How to Knot Stitch and More

When you start a knot stitch, you will need to avoid knot stitch the first square. Instead, start in the first row, chain stitching one time and single crocheting in the identical stitch. Draw up you loop to ¾ inches and Yarn over Yo through your loop on the crochet hook.

Next, intersperse your hook so that it is beneath your single back strand, Yarn over Yo and pull it through, Yarn over YO again and pull it through both your loops at the hook twice, and skip two stitches, single crochet in the following stitch, and repeat your steps across and to the finish, and turn. Complete your knot stitch on the second row. Chain stitch five in the first double crochet and another two chains in the next single across the middle knot of your starting loop. Chain two stitches, a single crochet in the middle knot of your following loop, continuing across, to the finish and chain two stitches a double crochet in the beginning chain of your preceding row. Repeat the steps outlined in the first row to complete your pattern.

NOTE: Chain stitching is sometimes called “Yarn over Yo.” SO when we mention Yarn over, begin chain stitches. From here on out however, I will refer to Yarn over as chain stitching.

One of the popular methods used in crocheting Afghans is the popcorn stitch. The stitch works your favorable number of stitches into the following stitch. Once you complete the steps pull up your loop into the following cluster stitch, and then drop the loop away from your crochet hook. Intersperse your hook into the beginning cluster stitch, and continue by plummeting, a loop, and drawing from side to side to the loop, completing your step with constricting.

How to puff stitch:
Experts in crocheting use the puff stitch to create patterns in completing the Afghan. To start keep your loops on your crochet hook and chain stitch followed by interspersing your hook in the identical stitch. Draw your loop up a few times and chain stitch through the nine loops on your crochet hook. Once you complete your steps move to the shell stitch.

How to shell:
You will need multiples of six, plus one to create a base. In the first row single, crochet into the second chain away from your crochet hook. Skip two chain stitches and five double crochet into the following chain, skip two more chains and single crochet the following chain stitch. Repeat your steps across, and then turn.

Moving to row, two add three chain stitches for your starting double crochet in the first stitch. Skip two double crochets and use the single crochet method to complete the following double. Skip two doubles, and work five doubles in the following single crochet, repeat the steps working across, and to the finish, working three doubles in the final single, skip your turning chain and turn. In row three-chain one stitch in the start stitch, skip two doubles, and work five doubles along the following double, skip two doubles and work a single into the following double. Repeat your steps across and to the finish adding a single in your turning chain stitch, and then turn. You have now completed your pattern.

Once you learn how to knot stitch, popcorn, puff, shell, you may want to learn how to V-stitch, zigzag lozenge stitch, sample square, border, and finally assemble your Afghan. The V-stitch is simple, so let’s get the step out of the way and move onto zigzag lozenge stitching.

How to V-stitch:
Skip your first stitch and two doubles, chain one, double two in your following stitch and repeat your steps across.

How to Safe Keep Scrapbooks and Crafts

Scrap booking is designed to keep families connected, recall past events, and to clear up clutter. Since 1998, millions of dollars were spent on materials to make scrapbooks. Since scrapbooks are popular, stores across the world are opening up shops. At the shops, you will find materials to make crafts, including scrapbooks. In addition, you can purchase affordable materials at Dollar Stores.

How to gather materials:
You will need scotch tape, flour paste, rubber cement/, rubber stamps, and more to start creating your scrapbooks. For now, we can cover the basics and move onto deeper content to create your mementos. The information is basics, which you can consider when you start your craft project, i.e. scrapbook. Before you move into the project however, you will need safe keep tips to protect your papers and photos.

How to gather vitals:
Genealogy is part of the process of making scrapbooks. You will find genealogy sites online, or write to the “Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing” Offices in Washington D.C. Federal records are available as well, which you can write to the US Department of Commerce and the Bureau of Census to obtain copies.

Making the origins for scrapbook:
Victorian scrapbooks are common, since the original copies were likely started in this era. At this time people would decoupage, i.e., the people would use artistic skills to decorate shells by dressing patterns, or cutouts and then placing covers over them, using glaze. The ancient methods are used today.

TIP: Laminators are machines that glaze scrapbooks made today, which you can likely get good results using the equipment. You can purchase affordable laminators in various stores, or online.

How to Safe Keep Scrapbooks and Materials
Today craft companies are making safer tools to invent scrapbooks. Today you can purchase rubber stamps and paper crafting materials, rather than products made of lignin. Lignin is best used when creating archives. Otherwise, the material breaks down into an acidic compound as the years pass. If you want shapes, you can also purchase oval croppers. The croppers will assist you in cutting out oval shaped photos and paper.

To get started with a scrapbook you will need materials that protect your photos and/or papers. Remember the lignin is not suited for scrapbook making. Scrapbooks need a stamp of endorsement.

How stamp your scrapbook:
Remember you wan to avoid acid-based materials to make up your scrapbook, since acid will damage your photos, papers, etc. When searching for rubber stamps look for the products that has on its label, “OK,” or “CK.” Craft companies and manufactures promote these products since they are safe to use in scrap booking.

How to store your scrapbooks:
Once you create your scrapbook you will need to keep it safe. You want to keep your scrapbook away from moist areas. Dampness will cause distortion. Anyway, including your self-viewing your scrapbooks should wash their hands first.

If you intend to insert newspaper clippings in your scrapbook be advised that the materials are commonly made up of acid-based compounds. If you kids are viewing your pages, and leave fingerprints, use mist, window cleaners, and a paper towel to wipe down your book. Scrapbooks experts recommend that you wear “cotton gloves,” when viewing your photos.

Only handle the photos at the corners, since skin pigmentations submit oils that can damage photos. Humidity can damage photos also, as well as coldness. Try to keep your room temperature where you store your scrapbook around 75 degrees. In addition, store your scrapbook in dark regions to avoid damage caused from sunbeam exposure.

Protecting your photos and papers before you create a scrapbook is essential. Always store your papers and photos in a storage box.

How to Finish the Sample Square in Craft

To finish steps eight through 18, you will need to learn the steps one through seven. We encourage you to visit your local library to take out books to help you finish crafting an Afghan. In the meantime, I will walk you through steps eight and 18 so that you can move onto your borders in crafting your Afghan to complete your pattern.

How to sample square:
Now that you have gathered your materials, such as alpaca gray wools, etc, you can move to step eight. In row eight you will combine pale, blue-gray with medium gray, light gray, etc, from the materials you purchased, such as the worsted-mohair, and cotton. Once you gather your dark, and pale, blue-gray yarn use the diagonal spike stitch to work toward the following stitch, skip one stitch, and repeat the steps across, and to the finish working a double crochet into your previous stitch, turn, and then close tightly. In short, you perform the same steps as you would in the previous row.

Now you can move to row nine. In this row gather your medium grays and use the diagonal spike stitch to work in the direction of the following stitch. Skip one stitch, reiterate the steps, starting across, and to the finish working two double crochets into your previous double, turn, and then close tightly.

In row, ten add your pale, blue-gray and start the zigzag lozenge stitch. (In row one on the left side chain two stitches to join the initial half-double crochet, and half double into the following stitch. Skip one stitch, half double, chain one stitch into the following stitch and repeat the steps continuing to the previous two stitches, skip one stitch, work two half doubles into the previous stitch and turn. *Continue the zigzag steps as followed:

*In the second row, take up again the zigzag on the right side. Chain three stitches to finalize the beginning double crochet. Double crochet the first stitch and chain one time, and double crochet three clusters in the following space. Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working through the final space, adding one chain, two double crochets in clusters and at the crown of your turning chain, and then turn.

Moving to row three, chain stitch twice for your first half double. Skip the starting stitch and half double, one chain, and another half double followed by space and repeat your steps across, and to the finish, completing with a half double in your crown section of the turning chain, and then turn.

Row 4 you will chain stitch three times for your first double, skip the initial stitch and cluster three doubles in the following space. Chain another stitch across, and to the final, working a double crochet into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn: Moving to row, five add two chain stitches to the first half double. Half double another stitch into the first stitch, half-double, first chain, half double, and into the following space. Repeat your steps across, and to the finish working two, half doubles into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn. Complete your steps by repeating the second through five rows.

You have completed the zigzag lozenge stitching steps. Now you can move to the sample squares, which sums up eighteen rows. Once you complete the steps, you can move onto the borders, and finally finishing your Afghan. Once you finish however, you will need to edge the pattern to finally finishing your Afghan.

Continue to row eleven and combine your medium shades of gray, performing the zigzag lozenge stitch. Do the same in the 12th row. In the thirteenth row combine your medium grays, work the puff stitch, double crochet, working across, and then close tightly. Combine your lighter shades of gray in row fifteen and perform the zigzag, ending with the double crochet into the previous stitch, and then close tightly. Row 16: combine the medium shades of gray and perform the zigzag lozenge, finishing with a tight close. Row 17: Combine the pale, blue-gray yarn and stitch three chains into the first double, add three doubles into the following stitch, skip two stitches, and work across the three doubles to the finish, working into the double crochet at the last stitch. In row eighteen, chain two stitches to combine the half-double crochet. Half double crochet into the stitches across your pattern, and then close tightly.

How to Craft Bridal Collections

Perhaps someone in your family is planning a wedding. In this event, you are probably struggling to decide what type of gift the groom and bride would appreciate. Well, rest your mind and purchase a bit of finishing materials, such as small and large pillows, crochet thread, white fabric, matching thread, and some stuffing to craft a bridal present.

You can add some plants with three-lobe leaves (Trefoil), roses and so on to create a magnificent bridal gift.

What to buy:
Buy one 20-inch square pillow without the ruffles. Buy another 20-inch time’s 10-inch pillow without the ruffles also. You will need, thread (10) and 250 yards of white balls, as well as (10) crochet hook made of steel, and 45 inches wide of snow-colored fabrics. (Nine Yards) Add some snow-colored thread and purchase your filling. You are about to make 9 inch squares on a gauge to create six rose (or choice flower) motifs.

How to start:
Create eight chain stitches at the start and work them into a slipstitch. You will form a small band, which you will continue to create a chain stitch and around 24 single crochets forming at the bands and moving to the beginning single crochet. Create four chains, skip three singles, and create six times working to the following single crochet, creating a slipstitch that begins at the baseline of your starting chain. Create a single crochet, double, and three triples, along with another double, and single working it into your four chain loops and around your slipstitch created at the initial single. Hold your rose petals at the front, continue to chain five stitches into a single, and work back into the following single in between your petals. Repeat your steps around the slipstitch and continue to the first single and onto the six petals.

Create a single, double, and three triples as well as a single crochet into the five-chained loops created and about the slipstitch started at the first single. Stitch another seven chains, work it into a slipstitch in the middle of your stitches, and continue to the following petal. Chain seven stitches to the slipstitch following and move to the beginning two rose petals. Repeat your steps and work around your slipstitch, working to the beginning baseline of your chain.

Slipstitch again and work toward the middle of the stitches, working another seven chain loops into another seven and slipstitch it into the middle stitches, continue to the following seven chain loops and repeat the steps working around your slipstitch at the beginning base chain. Work up to seven single crochets into the seven chains loops and work around your slipstitch, working to the single you started.

Chain stitch and work into a single crochet, working it into the seven singles and the three chains, and into the slipstitch in your third chain away from your hook. You have created a decorative loop, which you will create twice by finishing the instructions. Single crochet until you reach the following fourteen singles and repeat working around the slipstitch you created at the first single.

Chain twenty stitches skip through seven singles and two decorative loops, six singles, and the slipstitch that works into your following single, skipping up to six times and slipstitch working to the initial single. Single crochet, working into the following stitches of your decorative loops and do this four times before you reach the single crochet in the following five stitches. Repeat the steps and work about the slipstitch, working to the first single. Tighten and then start your large leaf.

How to Craft a Tablecloth

So what is craft really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about craft info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

Tablecloths add cover to your table, which can protect it from scratches, dents, etc. To craft a tablecloth you will need materials, finishing sizes, gauge structure, and directions. In view of the facts, we can present to you a few steps so that you can protect your table from damage.

You will need a gauge start at 5 inches diameter or 2 ¾ inches in diameter for the smaller motif clothes. You will need your finishing, which should be around 35 inches times 35. Purchase crocheting thread around 10, and 250 yards of spherical cream. Purchase the number seven crochet hook made of steel.

Once you purchase your materials, you can choose to make the small or large motif. Use your 5 inches in diameter to create 49 larger motifs. To start add eight chain stitches to meet with a slipstitch. Once you form your sphere move to round one and continue through to round eight, until you come to the smaller motif.

To begin stitch five chains to meet with your double crochet and the two chains you created. In your ring, double crochet and chain stitch two rows working up to eleven stitches/doubles and slipstitch into the third chain at the start of your first chain and leave three spaces as you work to round two. Now, add a slipstitch to start another space, chain one stitch, and three single crochets. Once you finish crocheting around the space, add a slipstitch to the first single and the 36 single crochets.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of craft is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about craft.

Moving on chain one stitch and work into the back loops and add single crochets in the other stitches. Finish with a slipstitch working it into the starting single crochet. Continue to round four. Chain four stitches into the first double and chain another stitch working it so that it blends with the back loops. The following stitch, add a double and one chain. Repeat your steps working around the slipstitches and to the third chain stitch created at the beginning of your chain. Move ahead to round five. Slipstitch so that it blends into the following space you will create and add a chain stitch working another two single crochets into the surrounding space. Slipstitch so that you meet your first single crochets and moves to the next round.

Now, chain four stitches so that it meets with your first triple crochet. Work the stitches into the back loops and triple crochet stitches so that it combines with the following stitches. You will need to create four and then chain five stitches, skip one, and triple the following five stitches. Repeat and work around your slipstitch at the crown of your starting chain. At this time, you should have grouped twelve of the five triples as you work to the crown.

Continue add a chain stitch it toward your back loops. Single crochet up to the five triple crochets you will create. In the five chain spaces thereafter you will need to have created four singles, chains, and four singles again before repeating your steps, working about the slipstitch the created at the beginning single. Continue to create your first motif, which is the larger part and then slipstitch so that you meet with the following two stitches. Chain stitch into the single crochet that starts the following two stitches and then chain five stitches working in your double, four chains, and another double crochet within the four chains at the loop. Chain two stitches and slipstitch to meet your loop that starts your motif, Chain two stitches within the identical four chain loops on the succeeding motif. Chain five stitches and skip up to five stitches on the beginning motif. Repeat your steps as you did when creating the initial motif. Continue up the ladder by creating your tablecloth. Now you are ready to make your smaller motif and complete your tablecloth.

To begin create 36 motifs and join them into the facing of the larger motif at the between lines. Chain eight stitches, add a slipstitch, and begin moving your starting ring to repeat rounds when creating your larger motif, i.e. rounds one through three. Next, chain stitch and work into the back loops. Create four single crochets, while single crocheting into the four, and add six chain stitches to join a single and the larger motif. Add another six chains and skip one, make a single and work it into the following single. Chain 4 and another single working until it blends into four chain loops not joined with the larger motif.

Chain four stitches and skip one single. Repeat your steps, working about the slipstitch that you created in your initial single. Now, complete your tablecloth by fastening it.

Don't limit yourself by refusing to learn the details about craft. The more you know, the easier it will be to focus on what's important.

How to Sample your Squares in Craft

Crafts are fun experiences all of us can enjoy, providing we know how to sample our squares. Of course one must learn chain stitching, double crochet, double-triple crochet, Chevron stitching, clusters, cross double crochet stitch, crossbatch and more. To get started however, we can learn how to sample your squares.

How to sample your squares:
In craft terms, sample squares include a variety of stitches and crocheting patterns. Crafters’ use a variety of hooks, loops, stitches, etc, to complete particular projects, yet in this article you will work toward completing the “Evening News” Afghan. The gauge to complete your Afghan must reach 7 ½ inches over 54 squares.

How to sample squares:
To begin you will need to chain stitch 18 ounces of sport-weight, darker gray wool, and 14 ounces of the pearl shaded grays. In the first row single, crochet into the second chain stitch away from your hook. Chain one stitch, skip one chain, and single crochet into the following chain stitch. Chain two stitches, skip two chains, single crochet into the following chain, and repeat your steps starting across and to the finish. Now turn and start the second row.

At the second row start three chain stitches to the initial double crochet, and double crochet into the following single crochet. Work three doubles into each of your space and across to the finish adding a double crochet into the final single crochet and beginning chain stitch. Finish with your turn and close off the area. Next, move to row three. Combine your sport-weight machine washable wool, i.e. 11 ounces of medium colors of ash, or gray rather with your dark gray and pale-blue gray. Next, chain three stitches to start the double crochet, and double crochet into all, following two stitches; chain two stitches, skip one stitch, double crochet into the following two stitches, and across to the finish working a double crochet into the final stitch, turn, and close.

Moving to row, four add 28 ounces of light gray, i.e. the worsted-mohair weight and blends to your dark gray wool, medium ash, and pale-blue gray. Chain 2 stitches to start your half-double crochet, skip one double, and half double beginning with the following two double crochets. Next, keep each of your loops on the hook, chain stitch, and intersperse your hook into the following stitch, followed by pulling up your loop a few times, and chain stitching through the finished nine loops. (See Puff Stitching) Puff stitch into your following space and chain one stitch. Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working a half double crochet into the final double, turn, and close tightly.

Continue to row five by adding 28 ounces of dark alpaca gray to your yarn. Chain 3 stitches into your starting double crochet. Double crochet into the crown of your following puff stitch and puff stitch yet another into the following half double crochet, repeating the steps across, and to the finish, working in a double crochet into the following half double, add a two chain stitches, another double crochet into the final stitch, turn, and close tightly.

Moving to row, six add your pale, blue-gray yarn and chain three stitches to start the double crochet. Double crochet your stitches across and to the finish, turn and close tightly.

In row, seven add the darker gray yarn and use the diagonal spike stitch to start the following stitch, skip one stitch, and repeat the steps across, to the finish and add a double crochet to the last double, turn, and close tightly. Continue rows 8-18 to finish your steps.

How to Stitch Quilt Borders

We started the borders by adding blocks to complete the range of your borders on the sides of your material. We calculated the dimensions of slashing, as well as the size of your blocks. If you haven’t done so, use the example as followed to measure your blocks. Example: Three blocks appraising the 10-inch square, in addition to the four, terrazzo at one inch width, which adds to 34 inches?

How to create borders:
Once you finish your dimensions, insert ¼-inch seam and leave space to each side of your textile. The side borders should measure up to 10 x 34, i.e. width and length. The finishing measurement is factored into the ¼-inch seams you inserted. You will need to take up the spaces or seams left (later) to complete your borders. Once you insert ¼ inch you will have created 10 ½ x 34 1/2, which is the inches you will use to cut to fit the borders along the side. Use the same dimensions to cut at least two borders. The borders will cover each side of your fabric. Now measure the lower and upper borders. Add your blocks together to achieve your size. Follow the same method as outlined in the example above. Once you achieve your dimensions finish the width on one side of your borders. You should have counted 10 x 43, width and length unless you are quilting a larger or smaller quilt.

Next, insert another ¼ inch to your seams and leave space to each side. Refer to your measurements 10 x 43.

You will need to cut from the borders to achieve 10 ½ x 43 ½ inch to fit the edges at the top and bottom of your fabric.

You are creating a framed quilt so to speak. You may need to trim your borders to fit.

How to trim borders:
Starting at the crown of your quilt and working down to the middle, measure your quilt. You wan the length dimensions. If your dimensions are 30 ½ inches, thus round it off to the nearest tenth, i.e. 30 to complete your calculations: You will need to insert ¼ inch into the seams and make room for your sides. Next, use measuring tape, or a ruler to measure your quilt. Measure from the alongside and factor in the dimensions of your borders. Now insert the ¼-inch seams to the sides.

Once you finish your borders, you will need to start stitching after your prep the strips of your borders. Start by folding your strips. You will need to fold them in half and search for the middle, then press until your borders crease. You can pin to mark. Now find the middle of your sides by performing the same action as you did above. Mark again, and then start stitching your quilt. The center should be aligned. The right sides should come together, as well the crown should center. You will need craft pins to hold your ends in tact.

Along the length, start stitching your borders. You will need to work the fabric as you stitch to keep it in tact. If you are sewing on a machine, you can place the excess over your machine parts, which accept the input of your fabric (Feeder dog) to align. Hold back the shorter top layer and begin stitching slowly. The feeder will work the layers through.

You can pull the layers at the top through to slow the excess while allowing your feeder to pull the layer at the lower end through. Now connect your borders, by stitching it to your quilt. Insert the side of your fabric and allow your feeder to pull back the layers at the top. Press out your borders and leave a seam to work through the fabric border.

How to Zigzag Lozenge Stitch in Craft

The zigzag stitch is a common stitch expert cricketers’ use to create Afghans and more. The steps are relatively easy and must be learned to finish the “Evening News” Afghan, or other patterns of Afghans. After you finish your chain, bobble, Chevron, cluster, cross double, crossbatch, V-stitch, etc, you will need to zigzag your lozenge stitches. To get started we encourage you to read the steps below.

How to Zig your Zag to create the lozenge stitch:
To start the zigzag lozenge stitching you will need a base. The base is factored by multiples of two, plus one. In the first row, starting on the left side, chain two stitches to start your half-double crochet. Half double in the following stitch and skip one stitch including a half double, chain, and another half double in the following stitch. Repeat the steps starting with the final stitches skip one stitch and work two half doubles in your final stitch, then turn.

How to half double stitch:
Chain stitch and then intersperse your hook so that it goes into the second chain stitch and away from your hook. Chain stitch again and draw up your yarn bringing it through your finished chain and three loops on your crochet hook. Chain stitch again and draw up your yarn bringing it through each of the three finished loops on the hook, and the finish, working a half-double stitch into your pattern.

In the second row, continue to zigzag on the right side. Chain stitch 3 times to complete the start double crochet. Double crochet your first stitch and chain one time, and double crochet three clusters in the following space. Repeat your steps starting across, and to the finish working through the final space, adding one chain, two double crochets in clusters and at the crown of your turning chain, and then turn.

Moving to row three, chain stitch twice for your first half double. Skip the starting stitch and half double, one chain, and another half double followed by space and repeat your steps across, and to the finish, completing with a half double in your crown section of the turning chain, and then turn.

Adding Zigzag to Row 4:
Row 4 you will chain stitch three times for your first double, skip the initial stitch and cluster three doubles in the following space. Chain another stitch across, and to the final working a double crochet into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn. Moving to row, five add two chain stitches to the first half double. Half double another stitch into the first stitch, half-double, first chain, half double, and into the following space. Repeat your steps across, and to the finish working two, half doubles into the crown of your turning chain, and then turn. Complete your steps by repeating the second through five rows.

You have completed the zigzag lozenge stitching steps. Now you can move to the sample squares, which sums up eighteen rows. Once you complete the steps, you can move onto the borders, and finally finishing your Afghan. Once you finish however, you will need to edge the pattern to finally finishing your Afghan.

Remember when you design an Afghan, particularly the Evening News; you will need to work through a seven ½-inch gauge. When you start your pattern, keep texture and colors in mind. We encourage you to visit the Internet to learn more about the Evening News Afghan and the patterns available to you. In the period in-between, we can continue learning how to sample your squares.

The Craft in Blocks and Borders

Once you select your patterns, blocks, templates, etc, you will need to prepare your fabric. You will need to consider how to organize your blocks, once you gather the necessary amount needed to complete your project. You want to consider your borders as well.

You will need graph paper, since you will need to sketch in order to determine how many blocks you will need to complete your quilt. To get started you will also need to decide the size of quilt you want to create and then you can consider settings.

To set your blocks, or organize the blocks you can consider borders, sashing, and cornerstones. The diagonal settings are another style you can consider, as well as the straight set.

Sashing works in the same way as the straight sets, i.e. you merely block your settings against the other and in an organized line. After you will run horizontal and vertical lines, which makes up your 9-patch scheme. The blocks in this instance are interacting with the stitches in three lines and with only three blocks. Use the “block-to-block” steps as listed above to continue. To create a visual, think of a box, or frame with nine rows across and nine rows down in a framed grid. Now add star-shapes, creating nine stars in three rows across your grid. If you can visualize the grid, you can get an ideal how the slash and straight setting works.

Next, add narrow stripes at the corners and around your row of boxes. If you can visualize, you have created a grid of lattice and/or slash. The pattern is designed to enhance your quilts overall outcome, yet you can add different effects to achieve your ultimate design. You can create an ordinary quilt from this grid, or you can crisscross the framework by interwoven your open-mesh frame, crisscrossing the stripes until you form a pattern. Some crafters use geometric patterns to arrange points.

How to set diagonal patterns:
If you want to create a diagonal pattern, or set you will need to organize, and add your blocks, placing them diagonally across your fabric, and on the points. Work a 45-angle into the scheme and work at the side. “On point” is a crafters term to state that the set blocks are on the points.

In the middle of the diagonal set, you will need to create triangles to make up the middle section of your pattern. You will need large and small triangles, which the larger batch will make up the center, while the smaller batch will fit the corners. Slashing terrazzo or strips is optional as well.

In addition to the slashing, straight, or diagonal, you can also choose to vertical set, or else the strip set. Crafters refer to the strip set as “Strippy.” Forming the Strippy is easy. You merely place your blocks perpendicularly in narrow pieces and divide the other narrow pieces, or strips.

The medallion is another set you can consider when crafting quilts. You will need to create middle equidistant from the other points. Next, you will need to focus on the points in the middle and surround them with various styles of blocks, slashing, or borders.

Now create your borders. To start your borders add your blocks to achieve the dimension of your borders at the side. You will need to factor in the slashing measurements, as well as the blocks. Example: Three blocks measuring 10-inch square, plus four strips at one inch wide equals 34 inches. Once you finish add a quarter or ¼-inch seam and leave room to each side of your fabric. Now you can move to finish your borders.

The Craft of Quilt Templates

How to make templates

Templates are patterns so to speak, only with templates you cut the materials you need from strong fabrics. Otherwise, if you were making patterns you would cut the templates from ordinary paper.

At what time you create templates, you are making your quilt making process easier. The surface patterns will flow consistently as well. You can use your created templates and trace along your patterns, instead of pinning graphing paper to your quilt material. You can purchase ready-made templates, however if you create your own you will save money. You can purchase transparent plastics at craft stores, or stores that carry supplies, such as craft, paper, pencils, etc. If you choose plastic, you will need to individually, trace your patterns. You will need allowance for your seams. After you create your patterns, cut your templates. The plastic templates are ideal for making larger quilts.

Straight grains make up woven textiles. The grain lines run comparably along the edges of the non-fraying edges in the materials. Across the “straight grain,” is another line known as the “cross grain.” Crafters use the term to define the lines, such as “Fabric on the grain.” You will need to eliminate the edges, by cutting it off.

The non-frayed edges are makes up the areas that have not been cut, especially around the label and the snug woven areas.

How to create basic templates:
Creating templates is as simple as tracing your footprints on paper. To create your templates you will need to choose plastic and/or paper. Once you make your choice you will need to trace your template to paper, add a few permitted seams, and then use adhesive to add your trace to a clip of hard copy, i.e. cardboard or the like and cutout your templates. Stop: before you cut your templates, first replicate copies and play with the patterns until you achieve your desired mark. Once you achieve your patterns add numbers and/or letters to mark your pattern. This will help you remember where each template goes. Next, you will cut your pattern parts out, using common scissors. Cut the outside areas only at the edges. You will need to create one template per piece to add to your quilt.

Next, trace your patterns, tracing the parts onto your plastic and/or paper. Space the parts once inch in all directions, and away from the other. Use a measuring device, such as a ruler to draw ¼-inch line at the outer outline. On your templates, create a dot. You want the dots to meet two seams per count. The dots are important to mark your stitching areas.

Next, use your direction of textile thread lines (Grain line) and convey the arrows you have created from your model parts and relocate it to your template. You have made basic templates; however, there is a variety to choose from.

Tip: You can invent templates using software installed on your computer.

In addition to the basic templates, you can make window templates. The templates are ideal for those want to pierce by hand. You can also make templates for pre-prepared designs. Window templates can assist the beginners, since you will have a marked line to follow through when you begin stitching. The windows are easy to make, yet you must follow the “hand piercing: rules to complete your patterns. You can also add templates to your window, which may include emblems such as roses, bouquets, etc. Regardless the window, basic, or other types of templates can lead up to a block/border pattern, rather a fashionable quilt.

The Crafts in Patching your Quilt

Patches can make up a fashionable, yet old-style quilt that will last for a long time to come. To create patchwork you will need fabric. You merely cut the pieces of your fabric to form patches and design, stitching in simple numerical lines. If you are creating the traditional patchwork, you will need fabrics, including lengthy stripes, squares, curved shapes, and rectangles. You can leave out the shapes that curve if you don’t want to go through the steps of creating a complex quilt.

Crafters often use patches to create quilts with many parts, such as the quilts that resemble the Picasso arts, or the basic quilts. Once you gather your patches, you will need to form blocks of your fabric. The blocks in crafter terms include the “corn and beans,” motifs, “turkey tracks, maple leaf,” and so on. One of the more attractive quilts is the “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” blocks. Regardless, you will need blocks to finish your quilt.

To start you will need to select your block scheme. You have the choice of the 4-patch scheme, or the 9-patch. The patch block schemes make up grids, which fill in various simple lines in numbers and shapes. The 4-patch is one of the common patterns used to make traditional quilts. The 9-patch is also used, yet other styles are made up on different geometric grids.

The 4-patch:
The 4-patch is 4-squares factored into a numerical grid. For instance, you can picture a box, draw a cross inside, and count 1-4 to achieve the 4-block scheme. To continue to the 4-patch scheme you would need to add squares, stripes, etc.

The overall notion behind the 4-patch scheme is that you can use a variety of patches to create a multi-color quilt, yet you must lay out your block foundation first.

Now if you want to use the 9-patch scheme you would create nine squares in your grid and either leave them together or break them into parts. Still, you must leave the 9-patch structure.

For instance, if you were to take a piece of craft paper, rather graphing paper and draw per inch, four squares, eight squares, and then another ten, you would have your foundation to start your patchwork. To make up your designs however, you would need to add shapes to your grids.

Once you design your craft on graphing paper, you can create a full-size block. You will need to cut your patches, as well as create templates however before you can start your quilt.

To start your quilt you will need to consider the style again. Do you want the 12, 14, 16, 18, or larger blocks? If you are new to making quilts, you may want to start with the lower block inches. However, you will need to learn how to make borders to complete the quilt.

Once you decide you will need to consider your schemes. If you are working the 4-patch scheme on blocks, around 4 inches then you will need to cut your patches 2 inches in squares. The higher the scheme, the more patch inch squares you would need. For instance, if you want to create a 12-block scheme, you would need twelve patches and cut in six-inch squares.

On the other hand, if you were using the 9-patch scheme, choosing the 12-inch blocks then you would need to cut your patches into 4-inch squares.

Now you can move to create your templates. Templates in crafter terms are patterns, which are cut from strong fabrics, or materials. You need the templates to create an easy squared quilt, otherwise prepare to battle.

How to Craft Camille Outfit

How to choose materials

Do you have Camille? Would you like to create an outfit for her, yet you have no clue where to start? If you answered yes then continue reading, since we are going to design Camille a fashionable suit.

To start you will need materials. You will need 40 inches of pink plain-woven, fine fabric made of linen and/or cotton. The fabric is needed to make Camille’s loose fitting pants that gather at the ankle, as well as her underskirt. Purchase 2 ¼ yards of soft lightweight, fabric with small prints and made up of wool. The material is used to create Camille’s cape and her dress. You will need 28 inches of material for the cape, such as stiff shining, silk lining. (Taffetas) Purchase 26-inches of entredeux and 6 ½ yards of brown lace edging. You will need some thin lace edges, (30 inches-2/5 inches) and matching poly-cotton DMC-4442 thread. The thread will match your plain-woven fabric, which you will need DMC-4446 (light brown) to coordinate with your soft, lightweight, pink fabric. To make a rose, purchase 3 ¼ yards of ribbon. You will need ¼-inch buttons, one/8 inch level elastic, and 3 ¼ yards of silky spherical cord to finish your rose.

Once you gather your materials, you will need to cut a fold at the front region of the bodice, and cut another two at the back. Next, cut the fold of the skirt front and two at the back. Cut two pantaloons, i.e. the wide pants that gather at the ankle. Once you cut out your patterns use the 50-point pale brown DMC cotton broder to stitch your lace.

Now that you have your materials, you can design Camille an outfit. For those who are not familiar with Camille we can briefly describe the doll in case you want to purchase her and create a dress later.

Camille is a gorgeous doll, which stands around 25 inches tall. Camille includes the collection edition, regency or the Victorian series. Jennifer Esteban is the original creator of Camille. Camille wears collected sleeves and folded skirt, as well as a taffeta cape. Camille also wears batiste underwear, which the lace is pale brown. The pantaloon and skirt extending from the petticoat is also laced with pale brown lace.

To make Camille’s dress you will need to start with her pants, or pantaloon. Once you complete the pantaloons, you can move to the undergarments. We can get started now on the project, yet you must find information to help you complete. Unfortunately, a single article cannot produce the length required to make up a complete outfit.

How to make Camille’s Pantaloons:
At the over-locker, begin French stitching the seams, collecting them at the back and front. Press and then turn the seams under the cover on your folded line. Press the garment again and create a minute size hem at the cover. Stitch a straight line at the cover. You want to leave space to thread from side to side your elastic. Around the edges of your crown, stitch in a straight line in the direction of your cover.

Now you can use starch, spray your fabric, and press once you finish. Cut two, 7 ½ inches length of lace and stitch a row at the edge of the legs near the bottom of the pantaloons. On the right area, press your lace so that it folds back. Perform a crisscross stitching pattern over the crown of your lace. Your stitches should entwine with both the lace and fabric. Near the crisscrossing stitches, cut the extras. Next, trim two, 7 ½ inches of your entredeux. Use your starch, spray, and then press. You will need to trim the ends that extend to the entredeux and the edges of your lace where it crisscrosses, meeting the other, and connecting it. Press and you can move to connect the seams of the legs to the crotch. Align and gather the legs and ankles by threading ribbon so that it goes through the entredeux.

How to Craft an Afghan

You will need a 40 inch by 60-inch material to finish your Afghan. Once you have the finish you can start building your materials.

How to choose materials:
It’s up to you what type of Afghan you want to create, however in this article I will show you a few steps in my the “Ivy League.” You want to select deep, vivid colors. Ultimately, you can select soft fabrics. You will need wool, preferably the heavy-duty. Purchase 45 ounces of aqua, red, etc, in a variety of colors. Choose 22 ounces of red, light green; dark greens, forest green, etc, and blue. Choose 28 ounces of red and navy blue in a variety of colors. You will need to purchase a hook, preferably the “K” crocheting hook. The gauge is around 6 ½ squares, which you can purchase a hook that matches this gauge also.

How to square:
Use a variety of colored yarns in succession per square. If you want to shift colors, it is best to avoid chain stitching at the end of your lines. Start turning your work until you connect with the colors, chain stitch I row and work your line in accordance.

To chain stitch, start with placing one slip knot over your crochet hook. Your hands should be prepared to work, which includes the thumb and middle left finger. Hold the yarn at the end and then wrap up and again over your crochet hook. You should be crocheting at the front of the back and to the front. Learn more about “Yarn over Yo.”

When you start you, Afghan you will need to square, row, row, border, assembly, border, etc. When you start squares, create 54 squares on a chain two stitch. Move to row. To row one work, you will need three single crochets in your second chain stitch and away from your hook on another single chain turn.

Move to your second row. Work two single crochets in your first single crochet and move to the following single crochet and the second, single crochet in the last single. Continue with five stitches and chain another single turn.

In your third row work two single crochets in your first single, continue singles within the following three singles, adding two more singles to your last single, and then chain another turn.

Moving to the fourth row, work two singles in your first single and then single crochet an even row to the last single. Work another two singles to the last and chain one turn.

Next row, repeat by adding four rows and after you reach rows eleven up to twenty-three begin your stitches across the material.

Continuing, create a loop in all of your first two singles. Use the “Yarn over Yo” method and move through all three of your loops on the crochet hook, which brings you to one single crochet and the decreasing phase. Next, single crochet two even stitches to decrease your last two singles and churn one turn. Repeat the steps on the twelve rows, yet only stitch three single crochet remains.

On your last row create a loop in each of your preceding three singles and start the “Yarn over Yo” method to continue through each loops on your crochet hook and then close.

Now you will start border rounds. Gather your greens, blue, and reds with a slipstitch in your corners. Do another three singles in the corner and another single to the following corner making sure the singles are even. Repeat the steps from about, and slip stitch toward the first single crochet.

On your second and third rounds, slip stitch toward the middle stitch of your corner, and repeat the round once, and close after your finish the third round.

Now you are ready to assemble. You should have a six square Afghan created, which is wide and has another 9 squares lengthwise. You want to oversew stitch (Whipstitch) the square togs and run ALL crosswise stripes so that they move in the same course. Now, border another round. Gather your yarn with another slipknot at the corner, and single crochet three in the corner, single crocheting another in the following corner, while making sure it is even. Repeat, stitching around and slip knot to reach the first single. Round two includes the slipknot to the middle single crochet of your corner, repeat round one, and close.

How to make porcelain doll dresses

Porcelain dolls, China dolls, etc, are made up of pottery and/or ceramic. The dolls are small, medium, and sometimes long. The twirps, Mellette, or youthful dolls may benefit from hailspot dresses, apron, shoes, socks, and so on. You can purchase socks and shoes at craft shops, otherwise you can hand knit the items for her.

You will need materials to get started. Materials should include 10 inches of hailspot patterns or fabric, which you will use to make underwear and the dress. Add 6 inches of white plain-woven fabric, or batiste to make your apron. The fabric should be made of fine, soft and plain woven-fabrics, such as linen, cotton, etc. add 40 inches and another 3/8 inches of narrowed edge lace to make your underwear, apron, and dress. You will also need light, DMC thread made of poly-cotton. Embroidery DMC thread should be light also to use on your sewing machine. (If applicable) Helmar is a fabric spray that stabilizes the material. You will need this also. You can find other brands at craft stores.

Purchase 818 embroidery threads, such as pink. You will need green also. (524) The thread will be used to make your bonnet and apron. You will need studs and/or buttons as well. Purchase the OOO types, as well as the “OOO studs” to complete your apron.

Once you gather your materials, you will need an acting technique, which includes patterns that you will cut. The patterns should include 2-underwear, front upper section of the dress on folds, or bodice. You will need a pattern to create the back region of the bodice on folds as well. In addition, add two sleeves, and the fold of your dress kilt.

How to design underwear:
To start, crisscross the lace attaching it to the legs. Pull the right face or sides of your fabric together and begin stitching at the front core and back center so that the seams come together. The untreated edges of the crown should crisscross, turning over a ¼ inch to achieve the covering. Sew in place and leave an aperture to the thread expandable via the covering, or casing. Now bring together your seams at the crotch and add fabric glue to the crotch ends, or seams of your thread. You can cut now. Crisscross and begin stitching over the expandable hat and about the interior of the doll legs at ½ inch from the edges of your fabric.

Continue after stitching your expandable fabric, continuing to pull up the fitted legs. Your expandable casing should easily detach from the crisscrossed region. Now you can lock up your expandable and cut to fit. Do the same on the other leg. Next, cut your expandable so that it fits the waistline, and sew at the crown of your underwear and lock it.

Now you are ready to make your dress. To start you want to link the line of stitching at the shoulder and the bodice at the front and extend to the bodice at the back region. At the fold lines, press the middle of the back. Now you can measure the edges of the neck, including the neckline at the front and the back center and so on. Now you can cut your narrowed edges of lace to fit your doll after doubling your measurements achieved.

Next, pull your thread up to meet the top of your lace and gather it so that it fits the neck and the back centers. The ends should fold before you doppelganger your lace and begin stitching the lace about the neck on the seam lines. Keep the opposite free. The right facing side should be brought up to bodice on the right and the seams at the shoulder should match. Start sewing near the neckline and then stitch the row prior, starting at the middle back. Continue to the around the doll to the middle back. Next, cut about the neckline, turn it so that it angles at the right facing outward, and then press your garment.

Time in a Capsule Scrapbooks and Craft

How to create a time capsule

Scrapbooks are fun and tell a story about the characters preserved in its content. Scrapbooks can include photos, journals, letters, report cards, certificates, stories, books, handprints, footprints, college papers and more.

Each detail that goes in your scrapbook will leave you a lasting memory. When you create the time capsule scrapbooks, you invent seals, history, and preserve time as a whole. Time capsules can include photographs, clothes, hand/feet prints, CDs, names, weight, height, and more. For instance, you can make up a scrapbook that records your baby’s first step and up until this very moment. You can add a journal, photos, prints, etc to set off your design.

How to start your time capsule:
You will need a container to seal your items. You will pictures and members of your family and friends along with the items they want to add to your scrapbook. Make a lit that includes your items, photos, family names, etc. Once you collect your details, close your container, label it, and add the date you started. Include the date you intend to begin your scrapbook.

If you have newspaper clippings including recorded events, add them to your scrapbook. You can trace your children’s feet, hands, etc, and add them to your scrapbook as well. You may want to craft a favorite page so that everyone knows your children’s, yours, spouse, or friends’ particular items of interest.

If you have parts of clothing that brings up memories, add them to your scrapbook. CDs make up great memories in scrapbooks as well, especially if the dates are marked. Photos will tell a story about you, your family, friends, etc. Try to organize the photos so that the storybook comes together.

If you have goals set, you may want to add them to your scrapbook as well. The memos will serve as a reminder.

Graduation articles will make a good time capsule for your scrapbook. You can add photos, graduation gown articles and more. Don’t forget to add dates, names, locations, etc so that you have something to remember for a long time to come.

If you wrote a short story, you may want to add it to your time capsule. I had started writing short stories when I was thirteen and would give anything if I would have preserved the copies in my own time capsule. The success we achieve is something to remember for a lifetime, therefore adding stories is giving you a moment to remember.

Some people add locks of hair to their scrapbook. The hair is a reminder of the person they love. In addition, the hair represents a special moment in history.

If you received a special rose from a loved one, or friend you may want to add the flower to your scrapbook. You will need a dried, pressed flower and glue to your page. Add the flower to bring your theme come together. That is if you create a garden page; add the flower in this section. Better yet, if you created a page of your loved one, friend, especially the one that gave you the flower, add it to this section.

If someone in your home is an artist, perhaps you can make a special page for this person. Use the arts drawn and mount them to a page in your scrapbook. Your friends and family will appreciate this special moment, since art says a thousand words.

In all you can add nearly anything you choose to your scrapbook and go back in time in your capsule as you choose. The main idea is using common sense when crafting your scrapbook so that you do not invent bulky pages.

How to Seam Allowances in Quilt Craft

As we mentioned in the previous works, you can learn a few helpful tips in stitching seams. In addition, you can learn tips in seam allowances, as well as appliqué. Appliqué is the progression of using fabric or pieces and sewing them onto fabric. You sow the shaped pieces of the fabric onto your groundwork to shape a pattern or design. The appliqué steps include the machine and hand sewn styles. In short, you can use the steps to work through hand-sewn quilts, or machine made. Don’t forget to learn more about needles, thimbles, thread, etc before you get started, so that you choose the best brands to complete your quilt.

You will need to stitch your pieces of fabric into the background. First, however you will need to prime the edges of your fabric pieces, or appliqué if you will. Turn the ¼-inch “seam allowance” under the appliqué and stitch so that it meets with your backdrop. If you want to create a quilt in less time, try the “fusible webbing appliqué” style.

The style of appliqué we are discussing now is the simple design. You have advantages with this strategy, since the seams and stitches will not show on the top of your quilt. The appliqué” will hang in the back of the quilt as well, which creates a stunning design.

The key to making the appliqué is to learning turning steps to bring your seam allowances under your garment. You can use templates to create your patterns. You will need to start by cutting your appliqué shape out and shaping it side by side the lines you have marked. If you haven’t learn how to cut and mark visit your library, or go online to find helpful tips. You will need to cut ¼ inch per shape. If you template has a solid row at the outer lines and a dash within the lines, then you are working in harmony with your template and quilt.

Once you cut, the shapes turn the seam allowance under. You can do this by turning and basting, using glue stick, or freezing your paper. If your seam allowances are not flat at the curves, turn the seams in and around the curvatures to the upturned points.

Once you finish turn the seams or shapes at the corner, turning it up so that it meets the first point. Turn your seam allowances up and you are finished. It doesn’t matter which side you turn the last seams up.

How to the turning and basting appliqué works:
This is one of the protracted tactics used in quilting. However, you can advance. You want to start by tracing your appliqué, cut it to shape, and work around the seam allowances, turning the seams to the left side. You may need to clip the upturned points and the curvatures. Use your hand to bast the folds. You will need needle and thread, pulling the thread through the needle and stitch 1/8 inch of your shape. Work your stitch to the folds at the edges. You will need to finish by stitching the background so that it meets your appliqué. Now, remove your thread and you are prepared to start the appliqué process.

Once you start the appliqué, you can move to the freezing paper style. This style makes room for easy quilting. The finishing touches will even and smooth out, making you are grand quilt.

Freezing paper in quilters’ term is “Freezer paper.” You know the type of paper you purchase at your local grocery, and use to store your meet in the freezer. You can also use other types of paper, such as the English.

How to Craft Basket Flowers

We have walked through the steps of creating the May basket, now it is time to craft your flowers. We have added handles, basket, etc, to your quilt, which at this time you should have created six blocks to make your basket.

How to create flowers:
We are quilting flowers. On the left side of your fabric, you will have invented pink squares. You can trace your pattern to start your project. Trace at least one flower (Choice), use your outside solid lines, and repeat your steps to create the foliage, or leaves. Use the variety of green patterns and use the yellow narrow pieces to create the center of your flower.

You can design roses if you like. Use a variety of greens, red, pink, white, etc, if you intend to create roses and petals. Along the lines, you have marked, cut the fabric strips sewn onto your fabric, the shaped patterns that form your design, cutting only near the lines. Use freezer paper and turn it over so that you reveal the side that does not have a shine. You want to create a starting line for the six centers of your flowers, and the flowers also. Once you mark the 12 parts, mark the leaves (12), marking them inside the dash lines. Now you are ready to cut your shapes.

You will need an iron and board. Use your hot press, or iron to press the flowers on your paper, pressing in the middle of your flowers on the left side and in the middle. You want the glossy paper turned in the direction of your fabric flower at this point. Do the same with the center of the flowers and foliage.

Next, collect your yellow filament/thread and tone it with the center of your flower. If the colors do not match, try another shade of yellow. Run lines of stitches into your cloth, which encloses the ring of the freezer paper. You want to congregate your material around this ring, so pull your filament up at the end. Now, tie your thread, press the ring, and use your starch bottle, spraying the region. Do the same for the center of your flowers.

Next, use your variety of green filaments that match your leaves and collect the allowances at the seam. (1/4 inch) Collect around the foliage and streamlines of stitches along your fabric, about the enclosed region of your ring that is designed on the freezer paper. You want to collect your textile about the ring. Pull your filament/thread up at the finish and tie it, pressing the ring. Again, spray with starch.

When you congregate your allowances at the flower seams, snip the inner points of the flower corolla/petals where the flower collectively forms a ring. You will need to collect your thread that matches the color of your petals, such as pink. Just as you collected the edges of your leaves, do the same for your corollas. Once you finish running stitch lines in your fabric, which you have enclosed freezer paper about the ring, you will need to gather your material about the ring. Next, pull your strands of thread up at the finish. Next, bind your filament and then press the ring. Press, and spray the region with fabric starch. Now seam your allowances, i.e. snip the central points of the leaves, flower center, etc where the flower collectively forms a ring. Press and starch to complete your crafting task:

Now you are ready to assemble the top of your quilt. After you assemble, you can move to finish your craft.

Get a Hobby Kit and Learn Something New

If you are tired of the ho-hum of life and would like to branch out a little, maybe you should get a hobby kit. Many different hobbies have kits that can help a beginner learn about the hobby quickly and easily. It is not easy to teach yourself some hobbies, but with a hobby kit, you can learn from the kit.

For instance, if you have been wanting to learn how to do a needlecraft, such as cross stitch or crewel embroidery, there is no better way to start than with a kit. In a hobby kit, you will receive a piece of cloth with the design already stamped on, yarn or floss in the proper colors and possibly already cut to the proper lengths, and a needle. You may even get an embroidery hoop in the kit. When you buy a hobby kit, be sure to read on the package to see if any other materials or tools will be needed to do the hobby.

A hobby kit is also the best way to learn a hobby like building model cars. In a model car kit, you will get all the pieces you need and detailed instructions. In some kits, you might also receive paint, a brush, and glue, but read the label. You might have to provide these things separately.

When choosing Christmas or birthday gifts for a young person, consider a hobby kit, such as a candle-making kit or a rock tumbling kit. In the fall, the stores are full of kits that could start a kid on a hobby that would last throughout his life. You can find small weaving loom kits, glycerine soap making kits, bead craft kits, wood-burning kits, and art kits. There is a line of colorful books put out by the Klutz company that each gives instruction in a hobby and has a packet of materials for learning the hobby. Some of the topics Klutz books cover are polymer clay modeling, hair styling, and pompon creations. They are all cleverly written and lots of fun.

Another hobby that can be learned from a kit is starting garden seedlings, especially herbs. A seed starting kit typically contains a pot, a small trowel, seeds, fertilizer, and a greenhouse dome or cover. Potting soil may need to be purchased separately.

When choosing a hobby kit, be careful to get one that is appropriate for the recipient. Sometimes a hobby kit is quite challenging. An example of a difficult project is an electronics kit for wiring one's own radio. If a kit is a gift for a child and it is too hard, it will wind up gathering dust on some shelf. In fact, it might gather dust even if you buy it for yourself! Consider getting a smaller project that you can finish in a short time so you can get a feel for the hobby. The next hobby kit you buy can be harder if you find that you enjoy the hobby and have a real desire to learn more about it.

For Recreation, Sports Collecting is a Great Hobby

In this fast-paced, stressful age we live in, everyone needs a little recreation. Sports collecting is a hobby that can fill your spare minutes with interest and offer a diversion to the everyday grind. Sports collecting takes many forms depending on the person who is pursuing the hobby. Many people choose to collect memorabilia from their favorite professional teams, but others collect items related to golf, fishing, and other recreation sports. Collecting requires a certain amount of space, but collectors are creative about finding ways to display their collectibles.

If you have a favorite pro team or two there are many items you can collect related to those teams. For instance, you can create scrapbooks in which you save clippings about exciting games, favorite players, and special interviews. You can keep ticket stubs and photographs in your scrapbook, too. Other items, however, won't fit into a scrapbook, such as a game ball, team jersey, or a team's annual yearbook. These items will need other storage. There are stands for special balls, and jerseys look great hanging on a hanger on the wall.

You might like to collect souvenir items from all types of sports. Most professional teams sell small metal pins with their insignia on them. Pin collecting is a widely practiced hobby, and sports teams are one of the hottest types of collectible pins, as are those commemorating the Olympics. Another option for sports collecting is to collect antique sports equipment. Vintage baseball gloves are an example of this type of collectible.

Baseball cards have long been a source of recreation. Sports collecting enthusiasts have collected baseball cards, football cards, and basketball cards for many years, although baseball cards were the first. This is such a popular hobby that some cards are worth a lot of money, such as a rookie card of a player like Willie Mays.

Other collectors like to accumulate things that illustrate their favorite recreation sports. Collecting items decorated with fish, horses, or golfers are examples of these types of collections. For instance, if you enjoy hunting with dogs, you can decorate your home in a hunting dog theme. There are throw pillows printed with handsome hunting dogs, as well as with the game they help you find. You may find lamps that have a hunting dog as the base. You can even have curtains made from hunting dog printed material! The same can be done around the theme of golf, horseback riding, whether western or eastern, bass fishing, sailboats, and other popular recreation sports. Collecting is a hobby that offers many options!

Returning to the Simple Joys of Home and Hobby

In the past decades, many mothers have made the decision to pursue careers, but that trend seems to be changing. Home and hobby are calling to these women, who are willing to make financial and personal sacrifices in order to be the primary caregivers for their small children. Many women have returned to being keepers at home, and hobby skills can help them meet the financial challenges of being a one income family.

One hobby that helps the mother at home is cooking. Though it could be considered work, cooking and baking are fascinating hobbies. One can explore the cuisine of different countries or learn to create gourmet treats. Baking can yield wholesome whole grain products that nourish the family for a fraction of the cost of loaves bought at the store.

Another home and hobby skill that comes in handy is sewing on a sewing machine. Many homemakers are producing quilts that are works of art. These beautiful offerings can be made inexpensively by recycling unwanted fabrics into squares and other shapes and artistically arranging the pieces. Other sewing skills that are useful for the stay-at-home-mom are mending, altering, and creating clothing. When polled about favorite pastimes, women often rank sewing at the top.

Some moms and their husbands actively work on remodeling their home, and hobby carpentry skills come in handy. One income families hold down the cost of living by learning to "do it yourself," a term that is used so much it has been shortened into "diy." The Internet has made it possible to find information on making all sorts of repairs and renovations to homes, furnishings and other belongings.

Gardening is a hobby that not only gets the participant close to nature, but also can put high quality produce on the family table. Some families are even investing in hobby greenhouses or growing enough extra to sell a bit each week at farmers' markets. A good practical hobby like growing a garden gives a person a sense of accomplishment when they realize their efforts have created something useful and profitable.

The homemaking parent that has a sense of art can inexpensively create harmony and beauty around the house, raising everyone's standard of living. It doesn't have to involve spending any money. Perhaps she can arrange dried wild flowers beautifully or create simple hand-lettered wall mottoes that lift everyone's spirits.

Yes, home and hobby call to the women of today, suggesting a simpler way of life closer to those people and things that matter most. While the career women are truly making an important impact on today's world, the quiet return of many to home and hobby may result in more impact than any of us realizes.

Golf Holidays to Get Away From It All

If you have been working too hard for too long and just need to get away and play some golf, you will want to check out golf holidays package vacations from your travel agent. These travel arrangements are often referred to as "stay and play" plans because you stay at a certain hotel and receive rights to play at a certain golf course while you are there. When making these arrangements, make sure there are not special requirements that will make playing inconvenient or impossible for you. Some of these plans require you to limit your arrival dates and departure dates or have other unacceptable limits so read the fine print.

You can take golf holidays to all sorts of locations depending on your personality and desires. For instance, you can choose to golf in a course located near or in a major city, taking in museums or theatres when not golfing. Or you might choose to visit a golf course in an area of rugged natural beauty such as the mountains. While there, you might take a day to fish instead of golf. Whatever your needs, you can find golf holidays packages to meet your needs.

Are you going to take your own golf clubs with you when you travel on golf holidays? You probably would prefer to use them rather than the clubs that can be rented at the course to which you are travelling. If you choose to take them with you, you will need to think about the arrangements a bit. For instance, do you have a really high quality golf club bag which will protect those expensive golf clubs. If not, you'd better get one. You won't be able to carry your clubs on if you are flying, so you'll need a bag that can take airport luggage handling and still protect your clubs. So get a good one.

When picking a destination for golf holidays, pick the course you wish to play on first, and then find out about lodging at hotels, resorts, or stay and play package plans. Make sure the tee times that are set for you when choosing a stay and play package are going to work for you. People who are staying at a golf course's own resort generally get first serve when choosing tee times. If it's really important to you to get the tee time you desire, it may be worth it to you to stay at the resort instead of a less expensive hotel. Either way, you are sure to find refreshment and restoration when taking golf holidays.

Island Holidays: Salt Spray Getaways

There is just something about the ocean breeze and salt spray that makes a holiday on an island something you won't soon forget. Because islands can be found in every ocean and near every continent, island holidays can vary widely. You can lay on a beach or watch whales, study botany or shop native craft stalls. It's all up to you when you plan your island holidays.

North American islands include the Canadian east coast islands of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Island holidays to these areas will be filled with unspoiled natural beauty, cool, comfortable temperatures, and whale watching expeditions.

South of these regions is the little island of Bermuda off the eastern U.S. coast. Bermuda is surrounded with hundreds of square miles of reef formations, making snorkeling an interesting activity there. For the less adventurous, you can ride around in a glass bottom boat and view the beautiful undersea world.

Heading on south, we find the Carribean islands. These have long been popular spots for tourists. Here the beaches are white and sandy and the weather is very warm. Up in the interior of these islands, you can find a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Barbados, the Virgin Islands, and many other spots make lovely island holidays. Each island has it's own unique flavor and feel.

Europe has islands of all types nearby which make great spots for island holidays. Visit the isles of Greece and you will see clear seas, quiet beaches, olive groves, and the simple life. Corfu is the choice of those who like up-to-date restaurants and shopping, while Lefkas is popular with wind-surfers and sailors. The Portuguese island of Madeira boasts beautiful weather and one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The Canary Islands, off the coast of Spain, are a popular tourist spot for Europeans.

A new trend in island holidays is eco-tourism. This is traveling in such a way that neither the earth nor the local people you are visiting is harmed in any way. People who are drawn to eco-tourism may enjoy bird-watching, hiking, and other island activities that do not leave an impact on the area.

Everybody dreams of taking island holidays. There are islands all over the world, each offering it's own cultural experience and natural wonders. Many spots for island holidays are still unspoiled and secluded, while others are lively and exciting. Island holidays offer a real diversion from your everyday life.

Family Holidays: Tips for Peace and Harmony

What do you like to do on family holidays? Go to the beach or spend a week in the country? Maybe you like camping or visiting relatives. Whatever you enjoy, family holidays are a chance for everyone in the family to get reacquainted and spend quality time together. It's a chance for parents to really talk with their teens and find out what's going on in their lives. It's important to keep the communication lines open, and a family holiday is a good time to do that. Having a good relationship with their parents is one of the most important factors in keeping teens out of trouble.

Studies have shown that when families take holidays together, they are more likely to eat together and are less likely to argue. They do not watch as much television because they are involved in doing things together. Kids even report that their parents seem to act differently while on holiday.

While family holidays are a good time to connect with your kids, communication problems that are already there will not automatically disappear. Especially with teenagers it is important to listen and be flexible. Find out what the kids would like to do and eat and plan accordingly. While even teenagers need boundaries, it is important for parents to try to avoid needless confrontation. Explain why you make the decisions you do and show them positive attention.

Kids will appreciate being included in travel plans. There's a good chance they will choose a theme park or the beach if those are among the options. Sometimes it works well for a teenager to take a special friend along on family holidays. While this might increase the parents' load, the teen is likely to really appreciate it. Also, sometimes it works well for kids to go on holidays with their grandparents instead of their parents. Sometimes there is a special relationship here that can help kids open up and communicate about their concerns.

While on family holidays, if teens are uncooperative or behave improperly, try to deal with the problem in private. Teens are very aware of embarrassmant and it is needlessly mean to exploit this sensitivity. In fact, you might explain to the kids how their behavior embarrasses you, and they in turn might work harder at getting along and acting appropriately.

Kids will be happier on family vacations if they have snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Few kids enjoy a long ride in the car! Try to provide individual CD players or hand-held video games, and don't forget to take plenty of bathroom stops. Sometimes kids enjoy the ride more if they can help you follow the map. This is an educational activity for them as well. By following these suggestions, your family holidays can make a happy memory.

How to Craft a Smock

Smocks are fun; rather making the bodice of a porcelain dress is an adventure that leads to joy. To get started however you will need to consider design.

How to choose design your smock:
In the first row, you will need to knit stitch your design into the 799 DMC. The stitching process is the cable stitches, which you knit to produce patterns that resemble twisted ropes.

The second one and a quarter line requires the baby waves stitched over another ½ line followed by another 1 ¾ baby waves over another ½ line, which should form the shape of a diamond with an additional line at 1 ¼. The following line should be two ½-baby waves over another ½ line and continue to the next line at three ¼-baby waves moving to the other side at ½ line into another diamond shape and a line at 2 3/4. Finish with a 4-line cable stitch.

Next, you will collect the top of your dress to the seams of the shoulder at the back and front yokes and complete the seams by crisscross stitching and pressing the bodice at the back and on the folded line. If you want easy attachment of your pattern to the collar, you will need to trim the piping. Next, begin sewing your piping to the other side of the collars and a the untreated edges.

TIP: Use greaseproof paper and place it beneath the collars to continue stitching with ease.

Once the piping and the collars are collected at the area of your facing collar, attach side by side to the right and use stitch pips to finish the following lines. Next, cut the seams and then trim around the collars. Press after you turn your seams to the right. You want to mark the front center yoke and make a line, marking it so that it aligns with the back of your bodice. Pin your collars so that it is placed with the neck and join with the front center. Once you place your area, begin sewing about the garment’s edge and around the neck toward the center of the back whilst leaving the facing liberal.

Continue:
Bring the facing on to the other side and join it so that it collects with the seams of the shoulders and the front center. Now stitch about the garment’s edge and around the neck the same as you did on the prior stitch. Cut, and press after you turn your garment on the right angle. Now, stitch pip so as to, cross the right region and the yoke at the front on your seam lines. The facing should be liberal. The front smock area is now ready for you to complete.

To complete the smock you will need materials. You will need 28 inches of light tone and plain-woven soft, smooth fabric made up of linen or cotton. You will need to choose a small pip, a few long, narrow buttons, size 50 cotton thread broder, embroidery thread, and so on. Once you have your materials make your pattern and cut two frontal yokes, dual fold yokes for the back, sleeves, bands, collars, (4) rear waistline, band for leg, and 1 front and back segment for pant fold. Next, use starch and spray your fabric. To attach your pips use the zipper or pip foot.

You will need to finish your smock starting with your plate, front smock section and fitting the yoke at the front. Once the yoke is fitted you can join yokes and keep the pips near the first row, you will need to knit stitch your design into the 799 DMC at this time and finish your design.

How to Craft a Lively Scrapbook

Crafting a lively scrapbook is a fun task, and can be accomplished with minimal supplies and cash. Scrapbooks are a storybook combined with pictures, embellishments, documents, and more. Each step you take to living up your scrapbook will tell an amazing story to the audience enjoying your creation. The photos say a thousand words alone, yet if you add background, stationary, patterns, lettering, titles, captions, stickers, etc, you can living it up even more to present an outstanding story.

Penmanship is important. If you need help with penmanship, you may want to create your own letters from scraps, such as patterns or stationary. When you create a scrapbook, you want compelling messages, lettering, journals, pictures, and more. You will need a genealogy to start telling the story of your family and their history. Next, you will need pens, paper, letterheads, stickers, etc, to finish your story. You will find archival pens in a variety of styles, colors, etc.

Pens available to create lively scrapbooks include permanent markers/pens, waterproof, non-toxic, fade-resistance, non-bleeding, quick dry, and pigment ink. Black, felt-tip pens are great also, yet you want to be careful not to apply too much pressure when writing. You want to avoid the acid-based pens, markers, etc. Search for the CK OK and P.A.T. approved pens in the craft stores.

How choose pens for writing lettering and journals:
If you choose, the felt-pens make sure that you understand the point size. The sizes range from .005 to .08-mm, depending on the style.

If you want to invent a fancy scrapbook check out the line of inscription pens. The pens are designed to handle captions, titles, etc. The pen tips have broad, flat tips and when used at a “45-degree” slant you can create beautiful letters. Practice first before using the pen if you are not use to calligraphy styles.

When creating borders, captions, or titles for your scrapbook you can use the Zig writers also. The pens were designed by expert crafters, or manufacturers that specialize in scrap booking. You will find the “Zig Memory” Systems, etc. “EK Success” is the creators of these pens, which include the Zig Writers, Calligraphy, scroll tips, fine tips, dense markers, brush pens, and the bullet pens. You have a selection of colors to choose from.

Additional pens include the chisel, colored pens, pencils, and the goof-proof rollers, which are gel based. Chisel comes in a variety of sizes, colors, etc, and will offer you versatile lettering. Scroll is designed to the handle sophisticated letters. The pen is called “Scroll and Brush. If you are familiar with computer fonts, perhaps the closest font to the scroll pens is the CASTELLAR font.

In addition to pens, you can purchase the craft paint pens. You will find a variety of colors and pen-tip sizes are craft stores, online, stationary stores, and more. The gel-based pens are similar to paint pens. In the line of pens, you will find lightning, milky, and more. The pens are ideal for writing journals.

Color pens enable you to color in areas of your scrapbook to produce a nice looking design. You can use the color pens also to draw your own pictures and more. Colored pencils are ideal for designing titles, lettering, captions, etc. The pencils come in a variety of colors. Some of the popular craft brands include Berol Prsima, and the Zig brands.

TIP: When using paint pens make sure that you apply adequate pressure without over doing it. To create letters, i.e. fancy letters large or small use the double “fine n’ chisels.

How to Craft a Garden Scrapbook

Garden scrapbooks can present a natural feeling when the audience is reading your storybook. Flowers are one of the popular natural-based elements that many people cherish. You can store flowers in a scrapbook to craft a garden style creation. To start you will need a dried flower. Compress the flower placing it into your scrapbook pocket, such as the memorabilia. Next, glue, tape, etc, the flower so that it is sticking on the page securely. You may have seen flowers preserved in bibles. The process in scrapbooks is similar, only you want to stick the flowers so that it does not fall out.

How to craft flowers for scrap booking:
You can use corsages, bouquets, or the colored part of the flower to craft your garden scrapbook. The compressed and dried flowers should be in a straight line, added to your scrapbook page, and smoothly seated near your photographs.

Your dry flowers and compressed flowers should be laminated. Use Xyron, or any acid-free product to laminate your flowers.

During the fall is the best time to pluck materials to make up a garden scrapbook. As you make up your garden scrapbook consider title page, captions, journal, lettering, photos, plant species, headings and more.


If you are adding fall leaves to your scrapbook, you may want to visit a copy shop. You will need to place the leaves in a sealed container when transferring the leaves. The leaves with depreciate over time if you fail to follow instructions. You can add the leaves at your title page to start your garden scrapbook.

If you are making up a scrapbook to present your garden, snap a few pictures and make up a blueprint. The blueprint should include each detail of your garden. Following, you can add a journal to let your friends and family know how you invented your garden.

When to take photos:
Spring, summer, winter, and fall is the best time to take photos of your garden. Each season provides you a variety of colors, shades, texture, blooms, etc. Once you snap the shots add them to your garden scrapbook.

If you want to get created you can cut, paste, and add extras to your scrapbook, i.e. cut magazine clips based on your garden theme and add them to your scrapbook. Also, you can add tips beside your pictures to help your family and friend learn.

During the seasons, you want to document your gardens activities as well as your own to create a genealogy, and history of your scrapbook. Record detail specifics to help your audience learn from your efforts. During the summer record, the blooms so that when winter comes you can look back on your success. When the blooms start to grow, you may want to snap photos so that you can add to your scrapbook. Try crafting your scrapbook in a chronological order so that your book tells the story you want to portray to the audience.

Some people add special rocks to their scrapbook. If you decide to add, rocks try to find the small, flat rocks. The thicker, bulk rocks will only interrupt your scrapbook.

Flowers are beautiful inside scrapbooks. The flowers that set off garden scrapbooks include roses of all colors, daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and so on. Still, if you add flowers to your scrapbook you want to use petals that harmonize with your theme. For instance, if you are crafting a summer page, then use colorful flower copies. If you are crafting a fall theme, then use the flowers that flow in harmony with your theme.

How to Craft a Bonnet

To create a porcelain doll bonnet, first determine the size of your doll head. Once you have the size you will need materials. You can use wire to mould your bonnet if it is less than 10 inches. You can use any type of material you choose to make your bonnet, including batiste.

The materials you will need are 6 inches of fabric (white), such as the batiste. You will need a couple of edge laces, say around 2 ½ yards and ½ inches of lace edge. Gather 36 inches of smooth craft wire. You will need 28 inches of dual side rayon fabric, such as satin ribbons and a set of wire cutters, and pliers with a long muzzle. Once you gather your materials, you can start your methods in creating your bonnet.

You will need art paper to create your patterns. Once you finish you will carve two sou’ westers: (i.e. bonnets) you should have two rows of lace, which one is on top and the other. Once you have your patterns make a wavy edge forming the scallop near the lace edge and continue to the middle of your bonnet. Stitch together the right side and form a straight-line stitch to lace the edges in order and to connect to the edges of the neck and the edges at the top. To show lace when the bonnet is turned, the lace should jut out over your seams at the finish of your hat.

Now, use your lining and place it over your sou’ wester and begin stitching it collectively over the prior stitch lines to the edges of the neck and edge of the crown. Leave open your ends, turn your bonnet at the inner recesses, and out so that the lace shows at the crown edges and neck, and then press.

Use your pattern and stitch along the lines. You want to create a cover for the wire. Next, sew one more edge of lace underneath the hat on the left side and continue to the right. Stitch in the direction of your line and cover near the edges of your crown. Stitch your wavy lines at the crown into the lace and continue to the outer edges.

Now you will need to cut the ends of your hat. Use your wire cutters and cut along the lines of your wire so that it fits 11 inches of the edges of your crown. The last edge of your crown will need 8 ½ inches of wire. The center should be 7 ½ inches and the edges of the neck should be 7 inches. About ¼ inch, curve the ends of your wire. Next, weave your wire into the covers evenly at one finish of your untreated edges. Bend the wire ¼ inch with your pliers and another quarter over until the wire is secured. Pull up your fabric at the edges of the crown, including the other crown edge and add your wire to the center and at the edges of the neck wire.

The wire will extend to the other finish area, which you will need to trim the curved ends once you check to make sure that the area is balance. You want to avoid allowing the wire to ride to the cover. Next, bend the wires ¼ inch twice and secure your ends. You want to even your decorative fabric edgings, which once your bonnet is completed you can trim your ribbon, creating dual 14 inch lengthwise cuts and fix your ribbon to the side of the hat. If you would like additional designs, such as the rose-shaped badge (Rosette) you will need to use rose grubs and embroider them onto the ribbons.