matching cowl and fingerless mitts on this page)

Cable and Bobbles Boot Cuffs on The stitchin' Mommy

1 Skein Pet Bed on iYarny (this looks easy and so cute!)

Granny's Slouch Hat on Stitch11

THE PENN BUTTON COWL by Rescued Paw Designs

One Ball Ripple Scarf on ALLFREECROCHET

I am drooling over some of these craft rooms. Do you have your own space to craft but it's got out of hand and not organized (like mine)? Check out these awesome rooms.

Repurpose Your Old Furniture and Create the Perfect Sewing Room on Accuquilt's Blog

My Craft Room on Thrifty Decor Chick

The Ultimate Craft Room on Lowe's (cool ideas)

12 Beautiful Crafting Rooms on Tip Junkie

FYI
National Jewelry Day is celebrated on March 13th of each year.

Think I'll clear off a portion of my table.
Until next time keep crafting!

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Peace, Love, Joy and Handmade Gifts

12/20/2015

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Hi All!
Are you busy completing your handmade gifts? I am and I'm a little behind. But I'll get em done in time; I always do.

If you forgot anyone on your list, I found some quick and easy last minute gifts to work up. Also I came across a great craft site and actually got to correspond with her in a few emails. She designed a very cute utility apron that any crafter, daycare giver or teacher would love to wear. And while you're on Em's site, explore all her tabs for you'll find some awesome ideas.

For the Knitter
Knit Two Hours or Less Scarf on favecrafts

For the Crafter
Decorative Painted Wine Bottle on AllFreeChristmasCrafts

For the Hooker
Criss Cross Phone Cozy with Belt on CrochetN'Crafts

For the Sewer
Warm and Cozy Reversible Fleece Cowl Scarf on AllFreeSewing
The instructions are from Madigan Made

As mentioned above, meet Em!
Auntie Em's Crafts
Her free tutorial for the Basic Utility Apron
And visit Em's other site along with her mother and sister -n-laws
SIMPLY NOTABLE

For the Quilters - QuilterNewsletter Blog - lots of good stuff!

We sold three of the five puppies so far. The two available; Kelli and Kimi's pics are below. They are so cute!

I pray for peace, love and joy in each of our hearts. And it is better to give than to receive. Give a gift to your local Animal Shelter or SPCA. Help the homeless animals thrive so they can find a good home.

Happy Holidays! And keep crafting.

Kelli

Kimi

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Puppies, Christmas and So Little Time

12/12/2015

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Morning!

I watched the sun rise today. I haven't experienced this awesome phenomenon in such a long time. The colors in the sky of red, orange, blue and yellow made me think," What perfect colors for a quilt".

Did you notice Puppies in the post title? We have four little Huskimo puppies ready to go to a loving home. They are so cute and its so fun to watch them play. My mom doesn't understand how I can sell them. Well for one I love this breed and two its extra money, Ma. Click here and visit my Doggy Web Site.

The holidays are so close and I am so behind on my gift projects. However, I did find some goodies to share with you. Have you visited Quiltmaker's Blog?
Here are free instructions on December’s QM Bitty Blocks: Pinwheels
And the Blog home page: QuiltyPleasures

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is having a massive sale on yarn, in store and online.
Get 20% off you entire order online with is code: STAYWARM20 Includes regular & sale priced items. Good through Today Saturday, December 12.
Don't forget to print their coupons if you are shopping in store.
Check out their craft projects page for some last minute gift ideas.

What to do after you buy more yarn:
Table Mats from Crochet Pattern Bonanza
Holiday Placemat Collection

Download Red Heart's 2016 Throw of the Month eCalendar. It's Free!!

Pick up some coffee mugs from you fav dollar store and crochet this cute mug cozy for each one. Great stocking stuffers. Add a red nose for Rudolph!
Reindeer Mug Cozy

I want to make these Christmas Tree ornaments, but I'm thinking as earrings.
Free pattern Christmas Tree Ornament at Soft Flex Company.

Have some Fat Quarters lying around? Check out this cute little tote on The Cottage Mama.

Well this post is short and sweet. I'm off to my craft area. Until next time, keep crafting!

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Time Flies....20 Days and Counting

12/5/2015

Morning!

I'm up at 6 AMish. Coffee in hand, rubbing eyes and eager to share some craft resources! I didn't get to write up my crochet pattern I wanted to share; I apologize. But I did include instructions on the Rag Wreath; a quick craft to complete. I do have some cool sites for you to explore and the free crochet patterns I found among others for diversity. Enjoy!

Crochet:
Knotted Headband Crochet Pattern by Rescue Paw Designs

Kiss Me at Midnight Cowl by The Stitchin Mommy

Gold Leaf Infinity Scarf by fiber flux

Quilting:
Very pretty Log Cabin Table Topper
Free Instruction from Accuquilt Blog

Fons & Porters Love of Quilting

Connecting Threads Freebies

FaveQuilt

Dairy of a Quilter

General Crafts:

AllFreeHolidayCrafts for last minute and easy gift ideas.

CraftStylish

A friend of mine on Facebook mentioned making Roman Blinds out of old Mini Blinds. Now how cool is that! So I did a search and found these two sites with instructions.
Simply Mrs. Edwards - DIY: Roman Shades From Mini-Blinds
Little Green Notebook - DIY: Roman Shades from Mini-Blinds (Revised!)

I used to make Rag Wreaths to give as gifts and to sell. The wreath pictured is made from scrap fabric left over from an antique quilt I made. The fall leaves are fabric appliqués, the bows are raffia and I included little fall berry sprigs.

They are very easy to make.

Materials:
Pencil - sharpened or small Phillip screwdriver
1 yard fabric - solid color or pattern of your choice (2 or more 1/2 yards of fabric in different colors will work, too)
12" stryofoam round wreath
Embellishments (your choice)
Wire and hot glue gun

With fabric(s) cut 2x2" squares. Start out by cutting 50 or so squares, then cut more as needed.
Place the pencil in the center of the right side of fabric square, hold the fabric on pencil, place a little super glue on the tip and punch into styrofoam wreath (not to hard and don't punch through the other side). I started in the top center of wreath and continued around the center. Then I filled in on both sides. Be sure to go a little past the edge; lay the wreath flat on a table and make sure you can't see stryofoam in the center ring and outer edge, if so fill in with more squares.
With the wire - make a small secured loop and superglue on top back side for hanging. Let dry.
Embellish your wreath and hang! You can also use the wreath as a center piece with candles in the middle for your table decor.
Tip: As time goes by and the wreath gets dusty; just take a can of air and blow the dust off.

Hope you have a great weekend and keep crafting!

<<Previous

Take Your Craft Skills to a New Level

One Skein Crochet Patterns & Amazing DIY Craft Rooms

Peace, Love, Joy and Handmade Gifts

Puppies, Christmas and So Little Time

Time Flies....20 Days and Counting

Bicky

Archives

Categories

Take Your Craft Skills to a New Level

One Skein Crochet Patterns & Amazing DIY Craft Rooms

Peace, Love, Joy and Handmade Gifts﻿

Puppies, Christmas and So Little Time﻿

Time Flies....20 Days and Counting﻿

Bicky

Archives

Categories

Peace, Love, Joy and Handmade Gifts

Puppies, Christmas and So Little Time

Time Flies....20 Days and Counting