ThriftyFun Crafts - February 27, 2008

We have lots of new requests this week. Please look them over and see if you have any advice to offer.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

• Send to a Friend!
• Submit Craft Tips (You could win $25)
• Submit Photos of Your Crafts (You could win $25)
• Submit a Craft Request
• New! Crafting for Fun and Money!
• Link to ThriftyFun.com

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

Today's newsletter contains:

Photos and Projects:

• Fire Department Symbol With Perler Beads
• Juice Pouch Totes
• Craft: Easy Knit Glasses Case
• Craft: Tea Cozy and Hot Pad
• Homemade Magnetic Bulletin Board
• Wood Shelf with Copper Trim

Tips:

• Take Care Of Yourself When Handling Old Patterns
• How to Find Out-of-Print Sewing Patterns
• Manuals For Older Sewing Machines and Free Threading Diagrams
• Use A Scanner To Make A Photo Collage
• Independent Sewing Patterns
• Rug Hooking Crafts
• KwikSew Sewing Patterns Review

Requests:

• Sewing Patterns for Dresses in Queen Sizes
• Making a Photo Quilt
• Pre-cut Plastic Canvas Letters
• Fabric That is Under $2.00 Per Yard
• Tips for Painting on Denim
• Artificial Hydrangeas Candle Ring
• Decorating Sheep's Pen at the Fair
• Transferring Poem on Cloth to Embroider
• Quilting Frame to Use With a Sewing Machine
• Craft Ideas to Make a Gift for Little Boys
• Drying Fresh Flowers in a Bridal Bouquet
• Crochet Pattern for Breast Cancer Awareness
• Decoupaging Pictures on Wooden Table
• Knifty Knitter Patterns for Baby Items
• Hiring Someone to Make a Quilt Out of Ties

Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Fire Department Symbol With Perler Beads

The Maltese Cross is the Fire Departments symbol. There was no description or directions on how to make it. So I took a large circle peg board for the Perler beads and started to make one on my own. I made the circle for the middle of the Maltese Cross. Then I made the cross part. Then I made the 3D ax, ladder, fire hydrant. Finally I made the F. D. and the 22 for Fire Department and what number it was.

By Susan from Towanda, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23146489.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Juice Pouch Totes

I recycle juice pouches to make useful crafts. These tote bags are great when shopping or traveling. I love helping the world be green. These are very easy to clean. I use goo gone and to keep that fresh citrus scent I just wipe them down from time to time. if your a stay at home mom. Find something you love and work at it. It's a great time killer as well.

By Sharon from NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80606977.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Easy Knit Glasses Case
By Claire Bush

Here's an easy-to-create craft that can be made in an evening. The cases are fun and inexpensive to make for gifts, too. I keep one in my car for my sunglasses.

View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86013341.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Tea Cozy and Hot Pad

If you're a tea lover, here is a very easy sewing project. They also make great gifts for family and friends. I always use my tea cozy whenever I brew a pot of tea, and it will keep the teapot warm for several hours. I get a lot of my ideas when I search the eBay website.

Tea Cozy: http://www.geocities.com/~cmccutcheon/cozy3.htm

By MCW from NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40085898.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homemade Magnetic Bulletin Board

You can make a wonderful (and quite large) magnetic bulletin board from a steel drip-pan from the Auto Parts store ($19). Just spray the bare metal with a spray adhesive then cover with fabric that matches your decor OR, cover with 2 layers of black landscape cloth, like I did. For a smaller version, use a steel cookie sheet from the dollar store!

You'll need a drill bit for metal so you can drill 2 holes in it (and run a wire between them on the back side) so you can hang it on the wall.

Source: I saw something like this on TV. But they attached magnets to the lids of spice jars, to organize spices in the kitchen.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55907754.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Wood Shelf with Copper Trim

Using a 50% off one item coupon, I purchased a pine shelf for less than $10.

I hand rubbed in two coats of IKEA stain, allowing each to dry thoroughly.

I applied three coats of water-based polyurethane for sealant letting each coat to dry four hours.

Using copper flashing, I measured and cut the trim for my shelf. I hammered the copper trim with copper nails (this part took some time)

I felt my shelf still needed just a little "something" on the sides. Using Mod Podge, I glued some metallic leaves on and tem brushed a light layer of Mod Podge on top of the leaves.

All in all, I spent less than $15 on this little piece of furniture that I simply treasure.

By Laura from Long Beach, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17177637.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Take Care Of Yourself When Handling Old Patterns

Keep Check on Your Health. I love to crochet and all the OLD patten books/magazines excite me when I would find them at garage sales, then eBay! WOW! I am in heaven... They are musty, mildew, who knows what has crawled over, in and through them? Some of the books you don't even want to touch, but if you're like me, you can't keep your fingers off or out of them.

When I was done looking at them I had to wash my hands right away, wondering what had I really touched. What I did was to wet a wash cloth, put it in a bowl and, instead of licking my fingers to turn the pages, (like so many of us do) now I touch the wash cloth, then turn the pages.

Hope this has helped those who like all the old stuff out there. So let's take care of ourselves as we enjoy!

By moonbeam from WI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92679522.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

How to Find Out-of-Print Sewing Patterns

The sewing pattern companies reuse their pattern numbers. So, when you are searching for an older pattern you need to know not only the pattern number you are searching for - but when it was printed, or a description of the item so that you can find it. Simplicity 1234 could be a dress one year and a few years later it could be a shirt pattern. If you can't find a pattern you wanted from years past, here's some links:

How to find out of print or discontinued sewing patterns:

• http://www.oldpatterns.com/search.html

McCalls Out-of-Print Patterns:

• http://www.mccallpattern.com/list/out_of_print/page-1

Simplicity Out-of-Print patterns:

• http://www.simplicity.com/index.cfm?page=athumbnail_OOP.cfm&category=0

Sewing Collectibles and Vintage Patterns:

• http://www.lanetzliving.com/

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68314581.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Manuals For Older Sewing Machines and Free Threading Diagrams

For those of you who are given an older (or newer) sewing machine or buy one at a yard sale or thrift store, here's where you can purchase manuals for your used machine. PLUS they have threading diagrams for almost every sewing machine ever made!

Manuals:

• http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Instruction_Manuals.htm

Threading Diagrams:

• http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Threading_Diagrams.htm

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63510895.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Use A Scanner To Make A Photo Collage

If you don't have the money for expensive Photoshop software but have a scanner and want to make funny photos with yourself and others in it, simply go through your photos and pick out poses of yourself and others that you like and then get backgrounds from magazines, catalogs or newspapers and crop your photos. Add yourself to the scene as I have done in my own photo. I used several family photos and product catalogs to make up this andIi made a mousepad out of this.

Good luck, we had fun!

By Igmommy from Sweetwater, TN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25775451.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Independent Sewing Patterns

I was just thrilled when I ran across this source on the web! For those of you who are sick and tired of Simplicity and McCalls patterns, here's a bunch of links to INDEPENDENT pattern makers. Sew something well-fitting and unusual!

• http://www.timmelfabrics.com/patterns.htm

• http://www.loeshinsedesign.com/

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56188897.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Rug Hooking Crafts

The hockey picture is a rug hooked wall hanging, I made for one of my grandson's. It is the 5th piece I did. You can use various backings, wool was cut into #3 cut, you start by putting the hook through the backing and one hand under hoop or frame, holding the color you want to start with.

The bird is a picture of the second piece of rug hooking, I ever did. Rug hooking is not as hard as one would think. You use a piece of burlap or other backings, get some wool and a hook. You can trace pattern on yourself or buy patterns already done. I do all my own pictures and transfer them onto my backing. There is lots to learn but it is a very rewarding hobby. Lots of groups and lovely people to help you learn.

You pull up one piece, which is the end, the next one is a loop, loop, till you pull the last of the strip up. You continue on with the colors you are using in your pattern, cutting the single end pieces even with the loops. Rug hooking is a wonderful craft and has not died out since the old people used rags and nylons etc. to make mats for the floor. Some people even do 9 x12 foot rugs for a floor, using one that is not a high traffic area.

Thank you,
By Shirley from Nova Scotia

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99821631.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

KwikSew Sewing Patterns Review

Everyone I've asked that's tried "KwikSew" Patterns says they're the best! They say they are super-quick to sew and fit exceptionally well. The only problem: You have to buy them online

• http://www.kwiksew.com/Location_set.cfm?Country=USA

Have you guys ever tried KwikSew? Do you like them? If you do NOT live in the USA, please go to this URL instead: http://www.kwiksew.com/. That way, you'll get your own country and language.

By Cyinda from near Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23509394.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Sewing Patterns for Dresses in Queen Sizes

I have a wedding in May to attending, for my sister's son. I am a queen size and can't find anything to wear. Does anyone know of sewing patterns that come in queen sizes? I have just spent 30 mins looking and found a couple sites but not much.

Sandy from Baltimore

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73370805.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Making a Photo Quilt

Has anyone ever made a photo quilt? I am thinking about making one for my daughter's graduation. Any suggestions and/or ideas?

Sheila from Chittenango, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26549692.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Pre-cut Plastic Canvas Letters

Does anyone know where you can purchase pre-cut plastic canvas letters?

Janet from Waterloo, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57511166.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Fabric That is Under $2.00 Per Yard

Does anyone know of any websites that sell fabric by the yard for $2.00 or less per yard. I'm looking for all types of fabrics and widths. I need a bulk amount of 30 yards or more. Just trying to find the least expensive options such as closeouts, liquidators etc. Thanks!

Terrie from Twin Cities

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34531933.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Tips for Painting on Denim

I need some tips for painting on denim. My stepdaughter painted some jackets for her son and my daughter. My daughter's jacket turned out great but her son's jacket didn't cover as well. It was a dark denim. She put several coats of orange paint but it looks as if she only did a half of a coat! The white paint covered fine but not the orange. What are the best paints? Is there a 'base' coat to use?

Brenda from West Virginia

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64317933.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Artificial Hydrangeas Candle Ring

Trying to find artificial hydrangeas for a cheap price. Preferably in a candle ring in purple, lilac, or ivory.

Pepple from Zwolle, LA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83426711.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Decorating Sheep's Pen at the Fair

I know it is early yet but the kids need decorations for their sheep pen at fair in June. Any ideas for sheep and lamb crafts and other decorating ideas?

Arlene from Wisconsin

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68985603.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Transferring Poem on Cloth to Embroider

I hope someone can teach me how to put a poem on a piece of cloth so that I can embroider it. I have reversed the poem on the computer to make like an iron on transfer, but this puts the poem on a piece of cloth with the rubbery backing that stays on the cloth. What should I do? Thanks.

Joyce from Sumter, SC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15182565.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Quilting Frame to Use With a Sewing Machine

Does anyone know of a website that sells quilt frames to use with an ordinary sewing machine?

Millie from Abingdon, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86907722.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft Ideas to Make a Gift for Little Boys

I have a seven years old niece which I am making a denim pocket purse for. I also have two nephews, 6 and 8 years old, which I would like to make something for but I have no idea what. Does anyone have any ideas?

Mitra

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85208579.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Drying Fresh Flowers in a Bridal Bouquet

I'm hoping someone will give me 'tried and true' instructions on how to dry fresh flowers. My daughter is getting married soon and although its unconventional, she has promised to give me her bridal bouquet as a memento of that special day.

We are extremely close, so her gift to me will be very special and precious. I would much prefer some advice from someone who has actually done it successfully. Websites are sometimes a hit or miss affair.

Cettina from Malta, Europe

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20365125.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crochet Pattern for Breast Cancer Awareness

I have been searching for a crochet pattern that I can do with a Breast Cancer Ribbon in Filet Crochet. Size isn't a huge issue. My family has lost several to cancer in the past couple years and I have an idea in mind for my cousin who recently lost her mother to the disease.

Susan from NE Ohio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71432776.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Decoupaging Pictures on Wooden Table

I would like to decoupage pictures of my great-grandkids to the top of my coffee table. My question: how do I prep the table before I begin? It has years of spray polish built up and I'm sure that needs to go. Anything else?
My coffee table is very old and has seen a lot of use. It was free to me about 10 years ago so I'm not worried about damaging it.

Barbara from IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82979651.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Knifty Knitter Patterns for Baby Items

I am looking for patterns for a baby blanket using the Knifty Knitter. I have almost every size loom. Also patterns for baby hats and/or sweaters.

Carol from Merritt, MI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52735973.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Hiring Someone to Make a Quilt Out of Ties

Does anyone know of a company or person to actually make a quilt from ties? I've found a company that makes pillows, but I'd prefer to give my daughter a quilt made from her Dad's ties. Thanks!

Sharon from Philadelphia, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44825651.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here