Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes Join weaver Travis Meinolf of actionweaver.com as he shows you how to make a loom from paper index cards as well as the basics of weaving 101 in this CRAFT Video Podcast. Travis is featured in the current Weaving issue of CRAFT: 08. Use this template on his site to trace onto your paper index card. Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine Craftzine readers can now get $5 off a yearly subscription by entering the code MCRAFT. That's just $29.95 for 4 quarterly issues! [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes Take a little video tour inside the new issue of CRAFT: 08, our Weaving issue where you'll learn the basics of weaving from using a paper loom to making your own! The summer issue celebrates the season by featuring fun projects from sewing a ruffle dress to making your own cold-brew coffee. View the complete table of contents. Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine Craftzine readers can now get $5 off a yearly subscription by entering the code MCRAFT. That's just $29.95 for 4 quarterly issues! Related: CRAFT: 08 The Weaving Issue - On Newsstands Now! San Francisco CRAFT: 08 Release Party this Saturday! [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes I got a chance to visit Eunice and Shauna of Hello Lucky, a letter press studio in San Francisco. Hello Lucky is known for their beautiful letter pressed cards that also have a whimsical sense of humor. The ladies took me on a tour of the studio where I learned the letter press printing process as well has how they create their designs. The Hello Lucky studio is peppered with vintage furniture and decor. See the rest of my visit in my Flickr photos. Stop by the Hello Lucky blog for lots of design inspiration! If you are in the San Francisco/Bay Area, visit the Hello Lucky studio shop! Hello Lucky 977 Howard Street San Francisco, CA 94103 phone: (888) 552-3724 hellolucky.com [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes While at Maker Faire in May, I got a chance to get a terrific demo from Vivian Lavinskas of Singer Sewing Company on their Singer Futura line of computerized embroidery machines. Having one myself and being a techie, I can vouch for how amazingly cool these machines are. They connect easily to a PC and allow you to embroider from pre-set designs or in the CE-250 and CE-350 models, you can also use your own images for embroidery! As mentioned in the podcast, each month a new embroidery motif is available for free download from the projects section of the Singer web site. You can also check out the many great sewing and embroidery projects as well. My first project with the Singer Futura CE-250 embroidery machine was to test out the CRAFT logo above. The software was really simple to use and imports lots of file formats, then coverts it over to embroidery stitches that the sewing machine reads. Then I used that design template to embroider the logo onto vintage tablecloths which were used at our booth at the recent ICE Atlanta craft fair. [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes We are excited to announce a new book from CRAFT -- Fashioning Technology: A DIY Intro into Smart Crafting by Syuzi Pakhchyan, is available starting today. Learn how to take your craft projects to the next level with "smart" materials where you can create accessories, housewares, and toys that light up, make sounds, or do even more. Fashioning Technology offers jargon-free primers and lots of how-to projects that will have you making -- and even wearing -- functional works of art. Watch this special CRAFT Video Podcast and get a preview with Syuzi herself as she takes you through some of the fun projects! Buy Fashioning Technology by Syuzi Pakhchyan in the Maker Shed today! This book demonstrates how to blend sewing and assembly techniques with traditional electronics to assemble simple circuits using conductive thread, solder joints for snaps, and switches for buttons. With the sewing machine as a viable substitute for the soldering iron, you can craft a new generation of objects that are interactive, quirky, and fashion-conscious. Look for Fashioning Technology Kits soon this Summer in the Maker Shed! For now, check out the rest of our CRAFT Kits. [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes Thomas Maiorana of Boot y Amor gives us a great follow up to his CRAFT: 07 article with plenty of tips on how to make your own shoes by using old soles. As mentioned in the video, head to Fabric Outlet in San Francisco for great affordable leather pieces. Fabric Outlet 2109 Mission St San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 552-4525‎ From the pages of CRAFT: 07: "Old Sole, New Shoe," by Thomas Maiorana, pgs 92-98. Preview the article now in our Digital Edition. Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine Craftzine readers can now get $5 off a yearly subscription by entering the code MCRAFT. That's just $29.95 for 4 quarterly issues! Related: CRAFT: 07 The Shoe Issue - On newsstands now! [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes Love your Maker's Notebook, but wish it had a pocket? Well, in this video I'll show you how easy it is to add your own. This gusseted (accordion-style) pocket will keep you loose papers safe from escape when your notebook is closed. In the Maker Shed Store: Pick up your own Maker's Notebook ($19.99) in our Maker Shed store. It's the perfect crafter's notebook with grid-lined paper for ideas, sketches, diagrams, patterns, along with great references in the back. Related: Maker's Notebook online home Maker's Notebook released at Maker Faire More on the Maker's Notebook Cats like the Maker's Notebook too! [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes Take a little video tour inside the new issue of CRAFT: 07, our Shoe issue featuring lots of projects perfect for the Summertime. View the complete table of contents. Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine Craftzine readers can now get $5 off a yearly subscription by entering the code MCRAFT. That's just $29.95 for 4 quarterly issues! Related: CRAFT: 07 The Shoe Issue - On newsstands now! [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes In this video I'll show you how to enhance your embroidery projects with illumination. I use conductive thread, a watch battery, and two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create a scene of a frog catching fireflies. Make sure to check out the accompanying PDF and photo tutorial! [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes In this video I'll show you how to enhance your embroidery projects with illumination. I use conductive thread, a watch battery, and two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create a scene of a frog catching fireflies. You can download the PDF pattern with traceable frog & firefly design, wiring diagram, and embroidery color separation. Check out the photo tutorial on my website, too (with parts list and links to supplies). If you saw my demo at Maker Faire, this is a chance to get up close and personal with the project. Look for an Electronic Embroidery Kit soon in the Maker Shed Store! [Read More] [Comments]

Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes This week's CRAFT Video Podcast features Cathy Callahan who shows you how to create vintage straw flowers from a loom. Cathy draws her inspiration from vintage crafts and I love how she brings these vintage straw flowers back to life with her own special touch. You can catch up with Cathy and get more vintage inspiration from her blog. I bought one of her kits earlier this year and love the way she packages the vintage looms and straw. Visit her Etsy store to pick up a kit or other vintage supplies or crafty goods she makes. Here's Cathy recently at Maker Faire Bay Area where she demoed how to work these vintage looms to make these beautiful flowers. More pictures here in my Flickr photos. [Read More] [Comments]

This week's CRAFT Video Podcast comes courtesy of the fine folks at Skates.com where Luanne Teoh and Richard Humphrey show us how to build a pair of roller skates as featured in our current issue of CRAFT: 07! Download the MP4 Video or HD Version | Subscribe to CRAFT in iTunes To celebrate the new shoe issue of CRAFT Magazine vol 7, Skates.com is giving our CRAFT readers a 15% discount from now until June 6, 2008. The coupon code is CRAFT07. If you'd like a pair of custom skates built for you, just send Skates.com the shoes of your choice or choose the boots you'd like. Note: The 15% only applies to the our Custom Skates/Build Your Own category. The 15% is taken of the price of the product before tax and shipping. From the pages of CRAFT Magazine, volume 07: "Roll Baby Roll!" by Luanne Teoh Richard Humphrey, pgs 62-65. Subscribers can read the article in our Digital Edition. Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine and save 42% off the cover price. One year brings you 4 quarterly issues for just $34.95 / year (U.S.). [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes Hi Crafters! The Maker Faire is just around the corner, happening on May 3 4 at the San Mateo Expo Center in San Mateo, CA. Here's a quick video preview of some of the fun activities you can expect in the CRAFT side of the fair. (Photos from Maker Faire Bay Area 2007 and video footage from Maker Faire Austin 2007.) Stay tuned for more Maker Faire news on the CRAFT blog in the days and weeks to come! [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes I got a chance to talk to the founders of Ravelry.com Jessica and Casey who created this popular online knitting and crochet community. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes I always like looking behind the scenes to find out how a designer, crafter, or artist works. With this CRAFT Video Podcast, we go behind the scenes with Project Runway Season 2 Winner and fashion designer, Chloe Dao. Chloe's boutique and brand Lot 8 in Houston is quite the shopping destination. She designs most of the clothing in her boutique and works hands on throughout the production process from cutting all the fabric and more. We got a chance to be the first to see Chloe's new design studio where she shows us the designs and clothing for her new upcoming wholesale line. Can you believe she used to work in her mom's kitchen and dining room? She was gracious enough to be filmed in her sweats and no makeup, since she and her employees had just completed the Houston AIDS walk that morning. Look for a feature on fashion designer Chloe Dao in a future issue of CRAFT magazine! With me on the video shoot is Diana Eng fashion designer and Project Runway Season 2 contestant, who you may here giggle in the background. You can see more photos of our visit in my Flickr set. Chloe's tip on pressing is an important one. Here's a Threads video that shows you the best pressing techniques to make your garments look more finished and professional. This was dress featured in Chloe's runway show for Project Runway (Fall 2006) and is prominently placed in her boutique. Another version of the dress is also displayed in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes Crafter Dolin O'Shea of Lulu Bliss shows us how to create an embroidery pattern from a photo, in this case a photo of her cute dog Mikey. Dolin's 101 on Embroidery article is in the current issue of CRAFT:06. Dolin and I have been friends for over 10 years now and she's one of the craftiest people I know personally. Over the years she's taught me so much about embroidery and also introduced me to the Sublime Stitching patterns by Jenny Hart back in 2000. To get some carbon transfer paper when working with dark fabric as mentioned in the video, visit the Sublime Stitching store. From the pages of CRAFT: 06: CRAFT: 06 - "101: Embroidery, Learn to paint pictures with floss and fabric", pgs 132-137. You can preview the article in our Digital Edition. Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine and get 4 quarterly issues delivered to your door for only $34.95 (US). [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes This week's CRAFT Video Podcast is the second in a two part series on how to make intarsia/stranded knitting pattern from an image in Photoshop. We'll go from the gridded pattern we made last week to a knitted back panel for the sweater using a mixture of intarsia and stranded multicolor knitting. Related: Skeleton Cardigan Part 1 - CRAFT Video Podcast- Link. Skeleton Cardigan - CRAFT Pattern Podcast - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes This week's CRAFT Video Podcast is the first in a two part series on how to make intarsia/stranded knitting pattern from an image in Photoshop. We'll go from an old skeleton illustration to a gridded knitting pattern for personalizing your own Skeleton Cardigan. Next Friday in Part 2, I'll show you how to work from the pattern to make the back panel of the Skeleton Cardigan! [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes Vickie Howell and SWTC stylist Lena Walker Smith had a fashion event called "Real Women Wear Knits" at Stitches West in Santa Clara, CA last Friday. I got a chance to check out the fashion show where 200 audience members and myself watched as Vickie and Lena taught us the basics on proportion, bodytype, and which knits worked the best. I loved how the show also reinforced all the ways you can adjust a knitting or crochet pattern and make it more flattering to your body, as well as how to embellish certain outfits. Hope you enjoy a few of Vickie and Lena's great tips! Some of the patterns shown in the fashion show, like the crochet kimono shrug shown above, are available at Vickie's shop. - Link. The Vickie Howell yarn collection is available through SWTC. See all the colors for Craft, Rock, and Love as well as a variety of other SWTC natural yarn and fibers. - Link. You can also see all the rest of my photos from Stitches West. - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes Nancy Flynn of Belle Epoque and Get Crafty shows you how to take an old pair of jeans and refashion them into a denim pouch. The zippered pouch can easy be transformed into a wristlet by adding on some ribbon too! The project is from her book, Jeaneology: Crafty ways to reinvent your old blues which features 25 sewing projects you can make by refashioning your old jeans. Dimensions of Denim Fabric: 8" X 7" (Cut 2 pieces) Zipper: 7" Ribbon Handle: 9" Seam Allowance: 1/2" [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes Nancy Flynn of Belle Epoque and Get Crafty shows you how to take an old pair of jeans and refashion them into a denim pouch. The zippered pouch can easy be transformed into a wristlet by adding on some ribbon too! The project is from her book, Jeaneology: Crafty ways to reinvent your old blues which features 25 sewing projects you can make by refashioning your old jeans. Dimensions of Denim Fabric: 8" X 7" (Cut 2 pieces) Zipper: 7" Ribbon Handle: 9" Seam Allowance: 1/2" [Read More] [Comments]

Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes Since last week's giveaway was so popular, we are bringing more Twinkle love this week with the Riverbed Shawl pattern from the new book Twinkle's Weekend Knits. Make this Twinkle stripy shawl that's fast and easy to knit up! Related: CRAFT Interview with fashion designer Wenlan Chia of Twinkle - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes While at CHA, I got a chance to finally meet Betz White at the F+W Publishing booth. Betz was doing a demo showing two other women at the table how to make these cute felted sweater flowers. They were so easy to make and can easily be turned into brooches or hair ties. Watch the video and see how easy it can be to make one of these adorable flowers. Pick up your copy of Betz's new book, Warm Fuzzies: 30 Sweet Felted Projects. You'll get to find out how to make Betz's signature cupcake pincushions which are my favorite! More photos of Betz White in action at CHA can be found in my Flickr set here. - Link. Related: Betz White Interview on CraftSanity - Link.Betz White's Cup O Joe Pincushion Kit - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes I visited Bonnie Burton at Lucasfilm in San Francisco recently where she works her crafty magic creating projects on starwars.com for the kids section of the site. Take a look and enjoy some of the fun projects she makes. All I can say is how much I love the Yoda fountain! Here's are the links to the project how-tos mentioned in the video: Yoda Doll - Link.Chewie Tissue Box Cozy - Link.R2D2 Pinhole Camera - Link.Mouse Droid Cat Toy - Link.Hammerhead Sock Doll - Link.Super Deformed Dolls - Link. Check out also the archive to all the Star Wars crafts projects and more photos of the projects on Bonnie's Flickr. Bonnie taught one of the most popular craft workshops at Maker Faire Bay Area last year -- How to make a Yoda doll. Here are some crafters showing off what they made! See more photos in Bonnie's Flickr set. - Link. Also check out Bonnie's book, You Can Draw Star Wars that I reviewed last spring on the CRAFT blog. - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes Take a little video tour inside the new issue of CRAFT: 06, our Play issue featuring an eclectic mix of crafty projects. For the complete table of contents, visit our magazine section. - Link. Subscribe to CRAFT Magazine today and get 4 quarterly issues delivered to you door, including access to our Digital Edition online. - Link. Related: CRAFT: 06 Play - On Newstands Now - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes Last summer I had the exciting privilege to be a part of one of the best panels ever with my fellow crafty ladies, Leah Peterson, Kathy Cano Murillo of Crafty Chica, Kristin Roach of Craft Leftovers, and a woman who needs no introduction, Amy Sedaris. Let me just start by saying that I am a big fan of comedy and improv (did you know I like to do impressions?) so to see Amy in action live next to me on the panel while also talking about crafts was just too much! Our panel was fun and informative but the four of us ended up bonding so well that we hung out for the rest of the afternoon into the night. Here we head to Amy's booksigning and mini-craft fair where she sells her crafts she recently made from fake cakes, fairy wands, and more. Here's a little glimpse of that time we spent and Amy makes for us her famous pantyhose eye pillow featured her book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. She's a big craft lover and we love her even more for it! *Special Note: This video last summer was my first time filming with this new camera, so please excuse any jumbles. :) Here's a photo of us being goofy together. Good Times! Related: CRAFT Blog recap of BlogHer - Link.Audio podcast of our session by Jennifer of CraftSanity - Link.Video clip of Amy with her magic wand sums up a bit of the fun on the panel - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | HD | Subscribe in iTunes While at Maker Faire in Austin, I met Cristen Andrews of cristencrochet.blogspot.com who crocheted the most lovely backpacks, hats, cozies, bowls and more -- all from plastic bags. Here in this video she shows us some of the cool things she makes and how to get started crocheting with plastic bags. For more detail, check out the step-by-step photos on her blog on how to prepare plastic bags for crocheting here. - Link. Related: CRAFT: Plastic Bag Crafts - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | Hi-Def | Subscribe in iTunes I took my first sewing class at Stitch Lounge, learning how to refashion this MAKE t-shirt. That was two years ago and I've since taken another class (quilting) as well as have gotten to hang out with these fabulous ladies even more at various craft fairs and events around the country. Their second book, Subversive Seamster: Transform Thift Store Threads into Street Couture just came out so I decided to take a visit to catch up with the crafty ladies at Stitch. (Note: The third Stitch gal Melissa Rannels couldn't make the filming.) Stitch Lounge 182 Gough Street (@ Oak in Hayes Valley) San Francisco, CA 94102-5918 phone: 415.431.3SEW (3739) stitchlounge.com Related: Melissa Alvarado was also featured this week on the Bay Area's ABC afternoon show, The View from the Bay. Watch her segment as she helps Lisa Quinn with sewing tips on how to update an old couch. - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | Hi-Def | Subscribe I have been an avid reader and huge admirer of the art work by Patricia Zapata of A Little Hut. While at Maker Faire in Austin, I got to meet the lovely artist for the first time and see her amazing paper art and design work up close. For those of you who don't know, Patricia creates some of the most beautiful works of art using junk mail! Here she shares with us the easy technique of how to make your own junk mail art, perfect to adorn on the walls of your home. You'll never look at junk mail the same! Catch up with Patricia's projects on her blog at A Little Hut. - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | Hi-Def | Subscribe I have been an avid reader and huge admirer of the art work by Patricia Zapata of A Little Hut. While at Maker Faire in Austin, I got to meet the lovely artist for the first time and see her amazing paper art and design work up close. For those of you who don't know, Patricia creates some of the most beautiful works of art using junk mail! Here she shares with us the easy technique of how to make your own junk mail art, perfect to adorn on the walls of your home. You'll never look at junk mail the same! Catch up with Patricia's projects on her blog at A Little Hut. - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 | Hi-Def | Blip | Youtube | PDF | Subscribe Make these two DIY ornaments to make your tree the envy of all! The first project is a simple tensegrity project. My dad taught me about this as a kid and I was reminded and inspired by Michael at Maker Faire Austin. The second project is a small icosohedron which is a 20 sided geometric shape. I've made these before out of paper plates for picnic geometry, but this is a really great way of recycling magazines into ornaments! Also, if you are younger and have adults wandering around your house with nothing to do, get them making ornaments and feeling productive! You can subscribe in iTunes and get this podcast downloaded automatically! - Subscribe Link [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | Hi-Def | Subscribe If you are like me, you've probably been dreaming or drooling over a Bernina sewing machine for a while now. With Bernina at the Maker Faire in Austin, I wanted to find out more about these fantastic sewing machines and why they are considered to be the gold standard. I got a chance to get a little demo from a Bernina sewer, Erin Bosik, who shows us the ins-and-outs and key features of Berninas, perfect for sewers of any level! Head on over to the Bernina web site to find out more about their sewing machines and find out which model is right for you. - Link. You can subscribe in iTunes and get this podcast downloaded automatically! - Subscribe Link And here it is! After 3 years of deciding, I finally decided on which Bernina to get. I bought the Bernina Activa 230 Patchwork Edition. It's perfect for the kinds of projects I really want to do more of -- sewing clothes and lots of quilting. It does sew like butter which just makes you want to sew even more. I bought it at an authorized Bernina dealer in San Francisco. If you are nearby, you should definitely go there. California Sewing & Vacuum (5025 Geary St. 415-751-4880). Ask for Celie, she's got amazing sewing tips and you get a free one-on-one lesson on how to use your specific machine once you purchase it. Happy sewing! [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 | Hi-Def | Blip | Youtube | PDF | Subscribe These dolls make great gifts! Nothing cheers someone up like a little soft, fuzzy, and cute bundle of misery. Make sure to download the pdf for the full instructions! Sponsored by Ponoko: Ponoko is a new concept that's perfect for Makeziners. Use it to make and promote your product ideas. Ponoko supplies the digital manufacturing technology and the materials, you supply the creativity. Plus you can sell your product ideas in their showroom. Ponoko is this week's sponsor of our weekend video podcast. Make a design, upload it - have it cut on laser cutter and delivered to you. If you're one of the first 10 Makeziners to make a product using Ponoko you'll get shipping for free. Now *before* you grab up all the free shipping requests please please upload your designs and consider *making a product* a lot of folks out there uploaded designs but didn't get a product made (yet) that's ok - but ideally Ponoko would like to see more folks getting something made to take advantage of the free shipping, thanks. Ok, click here to get going! [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | Hi-Def | Subscribe Hi Crafters! Welcome to our new weekly video podcast! Our first installment is a visit to one of my favorite local San Francisco fabric shops, Britex Fabrics in the heart of Union Square. I recently talked with Louise Roper, the Notions Manager at Britex, who gives us her favorite projects you can make in a jiffy -- just in time for holiday gifts! Louise shows us three projects: How to make luxe headbands + belts Fabric + feather brooches Vintage Bakelite button pins Last minute holiday gifts never looked so good! Thanks to Louise and Britex for the fabulous project ideas. I've been going to Britex since I was in high school, so for about 20 years now! The 3rd floor where Louise works is one of my favorites, as you can see the stacks of buttons from vintage to new, are a sight to see. I also love the wide array of trims, flowers, ribbons, and lots of notions. I can pretty much spend an afternoon on that floor. But take a walk up (or the elevators) to the 4th floor and check out their fabulous stash of fabric and leather remnants. Then just spend time checking out all the amazing fabrics on the all rest of the floors. My favorite fabrics all the cottons and prints, perfect for quilting and I love how the fabrics are all organized by color. I bought a fantastic Pucci-esque print a few years ago at Britex to sew up my knitting needle holder. So if you are in the Bay Area, take a visit to Britex Fabrics for a crafty adventure! Britex Fabrics 146 Geary Street San Francisco, CA 94108 Phone: (415) 392-2910 britexfabrics.com Hours: M-Sat: 10am - 6pm Sun: Noon - 5pm [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 Video | QT Video | Hi-Def | Subscribe Hi Crafters! Welcome to our new weekly video podcast! Our first installment is a visit to one of my favorite local San Francisco fabric shops, Britex Fabrics in the heart of Union Square. I recently talked with Louise Roper, the Notions Manager at Britex, who gives us her favorite projects you can make in a jiffy -- just in time for holiday gifts! Louise shows us three projects: How to make luxe headbands + belts Fabric + feather brooches Vintage Bakelite button pins Last minute holiday gifts never looked so good! Thanks to Louise and Britex for the fabulous project ideas. I've been going to Britex since I was in high school, so for about 20 years now! The 3rd floor where Louise works is one of my favorites, as you can see the stacks of buttons from vintage to new, are a sight to see. I also love the wide array of trims, flowers, ribbons, and lots of notions. I can pretty much spend an afternoon on that floor. But take a walk up (or the elevators) to the 4th floor and check out their fabulous stash of fabric and leather remnants. Then just spend time checking out all the amazing fabrics on the all rest of the floors. My favorite fabrics all the cottons and prints, perfect for quilting and I love how the fabrics are all organized by color. I bought a fantastic Pucci-esque print a few years ago at Britex to sew up my knitting needle holder. So if you are in the Bay Area, take a visit to Britex Fabrics for a crafty adventure! Britex Fabrics 146 Geary Street San Francisco, CA 94108 Phone: (415) 392-2910 britexfabrics.com Hours: M-Sat: 10am - 6pm Sun: Noon - 5pm [Read More] [Comments]

This week's CRAFT Pattern Podcast is the smashing Princess Mits, a pattern excerpt from the new book,The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn by Clara Parkes. These adorable fingerless mits are the perfect small project you can tackle this winter! Plus it's a small enough project you can tackle if you want to learn how to knit cables. If you are especially daring, make them a bit longer to keep your arms warm with those 3/4 sleeve sweaters. The Knitter's Book of Yarn is a fantastic book that is one part a resource that helps you understand yarn, how it's made, the various fibers, and which one works the best for what projects. The second half is chock full of 40 beautiful knitting patterns from sweaters, shawls, socks, mittens, hats and more. It's a guide book you'll turn to again and again before you start any knitting project! You can browse the book online in a special module at the Potter Craft site here. Link. Download this week's CRAFT pattern PDF - Link.Subscribe to the CRAFT podcast and get this pattern and other CRAFT content delivered automatically via iTunes - Link. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 | Hi-Def | Blip | Youtube | PDF | Subscribe Today's CRAFT podcast features Bre's Weekend Projects, where he shows you how to make a flower out of 3 bills. Bre writes: This makes a great tip for a nice dinner out or just a way to spend 20 minutes or so folding paper! This project is from Craft: Magazine Volume 5 and the origami was designed by Robert J. Lang and Diagrammed by Jeffrey Rutzky. On a sidenote, I really like the music I hacked together for this video. I'm releasing it as an mp3 under the creative commons license! - MP3 Link Sponsored by Ponoko: Ponoko is a new concept that's perfect for Makeziners. Use it to make and promote your product ideas. Ponoko supplies the digital manufacturing technology and the materials, you supply the creativity. Plus you can sell your product ideas in their showroom. Ponoko is this week's sponsor of our weekend video podcast. If you're one of the first 10 Makeziners to make a product using Ponoko you'll get shipping for free. Click here to get going. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 | Hi-Def | Blip | Youtube | PDF | Subscribe Today's CRAFT podcast features Bre's Weekend Projects, where he shows you how to make a flower out of 3 bills. Bre writes: This makes a great tip for a nice dinner out or just a way to spend 20 minutes or so folding paper! This project is from Craft: Magazine Volume 5 and the origami was designed by Robert J. Lang and Diagrammed by Jeffrey Rutzky. On a sidenote, I really like the music I hacked together for this video. I'm releasing it as an mp3 under the creative commons license! - MP3 Link Sponsored by Ponoko: Ponoko is a new concept that's perfect for Makeziners. Use it to make and promote your product ideas. Ponoko supplies the digital manufacturing technology and the materials, you supply the creativity. Plus you can sell your product ideas in their showroom. Ponoko is this week's sponsor of our weekend video podcast. If you're one of the first 10 Makeziners to make a product using Ponoko you'll get shipping for free. Click here to get going. [Read More] [Comments]

MP4 | Hi-Def | Blip | Youtube | PDF | Subscribe Today's CRAFT podcast features Bre's Weekend Projects, where he shows you how to make a flower out of 3 bills. Bre writes: This makes a great tip for a nice dinner out or just a way to spend 20 minutes or so folding paper! This project is from Craft: Magazine Volume 5 and the origami was designed by Robert J. Lang and Diagrammed by Jeffrey Rutzky. On a sidenote, I really like the music I hacked together for this video. I'm releasing it as an mp3 under the creative commons license! - MP3 Link Sponsored by Ponoko: Ponoko is a new concept that's perfect for Makeziners. Use it to make and promote your product ideas. Ponoko supplies the digital manufacturing technology and the materials, you supply the creativity. Plus you can sell your product ideas in their showroom. Ponoko is this week's sponsor of our weekend video podcast. If you're one of the first 10 Makeziners to make a product using Ponoko you'll get shipping for free. Click here to get going. [Read More] [Comments]

mp4 | mov | hd-appletv | itunes | blip | youtube I had the chance to hang out with FBZ for a bit in Berlin and we made this video for you to learn how to knit! So break out some yarn, string, cassette tape, dental floss, cat5 cable or fiber optics and knit it up into some fabric! Knitting is fun, productive, and a great way to spend time alone, around friends, or on public transportation! [Read More] [Comments]

mp4 | mov | hd-appletv | itunes | blip | youtube I had the chance to hang out with FBZ for a bit in Berlin and we made this video for you to learn how to knit! So break out some yarn, string, cassette tape, dental floss, cat5 cable or fiber optics and knit it up into some fabric! Knitting is fun, productive, and a great way to spend time alone, around friends, or on public transportation! [Read More] [Comments]

mp4|mov|hd-appletv|3gp|3g2|pdf|itunes Bre brings in Matt Stinchcomb, the screenprinting expert of etsy.com, to the Weekend Projects podcast. Have you ever wanted to create your own t-shirt designs? Look no further! Don't forget to go and download the pdf to get all the details and supply lists. Warning: the end of this video is scary. If you want to make a shirt just like ours, go ahead and download our source file and print it out on a transparency and you're good to go. Since this is a crafty project, upload the photos of your awesome screen-printing creations to the Craft: flickr pool. Weekend Projects is sponsored by microchip.com. Check out their seminars and 16 bit contest. Get the podcast and pdf downloaded automatically in itunes. - Link [Read More] [Comments]