Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

I need help with making the covered button hair bands. I made my covered buttons-no problem-but have tried to figure out how to attach the covered elastic band to the button shank to no avail. I’ve tried to jam it through the shank-I’m trying to use the thick goody bands-and that only worked once. I’ve tried to pry the shank to make it less narrow and that didn’t work. And I tried to pry the shank out of the button back but it won’t securely go back in to the original hole and be bent back to secure it-help please! Thanks in advance, Toni

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.co

I need your help. I would like to make my own “typewriter key necklace”. I have an old typewriter and I need to know where I can get the piece that the key is held in for the necklace? Thank you for your assistance,
Kelly

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Martha wrote:
I love looking through the website. Stumbled on it by chance. I’m looking for some inspiration–remember those yardstick holders from the 70s. I think they were usually made of burlap, decorated with yarn embroidery. Anyone remember them? Or have some guidelines for recreating?

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Amy from Graceful studio wrote in with this question.

I planted sunflowers in my garden this year, and they look great. Now, when the flowers are done, and I’ve harvested the seeds, what can I do with the rest of the plant? I’d like to maybe make something out of the stems and/or leaves. Any ideas?

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Kristi wrote in:

After watching my photography evolve over the past year my husband got me a fancy DSLR this past Christmas. I love it. But, I don’t love the strap that came with it that so blazingly advertises the maker of the camera. I’d love something more “me” and unique. I’ve done some searching and haven’t found many options to buy ones from independent crafters. I’m wondering if any of the readers now of some good indie artists that sell such things or know of any good tutorials for making one yourself. Alternately, are there any tips they have for covering the one that came with my camera?

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Hi I wondered if any one had a pattern or tutorial for a crochet Babette Blanket, I am unable to find one on the net, and cannot find a Crochet Interweave Magazine anywhere in Western Australia! Thanks for your help.

Jen

Of course we don’t suggest any copyright infractions - however, if you are someone in a remote community without access to this particular pattern, perhaps you could try making good old fashioned granny squares in various sizes and joining them together in a random patchwork fashion.

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Kassia wrote:
I recently saw a dress in a magazine that I would like to recreate. The problem is, I can’t find any patterns that are similar. I’m not interested in buying special pattern maker software (too expensive and specialized for a one time thing) - so I was wondering if anybody knew of any resources or tips for making your own patterns? (Or better yet, are there any custom pattern makers out there?) Thanks!

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Lucette wrote in with this question:

I am intrigued with cloth dolls and would like to try making one or two. So far, I have looked through my local library for books and ideas. Now I would like to ask the creative community if you have good sites or references on line. Thanks

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Reethi Jagannathan wrote:

I often see people participating in great swaps in blogland that I don’t hear about until too late. How does one find out about these swaps, anyway? Is there a central spot where all swaps are posted?

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Lucy from my byrd house writes in asking for advice on digitising patterns…

I have several patterns on paper now that I would like to publish but don’t have a clue how to get them digitized or what software to buy to do it myself.
Thanks for any imput.

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Devina is looking for 2 patterns. (1) a skirt made from men’s neckties and (2) a skirt made from a pair of pants/jeans.

Thanks!!

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Andrea has a question about which online blogging software to use … We use Word Press at WhipUp which is great, and I have used Movable type as well - both free online blogging tools are highly customisable, but might require some skills to get your site looking how you would like. I have also used blogger which is super easy to use and is better than ever with the new customisable tools. I have never used typepad, and there are lots of other blogging tools out there as well - any body have any tips on this?

Hi there! I am a big fan of Whipup and have been inspired to get my work together and plan to begin my own blog in the coming year. Typepad Vs. Blogger… pros and cons of each and also of different service levels..basic vs. premier, etc. I’ve checked out both websites but would really love an inside opinion from users. Any help would be soo appreciated. Thank you!

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

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janelle wrote in with a question about organising a fair fabric swap.

Hi Whip-uppers!

First let me say that the site is a daily read for me, I can always find great links and inspiration here. I pass the link onto all my friends looking for
great craft sites! I now come to you and the readers for help.

My sewing collective, Philadelphia Sewing Collective, is having our 2nd annual fabric swap meet in April. It consists of tables with vendors selling fabrics and notions (mostly used) and also info tables. By request of the public, we are also going to try out an
actual swap area. Where members and non-members could bring materials supplies to swap - with no money involved.

We are trying to brainstorm how to structure this swap/fabric trade in a fair way with as little chaos as possible. I am asking the whip up contributors and the readers for suggestions or ideas on this matter. Thanks for your help!

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Soren writes in:

My yoga class is having a [baby] shower for our teacher, and since I’m the arty one, the organizer has asked me if I could make favors for it. She requested “something people will actually want to *keep*, not something lame like a bottle of jellybeans” - no offense to anyone who has done that! So it has to be something that it won’t take me too long to make - for 15-20 people. (I also have to make her a present from me, so I’ll be BUSY!) I have a month to do it in, but I have NO ideas! Please, help!

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Kate writes in with a cake decorating question:

I’m not sure if this is a typical whipup question, but I’m sure that there’s a crafty solution out there somewhere, so maybe someone can
help….

My daughter will be having her first birthday later this year and I’m planning on making her a healthy cake - free of refined sugar and that kind of thing, but I’m stuck when it comes to decorating ideas. Obviously the usual icing/frosting with lollies/sweets, licorice etc won’t be an option, so I was wondering if anyone has any creative or crafty ideas for decorating a cake?

It would be wonderful if the whipup readers could get my creative juices cooking!!

Thanks so much, I LOVE LOVE LOVE whip up!!

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Lucy from My Byrd House has a question about making soft toys:

I have started making them at home and am looking for good tips and information on stuffing and turning them. I am looking for what is best to stuff them with and tools for stuffing and turning.

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

pendlerpiken writes in:

I hope someone can help me: Quite recently, I found a link to an online store selling, among other things, beads that look like old-fashioned typewriter keys. I took a note of the site’s address, and thought I bookmarked it as well, but both have now mysteriously disappeared.

I am fairly certain I found this through a blog, but I am not able to find the link (or the blog) again. Does anyone out there have any tips? There must be others who would LOVE to have these beads…

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Julie writes in asking:

As a full-time working mother of two toddlers, I would love to take some classes but can never manage the time away from home. I would love to hear about online classes, especially any that are more challenging.

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com.

Jennifer writes in asking:

How do you sew felted wools (say from an old sweater) on a sewing machine? Is a special needle needed? Do I need to do something with the tension? All I ever end up with are broken needles.

Whiptips craft advice column for readers to ask questions or offer advice by leaving comments. Whiptips archive here. Questions to whiptips@gmail.com. Please include photos!

Nina writes in with a desperate plea for a stuffed robot pattern

I work at a fabric store in St. Paul and a customer came in last week with a cute pattern for a stuffed robot. I should have gotten more
info from her but she said she got it off the internet, so I figured I could find it. Help, I can’t find it.