ThreadBanger - D.I.Y Fashion & Style

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit Sweater Patterns!

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:16:10 EST

Ok I know this is the time of year when knitters start gift knitting like mad, but for me it's also the time I start daydreaming about knitting a sweater for myself - I never actually knit one, but oh how I love to dream about it! So I wanted to share some of my personal favorite sweater patterns that are available online. I'm sticking with independent patterns (so nothing for sale through Interweave for example) because patterns available directly from designers or through independent sites like Twist Collective are much more beneficial to designers, yay! Starting with pullovers, this one is so super popular but I love it just like everyone else does! Owls by Kate Davies is a free ravelry download, and can be found on this page along with all of Kate's gorgeous patterns. Above, you see the design, and below is an example of how you could be super crafty and embellish it further - ravelry user mamasue did this adorable embroidery!

I also love Kate's Paper Dolls pattern - so cute! This one is £3.50 through her site or ravelry.

Baby Cables and Big Ones Too, designed by Suvi Simola and for sale on ravelry for $6, is so beautifully unusual and classic looking at the same time, I can't stop staring at it!

And speaking of unusual cables, Jared Flood designed the cool horizontal cabled Seneca, which you can buy from him on ravelry for $6.25.

One last crazy cool cabled pullover - Wisteria by Kate Gilbert is $7 from Twist Collective:

Now how about a hoodie? Yeah! Rogue Hooded Pullover is $6 from Girl From Auntie - this fabulous one was knit by elkbiologist on ravelry:

Moving on to cardigans, I'll start out with a few free ones! I love the simplicity and neckline of Buttony Sweater by Katie Marcus:

That one used Elizabeth Zimmermann's sweater-knitting concepts as a starting point; February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne is a "grown-ass woman" version of EZ's Baby Sweater on Two Needles (download on ravelry):

Everybody Knows by Weaverknits on knitty is a garter stitch jacket - "If you’ve never knit a sweater, you can knit this one and enjoy every minute" - love it!

I always love Weaverknits' design aesthetic; check out this fabulously asymmetrical jacket, Lauren, available on ravelry for $3:

Dexter by Zephyr Style ($6.50) looks so comfy, I'd want to wear it every day for sure!

Ysolda Teague designed this gorgeous zip-up hoodie, Vivian, for Twist Collective ($7):

And lastly, also on Twist Collective for $7, the most ultimate of all knit sweaters - Sylvi by Mari Muinonen is absolutely breathtaking:

Hope this inspired you to cast on a sweater, or at least to daydream about casting one on after the holidays perhaps, and also to support your favorite knit designers! If you have a personal favorite sweater design, let us all know in the comments!

Thanksgiving Table Decor Round-Up

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:44:42 EST

Your Thanksgiving table decor is a wonderful way to create a lovely, warm and welcoming aesthetic to set the mood for the holiday. Thanksgiving can be a bit more relaxed with Christmas and Hanukkah just around the corner, you'll have plenty of chances to get fancy. Here are a few table decor ideas that I enjoy.

Modern Dose carries this fun mustache napkin rings, but I think you could easily make your own. Cut cardboard mustaches out and attach a ring to it with super glue. Then paint the top with chalkboard paint and add each guests names.

One of the contributers of Apartment Therapy came up with this modern take on autumnal gourds. A collection of white, gray and celadon gourds mixed with a white tray and vase give a clean, mid-century look to the table.

Swiss Miss offers a lesson in organimals, or origami napkin folding, to impress those seated at your table.

The Kitchen is filled with delicious recipes and food ideas, and also offer up a round up of place cards for Thanksgiving. I love this white paper cut pumpkin.

Master of all holidays, Martha Stewart offers endless table decor ideas, crafts and recipes, so do yourself a favor and always check out what she suggests. Put your own individual spin on it of course, that's what it's all about.

Some of my favorite of Martha's ideas are her place cards made out of natural items like pears and those neat little prickly things.

Check out my previous blog posts on leaf mobiles and pomegranate place cards.

For more Thanksgiving table decor, go visit and become a fan of the Decor It Yourself Fanpage where I post photos of inspiration and ideas for each and every holiday, along with helpful articles to make your season a little easier.

This was our Thanksgiving table last year. A rich red handmade tablecloth from a friend, white dishware, with simple red berries as the centerpiece.

I LOVE to see your handmade style, so tell us your ideas and tips and send us pictures of your holiday decor style. Wishing you the very best!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Drinks for Winter Warming!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:43:53 EST

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things about the chilly season is delicious hot drinks! I usually stick with basic hot tea, but sometimes I want to try something special and DIY a really fabulous winter treat! So I've rounded up a bunch of them - non-alcoholic first, then adult drinks towards the bottom - for your making and sipping enjoyment!

I do love me some hot apple cider! On Squidoo you'll find a recipe for this soul-warming beverage (photo above), as well as one for apple cider with a peppermint twist. And Red Dirt Mother shows us a brilliant way to serve it up:

I love the taste of chai, but I much prefer real tea versions, or homemade kinds, to the packaged, sugary powder variety. Make your own deluxe hot chai mix with this recipe on cakeyvoice!

And treep1 made an instructable for home made chai lattes:

For a more authentic recipe, check out zero0928's instructable for "Indian Tea (aka Chai)" - I love chai in Indian restaurants, so I've got to try this one!

Also on instructables, chinnerz has a how-to for this delicious-sounding Coffee+Nutella drink:

For a special touch on your winter coffee drinks, check out How about orange's coffee stencil instructions:

To turn your winter drink making into gifts, the motherload has a post on making delicious hot drink mixes like hot cocoa and vanilla chai:

Now to transition into grown-up drinks, delish has a collection of Warming Winter Drinks, which includes non-alcoholic Spiced Warm Apple Cider and Vanilla Café au Lait, and alcoholic White Spiced Coffee (sounds SO good!) and Block Island Fog Coffee.

Fine Living has 9 Hot Winter Cocktail recipes, including Hot Spiked Cider, Cranberry Hot Toddies, Nutty Irishman, and Vanilla Hot Chocolate Seduction (yummmm).

Brookelynn on Craft: blog shares a photo-filled how-to for this fantastic looking Grown-Up Hot Chocolate:

You can read about Hot Toddies on Squidoo, including a recipe from 1st Traveler's Choice Internet Cookbook, and there's another hot toddy recipe on epicurious for a slight variation.

The Food Network's website offers a recipe for Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail, and I've used this one by James Starmer:

The Space Pope on instructables shows us how to make Eggy Wegg Nogg - not a hot drink, but with whiskey, rum, and brandy, I'm sure it'll warm you right up!

This Dark and Snow-Stormy featured on Craft: blog is also a cold drink - extra cold because it's made with actual snow, so it definitely qualifies as a winter treat!

And I'll leave you with a link to Martha Stewart's Cocktail Hour - with this yummy looking Candy Cane Cocktail recipe. Do you have a favorite drink for wintertime? If yes, share it with us in the comments!

Book Ruffle Wreath

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:57:19 EST

I LOVE this book ruffle wreath that I found while perusing Etsy's holiday decor guide. I love being inspired by independant artists who think outside the box and create such unique pieces. The holiday season doesn't have to look the same in every home, this year let's mix it up a bit and bring a unique spin on the decor we create.

Thanks to you a comment by CroqZine, you can get the tutorial on how to make this here, at Living With Lindsay. Thank you!

What is getting YOU excited for the up-coming holiday season?

Skirt Your Scarf

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:30:02 EST

"Second Runway's Lisa Venne shows you how to turn last year's scarves into a cute skirt with very little sewing. Second Runway is an eco-friendly fashion show to benefit Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota! Revenue from Goodwill stores supports their mission to provide job training and employment support to Minnesotans. More than a store...we prepare people for work. To shop, donate or get involved, visit www.goodwilleasterseals.org"

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Blankets!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:19:30 EST

If I had any free knitting/crocheting time, I would definitely be making myself a new blanket this time of year! I love the gorgeous eye candy of these handmade blankets... Starting with the crochet designs - Sarah London made this beautiful Wool-eater blanket and shows us how to make the pieces:

You can make blankets from any kind of crocheted granny squares, so I won't get into many of those, with their endless possibilities, but I will show you this great Hexagon blanket how-to by Attic24:

I love this Circles to Squares Afghan, from Lion Brand:

The Ripple Afghan is a classic crochet blanket design - you can find the pattern by SusanB, and I love micheline's version on ravelry (michelinemus on flickr):

Another classic - Bella Dia has a how-to for this Vintage Vertical Stripe Crocheted Blanket:

Now on to the knit patterns - Loop Knits has the pattern for this pretty Wave Blanket:

Lion Brand gives the free pattern for this super simple Diagonal Comfort Blanket, which would look great with stripes:

Classic Elite Yarns offers the free downloadable pattern for this Lacy Chunky Throw, designed by Wenlan Chia:

BrooklynTweed shares the pattern/chart for this gorgeous Hemlock Ring Blanket:

Knitty.com has several great blanket patterns, like Lizard Ridge by Laura Aylor:

I love this simple but super cool looking OpArt blanket by Melissa Dominguez:

And Totally Autumn by Anne Hanson is a nice, lacy design:

Fibercrack'd offers a download of this Serenity blanket pattern, also available on ravelry:

Also available on ravelry is Frankie Brown's Ten Stitch Blanket - I love this scrap-busting version by shine:

For a simple, cabled design, Lion Brand gives us this Cable Comfort Throw:

Also on Lion Brand, this Tree of Life Afghan is much more complex but beautiful:

A couple more for download through ravelry - Alexis Layton designed this pretty Radiating Star Blanket:

And you can download a pdf of this Moderne Log Cabin Blanket from Mason-Dixon Knitting - this one was made by mookyelk:

Hope this helps you keep warm through the winter! As always, if you have a favorite knit or crochet blanket pattern, share it in the comments!

What I Wore, Mad Men

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:22:58 EST

I love the styles on Mad Men. Check out this show on how-to recreate a classic 60's look from our new sister network, Confashional.

Let me know what you think of the new show and of course the Mad Men style in the comments below.

YOUR Take on our Halloween Tutorials!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:09:08 EST

We had so many pictures sent to us from Thread Heads who made costumes based on our tutorials this year! Thanks everyone for sending in your pictures...you all did an amazing job!!! xoxo c (description from who made the costume is under their picture.)

Shelby Rude "so, as soon as i saw the tutorial for the mad hatter costume, i knew my photographer buddy, red williamson, would be absolutely STOKED on it, and want to do a photoshoot. so i pitched the idea to him and we spent about an hour planning it out. in the end, we decided since i was making a feminine version of the mad hatter, that we should have a boy in the shoot to be alice. so thats where my buddy nick came in. then i spent the next 5 days, and about 40 bucks making our costumes. i could not be more pleased with the quality and appearance of both of these outfits. this morning we all woke up early, headed out in some woods, and did a photoshoot for about an hour. we went absolutely crazy with this shoot. red williamson is an amazing photographer with the greatest energy and greatest ideas. anyone interested in getting some photos done in the northwest NEEDS to check this man out. www.newspinphoto.com"

Rachel Wase
"I made this costume and it turned out so awesome! thanks for the video. I couldn't have done it with out your video."

Chesire "After watching the awesome tutorial I had to try my hand at making some alice in wonderland costumes. Unfortunately my partner and I didnt have a glue gun or a sewing machine or poster board for that matter but we made do with lots of hand sewing and pva glue. Also this was our first time doing any sort of sewing or general diy stuff so the work was certainly dodgy and i doubt the costumes will stand the test of time but they made it through the night so mission accomplished."

Steve Czarnecki

Masquerade
"Mmmmk guys. So I'm not new to Threadbangers, but this is my first post evaar! I've been around for a while but I've been too afraid to post anything. But finally, my hour has come! I actually have something to post about! I'm going to a Halloween party tonight, and I am going as The Mad Hatter, from Tim Burton's new movie. And my twin sister is joining me as Alice. This is the first time I have made a costume pretty much out of stuff from the Goodwill."

"Hello! I only want to be thankful to them by the tutorial Mad Hatter Costume, Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, it and Saturday 31 I was myself of cavern, it competes and it gains the first place. I am very contented and I already am fan of all videos. I add photos to them so that they see the results. Thanks again, from Tlaquepaque Jalisco, Mexico. David Israel."

Heather H "I actually won a prize at this costume party- thanks, Threadbanger!"

Clock Work Clown
"First poster here in forums, just in time for halloween! I got really inspired by the tutorial on the mad hatter costume, but didn't want to make it exactly like the movie version, I decided to make it in my own style."

by Jen15580 "Hey Threadbanger, My first real big project."

Lindsay Nelson "My mad hatter costume was a hot in DC. Though you can't see it, I repurposed a mini skirt and garter to sexy it up and feminize it. Thanks for the tutorial!"

by FlyGirl711

Trudy4Life "After seeing the mad hatter episode i decided that would be my chosen halloween costume, plus its my friends birthday with a fairytale theme so it was perfect. My friend Jen is going to be my March Hare so I made her matching ears and a tail. I put my own little spin on in, sexed it up a little. I hope you all like!! and Thanks Threadbanger for a wicked tutorial, I maight not be able to keep my head up all night, but at least my friends wont lose me!!!!"

Joy (Butterfly Demise on the forums)

by FashionistaCreep

Alice "Thank you Threadbanger for the ideas, and to GoodWill for the jacket and pants..."

Jinx
"hey guys just wanted to share the glove i made inspired off of the last episode."

"TY Threadbanger! I had a great time crafting this mask! Keep doing what you guys are doing! AmbicionEterna, Long Time Subscriber"

Nicole Kimball "Thanks for the YouTube video!"

"Used your tutorial to make the mask for my daughter's crow costume... Thanks! The daughter wants to make sure I tell you "you guys are awesome! I wanna do everything that you show us" ~Amber & Aislinn"

Kat Menicanin "I loved the mask video and attempted to replicate the process for Halloween. I made a mask for myself (I went as a valkyrie for halloween) and a helmet for my boyfriend (he went as Odin). I used the same plaster strips for the helmet but also put pocked paper towel over top paper mache style to give it a textured look of dimpled metal. the horns are made from scrunched up newspaper with a tinfoil core for molding. i covered it with tape then proceeded to wrap it up with twine I had laying around. then painted it gold for effect. For the mask i trimmed it after it had set to contour it to my face more so since this angles would be hard to achieve in the initial casting process. then after cutting up some bristle board and heading to the dollar store for jewels and feathers i painted it all up and went crazy with the glue gun. Thanks so much Threadbanger for your videos:)"

Rouge333 "I had just watch the video on how to make mad hatter and I just thought "THATS WHAT I'M GONNA BE!" I had a low budget so I went through my closet, I had a old dress in there that I only wore once to a funeral and it has just sat there so I used it plus the old corset I made a long time ago from the valentine special and TAH DA I got to work and everything turn out great! I knew it look gothy and not what mad hatter would usually wear but I called it my very own."

Indi "I originally made this costume because three friends and I weregoing to go as a different suite but when they wimped out and bought their costumes I decided to keep the idea and go as the queen of hearts. I made everything from scratch excluding the socks, and the base of the top. I was so happy with how it came out (my first project using the sewing machine) and was absolutly flabergasted when I won the costume contest at our 8th grade school dance. I hope you like it! Oh and special thanks to Corinne for the tutu tutorial!!!"

Lexy "I made the white version cause I'm more innocent :P"

Nekoheehee "Here's a mask I did for my friends home coming :3 It was my first experience using plaster cloth but I'm still fairly happy with how it came out. It was custom made to fit her face perfectly. Colored with several coats of latex spray paint. the feathers are seagull feathers that we modified with sharpies, not the most professional way to do it but we tested out a few options and she liked to sharpies color the best."

How-to Hem Pants via Craft

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:37:54 EST

CRAFTzine has a great vid on how-to hem pants. I am 5'1 and a half" (I am very proud of that half inch) and have so many pants that are way too long...this is going to help alot:)

Care Bears On Fire, "Barbie Eat a Sandwich"

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:35:32 EST

My good friend Daisy made this amazing music video for our sister network, $99 Music Videos. Care Bears On Fire are super talented and so young. Call me inspired. Tell us what you think in the comments.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Crafted Scarves!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:20:15 EDT

It's starting to get chilly around here, and that means it's time to break out my many handmade scarves! I love making scarves, with their basic simplicity and endless creative possibility, and I've already done a roundup of knit+crochet scarves, as well as scarflets and cowls, so this set of scarves is all non-knit/crochet. Some sewn, some no-sew, some from recycled clothing, some reconstructions of store bought scarves... Starting with Rachel's super awesome T-Shirt Memory Scarf on Craft: blog!

This ruffly scarf on Ruffles & Stuff is also made from a recycled t-shirt (or you could make it from several for a multi-colored look!):

Craft: has a tutorial by Brookelynn for sewing this Ruffled Scarf from a recycled sweater:

Mary Ray on CraftStylish shows us how to make a spiral scarf:

And I love this CraftStylish tutorial by Diane Gilleland for a Recycled Necktie Scarf (you could try lining it with wool for a winter version):

Some Girls Wander blog made a pretty scarf from vintage doilies:

I love these Scrap Scarves, with a full tutorial on Javajem Knits blog:

Shawn Connally on Craft: talks about her favorite scarf, which is similar to the scrap scarf style, but with a couple of cool features:

And here's a totally different kind of scrap scarf, with tutorial by Mary Ray on CraftStylish:

Make and Takes has a how-to for this Easy Fringe Fleece Scarf:

I just contributed a tutorial to Dollar Store Crafts, for this no-sew buttoning scarflet, which uses a fringed fleece scarf from the dollar store:

And those fleece scarves are a huge inspiration to many a thrifty crafter! Check out Dollar Store Crafts' Fleece Scarf Gallery, featuring these awesome Hand-Printed Fleece Scarves from curbly:

I'll leave you with one more scarf I made, but with no tutorial - it's super simple though, just pieces of felted recycled sweater wool, sewn together to make a big, warm scarf! Get creative, since scarves can be any kind of cozy long rectangle you can create! Happy Autumn crafting!

Meg's Blood Spatter Effect How-to with ETSY!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:08:35 EDT

Here is the blood template!

Cutest Beret I Have Ever Seen.

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:55:20 EDT

I have a love/undying appreciation for berets. My Great Grandma Mitchell used to wear one every day. I inherited a green one and a brown one and I love them soooo much. I just found some really cute ones on Etsy by Dadaya - Tiny Toad Stool. They are definitely fit for a pixie. I wish I knew how to make one...anyone know how???? xoxox c

It's National Cat Day!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:24:05 EDT

picture via icanhascheezburger

Spend some extra time with your kitties today and show them how much you love them.

Threadbanger in the News!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:54:55 EDT

This week has been Threadbangers biggest week ever! Today we're spotlighted on the front page of I-Tunes , this weekend on the front page of Youtube, and yesterday on MTV's Buzzworthy Blog. Check em out and thanks for all the support everyone!

Rob Czar

Weekly DIY Roundup: Halloween Crafting!

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:45:54 EDT

I can't resist another Halloween themed roundup, with so many great projects out there! Starting with roundups from other crafty websites - WhipUp has a couple of them (Halloween roundup pt.1 and pt.2). I love this project they featured by Betz White - Jack the Hoop-o-lantern!

And Dollar Store Crafts has a couple of Halloween roundups also - Halloween Crafting Ideas, and Halloween Decor, with projects like this Dead Fairy decoration by varifiresis on craftster:

Dollar Store Crafts also has a tutorial for these creepy Halloween birds, by Dot of Dabbled:

And speaking of Dabbled, Heather of Dollar Store Crafts did a tutorial over there for this Spooky Tree:

My Insanity blog explains how to make these Jack-o-lantern Jars:

Scatter Sunshine made this great Halloween candle holder with dollar store materials:

How about orange blog shows us how to make these spooky packing tape transfers:

Heidi Kenney on My Paper Crane made these Halloween window silhouettes from fabric, so they can be reused year after year:

I love this ultra creepy Halloween Wunderkammer by Poopscape Projects:

Craft: blog has a bunch of fun Halloween projects - like these Paper Bag Luminaries by Marie LeBaron:

Cathy Callahan shows us how to make adorable Halloween Popcorn Balls:

And also on Craft, Future Craft Collective has a how-to for Halloween T-Shirt Trick or Treat bags:

Lastly, don't miss my Pumpkin Carving roundup from last year, with all kinds of crazy ideas, like this blow fish pumpkin by Tippy on curbly:

Ok that's all I've got for you - if you come across any more awesome Halloween project tutorials, share them in the comments! Happy spooky crafting!

Ripple Crocheted Blanket Pattern

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:29:39 EDT

I want to make this blanket. Period.

I discovered this great blog, Attic24, which focuses on crocheting. It's great because not only because there are some awesome tutorials sprinkled throughout the posts, but also because Lucy loves bright colored yarn. And I dig her color sense.

One of the simplests projects she has listed is a ripple pattern for use in making a blanket. She has closeup photos of every step, which makes understanding the steps that much easier.

Don't you just love being inspired by a project you just stumble upon?

What projects are you really into right now?

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Halloween Costumes!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:29:00 EDT

Here at Threadbanger, we've done tons of Halloween related posts and episodes already, including my costume roundup from last year, but it's just such a crafty holiday, there's always more to show you! So this year I'm sticking to just knit/crochet patterns for something a little different this time. Starting with these freaking awesome Dr. Horrible Goggles designed swingkitty007 (ravelry designer link). If you love Dr. Horrible as much as I do, you might want to try her Penny Wristwarmers pattern too.

The same crochet designer has a free ravelry download for this fabulous Cthulhu Beard Hat!

Fans of the game Katamari Damacy (I've watched my guy playing it a few times - what a nutso game!!) check out this Prince of All the Cosmos earmuffs design! The pattern is by Nikol Lohr, on Shojo Beat, and the pictured example is by Mintyfresh on Pepperknit:

I love this Waldo costume by knitn2003 on flickr (ravelry link) - the sweater is a basic crew neck pullover with added stripes, and the hat is just a basic hat pattern with appropriate colors. Wiseneedle has a hat pattern specifically designed as a Where's Waldo hat!

I've never seen Doctor Who, but I sure am a fan of his scarf! There is a whole website dedicated to the scarf - doctorwhoscarf.com - with the exact stripe pattern. The fabulous pictured example is by Cuddlefish on Love*Craft:

This is a good time to mention, another roundup I did awhile back that you might want to check out for knit/crochet costume ideas is the Movie Costume and Accessory Projects - I don't like to have a lot of overlap in my roundups, so there are some good designs on that one that you won't find here... Another TV show costume design is this Brain Slug from Futurama, designed by NanoPants Dance:

One last roundup you might want to take a peek at is Ski Masks, which includes several possible costume ideas - and I am going to repeat the Jackyll & Hide mask here because it's such a great one for Halloween. The pattern is by SAS Knits it Again on Knitty, but the version pictured below is by Hello Yarn...

....and one more just because I love how it looks with the glasses and hat - this one is by Spinning Jenny. (If you want a full on Jack costume, swingkitty007 also has a crochet pattern on ravelry for Jack Skellington Inspired Wristwarmers.)

Another mask included in that mask roundup is Bokaclava from Things and Ideas, which is an excellent free pattern, by the same designer (ravelry link) who has a few totally amazing mask patterns for sale - Cthulhuclava (ravelry link):

Dracoclava (ravelry link):

And my personal favorite, both because of the major creepiness and the awesome name, Baalaclava:

Momwithahook on Instructables shows us how to crochet this Mustache Hat Costume:

The Little Cloud blog has a free pattern for this TMNT Mask - heroes in a half shell!!

Who Needs Gauge?! blog has this ninja mask pattern, with stockinette stitch and garter stitch versions:

Stitch Diva Studios offers a free pdf pattern download for this Hairpin Lace Crochet Mask:

And for a more basic crocheted mask, Priscilla Hewitt designed this Masquerade Mask:

I'll end with a couple of patternless costume ideas - Skrillaknits (ravelry link) made this Björk costume, knit with fun fur and some leftovers for the head. Love it!

And this one isn't actually knit or crocheted, but it's definitely a costume for knitters/crocheters! Find Katerina's Big Ball of Yarn!

Threadbanger Guild October 2009 Spotlight Banger

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:00:25 EDT

Your TB name and Name of your Etsy shop as well as the link to it.

simply_hibiscus but i really like to go by thea
and my etsy shops name is Lucys Colorful Dreams (www.simplyhibiscus.etsy.com)

How did you hear about Threadbanger?

I heard about threadbanger through blogging and i'm so glad I did

How long have you been sewing/crafting?

Only a couple months with sewing and crafting since I was very young

What inspires your creations and creativity?

anything and everything

What have you made this month/or lately?

i've been making lots and lots of plushies and i've been getting more into my detailed little monsters.

What do you plan to accomplish in the future with your sewing/crafting skills? Or shop?

making more money, filling more homes with my critters, and making more people happy.

Is there anything you'd like to say to the fellow guild members and Thread Heads out there?

Everyone on threadbanger is awesome, keep up the great motivation to do your own thing and create your own style. We need more creative people in this world and to many people are getting lazy to do it themselves but thats why we're here! ^_^

What is your favorite aspect of the guild?

I love that I know just about everyone in it and talk to them frequently its a nice family feeling.

Here's a few of simply_hibiscus' favorite creations

Episode Almost Done !

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:26:45 EDT

This week we're running a bit behind making awesome costumes for you. hit us back up in a little while for this weeks Halloweeny How To , where we show you how to create one of this seasons biggest costumes...the mad hatter.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Trivets, Pot Holders, and Table Decor!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:35:00 EDT

Diane's genius trivet made from recycled wool yo-yos inspired me to do some searching and round up a bunch of trivets, pot holders, and other assorted table items for you! Starting, of course, with the Felted Sweater Trivet by Diane Gilleland of Craftypod:

There are many ways to make trivets from wine corks - Apartment Therapy shows us one method, which uses an adjustable metal pipe clamp:

And Still Dottie made this one by sewing the cork pieces together:

Design*Sponge has a tutorial for these stenciled trivets:

Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories shows us how to make an awesome Computer Chip Trivet:

Moving on to pot holders... Jenny Ryan did a how-to on Craft for this Simple Quilted Potholder:

Etsy's blog offers a tutorial for Patchwork Style Pot Holders, from the book Patchwork Style by Suzuko Koseki:

Artsy-Crafty Babe shows us how to make Dishtowel Potholders:

Make and Takes has a how-to by Kelsey of Vanilla Joy for these clever Blue Jean Pot Holders:

No tutorial here, but I have to include this set of freaking fabulous crocheted pot holders by meekssandygirl on Craftster (click to see all 9 of them!):

I already included this tutorial in a weaving roundup awhile back, but I can't leave it out of this one - especially since I just scored a vintage metal loom just like this one, so now I'm super excited to use it with sock loops! DIY Sock Potholder on re-nest:

The Purl Bee has a detailed how-to for these colorful Woven Felt Placemats:

Vintage-craftiness expert Cathy Callahan posted on Craft about making Vintage-Inspired Tabletop Decor:

Also on Craft, Betz White shows us how to Sew a Table Runner:

And lastly, Chez Beeper Bebe spent the summer making 40 assorted cloth napkins, and offers a downloadable 5-part tutorial for all 5 styles: basic, rick rack, ruffled, appliqué, and embroidered!

For some reason, Autumn, and the feeling of impending Winter, makes me want to do home projects - reorganizing and decorating type stuff. So I'll definitely be playing around with some of these ideas! As always, if you have a favorite table decor project I didn't mention, let us all know in the comments!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Game-Related Knit+Crochet Projects!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:43:31 EDT

I just released my first ebook last night, which is all about a concept of playing a game with your knitting to create a random design - I'm so excited that it's finally done and out in the world, this week I've rounded up a bunch of projects that somehow combine games and knit or crochet! I've already done a roundup of Nintendo knit and crochet projects and one of assorted crafted games so this one is just knit/crochet patterns that involve actual game playing in some way (not costumes of game characters, etc). Starting with this knit, felted Mancala game, designed by Wendy Wonnacott on Knitty:

Kpixie has a crochet pattern for this Mini Roll-Up Checkerboard:

And Lion Brand offers a pattern for a crocheted Felted Checkers Set:

And one more - Coats and Clark has a crochet pattern for a Checkers Board Game (pieces and all):

Momcrochets designed this Tic-Tac-Tote, with a tic-tac-toe grid on the front, so you can take the pieces out of your bag and play a game whenever you feel like it:

I could easily do an entire roundup of dice bag patterns (yay geek crafts!) so I'm just choosing a small assortment for you today, starting with Katydid Knits' Geek Chic Dice Pouch (in 3 sizes):

I like the look of this knit D4 Shaped Dicebag by Claire on Livejournal:

Bronwyn on Livejournal designed this Hogwarts House Colors Drawstring Bag (which could of course be knit in other colors too):

Jessie McKitrick's crochet Tapestry Dice Bags pattern is just available on ravelry, so sign up for a rav membership if you're not already a member!

Nina knits designed this super pretty Deep Sea Flower Dice Bag:

And lastly for the bags, Arcana Vitae offers the pattern for this Cthulhu Dice Bag... of Glory! Nerdy to the max, in the best way!

Now for some video game system cases - not as related to game-play as the other pattern types, but if video games are your games of choice, then a handcrafted case would be cool, right? Random Thoughts in Funky Fringe blog has a pattern for this Jayne Style DS Cozy (I love combinations of different nerdiness in one project!):

This is a Crayon Disaster! blog has a pattern for this DS Case with Game Pockets:

Fruppi on Instructables designed a croceted Nintendo DS case, but with a slideshow of photos so I can't show you here. And I really love Mimi Hill's Dapper Nintendo DS cosy case, available on ravelry:

ImperiestroMary posted this Zelda-Themed Game Boy Cozy knitting pattern on craftster:

This crocheted Magnetic Katamari pattern on Amy's Babies is video gamed themed, but it actually functions (so awesome!) so I'm including in here for you:

Now for some projects similar to my Game Knitting concept - I knew I wasn't the first to think of the idea of creating randomness in knitting (or crochet) by playing some kind of game, and I've found a few patterns out there that involve throwing dice to determine pattern randomness, like this Vegas Scarf:

Josie Mercier's Chaos sweater on Knitty uses a die to design this awesome looking random cables pattern:

I love this Freeform Crochet project that was a crochet-along for National Crochet Month last year - every day of the month members were given instructions (for example, March 12 instructions: Please measure the length of your hair in centimetres, and do that many back post trebles, in a new yarn.) so that at the end of the month they had a crazy, random crocheted piece, like the pictured one by Devasha on ravelry. You could totally play the game from the instructions for fun, even though the month is over!

Well I hope there are other fiber and game nerds like me out there who enjoyed this roundup! Add any other fun projects in the comments that incorporate yarny goodness and game playing together at last! I'll leave you with an item knit with my Game Knitting concept - you can check out details about the ebook on my blog. Now go play! (or knit! or crochet!)

DIY Organic Breakfast

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:25:09 EDT

Whether you make your own clothes and decorations because it’s fun, cheap, sustainable or all three, you know you’re helping your wallet - and the planet. Another great way to be sustainable, creative and cheap is by cooking using local and seasonal food. Enter Working Class Foodies, one of the shows on our new sister channel Hungry Nation. Siblings Max and Rebecca Lando can help you tap into another creative side of yourself by showing how to cook delicious meals for less than $8 a person using only local and seasonal foods.

On the recent episode, “Eggless Breakfast” Max and Rebecca wake up to realize they’re out of eggs and must come up with a delicious, cheap breakfast using what's at home and at the local fruit stand. They show off their resourceful side to create granola with compote using only oats, maple syrup and fruit for just over $4 a person. They were even able to save some for another day without eggs.

Check out the new show below, and leave a comment. Make sure to go to Hungry Nation to find more episodes and subscribe to Working Class Foodies if you like what you see.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Photo Projects from Photojojo!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:18 EDT

Have you heard about Photojojo's new book? It's amazing! I wrote a short review on my blog (where I also geeked out about how excited I am to have contributed), and I also wrote about the Photojojo website awhile ago here on Threadbanger. So to celebrate the book's release, I've rounded up some of my favorite DIY photo projects from the website - there are so many different kinds of projects, I've limited this list to ones that use printed photos, but click around the site to find projects you can do with cameras, photography shooting projects, and lots more!

First, a bunch of fun frame ideas - I love these Cardboard Hipster Frames!

Check out how awesome DIY Cardboard Ring Frames look - genius!

This Amoeba-Shaped Cork Board Photo Frame is cool looking and practical:

I love board games, so I'm totally into these Scrabble (and more) Board Picture Frames:

This one is simple, recycley, and oh-so-clever - Glass Jar Frames:

As the post says, gaze into your wine glass and see someone gazing right back at you with these Wine Glass Photo Frames:

Here's a great one for a few weeks from now - make a Pumpkin Photo Holder:

I love lenticular images, learn to make an old fashioned one in 4 easy steps:

I'm definitely going to try this one: DIY Photo Pop-Outs, fun!

Make a Magnetic Photo Bookmark - so cool looking!

I am a huge fan of photo murals, and have made several over the years, but I never thought to put one on the ceiling!

These last 2 are also in the book! Make your own Photo Snow Globes:

These Photo Ornaments are so cool, I want to hang them around my home year-round!

So check out the book for many more amazing projects, I can't recommend it highly enough!!

Forums down for a bit....sorry

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:02:51 EDT

hey threadheads and threadbangers alike...we're experiencing some technically difficulties on our end over on the forums. But dont fret, we're takin care of it and will have the problems corrected soon. So if your having problems logging in, chill, go make something cool and log back in, in a little bit. thanks yo !

-Rob Czar

Weekly DIY Roundup: Notebooks!

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:21:22 EDT

Last year around this time of year I did back to school roundups of backpacks & messenger bags and pens, pencils, & cases, so for this year's schooly time of year I decided to bring you a collection of fun notebook projects. I love notebooks - I have one I carry with me everywhere, for keeping track of ideas, designs, addresses, quotes, anything I want to remember, then I have several more around the house for specific purposes. So I'm always excited about cool projects to dress up the notebooks I already have, or make more from scratch, since I can never have too many! I love these little notebooks made with playing cards for covers - Diane of Craftypod gives a full tutorial:

Su of Tangle Crafts did a tutorial for Craft Leftovers for these cute PaintChip Notebooks:

Those use the same basic idea as (or similar to) these Matchbook Notepads on Design*Sponge - I love the idea of making separate tiny notebooks for reminders of books, music, and movies you want to check out!

Paper and Stitch gives a tutorial for making notebooks with recycled papers and memory game cards:

I love these colorful sticky note clipboards by Next to Heaven (via Dollar Store Crafts):

I also like this sticky note project - Greetingarts' Sticky Notes Books:

This Crazy Postcard Notebook by Kiko on Cut Out + Keep uses up junk mail postcards and scrap paper:

Heather Bailey offers a free downloadable tutorial for this cute Mini Notebook:

I like these simple Creative Notepads on esprit cabane:

Les Plus Beauxx give a tutorial for this easy 5 Minute Notebook, which uses a paint swatch for a colorful decoration:

Skip to My Lou shows us how to make a Notepad using silicone sealant to hold the pages together, and also offers the downloadable to-do list that you can print out and use:

If I make that type of notebook, I'll be using Vale Design's The Freakin Never Ending To Do List, and maybe I'll make a Threadbanger roundup version as well, with The Dreamy Blog Topics To Post List!

I did a tutorial on CraftStylish for making an All-Recycled Sketchbook, using an old book cover and recycled papers:

Also on CraftStylish, Diane Gilleland did a couple of notebook tutorials - first, this Woven Scrap Journal, which uses leftover cardboard, yarn, fabric, and paper:

And she shows us how to make these spiral notebook felt covers, which you can embellish with buttons as she did, or you could use appliqué, embroidery, weaving, or the craft of your choice to personalize your cover!

Speaking of personalization, Red Velvet Art sells amazing kits to make your own customized 2010 planners, but you could also get tons of inspiration for crafting your own creations within their planner instructions blog post. I LOVE all the colors and patterns, and the addition of a mini sewing kit in the back of the planner, and the yarn embroidered tree on the cover!

Up at the top you can see some notebooks I put together for my leethal Quick Knits Club, using basic dollar store notebooks, glued-on recycled cardboard covers, and hand-carved stamps. Now collect some scrap paper, get inspired, and make some awesome books to hold your ideas, lists, and everything else that needs remembering! If I missed any good projects, add them in the comments!

Threadbanger Guild September 2009 Spotlight Banger

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EDT

Your TB name and Name of your Etsy shop as well as the link to it.

tb name: maniacalmickey
etsy shop: whoabot:vestures (whoabotvestures.etsy.com)

How did you hear about Threadbanger?
I first heard about Threadbanger when Yahoo! made a featured article about them.

How long have you been sewing/crafting?
I've been sewing and designing since December of 2006.

What inspires your creations and creativity?
The majority of my inspiration comes from the nature I observe around me, as well as random pieces of art or music that I come across. I'm also very much inspired by random people's personalities, and the embodiment of a single color.

What have you made this month/or lately?
(What kind of style or item are you making lately?)
Well lately I've put all of my focus on producing my line of whoabot shirts, but as for sewing I'm working on my Fall line which includes a piece inspired by my late cat and also a few inspired by a fascination with nature.

What do you plan to accomplish in the future with your sewing/crafting skills? Or shop?
I plan to establish and manage a few branches of environmentally-friendly whoabot stores as well as design textiles and patterns. I also hope to raise money for a few charities of interest and help spread "eco-awareness" through some DIY techniques.

What is the meaning of life to you?
If I can quote comedian Demetri Martin who quoted Socrates in his 2004 show "If I": "The unexamined life is not worth living, man."

Is there anything you'd like to say to the fellow guild members and Thread Heads out there?
Hey errybody, you guys make me proud to be a part of threadbanger. I'm constantly amazed and impressed by new and old works introduced to the forums. Keep it up. snipsnipsnip.

What is your favorite aspect of the guild?
My favorite aspect of the guild is how much the guild promotes supporting our fellow guild members. It is vital for any guild to support it's members through their endeavors, and it's great to work together with awesome people who share a similar passion as you do.

Here are a few of maniacalmickey's Favorite Creations

Kara Janx Flower Pattern

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:38:32 EDT

Download the PDF.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Craft Space Organization and Inspiration!

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:31:00 EDT

I am currently working on a major studio reorganization project, figuring out the best ways to keep my abundance of craft materials in order and looking nice, so I've been looking for ideas online. Wow, there are some amazing craft rooms out there! So I've rounded up a collection of organization ideas, rooms, and resources, for ultimate organization motivation!

The above two photos are from my studio (back when I first moved in and things were neater), to show you a couple of my ideas. At the top, I nailed thin nails into a scrap of wood, diagonally (pointing upwards) for a thread holder, and I covered a basic cork board with a piece of vintage fabric for a crafty inspiration board. And then above, I got a bunch of cheap closet organizers from Ikea to hold a closet full of yarn and other materials. Below, you can see how I've wrapped fabric around pieces of recycled cardboard for neat boxes of fabric.

Now for some cool DIY organization ideas, starting with Craftynest's craft/tool station made from a bunch of different found objects and cheap parts, like pocket planters, spice racks, and hooks:

This modular water jug storage bins project by randofo on instructables makes me want to start drinking water from jugs, so I can reuse them this way!

Laughing purple goldfish designs shows us that magazine holders make for great yarn storage:

Hipgirl has an instructable for this box storage system, which you could totally make with recycled boxes, of course:

I love this idea on Apartment Therapy of storing books in the rafters!

This art supply shelf on Curbly was made by putting holes into a basic shelf, then slipping cups into the holes:

I love Teresa Franco's idea for storing zippers with safety pins and push pins, which could be used for ribbons or other supplies too:

And on to some bigger concepts - Jannypie built an amazing craft desk with some cubicle storage units, MDF, boards, table legs, basic building supplies, and paint:

Brookelynn at Craft: blog posted about her craft room on a cart, perfect for crafters with super limited space:

Now for my favorite part, craft room inspiration! There are so many fabulous rooms out there! Craft: did a small roundup of some great ones, like Soule Mama's colorful room:

Modish has a craft room roundup too, which includes this space belonging to Lainey:

Possibly my favorite of all the craft rooms I've been peeking into today is Amber's on my aim is true - all that great color! Love!!

Modish highlights the space of Miss Alison, which has some excellent organization going on:

I love seeing before and after room glimpses, and Paula's studio on Design*Sponge is a great makeover:

Apartment Therapy Unplggd shows us Megan's craft room, which does a fabulous job of looking clean and neat with all those small supplies:

A great resource for DIY home ideas is Design*Sponge's diy projects archive - I like this shelf made from a wooden magazine holder:

And I am a total Ikea addict when it comes to home decor and organization, so I love looking to Ikea Hacker blog for ideas; there's even a craft category, with ideas like using plastic bag holders for yarn storage!

And don't forget that you can find tons of great organization ideas right here on Threadbanger - like the Decor it Yourself episode about adding cork board, chalkboard paint, and velcro to a cabinet in your work space! Just search "organize" for lots more! And share your favorite ideas with us in the comments!

Celebrity DIY Style: The One Shoulder Look

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:39:49 EDT

When you flip through as many 'fashion' and 'celebrity' websites and magazines as what I do, you'll notice that many of the dresses and tops that people wear start looking alike - it's really just a few twists on some basic styles. However, every once in awhile, I come across a dress that grabs my attention. Today, it's the one-shouldered design. Apparently, I really love this style because as I was writing this entry, I discovered that I had already talked about this a year ago on Threadbanger! So is there any new patterns out there to help you create this look for yourself? Sadly, no - but only if you're looking for a commercial pattern (be sure to check out 'vintage' and out-of-print patterns on auction sites for some great one-shoulder looks). However, the interent is such a vast resource of creativity and talent, that there are several great tutorials to sew up an off the shoulder look: This set of video tutorials on Instructables will show you how to created a One Ruffle Shirt, while this video on YouTube deomonstrates how to make an one-shoulder design with sleeves, and be sure to watch this video on YouTube will show you a quick t-shirt recon. If none of these styles seem to pique your interest, then learn how to alter your pattern for the one-shoulder look. I think I'll be playing with this technique soon - clearly I need one of these designs!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Vests!

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:17:39 EDT

Being the first week in September, I thought now would be a good time to roundup some great Autumn weather vests! There are so many fabulous patterns out there, this list is narrowed down to just my personal favorites out of free patterns available online - do a ravelry search to find many more! (Not nearly as many crochet as knit, you'll find my crochet picks at the bottom.) I'll start with a simple-ish one, made unique by the neck/strap construction and the buttoning pockets - Vestish, designed by Robin Dodge on Metapostmodernknitting:

There are a ton of argyle vest designs out there, which I love! I would totally wear this Mangyle vest, by Sarah Sumner-Eisenbraun on Knitty:

Unicorn website offers a pattern for this basic Argyle Vest designed by Amanda Berka:

Craft: blog has a free podcast download of this Geek Chic Argyle Vest from the book Picture Perfect Knits by Laura Birek:

If you want a sillier version of the classic vest look, try Holli Yeoh's Drunken Argyle pattern on Knitty:

As for other colorwork designs, knitting4today blog has a Houndstooth Vest pattern:

I love this gorgeous Ultimate Stashbuster Vest on Exercise Before Knitting:

And Sivert Knits' Thistle Vest is amazing! (Only available as a Ravelry download, but if you don't already have an account, you should sign up!)

Moving on to some lace designs... I like the simplicity of this Eyelet Vest by Creativeyarn:

And I'm into the neck shape of this Fishtail Vest by Today I Made...:

I would like it longer, personally, but I like the stitch pattern in Fence by Maria Leigh:

Now some cables! Starting simple, with Boogie by Amy King on Knitty:

I love it when knit designs throw things off the norm, with things like sideways cables, like this Lyceum Vest by Ann S, which also features an optional belt (ravelry download only):

Honeycomb by Sarah Castor on Knitty uses a repeating cabled texture pattern:

I love hoods, so I'm super into JoyVest on Joy of Knitting!

Which brings me to the awesome hooded Lizard Vest, by gnaptorknits!

And check out this vintage design from 1962 - Hooded Poncho from Spinnerin Bulky Classics:

Next up, open-front designs, starting with zippers... The Purl Bee has a great detailed pattern for this Autumn Equinox Vest:

And Knit Picks offers the pattern for their Slipped Cable Vest - I love this version of it, knit by kayray on flickr:

SweaterBabe on Knitty designed this buttoning Talia vest:

Robin Dodge designed this uniquely belted Self Belt Vest for Metapostmodernknitting:

Drops Design offers the pattern for this tying Vest in Paris:

I super-love the weirdness of Hanne by Lia Moya on Knitty!

Now finally to the crochet - not too many good free crochet vest patterns out there, but I do love this Stash Buster Cardigan Vest by Chloe Nightingale on Crochet Me:

Crochet Me also has this cable-tastic Adventuring Sage Cable Vest by Even Howard:

Drops Design offers this Crochet Sleeveless Cardigan pattern:

Lion Brand has this Squares Vest pattern - and I bet it would be pretty simple to create other vest designs from granny squares!

As a bonus to non-knitters or crochets, or any lovers of clothing reconstruction, I'll include this tutorial I did on CraftStylish for turning pullover sweaters into vests:

I don't know about you, but I'm excited for some cooler weather so I can start wearing more layers, and vests are the perfect Autumn layer! Add any of your favorite designs that I missed in the comments!

Win Domino's Book of Decorating

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:24:53 EDT

This week's episode of Decor It Yourself shows us how to make clocks out of vintage tins, post cards, or anything else we have to recycle into something new and cool. We also learn that one lucky Threadbanger is going to win a copy of the Domino Book of Decorating! Simply send in your photos or videos of your coolest, most inspired DIY projects to Threadbanger by September 15th, Gracie's birthday. Where should you upload them you ask? RIGHT HERE!! I can't wait to see what you have been creating in your home, so hurry up and get thse videos and pictures in!

I have had the pleasure of looking through a copy, and this book is so incredibly beautiful and inspiring. There are endless design ideas and decor solutions in here, it is like a guide to lovely living. Don't miss this chance to win a copy!

Tie Pattern

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:57:34 EDT

Hey ya'll so here is the tie pattern in pdf form. It is not broken up so you can print it out with the average home printer but if you have a photo editing software like photoshop you can cut it up into 8 inch x10 inch pieces, save each as an individual layer, and print each layer separately. If you don't have a photo editing software, you can take it to kinkos and print it out. If you don't want to do either of those things, you can wait till we get back from burning man (whoo!) and I finish the one I started to cut up in photoshop.

Sorry again that it has taken so long. I should have just up loaded the full version right away so you could have a go at it but I thought I would be able to finish the one I was doing...but alas, there are only 24 hours in a day and only so much I could do (haven't slept for the last 2 days). On the bright side, we got press passes for Burning Man so we are going to have some awesome footage to share with you. I made a pretty awesome spider costume if I do say so myself:) Ok, enough of my blathering. Here's the pattern: Download Tie Pattern Zip

Thank you everyone for being so patient.

Much Love,

Weekly DIY Roundup: Earrings!

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:38:32 EDT

I did a tutorial a few days ago on my blog about making jewelry with recycled sweater wool, with a bit of a focus on earrings because they're my favorite to make, so today I'm rounding up a ton of earring-making projects I've found! In my post, I have examples of simple shapes like the hoop above, and embellished pieces like these embroidered ones:

I'll start with CraftStylish posts, because Susan Beal, author of Bead Simple, did some good intro-to-jewelry-making kind of tutorials over there. She links to a video on making simple drop earrings, and she wrote about how to make swingy, sparkly New Year's Eve earrings:

I did a how-to on CraftStylish for these easy two-bead earrings:

Jennifer Worick has a tutorial for beach glass earrings:

And Kayte Terry shows us how to make these cool dangly earrings with magazine pages:

Craft: blog has some great earring projects - like Nancy Minsky's DIY Eco-Hip accessories, featuring these Candy-Striped Rubber Drop earrings:

Sara K. Woll has a great tutorial for these awesome Super Fly Feather Earrings!

You can download a pdf tutorial for these Radial Raindrop Earrings, from the book Kilobyte Couture, which use resistors and capacitors!

And Stitch Diva Studios contributed a downloadable Craft: Pattern Podcast for these hairpin chandelier earrings:

Moving on to other blog/website tutorials (most of them found via Craft: blog), Lindsey Marcella shows us how to make Cascading Crystal Earrings:

Cut Out + Keep has a how-to by Cat Morley for these rad Sim Card Earrings:

Kaleesi on craftster wrote up a tutorial for these earrings using pictures printed out on photo paper:

And for an awesome photo earrings look, try using shrinkable plasic, like Photojojo explains here!

Crafty Ginger shows us how to make these tree branch earrings:

Zoxx on Instructables made these cool earrings from floppy disk parts!

Also on Instructables, mknowles shows how to make these Lego Earrings:

And davisjan has an instructable for Moebius strip earrings:

Dollar Store Crafts, a great resource always, has a tutorial for these earrings made from floral wire, by reader Jeri:

And Heather of Dollar Store Crafts pointed out a couple high-fashion-inspired earring projects - No Hassle Tassles by Carbon Couture...

...And Prada Resort Earrings by Fashionista:

Let's not forget ThreadHeads' own bottle cap earrings how-to podcast episode!

And I'll leave you with a few cool earrings without tutorials, just for some extra inspiration! I love these ruffled earrings that Brookelynn posted about on Craft: blog, which are by artist CJ:

Craft: also posted about these awesome looking vintage resistor earrings, by earrings101 on etsy:

Sloober on flickr made these cool PowerBook power button earrings - love them!

I hope this inspires any of you who've maybe thought about making earrings but not tried it yet - it's a lot easier than you might think, and so fun! I was making a lot of them last summer (a better hot-weather craft than knitting, for sure!) but I haven't done much lately, so I've inspired myself to break out my supplies and get crafting!

Tiki Cocktail Recipes

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:26:10 EDT

In this week's episode of Decor It Yourself, we transformed a backyard into a beach-themed tiki party. You can do the same with the help of these yummy cocktail recipes! BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE 21 AND NOT DRIVING:) If you are under-age, try the last recipe, the virgin pina colada. They are delicious, and my personal fav!

For the Blue Hawaiian you saw Anthony making....

Blue Hawaiian:

1 ounce light rum
1 ounce of blue Curacao
2 ounces of pineapple juice
2 ounces of coconut juice
1 pineapple slice & garnish with a cherry

And the other tiki drink options Anthony mentioned....

Zombie:

1 1/4 oz lemon juice
1 oz dark rum
3/4 oz orange juice
1/2 oz cherry brandy
1/2 oz light rum
1/2 oz high-proof dark rum
2 dashes grenadine

Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai:

1 ounce Dark Rum
1 oz Light Rum
1 oz Orange Curacao
2 oz Orange Juice
1/2 oz Lime Juice
Dash Orgeat
Dash Simple Bar Syrup

Scorpian:

1 part Brandy
1 part dark rum
1 part fresh lime juice
1 part orange juice
1 part orgeat syrup
2 dashes of sugar syrup

Virgin Pina Colada:

1 cup crushed ice
7 ounces of pineapple juice
2 ounces of coconut cream

Drink responsibly and enjoy!

Dollar Store Crafts: Back-to-School Scarves

Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:11:44 EDT

You probably have your back-to-school wardrobe covered already, but don't forget about accessories, especially lightweight scarves that can bring you through the end of summer and into fall! Here are some budget-friendly ideas for DIY scarves. You probably have some old clothes in your drawers that are ready to be transformed right now, and you can do any of these in about an hour or less.

Ruffly T-shirt Scarf: Make for FREE

Disney from the Ruffles and Stuff blog made this awesome ruffly scarf from a pair of jersey pants, but you can use any old t-shirt (or maybe last year's jersey sheets?) to make this pretty lightweight scarf.

Braided T-shirt Scarf: Make for FREE

Pickles designed a series of three braided scarves made out of jersey: braid in large, medium, or many small braids (shown). Another great use for a t-shirt past its prime.

Romantic Doily Scarf: Make for about $10

Emily from The Black Apple has a fun fashion blog called Some Girls Wander where she shared this scarf DIY project made from old doilies - so pretty! You can either raid the linen closet or check out your local thrift store to find a collection of doilies to stitch together.

And, bonus idea that's not a scarf but still sort of in the same category:

Jewelry For Your Shirt: Make for about $5

Craftster user lishshop made this jewelry to adorn her shirt using a kilt pin and some costume jewelry. You can customize this any way you want, and since the pins are removable, this is a versatile piece of jewelry that won't permanently change your basic tank or tee.

Visit Dollar Store Crafts for more cheap ideas for back-to-school.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Knit and Crochet Head Kerchiefs!

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 03:00:32 EDT

In the summer I normally wear a ponytail most days, but sometimes I like to mix it up and pull my hair back with a kerchief! There are a bunch of great summery knit and crochet patterns out there, like this one on the Purl Bee:

I like this simple-ish design too - Rosie the Riveter Kerchief on AmyBsKnititYourself:

And this basic Girl's Kerchief on knitting-and.com:

Moving on to more elaborate knit designs - this "Whimsy" Zig-Zag Mesh Kerchief is by Durandir on livejournal:

Mind's Eye Yarns has a pattern for the Lace Hair Kerchief - this one was knit by vocalizard on flickr:

I really like this Leaf Lace Kerchief on Knit Wiki:

This Ostrich Feather Lace Kerchief on The Twice Sheared Sheep Blog is gorgeous:

And this Franz Kerchief by Running Jack Knits is color-tastic:

I love Kristin LeMoine's Kri-Kerchief, which is available as a ravelry download, or direct pdf download:

Now for the crochet - Around the Crochet Table has a super simple pattern:

Classic Elite Yarns has a pattern for this beautiful Lacy Crochet Kerchief:

This pretty Winged Hair Kerchief is from Wrapped in Fiber:

And lastly, this Babushka is by Naida's Crochet:

So now you have some knit or crochet projects that you can both make and wear while it's still warm! This roundup idea was given to me by a twitter follower - as I've been doing roundups for about a year and a half now, it's getting harder for me to think of ideas each week, so let me know what you want to see! Follow me on twitter and you can give me your suggestions!

Celebrity DIY Style: Kate Gosselin Cowl Neck

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:52:12 EDT

It's not very often that I plan for a project and then find celebrity inspiration, but that's exactly what happened this weekend as I was surfing the web. Two weeks ago, Hot Patterns released two new designs including a fun, drapy top called the 3 Graces T-Shirts. I immediately snagged it up along with several yards of purple designer jersey from the Vera Lavendar collection. Little did I know that Kate Gosselin (of Jon & Kate Plus 8 fame) would show up in the exact top I was intending to make. If you're looking for a pattern that you can pick up at your local brick and mortar store, similar patterns include Vogue 9771 and Butterick 4132.

Call For Designers: Williamsburg Indie Designer Soiree is August 22nd!

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:25:02 EDT

If you are a designer in the NYC area and are looking for a great place to sell your wares, contact Bob Bland about participating in the Williamsburg Indie Designer Soiree this weekend. Not only is Bob the designer behind Brooklyn Royalty but she also curates awesome events like this and provides a great place for Brooklynites to get their indie on called the Arsenal.

For more info visit their website and look for a future video featuring Bob and BR! and if you are in Brooklyn this weekend stop by the Arsenal and do some shopping for indie goods.

Williamsburg Indie Designer Soiree
Saturday August 22nd, 2009
12AM to 7PM (Setup starts at 10am)
The Arsenal
153 Roebling Street
4th Floor, Studio 4B
(between Hope & Metropolitan Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Nearest Subway: Bedford L Train
Details: {Affordable} Handmade clothing, accessories and jewelry by local designers, music throughout the day, yummy 2 for 1 mimosas, and DIY bloody mary & beer specials.
Cost: Free!!

xoxox c

Dorm Decor Round-Up

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:20:56 EDT

A big congratulations to all of you heading off to college! It is an exciting time for many reasons, one being that this is your first chance to nurture your very own nest. Even if you are just starting off in a dorm room, you can make that space your own with a few helpful hints. In Decor It Yourself's back-to-school episode from last year, we show you how to decoupage your own college or art piece. You can do this to a piece of wood that is the same measurements as the top of your desk. Then place the new decoupaged wood piece on top to give your work space your own look and style. You can decoupage photos of friends and family from home, or a cool college from magazines. Click here to view it!

Click here to watch the episode where we show you the full tutorial on wall decals. And here is a blog post I did to give you more info and inspiration in the decal arena.

Here is the template for the bird decal I made on the show. Mine measured 10" from the tip of the dove's beak to the tip of her tail. make yours whatever size you want!

Design Sponge suggests this lovely vintage window message board. You can use a found object and create a unique way to leave messages for your roommate or friends.

Or take a vintage mirror with a cool, ornate frame. Remove the mirror, or salvage on that has the mirror broken, and paint that back part with chalkboard paper. re-vamp the frame, and you have an awesome area to write out your homework assignments and big deadlines.

They also suggest lining your desk or dresser drawers with bright and bold wrapping paper to add a touch of color and personality to the room.

Just because you live in a dorm doesn't mean you should have to suffer from lack-of-art! Nails or no nails, take a cue from this vintage Knol photograph. Line any shelf, desk, door frame with framed art to give your small space a gallery feel. Apartment Therapy gives this example of one shelf displaying an array of art.

I suggest giving yourself some privacy in a room you share with your new roomie. If you have bunk beds, you can simply drape, tuck or tack up a bold and beautiful curtain around your bed to give yourself a secret little spot.

If you need some space, curl up behind your curtain with a good book or your ipod, and escape the hustle and bustle of the start of a new school year. You can find this lovely Marimekko fabric at Always Mod.

Here is an article on helpful organizational tips for your dorm room. Like adding cement blocks under your bed to add a little more storage room from Rental Decorating.
And lastly, even CBS has a segment on dorm decor with style right here. Christy Ferer gives kids and their parents a lesson on cool dorm decor and helpful organization. I hope these get you off on the right foot for the new year. Congrats, good luck, and let us know how YOU are nurturing your nest while away at school in a comment below.

TBGuild: August Spotlight Banger: DazeoftheWeek

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:02:44 EDT

We are super excited to announce this month's Spotlight Banger:

Todd, known as Madonnaontherocks on the forums, makes the most spectacular jewelry ever, blending classic styles and antique pieces with modern influences. We're proud to have such talent on the guild. Read on below for an interview & lovely photos of his work!

1) Your TB name and Name of your Etsy shop as well as the link to it.

My name is Madonnaontherocks, and my etsy shop is Dazeoftheweek, at www.dazeoftheweek.etsy.com.

2) How did you hear about Threadbanger?

I first found it on youtube, it was during the summer and i think it was on the front page? Anyway, I remember it was the episode where they showed how to make a T-shirt quilt! And I've been here ever since... ^_^

3) How long have you been sewing/crafting?

I've been crafting... forr... Well, I guess I've been creating something all my life! But i've been making jewelry for a couple years now, and its a constant improvement for me.

4) What inspires your creations and creativity?

So many things! From jewelry on the runway, to old photos of women, clad with costume jewelry. I think everyone is inspired by nature, as well, one way or another. I like including bits of nature into some of my pieces, wether by using wood beads, or including a piece of coral in a cluster
I also like to put part of my inspiration into names for my items, sometimes.

5) What have you made this month/or lately?
(What kind of style or item are you making lately?)

I want to make larger, more glamourous pieces of jewelry. I have urges to make everything multi-stranded, chunkier, junkier, funkier, and make handmade more popular!
I'd say I'm making more jewelry that speaks to my soul.

6) What do you plan to accomplish in the future with your sewing/crafting skills? Or shop?

I just want people to wear Dazeoftheweek Jewelry, and be happy in it! I want to be able to sell at a craft show, but that'll take quite a while for Mr.Procrastination, here, to build up an inventory...

7) What is the meaning of life to you?

Life is how you live it. Make the most of what you have .

Also, 42.

8) Is there anything you'd like to say to the fellow guild members and Thread Heads out there?

Keep your awesome work up! And make sure to show your guild pride!

9) What is your favorite aspect of the guild?

The unity, where even though we all have such different styles, tastes, skills, ascetics, etc... we all are bound by the two factors, threadbanger and etsy! I think its a wonderful thing.

Here are a few of Madonnaontherocks' favorite items!

Be sure to click on any of these photos or the banner to visit Todd's shop!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Small Crochet Projects!

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:27:42 EDT

Earlier this week, on my own blog, I reviewed Linda Permann's new book - Crochet Adorned - and then last night I got to go meet Linda and see the projects in person; all the great crochet embellishment and small crochet projects in this book have inspired me to round-up similar projects I've found around the web! Starting with a few by Linda herself, I love this Button-Bedecked headband!

Also on Craftstylish, Linda did a 2-part how-to for embellished crochet flowers, which can then be used to embellish clothing, bags, etc - part 1 on crocheting the flowers, and part 2 on embellishing them:

A great way to add some craftiness to a plain coat - Linda shows us how to crochet buttons:

And a good summer project by Linda - how to embellish flip-flops with crochet:

Creativeyarn has a ton of free crochet patterns for small accessories, like this pretty Lotus Flower Cuff...

And I love this flower headband:

Kootoyoo offers a slideshow how-to for this cute granny square necklace:

I've found a couple fun accessory projects which use plastic rings, like this supercool crocheted ring bracelet by Diane Gilleland on Craftstylish:

And Vickie Howell did a how-to on Craft: blog for this Tarina O-Ring Necklace:

Stitch Diva offers a free download for this Statement Necklace crochet pattern:

In the same spirit as the clothing projects in Crochet Adorned, Dolin O'Shea shows us how to crochet embellish a tank top on Craft:

House wares can be great small crochet projects too, like this Tribble Trivet by Kristin Roach of Craft Leftovers:

My Amphetamines & My Purls blog shows us how to make a bottle cap trivet with crochet:

This project is a little different from the theme, but I love it - use crochet to fill in a big hole on a sweater! Or, if you have a small hole, make it bigger so you can use this idea! By Andrea Dunlap on Craft:

A whole category of crochet patterns you can use as embellishment, or put together to make objects, are granny squares - I did a granny square roundup awhile back, so you can check that out for some patterns and project ideas. And I'll include one granny square pattern here as an example, because I just found it and love it - Granny Spiral by shortmom on crochetme:

For some more small crochet projects (and some larger ones too), I did a crochet kitchen stuff roundup back in March, and there's my quick knit and crochet patterns roundup from a few weeks ago. There are so many out there, but I just love the stuff in Linda's book, so these were kind of inspired by those projects... Share your favorite small crochet projects in the comments!

Bus Ride Fail

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:52:49 EDT

To all our Threadbangers who are going back to school, be safe and be yourself. We have a whole week of back to school episodes coming to you next week!!

Men's Shirt into Cute Summer Dress

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:46:17 EDT

Carly sent in a link to her blog "Chic Steals" where she posted this adorable dress she made out of a men's shirt. It is still pretty darn hot outside so give this little number a try and be sure to send in some pictures!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Sock Knitting!

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:10:11 EDT

If you're a knitter you probably are well aware that this weekend is Sock Summit - "the greatest sock show on earth... taking sock knitting almost too far"! I am one of the lucky ones, living in Portland, Oregon, a few miles away from the event (in fact, I'll be heading over there as soon as I post this!) but for most of you threadheads, not at the summit, and maybe not even knowing the first thing about knitting socks, I'm rounding up a wide variety of sock knitting projects so you can learn what it's all about, and admire some gorgeous designs...

I'll start with something simple - I think a great way to learn is to try knitting some mini-socks, or peds, like these Pom Pom Peds by The Purl Bee, with some great step-by-step photos for beginners.

Another good first sock design is Super Simple Short Sock by Radiant Twist:

There are all kinds of sock knitting tutorials (differing from patterns) out there, for different ways of constructing and knitting socks - a tutorial for the basic way of making one sock at a time on double pointed needles can be found by Silver here.

On knitty.com you can find the Universal Toe-Up Sock Formula, to learn how the construction works and then you can get creative with pattern specifics:

And then there's the method of knitting two toe-up socks at the same time on a circular needle, which you can find directions for by Silver, and also on Knit Picks.

So now I'll move on to the patterns! Knitty is a fantastic source of free sock patterns - check out this list of them all! One of the most popular patterns of them all is Cookie A's Monkey:

Spring Forward by Linda Welch is a pretty lace design:

For a simple, unisex pattern, there's Bobby Ziegler's Thuja:

And I love Star Athena's Halloween-themed Frankensocks!

Another free pattern source is Knotions, which just released this Tufted Diamonds pattern by Jody Pirrello, and will be posting 2 more socks in the next two days, to celebrate Sock Summit!

Moving on to independently published patterns, I love asymmetrical design, so I'm totally drawn to these Mojo socks on Some Knitting Required:

One of the all-around most popular sock patterns out there is Jaywalker by Grumperina, available as a ravelry download, or a toe-up version can be found here. I love this pair knit by indychick_uk on flickr:

Anne Campbell has an assortment of patterns downloadable on her site - I love the Circle Socks (this pair was knit by weeblet2001 on flickr):

Wendy Knits offers a huge collection of free sock patterns, like this one called Rivulets Socks:

Knitzi offers this beautiful Nutkin Sock pattern:

Cat Bordhi designed these fancy Houdini Socks, free through Twist Collective:

And if you're into colorwork, check out these gorgeous Tulip Socks on the Purl Bee:

And while every sock pattern above is offered for free, I urge you to explore for-sale patterns out there and support independent designers when you find a pattern you love! The only way designers are able to give us the free patterns is by selling some... One of my personal favorites is Tron Socks, designed by Star Athena - inspired by the 80's movie and video game!

This was a tough roundup because there are hundreds of sock patterns available on the internet, so I tried to choose a variety of different types of patterns for you. If you are looking for a particular kind of sock (lace, colorwork, cables...), do a ravelry search and get more specific to narrow down the results. By the way, I am not a sock knitter myself, but I'm just starting to get interested in socks, thanks to Sock Summit (that's the beginning of my first ever knit sock up at the top), and I'm having fun with it! Hope I've inspired you to try it out too!

The best places to find fabric

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EDT

I'm not easily inspired walking through the walls of fabric bolts at JoAnns, but when I see great prints in the forums and on Etsy, I begin to wonder, where are the best places to find fabric? Here are some great resources for finding interesting goods:

ReproDepot offers a wide selection of fabrics that are either replicated or inspired by vintage fabric. Here are some of my favorites from their very large selection:

Warm Biscuit also has an array of vintage inspired fabrics available online. My favorites include:

If you don't want reproductions, but the real genuine fabric from back in the day, try out Sharon's Antiques. She has plenty of fabrics from different eras for sale, and she guarantees they're not replications. Try these:

There are also plenty of Etsy sellers with fabric in there stores. Some of them have a yard or two - something they found in their grandma's basement perhaps - while others carry yards and yards and yards, like FabricSupplies, a seller that carries 30,00 sales. A small sampling of their very, very large offerings:

Where do you find fabric that inspires new projects? How do chain craft stores compare?

Etsy Handmade Moment Contest...Here are the Judges!

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:52:27 EDT

I am proud to say that I was picked to be one of the judges for Etsy's Handmade Moment video contest! I feel super honored to be a part of such a rockin panel of people. There is $10,000 in prizes to be given away, so if you haven't already, make a video and send it in to them! xoxox c

"On June 1, 2009, we invited all artists and other creative members of the Etsy community to create :15 and :30 (second) videos promoting Etsy and the handmade movement. And if your love of Etsy isn't enough, we threw $10,000 of prizes in as well! We call it the Handmade Moment Contest.

We have over 80 entries so far, and they keep pouring in. Remember, we are accepting submissions through August 31, 2009 (be sure to read the FAQ and Rules). The Handmade Moment contest will have 10 finalists who will get slices of the $10,000 pie, from whom we'll pick the winners, and whose winning submissions will be used in our marketing efforts!" - courtesy etsy.com

Weekly DIY Roundup: Pet Projects!

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:10:23 EDT

It's We Heart Pets time over at Craft: blog, and there are a ton of fantastic projects being posted and pointed to, so I'm rounding up my favorites of those, plus projects from pet month on CraftStylish awhile back, and other cool projects from around the web. (On a side note, my kitty Garbanzo got a Craft post!) One project I'm excited to try is Jessica Wilson's Homemade Flea Repellent:

If I lived in a house with a big, blank wall I would definitely build Julia Szabo's amazing Catnip Castle for Banzo!

This Cat Food Wrapper Pet Collar, designed by Vickie Howell, is so clever!

Brookelynn on Craft teaches us how to grow catnip for our furry friends:

Bernadette Noll and Kathie Sever explain how to make a feathery cat toy:

If you want to make a treat that you can share with your dog, try Wendy Tremayne and Mikey Sklar's recipe for Homemade Treats for Pups (and Persons)!

Moving on to projects from CraftStylish, I did a tutorial for making a Cat Castle and Scratching Post:

Linda Permann shows us how to make a Felt Fishy Kitty toy:

Susan Beal made cute cat accessory tags from shrink plastic!

Cal Patch has a how-to for sewing a Patchwork Cat Mat...

And also a recycled sweaters pet bed - love it!

Shannon Dennis made this pet collar with a reflective piece safety feature:

Diane Gilleland shows us how to make a Collapsible Travel DIsh - so cool!

Erika Kern found another way to use recycled sweaters, and wrote a how-to for these Sweater Dog Toys:

You can always find great tutorials on Instructables, and pet projects are no exception - tony112 shows how to make bedside stairs for older pets who can't jump up anymore:

Hazard has an instructable for a deluxe hamster home with features made from recycled water bottles:

I have a couple of friends planning to get chickens - for anyone else interested, robbtoberfest has an instructable for a backyard chicken coop:

And that brings us to pet projects from other blogs/websites, starting with birds - Empress of Creativity made this gorgeous aviary from an old wardrobe:

Treehugger shares this super clever idea for making a Combination Cutting Board and Bird Feeder so no bread crumbs go to waste!

Crafty Chica shows us how to crochet Puppy Paw Protectors for days with extra hot pavement:

I love this recycled cardboard kitty pad on Design*Sponge!

I'm normally against clothing for cats, but Kristin's cat doesn't seem to mind this adorable Cat Hoodie, a free pattern on Craft Leftovers:

Craftershock has a tutorial for this Cheap & Easy Cat Tower:

I really love this Cat Bed Junk Project by Junk Camp!

And then Jezze has a how-to for this raised Dog Bed:

And that leaves us with a couple of Threadbanger links! About a year ago, Meg did a Decor It Yourself episode on making a Retro Pet Bed, and then I did a roundup here on pet beds (which is why I didn't include more beds in this roundup), so be sure to check those out! If you live in a spot that's been going through an intense heat wave (like Portland, Oregon, where I am), I hope your pets are doing okay in the heat!!

Embroider Killer Wall Decorations

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Earlier this week, I stumbled upon the wonderful work of Nea on Etsy. She uses spectacular vintage embroidery hoops and rich linens to make wall decorations that are, if I do say so myself, way more fetch than usual Grandma faire. In fact, I was so inspired I thought I'd find out how to do similar pieces myself.

First, of course, you have to learn how to embroider. The Threadbanger lesson will certainly help.

Once you've got the basics down, you have to keep track of your supplies. I love how Nea goes beyond white fabric and uses alternative pieces for her canvas. Try using large pieces of scrap lying around, or buying fat quarters. Most embroidery crafters choose linen or wool as their canvas, but any sturdy fabric where you can easily see the grain will work. For hoops, use vintage or decorate a new one from a craft store.

With simple stitches, you can design your own patterns. Here are come images I found that I might use.

If you want to do some more advanced embroidery, check out these free patterns.

Rose pattern

1920s woman

Snowflake

Now get to it!

Art by an Uncommon Thread: The Center for Book Arts Exhibition

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:11:59 EDT

Through September 12th, 2009, the Center for Book Arts in New York City's Flatiron district, will featured an exhibition that incorporates, what else? T-H-R-E-A-D. Thread. The 30-plus piece exhibit includes prints, sculptures and performance art all connected by a theme commonly used on this network. Dare I say, "a common thread?"

Visit the exhibit at 28 West 27th Street, New York City.

Free Thaumatrope Birdcage Embroidery Pattern from UrbanThreads!

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:39:43 EDT

FYI there's a new free design being offered at Urban Threads! Ever heard of a thaumatrope? It's a kind of Victorian spinning birdcage toy, of course. This lil' cutie is an in-the-hoop design for machine embroiderers, and hand embroiderers and other crafters can make their own version as well. Check out assembly instructions here and snatch it up, er, print it off until August 16th, 2009!

Inspiration: Museums

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EDT

As a lover of history, I recently pondered a connection between museums and crafts and decor; because such a thing would not only be a great resource for history, but would also serve as inspiration for new work and crafts. Thanks to Google, I found these:

First, I came across the website for the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, located in San Francisco. Their current exhibition is focused on an American potter legend, Warren MacKenzie, displayed a comprehensive retrospective of his work.

The Museum of Contemporary Craft, located in Portland, Oregon, has exhibitions as well as offering lectures and classes.

Plenty of large, metropolitan museums have sections that would interest the average crafter as well. I'm a hug fan of the Art Institute of Chicago, which contains an enormous section dedicated to the Thorne miniature rooms. Something about putting things into a small size gives a new perspective on design, certainly. You can also see outfits worn by past first ladies and other people deemed culturally significant at the Smithsonian. Who knew Grace Coolidge had such amazing taste?

Celebrity DIY Style: Sexy Tube Dress

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:44:49 EDT

Need a sexy dress, fast? Just take example from Kristin Cavallari, Heidi Montag, and Heather Graham who have all recently worn this simple, yet fun tube dress to recent events. This dress, no matter which pattern or tutorial you chose can be easily made in just a few hours and worn out the same evening! If you prefer paper patterns, try sewing up Kwik Sew 3414 or lengthen your favorite tube top design. However, if you're lookig for free tutorials, try one like this found on eHow. To make your finished design look just like the celebrities, strategically make triangular slits on the right hand side of the dress - there's no need to finish these edges since jersey knits don't ravel!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Quick Knit and Crochet Patterns!

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:15:03 EDT

Small items are great for summer knitting and crochet, when the last thing you want is a pile of wool on your lap. So this week I'm taking advantage of my brand new addition to my personal website - leethal quick knits - and I'm showing you my favorite patterns from my list of designs that use less than 20 yards of yarn. The list is divided into categories, so I'm picking a few from each, starting with accessories and Star Athena's rockin' Band Cuffs!

I love A House Called Nut's Bangle Wristwarmers:

Yarn Pixie's Finger Sweater was designed for the purpose of protecting your finger from yarn burn, but I would knit one in a fun color and just wear it as an accessory!

Next category is toys and decor, starting with Knit for Your Life's Floofy Cupcakes!

I am so creeped out (in a good way!) by these Felted Kodama Dolls by filmcraft!

Tina Hilton shares a pattern for Knit Everlasting Autumn Leaves for us lovers of the season:

Onto the silliness category! There are more knit moustache patterns out there than you'd think - my favorite is probably Fu-Manchuesdays on Sweet little domestic life:

I don't know what Time Crash is (where this pattern concept came from) but I think knit celery is kind of awesome - the pattern is by Megzie-Woodles on livejournal:

Am I weird to think these Gruesome Knitted Eyeballs by Mary Jane, Midge & Mink are cute?

Ok enough of the silly, moving on now to useful stuff - like this Key Cozy by Liat Knits! A much more attractive way to tell keys apart than those plastic/rubber covers...

DaniDo Crafty designed this clever Teacup Handle Sweater (ravelry users can see pictures here):

This cute buttoned Easy Peasy iPod Cozy on Craftivist will hold both the iPod Touch and the Zune:

Last is the crochet category, but I'll choose more than 3 to even out the crafts better... first up, these awesome Luna Lovegood's Radish Earrings on Thread Bear:

Craft Leftovers offers the pattern for these crocheted Sun Tea Spot coasters:

And Tibbi's Space has this super clever design for ID Wine Glass Coasters - make a set in different colors and everyone knows which glass is theirs!

I love the cool, wavy design created by combinations of half-double, double, and single crochet stitches in this cuff pattern by Midnight Knitter:

Girl on the Rocks designed this silly, yet useful, Monster Finger Chapstick Cozy:

This Jack Skellington ball by Because Mommy Said So would be a great kids' toy for Tim Burton fans:

I think these crocheted Springtime Tulips are adorable - by the knitted cupcake:

And I'll round out this roundup with one last knitting pattern, by myself for my new leethal quick knits (which has a club!) - Penta-Coasters! Designed to either felt or not, you can read the pattern on my blog...

Hope this gives you knitters and crocheters something fun to work on in the summer heat!

Instructables Round-Up

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:08:49 EDT

Did you know that Threadbanger has an enormous presence on Instructables? Of course Instructables is a great place to find just about any craft project, and step-by-step guides with pictures. Here are some great projects with really excellent instructions.

How to Make a Manly Bracelet

How to Cover an Old Bicycle Seat

How to Make a Recycled T-Shirt Necklace

How to Make Your Own Paper

How to Make a Chainmail Shirt

How to Make Ping Pong Lights

Celebrity DIY Style: Celebrity Undies

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:06:13 EDT

With rumors that Renee Zellweger looking to reprise her roll as Bridget Jones, I started thinking about famous underwear scenes in the movies. Who could forget Briget's big knickers scene, Jamie Lee Curtis' strip routine in True Lies, Sigourney Weaver in Alien, and Jesse Metcalf in John Tucker Must Die? Instead of shelling out $15 a pair at lingerie speciality stores, you can make several pairs with scrap material (or even recycled t-shirts), a few yards of elastic, and a really great pattern. Commercial companies such as Jalie, Kiwk Sew, and McCall have several patterns and styles to chose from. However, the internet has just as many to chose from including this t-shirt underwear pattern from the Super Naturale, MarmaDaisy's tutorial which eliminates the need for stretch fabric, and this version found on Craftster that scraps elastic all together! Most sewing centers will carry a majoity of the supplies needed to create your new panties. However, if you're having trouble tracking down a particular notion there are several online retailers that specialize in lingerie - Sew Sassy Fabrics, Fay's Fabrics, Sew Essential, and Lucy's Fabrics.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Paper Clip Projects!

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:16:43 EDT

I've seen a few cool paper clip projects recently, so I wanted to see how many more I could find - and I found quite a few! I'll start with one of the simplest: heart-shaped paper clips how-to on How About Orange.

One of my favorites is definitely this gorgeous rose ring on cute little disaster blog (with full tutorial!):

There are a bunch of paper clip rings out there, like this cool metallic one by kaleng on craftster:

And snazzlecraft on craftster has made a couple cool beaded rings - this one and this one:

I love this super happy, colorful paperclip bracelet, by maddiekins on craftster:

And here's another kind of happy bracelet, made by Anita on Cut Out + Keep, so simple no tutorial is needed for this one:

Also on Cut Out + Keep, Jenn shares her very literal paper clip earrings:

Timothy.Mehlhorn on instructables shows how to make a soldered paper clip bracelet:

This is love forever blog posted about artist Lauren Manoogian's beautiful paper clip and tape jewelry:

You can also use paperclips to make jewelry parts for making other kinds of jewelry - doublebirdstrike did an instructable for jewelry clasps made from paper clips, as well as one for paper clip jump rings:

One of my favorite uses for paper clips is stitch markers! I make beaded knitting stitch markers by wrapping the paper clip wire around a knitting needle once or twice and adding beads:

Futuregirl shows us how she makes these great crochet stitch markers from vinyl-coated paper clips:

Spoonfighter on craftster shares her method for making this cool pop tab "beaded" curtain, using just tabs and paper clips:

Sergey Chernyshev on instructables shows us how to make a puzzle with paper clips, fun!

You can find some awesome paper clip inspiration on paperclipart.com, with Justin's geometric sculptures:

A couple last ideas - paper clips are a great way to hang handmade ornaments or origami works as decoration, like this one by foldsomething on craftster:

And a different kind of paper clip craft, I like this idea of making a paper clip jar from a recycled food jar by adding a magnetic strip along the top, as MggFrog did:

So if you have an over abundance of paper clips around your home or office, now you know some things you can make with them! Have fun!

Generation-T Contest Details!

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:33:37 EDT

To enter the contest, send in a video tutorial or a step-by-step still picture tutorial of your favorite t-shirt reconstruction! Upload your videos or pictures HERE!

First Place:
Generation-T transform it kit, punk pin poetry set, pin cushion wristband, craft tool belt, 4 packs of iron on letters, fabric cutter, marking tool, a Threadbanger t-shirt and a copy of Generation T: Beyond Fashion, 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt.

Second Place:
Generation-T patch set, pin cushion cuff, fix-it kit, iron on letters, seam ripper, a Threadbanger t-shirt and a copy of Generation-T: Beyond Fashion, 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt.

Third Place:
Generation-T magnetic pin tag, patch set, iron on letters, fix-it kit, magnetic pins and needles case a Threadbanger t-shirt and a copy of Generation-T: Beyond Fashion, 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt.

Everyone who submits a video will get a Generation-T fix-it kit and Threadbanger shwag so get your videos in!!

All entries must be submitted by July 31st, 2009 at 11:59 am est.

ThreadBanger Guild July 2009 Spotlight Banger

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:37:33 EDT

Interview with Gothictany

1) Your TB name and Name of your Etsy shop as well as the link to it:

My Threadbanger name is Gothictany and the name of my shop is CurvyBettiesRock.etsy.com

2) How did you hear about Threadbanger?
I was on youtube looking for a tutorial on how do make a vintage looking apron and KaPoW!!... there it was Threadbanger!!!" ...I fell in love, and now I won't leave! LOL!

3) How long have you been sewing/crafting?
WOW... I've been sewing ever since I was 10 or 11 years old and cutting up bed sheets and curtains... and making my mom crazy!

4) What inspires your creations and creativity?
I get inspired really easy! LOL! Colors, textures, even food! (if you could believe it) but sometimes the mainstream clothing out there is sooooo boring and no color and no shape for plus gals like me.
So, thats what pushed me into making my own.

5) What have you made this month/or lately?
(What kind of style or item are you making lately?)
Well, I loveee handbags! A gal just cant have enough, right? So, I'm making Rockabilly bags right now. I love the 50's era and anything retro style. I've always have.

6) What do you plan to accomplish in the future with your sewing/crafting skills? Or shop?
Well, I really hope to get a steady clientele of Rockabilly Curvy Betties! And expand!! Yes!

7) What is the meaning of life to you?
LIfe is to live it well and share it with others that are in need. So I will enjoy it and try to make great!
So, now I know my crafty purpose.

8) Is there anything you'd like to say to the fellow guild members and Thread Heads out there?
YES! Threadbanger isnt just a cool website to me, but its my home now and I have a family there, which I chat with every-single-day!
I trully do love you guys.....you know who are!

9) What is your favorite aspect of the guild?
I think the guild is well organized and has the members in mind at all times. It's a loving family where everyone has input and ideas for new tasks!
I love that!
Plus all the Founding Mothers are HOT as HELL!!

...and it has been an honor to be chosen for this months Spotlight Banger! Yay! Thank you so much!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Gothictany

Dyeing Fabrics Naturally

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT

In honor of National Blueberry Month (oh what the internets teach me) I was inspired to learn how to dye fabric naturally. Now, Threadbanger has already done an episode on how to dye jeans using coffee grounds but there are lots of other natural dyes out there too. Here are some tips and instructions to help you start experimenting with your own pigments.

Pioneer Thinking has this great page, detailing not only how to dye fabrics, but listing the variety of materials you could use to achieve different colors. Like blueberries giving you a blue shade, or more surprising, dandelion roots turn fabrics a red shade. Here are their instructions for dye making:

To Make the Dye Solution
Chop plant material into small pieces and place in a pot. Double the amount of water to plant material. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about an hour. Strain, Now you can add your fabric to be dyed. For a stronger shade, allow material to soak in the dye overnight.

Getting the Fabric ready for the Dye Bath
You will have to soak the fabric in a color fixative before the dye process. This will make the color set in the fabric.

Color Fixatives
Salt Fixative (for berry dyes) 1/2 cup salt to 8 cups cold water
Plant Fixatives (for plant dyes) 4 parts cold water to 1 part vinegar
Add fabric to the fixative and simmer for an hour. Rinse the material and squeeze out excess. Rinse in cool water until water runs clear.

Dye Bath
Place wet fabric in dye bath. Simmer together until desired color is obtained. The color of the fabric will be lighter when its dry. Also note that all dyed fabric should be laundered in cold water and separately.
Muslin, silk, cotton and wool work best for natural dyes and the lighter the fabric in color, the better. White or pastel colors work the best.

Or wanna watch another how-to? Check out this one from Etsy

Pioneer Thinking does remind us that when picking any ingredients for dying in the wild, don't gather more than 2/3 from a plant. Leave enough so it can grow more beautiful colors next year.

DIY or Die Event Recap

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:57:53 EDT

On Sunday, Urban Outfitters held an event titled "DIY or Die." Now, whatever your opinions on the store might be, I take it as a good sign that DIY has gotten big enough that a corporation like Urban is noticing it and attempting to make moola off it.

The event involved people showing off their own their own DIY, while learning how-tos from a few fashion bloggers (such as Six Six Sick Girls, I'll Wear Any Color as Long as It's Black, Dirty Flaws)

What I Wore wrote:

We learned how to shred knit fabrics, stud leather and canvas, fancy cut tees and leggings, embellished ripped denim, spool knit chain metal (my personal fave!) and make fringed out necklaces. There’s definitely a handfull of projects I’m going to try on my own!

Dirty Flaws posted on her blog after the event:

The tutorials were short and sweet. For the 5 of us pretty much just "winging it" i think everyone did really well. We had no run through and I dont know about the other girls but I have never done a "how to" in front of an audience. So , being the comiedian that I think I am, I used alot of quick whit and humor. I did a short 6 minute run through on distressing and adding pieces to denim. It definetly went a lot quicker then expected and I hope everyone left with a little more knowledge on DIYing.

It seemed like a good event all around. Were any of you Threadheads there?

How-to Make a Sunburst Mirror out of Old Magazine Scraps!

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:03:10 EDT

When I saw this how-to on Craftster a while back I fell head-over-heels! Check out the full instructions and forum feed here. The author admits:

I've always wanted an antique sunburst mirror. The only ones i've come across that were of decent quality were well over $500.
So when this challenge came up I decided to make one. So with a Jcrew catalog and wood base and mirror I finally have one for cheap.

STEP ONE Roll magazine pages into tight rolls of various length and begin placing and gluing around mirror (Check out this Threadbanger episode for different methods to do this)

When you finish gluing around the mirror it should look like this:

STEP TWO Careful to cover mirror, spray paint it all silver (or desired color)

And now you're done!

I had enough magazine dowels left over that I made a smaller version too, I was thinking about leaving it unpainted but the colors
of the left over dowels weren't as fun. So I think it might end up bronze or maybe a hot pink...

Enjoy!

Style from the World Streets: Early July Round-Up

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:17:17 EDT

With the absence of "Worn Out" looming, I decided to placate your street style desire with a round-up of my favorites from a slew of sites. Lookbook.nu is a status-update-type forum where users can upload their favorite pics (of themselves or others) and rate "looks" with "hype". It's oh-so-looking glass, don't you think? Anyway, I believe the site has some of the best, if not most organic street style sharing around. I want to sit on that wooden fence, kick my heels and dab raspberry chapstick on my lips oh-so-much while looking at this pic.

Fancy some lavender legs? The above look comes to us from Facehunter, a street style blog shot and created by a London man (who also posts his man-on-the-street interviews conducted at high fashion events at thefacehuntershow.com). The above picture was snapped on the streets of Reyjavik, Iceland on July 10th, 2009. I've seen quite a few ads for Iceland Air in the F train recently, and now I'm fully considering a stop-over during my next flight abroad. Perhaps the airline should pick up this chick for their campaign, complete with high-waisted shorts in a classic light blue wash, striped kimono-shaped shirt and chain necklace - not to mention the pastel nylons. Killer.

I also dig Facehunter's find above, caught in Berlin just before the 4th of July - mostly for the canary yellow platforms against the pavement, and partly for the strangely Midwestern bib shirt in the only beige that's never washed someone out. Oh, and I'll never go hip-hugger again!

Impossible to deny, black + white and cropped cuts have begged for double-takes since Jean Seberg sported it all in Breathless. This snapshot is no exception, and The Sartorialist, a street style site capturing wears from worldwide metropolitan centers, picks up on timeless, yet simple looks like this often. Even in the dirtiest of cities (New York) the author always captures clean lines and sparkling colors to perfection. That could be the camera, but shots also appear candid. Compare this pic with the others I've included in this post, for example. Anyway, I'd love to be able to pull off this bowl-cut, as well as the smocked shirt, black skirt and skimmers in Milano - where this photo was taken.

Finally, this gentleman somehow stays cool and dry in the Milano heat while also looking rather swanky. Smoking's not cool but this outfit is, and how about that chiseled mug? I wish this was my great Uncle or something.

Interested in what you see on the street? Some of the best DIY fashion inspiration can be found around you. Snap up some pics (Etsy has a brilliant list of vintage cams) and send them to carlin@threadbanger.com. I'm putting together a show that features what real people wear everyday. *snap snap*

Celebrity DIY Style: Celebrity Barbie

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:16:23 EDT

While celebrity Barbie dolls are nothing new, the latest, modeled after Victoria Secret Model and Project Runway host Heidi Klum, is. If you have a tiny celebrity that you've been dying to make a new wardrobe for, there are lots of pattern options. First, check the pattern catalogs craft\doll section. Currently only Simplicity, Burda, and McCall have sewing patterns for 'fashion dolls'. However, auction sites may carry vintage or out of print patterns that brick and mortar stores no longer stock. Another option would be to search the web for free patterns. There are a few sites devoted to crafting miniatures such as Perestroika Designs (which also sells doll clothes software) and Phaery Godmother (which not only has a number of links to free patterns, but also where to shop for small scale notions). A third option is to shop for books - Amazon has several titles devoted to the subject and vintage Barbie books can periodically be found online as well as Japanese craft books such as Dolly Dolly, Dolly Bird, and Style Book of Doll Dresses featuring Barbie. Lastly, keep in mind that some of the coolest miniature clothes don't always have to be sewn! Knitting and crocheting clothing for dolls has been popular since the 60s. Don't believe me? Check out this awesome book with over 75 patterns for your celebirty girl. [photo via Catwalk Queen]

Anchor Pattern: How to Make a Pin-Up Bathing Suit

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:15:54 EDT

Want an anchor for your skirt, jumper, bathing suit, or whatever summer garment you want to sailor-out? Well here it is! It's the same design featured in the How To Make a Rockabilly Summer Swimsuit episode released today (snapshot above). Just ctrl, click for Macs and right click for PC's and save the image on your computer's picture editing program. This is a bit smaller than the one on the dress, just change the viewing size to 138% (this is at 100%). Enjoy mates!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Recipe Organization!

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:52:05 EDT

In the Summer months I find myself cooking and baking more than usual - the fresh fruits and veggies paired with the extra sunlight perhaps. I am not at all organized with my recipes, and now that I'm using them more I'm wanting to get them in order, so I've rounded up some great recipe cards, boxes to hold them, and recipe book ideas! Starting with Crafting a Green World's brown paper bag recipe cards - smart!

There are tons of free downloadable recipe card templates out there - TipNut has a roundup of their favorites. I was happy to discover OceanofAwesome's Retro Recipe Cards on craftster, with free pdfs for a total of 16 different card designs!

And then cawfeehowse on craftster designed Retro Recipe Dividers to go with the cards!

Anna Maria Horner has a how-to for this recipe card holder, as well as a downloadable card pdf:

I love the idea of making a recipe card box from an LP sleeve, like KarenLouiseM's on craftster:

Licalee on craftster turned an ugly old recipe box into a cool vintagey one by covering it with thrift store cook book images:

I'm always looking at photos in reuse stores and wondering if there's a way I could use them, so I love askaboutrpickles' idea of reusing photos as recipe cards, writing the recipes on the backs, then storing them in a photo album!

I really like Gentle Quiet's drink recipe ring book, printed with stamps, but you could make the same kind of thing by printing cards off the computer.

And lastly, I also love the idea of handmaking a really great blank recipe book, then filling it with recipes as you find ones you love, like craftster user cassette's hand-bound recipe book:

This was more of an inspiration roundup than a project roundup, so I hope I inspired you to get crafty in your kitchen! Happy summer cooking!

Ravenclaw Wear: From the Forums

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:36:54 EDT

User Ichnal said in a forum post recently...

Getting fed up with never finding Ravenclaw themed clothing anywhere, (that and it's expensive) I decided to make my own outfit for the premier this Tuesday!!

Here's what she came up with, in addition to the front view above!

Ravenclaw pride!

Check out more from the forums here!

Grooming Your Pet at Home

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:14:47 EDT

Ultra Kawaii - Strays :(

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:05:33 EDT

Since you all loved Meg's episode, we thought we'd share this related video from our sister site Ultra Kawaii on strays - check it out - and if your a pet owner submit your videos to Ultra Kawaii and they'll feature them in the show! Ultra Kawaii is a site devoted to cute pets, with new episodes every Tuesday!

Glass Half Full: 7 More Weeks of Summer

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:31:35 EDT

Now that the 4th of July 2009 is a waning, week-old memory, retailers want you to believe that back-to-school is right around the corner. Ignore them! Some of the greatest and warmest weeks of summer are still approaching, so here's a few beach-inspired crafts to keep you in the summer mood.

Beach bags: Why buy something for $20 when it's just going to get tossed in the sand and dirt. Martha Stewart, in her infinite wisdom, has a fabulous this how-to beach bag project to share. Another favorite comes from Cut Out and Keep; if you need a bag on the fly, just turn an oversized scarf into a one without cutting or sewing. Otherwise, check out this how-to beach bag using an old beach towel, or crochet your own bag with these instructions from Red Paper Umbrella.

Swimsuit coverups and sundresses: Threadbanger has had two good episodes (Bikini Cover-up and Summer Dress) but also check out BurdaStyle's latest pattern for a summer dress:

I'll also particular to this cute dress from the Crafster Forums:

And finally, keep your feet away from the scorching sand with some homemade sandals! You can use broken sandals to make something new, like these from Cut Out and Keep

Or revisit the oldie but goodie, how to turn an old yoga mat into new flip flops.

...Stay tuned for this Friday's bathing suit episode, and see more from: How to Knit a Bikini Top, How to Sew Your Own Bikini and How to Make board shorts!

Stumbled Upon: Make Your Own Ceiling Cat

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:14:42 EDT

I stumbled upon this "Make Your Own Ceiling Cat" craft post this morning on the otherwise unknown (to me anyways) image forum and bookmarking site Yawoot. The post includes a printable cat pattern that takes just a bit of folding and scissor-cutting to complete. The design is originally from tubbypaws; a site that features even more cat-happy art projects...

That said, Threadbanger is on Stumble Upon, and I would've never found this stange, and yet somehow enlightening post had I not taken a second to stumble. If you haven't yet, I suggest experimenting with something simple like "craft" or "knit" and you'll find lots of cool, strange and otherwise entertaining projects and articles. Check out what we like!

Book Review: Feltique

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Feltique: Techniques and Projects for Wet Felting, Needle Felting, Fulling, and Working with Commerical Felt, by Nikola Davidson and Brookelynn Morris, is an idea guide to working with the versatile material. The book consists of 46 projects by different artists that range from various skill levels, so you don't have to be a professional craftsman to create something charming and beautiful!

The book begins with an overview of felt, and chapters are henceforth organized by technique. Projects include how-to's on necklaces, scarves, rugs, organizational materials like envelopes and children's playsets. Projects are rated by skill level, include a list of necessary materials, pictures of finished products and easy-to-follow steps.

My favorites include the spiral beads bracelet and braided wool rug; both delightfully practical and aesthetically appealing! Overall, Davidson and Morris get at an important medium here, exposing the ease and fortitude that felt offers as both a creative possibility and a monetarily valuable material.

Celebrity DIY Style: Recycled Denim Skirts

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:30:47 EDT

I love window shopping - not only does it keep me on top of the current trends, but it also gives me a ton of inspiration as to what my next project might be. Take, for instance, this denim skirt from Abercrombie - it's cute, trendy (everyone from Gisele to Lily Allen have been spotted wearing something similar lately), and comes with a $60 price tag. Why pay this much when you can make one for free? Using Threadbanger's own tutorial for transforming old jeans into a denim skirt, I took a pair of unwanted jeans and transformed them into a smokin' hot jean skirt.

To make this skirt look a bit worn out like my inspiration photos, I left the hem unfinished and distressed the jeans a bit using a razor blade (to make holes and worn out marks around the pockets) and sand paper. There are lots of tutorials on how to do this including this article from Jeans and Accessories and Rob and Corinne's video on making your jeans look vintage!

Stretch Your Shoes with Ice

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:36:39 EDT

How To: Make a Michael Jackson Tribute Jacket

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:24:34 EDT

Weekly DIY Roundup: Straps!

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:01:40 EDT

I think it's great how many project tutorials there are out there for custom made camera and guitar straps, since people with cameras or guitars tend to be creative types, and anyone with a DSLR camera knows that the straps that come with them are boring advertisements of the manufacturer. So, make your own! This first one is by Lier on ikat bag blog, and she made it all from scratch (as opposed to using the readymade strap) using vinyl for the ends and dog collars for the strappy parts. I love the Orla Kiely fabric!

The following camera straps use the original strap in one way or another, so if you have a plain strap already you can make it your own. Made by Petchy has a tutorial for this camera strap slipcover - she says in the intro: "if I make a slipcover, I can make loads of different ones and change the look of my strap to fit my mood!" Brilliant!

Design*Sponge shows us how to make their version of a strap cover:

And Cluck Cluck Sew has another cover tutorial, this one using different fabrics on front and back:

Make It and Love It blog has a tutorial for this scrappy camera strap, which is sewn to the original strap to be permanent, and uses pieces of different fabrics:

Lacey of this life of mine blog did a tutorial for a custom ribbon strap:

A few years ago I made my own crazy custom strap, knitting a strip for the front with scrap yarns and sewing it to some durable fabric for the back, with fusible interfacing between the layers. My method of attaching it to the camera is not exactly the most secure (I'm always having to tighten it and be careful) so I've never done a tutorial, but here's a picture just for fun:

For a different kind of camera strap project, amyles on instructables shows us how to copy the design of the expensive R-Strap device.

And lastly for the cameras, mattyfu.com has a how-to for a wrist strap for smaller cameras, using a recycled strap from a thrift store bag:

Moving on to guitars, you could start out by reading this ehow page on making a strap from scratch, but if you'd rather use a preexisting strap material, a belt is perfect! Bleachedaneurysm has an instructable for making an old belt guitar strap...

And Elizabeth Seward on Planet Green did another belt guitar strap how-to:

For a more DIY look, TimAnderson has an instructable for this instant guitar strap which is simple and secure:

If you're a fiber lover, Vickie Howell has a pattern on knitty for this knit strap (you could leave out the fuzz if it's not your thing):

And then Lion Brand has free patterns for both knit and crochet felted guitar straps. This one was knit by azurerocket on flickr:

Don't forget about duct tape, always a favorite DIY material! Dman2295 has an instructable for this duct tape guitar strap:

Lisaisab on craftster made this gorgeous scrap leather mandolin strap:

If you'd rather embellish a plain strap rather than make a new one (and this goes for camera straps too, or any other kind) try cross stitch! This space invaders strap was stitched in "retro-fabulous colors" by the domestic scientist:

And now for a couple totally different straps, to round out this roundup. Jenny Ryan did a tutorial on Craft blog for a yoga mat strap:

Invisiblelight366 on instructables shows how to make an iPod/iPhone wrist strap for way cheaper than similar ones on the market (and you could totally customize it with some color/patterned fabric if you want):

Hope this inspired you to get crafty and show your creative individuality with your camera, guitar, or anything else with a strap! Happy crafting!

How-to Make a Mini Zine

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:09:36 EDT

Celebrate your independence by making a zine and stickin it to the man.

Win a signed Threadbanger poster from Frank Olinsky

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:59:17 EDT

We're giving away 10 autographed threadbanger posters to the first 10 people to send us in a video giving us their best DIY tip, trick, or testimonial on why they love to DIY. Upload your videos on Threadbanger.com by going to the community button at the top of the page and submit. Good luck everyone!

Save Old Stockings from the Landfill

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:53:15 EDT

As I was picking out nylons for the episode that we're shooting for Friday, I remembered the "What to do with Old Stockings" episode and began contemplating other ways to use them. I don't know about you, but my tights last only a few wears, so I hunted down other uses. Here are a few:

Flower petals! I found this great how-to at Etsy, who suggested using them for wedding centerpieces, but I think add them to corsages - like Rob's everlasting corsage episode - or bobby-pinning them into your formal up-do would be chic as well.

Tights with interesting patterns or colors can be pulled over flower pots or other containers as an adorable cozy. You can also draw on them to make temporary tattoos or make toy balls for kids.

There are plenty of other uses for old pantyhouse that are more practical, like stuffing the lef portions with news paper to make draft excluders. Threadbangers with kids can use old nylons to plump up a stuffed animal that's lost it's stuff. If you lose an earring or something else small, attach a part of a stocking over vaccuum extension to safely vaccumm it up.

Carrie commented on the stocking necklace episode and suggested using old nylons to cover silk padded hangers to keep them from being too slippery. Over on the forums there has been discussion in the past about what to do with old stockings. Ligeia suggests braiding them into a rug and KathMonkey suggests layering pairs of holey tights or just letting loose with those scissors and making more holes in them.

I also found this site where a women swears by her freezing technique to keep her nylons from ripping....Do you have any other ideas for keeping nylons/tights/stockings from going to waste?

Michael Jackson's Fashion Highs

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:50:48 EDT

Truth be told, not many people can pull off the sequined glove on a walk to the bus stop, let alone rock it into incredible cultural notoriety on a moon walk. Self-expression through fashion is hard to do, but MJ always seemed to stick to his own style, as strange as it seemed at times. Micheal Jackson is not gone, in that sense. His fashion choices got at the core of what Threadbanger is all about; that is, letting the inner bling out. And you've requested an MJ shout-out in the forums, so here she is; some favorite MJ outfits throughout the years, as well as a little laundry list of Threadbangers who've created similar looks without having to auction off the Neverland Ranch.

1) Red. Leather. Motor. Cycle. Jacket. (above) Nuff' said.

Working with leather's tricky (I assume), but ShelbyRUDE's cotton creation in the forums would do. The color and layout would require just a bit of tweaking, like using red fabric and adding details in the shoulders with ribbing and/or other add-ons. Let me know if you have any ideas for adding to this.

2) When the King of Pop first moon-walked in his white ankle socks, fedora and black loafers, his fashion influence left contrails as well.

Photo by Sugar Mind

I suggest getting the socks new, at least in organic cotton or at a craft fair, but plenty of Threadbangers, like honeyBee, known how to knit 'em too. Just replace the rainbow yarn with white!

Gabby crafted a fine fedora that could double as a MJ accessory in black:

*Not sure who can cobble shoes, but if you can do loafers a la the moon dance debut, props!

3) The one-glove look has been donning hands with sparkles since Michael slipped it on in plain white when I was just a cell or two, er, in 1983 for a Motown anniversary TV performance of "Billy Jean". Glitterati and mass quantities of silver sequins followed.

Photo by shafveen

For the glove mlssfshn suggests tracing your hands and adding necessary seam allowance. Here's a pair of homemade gloves that look great from LudicrousLouisa and could be altered to a smaller size with a different fabric. Sequins can be mod-podged on.

4) Finally, the military jacket (arguably originally Sgt. Pepper-style) has been high fashion since the king of pop rocked it.

Photo by El Enigma

Threadbanger kisukejazz made his own with some splendid gold detail.

Did I miss your fav MJ? Let me know and share recreation suggestions with your fellow 'bangers below!

DIY Wedding Pearls, Style Me Pretty

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:57:50 EDT

For the bride, or not, this jewelry project adorns your neckline with a self-determined elegance - you can make it as playful, colorful, or simple as you'd like - and it sends stares up - toward your beautiful face! Fancy up those collar bones with help from the full tutorial from Style Me Pretty, and see the abbreviated version below.

Materials:

Beads of your choice (Everything I used for the necklace above is from the Michael’s store)
Clasps with multiple hooks or loops (for more than one strand of beads)
Clear jewelry string (nylon - not stretchy) or a fishing line

Instructions:

Pick your concept. The one pictured here was meant to be electic, but sweet, sticking with jewels that matched the wedding's color scheme but with a bit of spark added in.
Starting with one layer, add beads as desired.
As you add more, make them slightly longer or slightly shorter to layer them one right on top of the other
After each layer be sure to hold it up to your or the bride's neck to make sure they are falling properly. If you want the necklace a bit fuller- you can add more than one strand of beads to each individual hook.
Add a small chain to the back so that you ca adjust the length of the necklace if desired.

A helpful hint: When you tie knots at the ends when you are attaching the strands from one latch to another- after tying several knots to secure the beading- Cut off the excess clear string and use a lighter to burn the very tip of the string so that it shrivels up and creates a small lump of melted plastic. This helps to secure the knot from slipping loose as well as from creating an itchy point. Don’t get the fire too close (you only need to hold it near -not directly on)- or it will burn more than desired and snap some of the base knots as well.

* * *

If this is a little over your head, Stephanie (she is known as Stevie) would be happy to make you one! Just shoot an email and your request will be forwarded to her! abby {at} style me pretty {dot} com.

Book Review: Kanzashi in Bloom

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Kanzashi in Bloom, by Diane Gilleland, is a great, all-around book about the art of fabric folding, kanzashi. Kanzashi has been getting public attention lately, with it's positive exposure by Kanzashi-fan Michele Obama. She has been seen at numerous events wearing fabric flowered pins styled in the art. While such pins can go for hundreds of dollars, Gilleland shows in her book how to make these delicate adornments with nothing more than scrap fabric, thread, a button and a hot glue gun.

The book does a wonderful job explaining the history of Kanzashi, then explaining the tips and tricks of kanzashi before getting into any projects (such as what fabrics are good and which fabric patterns are bad). It's organized in a clean layout making what is probably a difficult craft seem simple and soothing to do. The thorough step-by-step photos show all the petal techniques before the project section as well, which is particularly helpful.

The last half of the book is made up of 20 projects based off the basic kanzashi design. While I don't think all of the projects were cute or appealing (like the flowered belt buckle) overall I was impressed that Gilleland was able to come up with as many delightful uses for kanzashi as she did. I particularly liked the stretch and bloom headband, tiny blossom earrings, back-to-back ornament, and the I heart tea cozy.

Kanzashi in Bloom will be available July 21st, at your nearby bookstore or online.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Spinning Yarn!

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:03:55 EDT

Last Friday I took a trip down to Eugene, Oregon with some fiber-loving friends to check out Black Sheep Gathering, where my excitement about spinning yarn was refreshed and I couldn't wait to get back to my wheel! One of my friends bought herself a wheel, and another bought some roving to try spinning on a spindle for the first time. With this urge to spin seeming to be hitting my knitting friends left and right lately, I thought a spinning roundup was in order!

I'll start with the website The Joy of Handspinning - with how-to videos for spinning using different kinds of spindles, and tons of other useful info, it's a great place to start.

I recommend reading several spinning how-tos written by different people before trying it, since everyone's experience is different and you may learn one thing from one that another left out. Mielke's Fiber Arts has an illustrated tutorial for spindle spinning.

Knitter's Review has a great tutorial with photos of each step.

You can find another written how-to at handspinning.com, for spinning with a top-whorl drop spindle (though I think a top-whorl and bottom-whorl work pretty much the same way).

A great way to get started is to buy yourself a spindle kit - tons of fiber shops sell sets which include some wool, a drop spindle, and instructions to get you started - perfect! One of these shops is hello yarn, which has a variety of gorgeous fibers that you can get in kit form.

Another fantastic shop with kits is Spunky Eclectic, also with several fiber options.

If you do a search on etsy, or even on google, you'll find tons more spinning kits for sale, like this one by pancake and lulu:

If you want to be even more DIY about it, you can make your own spindle! A common recycled material to use for this project is CDs - you can find a tutorial on Lifestyle Studies and another one on Spindle and Wheel.

Now if you've learned the basics using a drop spindle, you may be ready to upgrade to a wheel! Exciting! The best way to learn how to use a wheel is to have a real-life person show you, but I've found a couple websites to get you started. Howtospinyarn.com has a fabulous photo series showing every step, from the parts of a wheel, through plying your yarn.

Knitter's Review has a great page on wheel spinning, with lots of photos.

Ask the Bellwether did a detailed post on how to spin a good looking 2-ply yarn.

The yarn wench has a great Navajo plying tutorial, which is a technique for making one single yarn into a 3-ply yarn.

Rosemary Knits show a technique for navajo plying with a drop spindle, complete with a video.

And speaking of video, there are hundreds of spinning videos out there! Just do a search on youtube or google videos for any specific spinning step that you need help with and you're sure to find a video! One example (well 3 actually) is The Art of Megan, who has video tutorials for drafting wool, spinning on a drop spindle, and finishing your yarn, which is an important step!

If you want to get into it, I definitely recommend getting yourself a book or two to help out. A great one that covers all the steps, as well as fiber info and more, is Teach Yourself Visually Handspinning by Judith Mackenzie Mccuin. Another one that looks good (though I don't have it myself) is Start Spinning by Maggie Casey. And then if you want to take it to another level and try making art yarns (so fun!) I highly recommend Pluckyfluff's Intertwined, and Insubordiknit's Sit and Spin DVD! Fabulous!!

Lastly, if you have a spindle or a wheel (with a wheel is much easier!) you can try making spun recycled yarn! I did a tutorial for this over at Craftstylish.

I first taught myself to spin on a spindle using nothing but a starter kit and websites, but if you are the kind of learner who needs to be shown by someone, check with your local yarn shop to see if you can take classes in your area. I hope I've inspired some of you to try the craft; good luck and have fun!!

Halloweeny Wedding

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:18:02 EDT

Wedding Cupcakes for the DIYer on a Budget

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:21:48 EDT

In honor of DIY Wedding Month and the birthday cupcake I got to eat at work: save on an expensive wedding cake and make your own cupcakes -- which can be done beforehand and are easier to transport than a cake.

WARNING: these photos look delicious, but are not edible. Nor does any of this require any sewing.

Not into the traditional wedding cake? Make personalized cupcakes or a cupcake tower. Bakerella has this great how to cupcake tower, which makes it much easier to display a couple dozen cupcakes. Bakerella also has how-to recipe for making cupcake pops, which are perhaps not appropriate for a wedding but look delicious and I want a few.

Make your cupcakes more decorative by adding a filigree wrapper to each -- pretty, but not horribly cheap. You can find variations at PaperOrchidStationery.com.

My absolutely favorite cupcake book is Hello Cupcake (available at your nearest bookseller or online). It goes beyond the pretty cupcake with step-by-step instructions to make your cupcakes look like owls, puppies or even a glob of mashed potatoes and gravy.

(Photo credit: Cupcakes Take the Cake)

And for more inspiration, here are some stellar cupcakes (thoough not all are for the beginner decorater):

And finally, whatever treats you make or include in your wedding, make sure they are Fair Trade. NaturalCandyStore.com has items that are organic, Fair Trade and/or Made in the USA, like these Milk Chocolate Hearts.

Candle Lantern How-To

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:21:21 EDT

Apartment Therapy featured this lovely candle lantern how-tp. They must have known that today's episode of Decor It Yourself would be DIY Weddings, Part 2, focuses on lighting.

How pretty would a cluster of these lanterns behanging from the branches of the trees surrounding the reception area. Designate a few people form your bridal party to replace the tealights if it's a long event. What DIY lighting have you seen at weddings?

Weddings: For what you can't DIY, there's still handmade

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:15:00 EDT

Four of my friends got engaged this week, which certainly got me thinking about weddings - not to mention it's also DIY wedding month! Since Meg has the DIY of it covered, it's worth it to think about wedding essentials that are more difficult to DIY. Items such as jewelry and the wedding dress can still be cheap, green and extremely personal, even if you don't have the time or skills to make them yourselves. I spent some time browsing Etsy to look for standouts.

Starting with bridesmaids dresses; Etsy has many designers with simple frocks in a variety of colors that could easily work as bridesmaids dresses in a summer wedding. Check out this cute pleated dress or this stone colored sundress.

Finding the right jewelry is always a challenge, but buying babbles in vintage and handmade isn't as tough as you'd think. Feast your eyes on this vintage rhinestone and milk glass necklace and handmade flora necklace. Or get your something old and blue in one go with this something blue jewelry set. This vintage Panetta necklace is also lovely.

Don't forget the groom's jewelry. Picking up a set of handmade or vintage cuff will add flare to his tuxedo, like these white gold ones.

While garters and headpieces are a little more doable to make yourself, if the seating arrangement and handmade center pieces are getting you down you can always purchase a handmade veil, like this side-swirl birdcage veil.

Or buy a handmade garter, like this gorgeous lace and pearl one.

And what is the second most import thing to a wedding than the actual getting married: the wedding dress. Etsy offers hundreds of options in vintage and handmade, from the traditional to the contemporary to the themed dress. I was a huge fan of this dress:

And a wedding tip: if you have a grandmother like mine (who thinks getting married in a strapless dress is equivalent to getting married in a brothel) a handmade bolero might be a nice touch to quell the aging relatives. Check out this silk one or this lace bolero:

And don't forget something handmade to wear for the night of your wedding.

Rob and Corinne on ABC!

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:13:24 EDT

This morning, Rob and Corinne explained the history of Threadbanger and how their own interests in environmentalism, crafting and saving money turned into a successful new media show! Check out how our favorite hosts discussed the blooming DIY fashion and decor world with the entire country here!

Craftin' Ain't Easy: We Want to Know What You Think

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:42:40 EDT

Crafting Ain't Easy: We Want to Hear What You're Thinking from Carlin Cwik on Vimeo.

Craftin’ ain’t easy. As you know. If the voices of our viewers fail to come through on our shows, we’re ultimately purposeless. So, I just wanted to remind you all to keep submitting video testimonials. Let us know what you think, and we will surely listen to each and every one of them. Things to consider:

Why do you like Threadbanger?
How often do you watch?
How did you find Threadbanger?
How and with whom do you share Threadbanger?
*SnipSnip*

(The last one's not a question) (Aren't the snips cool, though?)

Send us your testimonial and scissor snips via our online submission form and we’ll send some of the best entries Threadbanger swag.

Dollar Store Crafts: Jewelry Organization

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:50:44 EDT

I'm a fan of organizing your jewelry in a way that shows it off because you can only wear so much jewelry at once, but you can enjoy it ALL if you display it. Here are some of my favorite dollar store projects for organizing your jewelry:

Vintage-Style Jewelry Frame Display: Make for $2

One of my all-time favorite jewelry displays is this one by Claire from Poopscape. I LOVE the vintage standing frame, and I LOVE her choice of lush velvet as a background. I wish I could steal this one from her.

Drawer-Pull Frame Jewelry Hanger: Make for $2

I love the use of hardware as hangers on this revamped dollar store frame by Wendy. I also love that you can put anything in the frame - a photo, pretty paper, a cross-stitch, or whatever best suits your taste.

More great budget-friendly crafting ideas at Dollar Store Crafts!

Celebrity DIY Style: Celebrity Weddings

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:59:17 EDT

Whether you're a celebrity or not, one thing that rings true for everyone - all eyes are on the bride which means, it's all about the dress. If you're planning a wedding on a budget, a true DIY girl and want to create your own gown, or just don't want a 'cookie cutter' dress, it's time to turn to the sewing pattern books and make your own design! So how do you create a celebrity style wedding dress without breaking the bank? Here's a few tips:

Determine a style that works for you. Just like ready-to-wear clothing, the design on a pattern envelope may look fantastic on the model, but when you try it on, it looks horrible! Before you pick your pattern or tutorial, try on a few styles at a bridal shop to get an idea of what style look the most flattering. It's also a good opportunity to check out fabrics and embellishments you may want to add to your finished gown.
Wait for a sale. Patterns, material, embellishments, and notions can be costly, especially when it comes to wedding gowns. Most sewing centers will run periodical sales on 'the big 4' (Vogue, Butterick, McCall, and Simplicity) ranging from $.99 - $3.99 while other pattern lines can be purchased for 40% off the list price. Signing up for newsletters and flyers is a good way to recieve coupons or discount codes that can be applied to costly fabrics.
Surf the web for free designs. Many websites such as BurdaStyle, Craftster, Instructables, and Threadbanger have great tutorials on making your own design or how to restyle a purchased dress or formalwear.
Make a muslin. It may be the most tedious part of your crafting, but it's definitely the most important. Creating a mock-up of your dress in an inexpensive fabric allows you to make modifications that will have your dress fitting like a glove and keeps you from making costly mistakes with your bridal material.
Start early. Don't wait until the last minute to start work on your dress. Sewing goes much smoother when you can sew slowly and you're not under the pressure of a deadline!
Don't be afraid to ask for help. At times you many find that you need need assistance pin fitting, hemming, adding embellishments, or just hit a technique that you're not familiar with. This is when it's time to call in a friend, mom, or skilled seamstress to give you a hand.

Renegade Craft Fair Wrap-Up

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT

Admittedly, The Renegade Craft Fair is over a week past, but I still thought it would be nice to highlight the stand-outs at this year's Brooklyn edition!

(photo credit: Renegade)

The gorgeous weather helped make for a wonderful event; attendees gathering in great numbers, forcing the tables to stay up and open even after the fair was supposed to close down. With the sounds of dogs playing in a nearby pet pit and ice cream trucks along Bedford Avenue, I walked the winding McCarren Park checking out the booths.

The fair included many of the artists and crafters Threadbanger has highlighted in the past, including 31 CornLane, Prix Prix, and the ever-popular Ruffeo Hearts Lil Snotty

(Photo Credit: Renegade)

I enjoyed all of the hundreds of stands, but there were a few stand outs this year: I loved Giant Dwarf's wool felt flowered headbands, Fern Animals' homemade stuffed animals, and Mandalinarossa's yarn toys.

Also, a well deserved shout-out to Orangy Porangy, who's gorgegous skirts tempted and taunted me every week at the Madison Wisconsin Farmer's Market during college and surprisingly followed me to Brooklyn for the weekend!

The Renegade Craft Fair continues on this summer, with stops in Los Angeles and San Fransisco next month and a stop in Chicago in September. Check out their website (http://www.renegadecraft.com/) for more details!

(photo credit: Renegade)

Weekly DIY Roundup: Pillowcase Projects!

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:30:00 EDT

Pillowcases feel like the perfect summer crafting material to me - lightweight, colorful (often flowery) prints, small for quick projects... Betz White has recently posted about her pillowcase inspiration, which led her to design this shirred pillowcase top, and share a tutorial on the Craft blog!

Betz White also shows us how to make a 10 minute pillowcase apron on her own blog:

Aprons are a popular new life for old pillowcases - Craft Chi has a great how-to for a cafe apron from a pillowcase and sheet:

And SewButterfly on Cut Out + Keep made this ruffly apron from multiple pillowcases:

Bags are also a great pillowcase sewing project... Heather Mann, a fabulous Threadbanger blogger, posted a how-to for her (reversible!) Monk's bag over on her Croq Zine blog:

Polkanuts made this different kind of reversible tote bag, using 2 complimentary pillowcases:

Luckypalm on instructables shows us how to make this easy grocery bag shopping tote from 2 pillowcases - I love it!

Oh, Fransson! blog has a downloadable tutorial for this adorable vintage pillowcase lunchbox:

Moving on to clothes! I love pillowcase skirts - so simple and a great way to show off a beautiful vintage pattern. Bella Dia explains how she made this super basic version:

Leah Kramer has a step-by-step how-to for a simple drawstring skirt:

Unlike the author of Fehr Trade blog, I actually love Ikea, but although she claims to hate it, she made this fantastic skirt from an Ikea pillowcase. (You may remember that I have the same pillowcase!)

Juniperl13 on craftster shows us how to make this much more complex version of a pillowcase skirt:

Alison Dahl on BurdaStyle shows us how she made this pillowcase nightie:

If you have little ones, pillowcases are the perfect size for dresses, like these by maya*made:

This adorable smock top by SewButterfly on Cut Out + Keep was made with pillowcase fabric, and some other stash fabrics:

Pretty Pistol on craftster made a how-to for these toddler wrap pants made from a pillowcase:

Jenny Ryan on Craft blog did a how-to Tuesday post for this pillowcase laundry bag:

Back over at Fehr Trade, check out these placemats, with pockets and coasters, made from Ikea pillowcases:

I did a tutorial on Craftstylish for a catnip blanket made from a pillowcase:

Make sure you don't miss the pillowcase projects right here on Threadbanger! There's the pillowcase boxers:

And then there was the pillowcase challenge, with winner soccer_ceo making this hat from a denim pillowcase:

If you want to see many more pillowcase projects, there's a whole book of them! Diane at Craftypod wrote a great review of Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Repurpose a Pillowcase:

Well that's all I've got for you, but you can add more pillowcase project ideas and tutorials in the comments!

DIY Wedding Decor Round-Up

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:04:50 EDT

Since June is DIY wedding month, Threadbanger is offering you episodes on the matter. For even more handmade wedding ideas and projects, here is the round-up! To get your start creating a romantic aesthetic, see how http://www.apartmenttherapy.com">Apartment Therapy make your own http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/at-australia/how-to-make-flower-fairy-lights-melbourne-067715">fairy lights. How lovely would those be in a garden wedding?

Why not greet your lovely friends and family with a handmade sign like Amy Merrick did for friend Ginny Branch.

For a personalized and amazing design choice, create a custom paper cut by Made By Julene. You can have a portrait made, or a http://madebyjulene.com/2009/06/01/well-be-together/">sweet message.

CRAFT:zine offers up a ton of ideas in their wedding archives, including this Forget-me-not headpiece.

They also led me to Once Wed's glam nod to the 20's feather headband.

Once Wed is also the source of this http://www.oncewed.com/514/diy/decorations/rustic-wedding-cake-stand/">tree stump cake stand. I must get married all over again just to make that!

Cupcakes are a great alternative for the traditional wedding cake. If you go in that direction, check out http://creaturecomforts.com">Creature Comforts cuter-than-cute cupcake toppers.

What are YOUR favorite DIY wedding tips, ideas or projects? Send in photos of your DIY wedding decor or fashion!

Clearly something's changed: New Site Design Explained!

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:55:51 EDT

You found me! What I mean is, you found the blog. Just like a lot of things on the site, the blog landing point has been shuffled a bit, given its own, much deserved terrain if you will. But it's important to note that nothing has been destroyed. You could argue that we've just organized things differently, but at base, Threadbanger needed to tidy up quite a bit! We worked from the ground up so that everything - episodes, blog posts, forum and community - has its own space.

Why? For a network that's growing and a DIY community that burgeoning, we had to accommodate with changes. We hope you're not too upset, or better, hope that you're as thrilled as us to see things in a more searchable, categorized, dare I say, fashionable format.

Please let us know what you think of anything and everything in the comments below, and feel free to send personal testimonials to me directly at carlin@threadbanger.com

Thanks!

Make your own swimsuit cover-up: Contest from Make Magazine

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:21:17 EDT

Last week we showed you how to knit a bikini top and today, Craftzine/MAKE magazine and Singer are asking you to stitch up your own beach attire for the Swimsuit Cover-Up Contest going on through July 16th, 2009. The grand prize? A Singer Fashion Mate Sewing Machine! Once the entries are all in, they'll be viewable on the contest Flickr page. Check out the official entry rules here to read more and view examples!

Best Dollar Store Projects: June Jewelry

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:45:19 EDT

It's easy to spice up your accessories with quick and simple projects made from stuff from the dollar store and beyond! Here are my favorite dollar store jewelry projects from the past few weeks:

Vintage-Inspired Rose Earrings: Make for $1.10

Grosgrain made these romantic rose earrings using vintage buttons, but you can also use cabachons (no holes or loops, so you can easily glue them on). I love the pop of color that these red rose earrings provide, especially when paired with ruby red lips. My local dollar store carries jewelry findings now, so I can make jewelry for a lot less!

Urban Outfitters-Inspired T-shirt Necklace: Make for FREE

Britt at Cucumbersome was inspired by t-shirt necklaces she's been seeing around at such stores as Urban Outfitters to make her own (and provide us with a tutorial!) I love this idea for summer because it makes a huge statement but isn't too heavy. Recycle some of your old shirts for this project!

Floral Wire Earrings: Make for $.52 a pair

Jeri found some thick and brightly colored floral decorating wire in the floral section of her local dollar store and came up with these fun earrings! You can twist the wire into pretty much any shape you desire, so go ahead and get creative.

Get lots more jewelry ideas on the cheap at Dollar Store Crafts.

TBGuild: June's Spotlight 'Banger

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:08:52 EDT

I have chosen Makaalohilohi to be our June Spotlight Banger of the Month! She has posted amazing projects, such as her moss garden in a bottle, and some amazing wire work.
Her awesome tutorial on her beautiful reversible circle scarf and techniques on crocheting are just what Threadheads like us need!

INTERVIEW

Gothictany: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Makaalohilohi: My name is Carlyn, but I’m known on the forums as Makaalohilohi, or Makaa for short. I’m a full time biology student at the University of Puget Sound, and the rest of my time I craft like mad. My blog is called Makaalohilohi Misconcepts and can be found at snugglebunnygoescamping.blogspot.com. There I post about projects I’m working on, awesome pictures I’ve taken, and various other happenings.

Gothictany: What first made you become an artist?
Makaalohilohi: Probably boredom. As a kid I really liked having little craft kits that gave you supplies and instructions for a sand sculpture or color changing jewelry. Now I like to go to the library and borrow any remotely interesting how-to book and read it like a novel, just to pick up on some new ideas. It’s thrilling to learn new skills and develop my own vision.

Gothictany: What inspires you?
Makaalohilohi: I’m inspired a lot by movies and books, despite not watching or reading very many. I particularly like medieval to Victorian era European styles, as well as some Western mysticism and fantasy. I’m also inspired by my Chinese ancestry, and so I like to incorporate knot buttons and frog closures in my work.

Gothictany: How would you describe your true style?
Makaalohilohi: It’s a mix between influences from fantasy novels, historic movies, botany, and Gothic couture, where applicable.

Gothictany: What are your ultimate favorite websites, besides Threadbanger? LOL...
Makaalohilohi: Honestly, Threadbanger is my ultimate favorite website. I suppose JSTOR and PubMed!

Gothictany: What attracted you to Threadbanger?
Makaalohilohi: Just the wealth of knowledge and ideas harbored within the site, between the show’s creators and everyone who participates in the forums. There’s so much to gain, despite what some may say, from surfing the forums for hours a day.

Gothictany: What made you start your own Etsy shop?
Makaalohilohi: I started my shop to challenge myself to make and finish projects with greater complexity and technical detail, as well as to help me develop my style. It also saves my friends from showers of handmade gifts that they don’t have space for.

Gothictany: What are some of the items in your shop that you absolutely LOVE?
Makaalohilohi: I really like the stretchy gold beaded necklace with the marbled blue faux cabochon. I poured a lot of time into it and I’m proud of the result. The giant hair bow was a lot of fun to make as well, and it’s so gorgeous when you wear it.

Gothictany: What materials do you love to work with?
Makaalohilohi: I love sewing, especially with color changing thread. I also like to use a lot of beading in any accessories. I also like to work with polymer clay, yarn, and paper.

Gothictany: What advice do you have for other ThreadBanger artists like yourself?
Makaalohilohi: Never stop learning or picking up new ideas. Teach yourself, read from books, watch tutorials, and practice using technical skills and your creativity. The more balance there is between your ideas and you’re ability, the more enjoyable it will be to pursue challenges.

Here are some of Makaalohilohi's items for sale on her Etsy shop!

Thank you to Makaalohilohi for this amazing interview and for your inspiration to all of us, Threadheads!!

Celebrity DIY Style: Mens Boardshorts and Swimming Trunks

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:27:37 EDT

Summer has finally arrived which means celebrities (and presidents) are on vacation and hitting the beach. Since Father's Day is this weekend, instead of focusing in on this season's bikinis, let's sew up something just for the guys - boardshorts! Probably one of the most ready-to-wear looking patters is Jalie 2678. However, there are several other swimming trunk patterns out there that will do the trick including Kwik Sew 2693, Kwik Sew 3421 and Burda 8471 as well as Burda Style's Andre. The key to making your finished trunks look off-the-rack fabulous is the fabric - woven water resistant nylon and polyester material. You may find them under their trade names Supplex and Taslan, however almost anything labeld polyester microfiber will work. Be sure to sew stress point areas such as side and crotch seams in double or tripple stitches to keep active guys from splitting their suit!

Weekly DIY Roundup: Music Projects!

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:18:25 EDT

My partner is following his musical dreams and starting a mastering studio here in Portland, so to celebrate that and to inspire other musicians and music lovers, here is a musical roundup for everyone! Make magazine's blog posts and points to tons of music projects for the tech-savvy, like this 1-Bit Groove Box by Noah Vawter, which is designed to be built by musicians:

Brian McNamara's project from issue 13 of the magazine is shared in the Make blog - the R-Tronic 8-Bit Toy Music Sequencer:

Make is way into theremins, and with a kit, you can make anything into a theremin! Check out this video on making your room into a theremin, or these on theremin plants, or check out how the awesome Drawdio can turn almost anything into a theremin - see their instructables page for more details and lots more videos!

And for some non-techy music projects posted on Make, check out this video on how to make a willow whistle, or try making some awesome guitar picks! (these are by flickr member Aud1073cH.)

Craft has some good music stuff too, like this awesome Rock 'N' Roll Speakers project! (Originally in issue 7 of the magazine, you can see it now in the digital edition.)

And Craft shows us this amazing wearable toy piano - head over to instructables to see user mikamika's how-to!

And speaking of instructables - that site is a fabulous place to find all kinds of music projects! For more techy-ness, check out pstretz's microcontroller fabric tone generator in C-code:

Geekboxjockey shows us how to make DIY electronic drums:

And jwilson27 made a pretty rad looking altoids tin guitar:

If you are like my guy and into recording music, check out belsey's instructable for building a music studio in an apartment building.

And now onto some projects for music listeners and non-techy crafters.... Scoochmaroo on instructables gives a how-to for these awesome monster speakers!

I knit up a cover for my iPod headphones like these by engrafted on craftster - easy and fun!

Thinking in magenta gives a free knitting pattern for iPod Earbud covers:

Stitch Lounge shows us how to make this simple iPod cord caddy:

Snow Blue on ravelry offers a free pattern for knit covers for bigger headphones that have lost their foam cushions. If you're not a ravelry member, you can see the pattern here.

And if you prefer more attention-grabbing headphones, instructables user WurlitzerGirl shows us how to make these adorable stuffed animal headphones!

Of course there are tons of music-themed craft projects out there - I limited this roundup to usable music projects, that can be used to play or function in some way in listening to music. Hope you enjoyed it, and be sure to add your favorite projects in the comments! (By the way, that top photo was taken by me.)

Connecting to your Heritage through Crafting

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:30:15 EDT

Like many crafters out there, I learned most everything I know about sewing, knitting and wielding a hot glue gun from my mother and grandmother. In every piece you make, there is a link connecting you with those teachers and also with your ancestors and heritage. This is the idea behind the Brooklyn based studio Weaving Hand. NY Daily News just wrote a great feature about them:

"For aspiring Martha Stewart types, there is a new craft to tackle in the city....Weaving Hand, an art studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn, teaches weaving techniques from Latin America with a focus on styles from Central America and the Andes. 'These are ancient traditions, usually passed on to young girls from an early age,' said owner Cynthia Alberto. 'Here we are giving students a chance to connect to these old traditions."

The studio offers courses and drop-in lessons for adults and children of all levels. A kid's weaving camps is being offered in the summer months. For those who appreciate the art but lack the patience or creativity, Alberto has set up in her studio a small fair-trade boutique that sells woven goods from Panama and from a women’s cooperative in Guatemala.

Where did you learn to weave, knit, sew, screen print, crochet, cut, paste and glue?

Credit: Elissa Strauss

Worn Out: Street Style Pics

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:39:31 EDT

Yo guys! Here are my top 5 favorite street style looks from the last few weeks - leave your thoughts in the comments section, and here we go: These first two looks (the left from a May 21 post at Copenhagen Street Style; the right from June 8 at The Sartorialist) were just so Northeastern, prep-school clean that I couldn't help but get on board. Each woman put her own twist on the look - at left, the headphones and busted-up boat shoes gave the whole thing an indie, collegiate vibe; at right, the patent sandals and contrasting leather belt lend her outfit a distinct fashion bent - and serves as a reminder of how important STYLIN' THINGS UP can be when it comes to making personal statements.

My next two faves, the first from a June 3 post at Garance Dore; the second from a June 3 post at GlamCanyon, are pretty much the most adorable things I've seen in a while. The look on the left is such a feminine take on a one-piece; I know jumpsuits are IN but the chambray material lends this a masculine edge that she deftly counters with the sweet little wedges and jewelry. And while the look on the right is nothing BUT feminine, she keeps things cool and sharp with that minty, melon green and metallic accents. SUPER cute.

WHAT DO WE EVEN HAVE HERE?? I couldn't tell you, to be honest, but something about this bedraggled, Jetsons-by-way-of-Heidi outfit made me weak in the knees. From a June 2 post at Face Hunter,this look is an exercise in contrasts. Lipstick with house slippers? A stiffly-constructed dress with a devil-may-care sleep peeking out from under? This, my friends, is cuckoo, Grey Gardens-style crazy in all the right ways, and I could not have been any happier to stumble upon it. Your thoughts?

No need to buy new, recycling old candle wax is simple

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:51:51 EDT

Photo Credit: Jenny's Projects

Have lots of old used up candles lying around and don't want to drop a wad at Pier 1 for new ones? Me either. Check out this tutorial on how to recycle the wax remnants of old candles. Once you have the refurbished wax, you have tons of options for making cool candle gifts or new light-ups for yourself.

Photo Credit: Instructables

Try filling odd objects you have around the house or things you can snag at the Salvation Army for cheap, like porcelain tea cups or coconut shells. BUT BE AWARE: not all objects are safe for holding a wax-and-flame! If you're not sure, you can also use the wax to make floating candles with old lightbulbs or egg shells as a mold. Check out this great instructable to learn how.

Gift Guide for Dad: Etsy helps you out with Father's Day

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:53:43 EDT

Every holiday is tough, at least for me, but Father's Day has got to be one of the most difficult gift-giving holidays out there. Luckily, Etsy puts together gift guides, and although I write up a blog post for almost every holiday on their lists, I just can't help reminding ya'll of how sweet and simple these are. Anyway, here's one for Dad's Day. I'm partial to the succulent-plant in a vintage coffee tin to green up my Dad's desk or the Chocolate-chip-pecan-pretzel cookies to expand his waistline, er, satisfy his salt-and-sugar tooth!

Celebrity DIY Style: Mariah Carey's Lace Insert Dress

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:29:38 EDT

Embellishments can turn a simple garment and transform it into something new and spectacular. A good case in point - Mariah Carey's strapless gown with side lace insert. Altering a pattern such as Vogue 2481 (which has a similar strapless, gathered side seam design) to include an insert is a relatively simple change. Purchase a wide cutaway lace, removing the same width from the pattern piece(s). Be sure to leave seam allowances in your pattern, otherwise you will alter the fit of your dress. Create a finished edge to the in the areas you plan to insert the lace and stitch the trim over this edge on the right side of the garment. But don't stop at dresses, this is a great way to spice up your favorite top or even pants pattern!

Hammer Pants Flash Mob

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:53:36 EDT

Hilarious.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Rainbow Pride Projects!

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:58:27 EDT

In honor of Pride Month, this week I bring you rainbow projects! So much bright rainbowy goodness out there!! Just for fun, I'll start with the food.... Omnomicon has a fabulous, detailed how-to for this awesome rainbow cake! (the above photo is from the same post.)

WikiHow shows us how to make rainbow jello - looks great!

Tolstol78 did an instructable for rainbow cheesecake:

Applesticker on instructables explains how to make skittles vodka - yum!

Now on to some knitting patterns - starting with Spun Magazine's Rainbow Hotpants!

Debbi Spranza designed this great rainbow pride scarf, which is only available as a free ravelry download, but you could also add pride to any plain scarf pattern by giving it rainbow stripes!

Crystal Palace Yarns has a free pattern for this Mini Mochi Rainbow Hat, which makes use of their self-striping rainbowy yarn:

Chasing Rainbows, this blanket design on Adventures of a Rogue Knitter, is super cool looking!

Caron offers a free pattern for this rainbow pooch sweater... Personally, I am not a fan of dog (or cat) sweaters, but I can totally imagine this little guy being adorable in any pride parade!!

Drops Design has this fun looking rainbow jacket pattern:

And of course, like I said with the scarf, you can turn any pattern into a rainbow with some striping, or a self-striping yarn! Like Urmel2607's version of Amy Swenson's Mr. Greenjeans sweater:

And Sandra <3 hearts' stripey socks - the pattern is Jaywalker by Grumperina, available as a free ravelry download.

Now for some crochet - Candypow blog has the pattern for this rainbow+clouds scarf:

Umme Yusuf offers a pattern for this fun rainbow spikes bag - I love that spike stitch!

And again, turn any crochet pattern into a pride project with some striping, like this version of SusanB's easy ripple afghan by Sal the Spider:

If you're a weaver, try weaving a scarf like astormorray's on craftster:

For a non-fibery craft, makelotion.com shows us how to make rainbow melt & pour soap:

Munchkinarooo on craftster made some beautiful safety pin rainbow jewelry:

Also on craftster, ViolentDelights made these sparkle-fabulous painted shoes:

Learn how to make a rainbow-licious tie dye shirt from stinkymum on instructables:

I've already included this one in a skirt roundup, but I have to show it again - Crafty Intentions' amazing rainbow patchwork skirt!

And I'll end with a classic... I made myself a super rainbow friendship bracelet in 6th or 7th grade and loved it like crazy - it was that spiral knot kind, maybe you remember. I can't find a photo how-to for that particular kind anywhere, but I found these patterns on how-to-make-jewelry for a bunch of designs, and wikiHow has a good tutorial for the flat kind, which can definitely be rainbowy:

There are tons more ways to creatively show your pride, this is just a start, so have fun DIYing your rainbows this June, and share any fun tutorials or projects with us in the comments!

Renegade Brooklyn: Crafting Up McCarren this Weekend

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:39:50 EDT

Renegade's 2009 season is kicking off in Brooklyn, New York this week! The 5th Annual Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn will take place in Greenpoint's McCarren Park Saturday, June 6th and 7th from 11am - 7pm. According to the official site, the artist list is up. Visit it here for a preview!

The fair release contends that "[o]ver 300 indie crafters are participating in the fair, so there’s sure to be something for everyone!" Better, the craft fair is free, open to the public and close to public transportation, located near the Nassau Ave stop on the G train and the Bedford Ave stop on the L. We'll keep you updated on the rest of the Renegade Craft fair line-up which puts up tents in LA, San Francisco, and Chicago this year.

Threadbanger will be there this Saturday. Hope to see you soon!

Knitta, Please: Guerilla Knitting in Brooklyn

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:01:51 EDT

Montague Street, the main strip in Brooklyn Heights, is showcasing a DIY knitting installation this month led by Knitta, Please crafter and founder Magda Sayeg. Over 50 volunteers knit cozies around parking meters, essentially "yarn bombing" the block to make a statement about the DIY movement. Threadbanger's Rob Czar joined the event, which launched mid-May and can be seen through the summer. Stay tuned for an episode featuring the knitting raid and if you're in the lovely area of Brooklyn Heights make sure you get a picture with the knit-out metal!

How To Make a DIY Patch

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:00:20 EDT

I've been nothing short of OBSESSED lately with all things motorcycle-related; I LIFE image-search through pictures of Hell's Angels and I regularly find myself typing phrases like "LEATHER FRINGE AMERICAN FLAG VEST" into late night eBay searches. This was all bound to find its way into my craft projects sooner or later, and, lo and behold, it happened this weekend when I made a bald eagle patch - reminiscent of old school biker jackets - for my friend's birthday. I can't take credit for the design (it's one of the MASCOTS for his band, DC-based New Rock Church of Fire) but I CAN take credit for the execution, just as you can take credit for YOURS after plowing your way through this tutorial. Patches of this kind are a bit of a time investment, so settle in with a rainy day and a few movies to bust this out. This project costs almost nil, as embroidery floss is cheap and you can use pretty much any scrap fabric you've got hanging around - but my favorite thing to do is hunt for big bags of mixed floss at thrift stores. I can't tell you how many I've scored over the years for a hundredth of the cost that you'd pay at the craft store. Yes, I'm cheap, and YES - I plan on making a lot of friendship bracelets this summer. But I digress. Here, in 5 easy steps, is exactly how to DIY your own patches. Have fun affixing them to your denim jacket (or your leather fringe American flag vest):

1. Gather your supplies. You'll need a thin piece paper (printer paper or tracing paper work well) and a pencil, an embroidery hoop, tweezers, a needle with an eye large enough for embroidery floss, scissors, scotch tape, some sturdy scrap fabric to use as your background (I've used everything from an old sheet to a medium-weight dishtowel), and a rainbow of embroidery floss. Or at least the colors you'll need for the task at hand.

2. Plot your design. Again, for this project I chose to use Terrence, the cardboard eagle that New Rock Church of Fire puts on the wall during their shows. I re-sized and then traced from my computer screen a hi-res photo that documented Terrence in all his glory. Keep in mind that the larger your design, the more hours (and hours, and hours) this will take to accomplish - but if you've got some time on your hands there's really nothing cooler than a big huge back patch. My eagle ended up being about 6" x 4" and took roughly 5 hours altogether.

3. APPLICATION. Once you've got your design drawn, cut off any excess paper (leaving yourself a good amount of border), and scotch-tape it right into the middle of your fabric. Plunk your embroidery hoop on, lock it up tight, and you're ready to go.

4. EXECUTION. You may be wondering when I'm going to get to the detailed, step-by-step process of how to embroider. Well, I'm sorry, but I don't have one. I've been embroidering for years without any FORMAL TRAINING, and while I can definitely point you in the direction of Sublime Stitching or any number of embroidery/craft books, that kind of thing just isn't in my ouvre. My method is to just think of my thread as a colored pencil or paint brush - you can get gorgeous results from just following your lines, making shapes, and pulling your thread tight through your paper and fabric. There are, of course, a FEW hard and fast rules: whether your stitches go horizontally or vertically, you're going to make your shapes and fill space by lining them up as close to each other as you can. Always start from the underside (pushing the needle up from the back; work in small sections; leave at least an inch or two of thread when starting or ending on your floss - you'll want to be able to go back and tie them off later, and until then use your scotch tape to keep them out of the way. Keep your stitches to less than an inch in length - the longer your stitches are, the greater chance they'll look floppy when you take off your embroidery hoop, and you don't want that. All you need is patience and a penchant for doing things with your hands - you'll be smooth-sailing in no time. And now, some time lapse photography:

5. THE END. Several hours later, when you've exhuasted your Netflix queue and your dog is staring at you for her walk, you will be finished. It will feel amazing. Go back and tie up your loose ends, maybe give the whole thing a nice outline - in your color of choice - to clean up any messy edges. Use your tweezers to remove any bits of paper that are poking up through your stitches. Remove the embroidery hoop and trim your background fabric, leaving a nice big border. When you apply your patch you'll want to fold the border under to make nice, clean edges, and FINITO! Look what you did!

Do YOU have any DIY emboridery or patch tips that you've gleaned or discovered over the years? Pass them along - and include photos! - in the comments section...

Celebrity DIY Style: Balmain Jackets

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:09:08 EDT

While it looks like these celebrities are channeling Michael Jackson, what they are wearing are the latest trend in outerwear - Balmain Jackets. These coats with the severe shoulder pads have been seen on stars such as Rihanna, Beyonce, and Victoria Beckham. While there are no jacket patterns available (yet) for this look, there are numerous tutorials on how to make your own shoulder pads that you can either add to your own creations or your favorite ready-to-wear coat. This step-by-step guide by Fitting Tips is the best in both description and finished results. However, be sure to check out BurdaStyle's how to and this slighly more complicated version at Pattern-Making.com. Written tutes not your style? Then be sure to check out this video on DIY shoulder pads!

Makerfaire Scavenger Hunt Update

Sat, 30 May 2009 13:41:05 EDT

Hey! We are on the west coast now! WOOOOOT! I made this video yesterday but didn't have time to upload it before we got on the plane but here ya go!

Makerfaire Info from corinne leigh on Vimeo.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Laptop Cases!

Fri, 29 May 2009 19:06:38 EDT

I was trying to think of some kind of graduation-related roundup for this week, and couldn't really find anything, but then I came across a couple of laptop case projects and thought, hey, I got a laptop for my college graduation present, so it loosely fits! Maybe just personally, but still... There are a ton of great cases/sleeves out there, so here we go! First, nikoto on instructables created this amazing cardboard case!

In a flickr set, pt shows off this awesome recycled newspaper bag:

Sambot made a great sleeve from a recycled pants leg:

Craft Chi sewed one from a quilted pillowcase:

Megpi on flickr explains how she made this one from a recycled sweater:

Make magazine had a how-to for a case from a recycled t-shirt, which Voxphoto used to make this version:

Elizabeth on Sew, Mama, Sew! shares a free pdf pattern for this sewn sleeve:

Yoonie-at-home made this great messenger-style laptop bag from gorgeous Ikea fabric:

Mary Ray on Craftstylish shares her pattern for this quilted laptop bag:

I love love love Betz White's wool felt Sketchy MacLaptop! (pictured at the top also)

Design*Sponge featured this great felt design - it's no-sew!

Josh of Sewer-Sewist made this sporty (Portland Trail Blazers themed) case based on a design from the book Fabricate:

Knarx did an instructable for this basic felt pouch:

Also on instructables, radiorental made this interesting case from workbench rubber mat material:

There are some fun duct tape designs out there - instructables has one by zoundsPadang, and this cushioned one by kathleenhenri:

If you want to knit or crochet a case, do a ravelry search to find lots of options! I love this one from Let's Knit (you have to register, but it's free):

Canadian Living has a free pattern for an Aran laptop cover - this version was knit by CelticCoyote on flickr:

Slumberland has a felted laptop sleeve pattern for mac lovers:

And I'll leave you with Tipnut's list of 12 laptop sleeves & cases. Hope I inspired you to cover your computer in crafty style! I know there are many more designs out there, so if there's any you really love, leave a comment!

Threadbanger's Twitter Scavenger Hunt at Maker Faire! Sunday, May 31st

Fri, 29 May 2009 16:37:11 EDT

THREADBANGER MAKERFAIRE TWITTER SCAVENGER HUNT MAY 31st 2009

Threadbanger hosts Rob and Corinne will be attending the world-renowned Maker Faire this weekend with tweets on. Ten ambitious DIY fans in the area will have the opportunity to enter the faire and compete in an online, Twitter-activated scavenger hunt that takes them through some of the faire's best stops and offers dozens of prizes along the way!

HOW IT WORKS

THE LOGISTICS. READ THIS! ITS ALL THE INFO YOU NEED TO KNOW!

Participants will meet Corinne at the front of the ticket booth, where the first 10 people to arrive will get a ticket for entry as well as the first password to begin the hunt. Along the way, participants will pick up new clues by tweeting passwords to @Threadbanger while collecting craft-happy prizes from selected stops. Those that finish the hunt successfully will get to compete for the grand prize: a brand new Threadbanger-branded Janome sewing machine.

Phase 1

Your first password will be sent via the threadbanger twitter account at 9:30 am PST.
Makerfaire opens at 10am on Sunday.
Be one of the first 10 people to meet Corinne at the Makerfaire ticket booth. If you arrive early, as in before 10am, form a line beside the ticket booth next to the Threadbanger scavenger hunt checkpoint sign.
Tell Corinne the password and she will then verify your twitter account. Why do you need to be "verified"? We just want to make sure you are all set up and ready to send and receive messages to our twitter account.
Once you've been cleared, she will give you your free ticket and if you are one of the first 2 people, your new kodak camera! She will also give you a sheet of paper containing helpful information pertaining to the hunt.
If you did not make it in time to be one of the ten first people, Corinne will be gone and the check point sign will say "CLOSED". BUT Please still attend the event! Its a lot of fun. Just be prepared to buy a ticket.
Each person participating in the hunt needs to have a twitter account. Please NO teams, unless you are with your parent/guardian. In that case, only one ticket/checkpoint prize will be given to your "team". We want to make this a fair challenge!
Read all the information Corinne gives you before you text your first password. As soon as you text the first password, your time starts. As soon as you text the last password, your time ends. Time may end up not being a factor, but if we need a tie-breaker, the time it takes you to complete the course will help determine the winner of the grand prize.
We may have to stager people. If a bunch of people arrive at the same time, we will give you your ticket and ask you to come back at a certain time to get the first password. We don't want to overwhelm the people working at each check point.

Phase 2

You must complete the task at each check point to get the next password and fun prize. A person at the participating booth will give you the password and prize. We encourage you to take your time and enjoy the activity each checkpoint has to offer. Appreciate it, love it, make it, learn from it. Please be nice to the people working the booths. They are our friends and we want to stay friends with them.
When you receive the password, direct message it to Threadbanger [see formula for direct messaging users on twitter below]. You will then receive the next clue from our twitter account [see how to set up your mobile device to receive device updates from twitter below].
You have to be finished with the course by 4:50pm PST.
We will be announcing the winner of the Threadbanger Janome sewing machine at 5pm PST so make sure you are at the final checkpoint by 5pm PST to see if you've won! Plus, it will be a nice finishing shot for our episode about Makerfaire.
Rob is going to be running around with a camera all day. If you see him, wave him over so he can catch you mid hunt!

Thanks to our partners for these wonderful prizes!

TWITTER FAQ

What is Twitter?
How do I send and receive tweets through my mobile device?
How do I send a private message?

THE OFFICIAL RULES

1. Each entrant must have a twitter account and be following @threadbanger to participate.
2. The scavenger hunt consists of 9 checkpoints. The entrant must visit and complete each challenge at these checkpoints to be in the running for the final grand prize of the Threadbanger Janome sewing machine.
3. The course must be finished by 4:50pm PST to be eligible for the grand prize of the Threadbanger Janome sewing machine.
4. All entrants must be 13 years of age or older to enter the scavenger hunt. Otherwise they must be accompanied by an adult.
5. No purchase necessary
6. Void where prohibited by law
7. Not responsible for lost or misdirected entries
8. Taxes are the responsibility of winner
9. Winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility
10. Estimated value of prizes up to $1000
11. Winner consents to the use of their name and likeness for promotion
12. Winner to be selected on Sunday, May 31, 2009 by 6:00pm PST.
13. Decisions of the judges are final.
14. No substitution of prizes permitted
15. Employees and the families of Next New Networks, ThreadBanger and any of their affliliated companies are not eligible to participate.

Spacecraft's Bathing Suit Bedazzle night, June 4th

Fri, 29 May 2009 09:35:00 EDT

Are you bored with your bathing suit? If it looks anything like mine (Black on black? Yawn...) then head over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn's Spacecraft with your dated/boring old bathing suit and $10 for a night of snazzing on Thursday, June 4th from 7-10p.m. As per usual, Spacecraft offers the supplies; in this case, beads, buttons, glitter, feathers, jewels, shells and fabrics to transform your old bathing suit. Or, you can buy one of the suits for sale from Knickers and No Fur Coats at a discounted price. If that wasn’t enough of an incentive, there will also be free beer and raffle prizes! RSVP at rsvp@spacecraftbrooklyn.com

A massive free swap on the Gowanus Canal!

Thu, 28 May 2009 11:46:10 EDT

I am so sad I am going to miss this...happy about going to the makerfaire but sad to miss this. If you are going to be in the NYC area you should check it out and take pictures cause I want to see!

"Start gathering your old Twisted Sister albums, ill-advised sample sale purchases, well-intentioned gifts from grandma, those jeans that just don’t fit anymore, etc, and get ready to exchange them for new treasures.

MeanRed Productions is teaming up with FreeNYC, Newmindspace and RefugeNYC (the same folks who brought you the Wall Street Pillow Fight) to transform the waterfront venue, BKLYN Yard, into an open-air free boutique.

Over hundreds of records, clothes, household items, and regretful “impulse buys” will find new homes. This one-day event celebrates the joys of finding treasure in some one else’s trash.

HOW SCORE! WORKS
1. Attendees bring their old Twisted Sister albums, ill-advised sample sale purchases, dog-eared graphic novels, and get to leave with something new.
2. BKLYN Yard will be split into departments, each “curated” by different individuals and organizations….

APPAREL – Amy & Leslie
BOOKS – The Desk Set
KITCHEN PRODUCTS – Natalie Kamei
MUSIC – MeanRed Productions

3. Volunteers will sort donations, a roving stylist will be available to make wardrobe suggestions, the Treats Truck will be on hand to satisfy sugar cravings, and local DJs will provide the background music for a lazy Spring day at BKLYN Yard.
The event is free and open to the public. Donations can be dropped off prior to the event, or left at the door. All left-over items will be collected by Rock and Wrap It Up – an anti-poverty “think tank” that distributes donations to worth non-profits throughout the city.

11am - 6pm
FREE! * ALL AGES" - via BKLYN YARD website

Best Dollar Store Crafts of the Week - May 28

Thu, 28 May 2009 00:34:28 EDT

Check out the best projects using dollar store stuff from the past week.

Tissue Paper Tie Dye - $1

This craft hack lets you get the look of tie dye without the pricey materials, toxic ingredients, and mess of real tie dye. Use this method on any of your favorite light-colored cotton garments.

Credit Card Bracelet - $2

Don’t just cut your old credit cards up and toss ‘em - make them into something awesome! Check out the tutorial to make this bracelet, designed by the Scavenging Blog.

Girl's Purse (With Bangle Bracelet Handles!) - $1

I am in love with the idea of using bracelets for purse handles, and this wee purse is so cute. You can easily mod this tutorial to make a bigger purse fit for a bigger girl! Design by the Object Project.

For lots more cool crafts at dollar store prices, visit Dollar Store Crafts.

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Wed, 27 May 2009 12:30:08 EDT

Hey guys! AS ALWAYS, here are my top 5 favorite street style pictures from the last couple of weeks - holler at them via the comments section. Here we go: The look on the left, from a May 14 post at Face Hunter, is a crazy mashup of nautical and WORKWEAR - I'm seriously questioning whether or not that's some wicked, revamped Carharrt jacket - and she pulls it off with both panache and a ridiculously cool pair of heeled, lace-up booties. Well played, crazy lady. The outfit on the left is far more understated, but I actually like it for the same reasons. From a May 20 post at Garance Dore, would YOU (outside of Alexander Wang runway dreamland) ever really think to pair your sweatpants with little booties and a sharp blazer? And if you did, would it turn out as well? I'm impressed with this woman, I really, really am.

From here on out my picks were all about COMFORT. Maybe it's the rainy, grey week we've been having in DC, but I found myself inherently attracted to looks that were, in all probability, picked up off the floor and thrown on in a matter of minutes. The photo on the left is from a May 15 posting at AltaMiraNYC, and as low-fashion as her pieces are - regular old blue jeans, a tee and some sweatshirts - she brings them together in such a way that you immediately get that SHE KNOWS WHAT SHE'S DOING. The glasses and oxfords are nice little nerd elements, and I appreciate the 50s collegiate vibe that the whole thing gives off. The photo at right - from a May 14 post at Stockholm Street Style - I loved for its mix of cutting edge facets and easy basics - it makes for a surprisingly cohesive whole. The harem pants and bleached-out denim jacket are on trend but totally easy to wear and soft, and it doesn't get more classic than black and white Converse. This is UNIFORM MATERIAL, people.

I hate flip flops. I think they are disgusting. And yet, somehow, ABOVE ALL ODDS, this May 18 post at The Sartorialist was my favorite look from the last few weeks. What, you ask, could possibly overshadow the most unfortunate of footwear choices? I will tell you, and I will start with the shorts. They're a perfect city-length, the pattern is killing me, and, against the chambray-blue of her gorgeously rumpled button-down, the color is just a dream. She's totally comfortable and completely put together (a delicate necklace will just do that, won't it?), and even though I would have personally chosen a nice moccasin or something similar to end this whole concoction, I'm not going to hate on a woman who knows how to take full wardrobe-advantage of beautiful weather. BRAVA.

Pandahead Mag featured in Nylon this month

Wed, 27 May 2009 11:52:37 EDT

Morgan Hungerford, the Washington DC-area crafter, much-loved contributor to the Threadbanger blog and creator of the Panda Head Magazine found her creative efforts featured in Nylon Magazine's most recent publication this month - check out the Nylon with Karen O on the cover.

Hungerford says in her feature, "[m]y favorite kinds of people are the ones with secret workshops and notepads full of ideas...this project is dedicated to everyone with big plans in the city proper [Washington D.C.]." Since we agree, and adore both Panda Head and Nylon, we thought we'd mention the crossing here! Check out Panda Head in Nylon and on its own this month!

Threadbanger to host Twitter Scavenger Hunt at Maker Faire this weekend

Tue, 26 May 2009 18:23:42 EDT

What started in 2006 as a simple idea for a grassroots craft fair, is now a grassroots craft and DIY-bonanza known as the Maker Faire. As mentioned, Threadbanger hosts Rob and Corinne will be attending the fair this weekend with tweets on. Ten ambitious DIY fans in the area will have the opportunity to enter the faire with tickets provided by Threadbanger and compete in an online, Twitter-activated scavenger hunt that takes them through some of the faire's best stops. Along the way, participants will pick up new clues by tweeting passwords to @Threadbanger while collecting craft-happy prizes from selected stops. Those that finish the hunt successfully will get to compete for the grand prize: a brand-spanking-new Janome Sewing Machine. Here's the official Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DIY Style Network ThreadBanger to Hold Twitter Scavenger Hunt at Maker Faire

San Mateo, California - May 26, 2009 – ThreadBanger, a popular online DIY (Do-It-Yourself) style TV network owned by leading online television company Next New Networks, is holding a Twitter-based scavenger hunt at Make Magazine’s annual Maker Faire in San Mateo, Calif. on May 31, 2009. Fans of ThreadBanger’s weekly DIY shows can join in and start finding scavenger hunt clues by following ThreadBanger on Twitter here.

The first ten people to arrive on Sunday, May 31st at Maker Faire's Will Call table with the secret password, which will be revealed via ThreadBanger's twitter account, will receive a free ticket to the event and the next clue to continue the hunt. The first two people to arrive will also receive a brand new Kodak Camera. Prizes will be given at each checkpoint with the grand prize being a ThreadBanger-branded Janome sewing machine. Other partners in the contest include Coats and Clark thread company, Simplicity Patterns, Generation-T, Make Magazine, O’Reilly Media and Yudu Personal Screen Printing.

“Online media is unique in giving content providers a real opportunity to closely interact with their community,” says Corinne Leigh, host and producer at ThreadBanger. “Using Twitter to get our fans involved in our first ever scavenger hunt is such a great way to have fun and engage with our audience!”

Press Contact:
Carlin Cwik
carlin@threadbanger.com

OR:

LaunchSquad
Brett Weiner or Dana Zemack
415-625-8555
nnn@launchsquad.com

Celebrity DIY Style: Kristin Davis Strapless Style

Tue, 26 May 2009 10:09:17 EDT

Summer is just around the corner, but in many parts of the country the temperatures are already heating up. Kristin Davis' strapless, belted frock is perfect for a Memorial Day BBQ or a night on the town. To re-create this look try McCall 4460 or 5850 or New Look's create your own dress style, 6699. To stay cool and casual sew your dress in a cotton or linen (or linen look to stay wrinkle free) or dress up your gown in a brocade, taffeta, or silk.

Apron and Chef Hat Pattern

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:36:08 EDT

My goal is to have the pattern be downloadable so you can print it out, piece and tape it together and have the full size pattern. We are having a bit of a technical issue with that process. It is kinda difficult. For now you can download the diagram with measurements so you can make your own pattern. They are super easy patterns to make. We will be working to get the printable one to you soon.

Apron Diagram

Chef Hat Diagram

DIY Decor Round-Up

Fri, 22 May 2009 13:53:28 EDT

Here we go for another round-up of some of the cool and unique DIY decor sprinkled around the web. First, from Apartment Therapy, I love this His & Hers Pillowcase tutorial. A nice nod to vintage personalized linens and a fun way to make sure you get your full side of the bed.

Here is a collection of DIY ideas from ICFF. I particularly enjoy this lantern made from an old apple juice container and sweater sleeve.

I appreciate any original idea of how to display a collection of polaroids, photographs, and inspiring images. This is a modern display created with a wire and metal clips. Clean, crisp and totally adjustable.

Design Sponge provides this handy
Tea shelf idea keeps all you need to prepare your tea in one spot. A lovely and simple design that creates a little tea niche.

Wallpaper stationery set is a great way to use vintage wallpaper. If you rent, you can't put something so permanent on your walls, so this is a great alternative. Hand-written thank you notes and letters are so classy, and are sadly less and less likely in this age of e-mail and e-cards. Now we can make our own and bring back this personalized way of communication.

Over at Crafty Nest, I saw some cool DIY ideas like this Ugly Mirror turned bulletin board. This is an awesome way to re-use an old piece, to give a fresh look to an old piece. All it requires is a fresh coat of paint and cork and you are good to go. Check out the tutorial and let me know how it turns out!

By now everyone knows plastic bags are SO 2000. Decorate your own canvas or hemp tote bags following this tutorial. My recommendation for the best place to get totes made from recycled and sustainable materials is EcoBags. And one last re-purposed idea from Crafty Nest, this cupboard door as a serving tray.

I particulary enjoy this yardstick coat rack from DIY Ideas. This would be great for teachers, DIYers, sewers or kids.

Over at Craftzine I saw this awesome

Over at Craftzine I saw this awesome DIY sketchbook so you have a place to jott down your inspiration and DIY ideas!

What projects are YOU working on?

Weekly DIY Roundup: Summery Knit and Crochet Patterns!

Fri, 22 May 2009 10:03:17 EDT

I knit all year round, but it can get hard sometimes with the sun beating down on my wool, not to mention the pain of not being able to wear my creations for months. So I've rounded up a bunch of free knit and crochet patterns for summery items, that won't heat up your crafting hands, and you can put right on when you're finished! Starting with tops... I love this Smocked Top by Rebecca Hatcher!

The blue blog patterns has a pattern for nothing but a t-shirt - cute!

Weaverknits designed this Something Shiny tunic on knotions:

Knitty has tons of great summery patterns, like Coachella by Fathom Harvill:

And Thira by Beverly S. is also on Knitty:

Crystal Palace Yarns has this free Summer Net Shell pattern:

And the girl from auntie offers this summer funnel sleeveless top:

If you're in the mood for something more complex, Classic Elite yarns has the pattern for Michele Rose Orne’s Summer Set by the Sea Top:

If you're knitting for a little one, this ruffled summer top by Knitting Adventures is super cute:

For a summer day cover up, check out Gudrun Johnston's Shetland Shorty on Knitty:

Moving to garments below the top, momsknitting.com has a pattern for the perfect summer skirt:

And Canadian Living offers this knitted sarong pattern:

Spun Magazine has a set of summer sock patterns (not a fan of flip flops personally, but I like the short socks with the pom pom!):

And one more Knitty pick - Jennifer L. Appleby designed these cute Breeze summery socks:

And now for some head accessories, the Craft Yarn Council of America offers this crocheted kerchief pattern:

I absolutely love this giant floppy hat - Witterings - by Anna Bell on My Fashionable Life:

Tangle has a pattern for this Summer Slouchy Hat, made with bamboo yarn:

And a couple crochet hats... knitomatic.com offers this Flower Pot Sun Hat:

And lastly, Cloudy Crochet has this Fast & Easy crocheted summer brimmed hat:

Hope that keeps you going though the hot months! There are tons out there, so let me know if you want more summer fibery projects and maybe I'll do a part 2 when it gets even hotter! Let us know any of your favorite lightweight patterns, and show off your creations in the forums!

How to Make Cafe Curtains

Thu, 21 May 2009 10:48:34 EDT

Cafe Curtains are the kind of window dressing that leaves a middle section of the glass free and clear of obstruction. They're nice in a kitchen and moreoever, an easy way to change a room that needs to let in some summer sun! Thanks to sew-whats-new for this tutorial. Also, check out Meg's Decor-It-Yourself episode, How to Make Curtains and a Threadbanger post from August 2008 on How to Make Simple Curtains if you want more window-dressing idears.

Measuring instructions

1. First measure your window height. Cafe curtains can cover anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of your window. If you want to cover the bottom window casing, include that in your measurement.

2. Measure your window width and include the casing if that is your choice. Your fullness should be twice to three times the measurement. If your fabric is home dec. fabric-it is heavier and maybe twice the fullness is fine. If you are sewing sheers then three times the fullness is what you want.

3. To your height measurement add 6" for bottom hem and 4" for heading. This is how much length in total fabric you need.

4. To your width measurement add 4" for side hems. This is the width in total fabric you need.

Cutting instructions

1. Cut your fabric the length you need plus the 6" for hems.

2. Cut a 4" wide strip the finished width of your panel.

3. Cut a 3" wide strip the width of your fabric for loops to hang the panel.

Sewing instructions

1. Take the 3" wide strip and press one long edge under 1/4". Fold the pressed edge over the opposite raw edge and stitch down the entire length. Press, centering seam in the middle of the strip. Cut this strip into 6" pieces.

2. Press under 1" on either side of cafe panel. Turn and press again another 1". Press and stitch down. These are your side hems.

3. Do the same to the 4" strip. This is your cafe heading.

4. Fold 6" loops in half widthwise. Keep seam line on underside. Place one at each end of panel top. Decide how far apart you want the loops. Placing raw edges of loops even with raw edges of panel, pin each loop in place. Make sure they are evenly spaced.

5. Right sides together, pin heading on top of panel and loops.

6. Sew across heading and loops using 1/2" seam allowance.

7. Flip heading to wrong side of panel. Stitch down sides and bottom edge.

8. Turn up bottom hem 3" and press. It is important that your hem be straight. Turn again the width of the first turn and stitch down.

That's it. You have finished your cafe curtain! They can really brighten up any kitchen with lively fabrics and a little effort.

Join the Making Window Treatments group @ SWN! See the original post!

The Design Piracy Probation Act: No more knock-offs? Or unseen expenses for independent designers?

Wed, 20 May 2009 10:41:20 EDT

Current US laws are hard on counterfeit goods - you know, those fake Fendi handbags and faux Coach wallets piled in the backs of cars and sold to googly-eyed tourists for $20? - but laws don’t protect actual designs as intellectual property. Ever seen a knock-off article?

That's what the Council of Fashion Designers of America want to nix. Quite a few prominent designers, namely, members tied to the CFDA and the Stop Fashion Piracy campaign, have proposed the Design Piracy Probation Act; a piece of legislation which intends to protect the unauthorized replication of a designers’ actual ideas.

Of course, thievery sounds wrong off anyone’s tongue (or out of anyone's trunk), but the idea of registering fashion as artistic property has implications and further, consequences of enactment, that are not as transparent as the word “stolen” out of a megaphone. A petition against the act states that “over 86% of independent designers are opposed to the implementation of this bill, [with] over 98% agree[ing] that this law will not protect them.” “Independent designers, nearly none of whom are members of the exclusionary, invitation only CFDA, have limited finances and production resources," the petition continues, “[r]equiring registration of designs represents a dramatic increase in the cost of doing business.”

So, dedicated DIY-ers - independent designers and artists many of you - who's rhetoric is right? Or more appropriately, in line with the underlying moral intention this piece of legislation brings to light? Surely, the well-known, well-off designers giving this bill voice do not intend to use it for their own monopolistic gains. Right? Furthermore, the legions of independent designers who oppose the legislation must believe in fashion design as a mode of artistic property. Correct? What do you think?

Here are other resources to help you make an educated opinion:

Fashion Incubator's Protecting Fashion Ideas Law
Bazaar's Fakes are Never in Fashion
Counterfeit Chic's Design Piracy Prohibition Act
Stylist's Forever 21: Knocking It Off?
The National Post's Copycat Style

BurdaStyle Opens up for Design Submissions in all categories

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:05:40 EDT

BurdaStyle is open for your design submissions! You just send in a sketch of a pieces from the front and the back and a technical drawing. See Threadbanger's fashion sketching episode here for a How-To! Think about why that piece is not only a perfect design for you, but for other BurdaStyle members and write it up in a short essay. Make sure to mention what category you are designing for (men, women's, women's plus, children, accessories) and what fabrics you had in mind.

If your design is choosen it will be produced into a real Burda pattern, and you will receive a grant of $160 as well as high resolution picttures of your design from a professional photo shoot for your portfolio.

Email the following to submissions at BurdaStyle.com:

Sketch from the front and back
Technical drawing
Short explanation of design's value to the community
Category and recommended fabrics

Visit BurdaStyle for more info!

Turn Last Year's Maxi Dress into a Mini with Diana Eng

Tue, 19 May 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Recently Craftzine featured this long-dress to short-dress tutorial from Project Runway alum and Threadbanger guest Diana Eng. She writes, "Summer 2008 was the summer of the maxi dress, sweet and long, with a full, feminine skirt...But now what's a gal to do in summer 2009 when flirty, short skirts and mini dresses are the new trend?" Like any budget-minded crafty girl, she takes to the scissors and sewing machine and shows us how to turn a full length skirt into something more revealing (plus it can be converted back!)

Read the full and easy tutorial here (Above is step 2)! All you need is the long dress, a friend or body form, some pins and that sewing machine!

Celebrity DIY Style: Jennifer Lopez's Tunic

Mon, 18 May 2009 10:05:19 EDT

Now that it's (almost) summer, I'm on the lookout for fresh tops to wear on hot days. My favorite was worn by Jennifer Lopez who sported this very cute, heavily beaded tunic on the set of her movie The Back-Up Plan. There are just a few similar pattern styles that lend themselves to this sort of embellishment: Butterick 5219, Simplicity 2892, and McCall 5586. When making these tops for yourself, be sure to us a heavier interfacing around the neckline since the weight of your beads and stones will cause this area to sag.

Umm...What?! This girl is amazing!

Sun, 17 May 2009 13:31:44 EDT

Watch Amazing Beat Box Girl and more funny videos on CollegeHumor

i wish i could do that! xoxo c

xxamarcordxx's Fashion Sketches

Sat, 16 May 2009 13:21:09 EDT

Got this email from xxamarcordxx...love the sketches!! xoxo c

"HEY Rob and Corinne! :D
I want to share some of my sketches. I've been sketching for 4 years now and I learned by looking at different pictures of croquis and trying to make the same lines and contours until I formulated my own technique.
btw, I use scratch and recycled paper :D
I love your show and more power to both of you guys!
forum member: xxamarcordxx from the Philippines!"

May's Spotlight 'Banger: Threadbanger Guild

Sat, 16 May 2009 10:00:31 EDT

Interview with mlssfshn!

Melissa is an inspiration and a talented artist. She also has posted a tutorial on how to stencil using Butcher paper! Please take a look...its genius!

http://www.mlssfshn.etsy.com

Gothictany: Tell us about yourself..name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff...

mlssfshn:

-Malissa Long, Austin, TX
-Husband Leo, son Tobias (10 months), and step son Titan (7)
-Austin Area Quilt Guild, last show I was the wearable arts chair, aaqg.org
-Austin Fiber Artist, founding member, current but out going communications chair( term end at end of month) austinfiberartist.org, also a subgroup of Texas Federation of Fiber Artist (no website)
-FAB, Fiber Arts Bee, local group of 15 various Fiber Artist who have Art Shows together
-TMFA, Texas Museaum of Fiber Arts, texasfiberarts.org has annual Jurried show at State Capital Memoral day weekend I've been acepted last 2 years, 3rd annual show
-ETC, Etsy Texas Crafters
-Team Etsy Austin
-TBGuild

I forgot Layin' in the Cut, a local fashion dance, video, and photography event, layininthecut.com
I've also applied for Austins Fashion week in July and Project Runway but I want to keep that hush hush because they seem to want people who are very secretive.

Gothictany: What first made you become and artist?

mlssfshn: My mom was always creative and I was an outcast so it was something to fill my time so I didn't feel alone.

Gothictany: Tell us what inspires you?

mlssfshn: Different things I seam to get hooked on something for a while and then get inspired by something else. I've been inspired by ties, bottle caps, wood bark, silk threads, currently I'm obsessed with aluminum. It started when I found the Art of the can entry for Red Bull and then I bought Threads for the first time in 2 years and there was an article about embellishing with it. My Mentor Kathleen Fasanella and her website http://www.fashion-incubator.com/ . I have learned so much from her about the do's and don't about being a design entrepreneur. Check out her book too!

Gothictany: How would you describe your style?

mlssfshn: Funky but elegant I can't really say avant guard because i use classical lines with alternative materials.

Gothictany: What are your favorite websites?

mlssfshn: Style.com, threadbanger, burdastyle, I'm constantly searching for new sources of fabrics on line I get lost in fabrics.

Gothictany: What advice do you have for other Threadbanger artists like yourself?

mlssfshn: Value your work, never be afraid to go after your passion, it took having my son and being laid off twice in 9 months to push me out on the edge. Do what you love, be happy.

Gothictany: What are the "3" items in your shop that you absulutely LOVE?

mlssfshn: My new headband, bottle cap jacket, and my black scarf dressz.

Thank you to Malissa for inspiring us and sharing your talent with us!

Interview By: Gothictany

Weekly DIY Roundup: Funny Knit Patterns!

Fri, 15 May 2009 17:10:07 EDT

It's been a bit of a rough week for me, so when I sat down to do the roundup, I decided I wanted to look at things that would make me laugh. There are tons of silly knit projects out there, and it was hard to decide which ones to include, so my criteria was basically the ones that make me giggle (and have free patterns). Starting with my friends Homero and David of Splendor - first, Homero's ingenious combination of the Bearded Toque and Viking Hat patterns (above), made for a red-headed friend! And then, David's topical Swine-Flu Masque from a couple weeks ago:

Half-Assed Patterns offers the adorable googly eyed Brainmonster pattern:

A few years ago, I used to make hats similar to that one, but with felt teeth and crocheted or embroidered eyes, like this one (my first) and the one below. No pattern for mine, but you basically just knit a hat but with no decreasing, so a big tube, sew it up the top, then add the embellishments. (I made some other funny hats with no patterns as well, like the bloodshot eye.)

If you'd rather your head be eaten by a shark than a monster, Knitting Ninja has got you covered! Shark Hat by Allison MacAlister:

Moving on from hats, knitty has a bunch of funny patterns mixed in, like Marie-Christine Mahe's Vegan Fox:

There are a ton of funny naughty type projects out there (that could be a whole separate roundup) but I just had to include the 302 Calories pattern by Dawn Payne:

Also on knitty, Astor Tsang's Desperate Housefrau is very silly:

Craftster is a great place to find funny projects too - not all of them have patterns, but some do! Like megziewoodles' Fingerstaches! (My friends and I used to do that back in college with Sharpies, haha)

Back to monsters, Bellana made this awesome hat and scarf set! She includes a basic tutorial so you can knit it yourself!

I recently met a crafter who was so into Nannerpuss that his wife embroidered him an amazing shirt featuring the creature, so I laughed when I saw craftycavy's knit Nannerpuss! It's mostly improvised, but is loosely based on Kimberly Chapman's Banana pattern.

A Waste of Valuable Server Space offers a free pattern for the Flying Spaghetti Monster!

Mochimochi designed this adorable Toilet Paper! (I never would have thought I'd use the adjective adorable to describe t-p, haha.)

For science nerd parents, I think the idea of Kimberly Chapman's Baby's First DNA Model is funny and awesome:

Alex of Presents Knits, who works at my favorite local yarn store, designed Ron the Friendly Stash Moth - the only moth you'd actually want in your stash!

If you're on ravelry, here's one for you - offered as a free pdf download there - penispoopcakewaffle socks by Wendy Moreland. (To me, the name is funnier than the socks themselves - not that the socks aren't funny, but really, can you say that name without laughing?)

One last project, on ravelry only, and without a pattern, and it's crocheted, but I have to share - lindamade's glow in the dark gnome beard/brows! Glow in the dark eyebrows are hilarious!

Ok I know there are tons more silly knits out there, so share your personal favorites in the comments! There are several I skipped because I've included them in other pattern roundups and didn't want repeats. Also, I chose only free patterns for the roundup, but support independent designers and be sure to purchase patterns that you love when you find them! I hope I made you laugh!!

Episode Contest! Win a Project Runway Simplicity Pattern if you answer this!

Fri, 15 May 2009 14:36:11 EDT

In today's episode, How to Fashion Sketch, Threadbanger guest Bonnie Simmons explains the meaning of a rough draft sketch using a French word. Twitter the word in an at reply (@Threadbanger) for a chance to win one of 10 Simplicity Project Runway-inspired patterns including a cropped jacket, belted dress, flowing blouse and pocketed-shirt dress patterns! Good luck!

Watch the episode here for your answer!

Summer Style Headlines TMI Weekly

Fri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 EDT

We know warm weather makes some of us particularly fashion-hungry. Good news, our friends at TMI Weekly are putting together Summer Style episodes every Friday! So, if Threadbanger can't fill you up, we suggest checking with Julia, Mary and Meghan for an extra spoonful of what's next this season. With help from guests like Carson Kressley of Queer Eye and style correspondent Adrien Field, these three chatty Kathys have got you covered! Enjoy!

KnitBook: Your personalized pattern collection!

Thu, 14 May 2009 16:26:20 EDT

So we stumbled across KnitBooks: just like any professionally printed pattern book, but customized! You choose the cover design, the title and most importantly, the patterns! Basically, it puts all of your favorite patterns in one book, professionally prints them and ships them. Or, better, you can send the book as a custom gift! The books start at $24.99. See the site for the full DL.

Bust Craftacular in Brooklyn this Sunday!

Thu, 14 May 2009 14:00:00 EDT

When I was a little bean, I used to don my mom's skirts as dresses and twirl next to our peony bush. 20-something years later I'm excited to put on a better-fitting frock and do the same at Bust's Second Annual Spring Fling Craftacular Garden Party! There will be shopping, of course, from over 50 of the finest crafters, bakers and makers in Brooklyn and beyond, but I'm in it for the workshops, including a vegan cooking lesson, screen printing totes and guerilla gardening techniques. Then there's the goodie bag, raffle prizes (including a sewing machine!) and the opportunity to meet handfuls of like-minded New Yorkers - all for $2 at the door. Read more at Bust's website or just show up at on Sunday, May 17th to Greenpoint, Brooklyn's The Warsaw at 261 Driggs Avenue. If you're in the area Rob, Corinne and I will see you there!

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Thu, 14 May 2009 10:20:02 EDT

Yo guys! As always, here are my top 5 favorite street style photos from the last couple of weeks of STREET STYLE BLOG OUTPUT. Leave your thumbs up/thumbs down in the comments section...here we go! My first two faves are all about SPRING - the look at left, from a May 6 post at Copenhagen Street Style is right on trend for the season. The button-down, chambray workshirt and washed-out pink cotton skirt are a nod to the whole SouthWestern vibe going on as of late, but her little black sneaks, gold necklaces, and sunglasses all keep things street - and it feels personalized. The location of the photo at right, from a May 12 post at The Sartorialist,blasts us all the way into Summer - but that dress is aCELEBRATION OF SPRING if I've ever seen one. There's nothing like pulling out your favorite, gauzy white dress for the first time in May, layering up with a belt and some tough-but-sweetaccessories, and giving Winter a final PEACE OUT. So precious.

The first look, from a May 8 post at, again, The Sartorialist, is a great, mega-laid-back take on modern day dandy. From the top of his perfectly-faded blazer to his cropped pants and pink lace-ups, this guy just looks so comfortably snappy that I just want to hang out with him all day long. The second outfit, from a May 11 post at Karla's Closet, seems a perfect, femmed-up counterpart to the first pic. Her striped, cropped trousers are bringing up some awesome British vibes, and as complicated as some of the pieces are (fringed scarf; pieced leather, platform heels; STRIPED PANTS), the simple tank and crisp color palette all add up to a whole that just makes sense. I'm into it.

My absolute favorite street style picture this week comes from a May 1 post at Garance Dore. Where's the OUTFIT, you ask? THERE ISN'T ONE, actually, but LOOK at those GLASSES. I guarantee you we know more about this woman's personality then if she were decked out, head to toe in slogan tees and shredded jeans. A signature accessory can be that impactful on style - so much so that the rest of the look doesn't even matter. And that piece certainly doesn't have to be from the realm of Elton John glasses or kooky Isabella Blow hats. I consider mine to be bedhead - what's yours?

Book Review: Apron•ology

Wed, 13 May 2009 10:28:16 EDT

The folks that publish Belle Armoire and Altered Couture magazines have created a fantabulous new publication, Apron•ology. As you may have guessed, this mag’s all things apron. From funky and punky, to lacy and super-girly, apron•ology has lots of apron examples that are super-inspiring!

Stampington & Company magazines are not quite “how-to” magazines. Instead, each article serves as a “jumping-off” point for unique creations. In Apron•ology, there’s a range of sewing skill levels represented, as well as styles. Some artists, like Jennifer Jackson, use vintage fabric and doilies for über-romantic creations, and others are like Pam Sisler, who recycled her black leather-like coat into her new “Motorcycle Mama” biker-inspired apron. Men’s pants legs, felting, recycled cashmere, men’s ties, a recycled vinyl poster, stamping, painting, mixed media, embroidery, patchwork, tons of tulle, shells, beads, and other baubles…anything goes! Want sock monkeys, gothic glamour, mermaids? Cowgirl chic? Kitschy chickens? If you can dream it, it can be an apron!

I think plenty of ThreadBangers will especially get a kick out of “Tea with Mrs. Lovett” by Calamity Kim (pg. 50), the “Flower Fairy Apron” by Jessica N. Ortiz (pg. 54), and the “Newsprint Apron” (which, yes, is made out of newspaper!) by Olivia Thomas (pg. 136). If you miss out on this issue, the next will be published September 15, 2009! How cool would it be to have a ThreadBanger rock his or her apron next fall?!

Apron•ology, Stampington & Company, Vol.1, Issue 1. $14.99 US, $15.99 CAN.

Janice S. Bees, aka ladyjanewriter, is a moderator for the ThreadBanger forums, and is currently addicted to making aprons and t-shirt beanies. She loves to sew, do mixed-media artwork, tap dance, and talk to squirrels (but not at the same time!). She truly believes that no question is ever too “stoooopid” to ask! *snip-snip*

How are you celebrating Bike Week? DIY for Cyclists!

Tue, 12 May 2009 10:40:57 EDT

Here are a few Bike-week related projects that may fit your road-huggin' fancy!

Bike Contrails? The rainbow-colored road, above, is perhaps the only kind of "green" contrail out there (although the source of the chalk is up in the air). A bike contrail makes following safe bike routes easier, and also allows bikers to leave a mark, literally, on the community. There's also a way to leave your rubber boots behind with the Bikebrella, below! This creative biker created a device that protects rider and gears from the hazards of a downpour.

How about a way to plant-as-you-ride with a seed-spewing bubble recipe from BLOOM! The idea is that the bicycle will leave it's own version of seedling "exhaust" via clean, vegetable oil-based bubbles that will take root in cracks in the pavement.

What are you doing to celebrate bike week? Leave your cycling-related suggestions and inventions in the comments below, and check out our How To Make a Cycling Cap episode (for under-the-helmet use) that aired a few weeks ago!

Celebrity DIY Style: Cloche Hats

Mon, 11 May 2009 10:15:27 EDT

The word 'cloche' comes from the French word meaning 'bell', which is how the popular hat from the 1920's got it's name. Cloche style hats are typically made from a soft material, have a narrow brim and feature a bell-shaped, rounded crown. Hats such as these can be seen in period movies such as Angelina Jolie's movie, Changling. However, it has become more mainstream to wear them out as seen by Katie Holmes, Hillary Swank, and the ever famous chapeau (adorned with a giant bow) worn by Arethra Franklen. To make your own cloche, try this free pattern by Weekend Designer, this knitted version found on Craftster, or try your hand at a felted version.

PTB May Reminder!

Sat, 09 May 2009 23:16:13 EDT

The short challenge for this month is due the 14th, so be sure to get your entries in! The long challenge is due the 28th.

Short Challenge:
Budget- $10
This one is craftier than most! Recreate an object from a science fiction or fantasy story. Models of larger items are allowed. Ideas: wands, tricorders, wizard's staff, orbs, model of a ship...

For this challenge, you are allowed to use paints / other coloring materials that you already own PLUS one other item that you already own.

Long Challenge:
Budget- $15
Create a costume of your favorite science fiction or fantasy character! (Finally, a chance to make a costume sometime other than Halloween.)

As usual, be sure to read through the rules and FAQ before you enter. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Dollar Store Crafting: Printmaking On the Cheap

Sat, 09 May 2009 22:28:06 EDT

Two of my dollar store crafts from the past week involved carving stamps with unexpected materials, and I want to share them with you, along with a clever idea for making your own stamp pad. You don't have to have any specialized materials to make your own stamps; you can probably find everything you need for these projects at home!

Project 1: What To Carve With?

Did you know you can carve stamps using just school supplies? It’s true - you can use the metal eraser-holder part of a pencil instead of carving tools, and an eraser for the carving surface. It’s a lot safer for kids, and a lot cheaper than buying legit printmaking tools. Of course, the end of a pencil won’t carve as well as said tools, but for dabbling, this is a great way to go, and you can’t beat the price! [full tutorial here]

Project Estimate:

Erasers, $1 or on hand
Pencils with metal eraser-holders, $1 or on hand
Pencil to write with, on hand
Black permanent marker, on hand
Stamp pad, ink, or paint to make prints with, on hand or $1

Total cost: FREE to $3

Project 2: Carve a Mini 'Shroom Stamp

Here’s another great idea for carving your own TEENY stamp: use a little eraser on the end of a pencil! You can make an adorable stamp that's great for making a repeating pattern or stamping on ribbon. [stamp by Yarni Gras; dollar store crafts]

Project Estimate:

Pencils with new erasers, on hand or $1
Straight blade, X-acto knife, paring knife, on hand
Pen, on hand
Paper or ribbon to stamp on, on hand or $1
Stamp pad, paint, or marker to ink the stamp with, on hand or $1

Total: FREE and up

Project 3: Make Your Own Stamp Pad

I never thought about making my own stamp pad until I found this amazing project at Jezze's blog. I love that this uses a recycled CD jewel case, and I love that you can customize the kind of paint you use - Jezze uses this for stamping on fabric. Now I can stamp with fabric-friendly ink or paint! [link to Jezze's full tute; dollar store crafts]

Project Estimate:

stamp, on hand
a flat plastic container, like a cd jewel case, on hand
fabric paint or silkscreen ink*, $1
spoon or knife, on hand
felt cut to fit into plastic container, on hand
table salt, on hand

Total Cost: $1

*You can use acrylic paint and then fix it with vinegar and an iron after it’s printed on the fabric.

For more great projects using inexpensive materials, check Dollar Store Crafts.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Mother's Day Gifts!

Fri, 08 May 2009 19:04:34 EDT

Mother's Day snuck up on me this year! I didn't even know when it was, and suddenly, bam! It's Sunday! So if the same thing happened to you, here's a roundup of gifts you can quickly craft, or take a little longer for a birthday or other later date. Craft blog has a series of Make It for Mom tutorials, including Diane Gilleland's super clever envelope photo book:

And Katie Goodman's homemade hand scrub looks like it smells fabulous!

And Jenny Ryan did a Mother's Day corsage for her How-To Tuesdays project, also on Craft:

Craftstylish has also had a few Mother's Day projects, like Linda Permann's rickrack brooch, made with giant rickrack!

Tina Hilton shared a free knitting pattern for a beginner's lace sachet bag, for moms or brides:

And I showed how to make greeting cards with recycled materials, including how to print onto paper grocery bag pieces! This is my Mother's Day card example:

Craftster.org has a whole Mother's Day category, so be sure to browse through that! One of my favorites is FairyWings' owl made from shells, for her mom who's "into owls this year"!

Instructables also has a Mother's Day page of tutorials, including linuxmom's dried roses the easy way:

And I love m-art-ina's forget-me-not mug for her mom:

Sew, Mama, Sew! rounded up a bunch of tutorials from their archives that might be perfect for a mother, like this rice heat therapy bag:

I really reeeally love these tree limb coasters on curbly - perfect for a coaster-loving (or tree-loving) mom, or maybe for yourself! (or myself!)

Lastly, Schlosser Designs has two free downloadable cards that you can customize with your own personal message!

I hope some of you thought ahead and made awesome gifts for your moms (and share them in the forums!), but for those of you who have yet to figure it out, I hope this roundup helps! Let us know any great projects I missed in the comments!

Robot and Friend Pattern from Diana Eng

Fri, 08 May 2009 16:44:38 EDT

Threadbanger Geeks out this week with Project Runways Diana Eng, and she hooks us up with a pattern from her new book Fashion Geek. Check out the Episode HERE.

Download the PDF pattern HERE

Tweeting in Space

Fri, 08 May 2009 16:29:02 EDT

This guy is a space shuttle commander and will be tweeting in space as well as taking questions from people and answering them in space. I totally geeked out on this and have like 10,000 questions to ask.

Hallo from Germany! Threadbanger Community Manager

Fri, 08 May 2009 12:20:39 EDT

Hallo From Munich, Germany! from Carlin Cwik on Vimeo.

So I've been in Munich, Germany this past week and I couldn't help but think of Threadbanger whilst frolicking through the Alps in my dirndl.

With Munich being the Lederhosen capital of the world, you could say Bavaria has for centuries been DIY- fashion forward. Although I didn't get around to sewing up my own pair with the traditional deer-bone needles and cow-gut thread (yuck), I did witness the euro-DIY scene this side of the Atlantic. Check out my finds, and enjoy a shout-out from the studios of Munich's M94.5, with help from station monitor, translator, and my host, Ben!

If you can read German (or feel like translating) the new, Munich-based magazine CUT features DIY from Germany and elsewhere:

This european street style blog, Style Clicker, snapped some interesting custom-made outfits on the Munich streets:

Stil In Berlin showcases some of the city's fashion and DIY self-expression:

Want to bring Germany home? Make your own dirndl (female Lederhosen) with this pattern from BurdaStyle:

Trekkies Bash New Star Trek Film As 'Fun, Watchable'

Fri, 08 May 2009 10:20:54 EDT

Just found this vid from the Onion...it made me laugh so I thought I would post. Rob and I got to go to a press screening of the new movie last week and I have to say, I really enjoyed it. My dad is a huge trekkie. Conventions, models of the enterprise, collectors plates, etc, etc, etc. He was pretty much obsessed. Naturally, I hated Star Trek as a child because he liked it so much and I was embarrassed I guess. But the new movie really made me feel nostalgic and I was compelled to do a Star Trek episode and let out my inner trekkie. Are you going to see the movie? Let me know what you thought about it below! Live long and DIY, c

Jenny Hart: Get Inspired

Fri, 08 May 2009 06:39:33 EDT

Here at Threadbanger we've long been fans of Jenny Hart and her indie embroidery company, Sublime Stitching, and I fell in love a little harder this weekend when I caught her as one of the "CraftNote Speakers" at DC's very own Summit of Awesome. Especially inspiring was the story of how it all started for her - in the midst of family crisis she sat down with her mother and asked to be taught to embroider. She found that, instead of REQUIRING patience of her, the act of embroidery INSTILLED patience in her; she'd finally found the craft that both set her mind free and kept her endlessly interested. Hearing her speak affected me on many levels, but it really got me thinking about the devotion to crafting and DIY in general. For me, it's about a sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency; and it's an added bonus when I find the project's individual steps as rewarding as the finished product. But I want to ask you, Threadbangers - why do YOU make things? What drives you to Do It Yourself? Fill us in via the comments section.

DIY Decor Round-Up

Wed, 06 May 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Here is the round up of some of the cool DIY decor I've found over the last week. On Poppytalk, I saw Studio Violet's lovely new tear-drop wall stickers. You could make your own by following the steps in the wall decals episode. Take a cue from Craftzine and calm your inner-panic by making your own swine flu mask.

RIP Dorothy! Check out this hilarious tribute to the Golden Girls found on Craftster.

These miniature tin gardens are positively precious and would make perfect Mother's Day gifts. I saw them on my weekly/daily read, Design Sponge.

On D*S I also saw this paint sample headboard. They would have to recycled of course, but what a rad, linear and colorful piece.

Speaking of Mother's Day, who does it better than Martha? Here are her top 35 suggestions for gifts and top 35 choice recipes.

I love the photo tray, herb garden, and stencilied tea towel.

The more re-usable hand and tea towels a kitchen has, the less paper towels get used.

PTB April Challenge Winners!

Tue, 05 May 2009 20:01:12 EDT

It's time to announce the winners of last month's challenges! For those who don't know, the short challenge was to create an accessory out of just a pillowcase. The long challenge was to create a piece of clothing out of a sheet.

We start with the winner of the short challenge: soccer_ceo, who made this fantastic hat out of a denim pillowcase.

In second place, rokprincess182:

Now onto the the long challenge! Ivy Frozen made this incredible playset from Little Mermaid sheets. She not only wins first place for the long challenge, but for the entire month as well.

There was a tie for second place between anneshine and Cybrina:

Anneshine's fabulous lacey dress:

Cybrina's gorgeous draped dress:

And last but not least, the third place winner: sylviasama. Adorable sheets, adorable dress.

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to everyone who entered. As always, the rest of the entries will be posted on our photostream sometime this week.

Be sure to enter in this month's challenge!

Celebrity DIY Style: Spanx

Tue, 05 May 2009 05:49:16 EDT

What's the secret to 'perfect' celebrity bodies? The super body shaper that cinches in your stomach, hips, and thighs and can make you look one size smaller - Spanx. Singers like Katy Perry and Beyonce and actresses like Eva Longoria and Jessica Alba swear by them and now you can make these special undergarments for yourself. Jalie's shapewear pattern, 2572, includes 3 different styles: a control brief (like those worn by Katy Perry and Eva Longoria), shaping short (similar to Beyonce), and a stylish waist cincher. To make the most comfortable and body flattering shaper look for a cotton fabric with at least 10% lycra - this will give you the stretch and strength you need while allowing the fabric to breathe. However, be sure to check your fabric's stretch against the pattern envelope to be sure that it meets the 70%, 4-way stretch criteria.

Best Dollar Store Crafts of the Week - May 3

Sun, 03 May 2009 13:06:00 EDT

Check out the past week's best projects on the cheap from Dollar Store Crafts!

Anthro Lei Necklace: $3

Jessica taught us how to make this Anthropologie-inspired lei necklace at a much nicer price.

Mosaic Wall Installation: $25

Using a clever cheap material, Alexa made this amazing modern mosaic wall installation - dorm and apartment friendly!

Knit Flip Flops: $2

Niki knitted up some cute flip-flops using a spool knitter. Cheap and chic!

For more great projects daily, visit Dollar Store Crafts!

TBGuild: May 2009 Activities

Sat, 02 May 2009 12:00:00 EDT

Date Information:

May 1st - New blogging partner assigned:
Each member will be assigned a new partner. Which will them make a blog, featuring one item from their partner's shop. This will be due on May 15, 2009.

May 7th - Start a new treasury: [Theme: Head/Hair Wear]
12 members will make 1 item that is consistent with the assigned theme.
1 member will be assigned to make a treasury.
[Complete information will be posted on the guild thread]
Due date of listed treasury items will be on May 27, 2009

May 15th - New spotlight banger announced in blog:
A member will be selected and interviewed by Gothictany, which will be posted on the Threadbanger blog.

May 16th- New blogging partner assigned:
Each member will be assigned a new partner. Which will them make a blog, featuring one item from their partner's shop. This will be due on May 30, 2009.

All Information will be found here.

Weekly DIY Roundup: More Skirts!

Fri, 01 May 2009 19:27:48 EDT

Last August I did a skirt tutorial roundup, but Spring means skirt-making season for me and there are a bunch of new ones out there now, so I wanted to do another one! I wrote a tutorial on Craftstylish for one of my favorite skirt designs, made with 2 t-shirts - super easy and comfy!

That first roundup mentioned a tutorial I did on my own blog for a different kind of t-shirt skirt; after that roundup I did two more tutorials, first a double wraparound design made with a vintage bedsheet:

Then a simple sweatshirt skirt:

Craftstylish has had several great skirt how-tos, like Jennifer Stern's skirt from a pile of scraps!

And there's Christine Haynes' belted skirt from a men's dress shirt:

And Jennifer Sauer points to a downloadable pdf pattern for this two-hour peasant skirt:

Lenore on Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories made this amazing Missile Command circle skirt:

Kristin of Craft Leftovers has a three part series on altering a skirt pattern, with lots of process photos - here's her finished skirt:

Kadiddlehopper blog has a great tutorial for a circle skirt!

Craftster.org, of course, has tons of great skirt projects, like rufous03's fairytale skirt:

Indiaeden posted a tutorial for maternity skirts:

Pjhamel shows us how to make an elastic waistband skirt:

I love MissJessica's t-shirt skirt with the big pockets!

You can also find lots of skirt how-tos on instructables, like this version of a t-shirt skirt by jubilee:

And sajbrfem's great bias cut skirt with a wide stretch waistband:

Cut Out + Keep is a great source for tutorials and creative crafting, with tons of skirt projects, like this cool asymmetrical skirt by Katerina C:

And I'll leave you with by far the craziest skirt I found in my searching - Ezme's cereal box skirt!

So check out that first roundup for sure, there are several designs there that I love; and there are a couple skirt episodes as well - how to make a jean skirt, and Morgan's paper bag waist skirt. I probably missed some good ones and I'm sure more skirt how-tos will pop up and it gets closer to summer, so add links in the comments, and show us your work in the forums!

Cinco de Mayo DIY Flowers

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:55:25 EDT

Want to know how to make your own flower headband for your Cinco de Mayo celebration? For this look I was inspired by Morgan Hungerford's lovely Pandahead Mag. In the Fall '08 issue, Morgan threw a celebration for Dia de los Muertos that provides a myriad of Mexican inspiration for Cinco de Mayo.

When I asked for suggestions, Morgan led me to a tissue paper flower How-to in Kaboose's craft section.

1. Simply stack 4-6 small sheats of tissue paper on top of each other.

2. Attach them together at the base.

3. Pleat and fan out the petals.

4. Attach your flowers to a headband or place in a bowl.

How will YOU celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year?

Snippets! The Spring Cleaning Issue from CO+K

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:03:18 EDT

One of Threadbanger's favorite sister craft communities, Cut Out and Keep, releases themed online mag Snippets, every season! Today, we thought we'd share The Spring Cleaning Issue with you. The especially green issue features DIY eco-friendly cleaning supplies and tips, as well as recipes, interviews with indie bands, designers and professional "spring-cleanin'" organizers. Enjoy!

Slap Chop Remix

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:45:10 EDT

This video really has nothing to do with diy style but it is hilarious.

Our First Episode...how time flies

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:42:35 EDT

i just re-watched this episode for the first time in a very long time. my how things change....

we are always trying to make the show better but sometimes it is hard to gauge what is working and what is not. have you been watching from the beginning? give us your thoughts on what you like/don't like about the 2009 threadbanger. most graciously, corinne

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 09:52:56 EDT

Yo guys! As always, here's my top 5 round-up of offerings from the street style blogosphere - and with temperatures pushing the 90s here in DC, I could ONLY find inspiration in all things summery. Get ready, and be sure to leave your A+'s and F-'s in the comments section! Here we go: My first two picks both come from Face Hunter's coverage of Coachella (from April 18 and April 23 posts, respectively), and both made me just about crazy for HOT WEATHER. The look at left is a great take on an Easy Rider, 60s California-cool; the sandals are a nice, grounding touch and MAN - I would KILL for those shorts. I'm going to have to keep my eyes peeled for all things patriotic while thrifting over the next few weeks...The outfit on the right also holds a bit of vintage appeal - the most apt description I can come up with is Wednesday Addams meets Courtney Love and goes to a sock hop. And I'm just going to leave it at that.

While the look on the left, from an April 16 post at The Sartorialist, isn't QUITE Spring/Summer appropriate, his pant color certainly is. It's bringing to mind bathing suits and sunglasses; color-drenched, sunny days and balmy, technicolor nights. Basically I'm a sucker for any hue featured prominently in airbrushed t-shirts, and that purple, my friends, is IT. The outfit at right, from an April 19 post at Estonia's Just Glitter Lust, is exactly the kind of cuckoo-craziness I look forward to at the beginning of the warm weather season. It's so afternoon-barbecue-into-late-night-dancing appropriate that it's not even funny, and those tights are a totally charming addition for when the weather doesn't quite match your mood. I'm also digging her 80s accessories, even though it goes against most things I stand for (NO PLASTIC JEWELRY!!!) to do so.

My absolute favorite look this week is from an April 17 post at (surprise, surprise) Garance Dore. This is such a gorgeous spin on 70s-commune-earthiness; I can only imagine it with black cutoffs and vintage brown heels. That necklace is at once delicate and IN CHARGE, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about her denim shirt since I saw it. This is a perfect Spring-into-Summer transition outfit, and I am literally headed to my own closet right now to make it happen.

Sewing Charity Night with BurdaStyle

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:46:46 EDT

You are cordially invited to attend the first-ever BurdaStyle Charity Sewing Night this coming Wednesday, April 29th 2009!

Partnering with the American Cancer Society (ACS), BurdaStyle pledged in late November to give 150 user-made bow ties for auction at the upcoming ACS Pink and Black Tie Gala, raising money for the advancement of cancer research. Many users responded enthusiastically and sent in their handcrafted creations. Nonetheless, BurdaStyle is still in need of more bow ties to complete their goal!

Nearing the deadline date, BurdaStyle would like to host a night filled with fun sewing for a great cause! Meet the BurdaStyle team and other members as we come together to sew. You’ll be guaranteed wonderful conversation, fantastic bow tie fun and a warm heart. All skill levels are welcome!

The event will be held Wednesday, April 29th from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at BurdaStyle's Brooklyn-based studio. E-mail team.burdastyle@gmail.com to RSVP!

Celebrity DIY Style: Messenger Bags

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:12:54 EDT

It doesn't matter if you use it for carrying your laptop, books, or everyday gear, guys and gals alike can regularly be seen wearing messenger bags - even celebrities. While some of the designer versions can cost over $1,000, sewing one up can be made for around $25 (depending on your pattern, fabric, and notion selections). Many commerical pattern companies carry messenger designs: Simplicity has 4391 and 9000, Vogue 8407, Green Pepper 875, Burda 9586). However, there are several independent designers with their own versions: Nicole Mallalieu, Amy Butler, and Sew Liberated and lots of free online tutorials including this one from Craftster, savvyseams, How About Orange, and an awesome knitted, felted design from Stephen Houghton just to name a few. Whats your favorite messenger pattern?

Weekly DIY Roundup: Handmade Prom Dresses!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:13:27 EDT

Well it's that time again, Threadheads, time for some handmade prom dress inspiration! Last year here at Threadbanger, we gave you lots of handmade prom goodness, like Lindsey's Top 10 Most Wacky Dresses blog post, which included Adrienne Beiler's duct tape dress! See tons more duct tape dresses over at Stuck at Prom's contest page...

BurdaStyle is a great source for handmade dress inspiration - a search for "prom" brings up tons of creation results, like genvy's fuschia dress...

...and melonhead's awesome newspaper dress!

I found this one by Audra on weardrobe.com, which she designed herself:

Craftster.org is a fabulous place to find amazing handmade items of any kind, and prom dresses are no exception! The rest all come from craftster... starting with PhotoholicFreak's gorgeous creation, seen at the top of the post, and here's a top/side shot:

Colorxmexstupid7 made this amazing piece with help from her mom - love it!

Modliz reconstructed an old bridesmaid dress into this one:

Theperilouspopsicle made this incredible Skittles dress!

Hobaker created her "perfectly prom-pink nightmare" (haha) from costume shop supplies:

I love skarinja's lace creation - so detailed and beautiful!

And for a more modern look, I really love sakijane's green ribbon dress!

Thatgermangirl33 made this hand-printed dress for a friend to wear to prom (what a lucky friend!):

Maleficent posted this dress that her sister made for prom:

Iliketoknit created this hybrid "lumberjack prom dress" for a costume construction class project:

And lastly, Smarmyclothes has made a bunch of awesome prom dresses from t-shirts!! Love them!

I love seeing all the prom creations, since back when I was in high school (pre-Threadbanger, craftster, and everything else) it was so not cool to make things! I was a closet crafter and didn't really come out until mid-college. So I think it's so great to see all of you crafting teens proud of what you're making! Rock your scissors!! (And be sure to show us all your handmade prom wear, of course!)

How to Make a Feather Fringe, Forum Q+A

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:49:33 EDT

Recently, JunctionJess asked a Prom-related feather question in the forums. "I want to make a fancy dress," she says "I want it to have feathers on it...I have no idea where to start..." Along with the answers provided by forum members on the thread, I found this simple feather fringe tutorial from Threads Magazine. Check it out!

This method of adding feathers works very well on lightweight garments that cannot support the tape edging found on most store-bought, feather trims. You can make your trim using any feathers you like and in any color scheme. For a more classic look, try large, fluffy feathers or smaller feathers that match the hue of your garment. First, to determine the amount of trim you need to make, you have to measure the garment. Cut a strip of tissue paper that is at least 1 inch wide and the desired length of the trim.

1. Arrange the feathers. Lay the feathers in a straight line on the tissue paper. Machine-sew across the base of the feathers twice.

2. Tear away the tissue paper. Be careful not to pull apart the stitches or tear the feathers. Lay the feather fringe in place on the garment.

3. Sew the trim to the garment. Machine-sew across the top to secure it. If your garment is very lightweight, try hand-stitching the trim to the fabric.

Thanks for the tips Threads!

Excerpted from "Faniciful Feathers" Threads Issue 141, p.23 by Susan Crane

Earth Day is Everyday!

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:07:08 EDT

Earth Day is Everyday! from corinne leigh on Vimeo.

Handpicked Eco-Etsy Items!

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:33:54 EDT

Looking for a gift that's ecologically sound this Earth Day? Etsy hand-picked its most awesome eco-friendly items just in time. My favorites are the chic Wood Circle Clock and the upcycled Woven Seatbelt Messenger Bag! Above is the people's choice winner: a recycled steel fire pit. Summer bonfires anyone?

Grist says "Screw Earth Day!"

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:39:27 EDT

The "beacon-in-the-smog" green website Grist has launched a controversial campaign message that has actually got us thinking. For the record, "Screw Earth Day" means that acting eco-friendly "is not about a single day," it’s about living that way every day, says Grist press. That's something Threadbanger can agree with and really gets at why we want to make fashion into a continually green, consistently eco-conscious art.

"One day is for amateurs," says Grist, and that's why they're offering an exclusive free download of their award-winning book Wake Up and Smell the Planet to encourage continued attention to green action. All you have to do is register for a Grist account (also free!) between April 9-23. You'll also be entered for a chance to win tickets and airfare for two to the 2009 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee June 11-14.

As for Grist's everyday-earth-day message, as well as the impending Earth Day holiday, Threadbanger says, "right on!" Check out Grist's Screw Earth Day tips #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 for more advice on how to make every day Earth Day.

Vote! Best of Green Fashion and Beauty, Planet Green

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:42:28 EDT

So earlier this month Threadbanger was given a Best-of-Green award from Planet Green in the Fashion and Beauty category. Out of 25 amazing winners only one gets the Reader's Choice - announce April 23rd - this Thursday! Vote here! Whether or not we're your fav.

Celebrity DIY Style: Lady Gaga

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:14:23 EDT

Aside from the fact that I could never pull off wearing this sheer ensemble (Lady Gaga is one of the few folks who could wear nothing but a pair of X shaped pasties under her see-through pantsuit), I have to admit I still love it. A bit of research has turned up several patterns very similar to this design - Simplicity 2618, McCall 5671, and Buttterick 5101 and 5191. If you choose to make your version in a sheer material like Lady Gaga's, but don't know where to start, be sure to check out these tips before you start. And if you're looking for some simple pasties to sport under your new outfit - check out LadyA's tutorial on BurdaStyle or this one from grrloutloud.

TBGuild: Blogs, Promotions, Treasuries!

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EDT

To keep everyone busy, we've planned plenty of things to do before the end of the month!

B!0H@Z@Rd has posted a promotion thread on the etsy boards to hopefully attract attention from other threadbanger etsy-ers.
She has also welcomed the new members: CookieEater, gollygeeitsbee, madonnaontherocks, Max_California.

TBGuild Calendar for the next 2 weeks:

April 20th:
Gather your supplies, and make TWO mother's day-related present !
There are 15 members on our guild. There are only 12 spots for a treasury.
THREE members will not have to make a mother's day present. Instead, TWO members will be in charge of making a treasury.
Because there are two mother's day products made from each member, the two treasury makers will feature a different one.
These treasury makers should plan on being up and ready to make a treasury on May 1st, and should be able to advertise their treasury.

Goofipinay will message two members who will NOT have to make the items. Two of those members will be treasury makers!
If you don't have time to make something, PM goofipinay, so you can be a treasury maker!
Gothictany is the third member exempt from the treasury.

April 27th:
TBGuild-ers, you will have until this date to make TWO items that are mother's day related.
Have them posted on your etsy, and be sure to send me a message with TWO links to those items!

April 28th:
Goofipinay will send the treasury makers the items [and numbers] that are needed to feature.

April 30th:
Addie_Marie has done a blog list for each member; This is so each member can promote a different member each month on their blogs.
If you haven't seen this list, here's a quick run-down: (you --- your assigned member)
You must promote your assigned member's etsy on your blog with a link:

Addie_Marie ---    ------- Makaalohilohi [due April 30]
Amieeee ----------- Simply_Hibiscus [completed blog]
B!0H@Z@Rd -------- ManiacalMickey [completed blog]
CookieEater ---     --------- Vickilyn666 [due April 30]
Gollygeeitsbee ----------- Goofipinay [completed blog]
Goofipinay ------------- CookieEater [completed blog]
Madonnaontherocks ------- Amieeee [completed blog]
Makaalohilohi ---    -------- PunkAFwife [due April 30]
ManiacalMickey ---    --- Orange_Crush [due April 30]
Max_California -- Madonnaontherocks [completed blog]
Orange_Crush ---    ------- B!0H@Z@Rd [due April 30]
PunkAFwife ---    --------- Addie_Marie [due April 30]
Simply_Hibiscus ---    --- Max_California [due April 30]
Vickilyn666 ---    ------- Gollygeeitsbee [due April 30]

May 1st:
The treasury makers should have a treasury complete and on etsy by this date.
PM goofipinay with your link!

May 2nd:
The treasury makers should now be advertising the completed treasury on etsy, on their blog, etc.

May 15th:
Last day for ideas for the next treasury!

Best Dollar Store Crafts of the Week 04/19

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 00:23:07 EDT

Check out some of the best Dollar Store Crafts from this week!

Fused Plastic Backpack: $2

Everyone here has tried fusing plastic, right? Well, I found some pink garbage bags and a printed luau wall hanging and combined them to make some tropical fused plastic. I wrote a tute for fusing the plastic in case you haven't done it, and also instructions for this over-the-shoulder backpack.

Stuffed Animal Headphones: $3

I'm in love with the idea of making stuffed animals into electronics, and these are so cute!

Reusable Swiffer Covers: $1

For those of us who should be cleaning instead of crafting, here's another way to procrastinate!

Check out more great ideas on the cheap at Dollar Store Crafts.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Recent Earthy Project Highlights!

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:20:00 EDT

With Earth Day coming up next week, several craft blogs and websites are doing green themed months, weeks, roundups, etc, and there are way too many cool projects out there for me to begin to do a thorough roundup here, so I'm just going to point to a few sites... Starting with Craft and their Crafting with Nature month. The above photo is from West Coast Crafty, Susan's version of a mini-terrarium based on Jenny Ryan's tutorial on Craft:

Also on Craft is Vickie Howell's Crocheted Wooden Bowl how-to, so creative!

Craft has been pointing to awesome Earthy projects and pieces throughout the month, like Bryan Nash Gill's amazing tree printing:

I love Crafting a Green World's Reuse Sewing Pattern Tissue Paper roundup post that Craft showed me, so many cool ideas!

Weaving with t-shirts is such a great idea, I'm so glad Craft pointed out alpha+mom's how-to on the subject:

Moving on, Craftstylish is also having a green crafting month, complete with a Crafty by Nature contest - check out the entries here! Eco-friendly projects and posts range from Matt Embrey's Crafters Will Save the World article to get you thinking, to projects using recycled materials, to projects that will help cut down on waste, to projects inspired by nature itself! Starting with recycled crafts, I love Diane Gilleland's Magazine Reed boxes and picture frames, to make use of old magazines and catalogs!

Diane also has a fabulous post with several ideas for ways to use old VHS tapes! So clever!

Susan Beal shows us how to recycle tin cans into mini-planters!

I've had a couple of recycled sweater projects, including this recycled cotton art yarn:

I also showed you how to make a vest from an old pullover sweater, like this one:

I love Kayte Terry's apple-print tote bag project, which actually uses nature to create the art!

Betz White shows us how to make a reusable sandwich wrap, to avoid having to waste plastic baggies at lunch!

I am totally going to make up some of these produce bags that Linda Permann wrote this tutorial for:

Linda also wrote a pattern for this amazing crocheted reversible swiffer sock, to help stop waste in floor cleaning!

If you make a mini-terrarium like Jenny's (and Susan's) up there at the top, but have no room on your shelves for it, check out Cal Patch's how-to for a crocheted hanging terrarium planter!

And lastly for the Craftstylish projects, Kayte Terry shows us how to make this gorgeous Spring Centerpiece; love it!!

Instructables also has an Earth Day page full of great projects. You can find fabulous green instructables all year round, like these Tired and True Trugs by Marcos, made from recycled tires, meant for carrying garden flowers and produce:

And I love these Tip-Top Flower Pots by jholland!

I'm going to finish off this roundup by pointing out that the online craft community as a whole (definitely including Threadbanger!!) is generally Earth-friendly all year 'round! Tons of craft bloggers and project designers focus on using recycled materials as much as possible, and on reconstructing rather than creating from raw (new) materials. We here at Threadbanger are hardcore into reuse, and I've done many roundups over the last year on ways to reuse specific materials, or other green subjects, like planting, homemade household cleaners, reusable shopping bags, recycled wool sweater projects, ways to reuse old jeans, button down shirt projects, and recycled necktie projects, to name a few! I feel like anyone reading this probably already thinks green and is doing his/her part, so keep doing what you're doing, you rock!! I know this is a super limited roundup and there are thousands of amazing eco-friendly projects out there, so feel free to share your favorites in the comments, and keep on posting your awesome projects in the forums!

Our Favorite Cycling DIY, Links and Info to Keep You Pedaling!

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:37:58 EDT

Here's a list of some links and crafts we came across while researching for today's bike cap episode.

You may have noticed the LilyPad Arduino Bike Patch from Makezine blinking above. Ahem. Makezine's tutorial makes for a unique patch for your bag that doubles as a bike safety light - a must for frequent riders. In this intermediate soft circuit tutorial, red, white, and blue LEDs were added to a removable patch (make your own or buy one thrift) that can be easily remove at the airport or in the rain. Makezine used a rechargeable lithium polymer batter to power the whole thing because it's flatter, lasts longer, and can be recharged instead of thrown away. Makezine also made an Instructable where you can find links to all the supplies used. Stay tuned for an upcoming episode on how to sew with conductive thread...

Here are some more DIY finds that keep life on two wheels fun:

Lime will show you how to build a better bike basket with a shortlist of different possibilities like milkcrates, garbage pails, wicker baskets and funky plastic totes.

Seattle blogger Michael Hansom posted a sweet tutorial for a bicycle camera mount on his blog Eclecticism for all you freewheelin' filmmakers out there. The project requires a bit of nuts and bolts, but the tutorial has clear pictures that explain the parts and how to put it together - plus it links to alternate tutorials as sources of inspiration.

Bikehacks is showing off five killer looking DIY bike headlight tutorials. There are a lot out there, but this site whittled down the list for us. Way to go with the Tazmanian devil.

Short, but interesting rant: Did you know that over 57 million Americans hop on a bike at least once a year?! Thanks to the popularity of the bicycle, for one, the average drop in pollution seen across 51 metropolitan areas in the USA between 1980 and 2000 appears to have added nearly five more months to people's lives, according to a study published January 2009 in The New England Journal of Medicine. No surprise, then, that one of the most green countries in the world, Denmark, is widely hailed as the happiest. Room for bikes, pedestrian-friendly walkways and public transportation are cornerstones in Denmark's public policy. Not only are Danes happier (er, happiest), the country ranks higher than the U.S. in terms of human development. That's some serious swaggering room for those that believe in cycling as an eco-saving idea, as well as physically and emotionally fulfilling activity. Not to worry, Americans are on top of things too!

Here are some events that'll toot your horn from sea to shining sea:

May is national bike month! And Bike to Work Week is May 11 - 15th! Bikehacks has a great list of 55 free bike mapping tools to make it easy to ride.

Stay green and healthy Threadbangers and enjoy today's episode!

Crafty By Nature Contest by CraftStylish: Win a Yudu!

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:57:52 EDT

In honor of Earth Day, CraftStylish is hosting a Crafty by Nature Challenge that invites you to make anything DIY (home decor, fashion, or accessories) with natural (think pinecones) and/or recycled materials (see Meg's episode last night!) The idea is simple: every project must creatively incorporate one of the four elements of nature (earth, air, fire, water). See CraftStylish for suggestions.

To enter, upload photos of your projects to the Crafty by Nature Challenge gallery, include a brief description of materials used and what natural element inspired your project.
Projects entered into the Crafty by Nature Challenge must be posted by midnight April 22nd (Earth Day)
Winners will be announced on April 30th on CraftStylish.com

Most importantly, the Grand Prize Winner of this challenge will receive a Yudu, portable screen printer from Provo Craft!

See the official rules for more information. G'luck earth-ys.

Threadbanger costume designs for a new music video!

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 05:00:00 EDT

Today, Threadbager's sister site $99 Dollar Music Videos premieres indie band Project Jenny, Project Jan's music video Junk, directed by Kathleen Grace with costumes designed by Rob and Corinne! Each week, $99MV creates a new music video for an independent artist for under $99 dollars and within 48 hours. Check out the finished product and Rob and Corinne's first costume design credit by watching the video above! Let us know what you think in the comments below, check out the making of and for more behind-the-scenes on the making of this video catch I SPY next Wednesday when Rob and Corinne take us through the costuming of Kathleen's multi-faceted production.

Now drink up (and dance) before next Wednesday's I SPY!

How to Tuxedo: Dudes can also DIY for Prom, BurdaStyle

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:51:32 EDT

Men DIY too! And they go to Prom. A tuxedo is a must for a special evening. BurdaStyle's tux jacket has a classic cut, pointed satin lapels, and flap welt pockets. They used the Jochen pant pattern for their tux pant, with the only alterations being the satin strip sewn down the side seam, and a flat wide hook and eye at the center front instead of a button. They also used their David bow tie pattern for a finishing touch!

If Rob was still in high school perhaps you'd see him stitching up this tux for prom from BurdaStyle! Whaddya think?

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 09:25:16 EDT

Yo guys! As always, here are my top 5 pics from the last couple weeks of offerings from the street style blogosphere - be sure to leave your YAYs and NAYs in the comments section...I chose these first two looks for their squeaky clean Spring aesthetics. The photo at left, from an April 6 post at Facehunter, is an easy, feminine take on Spring dressing - the jersey dress and trench are absolute basics, but the dress is made pretty with the floral print and necklace and the trench is given some clout with that hat and leather bag. Bohemian-gorgeous. The photo at right is from an April 15 post at Garance Dore, and I'm so digging her all-American (by way of France, of course), Northeastern Spring style. It's preppy with a dash of rock and roll (check those Wayfarers!) and she just makes it look so easy. This is definitely going in my inspiration folder.

I liked both these outfits (the left from an April 1 post at The Minneapoline; the right from an April 11 post at Street Peeper) for their TRANSITIONAL status. The jeans and leather accessories go face to face with the last vestiges of winter, while the floaty dress is pure Spring. Overall, it's sort of a fairy-tomboy look, and I'm way into it. At right the winter aspect is - of course - that minimalist grey coat, but underneath is a floral explosion and some just-right-for-Spring-o9 (or ANYTIME, really) vintage-looking denim. And do we even have to talk about the pop of color in her shoes? SO CUTE.

Speaking of CUTE, I found my favorite look this week to be irresistibly so. From an April 8 post at The Sartorialist, that skirt is so cupcake-inspired that I want to eat it, the lilac blouse is sheer genius, and I might need therapy if I can't score some similar platforms. As with the two preceding looks, this is definitely representative of seasonal transition, and while I never would have thought to pair such amazing frippery with a utilitarian leather bag and oversized blazer, she's right on trend and the result is oh-so-appealing. C'mon, Spring!

Official Honoree for 2009's Webby Awards, Threadbanger

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:26:39 EDT

If the Web 2.0 revolution has shown us anything, it's that the Internet is a proven star-making invention. While Hollywood still produces it's fair share of blockbusters, the Internet is an increasingly reliable source of quality online content. Threadbanger was pleased to receive a Webby Award Honoree spot in the How-To DIY, Online Film and Video category!

Kudos also go to our sister site Indy Mogul for it's Webby nomination in the same category and in Best Variety. If you like these shows too you can vote for the People's Voice! Thank you Webby Awards!

Craft Fail: Confess Your Craft Sins

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:35:59 EDT

Have any terrible craft sins to confess? You can at the new community blog Craft Fail, where crafters are encouraged to post pics of their crafts gone wrong along with commentary on how they got there.

Current fails include Spam Soap, An*ahem* creative solution for applying henna, and even a true confession by crafting rockstar Vickie Howell on an Easter idea gone wrong.

For more info, or to join and add your own craft fails, check here.

Summit of Awesome comes to Washington, DC!

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:04:57 EDT

On Friday May 1st, Hello Craft will host its first ever Summit of Awesome in Washington DC starting Friday, May 1st! Three craft-packed days follow, including hands-on workshops, seminars and a showing of Faithe Levine's Handmade Nation on Friday night. The entire Summit of Awesome will take place in the independent shops, restaurants and bars in the MidCity area od DC along 14th and U streets NW. The CEO of Etsy, Maria Thomas and the founder of Sublume Stitching will speak.

Workshops
• Fun with Duct Tape with Kristina Bilonick
• Simple Mold Making with Adam Maron - Pearson Maron
• Fiber Demo with Jamie Chan and Blas Herrera - Urban Fauna Studio
• How to Photograph your Work with Sherry - Dandelion Blu
• Sewing Demo with DC Threads
• Screen Printing Demo with Christy Petterson

Hello Craft is a D.C. based non-profit, launched in the Fall of 2008.

April's Spotlight 'Banger: Threadbanger Guild

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:42:16 EDT

As the new (and official!) Threadbanger Guild, we would like to congratulate our first SPOTLIGHT 'BANGER!: vickilyn666

Gothictany's "Interview" with Vickilyn666:

Your ThreadBanger name and Name of your Etsy shop aswell as the link to it.
-TB Name: vickilyn666
-Etsy: Vickilyn's Closet (www.vickilyn13.etsy.com)

How did you hear about Threadbanger?
-I did a google shearch on how to fairy wings for my sister, and I ended up here!

How long have you been sewing?
-I've been sewing for as long as I can remember, both of my Grandma's tought me the way of the thread!

What inspires your creations?
-My little sister inspires me alot, she comes up with crazy ideas and I make them happen. And oddly enough going to the mall inspires me to make something different from everything everyone else has on.

What have you made this month/or lately?
(What kind of style or item are you making lately?)
-Lately I've been on this tutu binge, and I decided that I'd better make some tops so the corset tanks came into play. Then my sister was crying because my mom wouldn't let her dye her hair purple and blue, so I made her some synthtic hairfalls, and I kept making more.

Tutorial videos to Vickilyn666's Channel:
- http://www.youtube.com/user/vickilyn13

What do you plan to accomplish in the future with your sewing skills? or shop?
-I hope to be able to live off of my stuff (so I won't have to get a real job) and so far it's looking pretty good. I love it so I don't see the need to ruin a good thing ^_^

Three Favorite Items Of Vickilyn666 Shop!

Black and green corset tank

Pink and black tutu

Bow headband

Thank you so much for the inspiration Vickilyn666!!
And Congratulations on being our first Threadhead to be featured on our TB Guilds Blog!

Celebrity DIY Style: Jessica Simpson Tropical Dress

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 10:05:03 EDT

Normally, I wouldn't 'go for' an orange tropical print dress, but I think the cool, dreary weather has finally gotten to me because Jessica Simpson's tunic really caught my eye. Since I'm ditching sewing for winter, I'm on the lookout for spring projects and this dress may fit the bill. Simplicity's newly released Cynthia Rowley (2584) dress, tunic, and headband looks remarkably similar and would be a great place to start. Want to ditch the dress, but covet the bag? Try enlarging one of McCall's hobos - 5719 or 5198.

PTB Short Challenge Reminder!

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:48:44 EDT

Hey guys! If you have not already started your entry for the short challenge this month, you still have time! Submissions are due the 14th.

Short Challenge:
Budget- $5
Make an accessory out of a a pillowcase! Ideas include bags, headwear, jewelry...

Be sure to read the rules and the FAQ before entering!

Also, last month's entries are *finally* up on Flickr, so be sure to check them out! Sorry for the delay.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Egg Decorating!

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:26:17 EDT

Lots of cool egg projects around blog world this year! Starting with a roundup on Gingerbread Snowflakes blog, featuring blogger Pam's beautiful dried flower eggs:

That post pointed me to artist Franc Grom's amazing drilled eggs:

Kristin Roach at Craft Leftovers also did an egg roundup, with her favorite being Martha Stewart's Lacy Eggs:

I love dyeing with natural materials, so this onion skin egg dyeing Instructable by wrique is definitely one of my favorites:

Of course I have to include Heather Mann's post right here on Threadbanger, showing us how she used a Martha Stewart how-to to dye eggs with silk ties:

Heather Mann also made these cute sticker stenciled eggs on her Dollar Store Crafts blog:

Epicurious has a page on eggs decorating tips and ideas.

And lastly, if you'd rather sew a colorful egg than decorate a real one, retro mama has a detailed tutorial for these adorable little eggs:

Let us know about any how-tos I forgot in the comments, and share your creations in the forums!! Happy decorating!

Bunny Ear Pattern

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:06:27 EDT

Click here to download the PDF pattern!

Treehugger Awards! Best of Green Fashion and Beauty: Threadbanger!

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Threadbanger was ecstatic about being given a Treehugger Award in the Best of Green Fashion and Beauty category for Best DIY Sewing site. Even better, the list is extensive and contains 175 other green products, books, websites and even individuals to follow on Twitter. Check out all the categories at Treehugger!

Here's what Treehugger had to say about the Fashion + Beauty picks:

...Sometimes sustainable fashion and beauty products get lost amidst the tizzy of sleek, green cars, smart architecture and alternative energy here on TreeHugger. We get it--we’re not a bunch of superficial divas. But most of us do care about feeling good and making a good first impression. Think back to that first date, job interview or public talk. Or the way you feel in those perfect-fitting jeans. After years of reviewing countless numbers of eco-friendly beauty brands, clothing lines, style tools and resources right here on TreeHugger, we’ve sifted away the eco-gems from the downright diamonds. From best green shoes to casual brand for guys, perfume, haircare, beauty blogs and more—find out which designers, companies and fashion-istas are giving sustainability the sexy name we’ve always aspired to create..

Agreed. Check out all the winners here.

Best Dollar Store Crafts of the Week 04/09

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:56:47 EDT

Check out some of the best Dollar Store Crafts from this week!

I am challenging myself to Make Something Cool Everyday in April (with only stuff from my dollar store stash), so it's been a supercrafty week for me. It's been really fun to know that every day I have to make SOMETHING.

Menko Pendant: $1

I found this cool Menko card in a set at Daiso, the Japanese dollar store and made it into a unique pendant.

Kid Shorts From a Dish Towel: $1

Inspired by a few projects online in which people made skirts for their toddlers out of dish towels, I thought I'd try my hand at making a pair of shorts for my son using a dish towel. One of my favorite things about dollar store crafting is taking an existing item and making it into something totally different. I'm not much of a designer, but it makes me feel like I'm participating in my own private Project Runway challenge. (I know, points would be deducted on PR for using something fabric-like as, gasp, fabric!)

Recycled Soda Bottle iPod Holder: FREE

Inspired by the most popular dollar store crafts post of all time, reader Michelle was inspired to recycle a soda bottle into a convenient holder for her iPod. Also included in this post are tips for working with recycled soda bottles.

Check out more Dollar Store Crafts here.

Indie Craft Experience, Atlanta: Apply until April 17th!

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:54:51 EDT

You won’t find any macramé wall hangings at the Indie Craft Experience in Atlanta, Georgia. It's not your grandma's craft fair - ICE is known for attracting hip vendors that feature goods and garments with an ironic playfulness. At ICE you'll come upon vintage fabrics, re-purposed into chic, new designs, or graphics with with a twist, like punked-out skulls, superheroes and robots. Like Threadbanger, ICE is all about making a needle and thread rock again. Did it ever before now? Perhaps, but co-founders Christy Petterson, Shanon Mulkey and Susan Voelker went a step further, admiting that crafts aren't the only things on display. ICE interacts with all of your senses: workshops, vegan baked goods and a clothing swap top off the event - not to mention live music.

This is one summer festival you won't find at a big chain department store. And there's more good news! ICE is still accepting applications. Submit yours online before April 17th, 2009. Choosen vendors will be notified April 22nd. Enjoy it two days: May 30th and 31st!

Us On CBS!

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:26:43 EDT

Watch CBS Videos Online

Threadbanger on CBS Evening News Tonight! Find out more...

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:20:42 EDT

Behind-the-scenes bumper featuring Rob and the CBS crew... Watch the full segment tonight! You heard right. Rob and Corinne are going to be on the CBS Evening News tonight with Katie Couric where they will talk about their dedication to DIY fashion and the throngs of Threadheads that have contributed to this community - that means you! Watch it on your CBS station at 6:30pmET/5:30pmPT!

Celebrity DIY Style: Harem Pants

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:05:31 EDT

Hammer pants, drop-crotch pants, harem pants. No matter what you call them, this trendy trousers are the latest fashion craze to hit the red carpet. Celebries such as Jennifer Lopez, Maria Sharapova, and Rachel Stevens have recently been seen sporting this avant-garde style. There are several new sewing pattern releases that allow you to create this for yourself: Vogue 1116, 8499, 8397, and 1113 as well as McCall 5858 and Burda 7653 and 7677 (there are also numerous costume patterns available that will give you a similar look). If you're looking to test out this style with a free tutorial, check out this quick tutorial on eHow or a crochet version found on craftster. No matter which pattern you chose, be sure to show off your finished project in the forum!

Sew Jo-Ann Prom Contest

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:06:58 EDT

Going to Prom or making a dress from someone who will? Jo-Ann Fabrics is hosting a Prom garment contest and it's easy to enter! The rules are simple: use fabric from a Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store, model it and take a picture. Send two snapshots (one front, one back) in with a complete entry/release form and copied proof-of-purchases or receipts from Jo-Ann to Sew Jo-Ann Prom Contest 2009, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores, 5555 Darrow Rd, Hudson, Ohio 44236 by June 30th, 2009. You could win $1000 and cool prizes including a sewing machine and dress form! Of course, nothing compares to the satisfaction of being able to wear your custom-made garment on your special night, right?

How to Turn an Oversized Tee into a Graphic Letter Dress

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:18:56 EDT

Since 80's styling is back again - to stay for at least awhile - what I'm all about is the big, slouchy, oversized tee worn as a dress.

Drawing inspiration from the Sex in the City movie of last year, I made my own - with the help of a little extra fabric sewn onto the bottom to create a gathered shape, and some professional-grade heat-transfer vinyl sheets. It was incredibly easy to do and produced great results - and if you're working with a bigger tee you could definitely do without the banded bottom. The vinyl Thermoflex sheets are cuttable to any shape you may so desire and fun to work with; check out this post here on my blog Chic Steals for some tips and tricks when using this material. (Believe me, it works sooooo much better than the iron-on t-shirt transfers sold at craft stores - once you try the this stuff, you'll never go back.)

Read the full tutorial on making your own supersize lettered shirt here at Chicsteals.blogspot.com, and check out Spot98's Rockit Letters if you'd rather buy the letter transfers already-made. Happy ironing!

-Carly J. Cais

Etsy Springtime Gift Guides, Spring 2009

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:11:46 EDT

Even if you missed the April Fool's day gift guide from Etsy, you still have plenty to pick from. These gift lists are handpicked by Etsy staff from hundreds of thousands of available handmade Etsy-items. The springtime lists include Mother's Day, Easter, Gardening, Prom, Spring Fashion and many more! A great way to support local and independent artists and crafters, as well as get something unique for a loved one or yourself! Nuff' said.

Weekly DIY Roundup: Nintendo Knit and Crochet Projects!

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:05:24 EDT

Co-Blogger Heather Mann showed me this amazing crocheted Mario blanket, so I had to do a Nintendo roundup! I stuck with just knit and crochet projects, and there are still so many out there, this is just a fun collection for you to peruse, and you can find hundreds more video game related craft projects around the craft site world if you look around. The Mario blanket is by Gege Crochet, who blogged about the whole "quest" of making the blanket!

Another crazy ambitious Mario project is The Mario Scarf! Cassie is knitting the entire first level map of the original Super Mario Brothers game!

Here's another excellent crocheted Mario blanket, by thomcatdesigns on flickr:

And another one! This one is by NerdyCrochetGal on craftster:

And another Mario scarf, this one is knit by peeloutyourface, with all the Mario villains (and charts for each one!)...

This scarf knit by starscream223 on flickr (Nerdfins on ravelry) features my personal favorite Nintendo game, Dr. Mario!!

The Periwinkle Dragon has a chart for this different kind of knit Mario - a textured Mario Washcloth:

And yet another Mario-related project, FadeCrazy shares a free pattern for this Goomba Hat:

And to finish off the Mario portion of this roundup, BunnieBard on craftster crocheted these great Bob-omb Bags, with a free pattern!

My boyfriend loves the old game Mega Man, and was excited to see this knit hat by TrinKnitty:

Talli_1985 on craftster made a crocheted version of the same Mega Man hat:

If Zelda is your game of choice, thru the eyes of a crafter blog has patterns for Josh's Link Hat and Triforce Scarf:

I'm a huge Tetris fan, so I love CaterpillarPeacock's Tetris Afghan:

And Kayster made a Tetris baby blanket - a great gender neutral idea!

Check out these Tetris blocks by misterfrododontdie on flickr (megziewoodles on ravelry):

And lastly, this one breaks the Nintendo theme, but it just works so great for knit/crochet charts - geeknits has a free pattern for her Pacman scarf:

All old 8-bit games are super knit/crochet friendly because of the pixels, and there is even a big ravelry group called 8-bits and Knits! I know there are tons more out there, so if you have a Nintendo project you knit or crocheted, or there's a great one you've seen, feel free to share it in the comments!

Worn Out: Street Style Picks

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Hey guys! Here are my top 5, absolute favorite photos from the street style blogosphere over the last few weeks - the theme this time around is COMFORT and SIMPLICITY, so jump on board and be sure to chime in via the comments section with both applause and boos/hisses...My first two picks come from, at left, a March 26 post at The Sartorialist, and, on the right, a March 30 post at fashion blog Sea of Shoes. These were easily the most "rigid" of my choices this week; the first look is quite buttoned-up and dapper with her bow-tie and oxford and the second involves some pretty serious heels, but both were worn with such ease that I couldn't resist tagging them. I'm definitely into the crisp military vibe on the left - and I love how it's juxtaposed with a NO PANTS situation (what do you think is going on under there - hot pants? I'M INTRIGUED) - it's just so simple. Same goes for the dress-and-cardigan combo on the right - Spring dressing doesn't get much easier, and the colors are quite about killing me...

My next two picks really hit home with something I've been trying to embody with my wardrobe as of late: it doesn't need to be fussy to be pretty, and less is (almost) always more. The look on the left, from a March 27 post at Garance Dore, is incomplete, I know - but it's just so the OPPOSITE of the preened-to-death, try-too-hard EXCESS that you so often see featured on street style blogs. There's just something so innately fresh about a look that could very well have rolled out of bed fifteen minutes prior, and sometimes all it takes is a delicate accessory to carry it through the day. It's the same case with the look on the right. From a March 27 post at Stockholm Street Style, this is minimal effort equalling maximum impact. The shapes are fashion-forward, the pieces are work-wear basic, and again, it's the accessory that elevates this look - I wouldn't like it nearly as much without that hat.

The nitty-gritty! I told you guys it was all about comfort this week, and maybe it's the Metallica documentary I just watched but this kid's look knocked me out. From a March 15 post at Hel-Looks (easily my favorite street style site; they give you little blurbs from the subjects about their outfit), this 18 year old is rocking not only an 80s Motley Crue shirt from his STEPMOM but that killer hat was a gift from his GRANNY. Never have I seen a teenager wear clothes from his parents and look like such a badass; he's clearly having fun with his style and wearing whatever he damn well pleases - even if your own tendencies don't involve metal bands and skinny black jeans, he's definitely inspiring in that sense, no?

Eco-Tote Giveaway from Calypso Studios!

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:52:21 EDT

In honor of the 39th National Earth Day, and to be fair, Mother Earth herself, Calypso Studios is giving away $10,000 worth of their new line of eco-friendly S.H.O.P Totes! Starting today, April 1st, 2009 you can register on their website to win. With over 500 billion plastic bags used annually, the unique S.H.O.P. (Start Helping Our Planet) Totes are designed for extended, sustainable and everyday use! After you've finished fusing your old plastic bags into a laptop case, a la the Earth Heroes How-to last week, you'll need a tote by your side at all times for carrying everything else!

Attention Tivo users! Threadbanger and YouTube/Tivo Update

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT

For those of you who are fans of watching the show through Tivo, Threadbanger is, for the time being, no longer distributing the show directly through TivoCast because of a technical change. However, YOU CAN STILL WATCH EPISODES USING YOUR BELOVED TIVO BOX!!!

YouTube is now on TiVO, and you can find all new and old Threadbanger shows (and watch them in HQ!) if you go to 'TiVo Central' > 'Find Programs & Downloads' > 'Download TV, Movies, & Web Video' > 'YouTube'. Here you'll see familiar video categories as well as an option to search for Threadbanger on YouTube.

Find step-by-step directions here and I've copied a few dets below as well for easier Tivo browsin'.

When you highlight Featured Videos or Most Recent, you'll see a list of videos on the right. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to browse the list. Use CHAN/PAGE to page up and down.
When you highlight Top Favorites, Most Viewed, or Top Rated, you'll see options to limit the list to videos uploaded today, this week, in the past 30 days, or all time. Select a time period to see a list of videos.
Select Search to enter a search term. Once you type a few letters - T-H-R-E-A-D-B-A-N-G-E-R - a list of videos appears!

Thanks of understanding and adapting to the evolving world of online TV tech!

Best Dollar Store Crafts of the Week 04/01

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:54:11 EDT

Check out some of the best dollar store crafts from this week!

I made the Alien Abduction Lamp for $5!

Check the link for instructions on how to make your own. Great boyfriend gift, or make one for your dorky dad for Father's Day.

Microfiber Mitt into Hip Handbag for $2

Two bucks and a little sewing, and you can transform a shaggy neon microfiber mitt into a chic little purse.

Make a Memo Wall for $2

For the price of a picture hanging kit and some metal clips, you can make an amazing memo wall to display photos, your inspiration clippings, or even your portfolio.

Recycle a Soda Bottle into a Vase for FREE

With some clever clipping and folding, you can transform a soda bottle into a dainty vase.

Check out more Dollar Store Crafts here!

Win the Sistah's of Harlem Book: T-Shirt Makeover!

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:20:34 EDT

The Sistahs of Harlem book giveaway runs along the same lines as our Summer Rayne Oakes book giveaway (which is still going on by the way). We're sending 5 of our lucky Twitter followers a copy of the Sistah's T-Shirt Makeover that features 20 ways to transform your simple T into a killer outfit! This makes me want to go thirfting in the massive men's shirt section for once...

Anyway, the rules are simple: follow us on Twitter this week! We'll randomly select 5 winners from our new follower fold. Make sure you check your direct messages cause we'll send you a DM that notifies you of your win and asks for your contact info and mailing address. Stay tuned for more Twitter-incentive contests soon...