I’ve recently rededicated myself to spending at least a little time every day handling yarn. Knitting, crochet – whatever. I find I’m a lot more balanced whenever I’m working on a fiber-based project. I don’t know why that is! In honor of my rediscovered zen zone, today’s Weekly Reader is dedicated to my favorite recent yarn-related patterns, finds, projects & ideas!
Archives for February 2014
Hacky Sack Crochet Pattern
This week the lovely Marie from Make & Takes invited me to design & share an easy crochet pattern in her crochet-a-day series, so I went old school and put together an easy (and super addictive) crochet hacky sack pattern.
DIY FYI: Threading a Needle
When I took an etextiles workshop last week, I was reminded that not everyone in the world can easily thread a needle. There are many people in this world (myself included when I have a tendonitis flare-up) who can’t grasp something as small as a piece of thread or hold it steadily enough to get it through a needle. Or maybe there’s a vision issue at play. Physical limitations aside, sometimes you’re just working with crazy thread! Read on for my top tip for getting your needle threaded so you can get down to DIY business!
DIY Light-Up Cuff Bracelet
Etextiles are pretty cool, but somehow actually attempting an electronics project didn’t happen until this week. I’m so glad I finally took a workshop because they’re SO COOL. And not nearly as scary as I thought. Not by a long shot. Today’s tutorial covers the very basics of working with LED bulbs and creating a simple circuit with conductive thread to make a bracelet that lights up when you wear it.
Weekly Reader
With Valentine’s Day behind us and the Olympics nearly over, creative bloggers took the opportunity to share some new ideas not bound by seasonal hallmarks. Many beautiful ideas fell under the DIY style category of projects, which makes me oh so happy! Some of my favorites are funky fresh ideas, some a little crazy, and some are simply gorgeous.
Cricut Explore Brings New Meaning to Cutting Edge
Today I want to talk with you about my experience using one of the newest and most-talked-about DIY tools out there, the Cricut Explore cutting machine. I’ll be covering the costs involved, machine features, lots about its design and how it compares to other machines, as well as details about when the Cricut Explore will be available to the public. I’ll also touch on what the heck a cutting machine is! :)
All Cables Cowl Pattern
It thundersnowed in Chicago yesterday, which means winter knitting season isn’t quite over yet. Unlike my faux woven cowl from last month, today’s cowl features a series of small cabled stripes all the way around and is made with less bulky yarn. Also unlike that cowl, it breathes a little more, so it’s great for transitional weather.
Olympic Rings Sunglasses
There are SO not enough Olympic themed crafts for adults floating around the DIY blogosphere. Today, I continue my crusade to change that with some medal-worthy sunglasses for cheering on your favorite team. Made with oven bake clay and some strong glue, these sunglasses are totally going to be something I whip out for every Olympic opening ceremony party, viewing party, closing ceremony party, watch party and Olympic bar crawl for the rest of my life. I’m so pumped about them!
Weekly Reader
It’s Valentine’s Day, you guys! I totally have work today, but I wish I were at home getting my heart-shaped crafting on! Since I can’t, I’ll just share some lovely projects & recipes I’d be making if I could right now. Happy Valentine’s Day :).