Redesign on a Budget: How to Make a Valances from a Curtain

     Recently, I was out shopping with a family friend looking for some new cost efficient ways to spruce up her bedroom.  We came across a some pretty sheer beige and brown curtains that would be a perfect fit for her room and the upcoming summer months... with one tiny problem... no valance.  We had seen a few sets that included the valance but they were expensive and not quite the material and color scheme she was hoping for.  Since these curtains were on clearance for an unbelievable price (and individual panels tend to be cheaper than complete sets)  I decided to try my hand at making our own valances.

     My Nannie was a seamstress so you would think that sewing would be one of the skills I have tucked under my craft tool belt right? Wrong! Nannie used a family antique sewing machine so it was strictly off limits to her grand kids' less than gentle hands. My other grandma taught me to sew by hand but not well enough to create an even seam in a shear material.  After some though I decided to give iron on hem tape a shot.  This shear tape comes in different widths and can be placed between two layers of material and then ironed to created a bond or hem.  One roll was more than enough to for this project and at $3.00-$5.00 per roll it is a cheap and easy fix.  An added benefit it the tape turns clear when heat is applied so the "hem" would not show through the sheer material of these curtains. 

     For her two windows we purchased a total of five floor length panels- one for each side of the windows and one to create the valances.  This particular set had a seam on the top and bottom that would accommodate the curtain rode so I was able to cut the curtain in half and seam  the cut edge.  If the curtains you purchase do not have a space for a rob through the top and bottom you have two options.  You can purchase two separate curtains so you have the top rod slot, or for the bottom half you can hem both sides of the piece, as I show below, allowing for a gap before the seam so there is a space for a rod.

     Now for the "how to" so you can make you own valances from curtains at home. First cut the curtain panel in half, don't worry about a perfectly straight cut at this point.  Next lay one of the pieces, with the front of the curtain facing down, on a flat surface (I chose to use a carpeted portion of the floor because it allowed me pin each corner to the carpet therefore preventing my project from moving).  Next I measured along the sides of the curtain 20 inches from the top (This was her preferred valance length but you can customize the length to your preferences).  I used a pin to mark the 20 inch point on both sides.

     The ensure a straight seam I then ran a piece of the hem tape across from the pins I placed at the 20 inch marks. The tape is a continuous roll and easily cuts or tears so I suggest you carefully measure and cut the tape to the correct length, ensuring to keep it in one piece.  My next step was to pin the tape in five places across the project.  Depending on the width of your project you might want to use more or less pins.  Next, I folded the edge of the curtain over this tape line.  I carefully moved each of the pins one by one from the bottom layer with the tape to now go through the folded material the tape and the bottom layer of the curtain.  Be careful to keep the tape in a straight line to ensure a straight hem edge.

     Now that you have prepared your hem its time to "sew" it and create the hem.  Run an iron over the seam in small sections.  Each brand of tape has different directions for the iron settings and how long to hold it over a spot so be sure to follow your tape's individual directions.  As you move from section to section carefully remove the pins.  Once you have ironed along the entire edge you can also remove the pins you placed in the corners to hold the project in place.  Now to finish the project carefully cut the excess material from the backside of the curtain along the newly crated seam.as seen in the photos below (p.s. don't mind my pjs). Your cuts should be pretty straight as they will be guided by the straight tape seam but if they aren't  perfect don't worry they are at the back of the curtain and wont be seen once the curtains are hung.  (On a side note if you are a perfectionist you could always fold your new seam over another piece of tape after cutting and iron to avoid an imperfect back seam). 

     Your first valance is complete.  Repeat the above process to create a second if your room calls for it.  Since, I used a floor length curtain panel when I was done there was still a nice amount of material remaining.  I used the left over hem tape and material to create curtain tiebacks for each of the panels.  Another idea is to create a pillow case for a small throw pillow.  The pillow can be added to a couch or bed to tie the curtains in to the rest of the room's decor.  If you are really on a tight budget and can't afford new curtains but want to a different look you can apply this process to change your current curtains or to create curtains/valances from raw material.    

Antique Road Trip

O'Neil's Antiques

I know when I set out to write this blog I wanted to focus on crafts, family, and life in NYC. Well I can't help it is my love of crafts and family are also tied into my love of travel. This Thursday (yes during the blizzard) my family and I started out on a road trip from New York to North Carolina to visit some family. Since the weather was bad we decided to drive about half way and spend the night near some of our favorite antique stores around the Delaware/Maryland border on Rt. 13. If you haven't figured it out already I am infinitely interested in tradition. I am a firm believer in understanding your roots before you can grow and spread your branches. So I guess it is no surprise that antique store amuse me. Walking through an antique store is like walking through a mini time capsule.

Loving all the books I found

One of our family's favorite antique stops is O'Neil's which is a few miles before you hit Maryand.  We have been coming here for years and absolutely love the big collections of estate jewelry, antique furniture, and treasures spanning a few centuries worth of nostalgia.  We were saddened to see that within the next few weeks the store will be closing.  The lovely couple who owns O'Neil's have decided after over 25 years they will be retiring.  On the bright side appointments can still be made to view their jewelry at their home.  Since everything was pretty much on clearance I went to work digging through each section looking for treasures. (Yes that is me sitting on the floor exploring craft books... the owners did say to make myself at home :)

Maybe I'm addicted, but at least its a healthy addiction

While there are so many beautiful things I would love to buy I decided I would focus this expedition on finding craft books, patterns, tools, and supplies.  I love looking through books to get ideas.  Many of the crafts I grew up with in my family seem to have faded as video games and computers have become the way to entertain so its pretty difficult sometimes to find resources.  Antique stores are a great place though to find these lost treasures.  Usually I feel lucky if I find a book or two but this trip I guess I was rewarded for braving the winter weather.  I  found so many craft resources that I actually had a hard time picking which books to buy and which I had to leave behind. With just two antique store stops I had literally piles of new craft goodies.  If you are looking for a cost effective place to load up on supplies antique stores, thrift shops, and yard sales are a good place to start.

Holding some of the new craft stash!

As for our followers, you can look forward to many new items in our Etsy Shop within the next few months.  The hardest part is going to be deciding where to start!  There are so many good ideas that inspire new items for my personal collection as well as the shop.  I even found some patterns I remember my Nannie working on when I was a little girl.  I love when we find little trinkets that remind us of our past.  Nannie was such an important part of why I am the crafter I am today so those things that remind me of her are extra special.  Antiquing turned out to be a successful part of the trip but we still had a few hours drive until we could begin our weekend getaway with some of our Southern relatives so we once again hit the road.  While flying is definitely a faster way to travel I wouldn't give up our road adventures for the world.  There is nothing like meeting new people, discovering hidden sight seeing gems, and spending time with your family.

We continued driving down south and decided to take a route that would bring us over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  For those of you who have never traveled this strip it is a combination of tunnels and bridges with a beautiful view of the water.  We were lucky enough to hit it just as the sun was setting.  The view was so colorful that we decided we couldn't just quickly pass it by.  Instead we stopped at their rest area.  There is a restaurant there with water views as well as a gift shop and convenience area. It is also a great place to stop and take a few family photos or just enjoy the spectacular view.

After all the snow we have had in New York this year it was incredibly refreshing to stand by the ocean on a warm day, listen to the seagulls and the churning of the water, and watch the sunset.  On that note, I will update our readers next post on the rest of the trip!

A sunset so perfect it almost doesn't seem real

For Part II of our road trip adventures click here!

 

Winter Accessories

January 3, 2014 Snowstorm

New York has already had a pretty eventful Winter.  At least four snowstorms and an Arctic Vortex later I think snow gear is a must.  In not a big hat person, but a headband, scarf, and gloves are a must before I dare to brave the cold temperatures.  Over the years of of my favorite things to make are crochet scarfs.  Not only are scarfs a fun accessory but for people like me, who don't tolerate the cold very well, they are a very practical and essential part of any winter outfit.

The advantage of being able to make your own scarfs is the color and materiel options are endless and I can make the exact size and design I'm looking for.  Since the scarf rarely leaves my neck, even once I'm indoors, it is great to be able to match them to some of my favorite outfits.  There are also some pretty fashionable ways to wrap or tie scarfs, so being able to add the extra length I prefer is another great reason I make my own.


With the recent temperatures plummeting so low my car's tires actually stuck to the ground, and wind chill numbers around -15 my scarf of choice for this winter is something thick, plush, and extra warm.  After a quick trip to the craft store (ok, maybe it wasn't so quick, but who could blame me for spending so much time there when there are so many great craft options?!?!) I decided on a deep burgundy red color.   Bernat's Soft Boucle Yarn caught my eye because of the rich color and the new "quicker and thicker" design.  FYI, I did notice a notable difference though in color and texture between dye lots so make sure you buy enough of the same lot for your intended project if you go with this yarn.  While some yarns you can get away with mixing lots, this is definitely not one of them.  Also, if you are new to crochet or knit this may not be the best yarn for you.  It is woven in a loose manner that some new crafters find hard to create with as it is easy to place the needle through the thread of yarn instead of under it.

Just as the label promised this yarn was plenty thick and it does work very quick. The yarn label called for a "L" crochet hook but since I was concerned with warmth I choose a "K" crochet hook to keep the stitching a little tighter.  While a single crochet scarf would have almost totally eliminated this problem, I wanted to make sure the soft plush quality of this yarn wasn't lost in smaller tighter stitches.  For this reason I decided to create the scarf in double crochet stitches with the slightly smaller hook which gave me the desired look, feel, and warmth.  I'm a huge fan of infinity scarfs right now so with that in mind I began crocheting away.  The picture on the right (don;t mind my pjs) shows the work in progress scarf after only a short time.  I made the scarf about 70 inches long before closing the infinity circle (a good length if you like to double the loops around your neck for a little extra warmth) and about 10 inches thick.

After completing the scarf I had some yarn left over.  I could have held onto the remaining yarn for a future project but all I could hear was a little voice in my head telling me my yarn stash is big enough. But... I refuse to waste craft materials... sooo... I decided the perfect solution was to make a matching headband!  After completing a basic headband I stitched a portion of the headband together creating a pinched bow effect.  Overall I am very happy with the yarn and the finished product. After only one night of cuddling up and crocheting I have two great new Winter Accessories.  I'm ready to face the next round of of Arctic Vortex cold expected within the next two weeks!

Finished Scarf and Headband (Color appears lighter due to camera flash)

Creative Christmas

This time of year a lot of people reflect on what they are thankful for.  While there is a very long list of things for which I am grateful, among the things at the very top of the list is my family.  For more reasons than I can count my family has allowed me to grow into the woman I am today, they have supported me in my goals, and have shown me unconditional love.  They have also taught me that imagination is not just for kids, dreams can become a reality, and I can create anything I put my mind too.  It is because of this that I have been able to see my hopes for Handcrafted Holidays come together with each piece I create.










My mom is one of the most talented and creative people I know.  She used nothing more than her imagination, a pair of scissors and  floral wire to build Window Designs by RoseAnn (windowdesignsbyroseann@msn.com).  While she exercises her talents year round, Christmas is where she truly shines.  Each tree she decorates is a work of art that captures the fun and magic of the holiday season. Recently, she was asked to do a live TV segment for Arise 360 Entertainment to share some decorating tips and tricks.  Take a look at the Christmas Decorating Segment.

Plastic Canvas Tips

One of the first crafts I can remember doing with my Nannie and Mom is plastic canvas.  I will never forget the birthday I got a big plastic bin filled with plastic canvas, yarn, needles, scissors, and a Looney Tunes Pattern book.  Pepe Le Pew was my Nannie's favorite character so I decided my first project would be the Pepe Le Pew magnet to give to her as a gift.  I was lucky enough to have my Mom and Nannie to explain some of the basics before I embarked on my little project.  I thought I would share some of this insight.

Plastic canvas is a great low cost craft that is simple enough for children to play with but diverse enough to create beautiful adult projects as well.  First things first... selecting your supplies:

Plastic Canvas comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.

• Shapes: The standard canvas shape is a rectangle, slightly larger than a sheet of paper.  Larger sheets are available and these are great for items like place mats.  You can also purchase pre-cut shapes  like squares and crosses that make certain projects easier.  In addition to these there are also shapes like circles, stars, and hearts that have the holes specially placed to maintain the shape but allow for stitching.
• Sizes: While there are different size sheets there is also different size meshes.  The rule of thumb is the mesh number is the number of wholes per inch.  For example 7 mesh, the most common mesh, has 7 holes per inch.  Moving to a smaller mess number can help accommodate thicker yarn/thread.  A larger mess number is a great way to fit a larger pattern into a smaller space.  For instance, if I have a wall hanging pattern (7 mesh) and I want to fit it onto a smaller sized tissue box cover I can transfer the larger pattern to lets say a 10 mesh.  
• Colors: Most projects are completed on clear canvas, that way if some shows through between stitches it is discreet.  If your project is predominantly one color or, you want to leave some of the canvas showing you can purchase colored canvas in almost any hue imaginable.  

Needle Selection

Mesh 7, Needle 16

• You want to select a tapestry needle for plastic canvas projects.  These needles have more of a rounded edge in comparison with sewing needles and will help prevent pricked fingers.  These needles also come in plastic versions which are a great alternative for little crafters to use as they learn.
• The size needle you buy will correspond with the canvas you are using.  Mesh 5 and mesh 7 typically use a size 16.  Mesh 10 typically uses a size 20. (The higher the needle size the thinner the needle and the smaller the threading hole).  

Getting Started

• "Measure Twice Cut Once": While this phrase is most often used by carpenters it applies to use crafters as well.  Carefully count out the stitches in the pattern and then count the corresponding holes on the canvas.  Always double check before cutting the canvas.  Some people use grease pencils to make the pattern before cutting.  I sometimes use crochet stitch markers for my projects if it is going to be a complicated cut.  You can wait until the pattern is complete before cutting but holding the extra canvas can be burdensome.
• "Dangle to Detangle":  The yarn can at times tangle and knot while stitching.  One way to avoid this problem is to allow the needle to dangle once and a while which will unwind the yarn avoiding the pending tangled mess.
• Nothing wrong with being Scrappy: Scraps are your friend when it comes to plastic canvas.  Plastic canvas projects are a great way to use of scrap yarn from crochet or knit projects.  I keep a pencil case for yarn scraps so nothing goes to waste.  Also, when you complete a plastic canvas project hold on to the left over canvas scraps as well.  They may not have been of use for your current project but those scraps can be used for smaller projects and to add 3D detailing.  No piece is too tiny as even two whole scraps found be joined to form unique jewelry or barbie accessories.

Crafting Away- More Cross Stitch Tips

I am still working on the footprints cross stitch.  Thankfully I am stabbing myself less, undoing tangles and knots less, and accomplishing more (with fewer mistakes)... I guess I am learning by trial and error.  While it doesn't seem like I have accomplished all that much I am happy to report I have completed five colors on the pattern so far.  I have been busy with some craft orders as well so the progress hasn't been as fast as I would like.  I love that the little blue Xs are becoming a beautiful nature scene and I can't wait to see the finished piece.  In addition to the cross stitch tips and tricks I recently posted, I've also learned:

• As you stitch the thread becomes twisted.  Stopping every once and a while to let the thread and needle hang will help prevent tangles and knots.  The weight of the needle will allow the hanging thread to unwind making it less likely the thread will cause you trouble.  
• While some crafters I spoke with disagree, I find it easiest to work with one thread color at a time.  While more experienced cross stitchers may prefer to have multiple threads going at once, I find it easier to follow a pattern and keep the cross stitch neat by working one color start to finish before beginning the next color.
•  The patterns for cross stitch can be hard to follow.  There are a lot of tiny symbols each representing a color and stitch and many of them can look a like.  One way to keep track of what you have done and what remains is to highlight the stitches that are complete.  



Bobbins

• A system to keep track of your threads is very important.  Who knew there were so many thread options?  It may seem easy to remember which thread is which now but your best bet it so start a storage system.  I have seen some people just wrap the thread in the wrapper and staple it so it stays snug. While this might work well for larger amounts of thread, small scraps that may come in handy later need a better system.  I found a pack of cheap pieces of cardboard (also come in plastic) called bobbins.  These little helpers keep threads organized, tangle free, and you can write on them to easily identify a thread number.  These bobbins can then be stored loosely in a bag, on a ring, or they even sell special cases fits just for this purpose. 

Cross Stitch Tips: Beginner Lessons Learned

In my last post I wrote about my latest project, a very special special cross stitch project.  This is the first time I have experimented with cross stitch.  A few pin pricks and mistakes later I have learned a few things that would make cross stitch easier for a beginner.

• There are two main forms of cross stitch, the first is stamped cross stitch.  This is the type of project i am currently working on.  It is much easier for beginners as there is a print on the canvas to guide your stitches.  The other form counted cross stitch gives you more deign freedom but takes more skill.
• Separate the thread (typically comprised of 6 strands).  Depending on the tightness of the canvas weave you should divide the wider thread and make either 2 or 3 strand sets.  Straighten and unwind the threads before using.  If you leave them even slightly curly/kinky it is more likely a tangle will form when working.
• Buy a needle threader!  I can not emphasize this enough.  I try my best to conserve my resources when crafting so I tend to avoid some of the "make it easier" accessories.  On more than one occasion I have passed over a needle threader in craft stores.  Why spend even a few dollars on something I can do without. right? WRONG! It is easy to loose your sanity trying to thread a needle with the multiple strands cross stitch thread.  There was a needle threader in the bag with Donna's cross stitch and I never want to work without one again.
•  If a tangle begins to form, do not pull the thread taunt.  Use the needle to separate the threads and determine how to undo the tangle without pulling it into a knot. One way to limit tangles is to cut your thread to a reasonable length.  I have found that it is much easier to work with thread pieces 1 8inches or less.
• Use a hoop (also referred to as a fabric stretcher).  While some experienced cross stitchers can create a masterpiece without placing it in a loop, I think it is an important tool.  These loops are designed to pull the fabric taunt and allow for even well placed stitches.  Be careful not to pull the fabric so taunt that it tears or damages the threads, but it should be tight enough to bounce a penny on.
• When you are done working for the day remove the loop.  Leaving the work in the loop for too long can damage the stitches, fabric, and even warp the loops themselves.
• Make sure you can see... this seems like common sense but one of the first obstacles I came up against was poor lighting.  The patterns may seem easy to follow at first but as your eyes get tired low light can easily lead to a mistake.  Some people also find it helpful to purchase a lighted magnifying accessory in order to aid in completing these tiny stitches and patterns. 
• Our final tip was brought to us by our reader Bobbie: "Make sure all of your Xs are going in the same direction. That the top stitch is always tilted in the same direction. This is what makes a huge difference in the end result of your piece." (Thanks Bobbie for the advice).

I hope to share some more insight as I learn this new craft.  Please feel free to share any other tips and tricks you find helpful while cross stitching.  Here is a picture of my progress so far... I'm excited all those little blue Xs are starting to come to life.

Gel Color Manicure

Being an avid crafter is not always easy on my hands.  My nails seem to suffer quite a bit.  I use to pay for manicures but got frustrated when they would scratch or chip a few days in.  Then I started painting my nails on my own... same problem.  While acrylic or silk tips lasted a little longer I don't like the damage they do to your natural nail. I know total girl problem right?!? Honestly while I am not super girly I do like to have my nails done.

I had pretty much given up on pretty nails until my mom suggested I try the color gel manicures.  She also works with her hands as a professional decorator.  If her manicure could stand up to the wear and tear of the wire in artificial trees and wreaths then this just might be the solution I was looking for.  I got my first gel color manicure three weeks ago.  The manicure consists of a clear gel layer, and then 2-3 layers of the colored gel polish, followed by a final top coat.  Between each layer you place your hand in a dryer.  While this may take a little more time than a regular manicure but when you leave it is dried and ready to go.

It is three weeks since I got the manicure and it still looks amazing (minus where my nail has grown out).  While the recommended time is a new polish every two weeks, I wanted to really put this manicure to the test before blogging about it.  It has withstood crochet needles, sandpaper and paint from the lawn ornament project, and even dishes.

Refinishing Lawn Ornaments

On my last trip to the country I was upset to see my aunt's familiar lawn ornament had taken quite a beating over the past few years.  For as long as I can remember the happy little boy had stood guard a the corner of my aunt's house, right below the humming bird feeder.  When I asked my aunt she said the cement boy was passed down to her and had been in the family for around 100 years.  With his chipping paint and cracked cement he was beginning to show his age.  I decided it was my turn, like my aunts before me, to give our little boy a makeover.  I'm sure man of you have family heirlooms that need a little work, but the history they bring is well worth the effort.

I went the next day to Home Depot and bought my make over kit.  First things first I needed sand paper.  I was also going to need something to repair the deep cracks and missing pieces of cements.  Last but not least I was going to need paint and brushed to complete the refurbishing of our cement lawn ornament.  Once I got everything I needed I set to work.

I had chosen a fine grained sand paper to remove all of the paint chips fro years of layered repairs.  The paper could not be too course or it might remove some of the details of the statue.  After sanding away the chips I took the outdoor cork I had purchased at Home Depot and began to fill in the deep crack around his neck, as well as using it to resculpt the missing cement pieces.  It is important that the cork you use says it is paintable.  Once applied it will need a few hours to dry well before you can begin to paint over the cork.  While the finish will not be as perfect as actual cement it will diminish the look of wear and it is easy to use.

A few hours later I was ready to begin the repainting portion of the project.  I had purchased the Baer indoor-outdoor paint samples with paint and primer in one.  They were inexpensive, provided for great coverage, and left plenty of paint for future touch ups.  I started with the larger portions first and then returned with a smaller detailing brush to finish the fine lines and details.

A few hours of painting later and our little boy was ready to retake his rightful place on my aunt's country lawn.  I'm happy a little money and a little hard work has helped preserve this little guys for years to come.  Helping keep a family treasure alive is priceless :) 

Prom (or Wedding) Accessories

Well as promised in Girls Day in the Garment District I wanted to share the accessories we made for my cousin Alexis' prom.  It was this past Friday and she looked stunning.  Now that she made her debut, I can publicly share what a little trim can do to accessorize an outfit.

When it comes to picking the right trim to make your accessories pop, it is important to bring a sample of the actual dress.  Many people forget this important step and end up unhappy with the trim they purchased. While you may think you know the color in your head, you might be surprised by how many options are just a slight shade off from your outfit.  Even a black dress may be hard to accessorize without a sample to match (yes even black has shades).

With that said, my Aunt Teresa (another incredibly crafty member of my family) asked us to find trim for Alexis' prom.  She was wearing a blue dress accented with feathers and sequins.  With our mission set and sample in hand we set out to find the perfect trim items to make a matching hair accessory.  The first thing we needed was to find matching feathers for the dress. It took a while but we eventually found the right color match. They came in a bundle attached at the end to a ribbon.  While lose feathers might have worked as well, they are much more difficult to work with.

Once we found the right feather match the next thing we needed was something sparkly to attach the feathers too.  The trim shop we were in had a large selection of rhinestone buttons, beads, ribbon, and pins.  Ultimately we decided a pin would be best since the feathers could easily be attached. The pin also made for an easier attachment of the finished accessory to her hair.  We looked at a number of pin options and decided a large open rhinestone pin would work best.

We delivered the trim to my cousin and Aunt when we saw them at the Autism Awareness Fundraiser.  With less than a week before Alexis' prom my Aunt Teresa set out to make the perfect hair piece.  The end result was simple yet stunning. Alexis wore her hair to the side and the hair clip was an attention grabbing accessory that looked like it was a perfect match for her dress.  The clip brought a small burst of color up by her face and added that little bit of glamour every girl wants to feel on their prom night.

Not only were the feathers a great addition to Alexis' hair, there were enough feathers left over for the florist to add them into Alexis' corsage.  One of the finishing touches of every girls prom look, this corsage was not only a lovely gesture from her boyfriend, but also a unique and notable accent to her dress.  While in the past a plain rose or carnation was customary for wrist corsages, it is becoming more common for these floral pieces to now be a matching accessory.  Glitter, spray paint/dye, rhinestones, and additions such as butterflies are now popular corsage accents.

Even without all of the glitter and glam my baby cousin would have looked beautiful but there is nothing like a great dress, and stunning matching accessories to make a girl feel like a princess for the night.  Take a look below at the complete look.

 

Reader Input

I am lucky enough to have a long weekend this week and I have decided after work to head back to my aunt's country home for the weekend.  As you read in my post A Weekend to Recharge, last time I was there I was inspired to start a new crochet project.  I found the perfect yarn for my idea and it is already packed and ready for the trip into the mountains.  I'm looking forward to relaxing for a few days.  Not to mention it will be nice to work on the crochet project in the place that inspired the idea.

Since I will most likely be disconnected from phones/internet I will not be posting for the next few days.  I have received the most interest so far regarding my "how to" and explanation blogs.  I figured we can still make this a productive blogging weekend.  Please leave a comment below with any questions, how to topics, or helpful tip areas you would like me to discuss in the future.  I will take these comments into consideration when choosing future blog posts.

How To: Yarn Pom Poms

When I was a kid I think every winter hat I owned was topped with a pom pom.  I stopped wearing them when it was no longer "cool" to have that adorable fuzzy ball on the top of your head.  Well wouldn't you know that pom poms are back in style and they are no longer just for children's accessories.    

While pom poms can be a fun addition to a crochet or knit project, they are also a great way to use scrap pieces of yarn. I wanted to try creating a pom pom but I wasn't sure which of the many "pom pom tools" to purchase.  There are many options out there and I didn't know what was best.  Most of my craft friends recommend  the Susan Bates Easy Wrap Pom Pom Maker.  While I had used a friend's kit and found it easy to make, I am always trying to find ways to save money.  Though these kits are not expensive, if I could make pom poms with what I already have at home then I could put that money to use for new yarn :)  

Again after much searching I came across a homemade method that would create the cute pom poms I desired without me having to dig into my pocket.  I came across this pattern from helloknitty.com.  The Pom Pom Pattern called for cutting cardboard into shapes that mimic the plastic tools found in most pom pom kits.  While I found this method to be easy enough, one of my craft challenged friends felt this was too many steps and a little too complicated for a beginner.  

I set out again to find an alternative to allow even the most inexperienced crafters to create the pom poms they desired.  I decided to play with some scraps and see if I could find an easier method.  After a few failed attempts I found another homemade, cost efficient way to craft a pom pom.  

All that is required is a piece of cardboard, yarn, and scissors.  Follow the directions below. 

1. Cut a piece of card board to approximately twice the width of the final pom pom size your want to create. (Tip: I try to recycle whatever I can, and I have found that the cardboard toilet paper rolls we usually throw out make great pom pom boards.)
2. Wrap the yarn (use scraps to make a multi color pom pom).  The more yarn you wind around the cardboard the fuller your pom pom will be.  
3. Once you have achieved the thickness you want, fold the cardboard and slide the cardboard out from inside the yarn loops.
4. Take a long piece of yarn and place it under the center of the bundle of yarn (If I plan to attach the pom pom to a hat etc, I will make this piece long enough for me to attach the pom pom).  
5. Tie the string around the center tight and knot it twice.
6. Use the scissor to cut the loops both above and below the tie you just created.
7. Fluff the pom pom to you liking and trim as necessary.

I hope this helps with creating your own handmade pom poms.  They make a great accessory to top off a hat.  I have also used them to create children's toys by adding eyes and making them little critters.  And for the animal lovers reading, I have yet to meet a cat who does not love to bounce on of these pom poms around the house.  

Decoding Yarn Labels

My first project was a scarf made from a spare skein of yarn lying around my house.  After I finally completed my first crochet item, I instantly wanted to begin a new project.  I walked to my local craft store and confidently walked to the yarn section.  What could be so difficult about picking out a new yarn for a scarf.  Well lets start with who knew there were so many options?  I mean I should have after years of watching my Nannie but seriously who knew?!?  All of the sudden my head was filled with questions... what yarn type, how thick, can I use the needles I have at home, what color/colors, how much would I need, and why does the "same" yarn look different skein to skein?  My simple desire to create a second scarf suddenly felt a little overwhelming.  I wished my Nannie was there to answer all of these questions.  I eventually figured it all out but I know of some new crafters who have been discouraged from creating the project they have in mind due to yarn confusion.  So here is a quick summary to help decode the world of yarn.

As for what type of yarn, looking at the fiber content will be extremely important for some projects, while not as important for others.  Some of the common fibers are wool, fleece, cotton, and synthetics.  

• Wool is a natural fiber made from a sheep's coat.  It is commonly used in knitting and can suit almost any project.
• Fleece comes from the coats of various animals.  Some types of fleece that may seem familiar are cashmere, mohair, and angora.  These fibers are less common, often more expensive, and are not usually used for everyday projects.
• Cotton is another natural option which comes from a plant. It is soft and gentle on skin but also incredibly durable.  I recently discovered 100% cotton yarn is a great housewares fiber for projects such as washcloths.  My vegan friends and customers are fond of this fiber.  
• Synthetics are probably the most common fiber you will find in your local craft store.  Nylon, polyester, and acrylic are often found in some combination.  The yarns can vary greatly in texture and look even when they are comprised of the same material.  These fibers are often your least expensive yarns and are great for everyday projects.  

You may also come across yarns created for a special look such as variegated yarn which is different shades of the same color within a skein or tweed yarn which has color specks of a different color scattered throughout. Novelty yarns are also growing in popularity and variation.  These yarns may include: faux fur, ribbon, alternating thickness, and chenille fibers.  These yarns may be more difficult to work with so they are not the best option for new crafters.

Once you find the fiber you wish to use for your project the next thing to look at is the weight of the yarn. This will help answer a number of questions.  You can find the below symbols on the yarn label to help guide you in your decisions.  Most patterns will specify which yarn works best.      

As you can see from the above chart, the the yarn weight will help you decide the thickness, the hook you should use, as well as an idea of how much you will need.   While this is a good guide it is important to remember these guideline are not absolute. The thickness will also be affected by the stitch you choose.  The hook size for a project may also be affected by how tight you complete your stitches.  In order to better determine the ideal hook for a project you should stitch with different hooks until you match the projects gauge.  

The gauge is how many stitches and rows per a set inch, or square.  Above is a sample of a gauge square on a yarn label.  The hook size in the middle is a good start but once again you final choice will be based on your own personal stitching.  Yarn weight is also very important when you want to create a project with multiple yarns.  While you don't have to use the same yarn type, or even brand it is important that the weighs are the same.  If they are different there will be noticeable differences in thickness, and maintaining the gauge will not be possible. 

As for how much yarn you should purchase this is often the hardest part to determine.  Many patterns make a recommendation for how much to purchase. If you are using a different yarn than the recommended skein then it might be a good idea to use a yarn calculator to ensure you have enough.  When it comes to crochet or knit projects more is almost always better.  This is especially true for yarns that have dye lots, are limited editions, or are being discontinued.  Not all yarns have a dye lot, but be sure to read the label carefully to ensure if there is a lot that you purchase enough skeins from the same lot to complete the entire project.  While it might only be a slight difference, when you begin to work the second dye lot into a project, there will be a notable difference.

I hope this helped decode the yarn label mystery.  Don't be afraid to try new yarns, just make sure you take the time to ensure you have the right yarn and tools for the project you have in mind.  I know I haven't posted part II of our early Mother's Day outing but I am hoping to get the pictures from my sister's camera soon.  

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