Netflix for Crafters: Have you seen Creativebug?

I will be the first to admit I can get lost on Youtube.  Some of the videos are awesome and inspire me to do new and different things, like the ones I've seen by Missouri Star Quilt Company.  I have tried LOTS of new things, thanks to Jenny - and more to come, for sure.

I've also found some that leave me thinking, "Wow... did no one suggest any edits to you?"  Which in turn, makes me leery to try that myself. :)

(Share Clip)

I ran across another option last night.  To be fair, I've only watched a couple, and they were free, but I LOVE it so far!  It's called Creativebug.  Pretty sure it came across my FaceBook feed (that's how advertising works with FB: you pay to have your add pop up for people who fit your demographic) and I wandered over.

There are both videos for free and those with a price tag attached.  The ones which cost start out at $9.95 each.  They also have a monthly subscription for $9.95 which intrigues me.  You have total access to all their videos.  Kind of like Netflix for crafters! 

I started with a short video on a trick to make a 1/4"seam (super necessary for those of us who quilt) and then watched a longer piece on how to make ombre napkins.  I am TOTALLY going to try that one!!  Here's a link to their FREE content. I will definitely be exploring that section MUCH more thoroughly.

I like the variety on the site.  There's plenty of sewing related offerings (as well as quilting specifically), but also jewelry making and crafts for kids.  The ombre napkins came up in the wedding section (one that interests me greatly at this time).

Have you tried Creativebug yourself?  If so, what do you think?  Is it a good value for the money?

I'll let you know how it goes.
Have a creative day!
Carrie

Free Pattern Friday: Dr Who Style!!

My DD is getting married in a bit over a year.  Both her and hubby are Dr Who fans so I thought a bit of Dr Who searching for patterns, projects and ideas might be in order.


I found this quilt pattern at About.com.  That's a pretty big project!

Want something to do while watching TV (say the show) for awhile?  A LONG while?  How about knitting a Dr Who scarf?  I had NO idea there was so much into making this realistic!!  LOVED Tom Baker - probably my favorite Dr.

Into cross stitch?  Here's some GREAT bookmarks!

Do you crochet?  Into amigurumi?  Here's a Matt Smith you could whip up!

While we are at it, how about making a fez!

Want a quilt block of the Tardis? Paper piecing might be fun to try.

Here's another you can find over at Craftsy of the Tardis in flight!

Let me just say, check Pinterest and you'll find more ideas than you can EVER use!!

That should get our Dr Who-vian creativity going!  Have you run across any other great ideas to share?


Do tell!  I'm VERY interested!
Carrie

Re-Visiting Week: Tote Bags

Today I am re-visiting another post that people seemed to like with lots of sites to find tote bags you can make.  Bags are a great idea for those left-over pieces of fabric or just fun projects you can do fairly quickly and feel good about.

Enjoy this post and let's get creating!

Carrie

(From April, 2013)

 
Happy Friday, everyone (or whatever day of the week it is when you get a chance to read this!) -

I thought we'd go out in search of tote and/or bag patterns this week, what say you?  Up for it?  Great - let's go!

I think it's the color that drew me to this bag by Debbie Bliss.  It's a lined, knit bag done in pieces.  My thought there is that you could use up from your yarn stash to create it! 

How about a super cute tote made with GIANT fun ruffles?  Head over to Crafty Little Projects for her "how to" with excellent directions! 

Here's a pattern from Bethany at Sweet Bee Buzzing with a very clear PDF of directions (thank, so much, Bethany!!)  The pattern comes in 2 sizes and she gives some GREAT color coordinates with ones she's made.

This next one comes from Henry Glass Fabrics.  It's a quilted tote bag:

While we are considering bags designed by such places, here's one from JoAnn's Fabrics.  They call it a "Zest Tote Bag" - looks pretty zesty to me!

Have you ever done felting?  How about trying to felt a crocheted bag?   Petals to Picots gives directions for both the crocheting AND how to felt it after!  Perfect!

 
Studio Kat has some wonderful pattern for lots of different items.  Below is the Rug Bucket that caught my eye.  She literally makes them with a rug!  You'll need to scroll down the page this takes you to and click on the instructions. 

Do you have any pretty pillowcases hanging around, looking for something else to be made into?  Here's a pattern from Country Living to turn a pillowcase into a tote!

No extra pillowcases? Do you have a tank top that doesn't fit quite right you could turn into a tote?  Great idea, right?  Fly on over to Crafty Nest to learn how.

Let's finish up with an idea for using Plarn (plastic yarn...who knew?) to create a shopping bag.  PERFECT!  Cindy at My Recycled Bags has full directions for how to make plarn and how to create this fun bag!  Head on over!

Quilty hugs, 
Carrie

Find it Free Friday: What to do with an Embroidery Hoop (besides embroider)??

I ran across this great idea for using an old embroidery hoop (don't we all have some sitting around, or is it just me?) and it got the wheels rolling - hmmm...  so here are some things to think about on Find it Free Friday!

This project by Mamie is AMAZINGLY gorgeous!  I totally have the materials for this and can't wait to try it: a container made using hoops.  Pop over and see exactly how she did it - you won't believe how simple it is and she has great directions!

When I saw this one I was immediately intrigued - I always am looking for a way to display/hold spools of thread.  This idea, from the Yellow Spool.com, fit the bill.  A few tiny dowels and I'm all over this one.

While we are talking sewing, I can always use another pin cushion, since the MICE ATE my last one because it was filled with rice! ARGH!!  This one is sweet and another one by the Yellow Spool.com.

Let's look at one more sewing-type idea, just because I am into trying to organize.  Use an embroidery hoop to hold sewing tools! This was at Sew Daily.com.

Rumspring Forever did one that shows a bit clearer HERE.  They used the pattern/plans from the site above.

How about using one to create the handles of a purse or tote?  Check this idea out - why didn't I think of this???

Talk about easy, I wish I'd had this when the kids were smaller: an "ever open" laundry bag! 

Speaking of the kids, I could still do this one for the lil Whitt's - a perfect nook!  A hoop, some fabric, bit of rope and viola!   You can get all the details at Small & Friendly. 

This really sweet idea can be adapted to almost any decor by using a variety of fabrics.  All you need is a hoop, fabric and clock innards.  You'll find it at DIY By Design for how-to.   I loved the buttons and how she coordinated it all.

This next idea is made to hold Christmas cards, but I can see birthday cards, postcards, you name it!  Head on over to According to Kelly to find out how.

This last one I want to share was the first one that caught my eye: using an embroidery hoop to display photographs.  Maybe it's the upcoming Mother's Day?  I don't know, but I thought this idea from Natalme.com was really cool.  I like the 3-D look to it all.  Click here to find out how to make it yourself.

 

I had no idea I'd find so many cool things to do with embroidery hoops.  Of course one COULD use them to embroider, but that's for another day.  :)

Have a creative day,

Carrie

Find it for Free Friday: BUGS, BUGS & More BUGS!

Good morning, friends!

Tomorrow I want to share the fabric I found for the boys quilts, but all I can tell you today is BUGS!

That being said, I got on this bug kick and thought I'd hunt up some buggy ideas for you!  Let's have some fun, shall we?

How about making some decorations for straws in the shape of butterflies?  Here's the pattern for these little lovelies.

 Here are some patterns for some adorable buggy bags.  You do have to join Freepatterns.com to download to patterns, but there is no cost.

Are you a stitcher?  Here's a wonderful pattern designed by Erynne of Stitcheree.

How about creating a collection of little buggers?  Take a look at these by Taidey Originals.  She gives you a pattern and great directions!

Want to work in felt?  This mobile would be a perfect project from over at Bugs & Fishes!

Have you ever stopped by the Toymaker.com?  They have all sorts of patterns you can download to make a variety of paper toys.  This bug box is right up the alley of this post.

Do you have some fleece scraps you could have a bit of fun with?  Take a look at the ribbon bugs they created here, over at the Patchwork Posse.

Feeling a bit artsy-craftsy?  Have a few lil ol' clothespins hanging around (Oh... bad joke there...)  Here's an idea I found over at First Palette you might want to try.

I am going to be working on a bug quilt NOT like this one, but maybe this would appeal to you?  I found this idea over at FaveQuilts.

I would like to finish up with a fantastic BUG party idea that I discovered over at The Party Wagon.  She has you covered in ALL directions, from food to games to treats!

Here's the tablescape - love the cupcake covers!

So, are you starting to itch and scratch?  Hahahah!  Tomorrow you'll see what I'm going to be working with... till then, Quilty hugs,
Carrie

Find it for Free: Let's Hit the Garden!!

Good morning, all -

I'm thinking spring... I'm thinking gardening...let's do it!  Today's Friday, that means it's time to hit the Net and see what we can find free - the topic this week is gardening.  Shall we?

How about a lovely apron to hold our goodies when we are out (gasp...) weeding and such?  Linda at Craftaholics Anonymous has a pattern for a perfect one, here.   If you have a chance, take a peek at her craft tutorials - there are oodles!!  You might get lost!

I found these wonderful plant markers over at CraftJr Network.  They have simple directions and you can download the images to add to the gems - I was afraid if Ihad to draw them myself... might not look much like tomatoes...just saying...

Over at Ros Made Me, I found a pattern for a garden organizer bag.  She has clear directions with great images.  Take a peek!

From Primitive Blessings, I found a lovely pattern you can download.  You could use it for something decorative on wood or metal, on a card, or put the image on an apron! Lots of options.  She has LITERALLY hundreds of digital images on her website you can download and play with!  Check it out!

This next one is WAY outside my zone - but hey, maybe YOU'D like to learn more about it?  Its a stained glass dragonfly garden stake!  Looks gorgeous...

Here's a great idea (back to the sewing machine...) from Heather Ross.  She made these for Martha Stewart!  Seriously - how cool is that?

Do you know of other fun patterns we might like?  Pop a link in the comments below and we'll check it out.

Till tomorrow - enjoy your day!
Hugs,
Carrie