April 2009 Archive



crafting Crafty Chica style

posted on April 24, 2009

Check our Lyn, our Crafty Chica contest winner, with her new sewing machine!


— Allison

A new way to knit socks!

posted on April 16, 2009


Wendy D. Johnson’s new toe-up approach to knitting socks was made famous through her blog, WendyKnits.net. Knitting a sock from the toe up saves yarn and always gives a perfect fit. And? No grafting! Wendy provides all the how-tos, tips, and techniques you need, as well as the pros and cons behind all of the cast-on, toe, heel, and bind-off options, gleaned from her years of experience. This is the hands-down best guide for toe-up socks, and with more than 20 fun and beautiful patterns, Socks from the Toe Up has a sock for every foot. So whether you’re casting on your first sock, or have been a top-down sock knitter for ages, get ready to become a toe-up nut!

Click here to win a copy

Please note that this contest is now closed. Thank you all for your submissions and wonderful emails!

— Allison

Felt Furnishings now on sale!

posted on April 15, 2009

Felt Furnishings
25 Accessories for Contemporary Homes

The contemporary creations of Anne Kyyrö Quinn are not your traditional pillows and throws. Following her sculptural approach to home décor, these 25 beautiful, easy-to-sew pieces each have an appealing tactile quality that make them truly stand out. Quinn’s fabric of choice, felt, is soft, durable, and easy-to-find, making it perfect for home sewing. Best of all, felt holds its shape, making it possible to turn any home accent into a striking multidimensional accessory. Whether folded, sliced, ruched, or gathered, these bold pieces are sure to add designer style-and cozy comfort-to any living space.

— Allison

Chic & Simple Sewing on sale tomorrow!

posted on April 13, 2009

No more spending more than you can afford on clothes! Chic & Simple Sewing shows you how to make modern, stylish, and fun clothes you’ll want to wear every day. Plus, you’re in control. You pick the fabrics, the cut, the size—all tailored just for you, not mass-manufactured on an assembly line. For about the price of two or three commercial sewing patterns, this book will give you full-size patterns to make the more than 20 garments, including a classic shift, A-line skirt, and figure-flattering wrap dress. Your new, one-of-a-kind wardrobe awaits!

click here to win a copy!

— Allison

Chic Metal - on sale now!

posted on April 7, 2009

All that glitters is not gold-sometimes it’s copper, silver, or brass. With Chic Metal, you can design and create necklaces, earrings, and even cocktail rings out of metals that sparkle and shine. Crafting with metal is easier than you might think. You can make many of these 30 inspiring projects with simple tools you already own, such as wire cutters, pliers, a hammer, and a file. If you love jewelry making and are seeking a new challenge, look no further-you’re ready for some heavy metals.

click here to win a copy

— Allison

Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts - now on sale!

posted on April 1, 2009

The best of Martha Stewart Living projects, including step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs, have been collected into a single encyclopedia!

Organized by topic from A to Z, Martha Stewart’s Encyclopedia of Crafts contains complete instructions and brief histories for more than 30 techniques, detailed descriptions of the necessary tools and materials, and easy-to-copy templates. Martha and her team of crafts editors guide readers through each subject, from botanical pressing and decoupage to rubber stamping and wreaths, with characteristic clarity and unparalleled attention to detail.

Filled with solid technical know-how, handy glossaries that cover tools, gems, materials, sources and more, and presented with gorgeous color photographs, this fabulous guide can be read page by page and kept as a lasting reference by crafters and artisans alike.

— Allison