LindaPermann

thanks sqeetqueen55! I'm glad you like it. And congratulations on your forthcoming wedding.

French pea- I'm sorry the sizing was off, and not sure how to fix that. You could trace a bib you have to use as the pattern, or, draw a curve that takes up about 3/4 of a 8.5 x 11" piece of paper, then place 1/2 of a CD about 3" down from the top of your curve and use that as a neck opening. That should give you a "close enough" bib. Or, you could enlarge the one you printed till it looks about right.

hah! that's ok- you can always decrease the number of stitches to start off with too (I've been making more- with an H hook but only 19 sts to start- could probably even go to 17). I like the bigger size for scrubbing the counters, though!

brownbabe96- you should be able to get fleece at any major chain fabric store (joann's, hancock fabrics, maybe hobby lobby). good luck!

chips48- I recommend you actually get a blocking board then, it should be big enough for doilies. They have small ones at Joann's and the like (they are in the quilting section at mine-- not the same as the notions aisle, but over by the fabric). You could also get a big one like this: http://www.patternworks.com/productdetail/900020.htm--seems pricey, but if you are going to use it over and over then it's worth it.

I've also been known to use my ironing board, or a towel on top of the carpet (if carpet can be pinned into-- make sure the towel is clean). There are more suggestions here: http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2008/12/03/what-to-use-for-a-blocking-board-if-you-don-t-have-one.aspx (be sure to read through comments).

Hi All-
Thanks so much for your nice comments- I'm glad you're having fun with this pattern. I need to crochet a second one myself!

Hi Nancy-
Yes, it's completely fine to link to this tutorial.
Cheers,
Linda

Sure- as I mentioned, I got it at Bake it Pretty (here's the set: http://www.bakeitpretty.com/item_181/Snow-White-7-Gnomes.htm). Have fun!

Very cool Cal! I'm looking forward to your book, and I'll probably whip up this hat in the meantime.

Maureclaire- thank you. You can always find me on my personal blog: http://www.lindamade.com/wordpress.

Valady- make as many as you like! I'd love to see a picture if you end up making one (or several). Have fun training your pup!

Thanks Vicky- it's nice to see all of these! There are a couple more on Ravelry here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reversible-swiffer-sock-2/people for those of you who are on the site. I'd love to see more!

thanks kayte-- that is a great idea too. i didn't want to cut up the doily that was inspiration b/c my grandma made it, but would do so with non sentimental doilies for sure. you could even dye them different colors for fun.

what a great idea!

literarytrvlr- I just clicked the link and it works. I'm not sure what the problem could be, but the link is still valid.

Haha akaRosella, trust me, I know the feeling!!

nice!!

thanks everyone. I love sharing our neighbors' clothesline!

i have always wanted to try this and have yet to do so. Thanks for reminding me!

nice!! the loops help to grab things, so I wouldn't worry too much about tightening it.

The template has been fixed! Thanks for making me aware of the problem.

MeredithP-- shoot-- I'm sorry about the template. I'm going to make it a pdf and get a better link up there. The actual template should take up the better part of the length of a regular 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (and then you still need to add 2" in the middle. I like my bibs nice and big so the kid can wear them for a while! I'll post again when the template is updated.

My friend made me this for my bday this year- and it really does make my skin soft! (Also, it really does leave an oil slick, so take Jenn's advice about cleaning the tub).

KnitPicker: here's a knit swiffer patter you can try: http://greenmountainmama.blogspot.com/2007/09/swiffer-cozy-pattern.html.
You can also do a google search to turn up more patterns (sewn, knit, or whatever your craft). Or you could learn to crochet!

thanks rainbowridgegrma! i'm glad you like them!

cute- it reminds me of a peppermint swirl! i like the added loop for hanging, too.

JennCarney- I'd love to see a pic of the finished sock when you have time.

For the mitt, why not just make a foundation chain the same length (or slightly longer) than your hand, then crochet the piece to be slightly wider than your hand. Make 2 of those pieces, sew or crochet them together around 2 long and one short side, and add a sc cuff around the open side (by making a sc in each stitch around, then working even until it's an inch or two long). It shouldn't be too hard. Let us know if you give it a try.

MaeveQ- the he download is available right here: http://www.craftypod.com/making-a-great-blog-the-ebook/

congrats Diane!

Jen1964- If you are really concerned about washing it with your things, you can save it for your load of rags/bathmats/etc. I've replaced paper towels with rags in our house and they add up at a decent rate. You can also get a really good amount of the dirt off by just brushing it off over the trashcan so that you don't have to wash it *every* time (you can wear a dust mask and use gloves if you have allergies).

SewHappy56- There are no instructions online, but if you look through these comments and play around with it you should be able to figure out a pretty good technique. I bet kids would love this project.

thanks for sharing! i like the way the variegated yarn makes it's own color pattern so you didn't even need to switch colors. nice work.

awesome- I'm glad some of you have already had the chance to make one. I'd love to see photos if you have the means to upload them. :)

whoa, this is amazing Diane! especially when you keep color in mind as you place them!

I bet these would look pretty with colored water (to show off the etching)-- simple and cute idea, Kayte!

thanks all! i was dorkily excited about this one too! if you make one, i'd love to see it.

Annie- you might try your local yarn shop (if you have one)-- mine sells the blue cushion handles. They do seem to be a hard to find item!

craftybear- you can try the link i listed for other free tawashi patterns, or check ravelry.com. I hope you'll share your results with us!

this is really cute- i especially love the little rounded tabs on the border.

adorable!

thanks! and Joannie_N- I'm glad you already had a chance to use it. And yes, for anyone who wants to make a smaller version, just subtract some of the double crochets on each row (for instance, do only 6 dc/row).

cicilylaneknits- wow, that's great! You can also tell her that people rave about HCW as far north as Bozeman MT (in my local yarn shop). I really do love the selection at her store!

thanks ladies! i'd love to see yours if you do end up making one. :)

and vicki- i love the craft yarn!

AprilValentine-
I agree, you need to make the holes first. You can find teensy hole punches at most craft stores, which would probably be the easiest or you could also use a needle to pre-pierce the holes. I even think you could glue the zipper to the bottle, although you might want to add a trim on the outside to hide whatever the glue looks like through the bottle.

how about friends who don't want to take a craft class you're teaching because you could just teach them for free? sigh.

these are really cute!

thanks ladies!

i finally had a chance to listen--great job, michaela! can't wait to read your memoirs :)

this is great! plus i was just wondering what the heck to make out of euroflax, and this is quite a nifty idea!

lovely and amazing! the idea of using the design on the fabric is brilliant, and that flower---WOW! you have such excellent craftsmanship, go erika!

as i noted on your blog, amazing! yay, and thanks for posting it here.

avocadooo-- I don't mind at all if you want to make and sell these. It would be nice if you credit the design on the tag or in the listing, but other than that, have at it!

5andDime- I'd say no to the wax paper- I think the clay might stick (and definitely don't use it in the oven).

As far as shank buttons go, I think you could easily make a little shank and attach it to the back. Any poked holes should stay open during baking.

redheadforpeace- i bought a bunch (BUNCH!) of buttons from a woman on etsy and these were tossed in the mix- they were actually the ones i was least excited about! you can try joanns or michaels- they usually have colorful plastic buttons in very similar sizes sold in small bags for $2 or so. you can also try ebay, etsy, or go scouting at garage sales. I think mine were basically a bunch of shirt buttons saved up over the years.

shellyc- i totally understand-- they are so addictive! i was just thinking about going to stock up on more clothesline this week.... not that i need any more bowls.

very cute! i love both the plaid and the polka dots.

Wow Erika, you are insane! (In a good way!) The pillow is beautiful and I'm so glad you took the time to make it.

Jennifer- that is a great tip! Thanks for sharing it.

Thanks ladies! There are sooooo many possibilities and I have barely scratched the surface here, so I hope you'll have fun experimenting. If you want to get some more ideas for shapes and methods of working, check out your local library- mine was stocked with books on polymer clay.

they are so addictive! this came out really well for a first try--it only gets easier from here.

it looks great! thanks for posting it!

exactly! give it a shot- the only way to get started is to, well, get started. i think it's a great way to use up scraps in an artful manner.

thanks again everyone!
phreec- you could certainly try felt or cork, although then (at least with felt) you could just sew the buttons directly to it. I guess I am thinking more decoratively (a glass of wine, for instance, usually does not sweat). but go for it!

as for the bowl- it was made with a sturdy thread (I think the buttons were larger and therefore had larger holes), you could also try elastic. Wire might be too pesky to work with, but it's worth a shot.

reliker- well, i figured someone was bound to comment either way on whether or not hot drinks would melt the buttons (and i can't be sure what kind of buttons everyone will use), so I just wanted to cover my bases. Feel free to experiment with your next cup of tea.

Jeffrey- thanks for the comment- a huge compliment coming from you! I do have an itch to make a complete set now, if only for the fun of connecting all of the buttons.

thanks y'all. thelongthread- i want to see your button tablecloth/rug/house if you end up making it :)

cute! kayte, seeing this makes me miss seeing you in person!

Beverly,
You really need to try asking the person who posted the pattern on ravelry-- it's not my pattern, I just posted alerting to the free and cool nature of it. Hope she can assist you!
Linda

Diane, you are a genius! I would never have guessed this was made from a cake pan and sharpies. Bravo!

i love your shelves! isn't it so nice to see what you have at a glance? I'm still digging in bins over here, but one day I'll have the shelf space.

yes, you can learn! i highly suggest taking a class-- it is so much easier to learn from a person (at least to get the basics down). just remember that it's a skill that requires practice--anyone can do it!

This is amazing. And I don't even have a pet.

I'm not exactly sure, but from looking at them, I think she must drill the holes before she fires the piece, and then sew the doily into the jar (via the holes) once it's fired. That's my guess... it makes me want to get into ceramics again!

blubrymfn- i'm glad you made it successfully and hope you have fun making more. it can be frustrating to make sure you hook all of the strands, but i'm sure you'll get the hang of it.

so cute! it's ingenious to glue the buttons down before sewing them-- i can't tell you how many times i've tried to either magically remember the position or hold it all together while i tried to sew them in place.

this came out cute. do you have a recommendation (as far as brands, etc go) for the printable fabric sheets? i have been curious to try them, but the last ones i bought were not washable. thanks!

Jen- I really think fleece is best suited for this one, but I'd say that knits would work well too (since they're stretchy, they are harder to tear than cotton). I think the key here is to supervise your dog and if the toy gets to the point where anything can be swallowed, toss it and make a new one.

thanks all- i'm glad you're enjoying the tutorial!

MissMae-
Yep, I'd definitely skip this for a hot pad just since the buttons might melt. But for a table mat/centerpiece or anything else that's not hot, this would work great. Or just call the hot pad "decorative" and go for it.

thanks for posting this, Susan! I am going to send them some Valentines!

buttercup68- You might want to ask the person who posted the project originally (there's a link to her blog in the post). To me, it looks like a few rows of mesh (dc, ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc; repeat across) and then a scalloped edging. It shouldn't be too hard to recreate. Good luck!

there's always next time! i always thought the tying method was crazy until I read that tip!!

This is a great tutorial Diane!
One tip for next time you tie a quilt-- you can also thread the yarn through the entire width of the quilt (like a big, spaced out running stitch, inserting your needle wherever you want a tied place to be) and then cut the yarn halfway between each needle insertion and do the tying all at once. That will make it a little easier to see the "grid" while you are making your running stitch, and there will be less stopping, starting, wondering where the scissors went, etc.

Maryselan- Yes, you should cut the yarn and weave in the ends. What I do is actually crochet over the ends as I go-- hold the yarn end close to the top of the stitches and encase it when you do your yarn over/draw up a loop/yarn over and draw through both loops. Then I leave a little bit sticking out and weave it back through the same stitches in the other direction. Since there are lots of spaces in the square I usually only weave it through one grouping of DC stitches- back and forth a few times.

elle1- the cord is round. think of a round shoelace- it's basically that, but slightly larger. It's called clothesline at the hardware or big box stores, but if you can't find it, you can also buy cording in the home dec section at joanns (it's $.29/yard or you can get it in a package). i think the nylon cord would work fine too (in fact, i'm pretty sure i tried some of that with good results, because i started experimenting with everything!).

Good luck with your bowls, cat beds, and placemats everyone!

it looks great! I love the heart buttons you used, too.

thanks! I always feel guilty about those less-than-desirable buttons. But I have so, so many of them! I figure I can add to the coaster slowly and eventually make a table mat....

quiltertq- awesome! post 'em up in the gallery if you have a chance!

this is amazing!! i love the woven texture, and the reusing. nice job diane!

thanks everyone! it's really fun and addictive-- just took me a while to get around to the instructions. i hope you have fun with it.

and kayte- i love that pincushion. this probably isn't the only time it will show up in my posts. :)

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. Losing a pet is so hard, especially if he was your crafty cheerleader.

I'm trying to craft through some prolonged personal grief right now, and experiencing the same things as you (writer's block, fog, unable to do projects which require thinking). I have been turning to simple-to-memorize crochet patterns that I can do kind of mindlessly, so that I can get to that place of just being and thinking. I think sewing is too much for me right now (too much measuring, and i don't think i could deal with having to seam rip anything) but crocheting and knitting are nice and repetitive, and lend themselves to a quiet evening on the couch.

i hope your salty eyelashes clear up soon. but i think it is important to take the time to mourn, so make as many hats as you need to!

LornaD- I assume so since it is mentioned on the page describing the book- but I recommend checking out the book in person if you want to be sure before you buy.

Hi All-
The link is correct, but it seems that there's a problem with her site. If you're on ravelry, you can download the pattern here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/visor-beanie, otherwise you'll have to wait for the site to be working again. Sorry!

I love the addition of the buttons, nice work!

It looks great! I think the interfacing is a great idea for making it sturdy, too!

Jen- I think granny squares would hold up, at least for a while, in upholstery usage (it depends how many kids/dogs/ prying figers you have!). If you use a washable yarn you could even add a zipper if you're thinking of a pillow cover, or something like that. The way I see it, by the time it wears out, you'll probably be ready for a new look anyway.

Hi Jen- I agree with you, Coats and Clark really has kept an affordable line, and I love Lion Brand too. I think pretty much anything available at large craft chains (bernat, red heart, lion brand, Caron, patons) are pretty affordable, a nd if you take buy one skein at a time w/the Joann's 40% off coupon, then you can really get a deal! When I want stunning colors at an affordable (but slightly more expensive) price I love Brown Sheep (Lamb's Pride wool in all of the weights, and cotton, too). Crocheters definitely have to keep cost in mind because generally, we use more yarn! :)

great idea!

Hi Palady, I added a link to the magic ring. You can always just crochet into the slipknot if the technique confuses you. Thanks for the suggestion.

eeyores dragon- do you mean a cross stitch on crochet blanket? I think trying to keep the back side nice might lead to insanity, my only suggestion is to line it with something (but if it is indeed a crochet blanket, that may well defeat the purpose). as long as you weave in your ends well and don't make any one stitch too far from the last (so there aren't long bits of yarn between pieces) i think most people will understand that that's the back and it's not going to look the same as the front. good luck!

Thanks Lolos! I hope you'll post pics if you make them-- they are super duper easy!

gavin and lily are lucky ducks- this is an adorable gift!

SarahSaturday- Yes, you can still donate items to the shop-just convo me through etsy (http://hopeforjasenn.etsy.com) or send me a note at lindapermann[AT]hotmail. It will only be open till Monday (but if you have something already made I can list it now), or I can add it in the new year.

oh my gosh, Michaela, don't ever lock yourself in a room to knit again! I have a friend who just giftwraps the half-completed project and a ball of yarn with a note that says "this will be X". hah!

amazing!

thanks Pearl- I try to keep things simple and doable, so I'm flattered. :) If you do end up making things, I'd love to see them in the gallery sometime (if it's a how-to post, usually you can post at the bottom of the post). Happy crocheting!

SecretSugar- you can definitely do it without crocheting- just tie knots in between each bauble instead.

I made it! (If you enable the "patterns and designs" tag I'll post in the gallery-- for now here's a link: http://lindamade.wordpress.com/2008/12/06/and-the-winner-is-2/). Very fun!

KellyHart- I suggest emailing the webmaster at Crochet Today to find out what's up with the printing. Sorry it's giving you trouble.

neat! i am just getting into knitting more complicated stuff-for the 2nd scarf-- are you saying to repeat the whole pattern (rows 1-5) for as long as you like? I assume so, but just wanted to make sure. I might have to try this!

I'm going to try this one of these days. I have the sweater ready to go...

It's great for year round use! You could just make strands to dangle from your window (um, kind of like a beaded curtain) or use strings of it to tie up your gift packages. Lots of possibilities, plus you get to use some of that beady fabricy clutter that inevitably builds up.

I love this! I went to Target and found a sweater, now I just have to go find the time. :)

Ok- I've just been told that the issue should be resolved now! Try printing again. :)

Hi- I'm sorry that there seems to be trouble with printing the pattern. I have an email in to the tech half of the website to see if we can fix it.

In the meantime, you can try selecting the text of the post (or just the part you want) and pasting it into a Word document. Then you should be able to print it. I'm sorry it's not working directly off of the site! Thanks for letting us know.

I think it's perfectly fine- and probably a good idea- to use heavier thread while making the item. I wanted to go fast and do it on the machine for the tutorial, but anything you can work with a blanket stitch and and embroidery needle would be fine- I think that's the traditional way to do it.

Erika- that L sweater better be for me!
Just kidding (or am I? It's adorable!)

oooh, i love it!

Vernajean- I'd love to help but I'm not sure what you mean. The pattern is located in the text of this post just below the introduction (and before the pictures begin). Were you having trouble finding it or was there something in the pattern that didn't make sense?

I did that because wasn't sure how to work the blanket stitching since I felt like there was enough going on...and it all turned out okay. :)

Great tutorial Diane! I made one last night (in the gallery). Since I didn't have any templates, I used a cup for the inner circle, then a clear plastic container for the outer circle (so I could see through it as I traced it to line it up). Now at least I know our hodge podge set of dishes are good for something!

these are super cute! I love the addition of fabric!

Planetjune--Good catch! (oops!)- It's actually chain 4, then 11 dc in 4th ch from hook. I'll change above.

Oh, it came out so cute! I really like the way you rationed the yarn-- I think it's fun how the sleeves have wider blue stripes. Adorable!

Ooh, I like the stripes! I hope you have enough to make the hoodie, too!

sweetnightmare-- You should choose something with the CYCA 3 on the label to be on the safe side (you will probably have an easier time making gauge that way). The term 'worsted' actually falls into both categories 3 and 4 so I should have specified "light worsted". Make sure to work up a gauge swatch and change your hook size if you need to so that the end product will end up the correct size.

NjChris- The link works for me, so I would try again. Here's the direct link: http://patchworkpottery.blogspot.com/2008/09/fabric-labels-tutorial.html

Bonniedoo-I'm glad to help. I really like this method-- so m uch that I'm not sure I'll do professional printing again after this.

Wow, it looks great! I'm so excited that you finished and I bet baby and parents will love it!

GeleneBL- Thanks so much for the compliment, I am excited that you were able to make the sweater twice. I found the hardest part was just putting it all together but once I zapped the button band on the corners it was great. Thanks for following along, and I'd love to see your finished sweaters- post them in the gallery if you have a chance!

DIYMaven-
Well, after crocheting the button bands and trying to put things together, I realized that the quick corners on the collar actually shouldn't be crocheted over for the button band (i.e. just work the stitches over the straight part of the center of each front, not the diagonal, then the hood fits right in to the diagonals and will make up for the extra width of the bands). Is that what you're asking? I also added the edging after I sewed everything together, because yes- the pattern left a little something to be desired in the explanation. I will go through it step by step next week if you can wait- but let me know if you have more questions.

it's looking good!

Thanks Bernie- Just 2 more days and it will be up (Wednesday)!

Hi Nancy,
Yes, it is fine to link here- thanks!
Linda

5anddime- Do you mean the ones here on Craftstylish? Did you try the "print" link in the icon in the box at the top right of the post?

cirone- just saw your question-- i answered it on the other post: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/12797/dare-to-make-it-crochet-along-week-3

Cirone, that should be fine (it's really a decorative thing)-- but, try this video-- it is pretty detailed and may help you to understand it. The only real difference is that it's worked from left to right (not right to left):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhSbycwfpdo

To figure out the "right side", if you haven't woven in the ends, just place the work so that the beginning yarn tail is at the bottom left corner. The right side will be facing you, and you can mark it with a stitch marker. If you already finished the ends, don't worry too much -- no one will notice.

it's really cute!

AZwanKenobi- I see it on the page-- I think it might just take a while to show up. It looks great so far!

I love it- it's so pretty and classic!

MsIrene- that is great! I still haven't gotten around to using it, but I still go in the closet to look at it sometimes (hahah!). Stocking up while it's on clearance is a good idea since one never knows if they yarn company will bring it back next year- thanks for the heads up!

Hi Bernie-
I am posting a step by step on the hood next week-- can you wait until then? I think/hope that it will help you along. The hood was a bit confusing (but sewing everything together was definitely the most challenging).

Or if you can tell me where you are stuck (what row, etc) I can try to help now.

looking good!

Glad to have all of you joining in!

Cirone-
don't worry too much about the right and wrong sides, there's barely a difference for this pattern (just something to keep in mind when working on garments later).

And yes- worry about the shaping when you get there. I am sure you will figure it out! And if not- I'll help!

duh, i totally missed those links! i secretly dream of making a gourd birdhouse...

it's gourdgeous! sorry, couldn't help myself. i may not get around to this till next year, but where does one purchase the dried out gourds?

Yay! It looks great so far!

this is really cute kayte!

thanks everyone, it's the highest compliment to me that these instructions were useful and I'm so glad that you all made granny squares successfully!

SharonWinPA- Don't worry, it's not too late to start and I would love to have you join in. These pieces actually work up pretty quickly so you should be able to catch up without stressing. Good luck!

Yachtchick, I think it depends on a lot of things, one of the major ones being how thick the plastic bag is. You will probably just have to experiment to see what works- I'd try different bags from different stores, some are kind of stretchy and some just fall apart. Good luck!

wow! that's pretty awesome. and i love the bear hats.

I wish there was a Sarah Palin one, but alas... I bet you could easily change John Mccain by using a different color and adding some lot hair and glasses, though!

Dzismazi- Thanks for pointing out the bad link- I will replace it right away!

it looks great! and it is totally fine to drop a stitch or two if you feel it looks too wide-- just remember next week to drop 1 stitch out of each front side so they are all even(even if you don't, it won't be a big deal). I'm so excited that you are playing along!

hey cal- here's a question for you-- whenever i try this, the blind stitch seems to pucker a bit (between stitches... so it almost still wants to be foldy on the right side). any tips on preventing that?

Cirone, that is great! Luckily most clothing designs are really just a bunch of different rectangles put together--once you realize that there's nothing you can't make!

Cirone- If you get started now, you can make the 12 months size which should be perfect for winter (he can always grow into it!).

DIY Maven- Thanks for posting and joining. It would be great if you could post to the gallery too, as we go!

Erika, this is gorgeous!! I love the way the pink ribbon is incorporated in a not-so-blatant fashion. Very cute!

What a touching story, and a great little project!

I love this-- and you beat me to the posting punch. I ordered some spoke cards for the election here: http://obamaspoke.com/--great for those of us who bike instead of drive. I haven't made anything yet, but hopefully I will have 4 more years to show my support. :)

the way i see it, even if it does take me a long time to make something (for myself), then the $ i spent on supplies counts not only as "useful thing I am making (ie scarf)" but also as entertainment. I've gotten to the point where I really just don't like mass produced things the way I once did- I know I will hang onto something longer if I had a step in making it, so it's worth it to me, even if it costs more.

the one thing i really try to be good about is not being a consumeristic crafter. if you're buying yards and yards of fabric and not sewing anything, i see that as basically the same thing as going on a shopping spree at the department store. it helps keep my hobby spending in check.

Thanks for posting your results, HoneyandDaisy--your flower looks great!

LaughingPG--It definitely adds a new layer of excitement when you open the washing machine! Now I just have to be careful not to buy a bunch of old sweaters that clog up my craft room....too late.

Jen1964- I am relatively certain that any store that already carries Coats products will be carrying the new lines (it's up to the individual stores...but it is worth checking!). Both yarns were soft- especially the cotton. The acrylic is definitely- acrylic- but I could see uses for it (just maybe not something to wear...but I am picky!).

Thanks ladies! I got my doilies from e-bay (check etsy too), but I know that Joann's also sells plain doilies for a buck or two a piece. You can also check thrift stores for some great finds- some of the more colorful doilies would look great all on their own!

Cute! I never thought about washing them to fluff them up--that's smart!

Jen1964- These are great questions for the original poster (I am linking to her tutorial, I didn't put it together myself). Of course you would likely not want to make anything to be worn or to be placed outside, but it would make for an interesting vase, rug, or other decorative item.

Craftaholic- I didn't write up a pattern for the pouch, but here's how you do it. Make a rectangle from single crochets that's slightly bigger than the side of your camera. Single crochet around the edge of the rectangle, and keep adding rounds of single crochet (just 1 single crochet into each stitch from the previous round) until the pouch is as tall as your camera (keep placing it inside as you go so you can tell how much it stretches, etc). Once the pouch reaches the desired height, work single crochets in rows back and forth on one of the long sides of the rectangle to get the flap. When the flap is about as long as you want, do a row of sc, but ch 2 or 3 stitches in the middle of the row and skip the sc stitches below to make the buttonhole, then continue to single crochet across. Add 1 or 2 more rows of sc, then sc around the flap and opening with an alternating color to finish. I hope that gives you an idea of how to make it- perhaps I will post a tutorial in the coming weeks.

Mainard,
I think the bird fabric is called Bird Seed and I know that it's by Alexander Henry. The polka dots are from the Wee Play collection by Sandy Klop. I got them both last year but I bet you could still find them online somewhere.

I can't wait to see your finished tie back, please share if you have a chance. :)

these are darling! i second the idea to enter them in the flower power challenge.

The MyPicot site appears to be down right now -- I suggest waiting a day or so and checking back.

these are so cute. i love to make them with my yarn scraps.

and if anyone has a hard time finding a vintage one, most craft stores still sell these under the name of "bloom loom".

these are pretty Mary! I am adding them to my to make/gift list.

neato! I love how it is arranged in jars! i've ordered from them before but never seen the inside of the store- thanks for sharing!

Thanks all! Erika- that's the idea (to get you crocheting!).
This really is easy, and it makes my happy curtains even happier.

these look amazing! nice work.

this is really cute, and i love the color combinations!

This is a great idea, because I am so not about wrapping my floss around little cardboard thingies. And also because then you can remember what the color number is if you happen to need more (the first thing to get lost for me is that little band with the number).

I love how this turned out- it's on my "to try" list now!

eveh- I think you can do it too! If you can't figure out the crocheting, you could probably get away with just wrapping the flip flops in a similar manner. Good luck!

these are great erika! I don't do that much embroidery but when I do, it's good to know that I can do more than the chain stitch. :)

It's great to recycle your plastic however you go about it. At 20 cents a yard it would be $20 for 100 yards- while that is a little expensive, I doubt there will ever be a day when one person making something specifically for you will ever be able to match the price of a yarn manufacturer.

thanks Susan!

Mische,
I believe what you're referring to is a fphdc (front post half double crochet). This page illustrates where to insert the hook for a front post double crochet- but you use the same technique for a stitch of any height. Just insert your hook from right to left around the stitch, yarn over and draw up a loop, then continue making the stitch as usual.

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa060797.htm

Hope that helps!

nice! I might have to add a rolled hem foot to my list of things to buy for my machine.

Pandabearcubs-- I am sure you could try posting on a site like freecycle.org to find someone who has yarn to part with. Thrift stores are also good places to find lots of yarn for very little.

I have been curious about this tool- looks like it would work for me! I always wish there was an easier way to mark all of the dots on clothing patterns. So far, stickers are my favorite because at least they are easy to see and remove. Sometimes I cut up old address label stickers that I get in the mail to use for that purpose (because I am cheap/crazy).

Carolyninoz,
I'm glad you like it! I think it's a great idea for exactly that- yarn so unique and pretty that it needs a pretty button to match. It's also just a nice way to camoflauge those brown buttons we all have, and use up yarn scraps at the same time! They'd be cute on a card...I could see a row of button flowers.

oooh, so pretty! there are so many surfaces you could apply this to, too. fun!

these are great ideas. i'd love to have it all in one displayed space, but there's no room in our apartment! I think being able to see it is a definite must!

I'm going to check around for a local group that might want the yarn, but if not, I'll donate it to goodwill where I am sure some thrifty, crafty soul will be happy to find it.

Joannie,
Don't worry, I hadn't heard of dryer balls either till my mom raved about them. Basically, they are supposed to bounce around in the dryer and fluff up your towels (and apparently eliminate static cling, too). There's some debate about whether they actually work (referring to the pvc kind here), but, i think the felted ones are a fun idea for the loads where you don't want to use softener.

I know- I want to go make some right now. We finally live in a place with our very own washer/dryer--time to celebrate!

Hooray! I love the flower blooms and that pop tab bag is totally amazing!

I love snapware plastic (see through) boxes for sorting my buttons--they are basically shallow tray-like boxes that snap together to make one big box (making it easy to remove one tray at a time to assess the contents). The only problem is I keep filling them up....

wow, those paper wigs are amazing!!!

I've also been told to stay away from them. In addition to the concerns you mentioned, I think the thread is cheaper and leaves me with a lot more lint to clean up. But- I do understand the convenience draw!

Woolldayfelter--
Sure- hdc is a half double crochet. Ch-2 sp is the chain 2 space (from the previous round), and sl st is slip stitch.

Here is a link to standard crochet abbreviations, which I guess I should have posted sooner!:
http://www.yarnstandards.com/crochet.html

It looks great! You are fast!

pretty! i like the mix of colors you chose.

i definitely need to take more walks! going from working full time in an office to working at home has been a huge adjustment for me and I didn't really realize until recently how, even though it gives me creative time, it also leaves me really isolated. to get inspired, i usually have to clean everything (once the place is clean i strive to mess it up again!) and sort through some of my supplies.

Jennifer-
It's definitely worth a shot. This pattern includes stitch diagrams (basically, a map of where to make each stitch) as an alternative to written instructions so it should be really easy for beginners to follow along.

Yay- it makes me feel less bad about the fabric that just hangs around. You can tear it into strips while you're watching tv and have a basket of fabric yarn ready to go.

oooh, we are moving to a place where we'll have our own washer in a month and i can't wait to felt it up. thanks for the tips!

It really is simple- especially for small projects. I only started blocking a couple of years ago and once I realized what a difference it makes (especially on lacy things) I became addicted.

so cute! i love how you used the bobble stitches to emulate gum drops!

wow, now I *really* can't wait till someone stocks them locally.

very well done Diane! this is one of those techniques i keep meaning to try...one day!

that souds like a cool class! sorry you missed it.

JulieB17--Oh, I have multiples of everything too, and sometimes you have to try different brands to know what you like! But I found there were some hooks that I didn't have at all and every time I went to the store to buy them I'd forget which ones I was looking for. I'm not against multiple hooks--some are bound to get lost in the couch!