Lisa over at U-handbag has a great post on the above, full of useful tips and ideas. Link

This week on my blog Creative Swoon, I featured an awesome fabric company called Pixie Dust Decor. The 100% cotton fabrics are sweet and fun! Perfect for a baby gift, or an entire nursery! Their patterns are based on vintage children’s stories and 60’s retro chic. What better combination could there be?

I wanted to be sure to share this post with the Whip Up community because Pixie Dust is offering a special 33% off coupon code to all Creative Swoon readers! That is a savings too good to keep to myself! Happy sewing!

How to make a beautiful doll with walnuts? The response in the Laura´s blog.

¿Cómo podrías hacer una preciosa muñeca con nueces? La respuesta en el blog de Laura.

Folk Style: Innovative Designs to Knit, Including Sweaters, Hats, Scarves, Gloves and More by Mags Kandis (ed). Published by Interweave Press (October 1, 2007) - make sure you check out the knitalong and images of the book are available here.

The designs in this book are contributed by many different designers - all with the theme of “ethnic knitting traditions with a twist”, like the other books in the “STYLE” series, this one looks to become a classic. Each book in the STYLE series has a ‘design notebook’ at the back - this is a great resource section, with ideas on how to design, using colour and stitch pattern. There are tips on techniques and style choices, extra information on how to work with intarsia and fair isle knitting and adding embellishments - all important aspects in this book. And a good resource are the illustrations of how to do a few of the tricky embroidery stitches.

The designers who have contributed patterns to this book are a heady mix - including Mags Kandis herself, Annie Modesitt, Leigh Radford, Pam Allen, Gayle Bunn and many more…

This book celebrates the diversity of knitting around the world - the patterns are inspired by traditional folk designs from around the world - one downside though is that the patterns are for women, children and the home - no patterns in here for men - which I found to be a great disappointment. There quite a few patterns in here that I really like, in fact there are no duds in here at all - and how much of the decoration and embellishments you do are up to your personal taste.

A very cute cropped ‘vest’ jacket, designed by Gayle Bunn, is reminiscent of faded patchwork, with a tweedy herringbone pattern on the slightly flared sleeves - with Fair Isle and intarsia techniques used. The charts for these are incredibly detailed but not too difficult to follow. The ‘modern quilt wrap’ by Mags Kandis, is a gorgeous lightweight over sized scarf. It is knit in mitered square - achieving a modern patchwork look. There is an excellent and beautiful diagram of the placement for knitted blocks of colour. Another design I really like is the ‘grand tour waistcoat’ by Di Gilpin. A bolero style vest with colour and design inspired from traditional French wallpaper. The shape and patterning of the ‘Appalachian gathering basket’ by Gina Wilde is inspired by the traditions of basket weaving of North American Indians. It is knitted then felted to achieve a very sturdy result. One of my absolute favourite designs in this book is the Chinese inspired ‘Shanghai surplice’ by Annie Modesit. Using the shape of the traditional Cheongsam with European French Knot embroidery, this design speaks of the clash of cultures of early Century Shanghai grandeur. I can’t describe every single pattern in this book - but one I can’t miss out is the ‘tribal baby carrier’ by Lisa B Evans. A traditional baby sling/carrier with the design inspired by Middle Eastern Kilim rugs and African cloth. A real merging of cultural inspiration with warm colours and textured stitch, result in a very sturdy and rich looking carrier.

One good thing about a book with a mix of designers is the diversity of ideas - its a great mix. Other designs I did not mention were also good, although the two kids jackets that were in there I did not dig so much, a little too loose fitting with square shoulders - but they are jackets not sweaters so are meant to worn over layers. Also I found some of the embroidery a mix over done at times - just a little too much - trying a little too hard to be folksy. Also some of the designs I was not really sure what they were doing in here. Sometimes the term ‘folk’ has been very loosely translated. And I mentioned early the lack of designs for men - I am not sure why this was missed out - perhaps there were just no contributions? But on the positive side - apart from the gorgeous patterns and the clear organised way the book is laid out, the patterns are very detailed with clear illustrations and charts for the stitch patterns and embellishments. I also really like how the yarn is specified in generic size and weight as well as the specific yarn that it is knitted with in the photograph. There are also detailed notes about any tricky aspects to the pattern as well as the detailed guide to sizing.

Down and dirty! 43 fun & funky first-time projects & activities to get you gardening. By Ellen Zachos, published by Storey published.

This is a book to fuel your creativity outside. Extending your creativity to different areas of your house and life is a wonderful way to fuel your creative life. If you are in a rut with writing, designing, making art or craft then doing something different can often kick start those creative energies. Giving your brain a burst of new ideas can push you in wonderful directions. And there is nothing so good as getting outside and doing some exercise, going for walk, enjoying the sunshine and getting into your garden. If you are lucky enough to have a garden, then making it a creative haven is healthy for your mind and body. It can be a serene meditative zone, or a fun energetic exciting area to play. Whatever your garden style or need just the act of creating and watching something grow is beneficial for you.

This book is a good start, get your garden inspiration going and create a wonderful creative energy inspiring space. This book is about plants and has technical stuff on gardening, but more than that it is full of ideas to create that special garden zone. Ideas like garden sculpture, using recycled materials in your garden, play gardens and dinosaur gardens for the kids, night gardens with interesting lighting, gardens for flowers, gardens for winter, gardens for food. Its all there, whatever your thing.

An easy to understand book, if you have never picked up a shovel or opened a seed packet, don’t worry - this book goes through the basics to get your started. Experimenting and having fun in the garden is the key goal behind this book. Living in Australia means that a lot of the plants and planting times in this book are not applicable to me, but this is almost irrelevant, if I want a book about what plants to plant in my area, I will get a technical plant manual (and I have plenty of those) but this book is not really about what plants to plant when, its more a general overview of how to get certain effects or what type of plants will be good for your different purposes.

A few things in this book grabbed my attention, such as the bits on children and gardening - there are some fun gardening activities that you can do with kids like growing strawberries, making scarecrows, special cat garden, and a garden for the senses. There are also recipes to use some of your wonderful garden produce - like elderflower champagne and blueberry sauce. As well as information on community gardens, seed sharing, and buying local. This book is a creative pick me up to re-energise your soul and body.

Here we go all you Whipettes and Whipdudes, a fortnightly roundup of tutorials spotted over the internets.

Altering jean hems. Link

All natural bath bomb. Link

Baby Yoda sweater. Link, and Not So Baby Yoda. Link

Book cover. Link.

Clothes pin bag. Link

Clothspin apron. Link. And Jeans apron. Link

DIY book press. Link

Dog or cat bed sewn from towels. Link.

Embellish knits with crochet. Link

Fabric box with snaps. Link And more fabric boxes. Link

Fabric flowers. Link.

Grocery bag dispenser. Link

Make your own cookie cutters. Link

Making perfect circles for patchwork. Link

Mama backpack. Link

Peter Pan collar tutorial. Link.

Seatbelt sleeve. Link

Sewn zipper pouch. Link

Soft sewn baby cube. Link.

Stripe-y patchwork cat. Link

If you’ve created an online crafty tutorial or spotted one you want to share, feel free to give us the heads up at whipup.tutorials[@]gmail.com. Halloween’s coming up and we’d love to see your Halloween tutorials/ideas.

A zine about making time for the small things. - what a great by-line - one I totally agree with. And I am so excited and inspired and in awe of the energy and creative spark that some people have. These girls - fellow Aussies, have done a great job with this zine. Only better things to come I am sure.

The gals behind it are Nichola from Nikki shell and Justine - 62cherry. The cover is by Shannon at Auntie cookie - fun fun.

Inside the zine are a range of contributions, craft, lifestyle and eco living. I like the combination of articles on topics from Eco - “go green with your new baby” to culture “grass roots footy” to books, blogger profiles and of course crafty - with kids art projects, etsy profiles, and “crafty 101″ - a great little article to guide your crafting life. Lots more of course - a very good sunday afternoon read with a cup of tea.

Can’t wait till the next one… If you are interested in submitting an article - check out their submission guidelines.

Kerrie over at Hipknits had a big task in narrowing down over 100 entries to just 5. (see all the entries here). Here are the winners of the wonderful yarn and thank you to everyone for entering - good luck with your projects.

Emily wins the Chunky / Aran weight yarn pack:

I am the librarian for teens at a branch in south-central Los Angeles. We have a twice-monthly crochet and knitting club. One of our younger teens tried for many weeks to learn to crochet, without much success. Then last month she tried knitting, and in one lesson she blossomed into a confident, capable knitter. The Aran / chunky cashmere for a hat or scarf is something that would just amaze and delight her, because the only yarn she’s ever used is crunchy acrylic. She is already in love with knitting, but beautiful, soft yarn would be a wonderful reward for her perseverance.

Tien wins the Aran Silk pack:

My husband has had a very serious relapse of MS. So we had to cancel our vacation with our youngest son. All I can do, next to taking care of my man and the household, is knitting, spinning and a little sewing. I had to throw out a lot of stuff to make room for a nursing bed and other equipment for my husband’s care. So I’m looking forward to some lovely yarn to make a sweater for myself. It will be a long term project to enjoy the yarn the most, sitting next to my man, between the times of care taking.

Clair wins the Lace Silk pack:

Wow - what an inspiration. I am about to have my second child & I am also looking to get started with my own small business & was wondering how I would fit it all in. I think flexibility is the key & being prepared to work hard - which is not difficult when it’s something you love. I do love knitting, but I am not so good at it, so I would probably make some lovely Cashmere baby booties & mittens for a friend of mine who is having a little girl in December. She really appreciates hand-made gifts, so I know that she would love that, but saying that, I would also love to knit myself a silk shawl!

Helen wins the Cashmere sock pack:

Kerrie, my only son who is near and dear to me will be leaving for college very soon. I twill be a difficult time for me… seeing him ‘leave the nest’. I have grand plans sending him ‘care packages’ while he is gone to let him know I’m thinking about him. The packages will include knit socks (which he loves) and it would be great to use your cashmere fingering weight and pattern for socks for him! Many thanks for a great web site!

MommyknitsJen wins the Cashmere lace pack:

I am 8.5 months pregnant with my fourth child and my midwife just told me that her husband who has never smoked has fatal lung cancer. I want to make her something to show her how much I have appreciated her all these years and that she is not alone in this world. I have been pouring over lace patterns for a week or so and I think that I would like to make her some kind of a shawl or stole. That way she could wrap herself in comfort when she needs it.

make it as fantastic as this one. A few years ago I got a tearful call from a friend of a friend who announced that she had a “quilting emergency.” Her brother had been a fan of the Grateful Dead (an American musical group that toured for 30 yrs) and had made his living tie-dyeing t-shirts, which he sold at Grateful Dead concerts. He had died unexpectedly at a young age leaving behind three small children. His sister had volunteered to take his hand-dyed shirts and make a t-shirt quilt for his children but she had never made a quilt before.

She asked us for design advice, technical assistance and the use of our long-arm quilting machine so the finished quilt would be sturdy. The woman and her mother took turns lovingly and tearfully quilting it on our machine and we were so glad to put our technical skills and machine to use for such a wonderful project.

That’s the thing about t-shirt quilts. If they’re made with really fun, sturdy t-shirts in a simple design, they bring back wonderful memories and are soft and comfy. The problem is that many t-shirt quilts are made with tattered t-shirts with crumbling silkscreens and aren’t worthy of the time that goes into them. The quilt is only as nice as the t-shirts that they’re made from. The other real success in this quilt is the design–there’s no sashing that frames each of the quilts in a box so the composition is much more dynamic than most t-shirt quilts that are laid out in a grid.

Below are some links to resources for making t-shirt quilts.

HGTV’s Simply Quilts t-shirt quilt instructions

PSHQuilts basic t-shirt quilts instructions

The technical advice is good but I’d simplify the design more. Eliminate the sashing, carefully crop the images on the shirts and use a very lightweight fusible interfacing. Try to play around with the sizes and proportion of the blocks and don’t try to add any pieced quilt blocks or large-scale fabrics in there. They will be too visually distracting. If for some reason you need to use other fabric, try a solid that will keep the focus on the graphics in the t-shirts not a busy pattern on the background fabric. It’s all about the memories of the t-shirts–everything else is a mere distraction. I knew that the Grateful Dead quilt was perfect when I realized that by just looking at the quilt made from man’s t-shirts I immediately felt as though I knew him, even though we never met. That’s one amazing quilt.

Domiknitrix: whip your knitting into shape, by Jennifer stafford, published by North Light Books.

I have to start off by saying - that I LOVE THIS BOOK. On the surface it looks like it might be just another gimmicky book. But it is not. It is a fantastic resource of knitting techniques, styles and designs. It has a really fun book style, with edgy fonts and illustrations, and it is a good handy size - to fit neatly into your bag. This book has personality too, and is a good read. Yes fun to read with quirky headings and lots of innuendo to snigger at while you knit up a storm.

The book is organised really well - with patterns in the back half - referencing techniques that are explained in the front half. Each pattern begins with a sexy photo of the knitted piece with skill level and introduction, but best of all a list of “what you will learn” For example, the “L’il red riding hood hoodie” is skill level apprentice, this is recommended to wear while watching the movie “freeway”. What you will learn includes symetrical increases and decreases, twisted knitting, picking up stitches, pockets and kitchener stitch. And these stitches and techniques are all explained with photos in the front section. So very handy.

The techniques section in the front is really detailed, with clear photos of step by step techniques and stitches. This section is really fantastic and worth getting the book for this alone. From casting on to purling, working with circular needles, picking up stitches, binding off, grafting - well I can’t list the entire contents, but suffice to say there is more … lots more.

The very beginning of the book, the introductory essay is great, but best of all are the 8 rules - the guiding principals to knit by include such gems as “choose your battles wisely” (rule no. 2), “clothes should be fitted and wearable” (rule no.7) and “quest for perfection” (rule no.8) which starts off by discussing the human spirit and our desire to learn and grow and stretch and improve - to better ourselves.

For the patterns, these are rich and elegant and fun and a little bit grungy. They start of easy with the “tasty morsels - knitting quickies” section, this is what it says, and among these quick knits include the “thin mint scarf” (you will learn knitting a tube, removing a cast-on edge and kitchener stitch). I love the “valentine candy pillows” with ’spank me’ and ‘bite me’ knitted onto them (you will learn raised and mirrored increases, mattress and kitchener stitch and basic embroidery). The mohawk hat is making a comeback and ‘pretty in punk’ has a version, but this one is different with more of a helmet shape and a bigger hair section in the middle (you will learn symmetrical increases and decreases, picking up stitches, fringe) - there is a pic of this hat on Jennifer’s website.

Next level of knitting is called “on the level - knitting in the missionary position” - simple straightforward knits that are nevertheless satisfying. This section is mainly made up of sweaters and vests, with a bit of info on the sweater curse - and some practical ways to get past it. I really like the “big bad wolf pullover”, its a basic shape but with an interesting garter neckline and cuffs and scary shadow design on the front (you will learn intarsia, short rows, seaming garter, mattress and kitchener stitch).

The last section is called “side to side and on the bias - knitting when you want it hard” - lots of experimentation and adventure in these patterns. A beautiful fitted slinky cap sleeve top (you will learn provisional cast on, raised increases, removing cast on edge, grafting ribbing, short rows and kitchener stitch).

Just getting around to posting about the June/July sampler. If you are a small crafty business, its definitely worth getting something into the sampler. A couple of things really stood out for me this time round - …

Some lovely hand spun hand painted yarn in a gorgeous coffee colour from third floor fibres the one pictured is not the one I received however it is very similar - just a different colour.

Also a really gorgeous ep from far from kansas - what a great idea to use the sampler for music too. You can download and listen some of this hypnotic music on their site.

re-conceived scrap pack was really a gem. I really like their by-line - “giving new life to old stuff”. The scrap pack I got has a whole bunch of vintage images cut out from old mags and ephemera - very cool. They also do other stuff like badges and books - I really like the zombie escape plan journal with re-purposed papers. Find out more in the shop or blog.

Fitted knits: 25 designs for the fashionable knitter, by Stefanie Japel, published by North Light Books. [see Stefanie's blog and the knit-a-long for this book]

This is such a beautifully presented book, and the patterns and styles are all so elegant and gorgeous. Very simple to follow patterns, with illustrations where needed outlining shaping and clear instructions on tricky bits like trim, shaping (theres a lot of shaping) and edges etc.

Yes there is a lot of shaping in these patterns - hence the name “fitted knits” no baggy bodies or droopy shoulders here. All the patterns are meant to accentuate the womanly figure. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any chunky knits or big coats, even these have fitted elements. For example the ‘thick and thin cardigan coat’ uses a gorgeous chunky yarn for the main body, with a contrasting finer yarn for ribbing 3/4 up the sleeve and an extra long ribbed waist band. The ‘long coat with chevron lace’ has fitted raglan sleeves with bust, waist and sleeve shaping.

My absolute two - make that three favourite styles are the ‘back to school u-neck vest’, which has a long waist of ribbing which ends just below the bust and a tweedy stitch with bust shaping at the top. Very flattering. And the ‘cosy v-neck pullover with deep ribbing’ another pattern that uses the deep ribbing for shaping half way up the body and further up the sleeves with a cute high v-neck. And the ’short sleeved cardigan with ribbing’ which uses a bulky yarn with ribbing, borders and structure to shape it.

The third main style of sweaters in this book are the short/ballet style sweaters. These are super sweet. Mini cardi in bulky yarn with shaped bust, flared sleeve cropped cardigan in a really chunky yarn, and another cropped cardigan with a dramatic scoop neckline, there is also a really cute short puffed sleeve cardigan with a slightly flared waist and mandarin collar.

This patterns in this book are meant to be altered to your personal measurement. The key is measuring yourself correctly and trying on the knitted garment at each stage, altering the increases or decreases until it fits.

This is going to be (already is) a great resource with patterns to suit all ages and styles - a good resource that is likely to last a lifetime.

…………………….

Never knit your man a sweater*: *unless you’ve got the ring: 22 handsome projects for every level of commitment, by Judith Durant, published by Storey.

This book is based on the knitting myth that as soon as you knit your man a sweater he dumps you. So well … you should start with small projects and work up to the sweater - which is what this book does. Even though its all about a woman knitting for her man -the patterns in this book could of course be for men who knit. Each chapter has a witty title relating to the stage in the relationship and how much knitting time and effort is appropriate for him. Like “burger and a movie scarf” and “I met his friends vest”. Even though all of this is a little cute and slightly annoying. The patterns in the book are good.

“the burger and a movie scarf” is a noro yarn using block stitch - looks harder to knit than it is and is sure to impress. The “looking good laptop cover” in slip stitch, dark grey merino wool - is nice - a good gift for anyone uses a laptop. There are small projects in increasing difficulty, like hats, ipod socks, and the other sort of socks too and gloves and mittens and vests leading up to the crazy cable knit cardigan/sweater. Some of my favourite designs (that I might knit for my man and my man might actually use) include the scarf and laptop cover (already mentioned above), a very nice “keep his head warm watch cap” which an old fashioned style rib fishing beanie in merino wool knitted in the round. I really like the “flip your lid diamond mittens” which are those cool fingerless gloves with the mitten cover that flips over when needed. I was not too keen an any of the vests, I found them all to be a little nice, neat and conservative. But I liked the “part time living cotton classic sweater” - I like the firm fit of this design, showing off the mans broad shoulders and comes just to the hips - very stylish and simple.

Lots of good patterns in here for me to knit for themselves or to knit for your man (dad or brother too). I personally found the books premise a bit too cute and gimmicky - but once you get past that there are some good patterns - something for most tastes, ages and levels.

Three-ring binders: a school essential. After another year keeping records of my students, my binder was beat up once again, its flimsy plastic cover partially ripped. Instead of tossing it into the landfill for several thousand years, I decided to give it a second life. I pulled out the ever-handy duct tape to reinforce the rip in the binder and whipped up a lovely fabric cover closed with a Velcro strap. Here’s an easy way to give your ugly binder a makeover.

You will need:
Fabric for the cover exterior and the Velcro strap || Fabric for the cover lining || 3” x 3” piece of Timtex (interfacing/stablizer) || 1 ½” of one-inch wide Velcro || lid of a wide-mouth jar (about 3 inches in diameter) and pen for tracing || scrap of accent fabric for decorative circular closure (I used brown corduroy.)

Cut it out

(1) With your repaired binder opened and lying flat, measure the length and width. To find your fabric cutting dimensions, add 1 ½” to the width and 10” to the length. Using these dimensions, cut one rectangle from the exterior fabric and one from the lining fabric. In addition, cut one rectangle 3” x 6” from the exterior fabric. This will become the Velcro strap.

(2) Using the jar lid, trace and cut out two circles from the accent fabric. Set these aside for now.

Sew it up

(3) Sew together the exterior fabric and the lining: Pin the large rectangles together with their right sides facing. Sew along the edges using a ½” seam allowance, leaving a 3” opening in the middle of one of the long sides. Trim the corners and turn right side out by pulling through the 3” opening. Push out the corners with a turning tool and press. Set aside.

(4) Fold the 3” x 6” Velcro strap piece in half lengthwise, with right sides together. With a ¼” seam allowance, sew down the long side, forming a tube. Turn this tube right side out. Tuck in both short edges ¼” and press the entire tube. Edge-stitch a scant 1/8” around the entire Velcro strap.

(5) Sew the rough side of the Velcro to the middle of the right side of one of the decorative circles.

(6) Lay down the other circle with its right side facing up. Set the circle with the Velcro attached on top, with its Velcro side facing down. Pin the two circles together. Sew around the edges with a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 1 ½” opening beneath the short edge of the Velcro, as shown below. Clip the edges and turn right side out.

(7) Cut out a circle of Timtex just slightly smaller than the decorative circular closure you’ve created. Insert it into the opening of the decorative circular closure and smooth flat.

(8) Tuck in the open edges of the decorative circular closure so they are both on the same side of the Timtex. Press. Insert the end of the Velcro strap through the opening. Sew around the decorative circular closure using a mere 1/8” seam allowance. This seam will attach the Velcro strap to the decorative circular closure.

(9) With a contrasting thread, machine stitch a design on your circular tab closure. You could also add hand stitching, beads, or buttons.

Finish the Velcro closure

)10) Lay the binder cover, with its lining face up, on a flat surface. Open your binder and lay it flat in the center of the binder cover. Fold the cover’s edges around the binder and close it. Place the Velcro strap on the middle edge of the back cover, pinning it in place.

(11) Using the pinned Velcro strap as a guide, place the soft Velcro piece on the front cover.

(12) Sew the strap and the soft Velcro piece in place.

Last steps

(13) Lay out the binder on the binder cover, lining face up, as in step 10. Fold the cover’s edges around the binder and pin the edges in place. Remove the binder.

(14) With a 1/8” seam allowance, stitch along both long edges of the binder cover, securing the folded-over cover edges and closing the opening that you used for turning.

Et voila! You just saved another piece of plastic junk from the trash can and made a unique and useful back-to-school fashion statement.

About the maker:
Meg McElwee is a Montessori teacher who lives with her husband and two cats in rural Mexico. She spends most of her free time fiddling with fabric and keeping up her blog. She recently began selling her original sewing patterns at montessori by hand.

Whip Up is now taking article and tutorial submissions - for more information please read the submission guidelines.

Some resources and inspiration for those thinking of entering something for the August Whiplash Zakka theme.

Resources:

Crafting Japanese || Kitty Craft || Flickr tagged Zakka || super buzzy || etsy zakka || whipup zakka || craftzine zakka archives ||

Japanese handmade life || zakka blogs

bloom - flower and zakka

Unico-memo

happy vanilla

chai loves linen

natural days

Kerrie runs her many businesses from home, while multi tasking with three children - Find out how she does it…

Kerrie you are one busy woman, running a business from home with three children, as well as other numerous projects. How do you do it? You mentioned to me that you take your baby with you everywhere - how does she cope with that? And the older two - are they good at helping out -and are they interested in crafting?

I don’t do everything! There are a lot of things that I just don’t do that often at such as housework, ironing and other housewife type roles. I’m lucky to have a husband who is really supportive and great at helping out with the housework and cooking. Crafty and kid type things are number one priority here.

I am always busy, I can’t bear to be still or not doing anything so I just fit in what needs to be done at the best times. For instance, when it
comes to dyeing yarn I need to be on my own with no children around me - the best time to do that is at around 5am when the rest of the house are asleep.

Trinity comes into the shop with me every day while the older two are at school. This gives me about 5 or 6 hours a day with her to pack orders, label and prepare yarn and sort out samples. She is such a happy contented baby, we always have the radio on and people popping in to see us (and cuddle her). If she has a fussy day I just pop her in her sling and do the minimum. Its all about being flexible and fitting in work where I can.

Admin things I do in the evening while the kids are playing in the garden or doing their homework -my laptop just wanders around the house with me. Brooke helps out with stock takes as she loves counting and Cameron will do anything he can to help. Sometimes it would be more helpful if they didn’t help but I love the fact that they want to be part of it. Brooke is very interested in crafts, she is constantly painting and drawing, she loves sewing and has recently learned to crochet. Cameron not so much but then he is still only 2.

Kerrie you are amazing. I love your honesty and straightforward approach. And I am sure your kids are benefiting a great deal from such an interactive and engaging environment and having a satisfied and energetic role model for a mother. When did you start Hipknits and how on earth did you think you could fit it in among your numerous other projects?

I bought HipKnits as a young company from a friend of mine who had the original creative urge to start the company then couldn’t continue with it. At that time I didn’t have too many other projects on the go, just my full time proper job and MagKnits. I never imagined how successful HipKnits would become in just a short space of time.

You say that “In a world of mass produced conformity, Hip Knits celebrates individuality, craftsmanship, and creativity.” where do you source your yarns, do you dye and spin your own? And I see you do custom dye orders - how does this work?

Almost everything that we sell is hand painted or hand dyed by us. (I do spin but its just for my own personal use.) We try and source our yarns in the UK but have suppliers all around the world. We are always looking for new interesting and luxurious yarns and receive many samples from new suppliers each week. Some we try out and decide not to stock again, others are a hit and become part of our standard range.

Custom dye orders are so much fun! We have many requests to match colours, either from a description, from an online picture or from something sent to us in the post. We have had fabric and yarn swatches sent to us to match as well as a pair of shoes that someone wanted to make a matching shawl for and a picture that someone had painted and wanted yarn in the same colours. You never quite know what to expect from a custom colour and that is what makes it interesting. Some of the colours that we have been asked to dye as one off customs have made it into our standard colour range.

You are obviously trying hard to minimise your environmental impact by using energy saving methods and sourcing your yarns locally. How easy is this for you - did it involve a major change of habits and why is this important for your business?

I think it is important for everyone whether they are an individual or running a small business to be aware of our impact on the environment. I tried from the start with HipKnits to be as environmentally aware as I could and have gone from there. Our local council at home recently introduced a 3 bin recycling scheme which has helped shape how we work at HipKnits as well. Once you are open to looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly you see opportunities everywhere. I recently decided to take the plunge and I’m trialling sending packages wrapped in brown paper instead of using the plastic mailing sacks. It takes a little longer for each parcel but it is cheaper and much kinder to the environment so we’ll see how that goes.

HipKnits runs a project club, can you tell me more about how this works and what the benefits are in joining?

Many companies run yarn clubs where you pay in advance and receive a skein of yarn each month for a fixed period of time. I wanted to do something different. I knew from research that whatever club I came up with would have the option to pay in installments and also to allow people to choose their own colour yarn. And knitters love kits, its great to get a package in the mail that has the pattern and yarn and pretty much everything you need to just pick up needles and get started. The project club members receive 4 different kits a year in colours of their choice, and are designed to stretch people and encourage them to try new skills. We have lace, cable, fair isle and felting projects lined up for the first year. I decided to open a blog for the club members and I’m thrilled at how many have joined and are posting even before they receive their first club pack. Signups are now closed for the first round of the club but I have lots more similar ideas in the pipeline and there will be another round next year. Our newsletter subscribers and blog readers are always the first to hear about the new things we have planned.

You are also the force behind the popular free online knitting magazine Magknits. How long has this been running and is Yarn Forward a spin off of this? When designers are submitting their patterns for magknits and yarn forward, what are you looking for? what are the design requirements? What is the style or feel that you are going for with Magknits, and how is Yarn Forward different?

MagKnits has been running for around 3.5 years now, where did that time go to? Yarn Forward is totally different, I thought that the UK knitting and crochet market had room for an independent print magazine that covered slightly different projects than the existing UK knitting magazines which all have a very similar look and feel to them. Yarn Forward has more advanced and complicated ideas that challenge readers. MagKnits carries a good range of projects from simple to advanced, and should be wearable.

Thank you Kerrie for your time in answering these questions - just one last one - what is next for you? What plans do you have for all these
projects and businesses?

I have so many plans that I don’t know where to start! We are currently focusing on growing the wholesale side of the businesses at the moment, I’m always looking for new stockists for HipKnits and Yarn Forward magazine. I currently have a good base of stockists in the UK and a few in Europe and the US but would like to increase this. My first book is being published this autumn and I’m already working hard on number 2. Apart from that, I am not planning on starting anything new for a while although I do have some ideas floating around in my head that I’d love to be able to work on. There are just not enough hours in the day for me at the moment.

Kerrie is giving away some freebies …

If you would like to get your hands on one of these packs - all you need to do is leave a comment saying what you would do with the yarn - interesting stories welcome - and make sure you fill in the email address section when you leave your comment so that Kerrie can contact you. You have until Saturday Midday - UK time to leave a comment.

Skein of cashmere lace and pattern for shawl

Skeins of lace silk and pattern for shawl

Paula from poeira da estrada is a portuguese ceramic student. She makes handmade clothes, bags, ceramic pieces… In addition she likes the contrasts in textures and mixing materials. Her works is simply beautiful.

Paula, de poeira da estrada, es un estudiante portuguesa de cerámica. Hace ropa a mano, bolsos y piezas de barro; además le gustan los contrastes en texturas y mezclar materiales. Sus trabajos son sencillos y bellos.

CALL TO ARTISTS | Touching Warms the Art | Deadline to apply: August 15

The Museum of Contemporary Craft - MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org - is accepting applications for this interactive juried exhibition of innovative approaches to art jewelry that opens in January 2008, concurrent with Framing · the Art of Jewelry, curated by Ellen Lupton.

For a prospectus, please contact Kat Perez, Curatorial Assistant Kat@MuseumofContemporaryCraft.org

Craft Work, Craft Play: An Afternoon with the SF Craft Mafia

A Family Affair: Tips and Treats with the SF Craft Mafia || August 12, 2007, 2-6pm || @ Stitch Lounge || 182 Gough Street (@ Oak in Hayes Valley) San Francisco, CA 94102-5918 || Free to the public, $1-2 donations gladly accepted

San Francisco, CA August 12, 2007 – The San Francisco Craft Mafia (SFCM) strikes again with a community event for Bay Area designers, crafty businesses, and the general public alike. A Family Affair: Tips and Treats with the SF Craft Mafia offers local businesses and designers the perfect chance to network as well as fabulous opportunities to gain new, crafty skills.

Stitch Lounge—a member of SFCM—will sponsor and host, A Family Affair on August 12, 2-6pm. The event will feature a number of work stations to pick up jewelry-making tips, work on selected patterns from Stitch Lounge’s published guide to clothing customization, Sew Subversive, embellish and bedazzle garments with an assortment of buttons, beads, and sequins, and decorate delicious cupcakes. Business owners and designers can mingle over treats and exchange their own business tips and experiences.

I have loved Kathreen’s “what’s knitting” posts of late (if only because I have trouble keeping up with the zillions of knitting blogs lately), so I asked her if I could do similar posts covering the current sewing and quilting zeitgeist around blogland. Please use the comments to let me know of notable sewing and quilting projects, made by you or someone else.

It has definitely been the summer of Bend the Rules Sewing, Amy Karol’s new
book. It’s got a few great bag patterns, my favorites of which are the Pleated Beauty Handbag and the Artsy Clutch.

Here are some lovely Pleated Beauties:

by Kathy from Pink Chalk Studio

by Blair from Wise Craft

by Make It Snappy …

And some cute little Artsy Clutches …

by Laeroport

by Dogged Knits

by Quilt While You’re Ahead

Many many more projects from the book can be seen at the Bend-the-Rules Sewing Flickr Group.

whiplash - upload your link here

So after some down time with the non-specific theme for July - this month we are going for something very specific - zakka - in line with our simple crafts months - we are taking tutorial and article submissions - please read the guidelines for more information.

Wikipedia defines zakka as:

(from the Japanese ‘zak-ka’ or ‘many things’) is a fashion and design phenomenon that has spread from Japan throughout Asia. The term refers to everything and anything that improves your home, life and outlook … Zakka has also been described as “the art of seeing the savvy in the ordinary and mundane”. … Cute is not enough. To qualify as a zakka, a product must be attractive, sensitive, laden with subtexts.

As usual you can upload your link in the sidebar of the whiplash page. Links must be to your permanent post to enable readers to easily find your link - as links are up for the whole month.

You may submit a special project or a tutorial to the whiplash area. Look out for some inspiration over the next few weeks

Here’s a project that will appeal to adults and children alike. These beautiful wire-work dragonflies look gorgeous hanging from the ceiling, in the window, on the wall, wired to a houseplant or even attached to a gift. Children who love insects and all things creepy crawly can get info and inspiring photos of these fascinating creatures here.

Supplies:
- Medium weight garden wire, strong enough to hold a shape, yet easy enough to bend
- Needle nose pliers (with cutter)
- Long Pipe Cleaners
- Organza fabric (a quarter yard is more than enough or 23cm)
- Craft glue, paint brush & scissors
- Glitter & Sequins

NOTE: If making these with small children, do steps 1 - 3 for them.

(1) Cut two lengths of garden wire about 30”or 86cm long.

(2) Twist the lengths together to form two circles, then squeeze each circle in the center and twist to make two figure eights. Use your pliers to squeeze the ends of the wires together firmly so there are no sharp ends poking out.

(3) Shape the figure eights into two sets of wings, long in shape like dragonflies have.

(4) Take two pipe cleaners and twist them together three times about 3 inches from the top.

(5) Take one set of wire wings, place it behind the pipe cleaners, just under the twist with the long lengths of the pipe cleaners dangling. Then tightly wrap each of the two long lengths of pipe cleaner around the center of the wings twice each (do not twist them both at once).

(6) Place the second set of wings behind the pipe cleaners about 3/4” or 2cm beneath the first set of wings and tightly wrap the pipe cleaners around the center of the wings two times each as above - be sure to wrap tightly and as close to each other in the center as possible.

(7) Now twist the two long lengths of the pipe cleaners together all the way to the end to make the dragonfly tail.

(8) For the dragonfly eyes, twist the two shorter ends of the pipe cleaners together at the tips then bend them down toward the top set of wings and round them a bit to form eyes.

(9) To decorate gently separate the wings from each other being careful not to misshape them. Then trim four pieces of the organza to roughly 1/2” or 1cm larger than each wing so that they do not overlap each other.

(10) Brush a generous amount of craft glue on the wire of a wing and very gently lay a piece of organza on top of it. Repeat this with the remaining three wings. Leave until completely dry.

(11) When dry, trim off the excess organza cutting closely all the way around the wire outside of each wing. Then paint glue onto each wing and sprinkle glitter on in symmetrical patterns, following with a few sequins for extra sparkle.

(12) Look at that beauty!

About the project designer:

Joan Gorman was an art director and graphic designer in Northern California for several years before moving to England in 1997. Her move and parenthood prompted a simpler, less hurried lifestyle. She’s now a primary school art teacher, mother of two, freelance designer and regular contributor to children’s magazines. She displays her work and shares ideas on her site ninimakes.

To contribute your design, tutorial or story please read the contributor guidelines - this month we are taking submissions for easy and simple crafts.