Pillowcase Dress

 Day 13 ::  2010 Craft Books

Craft Hope: Handmade Crafts for a Cause by Jade Sims

 what you need to know...
:: help the need in the world with positive action
:: 32 mostly sewing projects, each project is matched with a specific charity, with alternative suggestions for local places to contribute the item
:: free patterns from the book: I Spy Quilt & Red Fleece Mittens
:: helpful tips on how to give locally and globally, how to give thoughtfully and appropriately, and how to empower those you are helping
:: visit the Craft Hope website 
:: add photos of your finished projects from this book to the Craft Hope Flickr group 

this was my absolute favorite crafty type book from 2010

my oldest son & i made the thank-you cards & stamp

from my lovely vintage pillowcase stash, i sewed the pillowcase dress, 9 actually, i added 5 more handmade dresses, so i sent a total of 14 dresses to Dress A Girl Around the World ~ their goal was to have 10,000 dresses by the end of October 2010 & i do believe they did reach that goal :)

(note to self ~ from this book make: soft cloth doll, simple-knot newborn cap, patchwork pillow, bandana pants, flowered purse)

PS speaking of giving for a cause, giving food to the hungry has never been easier...  i discovered the hunger site over a decade ago & have been going there everyday since ~ click daily to give free food

see you tomorrow of day 14 !

Money Bag Pillow

 Day 12 ::  2010 Craft Books

Fabric Remix: Repurpose & Redecorate with Simple Sewing & Easy Upholstery by Sandy Stone

 what you need to know...
:: 35 home decor projects made from great scavenged finds
:: see old things in a new light... vintage scarves become luxurious pillows, vintage dress belts become charming tote handles, lace-trim vintage linens become an elegant chair slipcover
:: Sandy shares where to gather inspiration & raw materials
:: "Why buy something when you can make it yourself for less!"
:: Sandy sells her work & vintage goods at Hunt & Gather

on a vintage shopping trip i came home with a cotton money bag, i wasn't quite sure what to make out of it until i came across the money bag pillow project in this book. i added some blue trim & a white linen envelope back ~ a rather quick & easy pillow to make

speaking of pillows be sure to check out Pillow Month over at Sew, Mama, Sew!

see you tomorrow for day 13 !

Perfect Party Dress

 Day 11 ::  2010 Craft Books

Little Girls, Big Style: Sew a Boutique Wardrobe from 4 Easy Patterns by Mary Abreu

 what you need to know...
:: for girls sizes 2-6
:: 23 projects all from 4 basic patterns: basic bodice, peasant top/dress, pants, & skirt
:: the full-size patterns are at the back of the book on perforated sheets you can tear out
:: add photos of completed projects from the book to the Little Girls, Big Style Flickr group

 this was a new color combination for me ~ yellow/black/cream

 voila the perfect party dress

without the overskirt

 and with the overskirt

 done in size 4 which is a tiny bit big, hopefully by the time we have summer weather she'll have grown into it more

 i did a couple of things differently... putting the buttons in the front & placing the ribbon on top of the overskirt... which is the whole point of the book: make it your own

see you tomorrow for day 12 !

Pattern and Texture Cards

 Day 10 ::  2010 Craft Books

Delight in the Details: 40+ Techniques for Charming Embellishments and Accents by Lisa M. Pace

 what you need to know...
:: a book full of eye candy
:: 100 project ideas for cards, scrapbook layouts, mini albums & home decor
:: 4 main sections include: sparkle and shine, paint and ink, pattern and texture, & vintage finds and dimension
:: take a peek inside & be inspired !

i made a couple of cards after being inspired from the pattern and texture section of the book, both cards have quilting batting, machine sewing & buttons (giving them a cozy, homemade feel) ~ it was a fun project that was made with little effort & no mess

this marks the half way point of 2010 craft book month

see you tomorrow for day 11 !

Cowl-Neck Vest

 Day 9 ::  2010 Craft Books

P.S.-- I Made This . . . I See It. I Like It. I Make It by Erica Domesek

 what you need to know...

:: there are more than 25 quick, instant gratification fashion projects which are divided into 3 sections: jewerly, accessories, & apparel

:: for each project there is an inspiration collage, then clear, easy-to-follow step-by-step directions on how to make the project

:: free projects from the book: striped shirt, necklace, & t-shirt into a scarf

:: great book for the beginner crafter

 can you believe these ruffles are made from coffee filters !?!

i chose to create the cowl-neck vest project which said to use hand sewing, but i decided to use the sewing machine, it's made from knit fabric, has raw edges ~ it's never been so quick & easy to make a fashion statement

bon weekend mes amis, see you on Monday for day 10 !

Paper Bag Card

 Day 8 ::  2010 Craft Books

The Artistic Mother: A Practical Guide to Fitting Creativity into Your Life by Shona Cole

 i've reread this book a few times already 

Shona (who is a homeschooling mother of 5) answers the question: "Why should mothers make time to create art?"

some great quotes from the book:

"Faced with busy-ness and a sense of great responsibility, moms often overdo it, giving sacrificially until there is nothing left. No one-not us, not our children-benefits if we become burned out, miserable or exhausted. In order to avoid traveling down that stressful road, we need to bring some balance to our lives and keep the batteries of our souls charged. Taking time to create art can help."

"Rather than stealing from the energy we use as mothers, the time devoted to art makes mothering more vibrant."

 there are 3 main sections: firstly why it is important for mothers to do art, understanding creativity, finding motivation, & planning time to create; secondly a beginners guide to: photography, poetry, & mixed media/collage; thirdly a 12 week workshop to guide busy moms through family-focused art pieces.

this is a must read if you are a mother

from the 12 week workshop i created a paper bag card which is an easy instant gratification project

see you tomorrow for day 9 !

Christmas Cone

 Day 7 ::  2010 Craft Books

Fa la la la Felt: 45 Handmade Holiday Decorations by Amanda Carestio

 what you need to know...

:: can also be bought as an e-book

:: there are 3 sections: ornaments, decorations, & stockings

:: i know it is hard to believe, but they really do stuff 46 projects into this book

:: small, inexpensive projects most of which are instant gratification

:: free project/pattern from the book: Paisley Power stocking

:: add photos of your in-progress or finished projects from the book to the Fa La La La Felt: 45 Handmade Holiday Decorations Flickr group also take a look around to see the projects from the book

 don't you think these felt hearts would make nice Valentine's day decorations, too?

i made the Christmas cone from this book, it was quick & easy, a nice project to show off some lovely ribbon

see you tomorrow for day 8 !